Tears in His Shoulder

Summary: ch2 for Screaming Among the Cheers. Barnaby has never seen this; Kotetsu, crying, so weak, so scared. He didn't really know what to do… He just knew he had a shoulder to offer.

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It was silent in the cab as it drove Barnaby and Kotetsu back to Barnaby's apartment. Barnaby was looking out the window, his arm around Kotetsu, who has said nothing since he'd asked to be taken home. Kotetsu was leaning heavily against Barnaby, his nose in Barnaby's neck, heavily breathing in the man's scent. Nothing has been said the whole drive.

"We're here," the cab drive said gruffly, stopping the car.

"Thanks," Barnaby said, and paid the man.

Barnaby opened the door, pulling Kotetsu out with him. Kotetsu leaned against Barnaby as the car drove away; Barnaby stayed for a moment, allowing the man to collect himself. Barnaby stroked Kotetsu's back.

"I'm fine Bunny," Kotetsu muttered, and pulled away, giving a fake smile.

Barnaby frowned, watching as a tear slid down Kotetsu's face. Barnaby wipes it away. "Are you really?" he asked softly, looking into bloodshot, hazel eyes.

Kotetsu's eyes widened slightly before he looked down; his eyes becoming shadowed. "I'm fine," he repeated weakly.

"Let's go in," Barnaby suggested, taking the other man's hand.

Kotetsu didn't argue as he was pulled into Barnaby's apartment building and to the elevator; while they went up, Kotetsu tilted his head on Barnaby's shoulder. Barnaby assured his friend by rubbing his thumb over the older man's hand. When the doors opened, Barnaby led his friend to his apartment door and unlocked it, leading them in.

Barnaby released Kotetsu's hand and he sat on the end of his couch. "Join me," he said, patting his lap.

Kotetsu hesitated, staring, before he complied. Kotetsu walked over and he sat down, before lying down. his head resting on Barnaby's lap. Barnaby leaned back, looking at Kotetsu with loving eyes, running his fingers through the man's hair. They remained silent.

"What happened tonight Kotetsu?" Barnaby finally asked, applying pressure to Kotetsu's scalp.

Kotetsu sighed, turning to hide his face in Barnaby's belly. "I was scared Bunny," he murmured.

Barnaby nodded, already know that. "Why?" he asked softly.

"One of my first missions Bunny," he breathed, his eyes glazing over as he remembered. "There was a bomb in a hospital; maternity ward, babies and all. The heroes were inside, helping everyone escape; the building was cleared… except for Snap…"

Barnaby frowned. "Snap…?" he asked in confusion.

Kotetsu gave a dry smile. "Snapdragon," he replied. "A hero who had powers similar to ours. He was even older than me; he mentored me and took care of me after Tomoe died. Even taught me a bit of how to control my powers."

Barnaby frowned deeper, running his hand through Kotetsu's hair. "What happened to him?" he asked softly.

Kotetsu bit his lip, burrowing his face deeper into Barnaby's stomach. "There was a girl; hiding in a closet somewhere still inside," he whispered. "Snap ran in to save her; I didn't notice or I would of followed!" he swore.

"It's okay," Barnaby assured, petting Kotetsu.

Kotetsu's hands found a throw pillow and he gripped it tightly. "Snap found her but time had run out; he threw her out a window… I caught her and that was it… Snap smiled, said 'See you later', and then he was gone…"

Kotetsu screwed his eyes shut; biting his lip until it bled; Barnaby frowned and gently eased it out. Tears still streamed down Kotetsu's face though.

"I still remember the bang that happened; so loud… so horrible," Kotetsu whispered brokenly, "People look at fireworks as a thing of beauty; all I see is the death of my friend."

Kotetsu sniffed, bringing his hand up to wipe his tears away as he remembered his first friend's warm eyes and reassuring smile. The man he had trusted with so much, the man he trusted his heart with.

"Snapdragon made his decision because he knew it was right," Barnaby murmured, petting the man's hair. "He decided that his life was smaller compared to that little girl's."

Kotetsu was silent for a moment. "Snap used to tell me that being a hero wasn't something for show; that we were the catalyst. If something went wrong on our end, then people would be hurt and that that would hang over us for life… I guess he didn't know that he'd be in my regrets list…"

Kotetsu hadn't noticed his hand opening and closing, trying to grip nothing, until Barnaby took his hand in his own, squeezing it reassuringly.

"I think of that day whenever I close my eyes and wonder if I could do the same thing," Kotetsu whispered, "If I could die for a total stranger like he did… and leave behind my own baby girl…"

"You don't have to," Barnaby said firmly, squeezing Kotetsu's hand tightly and the man flinched in pain but Barnaby didn't release.

"What do you mean?" Kotetsu asked, feeling his fingers pulse as blood pumped through them.

"We're partners," Barnaby said. "As long as we're side by side, back to back, you will never had to make that decision because I'll make it before you can."

Kotetsu flinched. "I don't want you to die Bunny," he whimpered.

Barnaby gently turned Kotetsu's head so they could look at each other, "I won't die so long as you promise not to either," he swore.

Kotetsu stared at those deep, emerald eyes; seeing his partner's sincerity; into his partner's soul. "...Thank you Bunny," he murmured, and buried his face into the man's stomach.

Barnaby smiled and ruffled Kotetsu's hair again. "There is nothing to thank me for; you're my partner and I'll always be there for you," he said, continuing to pet his friend.

Kotetsu's eyes opened and he peeked at Barnaby, who was relaxing back against the couch. Kotetsu frowned, tilting his head, and Barnaby paused in his petting to glance at his friend.

"What is it?" he asked.

Kotetsu stared as a flush poured over his cheeks. Barnaby frowned in worry. "What is it?" he asked again, feeling Kotetsu's forehead. "Are you feeling sick?"

Kotetsu shook his head. "...Bunny…" he asked.

"Hm?" Barnaby hummed in question, giving the man a smile.

Kotetsu smiled in return. "Go on a date with me?"

TBC…

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I couldn't fit in the romance part of this but I wouldn't mind continuing this to a chapter 3 if ya'll would like. Probably have a flashback from the ending and then go into date… What do you think? Any ideas for the perfect date; likely with Tiger leading it since he asked; maybe fireworks to show off trust? So many ideas… so little time…

Til then,

Ja ne~!