Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

One

Kotetsu sighed and tried not to pick at the tape holding the gauze in place from where a nurse had taken a little blood. Barnaby was in the chair next to him flipping through a magazine, it was an older issue that had both of them on the cover, though he occasionally glanced at Kotetsu out of the corner of his eye.

“Stop picking,” he told him. 

“But it itches,” Kotetsu whined. “And this is ridiculous. It’s probably just food poisoning. Or I ate something that didn’t agree with me.” 

Barnaby closed his magazine and set it aside. “You have one of the strongest stomachs on a person I have ever met. Food poisoning lasts at most a few days and usually consists of more than just getting sick every so often, it’s been almost a whole week, the doctors have clearly found something otherwise they wouldn’t have drawn blood to run a few tests,” he grabbed Kotetsu’s hand. “So let them do their job and stop picking. I swear you’re worse than a child.” 

Kotetsu opened his mouth to argue but closed it and sat back on the hospital bed. He could tell Barnaby was worried but doing his best not to show it. Kotetsu would be lying if he said he wasn’t worried. But other than feeling a little sick he felt fine. 

Barnaby sighed and laced their fingers together. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” 

“I know Bunny, I’m sorry too, I know I’m not exactly making this easy,” Kotetsu told him. 

How about I go get you something from the cafeteria?” Barnaby offered. 

“...French fries?” Kotetsu asked hopefully. “With pickles.” 

“French fries with pickles,” Barnaby nodded. 

He leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be right back.” 

Kotetsu leaned back as he watched Barnaby leave the room. He tried to focus on something else while he waited. The gauze itched, the smells of the hospital were adding to nausea he already felt, he just wanted to go home. 

He sat up more as the doctor walked into the room and smiled trying not to let on how nervous he felt. 

“So doc, are we looking at food poisoning or what?” he asked. 

“No food poisoning, though you will need to lay off the sushi for a while, any seafood or shellfish really,” the doctor told him. 

“Ehh what?” Kotetsu asked, confused. 

“Mr. Kaburagi, our tests indicate that you are pregnant. Were you unaware?” the doctor told him. 

“Pre...ba...baby? Me?” he pointed to himself...I...I had no idea.” 

“Were you unaware?” she asked. 

He shook his head. “I...I had no idea…” he swallowed unsure of how to feel. “Do...do you know how far along?” 

“A few weeks at most, an ultrasound will give us a more definite answer. I could arrange for one if you like,” the doctor offered. 

“I...I’d like to wait for my partner,” he told her. 

She nodded. “I’ll have a nurse come check on you again in a little while.” 

He sank back against the bed and stared at the ceiling. What was he supposed to tell Barnaby? How was he supposed to tell him? ‘Hey I know we haven’t been dating all that long, but congratulations you’re gonna be a father. How great is that?’

They hadn’t even broached the subject of children. Did Barnaby even want children? Did he want any more children? He loved Kaede with all his heart, and their relationship was in a much better place then it had been but how would she take the news? Would she be happy? Would she hate him? 

He really didn’t want her to hate him again. 

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. One thing at a time Kotetsu. First, you tell Barnaby. 

He looked up at the sound of footsteps and Barnaby walked into the room with a small take out box no doubt with french and pickles. 

“I’m pregnant.” 

Smooth Kotetsu. Real smooth. 

Barnaby blinked, not even one foot fully in the door. “What?” 

“So..., I’m uh...I’m pregnant, and there’s a one hundred perfect chance you’re the father…” Kotetsu answered with an awkward smile. 

Barnaby’s mouth opened and closed a few times but no words came out. Kotetsu would laugh but he was currently praying the younger man wasn’t about to bolt. 

“Now’s a funny time for that brain of yours to stop working Bunny...Bunny?...Barnaby?” he asked trying not to sound as nervous as he felt. 

That seemed to snap the man out of his brief and he walked the rest of the way into the room. He sat down and Kotetsu sat up a little more. 

“How do you feel?” he finally asked. 

“How do you feel?” Kotetsu parroted. 

“I asked you first,” Barnaby pointed out. 

Kotetsu shrugged. “I’m aware we’re both aware it was a possibility, I just never figured it’d be so soon...we were so careful, and not to mention we’ve never even had the official ‘by the way, would you ever want to have kids?’ conversation...Honestly, before we got together I never thought I’d ever find myself in a long term relationship, especially not with another man.” 

“Aren’t we having it right now?” Barnaby asked. 

“Having what?” Kotetsu asked, a little confused. 

“The conversation,” Barnaby answered. “The ‘let’s talk about if we want to have kids or not’ conversation...” 

“I...Yeah,” he nodded a little. “Did you uh...did you ever think about us having a kid?” 

“No, and before you jump to a conclusion,” Barnaby started. “Up until a couple of years ago, I focused more on avenging my parents and then taking down Ouroboros. After that, I retired and spent a year trying to find myself, figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and I realized whatever I did, I wanted to do it with you. When we got together and then together that only reaffirmed that feeling. I thought, entertained, the idea that maybe I might be like a step-father to Kaede if you'd both have me."

"I'm surprised she hasn't presented us both with adoption papers yet," Kotetsu chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. "Raising a baby is a lot different than raising a teenager...I don't even know how you're supposed to raise a teenager." 

“I’m well aware there are differences,” Barnaby seemed to be holding back the urge to roll his eyes. “If the chance ever presented itself, I’d like to have a child with you. Adoption, surrogacy, or…” he glanced down at Kotetsu’s abdomen before looking at him again. “Would you...want to have one with me?” 

“Yes...” Kotetsu answered. 

“There’s a but in there,” Barnaby noted. 

Kotetsu looked down at his hands. "I don't want you to wake up a year from now, functioning on a couple of hours of sleep trying to juggle Hero work and raising a baby, and a teenager. Or five years from now with a toddler wondering where your life went. Feeling trapped or realizing it's not the life you want to live. Like you, like you made a mistake...you're so young, you've got your whole life ahead of you." 

Barnaby reached over and took his hand lacing their fingers together. “Kotetsu, one year from now this is where I intend to be, if it's you, me, Kaede and a baby, or you, me, and Kaede. Even five years from now, I intend to be with you. I've made my peace with the fact that I won't even be able to escape you in death.” 

“Barnaby…” Kotetsu looked at him. 

“I love you, and if now is not the right time to have this baby, then it’s not the right time, but you’re stuck with me no matter what,” Barnaby told him. 

“Seems like that chance is presenting itself now…” Kotetsu smiled a bit.  

“Is this something you want?” Barnaby asked. 

Kotetsu nodded. “That’s not a deal-breaker is it?” 

“...Did you not hear a word I just said?” Barnaby asked. “Honestly, it’s like everything goes in one ear and out the next with you.” 

He leaned in and kissed him. “Let me say this very clearly so you can understand. I, Barnaby Brooks Jr would be happy to have a baby with you Kotetsu Kaburagi. Is that confirmation enough for you?” 

"Can't blame a guy for wanting to be sure…" Kotetsu replied. “Hey Bunny?”

“Yes?” Barnaby asked. 

“...Can I have my french fries now?”

Chapter Text

Two

“Stop grinning, can’t you see I’m suffering,” Kotetsu rasped as he rest his head on his arms. “This is all your fault you know? You and your lil bunny.” 

Barnaby continued rubbing his back as the other man lurched forward to empty his stomach of its meager contents. 

Bland porridge, a little bit of toast and tea. 

Barnaby felt bad for him. He did honestly, and it’s not like he was wrong, it was partially his fault they were like this, but he could not stop grinning. Every time he tried, his face would ignore his brain and he just started grinning again. 

They were having a baby. 

A tiny human being that they created together. 

The sonogram picture on his fridge was proof of that. 

Given the time frame, it was safe to say it probably happened just before they started their vacation. Which both men were relieved to know, he can’t imagine the amount of guilt Kotetsu would feel if he knew he’d been fighting while pregnant. 

“I’ll go over the list of nausea medicines the doctor gave us and we can pick some up on our back from meeting with Lloyds,” Barnaby told him. “And some B-6 vitamins.” 

“I don’t get it,” Kotetsu leaned back and accepted the glass of water Barnaby had ready and took a few small sips to rinse his mouth out. “Almost three weeks ago, we didn’t even know, and now I can’t go ten minutes without having to puke.” 

His statement was finished with him lurching forward to once again empty his stomach. 

“Maybe your brain has finally caught up with your body,” Barnaby said. “Like when you don’t realize you’ve stubbed your toe until you look down.” 

“Then I wish I never looked,” Kotetsu croaked. 

“I’ll call Lloyds and let him know we’ll be late,” Barnaby said as he stood up. 

He didn’t tack on ‘again’ and left the bathroom. He was just hanging up when Kotetsu walked into the kitchen and sat at the counter. 

“How about I make you some more tea?” Barnaby offered as he walked over. “Ginger tea should help settle your stomach.” 

He could see the other man tense up and run over to the sink gagging. He winced and moved to help him when Kotetsu held up his hand. 

“Not another step,” he said. 

“But-” 

“I think it’s you,” Kotetsu said after he rinsed out his mouth. 

Barnaby rolled his eyes. “Yes yes, I’m the reason you keep kneeling to the porcelain god. Me and my little bunny. I’m well aware.” He tried not to sound exasperated. 

“No, I mean, yes, but also I think it’s your smell,” Kotetsu told him. 

“My smell?” he repeated. 

He sniffed his shirt and a light bulb went off in his head. “Wait here.” He went back down the hall to his room and grabbed one of the shirts from his drawers and went back to the kitchen. “Smell this.” He held out the shirt he grabbed. 

Kotetsu eyed him curiously but did as told. “Smells fine.” 

Barnaby pulled off his own shirt. 

“I’m not really in the mood Bunny,” Kotetsu said apologetically. 

“Not that, smell it,” he held out the shirt. 

Kotetsu didn’t have to touch the shirt for the reaction to work. He covered his mouth and moved to the other side of the counter. 

“If that were the case we probably would have found out sooner,” Kotetsu pointed out. 

“I just got this one a couple of days ago, it’s the one I’m supposed to do the advertisement for,” Barnaby told him. “It could explain the sudden change. I’ll change into something else and pack it away.” 

“You don’t have to do all that,” Kotetsu frowned. 

“If it’s making you sick I don’t want to make it any worse, and I’ll just tell the company it gave me a rash on something,” Barnaby told him. 

He went back down the hall to his room before Kotetsu could keep protesting. He decided to strip the bed of its sheets as well and left them bundled in the corner of the room along with the clothes he was wearing. He grabbed a change of clothes from his drawer and went into the bathroom to take a quick shower. 

He’d rather be safe than sorry. 

Kotetsu was in the process of buttoning up his shirt when he stepped out of the bathroom. 

“You didn’t have to take a shower as well,” he told him. 

“I know, but I wanted to,” Barnaby replied. “I’d rather not take any chances.” 

Kotetsu smiled a bit and reached for his waistcoat. “You know it’s funny, I saw the sheets and your clothes in the corner and had the strangest feeling of deja vu. And then I remembered doing almost the exact same thing for Tomoe when she was pregnant with Kaede. Only it was this awful brand of body wash.” 

He finished the buttons with a sad smile. “I always told her I wished I could experience what she was going through...Funny how life works out huh?…” He turned away quickly wiping his eyes. “Listen to me, one little memory and I’m about to start bawling my eyes out. Must be all those hormones that booklet the doctor gave us mentioned.” 

“If you ever wanna...talk about Tomoe, or reminisce, I’d be more than happy to listen,” Barnaby told him. 

 “I know Bunny,” Kotetsu replied. “We should get going though, I’m surprised you’re not making more of a fuss about being late.” 

“It’s technically still our vacation,” Barnaby waved his hand dismissively. “Besides, I’d rather make sure you are well enough to not vomit in my car.” 

Kotetsu winced. “I’m really sorry about that…” 

“I know, I know,” Barnaby assured him. “I can’t fault you for something you have no control over. Don’t worry about it. Really.” 

Kotetsu nodded a little and Barnaby smiled in an effort to make him feel better. 

“Ready?” he asked. 

“As I’ll ever be,” the older man answered as they left. 

Barnaby grabbed his jacket and locked the door behind him before they went down to the building’s garage. He waited until Kotetsu was settled before he started driving. 

“I was thinking..” Kotetsu said as he came to a stop at a red light. 

“Oh?” Barnaby looked over at him. “What about exactly?” 

“Well...Kaede’s gonna be moving in with me when the school years over and I was planning on moving, but I guess now I need an even bigger place and I was thinking maybe we could look for that bigger place...together...that maybe we could all live, together,” Kotetsu answered. 

“Is this the long way of you asking me if I want to move in with you?” Barnaby asked as he started driving again. 

“Yes…” he nodded a little. “We’re basically living out of each other’s apartments...it makes sense to maybe just pick a place together…” 

“Have you decided on what you’re looking for?” Barnaby asked. “House? Apartment?” 

“I hadn’t gotten that far ahead,” Kotetsu admitted. “I was planning on asking you before, everything happened, I just thought I’d wait and see what you said…” 

“And what if I had said no?” Barnaby asked. 

“There was a good chance you were gonna say,” Kotetsu answered. “An eighty percent chance, ninety if I got Kaede to ask you.”

“Well we need something big enough for all of us,” Barnaby told him. “No stairs-” 

“What’s wrong with stairs?” the older man frowned. 

“They’re dangerous,” Barnaby answered. “You’ll be thanking me when you can’t see your feet.” 

Kotetsu looked like he wanted to argue but crossed his arms over his chest and muttered under his breath in Japanese. He caught the words ‘Bunny’ and possibly overprotective, but he was still learning. 

“It’d be better if we started looking sooner rather than later,” he added. “We might have better luck in the gold stage.” 

“Won’t that be expensive?” Kotetsu asked. “Family of four...we’re looking at at least three bedrooms, four if you want a home office. Two bathrooms, Kaede’s gonna need her privacy…Not to mention, one-floor homes tend to be expensive.” 

“I have money saved up,” Barnaby told him. 

There was the money from his inheritance, and the money Maverick had left him after his death. He had donated the money he received from selling off Maverick’s assets, and his large home, but there was still a little bit leftover. 

Not to mention his paychecks from HeroTV. Now that he thought about it, he had enough money that he could retire permanently and never have to work again. 

He glanced over at Kotetsu and saw the man fiddling with the seatbelt. He kept one hand on the steering wheel and reached over to take his hand. 

“I can’t let you do that…” Kotetsu sighed. “It’s going to be a lot of money. If it’s going to be our place I’d like to pay for at least some of it.” 

“You’re not going to let this go until I agree are you?” Barnaby sighed. 

“My persistence knows no bounds,” Kotetsu grinned. 

He could tell Kotetsu was uncomfortable with the idea of him paying for their home by himself, and that was the last thing Barnaby wanted. 

“I’m well aware,” Barnaby chuckled. “How about we split the cost? Does...sixty forty sound agreeable?” 

“Deal,” Kotetsu agreed. 

Barnaby had a feeling this would not be their only conversation on money but they’d cross that bridge when they got to it. He pulled into the parking garage of Apollon Media and they got out of the car. 

Lloyds was in his office when they arrived but Barnaby still knocked before they entered. Their manager stood up as they walked into the room. 

“Barnaby, Kotetsu, what seems to be so urgent that you needed to speak with me?” He asked as he sat back down. 

"We recently found out some uh... interesting news," Kotetsu answered, he seemed a little unsure of how to proceed. “It’s good news...well, good news for us, maybe or not for you, or maybe it is good news for you as well, who knows-” 

“The point, sometime today preferably,” Lloyds interrupted. 

“What Kotetsu is trying to say is, we’re pregnant, he’s pregnant,” Barnaby told him. “I’m the father.” 

“You’re doing it again,” Kotetsu pointed out. 

“If you two intend to keep this under wraps for the time being I suggest you learn to control your facial expression Barnaby,” Lloyds said, a bit amused. 

“He’s been like this for about as long as we’ve known,” Kotetsu said. 

“Do you know how far along you are?” Lloyds asked. 

“Just about three weeks,” Kotetsu answered. “We only found out a couple of days ago…which we would have said something sooner but I’ve spent most of the time parked next to the toilet…” 

Lloyds held up his hand. “You’re both technically still on vacation until Tuesday, though you will be on deskwork effective immediately. Barnaby can manage perfectly well on his own for now. I’m sure you’ll be wanting to keep this to yourselves, for now, we’ll come with a press release explaining your absence for the time being.” 

“...What?” Kotetsu asked. 

“Sir?” Barnaby sounded equally surprised. 

“You are not the first Hero’s I’ve worked with who have found themselves in the family way, though as you are partners that will complicate things down the line, however, we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Anges won’t be pleased with being kept out of the loop, but I’m sure you’ll find some way to placate her.” 

“Her ratings are the least of our concern at the moment,” Barnaby replied. 

“Of course,” Lloyds smiled. “I’ll send a draft of the statement we’ll be releasing tomorrow afternoon for you both to look-over. If there’s nothing else I’ll see you both on Tuesday. Oh, and congratulations.” 

“...That went shockingly well…too well…” Kotetsu frowned. 

“Lloyds can be a very understanding man when he wants to be,” Barnaby replied as he flipped through some of the fanmail. “You’re just being paranoid.” 

“He’s a very understanding man when it comes to you,” Kotetsu pointed out. 

“You might be reading too much into it,” Barnaby told him. “Why don’t we get some lunch before we head to the pharmacy?” 

“Are you trying to distract me with food?” the other man frowned. 

“Surprisingly no,” Barnaby answered as he stood up. 

“Can we go to that little cafe by your place? The one with the crepes?” he asked. “Those were really good crepes.”

That cafe was in fact not by his place, it was in the exact opposite of his place by about twenty miles. 

“Sure,” Barnaby nodded. “But we have to swing by the pharmacy first.” 

“Hear that peanut? Your first taste of crepes…” Kotetsu smiled as he patted his stomach. “Please like them….” 

Barnaby tried really hard not to grin.

“Bunny...psst Bunny, are you awake? Bunny?” 

Barnaby rolled over and squinted at his partner. “I’m trying very hard not to be,” he started to roll back over.  

“I was just thinking,” Kotetsu whispered. 

“Can it wait till morning?” Barnaby yawned. 

“It’s important,” Kotetsu shook his shoulder in an effort to keep him awake. “Like, really important.” 

“Just, tell me what it is, I’ll remember,” Barnaby reached behind him to try and grab Kotetsu’s hand. 

“We have to tell your parents about the baby,” Kotetsu answered. 

Barnaby rolled over again, now awake, to look at his partner. “My parents?” he repeated. 

“I don’t know why I didn’t think about it sooner, but just because they’re not here with you physically doesn’t mean they’re not watching over you now. I’m sure they’d be happy to know you’re living your life and having a family of your own…” he explained. 

“I…” Barnaby nodded a little. “I was planning on visiting them next weekend. If you’d like to come with me, we could tell them together.”

“Really?” Kotetsu asked. 

“Of course,” Barnaby answered. 

Kotetsu smiled and leaned in to kiss him. “Next weekend then. We can tell your parents first, then call my mom.” 

He laid back down and wrapped his arm around Barnaby. “M’kay. You can go back to sleep now.” 

Barnaby snorted. “Goodnight old man.”

Chapter Text

Three

Kotetsu paced back and forth on the platform as they waited for Kaede’s train to pull into the station. Barnaby caught his arm the fourth time he walked in front of him and stood up. 

“You need to relax,” he told him. “I’m getting dizzy just watching you.” 

“I can’t help it. I'm nervous, what if she hates me? What if she hates us?” Kotetsu asked. “What if she hates me?” 

“She’s not going to hate you,” Barnaby tried to assure him. “She might be surprised...but I don’t think she could ever hate you.” 

Kotetsu crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot on the ground. He knew Barnaby was trying to comfort him but what they were about to drop on Kaede was a lot in one day. Telling her Barnaby was going to be moving in with them, that she was going to be a big sister.

It was still a lot for him to adjust to, and he was the pregnant one. He leaned his forehead on Barnaby’s shoulder and sighed. 

“I haven’t even asked you how you’re doing in all this,” he said. “You’ve sort of just been going along for the ride…How are you doing with all this?” 

“It’s an adjustment, but I’m happy,” Barnaby answered.

“Yeah?” Kotetsu pulled back to look at him. 

Barnaby nodded and gave him a chaste kiss. “I think I see Kaede’s train.” 

Kotetsu pulled away to check and sure enough, her train was pulling into the station. It eased to a stop and the doors opened after a few minutes and the passengers started pouring out. He spotted her as she stepped off and made his way over knowing Barnaby was only a few steps behind. 

“Kaede!” he caught her in a hug and she squirmed as he lifted her off the ground a couple of inches. 

“Daaad, you’re embarrassing me…” she said even as she hugged him back. 

He let go and pouted. “Are you getting taller? You need to stop growing, how are you gonna stay my little girl if you keep growing…” 

“I’m not a little girl anymore...,” she rolled her eyes. 

He grinned and started to reach for her bag as she hugged Barnaby. “Is that so? Guess that means you’re too old for the present we got you.” 

“Present?” she asked letting go of Barnaby. “I’m never too old for presents.” 

“How convenient,” he teased. 

“I’ll get that,” Barnaby said, reaching for the bag. 

“I’ve got it Bunny,” Kotetsu replied. 

Kaede eyed them critically. “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing, that can wait until after we get home,” Kotetsu said as he wrapped his arm around her. “And I believe there was a mention of the present.” 

He did let Barnaby put the bag in the trunk when they made it to his car. He grabbed the small wrapped case he put in the glove compartment and held it out to her. 

“It's the new Hero game!” she grinned. “It’s not supposed to be out until next month.” 

“Everyone also signed it for you, the case, not the game,” Kotetsu told her. “Do you like it?” 

“I love it. Can we play it when we get home?” she asked. 

“Of course,” he grinned. “We can get a head start while Barnaby makes lunch.” 

The drive back to the apartment was mostly silent while Kaede examined her present. She was flipping through the small booklet that had a small mini-bio of each Hero, and some of the villains. 

“I wanna play as Blue Rose first,” Kaede said as they walked into the apartment. 

“Just a second, there’s...there’s something we wanna talk to you about before we start playing,” Kotetsu told her. 

He sat on the couch with her, and Barnaby sat on the arm of the couch within touching distance. He was a lot less nervous when he rehearsed this in his head. 

“Is everything okay…?” She looked between the two of them. “You guys haven’t broken up, have you? Did you do something stupid?” 

“Hey, why do you automatically assume if we broke up I’m the reason?” he pouted. “Why can’t Bunny have done something huh?” 

“...Did you do something?” Kaede eyed him. 

Barnaby coughed awkwardly. 

“We’re not breaking up,” Kotetsu assured him. “Far from it, more the opposite of that.”

“You’re getting married?!” Kaede smiled then frowned at Barnaby. “You didn’t ask for permission.” 

“Too far opposite, way too far,” Kotetsu shook his head so fast he thought he might’ve given himself whiplash. He rubbed his neck. “We’re not breaking up and we’re not getting married. How would you feel if Bunny were to move into the new place with us? All of us together in a house, or apartment? Under the same roof.” 

“Really?” she asked. 

He nodded. 

“That’s not a deal-breaker is it?” Barnaby asked. 

“It’ll be a little weird,” she admitted. “But, you’re always over, so I don’t think it’ll be that different...Do I still get my own bathroom? No offense Barnaby, but you take a long time...even if your hair is really nice.” 

Kotetsu tried not to laugh. “We’ll get three bathrooms. Then we can all have one.” He promised. “There’s one more tiny piece of news...I’m gonna be taking another break from Hero TV for awhile. From heroing work for a while.” 

“What? Why? Are you okay?” Kaede asked, worried. “Is it your powers?” 

“No, my powers are fine,” he assured her. “Still good ol’ one-minute Tiger...No, the thing is uh...well, you’re going to be a big sister.” 

He clasped his hands in his lap and waited for a reaction. 

“Kaede?” he asked after the silence had dragged. “I know it’s probably a lot to take in, and also probably a really big shock...but things aren’t gonna change, well, things are gonna change. Babies change things, but you’re always gonna be the number one girl in my life no matter what, and I promise I’m not gonna stop showing you or telling you how much I love you. And we’ll get to spend lots of time together since I won’t be working as much. So much time that you’ll get sick of me and-” 

His rambling was cut short when Kaede surged forward and hugged him. He hugged her back. 

“I’m gonna be a really good big sister,” she told him. 

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I know you will be...I love you so much, you know that right? No matter what?” 

She nodded. “I know.” She pulled back and looked at them. 

“Do you have any questions for us?” he asked. “I know it’s probably a lot to take in at once.” 

“No...I...I think I’m okay,” she answered. 

He nodded not wanting to push. “Well, if that changes you can always talk to me, or Bunny if you don’t wanna talk to me. Right?” he looked over at Barnaby. 

“Any time,” Barnaby nodded. 

“Okay,” Kotetsu clapped his hands together. “Now that that’s out of the way, I seem to recall a new video game we’re supposed to be trying out?” 

“You two get started without me, I’ll get lunch going,” Barnaby told them as he stood up. "Try not to lose too fast.” 

“I happen to be very good at video games. Thank you very much,” Kotetsu huffed. 

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Barnaby mused on his way to the kitchen. 

“So mean,” Kotetsu pouted. “You believe me don’t you Kaede?”

“This game is supposed to have a really good first-person version, you can fight against a computer and it teaches all the best combos and attacks,” she said reading off the case. 

Kotetsu feigned hurt and clutched his chest. “My own daughter doesn’t believe me…” he added a sniff for extra effect. “I guess that means the only thing I can do is prove myself.” He grabbed one of the controllers off the coffee table while Kaede got the game setup. “...How do I pick my character?” 

“Move the joystick and press A,” she answered. 

“Right, I knew,” he nodded. “I was just making sure you knew.” 

“...It’s the left one,” she added while trying not to smile. 

Chapter Text

Four

“Come on,” Kotetsu sucked in a deep breath as he tried to button his pants. “Yes!” he exhaled and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He jumped when the button his pants popped off and bounced off the mirror. “Fuck,” he groaned and dropped down on the bed. “You gotta work with me here kiddo. People aren’t supposed to start knowing you for another month. Trust me, you’re gonna wanna enjoy that anonymity while you can.” 

He reached for his phone on the nightstand and smiled a bit when he saw Barnaby’s face pop up on screen. 

“Hey,” he greeted.

“ What’s the matter?” Barnaby asked. 

“Nothing…” Kotetsu lied. Just trying to find something that the buttons won’t pop off of when I put it on. “I just got hit with a bad case of last night's dinner, but I’m fine now and I should be there soon.” 

“ Do you want me to get you some ginger tea ?” Barnaby asked. 

“That...would be great, thank you,” Kotetsu smiled a bit. “I’ll see you soon okay?” 

“ See you soon,” Barnaby replied. 

Kotetsu hung up and ran a hand through his hair as he stared at his closet. He was determined to find something to wear, even if he tried on every piece of clothing he owned. 

It was another hour, and a text from Barnaby before he was finally satisfied with what he was wearing. The only saving grace was that the weather was starting to turn cooler, that he could pull off the sweater. And he found a pair of slacks from when he’d first gotten back from his retirement. It wasn’t the greatest, but it worked. 

“Hey, I was just getting ready to call you,” Barnaby said when Kotetsu walked into the office. 

“Sorry, false alarm before I left,” Kotetsu replied. He sat down at his desk and smiled at the thermos of tea waiting for him. “How was the call this morning?” 

“It was fine,” Barnaby shrugged. “She thought she could use her powers of phasing through objects to rob a bank. It worked well until Ivan turned himself into a wall and she ran into him instead.” 

“Huh, kinda a nifty ability...how do you think they’ll manage to keep her in jail?” Kotetsu mused. “Wouldn’t she just phase through the prison?” 

“Apparently Saito is working on something to help with that, it sounds pretty interesting, I was gonna stop by later and check it out,” Barnaby answered. 

Kotetsu unscrewed the thermos and drank some of the tea.

“I know it’s just ginger in hot water, but it always tastes so good when you make it,” Kotetsu smiled. 

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Barnaby stood up and Kotetsu watched him go around the corner to the small break room in their office before he came back with a small pink box. “We passed that donut shop, and I know how much you like their donuts but get disappointed when they’re out of your favorites, since it was so early, I managed to get you some.” 

“You’re spoiling me, but I’m not complaining,” Kotetsu smiled and thought back to this morning. “But I think I might actually have a fruit salad…” 

“Oh, really?” Barnaby blinked surprised.

Kotetsu nodded. “That one you get with melons and pineapple is always good.” 

“Okay...Well they usually have some in the cafe,” Barnaby looked at the box of donuts. “What should I do with these then?” 

“Maybe the receptionist will like them?” Kotetsu offered. 

“I suppose...are you sure you don’t want one?” Barnaby asked. 

“I’m okay, but we appreciate the thought,” he smiled at the younger man.  He looked at the pink box one last time and grabbed the thermos of tea. 

“Alright, well I’ll be back in a bit,” Barnaby leaned down and kissed his cheek before he stepped out of the office. 

Kotetsu sighed and reached down to pat his stomach. “I know it was a nice gesture but think of it this way, more anonymity before Anges gets her claws into us.” 

“Here you are,” Barnaby set the salad down with a fork. “And you were right, the receptionist really enjoyed the donuts. Apparently it was one of their birthdays today.” 

“Oh how nice,” Kotetsu smiled. 

“...Are you sure you’re okay?” Barnaby asked as he sat down. “It’s not usually like you to turn down donuts...or food for that matter.” 

“I just wasn’t in the mood, and besides, I thought you’d be happy I was eating healthier,” Kotetsu answered. 

“Well of course but, you never usually listen to me,” Barnaby replied. “I’m just, surprised is all.” 

You and me both, Kotetsu thought as he opened the salad. “Besides, eating sweets all the time is not healthy.” He picked up a piece of melon and looked over to see Barnaby staring at him. 

“What?” he asked. 

“I can’t figure out if I’m dreaming right now or not,” Barnaby answered. 

Kotetsu picked up a piece of pineapple and threw it at him. “Screw you Bunny.” 

“We’re at work, maybe later,” Barnaby smirked and Kotetsu blushed and turned his attention back to his salad. 

“You’re having salad for lunch again?” Antonio asked as he sat down. “That’s the fourth day in a row. Something you ain’t telling me?” 

“I’m trying to watch what I eat…” Kotetsu replied. 

“Since when?” Antonio asked. 

“Since Kaede’s class had this unit on nutrition a couple days ago,” he lied. And since it took me another two hours to get ready for work again. “I told her I’d start to eat healthier. Especially now that I won’t be out on HeroTv for a while.” 

“Oh, that’s good,” Antonio nodded. “I thought it was some weird sex thing you and Barnaby had going on like with the pineapple.” 

“Okay, that was one time, and we agreed never to speak of it again,” Kotetsu blushed as he looked at his salad. “And for the record, the thing about pineapple is true.” 

“Gross,” Antonio wrinkled his nose. “I do not want to hear about the details of your sex life.” 

“Hi guys,” Karina smiled as she walked over to their table. 

“Hi,” Kotetsu smiled. “What brings you to our neck of the woods so to speak.” 

“My school is having a festival and my friends and I made some tarts for the cafe we’re doing, but there were some extras. I remember you saying you liked cherry tarts so I thought I’d bring some,” she held out a small container. 

“O…Oh,” Kotetsu smiled and took the box. “Thanks. That was very sweet of you to think of us.” 

“Okay, um...well enjoy,” she gave them a small wave before she walked off. 

“Aren’t you gonna eat one?” Antonio asked. 

“I’ll eat one later,” Kotetsu answered. 

“Seriously?” Antonio asked. “Are you sure you’re okay?” 

“I’m fine, just...Like I said, I told Kaede I’d try to eat healthier,” Kotetsu shrugged. “I’ll have one later. Besides, now that I’m also not going on calls it might not be a bad idea to watch what I eat.” 

“Because of the weight gain?” Antonio asked. 

“Your way with words never ceases to amaze me,” Kotetsu deadpanned. “But yes…”

“Well why don’t we spar after we eat then? Been awhile since we got to,” Antonio offered. 

“I can’t,” Kotetsu answered. “Not until I’m cleared by medical and Barnaby would have a conniption if he found out I did anyway.” 

“Well how about a few laps around the track?” Antonio replied. “We could race like we used to.” 

“You mean I beat you like when we used to race,” Kotetsu grinned. 

“You did not beat me,” Antonio rolled his eyes. “You used your powers and cheated.” 

“I did not…” he pretended to be offended. “I would never cheat and use my powers in a friendly competition between friends.” 

Antion gave him a flat look. 

“Well it’s not like I can do it anymore, I’ve only got less than a minute so,” he shrugged. “But I bet I can still beat you.” 

“I’ll take that bet,” Kotetsu grinned. 

They finished their lunch and Kotetsu made a quick stop by the offices to drop off the tarts. Barnaby was out with Saito who had apparently already figured out a way to make sure the woman from this morning wouldn’t be able to break out of her prison cell. 

“So, what, the first one to do five laps wins?” Antonio asked. 

Kotetsu stretched. “Sounds good to me. What are we betting on?” 

“Loser buys the winner beer,” Antonio grinned. 

“You’re on,” Kotetsu nodded. He knelt down to make sure his shoelaces were tied and did a few stretches. “Count of three...One...Two...Three!” 

He broke into a light jog and glanced out the gym window. It was kind of a bummer that it was getting colder out, it might have been nice to do this outside. He looked over his shoulder and saw Antonio gaining on him so he picked up the pace. 

“You must really wanna buy me that beer,” Kotetsu joked as he rounded the corner. 

“Not on your life,” Antonio huffed a little as he caught up to him. “You are going to be buying me that beer.” 

“Maybe in another lifetime,” he laughed. 

“Damn,” Antonio groaned and Kotetsu saw him look at his call band. “We’ve got a call. Rein check?” 

“Go kick some ass out there, and keep an eye on Bunny for me would you?” Kotetsu told him. 

“Always, and you’re gonna owe me that beer,” Antonio called as he left the gym. 

“Well kiddo, what's say we do a few more laps?” He patted his stomach and started jogging again. “Should probably do this more often...Might even be able to wear my clothes for a few more weeks.” 

He ran a few more laps around the gym before he slowed to an easy walk and grabbed his water bottle and sat down on the ground to catch his breath. He sat down on the bench and caught his breath. 

“Maybe running that many laps was not the greatest after not doing anything for a month and a half,” he ran a hand through his hair. 

“There you are,” Barnaby said as he walked into the gym. “I’ve been looking for you.” 

“Oh, hey Bunny,” he smiled a bit. “I thought you were on a call?” 

“False alarm,” Barnaby said as he sat next to him. “What are you doing in the gym?” 

“Well Antonio and I were racing and sort of bet the loser buys the winner beer, don’t worry I was going to drink soda because I would obviously win, but then you guys got the call so I figured I’d do a few laps,” he replied. “I think I overestimated how out of shape I am after only a few months…” 

“This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with all those salads would it?” Barnaby asked. “Or the donuts you turned down a few days ago...or the pile of clothes I found on the floor of the closet?” 

“Whaaaaaaat?” Kotetsu picked up his water bottle. “Those are just my dirty clothes, I need to do laundry, that's all.” 

“So you’re going to wear clothes that are missing buttons? Pretty hard to wear pants that don’t button?” Barnaby asked. 

“I have suspenders,” Kotetsu pointed out. “And you know, a shirt would cover up the missing button.” 

“Are you upset because you’re gaining weight?” Barnaby asked carefully. 

“So you've noticed too,” Kotetsu frowned.

“It’s a little difficult not to, and before you get all upset, I like it,” Barnaby told him. “Because it means that our child is growing and healthy and strong. Besides, gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy. Figured you of all people would know that.” 

“I do…” Kotetsu replied and leaned his head on Barnaby’s shoulder. “It just sucks...I didn’t think it’d start happening so fast.” 

“Well, to be fair, you’re losing muscle definition, and since you’re not working out as much, or going out on calls, there’s really not a whole lot of places for the food you’re eating to go to.” 

“Gee...thanks…” Kotetsu started to sit up. 

“I’m not finished,” Barnaby wrapped his arm around Kotetsu and let his hand rest on his stomach. “You are doing quite possibly the hardest thing a person will ever do in the world, and that’s creating and bringing another human being into the world. That takes a lot of energy so if that means you eat more, then eat more. And don’t worry about it, which I know, it’s easier said than done, but I’m going to be right here with you no matter what. Either to reassure you, get you whatever you want to eat, or eat with you.” 

“You mean that?” Kotetsu asked 

“Of course I do,” Barnaby answered. “And if the clothes thing is bothering you, then we’ll go shopping over the weekend. And if you want we can jog in the gym together. Just...don’t do it by yourself, what if you tripped and fell?” 

“You have got to stop being so nice...My hormones can’t take it,” Kotetsu sniffed a little and reached up to wipe his eyes. 

Barnaby smiled and used his free hand to tilt his chin up and kiss him. 

“How about we go take a shower, and cut out early for the day? We can order in some take out and watch a movie,” Barnaby told him. 

“Can we go to that donut place in the morning?” Kotetsu asked. “The women at the front desk have been talking about them all week...I know it’s a little far from work.” 

“We’ll just tell Lloyds your morning sickness made us a late,” Barnaby winked. 

“Ooooh, you’re a devious Bunny aren’t you,” Kotetsu smiled and gave him another kiss. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Barnaby smiled as he stood up and held out his hands to help Kotetsu to his feet. 

“The whole jogging thing sounds nice too,” Kotetsu said as they walked towards the locker rooms. “Maybe once or twice a week?” 

“Whatever you want,” Barnaby replied. 

“Careful, those are dangerous words Bunny,” Kotetsu teased. “And we’ve still got seven more months to go.” 

“Good thing I’m in it for the long haul,” Barnaby told him.

Chapter Text

Five

“I still think we should wait for Kaede before we start looking…” Kotetsu said, even as he followed Barnaby up the walkway to the house. 

“She already gave her blessing,” Barnaby reminded him. “Besides, if we keep putting it off, we’ll still be living out of two apartments after the baby’s born.” 

Kotetsu nodded. Barnaby had a point. He’d already managed to put it off this long, any longer and…point being Barnaby was right. Kotetsu just…wasn’t ready. 

“You still with me?” Barnaby reached up and cupped his cheek. “Got awfully quiet there real fast.” 

“Just...thinking,” Kotetsu put his hand over Barnaby’s and squeezed it gently. “We should hurry, the realtor’s probably waiting right?” 

“Are you sure you’re okay? We can reschedule,” Barnaby offered. 

“No, no I’m good,” Kotetsu assured him. 

Barnaby eyed him before he nodded and still holding Kotetsu’s hand they followed the stone path up to the house. It was large, modern looking, with a small front porch. An older woman stood on the threshold of the house. 

“You must be Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Kaburagi,” she offered her hand. “I’m Aiko Takayama with Sterling Properties. We spoke on the phone a few times.” 

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you,” Barnaby shook her hand and Kotetsu followed suit. 

“I thought we might start with this house first. You mentioned wanting something close to the city, but not so close. It is a one story, however there is a sunken living room with a few minor steps,” she explained as they walked into the house. 

Kotetsu let go of Barnaby’s hand to look around. He offhandedly listened to Barnaby and Aiko talk.

The last owners must’ve really liked the color white, he mused as he peeked into the kitchen. 

Everything was white walls, black trim, marble countertops. 

Sharp marble countertops. 

Cold. 

He found Barnaby and Aiko back in the sunken living room. It had large windows that looked out into the backyard. 

“What do you think?” Barnaby asked. 

“It’s nice,” Kotetsu shrugged. “Open…not very, family friendly though. We’d go through a paint store just to make it less sterile.” 

“If you are looking for more family friendly, he’s not wrong there,” Aiko agreed. 

“Good thing we have options, right?” Barnaby nodded. 

“Well, no one ever said house hunting was going to be easy,” Barnaby sighed as they walked into Kotetsu’s apartment. “We can try again next weekend.” 

“We have that TV interview Saturday night, remember?” Kotetsu reminded him. “The one Lloyds wants us to do, announcing to the entire world that my much younger lover knocked me up.” 

Barnaby snorted. “You’re barely eleven years older than me.” 

“I should probably wear dark colors right? Easier to blend in so your fans don’t come after me,” Kotetsu continued. 

He was joking of course. 

It still surprised him how many of Barnaby’s vast fanbase were happy about their relationship. Kaede had even shown him a few videos of moments the fans had made about them. Some were kinda weird if he was being honest, but he appreciated the sentiment. 

“You’re not upset are you?” Kotetsu asked after a moment. 

He braced his hands on the couch as he watched Barnaby root around the fridge. 

“About what?” Barnaby asked. 

“Not finding a house,” Kotetsu answered. “I feel like I found faults with everything Aiko picked out…I felt bad…” 

“I wasn’t expecting us to find one right from the get go,” Barnaby told him. “There were a few I didn’t like either, don't forget.” 

“I know, I just…I don’t want you to think I’m having second thoughts about moving,” Kotetsu told him. “Because I’m not.” 

“I wasn’t under the impression that you were,” Barnaby replied. “I’ll admit it...it will be an adjustment. Sometimes I feel like I don’t remember what it’s like living in a home with other people.” 

Kotetsu nodded. “I had the opposite feeling after Tomoe passed and Kaede went to live with my mother. Could never get used to the silence. I used to leave the TV, or the radio on at night for some semblance of noise…Course it did get easier,” he walked over to Barnaby. “And these days, it’s rare I feel like that. And pretty soon, we’ll be too busy to even think about it.” 

“You think so?” Barnaby asked. 

“Trust me, on that front I can pretty much guarantee it,” Kotetsu chuckled. 

“Good thing there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” Barnaby told him. 

Chapter Text

Six

“Why did you let me eat those last three mochi?” Kotetsu grimanced after he finished rinsing out his mouth. 

“I tried to tell you,” Barnaby rubbed his back. “You were very adamant that you’d be fine.” 

“You’re not supposed to believe me,” Kotetsu pointed out. “You’re supposed to lie and say I ate them all already and hide the bag when I’m not looking.” 

“The last time I did that, you made me sleep on the couch,” Barnaby reminded him. “My couch is not meant for sleeping.” 

“Yeah well…that one you deserved,” Kotetsu told him. 

“I’m not having this argument again,” Barnaby pulled some gum out of his pocket and gave it to Kotetsu. “All I’m going to say, what happened was a logical outcome, and now we have a label maker to prevent it from happening again.”

“Damn right,” Kotetsu agreed. He popped the gum in his mouth and followed Barnaby out of the bathroom.  

Barnaby rolled his eyes and pressed the button to call the elevator. Kotetsu leaned against the wall as they rode up to the offices. 

“Nervous?” Barnaby asked. 

“Scared,” Kotetsu answered. “Remember what happened when we didn’t tell Agnes we started going out? Thought steam was going to start rising from her head.” 

“Everything will be fine,” Barnaby assured him. “If there’s something you don’t want to do, we won’t do it. I’ll support you one hundred percent.” 

He wrapped his arm around Kotetsu’s shoulders as they stepped off the elevator and made their way to Lloydss’ office. Agnes was standing next to his chair with her arms crossed over her chest. 

Kotetsu willed his feet not to turn around and just bolt from the room. 

“Ah, you’re right on time.” Lloyds’ stood up to greet them. “Can I get you anything? Water? Tea?” 

“Melonpan?” Agnes held out a small white box. 

“Oooh,” Kotetsu reached for one then paused. “Wait...why are you being so nice? What’s your game?” 

“No game,” Agnes gave the box a small shake. “Can’t a friend get another friend a treat?”

“You told her already?” Kotetsu looked at Lloyds. 

“We agreed to wait,” Barnaby frowned. 

“She walked in while I was finalizing the details of the TV spot on Friday,” Lloyds replied. 

“I can’t believe the two of you kept this from me,” Agnes frowned. 

Kotetsu took one of the melonpan from the box and leaned back in his seat. He gave her a look as if to say ‘Can’t you though?’. 

“I find that hard to believe,” Barnaby replied dryly. “Considering the stunt you pulled when we decided to go public with our relationship.” 

She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “Think of the ratings. HeroTV’s number one duo, partners in work, partners in life, parents. ”

“Technically, I’m already a parent,” Kotetsu reminded her. 

“I don’t think that was the right response,” Barnaby noted as Agnes’s eyes grew wide, and she grinned. 

“Oh now that’s a lovely picture,” she nearly purred. 

“No, absolutely not,” Kotetsu sat up. “She stays out of HeroTV. As far as possible. I will, I will move her to Switzerland if I have to.” 

“But-” 

“No.” 

“Imagine the-” 

“N.O,” Kotetsu held firm. “I will do the Friday night interview. I will do the photoshoots you keep trying to subtly mention Lloyds. I’ll throw in a meet and greet, but I will not under no circumstances, let you put Kaede on HeroTV. Do I make myself clear?” 

Agnes looked like she wanted to say something but Lloyds held up his hand to stop her and nodded. 

“Understood,” Lloyds agreed. 

“Fine,” Agnes relented. “What about something for a gender reveal then? We could have the Hero’s do a scavenger hunt.” 

“We’ll think about it,” Barnaby said. “But at this point, the only reason we’re saying anything is out of courtesy.” 

“I can respect that,” Anges nodded. “Doesn't mean I have to like it, but I can respect it.” She straightened the sleeves of her blouse and picked up her bag. “If you change your mind about the scavenger hunt, let me know. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting…ah, and congratulations.” 

She smiled and squeezed Kotetsu’s shoulder in passing as she left. 

“We’ve got the statement prepared. We’ll be releasing it in tomorrow’s issue of the HeroTV magazine,” Lloyds told them “There was one other matter I wanted to discuss with you, Barnaby specifically.” 

“Oh?” Barnaby raised an eyebrow. 

“Given that Kotetsu will be out for the foreseeable future, I was thinking it might be a good idea for you to perhaps team up with one of the other’s Hero’s.” 

“Why would I do that?” Barnaby frowned. “I’m perfectly capable of working on my own.” 

“I don’t think that’s what Lloyds is trying to say,” Kotetsu replied. “I won’t be there to watch your back.” 

“I don’t need an answer now, and it wouldn’t be permanent, but it would be something to think on,” Lloyds told him. 

“Something to think about, though perhaps unnecessary,” Barnaby told them both. 

“He’s not wrong,” Kotetsu said as they walked down the street to Bar Number 06. 

“Who?” Barnaby asked. 

“Lloyds,” Kotetsu answered. “It might not be a bad idea if you teamed up with one of them once in a while.” 

“I don’t need another partner. I’ve got you,” Barnaby shook his head. 

“Well yes…but,” Kotetsu trailed off. 

“But what?” Barnaby asked. 

“Nothing, just, I know you said you’d think about it to placate Lloyds but will you honestly think it over? For me?” Kotetsu asked. 

“Alright. I’ll give it some thought. I still find it unnecessary, but if it’ll make you feel better,” Barnaby nodded. 

He opened the door to the bar and they walked inside. The others were already seated in their standard booth. Ivan and Keith throwing darts. 

Nathan saw them first and smiled waving them over. 

“I’ll get some drinks. Club soda?” Barnaby told him. 

“Thanks,” Kotetsu headed over to the table and took off his coat as he sat down. 

“Any longer and we were beginning to think you both stood us up,” Nathan nudged him teasingly. 

“Had to find parking,” Kotetsu apologized. “Pao Lin couldn’t make it?” 

“Poor things sick with the flu,” Nathan sighed. “I promised to fill her in on whatever it is this big news you wanted to tell us was.” 

“Are you two finally getting married?” Antonio asked. 

“What? No,” Kotetsu shook his head. “Why does everything keep asking that? We haven’t even been together that long.” 

“Well, if you think about it. Technically you’ve been sort of dating since that whole Jake fiasco. There are still photos of the two of you looking rather cozy,” Nathan pointed out.

“They have a point,” Kieth agreed. 

“Did Barnaby finally propose?” Ivan asked. 

“We are not getting married,” Kotetsu wished Barnaby would hurry up with those drinks. “Not today, not tomorrow, not...just not right now.” 

He all but pulled Barnaby into the seat next to him when the blond was close enough. Barnaby raised an eyebrow and set the glasses down. 

“You’re not drinking?” Antonio frowned, noting the glass of club soda. 

“Uh no…not for a while,” Kotetsu answered. “At least…six months give or take…” 

“Wait…” Karina’s eyes got wide. “Are you…you’re pregnant!” she whispered and pointed at him. 

“What?” Nathan blinked. “You said six months, how long have you known?” 

“Congratulations!” Keith grinned. 

“Roughly since we found out, on our vacation,” Barnaby answered. “We wanted to wait a bit before saying anything.” 

“You’re gonna get so fat,” Antonio snorted. 

“Kotetsu kicked him under the table. 

“I mean, congratulations,” he added hastily. 

“Yeah,” Karina smiled a bit. “I bet your kid’s gonna come out really cute.” 

“So you’re not getting married but you’re having a baby?” Ivan asked. “You guys tend to do things out of order huh?” 

“Huh, I guess kinda?” Kotetsu picked up his drink. “Never really thought of it that way before…” 

He was just more happy that they’re friends were happy for them. Not that there was any doubt they wouldn’t be. After everything that had happened, still though, it was nice to have those thoughts confirmed. 

“Well, looks like I might have to stop calling you Handsome, and start calling you a DILF,” Nathan teased. 

Kotetsu snorted. 

“What’s a DILF?” Antonio asked. 

“Dad I’d like to-” 

“Maybe let’s not be in front of the tykes,” Kotetsu interrupted. 

“I know what a dilf is,” Karina blushed. 

She sipped her drink and looked pointedly at the table. “And…and I’m not a ‘tyke’,”.

“What are they teaching you in school these days,” Kotetsu shook his head. “We’ve already corrupted the younger generation.” 

“Speak for yourself old man ,” Barnaby smirked at him teasingly. 

“I may be older, but at least I don’t have any gray hairs,” Kotetsu mused. 

Barnaby ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”  

“Mhmm,” Kotetsu sipped his drink. 

“I think I’m gonna play some pool,” Karina stood up. “Um, congratulations again.” 

“I’ll play,” Keith offered. “I think I need to take a break from darts. Someone else can try to beat Ivan,” he chuckled. 

Kieth finished off his drink and followed Karina over to the pool tables near the stage. 

“I’ll play a round with you Ivan,” Barnaby said as he got up. 

Ivan smiled a little as they walked over to the dart board. Kotetsu picked up his drink and raised an eyebrow when he saw Nathan staring at him. 

“Have you given any thought to a baby shower yet?” Nathan asked. 

Kotetsu blinked. “A baby shower?” 

To be honest, he really hadn’t. He, well they had been so caught up on everything else they hadn’t really given it much thought or talked about it. 

“How else are you supposed to get things for the baby?” Nathan replied. “And what is the point of having friends if not to buy you those things?” 

“I figured we’d just…go shopping?” he shrugged. “Didn’t really have one when Tomoe was pregnant. Didn’t have much money in the beginning.” 

“Took us a whole weekend just to build the crib,” Antonio chuckled. 

“Only because someone threw away the directions,” Kotetsu pointed out. 

“You have to let me plan you a baby shower,” Nathan told him as they leaned forward. 

“Oh, I don’t know if that’s really necessary,” Kotetsu protested. “And I couldn’t ask you to do that.” 

“Good thing you’re not asking,” they winked. “What do you say? One less thing on your plate to think about.” 

“Alright,” Kotetsu nodded. 

Nathan grinned and clapped their hands together. “You’ll love it. I promise.” 

“Considering everything you do is done with taste and class, I’m sure I will,” he smiled. 

“Easy there Tiger, or Handsome might get jealous,” Nathan teased. 

“Jealous of what?” Barnaby asked. 

“Speak of the devil,” Nathan laughed a little. “Come on Antonio, you promised me a dance.” 

“I didn’t promise, I said if the music was good, maybe we could do a little dancing,” Antonio said. 

“You never clarified on who needs to think the music’s good,” Nathan prodded him. “One dance.” 

Antonio finished his drink and let Nathan lead him onto the dance floor among a few other people. Barnaby wrapped his arm around Kotetsu as they leaned against each other. 

“So, Nathan is going to throw me a baby shower at some point, I guess,” Kotetsu mused. 

“Oh? That’s nice of them,” Barnaby smiled. “I suppose we do need to make a registry at some point. Otherwise we might wind up with two of everything.” 

“Later,” Kotetsu sat up and held out his hand. “In the meantime. Wanna dance?” 

“I’d love to,” Barnaby took his hand as they stood up.

Chapter Text

Seven

“Are you going to tell me why we’re all the way out here?” Kaede asked. “And why you didn’t tell Barnaby where we were going?” 

“Because I wanted to get your opinion first, if I showed it to him he would have agreed just because I liked it,” Kotetsu answered. “Sides, figured you’d jump at the chance to skip school. I can take you back if you want.” 

“I’m not complaining, I’m just curious,” she replied. “Is it a new house?” 

“Possibly,” he nodded. “The realtor, Aiko emailed me the details a few days ago, and I thought since Barnaby's got that cologne shoot, you and I could go look at it together…Been awhile since the two of us just got to hang out.” 

“Pretty far from the city don’t you think?” she looked out the window. 

The further out from the city they got, the more tree's and greenery they passed. It was a little bit of a stretch to drive to be sure, but as brief as his retirement was, he did enjoy spending time out in the country with his family. And call him old fashioned, but the idea of having their family out of the public eye so much was a nice thought. 

“A little under an hour,” he replied. “Why? Do you think that’s too far?” 

“Won’t that be a long commute for you and Barnaby? When you go back to work?” Kaede asked.  

“Ah…well,” he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “I don’t know if I am gonna go back to work after the baby’s born. Might retire…for good this time. Sides, you’re gonna be starting at the academy soon, and babies are a lot of work. Heroing on top of that,” he shrugged. “Still got time to decide though.” 

Kaede nodded and looked out the window again. 

“I think this is it,” Kotetsu said as he pulled up to the house with a for sale sign in the front yard. 

It wasn’t overly big, which was nice, a spacious yard in the front with a gravel pathway that led to the front door. The other houses in the rest of the neighborhood weren't so close together which was nice, and the double car garage was a good bonus. 

He turned the car off and got out meeting Kaede on the sidewalk. 

“This must be Kaede,” Aiko smiled when she saw her. “Traffic wasn’t too bad on the drive out was it?” 

“Only leaving the city, once we left, pretty short ride,” Kotetsu replied as they walked into the house. 

From the inside he could see more of the large windows that reminded him of Barnaby's apartment but it still had the homey feel of his townhouse. Not to large, but not small and compact either. 

“Look at the backyard,” Kaede went over to the double doors in the kitchen. “It’s bigger than back home.” 

“And fenced in, the previous owner had a few dogs,” Aiko walked over. 

“Dogs?” Kaede perked up. 

“One thing at a time,” Kotetsu held up his hands and smiled. 

“That’s not a no,” Kaede grinned and looked around the kitchen. 

“It doesn’t open up directly into the living room, but the previous owners did install an open window bar that faces the living room, and the dining room is just to your left,” Aiko explained. "Could put in a few chairs. Perfect for afternoons doing homework." 

Kotetsu nodded as he looked around. “What’s that door lead to?” 

“That is a walk in pantry,” she smiled. 

Kotetsu opened the door and let out an impressive whistle. “Even has a built-in wine rack for all the wine we get from press interviews and thank you baskets that we don’t drink.” 

“Plenty of room for snacks,” Kaede agreed. 

“Would you like to see the rest of the house?” Aiko asked. 

“After you,” he answered. 

“Now, this does have five bedrooms instead of the four you were looking at, but one could be a home office, and you’d have extra for a guest room,” she told him. “This is the master bedroom. It’s got its own attached bathroom with double vanities.” 

“Well that would definitely come in handy,” Kotetsu winked at Kaede. 

“Oooh and a walk-in closet,” Kaede said. “You could each have your own side.” 

“All of the bedrooms have a walk-in closet,” Aiko told them. “The one in the master is the biggest of course, but the room just down the hall has the second biggest.” 

“Go on,” Kotetsu smiled as Kaede’s eyes got big and she ran to go look. 

“It will also have its own bathroom. There are two more rooms, one right across from this one, and one at the beginning of the hallways with a third bathroom across from it,” Aiko explained. 

Kotetsu put his hands in his pockets as he walked around the room. The window overlooked the backyard and by extension the mountain range. He wasn't sure they really needed a walk in closet, he doubted he even had that many clothes to begin with, but extra space was always nice. 

“Dad, you have to come see this room,” Kaede ran back and grabbed his hand. 

“I guess we’re gonna go see another room,” he laughed a little and let her pull him down towards the end of the hall. 

He stopped in the doorway as Kaede let go of his hand and smiled at him. “It would be really nice for the nursery right? Look, it’s even got a little nook,” she sat down on the bench. 

“The nursery huh?” He walked over and sat next to her. “Wouldn’t you want a nook?” 

“Mine has one too,” she said. “I mean...ya know, if we buy it.”

“I take it this means you like it?” he asked. 

She nodded. “It's big...we won't be stepping all over each other like back home, or at your house...do you like it?" 

“I do,” he looked around the room. “Think Barnaby will like it?” 

“Well, he does get his own sink,” she answered. 

Kotetsu laughed. “That he does. That he does.” 

"I thought you'd asleep by now," Barnaby said as he walked into the bedroom. He left his shoes by the closet and took off his coat. 

"I tried, feels like they're doing somersaults in there," Kotetsu sighed and smiled a bit as he rubbed his stomach. "No kicks yet, but, feels like literal butterflies in my stomach. I thought about going to watch something on that big screen of yours, but I didn't want to wake Kaede. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow." 

"Good day?" Barnaby asked. 

"We took a drive out of the city," Kotestu answered. "Aiko had emailed me a house listing a few days ago and I thought since you had the shoot for you new cologne ad, we'd go check it out in case the house turned out to be a dud. We stayed a little later and got dinner to avoid the traffic getting back into the city."

"Oh?" Barnaby finished changing. "What'd you think?"  

"It's...a great house," Kotetsu answered. "Not to far from the city, but close enough. Plenty of room for the four of us and then some really. Could have a home office, guest room, room for you plants, a dog...and you'd even have your own sink in the bathroom." 

Barnaby snorted and poked his head out of the bathroom. "Since when do we have a dog?" 

"Dogs are great for kids, teaches them responsibility," Kotetsu answered. "I told Kaede we'd think about it...Maybe see if Keith would let us borrow John and JohnJohn for a day, give Kaede the full pet taking care of experience." 

"Well," Barnaby joined him in bed once he was done in the bathroom. "Why don't we put in an offer then?" 

Kotetsu looked at him. "You haven't even seen the place yet. What if you don't like it?"

"I can have Aiko forward over the details, but if you and Kaede like it," Barnaby shrugged. "How can I not?" 

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to say yes just because,” Kotetsu told him. "This is pretty big. We'd be buying a house." 

“Haven’t I already told you before? As long as I’m with you, I’m happy?” Barnaby replied. “Do you think you’ll be happy there?” 

Kotetsu nodded. "I think we all would." 

“Then that's good enough for me,” Barnaby leaned over and kissed him.

"I can honestly say I never thought we'd be buying a house," Kotetsu admitted as they laid down. "I always assumed we'd just get someplace in the city together. Easiest option for work and everything." 

"Even after retirement?" Barnaby asked. 

"Well, I'd retire before you," Kotetsu answered as he yawned. "I'd be more then content just hanging out at home, keeping house, watching you rack up points." 

"You'd be right there with me, and you know it," Barnaby chuckled. 

"Could be right...life already threw us one curveball, who's to say they won't throw us another," Kotetsu mused. 

Chapter Text

Eight

“I’m sorry,” Barnaby apologized. “I know I said that I would stop by for your photoshoot but the taping ran long, and I’m already late for my meeting with Llodys.” 

“ It’s alright Bunny, really,” Kotetsu told him. “ I mean it sucks a little, feels like it’s been forever since we’ve seen each other. Did the taping go okay?” 

“For it being a last minute switch up well enough,” he answered as he came to a stop light. 

He wasn’t wrong though. It’d been almost a week and a half since they’d had more than ten minutes alone together. Between commercial tapings, interviews, tv spots. Photoshoots. 

“ Poor Ivan, hope he feels better soon,” Kotetsu sighed. “ I think Antonio said he was going to take some soup over to him later.” 

“I have some good news though,” Barnaby told him. “The owners of that house we put an offer on accepted. Aiko emailed me the papers a few hours ago. We just need to look them over, sign and send them back in.” 

“Wait? Really? Bunny that’s great -,” There was a clatter on the other and then Kotetsu’s sheepish laugh. “ Sorry sorry. No, no it’s okay I can clean it up.” 

Barnaby smiled. “I’ll let you get back to it, but I’ll see you tonight at the studio. I love you.” 

“ I love you too Bunny. See you tonight,” Kotetsu told him. 

He hung up and finished driving back to the company. It was still sometimes hard to believe that this was their life now. They’d gotten a house together, and in a little less than six months they’d be welcoming a new life into the world together. 

A few times he wondered if this was some prolonged coma dream but then he’d pinch himself and see that he was awake and this was really his life now. After getting his revenge against Maverick for the death of his parents he’d alway wondered if he’d get to have another family of his own. 

He was happy as things were. He had their friends, he had his partner. He was happy to play the stepfatherly role to Kaede if that was something she wanted him to do. 

But a bay? A tiny life they had created together? That was outside the realm of anything possible. 

He never thought he’d have a family of his own again. After finally getting his revenge against Maverick

In a little less than six months they’d be welcoming a new life into the world. He parked and got out, going over to the elevators. He was admittedly not looking forward to sharing it with the world. He wanted to keep it as their own little secret. Something that could stay between them but it wouldn’t be long before Kotetsu was starting to show and the tabloids got wind. 

It would be better if they controlled the narrative. 

He rode up to the office and knocked on Lloyds door. The older man stood to greet them and motioned for Barnaby to have a seat. 

“This is still a good time I hope,” Barnaby said as he sat down. 

“Yes, yes, I was just finishing up with Agnes and Mario about your interview this evening. They’ve compiled some clips of you and Kotetsu together over the years to play before the interview. It’s both touching albeit amusing in some parts. How far you’ve come.” 

“Who would have thought we’d end up here,” Barnaby chuckled. 

“I don’t think anyone would have predicted the two of you,” Lloyds agreed. “Though I won’t say it’s all been bad. And the public seem to love you two even more.” 

Barnaby nodded. “That’s why I wanted to speak with you. The public enjoys seeing us together, and I enjoy working with Kotetsu. I love him and I want to keep working with him for as long as time will allow. And I realize in order to do that, I need to be able to go home to him at the end of the day. To the family we’re making together so I have decided to take your advice. I will work with another hero, but only until he returns.” 

“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Lloyds replied. “In fact we’ve already finished submitting the paperwork to rehire Mr. Goldsmith.” 

“Ryan?” Barnaby blinked. “He’s coming back? I thought he left to work for some rich guy in the country” 

“He was, however there were some...events that transpired and after discussing it over with Agnes and the compay heads, I extended an invitation to come work for the company again. You two worked well enough together as partners, I do not see why it won’t work the second time around. And once Kotetsu returns he’ll be your co-worker. He’ll be going on before the two of you this evening to announce his return.” 

“Does Kotetsu know?” Barnaby asked. 

“Believe it or not, it was his idea,” Lloyds answered. “He mentioned it in passing and with how busy you both are these days it probably slipped his mind.” 

“He’s not wrong…I’d feel better knowing there was someone out there watching your back since I can’t…” 

Barnaby nodded. “Ah, we’ll also need the paperwork for change of address, we are going to be moving in together. Just closed on a house.” 

“A house? Well congratulations,” Lloyds smiled. “I’ll have the paperwork on your desk in the morning. And do let me know when you’ll be starting to respective leaves.” 

“Leaves?” Barnaby asked. 

“Maternity leave for Kotetsu, he’s entitled to sixteen weeks paid maternity leave, and you are entitled to eight,” Lloyds answered. 

“I wasn’t aware,” Barnaby told him. “I will talk to him and we’ll figure it out. Thank you.” He stood up and left Lloyds office. He still had a little time before he had to meet Kotetsu at the studio and there was one more stop he wanted to make. 

Barnaby checked his watch as he walked into the studio. “Do you mind putting these in the green room for me? And make sure Tiger doesn’t see them.” 

“Of course Mr. Brooks,” the PA nodded and smiled. 

It wasn’t hard to find Kotetsu. He just followed the laughter and saw him sitting at one of the makeup tables. Ryan was in the chair to his left, hands moving animatedly at some story he was telling him. 

“It was his idea to offer the job to Ryan.” 

Barnaby shook his head. What was he doing? He was being ridiculous. 

“Ryan, Lloyds just told me the good news,” Barnaby said as he walked over. 

“Junior! Hey,” he stood up to greet the blond and offered his hand. “I hear congratulations are in order. You know, Ryan is a really great name. And you know, the kid is going to need a godfather. Just saying.” 

Kotetsu rolled his eyes. “Ignore him.” 

“Because ignoring my partner worked so well last time,” Barnaby leaned over to kiss Kotetsu’s cheek. 

“Ryan, we’re ready for your sound check,” one of the producers told them. 

“If you gentleman and peanut, will excuse me,” he followed the producer towards the studio stage and Barnaby sat in the other empty chair. 

“How’d your meeting with Lloyds go?” Kotetsu asked. “What was it even about?” 

“I told him I had given it some thought and I would be willing to work with someone else for a partner until you came back,” Barnaby answered. “So Ryan and I are going to be partners again.” 

“Yeah? Think you can handle sharing the spotlight with him again?” Kotetsu teased. He thanked the make-up artists as they finished and stretched. “Can’t say it doesn’t make me feel better and sleep a little easier at night though, knowing he’ll be watching your back.” 

“Alright, you’re all set, if you two want to wait in the greenroom, we’ll come get you when we’re ready for you,” the producer told them once they’d finished in makeup. “And please help yourself to the refreshments and let us know if we can get you anything else.” 

“I can’t say I don’t like all this extra pampering,” Kotetsu mused as they walked to the greenroom. “You know they actually offered to go out and get me something if I needed it and they didn’t have it. I was almost tempted to ask for something random and obscure to see if they really would. Usually they only do that sort of thing for you.” 

“I’m sure they would have done it beforehand if you asked nicely,” Barnaby replied. 

“It’s cute when you try to lie,” Kotetsu patted his shoulder and opened the door to the greenroom. 

“And what is it when I buy you flowers?” Barnaby asked, nudging him into the greenroom. “And those little macaroons you‘ve been craving ever since Nathan dropped some off last week?” 

“My absolute favorite Bunny,” Kotetsu smiled and turned to kiss him. “When did you have time to get these? They’re always sold out within three hours of opening.” 

“I called ahead to place an order,” he answered as he kissed back. “I got an assortment this time so next time when you want more I’ll know which ones to avoid.”

“You are amazing,” Kotetsu squeezed his hand. “Thank you, this is, thank you.” They got comfortable on the couch and Barnaby wrapped his arms around him, content to drink some water while Kotetsu ate some of the macaroons. 

Ryan went on first. Talked about his time working overseas and what that was like, and how he was looking forward to being back in Sternbild working with Barnaby and Wild Tiger. 

“Nervous?” Barnaby asked as they followed one of the PA’s to the stage. Right now the show was doing a commercial break followed by a short clipshow case with a few sound bits pre-relationship and current relationship. 

“I’m about to go on live tv and announce to the world I got knocked up by my much younger lover,” Kotetsu replied. “Who happens to be HeroTV’s prince. I should just paint a giant target on my chest.” 

“We’ll answer a few questions, say what they want to hear and then we’ll go home,” Barnaby rubbed his back.

“Easier said than done,” Kotetsu sighed. He put a hand over his stomach. “Seems excessive. Call me old fashioned but why do we even have to announce it anyway? Why do we have to go out there and tell hundred of thousands-”

“Closer to a million,” Barnaby corrected. 

“Regardless,” Kotetsu continued. “They’re not even here and they’re already being thrust into the limelight.” 

“Just give us a moment please,” Barnaby told the PA and took Kotetsu’s hand leading him over to a secluded corner. 

“I’m sorry,” Kotetsu apologized. 

“Don’t apologize,” Barnaby shook his head. “I feel the same way. I kinda wish we could keep a secret between us just a little while longer. But we don’t get that luxury and at least this way it’s coming from us. Not some tabloid magazine that would spin some crazy story about our relationship.” 

Kotetsu still looked reluctant. 

“If it gets bad enough, just walk off stage,” Barnaby told him. 

His partner laughed. “I can’t just walk off stage Bunny.” 

“Of course you can,” Barnaby answered. “What are they going to do? Force you to come back? I guarantee the press would have a field day if they found out the studio forced Wild Tiger, a veteran Hero who stands for what he believes in, carrying the next generation of Hero’s, was forced back on stage. Their ratings would tank in a heartbeat.” 

“Carrying the next generation of hero’s huh?” Kotetsu reached up to toy with the edge of his mask. 

“At best we’re doing them a favor, not the other way around,” Barnaby reminded him. “But if you’re still unsure and it gets really bad, or you feel overwhelmed then squeeze my hand and I’ll handle it.” 

They walked back over to the stage and got fitted for the mics. He could tell Kotetsu was still nervous and reached over to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. 

“That certainly went better than it did in my head,” Kotetsu said as he got changed. “No one followed us back to your apartment with torches and pitchforks.” He leaned back against the headboard and folded his hands together over his stomach. 

“No one is going to follow us with pitchforks and torches,” Barnaby walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “And if someone tried, you know I wouldn’t let them hurt you. Either of you.” He put his hand over Kotetsu’s. “You’re not…feeling unsafe are you?” 

“No, no of course not,” Kotetsu sat up. “I was only thinking about when we came out about our relationship and how the company was worried it was going to hurt our brand you know? You were the bachelor Prince and suddenly you’re taken up with me. And now we’re throwing a baby into that mix.”

“You’re starting to sound like you’re worried about my image going forward, when it’s still our image,” Barnaby smiled amused. He leaned in and gave him a kiss. “You worry too much. And that’s not good for either of you.” 

“I blame the hormones,” Kotetsu shrugged. 

“Well we should get to bed. We’ve still got a couple more days of running around before we get some well deserved time off and I thought we could take a drive out to the house and get a general layout of the place since I haven’t actually seen it yet.” He stood up and turned out the main light before getting into bed. 

“I still can’t believe you were willing to buy it without seeing it,” Kotetsu laid down and pulled the covers up. 

“You saw it, and you and Kaede seem to love it and that’s enough for me,” Barnaby turned out the lamp and tugged him in closer. 

“One day, you’re gonna slip up and not be so perfect, and I will be there when that day comes,” Kotetsu wrapped his arm around him. “I hope you know that.” 

“Go to sleep,” he chuckled. 

Chapter Text

Nine

Kotetsu reached over and put his hand over Barnaby’s leg giving it a small squeeze. “Watching you do that is making me nauseous…and I already have a full bladder on top of that.” 

“Sorry, sorry,” Barnaby apologized and sighed. “But what’s taking them so long? Our appointments at 2 and-” 

“It’s 1:55  because someone insisted on getting here extra early,” Kotetsu reminded him. He smiled. “It’s cute seeing you so nervous.” 

“I’m not nervous. I’m excited, we get to hear the heartbeat today,” Barnaby told him. 

“Better late than never,” Kotetsu agreed. “Crap, no Bunny, I didn’t mean it like that.” He set down the magazine he was reading and shifted in his seat. “I know we’ve had to reschedule a few times.” 

“Ten but who’s counting,” Barnaby replied. 

“You want to be there for every appointment, I get it, and if that means we have to reschedule our appointments in between idiots robbing banks, or hijacking trains, then we reschedule. I don’t mind it Bunny. Really.” 

“You’re the one doing all the hard work and it’s me getting all the accommodations,” Barnaby sighed and brought his hand up to kiss it. 

“I dunno...being able to have our appointments at the least busiest time, barely any people around, with explicit rules on not taking pictures of us while we’re here has been a pretty nice accommodation,” Kotetsu mused. 

“Are you nervous?” Barnaby asked as he stroked his thumb. 

“Of course I am,” Kotetsu nodded. “Also trying not to focus too much on how full my bladder is right now, but I’m nervous, and excited.” He bit his lip. “Speaking of, I’ve been meaning to ask. Have you given any thoughts as to whether or not you want to know what we’re having? Before they’re born?”

“What do you want?” Barnaby asked. 

“I asked you first,” Kotetsu answered. 

Barnaby huffed out a laugh and rolled his eyes. "Agnes keeps bringing up the idea of a scavenger hunt and making it into a HeroTV special. Probably involve the others in the escapade.” 

“Could be fun,” Kotetsu nudged him. “Watching you run all over the city looking for clues. Ooh maybe Kaede could be a part of it you know? We could have her hold the final clue.”

“Keep it up and I’ll start to think you’re in on the planning already,” Barnaby joked and shrugged. “I could go either way. Finding out before, finding out after.”

“I think I want to know beforehand,” Kotetsu admitted. “I’ve had enough surprises for one lifetime, maybe even two at this point. The suspense of it all.”

“You can be impatient,” Barnaby mused. 

“Hey, held out for you didn’t I?” Kotetsu reminded him. “I feel like that speaks to my willingness to be patient.”

“Fair point,” Barnaby agreed. 

“Mr. Kaburagi, Mr. Books, Dr. Fields is ready for you,” the nurse smiled. “If you’ll just follow me.” 

Barnaby stood up and helped Kotetsu to his feet as they followed the nurse to the room. Kotetsu sat on the table and leaned back while Barnaby took the empty seat next to him. 

“Good afternoon gentleman,” Dr. Fields smiled as he walked into the room. “How are the two of you doing today?” 

“Little nervous, but otherwise no complaints,” Kotetsu replied. 

“Nervous, but good,” Barnaby nodded.

“Wonderful,” Dr. Fields smiled. “Now, I did warm up the gel a little bit beforehand, but it still might be a little bit cold. Just a bit of a warning.” 

Kotetsu nodded and rolled up his sweater. He shivered a little as the gel was smeared onto his stomach and watched the screen. 

“Everything looks good, and oh, well this is a surprise.” 

“Is everything alright?” Barnaby frowned. 

Dr. Fields turned the screen for them to see. “Yes, in fact, I’d say double congratulations are in order. It’s still a little early to tell, but it looks like the two of you are having twins.” 

“Twins?” Kotetsu blinked in surprise. 

“There isn’t too much to see right now, but this little shape here, and this one here are the two embryo’s,” the doctor explained. “And this,” he pressed a few keys, “is their heartbeat.” 

“O-Oh, wow,” Barnaby stared at the screen even as the sound of their babies heartbeat filled the small space. 

“Nice and strong,” Dr. Fields smiled. He turned off the monitor and the sound and got Kotetsu a few tissues to wipe off his stomach and printed off a few scans. “I’ll have the nurse bring you in a copy on a disk that way you’ll have a digital version as well. And then I’ll just need to take a few blood samples and we can get you two on your way.” 

“Blood samples?” Barnaby frowned as he set up. 

“Perfectly normal and safe,” the doctor assured him. “With age comes certain factors that we have to keep an eye on. Blood pressure, health. And this way we can also run any tests that may detect if there’s anything wrong with the baby’s themselves.” 

“It’s routine Bunny,” Kotetsu sat up and pulled his shirt back down. “Tomoe had to do it when she was pregnant with Kaede though…she didn’t have to worry about the age thing.” 

“I don’t anticipate any surprises, with your history as a hero I’m aware of the routine physicals, this just helps us monitor anything that could potentially crop up during the pregnancy itself.” 

“We understand,” Kotetsu nodded. 

“Did you know it’s possible to get gestational diabetes?” Barnaby frowned. “And anemia? And-” 

“Bunny, put the book down,” Kotetsu told him. 

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Barnaby handed him some napkins. “How’s your blood pressure?” 

“You heard the nurse, it was good,” Kotetsu shrugged. 

“It says it can be a higher risk when you carry twins…” Barnaby continued. “What’s pre-”

Kotetsu grabbed the book from him and closed it, putting it on his other side. “Enough. Bunny, I’m fine. The babies are fine. You heard the doctor. The blood is just routine. He doesn’t expect anything to come back abnormal. You’ll make yourself sick if you keep reading that stuff.” 

“But it’s informational,” Barnaby replied. “We should be aware of these things.” 

Kotetsu sighed and set down his hot dog and wiped his hands. “And I had just gotten comfortable too.” He got up and moved, sitting in the blonds lap and wrapping his arms around his neck cupping his cheek. 

“Barnaby, you need to take a step back, and a deep breath,” he instructed. “The step back part was figurative but the deep breath part was literal.” 

Barnaby took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

“Good, now another one,” he told him. 

Barnaby took another deep breath and wrapped his arms around the other man. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, or them. We knew going in that this wasn’t going to be easy since you are…older, but twins?” 

“Don’t think about that right now,” Kotetsu shook his head and stroked Barnaby’s hair. “What are you feeling in this moment right now? Don’t think, just say the first thing that comes to mind.” 

“I’m happy,” Barnaby answered. “Happier than I thought I could ever find myself being. We got to hear their heartbeats, and see them. And as happy as I am...I’m scared. Like it’s all going to be ripped out from under me again before I have a chance to realize how much I wanted it. Want them.” 

“I know,” Kotetsu hugged him and continued to stroke his hair. “I know it’s scary. And at times downright terrifying, but right now. At this moment there is nothing to worry about. We weren’t even expecting one baby, but to find out we’re having two? I’m really regretting my choice of words and the phrase ‘curveball’ but this isn’t anything we can’t handle right?” 

He leaned in and gave Barnaby a kiss as the blond pulled away and pressed their foreheads together. “And haven’t you realized by now that you’re stuck with me? I have no intention of going anywhere. We have no intention of going anywhere.” 

“There you go again, tending to me,” Barnaby sighed with a small smile. 

“You can talk to me about whatever you’re feeling about this,” Kotetsu reminded him. “You know that right?” 

“I know,” Barnaby put his hand over the swell over Kotetsu’s abdomen. “I didn’t mean to get carried away…” 

“It’s alright,” Kotetsu reached for the rest of his hot dog. “I suppose that does lower the chances of a home birth huh?” He snickered and kissed Barnaby’s cheek. “I’m teasing Bunny. I’m teasing. I don’t think either one of us has enough nerves of steel for that. Hospital will suit me just fine. And I want all the drugs.” 

“They say natural is better,” Barnaby stole one of his fries. 

“Which one of us is going to be physically bringing not one, but two beings into this world hmm?” Kotetsu raised an eyebrow. 

“I’ll be sure to remind the doctor,” Barnaby nodded. 

“See Bunny? You’re learning,” Kotetsu smiled. “Now, will you please, please stop reading those books? For my peace of mind and yours?” 

“I promise to read them out of your eyeline or when you’re sleeping,” Barnaby amended. “Only because they do have some good advice and some practical information. And I won’t read them before bed.” 

“Thank you Bunny, and stop eating my fries,” Kotetsu tried to swat his hand away. 

“I’ll get you more,” Barnaby told him. “After all, you’re eating for three.” 

“Twins…” Kotetsu put his hand over Barnaby’s. “Really living up to your nickname.”