Work Text:
Hey there, lil Bunny! Looks like I missed ya again. Welcome to the neighborhood though. Enjoy the cookies. -Kotetsu from 408
Please never refer to me as Bunny ever again.
Hey now, I don’t actually know your name, and the helmet on your bike has these things from the side. It look like a rabbit, y’know. So hence, the nickname. I get that a nickname from a stranger can seem a bit patronizing, but I’m trying hard not to be a stranger!! Anyways, sorry that I offended you. You didn’t need to return the cookies though. I know they’re store-bought, trust me they’re for the better. You know what, I’ll make it up to you. I make a mean omelet, or even better fried rice. Come on over for breakfast, or dinner when you can. The landlord’s a leech, we renters should have an united front. -Kotetsu
If you’re the owner of the green motorcycle in the garage space next to mine, please park it firmly within your space next time. I’m sorry about the damage though. It was my fault. I’ll pay for it as soon as I get my next paycheck. -Barnaby Brooks
YOU FUCKING WRECKED MY BIKE YOU ASS! WHAT THE FUCK! HOW ON EARTH AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO WORK? AND YOU GIVE ME YOUR DAMNED PHONE NUMBER AT LEAST!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Text me an hour before you go to work. I’ll drop you, until yours gets fixed. -BBJ
To: Unknown number
is this the asshole from 409?
From: Unknown number
My name is Barnaby.
When do you leave for work?
To: Asshat from 409
fuck you. im only agreeing to let u take me cuz im desperate.
i leave at 8. my shift starts at 9.
its at apollon. u know the place?
From: Asshat from 409
Yes. I will meet you at parking in 8.
To: Asshat from 409
wait a sec.
is that u in the red jacket
dude.
srsly??????
u have a sidecar????
wtf who even has that. what r u a superhero vigilante from the 60s???
does that make me the sidekick???
uh,.no.
bunny srsly wtf
From: Asshat from 409
Once again, my name is Barnaby.
It's 8. you're late.
To: Asshat from 409
shit.
From: Asshat from 409
What time do you get off?
To: Asshat from 409
whatsit to u
From: Asshat from 409
I'll pick you up.
To: Asshat from 409
huh.
u don't have to do that.
i have a pal who lives like 10 mins away.
he gets off work at the same time
he can drop me.
or ill take the bus.
From: Asshat from 409
It's still a 20 minute walk from the bus stop.
I'll take you home.
Tell me when.
To: 409 less evil
ugh.
fine.
only cuz antonio that jerk is too busy rn.
i get out at 6.
From: 409 less evil
I'll be there.
Bunny,
I don't know how to thank you. Kaede is my literal heart. She's…well, everything. You took on a huge risk to save her and I'm. Well, I don't have words. I owe you a blood debt. Please come over for a meal sometime. I see the amount of takeout you order. A home cooked meal once in a while is the least I can offer you.
Kotetsu
From: 409 less evil
Have you been going around telling the neighbors about that fiasco with your daughter?
To: Bunny
um.
no?
kaede did tell most the kids in the building tho.
and i might have said a few words to 309 so they stop bothering u.
i mean ur a hero. they can deal with u pacing around occasionally.
From: Bunny
You're making way too big a deal out of this.
To: Bunny
u saved my daughter's life. im not making a big enough deal!!!
From: Bunny
I really didn't.
Anyone in my place would have done the same.
It didn't even cost me anything.
To: Bunny
you rushed into midday traffic!!!
no not everyone would have done the same.
and honestly idc it wasnt anyone. it was u.
so shut up and take my gratitude
From: Bunny
And you took that kid's mom's gratitude real well, I suppose?
To: Bunny
what kid are u talking abt here?
From: Bunny
The one you caught.
Unlike me, you did get hurt, didn't you?
To: Bunny
okay fine. we're a regular pot and kettle u and me.
but im still thankful
never said im not a hypocrite now did i
To: Bunny
what do u do?
From: Bunny
Excuse me?
To: Bunny
what do u do for a living?
From: Bunny
I don't see how that's any of your business.
To: Bunny
hm.
you keep odd hours.
there's no privacy in this damned building.
i just have to take a look out my window to know if ur lights are on ur not.
i wake up in the middle of the night to find ur lights still on man.
either u sleep with ur lights on.
which. man get a night light. save on electricity.
or u stay awake deep into the night.
u drag urself out of bed to get me to work.
i see ur dots. dont bother.
i know u get up early for me.
ur bike would always be in the garage in the morning when i left.
u know before.
u dont have to u know.
i told u. ur forgiven.
From: Bunny
I believe in taking responsibility for my actions.
To: Bunny
well. uh.
thats chivalrous of u bunny.
but that brings me to my second point of note.
u don't have fixed salary
From: Bunny
What makes you think that, old man?
To: Bunny
old man??????????
excuse u. im barely 35.
From: Bunny
Old.
To: Bunny
ill have u know
35 isnt even middle aged
what is this ageism
the sheer audicity of u
im so fucking offended.
i will be poisoning u whenever u come over for that meal. fuck u
ur the one who types like an old man
From: Bunny
LOL
To: Bunny
did u just.
From: Bunny
As hilarious as your meltdown is, could you go back to how you decided I don't have fixed wages, please? I'm intrigued.
To: Bunny
oh u said ud pay for my bike's repairs once u got paid.
aside from being someone who takes responsibility, ur a man of ur word too
so yeah
u have a weird job
what are u some sort of free lancer?
From: Bunny
I'm a private investigator
To: Bunny
how did u make me feel that sigh of resignation thru texts
is that part of ur p.i. magic
From: Bunny
I must say you have some investigator magic yourself.
You're very observant.
Can't say that's not a quality I appreciate.
To: Bunny
hehe thanks
but omg for real tho
kaede is gonna lose her shit
From: Bunny
….
Why?
To: Bunny
tween reasons
Dear Kaede,
Thank you for the drawing and the invitation. You’re very talented. I would love to come see you skate. Please have your dad text me the time and location. I’m nowhere near as good as you, but I attached a little drawing of you and your dad with this note too.
-Barnaby
From: Bunny
[Attached video]
My phone’s camera is infinitely better than the piece of shit you still insist on using.
To: Bunny
holy shit. ur right.
thanks for filming this, bunny. really means a lot.
but what did u think of my Kaede?
isn’t she amazing?
From: Bunny
She was wonderful.
I didn’t know they had kids her age doing such complicated jumps.
She pulled them off so flawlessly too.
To: Bunny
i didnt know u were so interested on ice skating
u were muttering abt the judges and the scoring system.
u were louder than u thought lmao i heard u
From: Bunny
I’m really not all that into it
I just...looked it up after Kaede invited me
I’m an investigator, okay?
I look up things.
To: Bunny
Thats surprisingly adorable of u lil bunny.
From: Bunny
Stop making fun of me!
To: Bunny
im not im not
promise
It really is sweet
Thanks
u really made Kaede’s day
From: Bunny
It was honestly my pleasure.
She made my day, if I’m being honest.
To: Bunny
how abt both of u make my day and eat the food i worked so hard to make.
From: Bunny
I couldn’t impose on you like that.
To: Bunny
Bunny. im not kidding.
come over for dinner.
From: Bunny
Okay
Kaede and Kotetsu-san,
Thank you for dinner.
-BBJ
To: Bunny
BUNNYYYYYY!!!!!
YOU BASTARD I DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD COOK
AND SO WELL TOO?
WHY DID U LET ME FEED YOU MY AWFUL COOKING FOR SO LONG?
From: Bunny
oh.
You enjoyed the rice then.
I'm glad.
I wanted to try my hand at cooking after dinner last week.
Figured I owed you.
To: Bunny
oh shut up.
u don't owe me shit
But seriously tho!! it was so good
why'd u run away after ringing the bell tho?
u shoulda come in and we could have had dinner together
From: Bunny
I wasn’t sure if you'd like it.
You’re too nice to throw it out in front of me even if it was inedible or something
I never cooked for anyone before, I don't exactly know the etiquette.
Bsides, what do you mean your “AWFUL” cooking?
Your food is wonderful.
To: Bunny
hqldhshaloeb bunny ur adorable
To: Bunny
Hey bunny, im not going to work today.
From: Bunny
Alright. You’re not sick, are you?
to: Bunny
Nah. Im fine. Just had some vacation time i thought i oughta use up. Im taking this week off
From: Bunny
I see. Are you planning on going anywhere?
A vacation might be nice.
From: Bunny
There’s a new bakery around the corner, did you notice?
[attached photo]
They make cookies shaped like paws.
From: Bunny
Do you need me to pick up Kaede from skating practice?
To: Bunny
Sorry for not responding. I fell asleep
No its fine. Kaede isnt going for the next two weeks
From: Bunny
Oh.
Why, if I might ask?
To: Bunny
shes at the countryside for her semester break
with my mother and brother
spends time with my wife’s family too
From: Bunny
Ah that sounds nice.
To: Bunny
Yeah, kaede loves it it’s good for her .
Enjoy!
-BBJ
From: Bunny
I left a plate for you outside your door in case your sleepy head didnt hear the doorbell.
To: Bunny
i got it
Thanks!
From: Bunny
[attached image]
I’m getting a Begonia
[attached image]
[attached image]
Some cacti and succulent too
The shop owner is suggesting I get some pothos too
[attached image]
To: Bunny
they look nice
would liven up the place
i got the cupcakes btw
thanks
u really didnt have to
From: Bunny
Help me pick which pot to get if you’re really grateful
[attached image]
[attached image]
The second one costs more. I can’t tell if it’s worth it.
From: Bunny
Do you wanna come out with me?
I’m going to the beach
Would love some company.
I will even let you drive the bike.
To: Bunny
beach sounds nice
but im not sure if i’d be very good company at the moment
From: Bunny
That’s alright. We don’t have to talk.
Just come with me for a walk.
It’s quiet there. Just a good place to watch the sea from.
To: Bunny
okay yeah that sounds good.
From: Bunny
I let myself in this morning. Left you some curry on the counter.
To: Bunny
thanks bunny, it was delicious.
To: Bunny
im going out for a drink with a few friends
come with?
From: Bunny
Won’t it be strange to have me there?
To: Bunny
nah, i talk abt u all the time
they all wanna meet u.
From: Bunny
I’m not sure that’s a good idea
To: Bunny
please, bunny?
From: Bunny
Fine.
When?
To: Bunny
once again, your ability to make people feel sighs through the phone is impressive.
we can leave at 5!
To: Bunny
Hey bunny
uh, are we gonna talk about last night?
From: Bunny
No
To: Bunny
are you sure that’s a good idea?
From: Bunny
Kotetsu-san please
Let’s not, okay?
To: Bunny
alright.
Kaede is getting back today!
I missed my baby so much
I bet she got taller
From: Bunny
in two weeks?
I doubt it’d be noticeable
To: Bunny
a Father always notices!!!
From: Bunny
Sure.
To: Bunny
come over for dinner and you’ll see
From: Bunny
I don’t want to intrude.
To: Bunny
aw bun-bun you’re always welcome
From: Bunny
Kotetsu-san what the fuck
To: Bunny
okay no i see it ew gross
what was that
From: Bunny
My thoughts exactly.
To: Bunny
now pls come to dinner so i never have to repeat anything like that ever again
From: Bunny
If you swear by it, I’ll even bring some of that ice cream Kaede likes.
From:: Bunny
I got a case.
To: Bunny
Congratulations!
damn is it hard for a P.I. to get jobs these days?
From: Bunny
Not really. Im just picky
We can finally get your bike repaired.
To: Bunny
oh right
i actually forgot abt that
From: Bunny
Aww I knew it. you do like the sidecar.
To: Bunny
yeah fuck u too
but srsly tho bunny
u doing ok financially?
From: Bunny
Yes, I’m fine.
To: Bunny
sure?
i mean. theres no hurry w me. im around
if u have been without work for so long…
From: Bunny
No, really. I’m fine.
I have a good amount of inheritance.
If I watch my spending, I have enough to make rent and have groceries for a few years.
To: Bunny
oh alright then
i gotta say i did miss my bike.
From: Bunny
[Attached Image]
Kotetsu-san isn’t that you?
To: Bunny
oh yeah that is me
dang that must be like 10 yr ago
Whered u find that
From: Bunny
Told you I had a case.
To: Bunny
oh yeah!
I hope thats going well btw. Kaede and i miss u
From: Bunny
Don’t you change the subject on me
You never told me you were part of the sternbuild heroes agency
To: Bunny
sorry
it was a long time ago.
i should have said something when u brough being a pi
just felt awkward ig? i dont know how to bring it up
come over for dinner and ill telll you about it.
if u have time that is. kaede really does miss you
From: Bunny
I was over for breakfast like 2 days ago.
To: Bunny
Well okay fuck
Bunny ur killing me here
From: Bunny
???
To: Bunny
okay fine. ill spell it out for ya
I really miss u
we barely got to talk even when u did come over.
no pressure or anything. I get it. work and shit.
but if u have time, lets have dinner together. Catch up. ill tell you about Tomoe and my days in the agency.
From: Bunny
I miss you too
I’ll bring the good wine.
From: Bunny
Thank you for telling me about her.
[attached image]
I found some more pictures of Tomoe-san.
Thought you might want them.
To: Bunny
Thank you.
To: Bunny
Bunny oh my fucking god
[attached image]
is that you?
From: Bunny
No
To: Bunny
oh my god it is
oh my fucking god im wheezing
im dying
im actually dying oh dear lord this is priceless
From: Bunny
Glad to know my horrendously humiliating outfit amuse you
To: Bunny
oh my gooood
its not just me
i showed kaede she’s dying too. this is gold
From: Bunny
Why must you do this to my dignity?
To: Bunny
man u just made our day.
what is up with the outfit anyway
From: Bunny
Client’s request
To: Bunny
You stalking someone to a circus
From: Bunny
Yes actually.
To: Bunny
……
wanna go out for drinks and tell me about it.
From: Bunny
With the way today’s going fuck yes.
To: Bunny
we’re still not gonna talk about it?
From: Bunny
Please.
I can’t.
To: Bunny
okay.
lets talk about the Ivan’s new boyfriend then.
cuz that dude. Total ass.
From: Bunny
What did he do?
To: Bunny
im calling you. this is some premium gossip
To: Bunny
[attached video]
my phone is not as nice urs but i filmed kaede’s recital for u
shes eager to know what u thought
From: Bunny
im really sorry i missed it
Tell kaede she was brilliant
To: Bunny
Bunny you okay?
From: Bunny
Fine. why?
To: Bunny
no reason. just a hunch
u know u can talk to me right
From: Bunny
Keep your damn hunches to yourself.
Sorry that was uncalled for.
Im just a bit stressed.
To: Bunny
think nothing of it.
just. im here.
whatever u need.
To: Bunny
[attached image]
look its u
NEVERMIND
dammit i couldnt get a picture the bastard hopped away
It looked even more like u than this one
To: Bunny
so yuri from 5th floor has a cat
ud never guess.
Ive been up there like a billion times. but i literally never saw her
but today she has been Kind to me
by Kind i meant she tore up shirtsleeve
To: Bunny
i hope u have a good day at work today
To: Bunny
did u come home last night?
ur bike wasnt there when i came home at like 11
Its not here even now
wait im so sorry now im being nosy
im not ur dad haha bad habit
From: Bunny
Have you been breaking into my apartment?
To: Bunny
oh hello burnaby how r u?
From: Bunny
Kotetsu-san, are u breaking into my apartment.
To: Bunny
im good too thanks for asking
From: Bunny
Im serious. Its either u or someone else breaking into my apartment to water my plants.
To: Bunny
well someone had to do it. u were this close to killing pothos!!
do u know how hard that is?
From: Bunny
So it was you.
How are you even getting in??
To: Bunny
parkour through the balcony
From: Bunny
No.
WTf there’s like a foot gap between our balconies.
U can seriously hurt urself
To: Bunny
awww u do care
i was kidding i found ur spare key
Its really not safe to just have it under the rug
From: Bunny
Apparently
I better hide it better or my batshit neighbor will continue to break in and water my plants and take out my trash
To: Bunny
if u actually spent a little time at home u would also notice the plethora of food i put in ur fridge
only for it go bad in there
srsly bunny have u been eating well?
uh ur partner, r they being good to u?
From: Bunny
what partner?
To: Bunny
well u havent been home. i assumed u were at a partner’s?
From: Bunny
No such thing. Ive just been….out. Working.
To: Bunny
working so hard that u havent had time to come home?
bunny
u rlly gotta take better care of urself
From: Bunny
you dont have to do this y’know
ive been fine all these years
To: Bunny
yea i know i dont have to like u didnt have to bring me food and do my laundry back in summer
From: Bunny
You dont owe me anything
To: Bunny
i want to tho
i want to take care of u
cuz i care abt u
From
Did i ever tell u that my parents were murdered when i was 5
To: Bunny
jesus bunny im so sorry
From: Bunny
Sorry that was a weird way to put it
I never know whats the appropriate way to tell ppl
To: Bunny
I dont think there is a good way to speak of loss
im sorry. u must miss them
From: Bunny
I do.
I barely even remember them but i miss them so much
does that even make sense?
They passed around this time.
on christmas eve actually
I cant stand to be home this time of year.
Or outside really
so yeah im just working
To: Bunny
It makes perfect sense to miss them
They were ur parents u loved them
im sorry
From: Bunny
Thank you
for caring about me.
I think I’m gonna mess it up now.
But I kinda don't regret it.
I think I’m in love with you.
Kotetsu never went this far over the speed limit in his life. He was by no means a law-abiding citizen, that ship had sailed early into his youth. But desperation pushed him to throw caution to the wind. He raced through the empty streets of Sternbuild, ignoring both traffic laws and common sense. He needed to get to Barnaby.
He sped his bike up even more as the landing overlooking the stripe of beach Barnaby brought him to all those months ago came into view. The seafloor was too rocky in the area for it to be safe to swim, and the city had other beaches. So there were so few people around that Kotetsu felt like they were the only two people on earth. They walked along the shoreline for hours in comfortable silence, content to let the ocean nip at their ankles. Barnaby had pointed out this landing to him then, quietly telling him that that landing over there was his favorite spot in the city, that when he needed to think he’d go there and look at the sea from afar.
Sure enough, Kotetsu could make out a silhouette leaning against what clearly had to be another bike. The single lamp post didn’t do much to illuminate the figure, but it didn’t need to. Kotetsu would know Barnaby anywhere.Barnaby must have heard the roar of Kotetsu's engine, because he was facing Kotetsu, when his motorcycle skidded to a stop.
“Kotetsu-san, what are you--” Barnaby was cut off by Kotetsu all but throwing himself on to him.
“Bunny, you little,” Kotetsu all but sobbed into Baranaby’s shoulders, “I was worried sick, you little shit.”
Baranby returned the embrace somewhat confusedly. “I’m sorry I worried you. But I’m fine, really…”
Kotetsu pulled away to look him in the eye,“Why the hell did you turn off your phone you dumbass?”
“I…didn’t?”
“I’ve been calling you for half an hour non-stop!”
“I…wait a second,” Barnaby patted his pockets for a second before pulling out his phone. He tried to turn on the screen, but the screen remained dark. “Oh,” he said, before beginning to laugh.
Kotetsu threw his arms in the air. “oh he says. Stop laughing, you jerk, you gave me a heart attack!”
“I’m sorry,” Barnaby managed between fits of laugh, “It’s just, oh my god, I can’t breathe. It’s just..”
Kotetsu found a laugh building up in him too, now that desperate fear had begun to leave his body. “Stop laughing!” He said, as he joined in.
It took minutes for them to calm down. But Kotestsu really couldn’t bring himself to care. There was something so bright about Barnaby’s laughter, he could probably live in it. Joining in was as much human instinct as it was conscious choice. When the laughter finally stopped, Kotetsu could barely feel his face.
“I was so sure,” Barnaby continued through the last fit of giggles, “I was so sure you just left me on read when there was no text chime. I shoved it in my pocket after that last text…I didn’t even realize when the battery died.”
“Bastard,” Kotetsu wheezed.
“I was, I was so sure.” Barnaby said, and Kotestsu felt the air between them change again. “I am so sure that you don’t feel the same way about me.”
Kotestsu took a step closer, “What makes you so sure?”
“I kissed you.”
“And then ran away.”
Barnaby shook his head and looked to his feet. He said, “But then I kissed you again.”
“And then ran away again. Refused to talk about it afterwards too, if I might add.”
“I would know. I would just know if you felt the same way.”
“Yeah, okay. You didn’t.” Kotetsu said, stepping closer again, “This is why people tend to have these conversations face to face, y’know.”
Barnaby finally looked up again. His eyes were wide with fear, and wild with the beginnings of hope. “You…”
“Me,” Kotetsu agreed happily, reaching up to place his ungloved, cold hands on Barnaby’s exposed neck. Neither of them were dressed right for the weather. “Say, Bunny, you didn’t take anything, did you?”
“Anything…?”
“Like drugs or something. I don’t smell alcohol on you.”
“No. Why would I--’
“Good. I want you to remember. I love you.” Kotetsu said. “I love you a whole lot, I think.”
Barnaby stopped breathing entirely. The hope in his eyes had bloomed into an alive thing now, if Kotetsu had to name it, he might call it something like love. God, Kotetsu hoped it was love.
“I love you too.” Barnaby finally said.
“So we love each other,” Kotetsu grinned, “now, would you mind terribly if we kissed?”