Chapter Text
When Barnaby woke up that morning the first thing he noticed was that his head felt ten times heavier than usual. Fortunately, after yesterday's party Lloyds had given Tiger and him a day off to rest. Barnaby groaned at the reminder of the party and guilt started to come back. He certainly didn't expect Kotetsu to suddenly confess.
Sure, they had a nice time together arresting criminals and racking up points. After a while, Barnaby was sure they even enjoyed their time together outside of work too. There would be no need for all those nights spent at restaurants and bars together if they didn't. But more than that? A.. relationship? Was that what Kotetsu wanted from him? No, that was just not possible.
But then.. he had seen his former partner cry last night.
It had been an awful experience. A part of him had wanted to comfort him, to hug him or do anything to make him feel better, to stop his tears. But a more rational part of him knew that it would only make things more difficult for both of them, so he didn't. He had clenched his fists so hard, trying to keep his hands to himself, that his fingers went numb while his partner's tears rolled down his cheeks.
Just as he was recalling those memories, a new worry made its way to his mind. What if this changed everything? Would they no longer spend time together? call each other whenever one of them was sick? patrol the city together on their days off? tease each other about anything that could come up to their minds? text each other even when they had nothing to say? Maybe it was selfish but Barnaby didnt't want to loose Kotetsu's friendship. He was the most important person in his life. He was his best friend. The thought of it ending made his head hurt even more and a strange tightness on his chest was now annoying him.
Groaning, Barnaby finally decided to get out of bed. As those thoughts ran freely through his head, Barnaby went over his morning routine: brushing his teeth, showering, getting dressed, styling his hair (that was important, he wouldn't skip it) and having breakfast. Even if he didn't need to work today, his routine proved efficient in calming him down. He was glad he had just finished taking a sip of his orange juice when Kotetsu's name appeared on his text notifications. Otherwise he was sure he would have choked.
Kotetsu-san: hey bunny
Before he could even try to reply, he received another message.
Kotetsu-san: hows ur head? u drank a bunch yesterday
That was just like Kotetsu.. asking about him even when he looked so sad, so devasted because of him just a night before. Barnaby's grip on his phone tightened a little with guilt.
Barnaby: Good morning, Kotetsu-san. I'm feeling a lot better. Thank you.
Kotetsu-san: thats good bunny
Kotetsu-san: just wanted to let u know i got an offer from the academy! as a counselor, just as planned. thought i had to let u know!
Barnaby could easily picture Kotetsu as a counselor of the Academy in his mind. His warm (and sometimes annoying) nature could be exactly what young heroes in training needed to face the fears that the job would surely evoke in them. He could also picture Kotetsu's lame speeches on what a hero should be inspiring some of them and making others scoff. That made him smile. It was a perfect job for Kotetsu.
Barnaby: That's amazing, Kotetsu-san! Congratulations! I know you'll be able to help so many young students. How about drinks to celebrate? On me.
For a few minutes there was no response and it made Barnaby's stomach hurt. The smile on his face that had appeared as they texted was slowly disappearing. His foot began tapping against the floor of his apartment. It was a habit of his whenever he got nervous or anxious. Kotetsu used to make fun of it at first, saying it resembled too much to an angry rabbit.
Kotetsu-san: instead of drinks, would u like to have lunch with me? i dont want to stay up too late
Kotetsu-san: tomorrow is my first day at the academy u know? an old man needs to rest!
Kotetsu-san: lets meet at 4. that korean place a few blocks from ur place.
All the tension seemed to suddenly disappear from Barnaby's body at the sight of Kotetsu's messages. WIth a little chuckled he nodded to himself.
Barnaby: Got it. Old men do need more rest, that's true. See you there, Kotetsu-san.
Maybe it won't all be so bad after all. They could remain friends! Kotetsu didn't seem any different. It was going to be alright.