soul_logs | [Event] Clinic!

[As much of a stubborn person as Kotetsu could be, there's a point where even he just sort of says, "to hell with it" and decides that he's more than okay with being pushed around, and that moment occurred a few hours ago when he'd let himself be convinced to head over to the clinic to get bandaged up while Barnaby rested in their apartment. They'd switch off eventually, as soon as he got back... which he really didn't want to but he knew that if he snuck out he'd be caught pretty easily and he'd have a very angry partner on his hands again, and he really didn't feel like being yelled at. Kotetsu was just about worn ragged from the efforts he'd put against all those damn killer insects and zombies and unfortunately at some point he'd gotten a little over his head, resulting in a very nasty confrontation with an ant whose acid managed to graze his arm. Thankfully the damage wasn't too bad and it's not like he wasn't used to pain but, damn did it still hurt!

Some bandages he'd put on himself was all he really needed though (actually not, but it wasn't a big deal. He was alive and could still walk so obviously he didn't need to properly see a doctor or anything) and as soon as he was done he was already making his way out of the clinic, muffling a yawn behind his hand. He'd have to find a way to fool Barnaby into thinking he got properly treated but he wasn't sure how to do it.

Then, he stopped. Turned his head to the side and took a few backsteps. That grumpy girl a few feet away looked awfully familiar...]

[Chin in hand, her mood seemed to gather about her like storm clouds and the look she was giving out the window was positively murderous.

With no work to do there was nothing to distract herself, nothing to keep her mind from going back over certain--bad--things. She makes a frustrated noise and ruffles her own hair, before she feels the tell-tale pinpricks that tells her someone's eyes are on her.

She tenses and sits up some, looking... Her eyes fall on Kotetsu and after a brief moment of surprise Rei seems to perk up]

Oh! I wasn't expected to see you here! [She goes to raise her hand in greeting, then at the last second hesitates and drops it again. Her palm is splotched with ugly green-yellow bruises and she feels suddenly self-conscious about it]

[Kotetsu practically speed-walked his way over, ignoring the suspiciously irritated aura coming off of her in waves. He was never one to pay attention to someone's angry emotions. Oblivious forever and too distracted by his own never-ending childish energy. Besides, if she was mad then it wasn't as if he'd done anything wrong. Not to mention he could easily help to cheer her up.]

Same! Otherwise I would've brought something over, like flowers or some snacks!

[Ironically enough he'd been about to raise his own hand in greeting but his bandaged right arm remained where it was at his side. At the most he'd been able to lift it up a few inches but nope, that arm wasn't going to be of any use for a while longer. Realizing the equally embarrassing position they were both in Kotetsu just laughed it off and waved with his left hand, mentally making note of her injuries.]

You look like you've seen better days. Then again, you can probably say that about a lot of people lately.

Well, now that you know you can send me some later. [But she laughs] You don't actually have to, the thought is nice enough.

[She takes note of his injuries as well and debates grabbing a nurse later and asking to get some flowers sent to him; surely someone knows where his apartment is, right? There's a list around somewhere.

Her smile turns a little sad] Nepeta-- my weapon partner--got sent home just a couple days before this whole thing started. I didn't have time to find a new partner, so... I just borrowed [stole] a practice sword from Kaoru.

[Her sheepish expression gives away that she knows how reckless and dangerous that was] I wanted to be at least a little useful, and it worked well enough.

My hands aren't used to holding the sword that long though... [She eyes his arm again] What happened to you?

We're gettin' into a good habit of owing each other so I'll just add it to the list.

[His own expression falters at the news of her partner, watching her face closely as she continues talking. He'd actually been looking forward to meeting Nepeta after she'd been mentioned the first time they met. Seeing as they were the same type of weapon he was wondering about asking her some questions, maybe using it to his advantage on how to better make himself of use when it came to fighting and especially when he needed to work with Bunny. Maybe the day before would have worked out a lot better if he could better handle himself. At least he'd been the only one to get this hurt and not Barnaby.]

I remember you mentioned her before... sorry. [It was all he could think of to say, and he realized it wasn't much but he couldn't just not say anything about it. Kotetsu rubbed at the back of his neck, feeling just slightly helpless, especially as he focused on her injuries again. To have gotten so carried away to end up like this... it must have been a hell of a time for her lately. For everyone in the city really. If only he could do more...

As the focus was brought back to him he snapped back to attention. That's right, his injury. Reflexively Kotetsu reaches up to rub at his bandaged arm, putting on a sheepish smile.]

Ah, nothing much really! I bumped into that bug problem around the city a few too many times but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle with Bunny.

[That gets a laugh out of her. The lists will just keep getting longer and longer won't they; when are they going to collect?

She sees his expression falter and looks away as casually as possible feeling suddenly guilty for disappointing him. Her fingers find a loose thread on the blanket and her attention is absorbed in it.]

Thank you. [Because saying 'it's okay' would be a lie, and Rei favored being honest (brutally, even, at times) over lying. But her tone goes carefully flat, avoiding infliction] It's not the first time, but she did last the longest. [Which isn't to say she wouldn't miss her or was used to this or anything. Her brow furrows slightly and there's a sigh before she stops picking at the thread and looks up at him again.

Her tone regains its usual warmth] It sounds like the two of you are getting along well, I'm glad. Not many people can get a partner so quickly and work so well so fast.

Ah, but you come from the same world, don't you? That probably makes it easier. Still... [Mildly disapproving] I wish you'd be more careful. [NOT LIKE SHE SHOULD TALK but it's totally fine when it's her, okay]

[The extra tidbit makes it a little harder to keep smiling, obvious concern in his eyes. He had to wonder just how many times she'd been left behind like this, one partner after another gone. It really wasn't fair. If what they expected here for partnerships was about the same thing he had with Barnaby then he couldn't imagine what it'd be like for it to just be gone. ...well, he actually could. Even now he could.

Ugh, what is he doing depressing himself over things when he should be helping Rei out? For a second Kotetsu looks around to find something to sit in, catching sight of an empty chair which he pulls over. He makes sure to pull his injured arm over onto his lap before sitting as he's sure just keeping it where it was wouldn't be a good sight, especially with all her worry.]

We're doing pretty good, yeah. I mean it does help that we're partners back home and everything. Makes things kinda easier. Even if it's... kinda different. For once, Bunny needs more work than I do. Heh. [Kotetsu stares down at his hands to make sure she can't see how much it bothers him to be reminded of the gap between them. Even if they managed to settle their whole 'time difference' issue, there was still the fact that things weren't how they were supposed to be. They were partners, but the word meant something entirely different for both of them.

Before he can get himself too deep in his sulking Kotetsu looks back up and grins.]

When you're stuck in a place like this trying to take care of other people, it's hard to be careful, but I'll manage no problem! It's just natural for me, being a hero and all. Even at my age I've got some sturdiness left in me. I walked all the way here on my own, that counts as something right? Ah, except I sorta almost tripped once. Or was it twice?

[She settles back as he takes a seat, welcoming the distraction from her thoughts. Kotetsu seems to be good with that; it's hard to stay sad or moody for too long with the man around.

So she listens quietly, a little concerned before she connects the dots. She'd mentioned the time differences between people before and he'd been concerned about it--maybe him and Bunny had been who he'd been concerned about? She wants to ask, but-- Well, it didn't quite seem appropriate to right then.]

Well, from what I know of you, you'll be able to do it. You're persistent enough. [Her smile is kind.]

...A hero...? [While there are more than a few things for her to comment on there--scolding him for going on his own, for one-- that's the part that sticks out.]

[The words are enough to relax his shoulders as he leans back more comfortably into the chair. It's something he cherishes, his ability to stay strong against anything no matter how bad the situation is. Nothing ever gets him down for long even if it normally should. He has no time to get caught up in emotions or troubling events. It's all about going forward. Even if sometimes he really needs to just stop for a moment.]

Thanks.

--ah, I didn't mention that before? [A scratch of his cheek as he looks a little sheepish. He already knew by now that being a hero wasn't exactly commonplace but explaining it wasn't something he was used to. At least not without his mask. Not keeping up two identities was still a little difficult.] I swore I did.... can't keep track of anything nowadays I guess! But yeah, I'm a hero. Bunny is too.

[Said as if he were explaining the weather or professing his love for mayonnaise. Nothing odd, just a matter of fact.]

[She has to think about that a moment, brow furrowed slightly in confusion. A hero? It didn't sound like a brag--more like some sort of title, like the heroes in comic books.

Was that the type he meant?] Like...a superhero? [it's said slowly, not quite in disbelief because really she's heard stranger things before. But still, it was hard to picture Kotetsu running around a city in some kind of suit beating up bad guys. Not after stepping all over the frames at her gallery and admitting to tripping on his way to the clinic.]

Why do I have the feeling you cause a lot of collateral damage...

Yeah, like that! I got a lot of extra years on me but I'm still as good as when I first started.

[Just the smallest of pleased smiles on his face as he says that. And takes in the rest of what she just said...]

How did you--?! [Wait no, why is he admitting to that? It'll give him a bad image! Or a worse one than he's already given. Quick, time to back track.]

I-I mean... it's not that bad! I pay for everything!

...oi, that doesn't even matter anyways!

[Well that does it. Rei starts laughing, falling back against her pillows and pressing her hands to her face to muffle them. She can just picture Kotetsu bumbling around breaking things as he goes and yelling back that he promises to pay for it later as he continues running. It's clear in her mind and for a moment she laments that her talent in drawing hadn't better so she could get it down.

Rei's legit tearing up she's laughing so hard; clearly this laugh was something she needed (laughter is the best medicine, etc).

brb dying]

[The amount of flustered bristling that he's doing is just about off the charts and if this were any other person he's probably go into a long-winded tirade about how insulting this is and that obviously the damage he causes to buildings and trucks and public property and government statues and motorcycles and hotdog stands and what-have-you don't even compare to the lives of other people!!

But... she's not mad anymore, and after everything that had gone on in the city he wasn't quite sure how long it must have been since she'd felt this at ease and relaxed, how long it must have been since she'd been able to just laugh over the silly actions of some reckless old man. So secretly, he was actually pretty pleased and even amused about this whole turn of events. He'd just have to be a spoil-sport about it and try not to show it. Prolong her entertainment, just a little.

And so with an over-exaggerated huff and a pout, Kotetsu slouched down into his chair and mumbled grumpily.]

Yeah yeah, laugh it up. When you're my age we'll see how light on your feet you are. Tch, you know how hard it is not to shove a truck out of the way when someone's trying to shoot you to pieces? Really hard! I mean it just makes sense to make space. And at least I watch where I throw 'em! Sometimes... but then I think they were gonna remodel that building in the summer so it's no big loss.

[Her entire body aches, the laughter making her painfully aware of the bruises coloring her skin and with a quiet 'ow...' she gradually calms down, smiling never leaving her face.

She sits up and leans over, fingers curling around that iconic hat of his and sliding it off his head. No worries though, it's going to rest safely on her own head while she ruffles his hair affectionately.] Sulking like that isn't cute, you know.

[But her tone is warm and teasing and she shakes her head] I'm sure you're a great hero. There's something about you... that a revelation like that doesn't seem so surprising.

What's a few broken buildings so long as people are saved? They can be replaced; lives can't be. You've got a good heart.

[It might have sounded patronizing from someone else, but her words and her smile are genuine]

[He'd been prepared to keep up the act as long as possible until she reached over and snatched up his hat, and as he reached up his hand in reflex to try and get it back his hand froze in midair as she... ruffled his hair. And called him cute? Like he was some kid. ...sure was different to experience this from the other side.

Kotetsu was a little too surprised to say anything about it as he used his single useable hand as a protective barrier atop his head. But as if that wasn't enough to throw him off everything else that followed just about left him speechless enough to last the whole day.

During his entire career as a hero all he'd ever heard was complaint after complaint about his lack of ability to not break anything during a tough situation. Even Barnaby wasn't exactly that accepting of it, at least from what he last knew of from their situation back home (current!Barnaby was definitely more willing to yell his ear off about collateral damage). The only person who had ever understood the motivation for what he did was... Kotetsu quickly lowered his head, his smile small and hesitant, resembling that of an awkward child who had just received their first compliment.]

Ah. Thanks. That... means a lot.

[A laugh, low and warm and she moves her hand to the side of his face, leaning in to press her lips to his forehead. She lingers a moment, quietly encouraging, before leaning back with a smile]

That's a strange thing to say when someone's only telling the truth.

[Rei had always prided herself on being honest and straight-forward; saying things like this was natural for her, said as matter-of-factly as if declaring the sky was blue and the grass was green. Even though she was a good half his age (or so), he had an exuberance and youth that seemed to permeate from him in waves. It was infectious, making it impossible to be in a foul mood or sad state for too long when he was in high spirits.

So in a way it was refreshing to see him like this, a little flustered, serious and quiet, and Rei couldn't be sure if there was a side she liked better then the other. Perhaps, she mused, it was better not to choose and to just accept Kotetsu as a whole--she'd waste too much time trying to think it through anyway, and she had fun discovering and unraveling more of him every time they met.]

[And to top off everything, there was that. It was almost like he'd been burned and his hand slapped over his forehead in a soft smack, wide shocked eyes staring at her as if she'd just punched him in the face instead.

He'd never been quite sure what to think of Rei. Or, that wasn't the most accurate thing to say. He thought a lot of things about her. She was strong, she was stubborn, she was caring, hard-working to a ridiculous degree, thoughtful and emotional and damaged but still willing to fight through anything. The list was almost endless but not a single word fit her exactly. It was all of it bunched into one really. There was no way to pick, and so at this point, she was just a lot of something. It was almost too much to handle as he sputtered and struggled to find the right thing to say for the longest time until he just gave up and gave some sort of weird frustrated sound, but he couldn't help but smile as he did so.]

Dah! Next thing you know you're gonna be offering to hold my hand and take me back to my apartment! Treat your elders like your elders! --but I'll keep the compliments. My hat too!

Ah, should I begin looking for a nursing home for you then? There are some good ones in the area...

[She trails off with a chuckle and leans back again, one hand going up to protectively keep the hat to her head]

Do you remember how I told you breaking my things would come out of your paycheck? Consider this hat payment in lieu of that.

[Smile! She really does like to tease him--but come on, who doesn't? Kotetsu just makes it so easy.] I think I can wear it better anyhow. [She used to model, Kotetsu, can't touch dis.]

Aah! That's taking it too far! And I didn't even agree to that! Payments mean money, not clothes! What else are you gonna start taking from me, huh? My shoes? My toothbrush? Th-thief--!

[Without giving a single care about any kind of scene he'd be causing Kotetsu pointed and accusing finger her way.]

And it doesn't look good on you at all! It... it makes your head look... you look... it's lame! [A+ comeback.]

Oh? You'd rather pay me the thousands of dollars you owe me instead of just giving me your hat? I do like your shirt too... [She might be exaggerating on that money amount. But not the shirt; it is a nice shirt for him.

She's not sure what to think at first--nurses are starting to stare and whisper and Rei wonders if there are going to be some rumors flying around about them later-- but that comeback just amuses her all over again.

Really Kotetsu? COME ON YOU CAN DO BETTER THEN THAT.

But her lips form something of a pout, expression injured] You really don't think I look good in it...? [Alarm bells should be ringing, Kotetsu. Abort abort!]

There's no way it's that much! ...right? Right?

[Kotetsu's shoulders drooped, clutching protectively at the front of his shirt this time. He wouldn't allow that little pout to throw him off but it sure was hard to resist, especially now that he was noticing the glances and whispers in their direction. The last thing he needs is to get kicked out for starting a scene. He hasn't even gotten his hat back yet.

Glancing off to the side, Kotetsu mumbled under his breath.]

I dunno, maybe it does. Maybe it doesn't. Only thing I owe you is money, not fashion advice. Nothing else. Nope.

Well, to be honest I never added up the figure, but I'm sure it's at least a hundred...

[A sigh and she leans back against the pillows--partly to be dramatic, but mostly because sitting up was starting to irritate her bruises and become painful.]

Ah, and here I thought we had a meaningful relationship starting, but you're only putting up with me because you owe me money... I see how it is now.

[Damn, he can't keep this up for long. Kotetsu's either going to cave in or start laughing and neither of those will give him a victory in this odd little competition they're having.]

You're not even keeping track? And here I was thinking you were a real nice and responsible kid, but you're assuming things? And putting words in my mouth? For your information it's more than that. What we've got is just obvious.

[And he points at the top of her hat-adorned head.]

You're helpin' me not use up money to buy a hat rack.

[Event] Clinic!

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