soul_logs | [closed] caught my breath on my way home

Entry tags:

[closed] caught my breath on my way home

Characters: Kotetsu & Barnaby
Location: tegur and bani apartment
Rating: G
Time: February 22nd, afternoon
Description: Bunny, meet ~~papa hen~~ mother hen. Mother hen, meet Bunny. Proceed to drive each other crazy. And don't break anything.

[The day Kotetsu and Barnaby had returned from the mission in Norway, only one thing had been on Kotetsu's mind had been sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. And warm clothes. Bed. Warm food. Anything that would make the time in those freezing temperatures merely a dream, along with all the worry he'd held for Barnaby upon their return to Death City. Admittedly he hadn't really known what Barnaby thought when they came back, mostly because he seemed too out of it to do much thinking when they had gotten home.

The younger hero had promptly been carried off to bed and kept there the whole day, and without any negotiation, Kotetsu had gotten them some time off from the Watch in order for them to rest up properly. The second he'd told Barnaby about their mini vacation of sorts he'd received a whole lot of complaining but, Kotetsu didn't care. It was for Barnaby's own good.

Another stream of mental complaints and curses went through Kotetsu's head as he thought about his partner's reckless behavior, something that wasn't ever acceptable because in his opinion he was the only one allowed to do such a thing. To think Barnaby had gotten tired enough to collapse, to almost get himself ki-- 'Bad word. Can't use that word. Not using that word.' With a loud exasperated huff, Kotetsu closed the refrigerator door, suddenly too frustrated to decide on what to make for lunch. All he wanted to do was sit and relax, have a beer, maybe watch some TV. Forget about the whole thing that had happened and how irritated he knew Barnaby had been with him, still was in fact, even though it wasn't fair because Kotetsu was irritated with him, still was, because that's just what happens when he's worried about his partner. His stupid partner who didn't understand that it wouldn't hurt him to be at home for three days. Well, two now, but from what he'd seen, Barnaby wouldn't be able to handle a couple more hours.]

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[Not even the internet? There was no more feeling like a scolded child than he did right now. Really, he felt like he needed to stomp to his room and slam the door. Punished... He was never punished like this! Not even at the orphanage, or the Academy. Or even from Maverick.

Well... Kotetsu did say television was alright. Maybe he would do that.]

Would it kill you if we watched an educational channel, or the news?

[By now he was very well of aware of what it was like to share a close distance with a very pissed Barnaby, and Kotetsu knew without looking over his shoulder that Barnaby was definitely pissed, but he would stick to his word and keep up the rules for the last two days of their day(s) off from work, and nothing would change his mind.

Once the glass was refilled, Kotetsu went back over to the counter and set it back down for Barnaby, pursing his lips in thought before crossing his arms over his chest.]

That's fine, but if I see you tryin' to take notes on something, I'm taking those away. And the second you look tired, it's off to bed with you.

[Pissed and absolutely miserable, that was Barnaby. But as long as Kotetsu was watching him, Barnaby didn't have a chance at fighting back. Involuntary compliance. With TV rights, so long as he didn't try to work through it.

He nodded.] I won't take notes. And I'll be fine. I'm sure I can make it through an hour long program without looking tired. [Or so he hoped. He was already starting to feel tired. Taking the glass, he moved it closer, lifting it up, but he paused before he drank it.] ...thank you. By the way. [And with that, he began to drink again, trying to finish as much and as fast as possible so he could move again. Once the cup was a bit more than half empty, he rose to his feet and headed for the living room.]

[The toughest love imaginable, and he wouldn't let up for anything. Ah, the pains of being a caring and occasionally responsible adult with fatherly experience. Barnaby was screwed from the beginning. Kotetsu lingered for a while, not sure if Barnaby would make another fuss about the added rules of his forced confinement, but as soon as he was thanked his expression lightened and waved him off, turning back around to get himself a beer. Hey, he deserved it by now!]

What's that for? We're partners, what else am I supposed to do? --and don't go thinkin' this is even easy for me, because I'm staying with you afterall. This is time off for me too, and you know I'm not the biggest fan of that. This is as hard on me as it is for you. [Not exactly, but at least he could share some of Barnaby's woes. Three days of no work. Wonderful, all sarcasm included.]

[With a dry, faintly-amused laugh, Barnaby just shook his head and sank down on the couch. This really was mutual sense of uselessness in the apartment. Probably more on Barnaby than Kotetsu, but neither of them could work while the other one was off. Well, technically Kotetsu could patrol on his own, but he seemed determined to stay there.

Probably to keep Barnaby from enjoying anything.

He could only hope he'd feel back to normal by tomorrow; it was taking far too long for him to bounce back, and even though he felt like he could work, he knew there was no going anywhere until he felt decent, or until he could properly lie about it. Sinking back against the couch, he grabbed the remote, changed the channel to some science program, and immediately yawned.]

[There was a quiet click and hiss of the tab as it was opened, Kotetsu lingering about the seat where Barnaby had been. When he lifted the can to his lips and peered over at his partner's spot on the couch, his eyes narrowed slightly when he saw the tell-tale yawn. He hadn't even gotten around to watching anything and he was already in danger of falling asleep.

He pulled the chair aside and sat, setting his can on the table while he folded his arms over the back of the chair, watching Barnaby carefully. Silently. Like a hawk.]

You sure you don't want anything else? You're gonna nod off in no time at this rate. Not that there's a problem with that.

[That yawn was only to bring more oxygen to his brain, most definitely. Barnaby still felt a little groggy, but definitely nothing ready to put him to sleep just yet! After all, he had just barely been up for half an hour, tops. Frowning, he just crossed his arms as he glanced at the television.]

I can't think of anything else. I'm not particularly hungry, so I'm fine with the water.

[He won't fall asleep. Or so he hopes. The commercials were just somewhat boring, but once the show started, he seemed decently focused on it. Most of it was focus... Most of it.]

[Yes of course, that's how yawns work. ...is that really how they work? I have no idea. If you're lying I'm going to be very disappointed. Kotetsu only gave out a little 'hmm' as a sign that he'd been listening. Eventually turning in the chair to get his beer, he faced the television and Barnaby and just watched the screen quietly for a while. A very short while, because Kotetsu was never meant to stay quiet for long. After a long sip of his beer, he called over.]

Oh yeah, I talked to Kerrigan afterall while we were doing that BREW watching stuff. I'm thinkin' I got kinda lucky with that talk. ...also thinkin' she might not be that bad off with the Judge. They're both kind of the same. Quiet and intimidating. Little creepy sometimes too.

[Scientific facts, broski. Yawning helps Barnaby take in more oxygen so his blood can pump faster and reach his brain and then he can have more mental strength to convince himself that he's not sleepy at all. But he could already feel himself losing focus on the television, eyes glazing over. Something was going on, but he really wasn't paying attention--

Oh. Kotetsu was talking again. Barnaby almost jumped before he turned around and looked at Kotetsu, rather surprised by the news as well as the sudden chatter.]

So I'm guessing it went well? What happened?

[I'm learning new things every day, what even was the point of proper schooling. His beer dangling carefully from the grip of his fingers on the top edge, Kotetsu's eyes widened before he looked off to the side, grimacing slightly as he laughed.]

Aaactually, I wonder about that. Haha... y'know you never really know how hard or easy it is to have a conversation with someone until you actually talk to them, and we talked and... I found out it's kinda hard to talk to Kerrigan. Not bad enough that I got hurt from it... no that I didn't think about that at one point or another... three times.. but I'm still here and in one piece, so hey, it was okay!

[Probably them most awkward way Kotetsu could think of to say IT WENT BAD but not as bad as it could gave gone, which is a miracle in and of itself.]

Didn't figure out anything about the Judge, all I know is that she's kind of... uh, what's the best way to say this? ...not that friendly. I mean not bad--! But, we probably aren't meant to talk for longer than 5 minutes again.

Ah... You and she just don't see eye to eye on a daily basis. You should probably just remain careful, limit your interactions with her.

[Which... wasn't hard, knowing Kotetsu. For as charismatic as the older man was, he also had a tendency to cause a lot of trouble and irk a lot of people. Sitting up a bit more, Barnaby turned so he could look at Kotetsu more easily. But normally, he had some odd way of winning people over.

At least, in their world. Wherever Kerrigan was from, it was probably not very pleasant. And after their spat... Barnaby worried his own apology to the young woman wouldn't go as pleasantly, especially after hearing this. Well, it was always still worth a shot.]

Tch, tell me about it. [A heavy sigh as he brought up the can for another long sip. Of course he hadn't drilled Kerrigan on details about what caused her to say the things she did during Valentine's, and even the brief little views of her true personality that he'd gotten during their talk at the BREW viewing hadn't been pressed upon. Kotetsu didn't meddle... much.

Okay, he meddled enough when it came to Barnaby, but that was a totally different thing! He had a feeling though, just an inkling of one, that Kerrigan knew exactly what he was avoiding to talk about under all their NEXT talk, because it might have been something she'd been familiar with too. But that was only a maybe. And obviously, considering he was very much aware of what he'd gone through, if she'd dealt with the same sort of thing, just possibly... if he didn't like talking about, then why would she? Kotetsu finished up the can, turned around to set it back on the table and crossed his arms back on the head of the chair, resting his chin on his arms, gaze slightly distant.]

She's different, kinda cold really. Little too blunt to handle for very long, at least for me. Waaay into her job-- she said she was in the military! So that might explain a lot... but, she's not that bad.

In the military? That does explain a bit.

[It seemed like Kotetsu picked up quite a bit from talking to her. Into her job, definitely quite serious and a force to be reckoned with. But overall, it sounded like it had gone decently. That was good - at least Kotetsu hadn't completely destroyed all hopes of them getting back on semi-decent terms.

Barnaby just nodded and leaned back against the couch.] She isn't bad at all. We just come from different worlds, and there's a lot on both ends that aren't understood. But I'm relieved to know you didn't completely ruin it, old man.

[Somewhat unknown differences, but he'd never really bothered to find enough curiosity to ask around about what sort of worlds other people lived in. Things were fine just the way they were. Nothing but unknowns. A person's background didn't matter much to him, it was all about the person themselves, and he could deal with people just fine, which was why he immediately bristled at Barnaby's comment at the end.]

Oi, ruin what? I handled it just fine! Didn't even need you there to back me up like we planned! In fact, since I didn't need any of your help, that means I don't owe you anything anymore, so there.

[With a huff, Kotetsu slid out of the chair and headed back over to the fridge to get himself another beer.]

[Barnaby bit back a snicker. Honestly, he had forgotten about that little deal made during the day of the BREW viewing, but it was good that Kotetsu had held his own during his talk with Kerrigan. Very good for you, Kotetsu.

And with that, Barnaby returned to watching the television. Or facing it, as he shut his eyes to rest them a little. He was still awake, merely resting his eyes.]

Alright. Then the deal is off.

[A short bout of silence feel between the two as Kotetsu enjoyed his second beer, walking back over to the living room and deciding to merely hover near the back of the couch. Barnaby's eyes were closed, and once again he was suspicious that his partner was more tired than he let up, but at least rest on a couch would still be rest. He'd thought to leave him alone for a while, maybe take up a seat next to him and enjoy the quiet for a bit... but there was something he was wondering about. Nothing too important.]

What were you gonna make me owe you anyway? I mean, if the favor's doable enough and I feel like it then... maybe, can keep the deal. Maybe.

[Another sip of his beer, trying to seem as inconspicuous as possible. His curiosity would get the best of him one day, surely.]

[Sitting like this was really lulling him back to sleep. Thankfully, falling asleep sitting up was difficult in itself for him, and with the television prattling on about scientific aspects of Madness, he could still listen to this without having too much trouble staying up. Hopefully. ...he'd probably have to actually watch the television to play it safe, though.

So as he blinked open his eyes again, he discovered that Kotetsu had somehow teleported over to the couch. Barnaby just gave the older man a playful, conniving smirk as he asked about the bet. Well, given Barnaby wasn't sure what he had been planning to begin with, there were two easy ways to answer this: honestly, or not honestly.

Naturally, he chose option two.]

I was going to ask you to walk about in a bunny suit for a day.

[Kotetsu slumps over a little onto the back of the couch, his beer dangling from his fingers again and he just pins Barnaby with the most deadpan, "ARE YOU SERIOUS" look possible.]

Like hell you were. [As if he'd even agree to that in the first place. Stop trolling, jerk.]

[Barnaby just smirked as he looked up at his partner.] I wanted to see how far you would be willing to go for my help. And with branding me with your nickname, I thought it would be nice to turn the tables for a little.

[LOLOLOL TROLL4LYFE]

There's no way that was gonna happen, you know it and I know it! [His beer can exchanged hands so he had a closer hand to point an accusing finger in Barnaby's direction.]

Where would you even get a suit like that to begin with? And why a bunny? That wouldn't even make any sense for me! [At least pick a tiger, jeez.]

Then you wouldn't know what's in my closet, would you?

[That was when a new idea struck him. Perhaps, if he could convince Kotetsu to roam, he could sneak his laptop into his computer. Always worth a shot...

Except it would most likely fail miserably. That was a hideous, Kotetsu-like idea. Perhaps he had been spending a little too much time with his partner lately.]

That's... n-no, of course not... no idea...

[Note to self: look through Barnaby's closet once he's asleep.]

[Barnaby had to laugh. He felt too bad to keep this up, especially with how nervous his partner looked.]

I'm kidding. I hadn't thought of anything.

[He'd been about to ask if Barnaby was feeling tired, that maybe even if he was just a little bit, he should try taking a bit of a nap on the couch, just close his eyes and rest a little and ignore Kotetsu's absence for a few minutes as it'd just be him going to the bathroom, and that if he heard any rustling about in Barnaby's room then it was just mice, big ones, that he hadn't noticed them before until now bu the went in to take care of them but suddenly they were gone and if there was anything in his closet that wasn't meant to be seen then it was gone and oops the mice must have eaten it! But nothing like that was mentioned, because Barnaby had once again proved his ability to twist about Kotetsu's gullibility to his liking. Wow, rude.]

Of course I knew you were kidding, I told you! There's no way you could hide anything like that from me!

[Kotetsu huffed loudly and stood up straight, walking around the couch in order to plop himself down on the empty side.]

[Barnaby's laughter just grew louder at that. Kotetsu was sulking far too hard to deny that he hadn't fallen for it, and it was just far too hilarious to the young blond. A few seconds passed and he took his water, trying to calm himself just enough to take a few long sips.]

I'm sorry, but that was far too easy.

[Maybe if the man hadn't pouted so horribly--but just watching him sulk as a child made Barnaby's laughter return. Oh, this poor boy.]

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