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“Shh, it’s about to be on!” Pao-Lin shushed the other heroes clustered around the TV. They were all waiting for the ad Kotetsu and Barnaby filmed for Valentine’s Day to play. Kotetsu wasn’t even sure how they’d all heard about it, had Agnes told them?
The commercial opened with Kotetsu sans mask in what appeared to be a living room.
Kotetsu was busy carefully wrapping up some special edition Tiger & Barnaby chocolates. It was an assorted box with flavors from strawberry to cherry filled chocolates. He grinned as he stuck a paper cutout of a bunny on the outside of the wrapping. To finish it off, he taped a tag with Barnaby’s name written on it to the package. After a moment of hesitation, he drew a heart next to Barnaby’s name.
“It’s perfect.”
The scene then cut to Kotetsu and Barnaby leaving Apollon media. Kotetsu had his mask on and was clutching the chocolates behind his back.
“Hey, Barnaby.”
Barnaby turned to him, a surprised expression on his face, “Yes, Kotetsu?”
“I-”
Before Kotetsu could finish talking, someone bumped into him at a high speed, knocking him down. The box of chocolates was crushed under him in slow motion.
“Kotetsu!” Barnaby looked around for whoever knocked his partner down, but the perpetrator was gone. When he turned back to Kotetsu, he found him staring at something on the ground with a forlorn look on his face.
Barnaby walked over and crouched down, concern for his partner visible on his face. His eyes widened slightly as he noticed the crumpled tag, his name clearly visible on it. He immediately reached for Kotetsu’s hand, where a beaten-up box was, “Is this for me?”
Kotetsu leaned away, trying to hide the chocolate from him, “It’s ruined.”
“Tiger.” Barnaby’s voice was gentle as he managed to capture his hand and took the box, “It’d be a shame for me not to try it after you went through all the trouble of getting this for me.”
Barnaby opened the box up, the torn wrapping making it a moments work. He bit into the chocolate, a pleased expression overtaking his face. “Mhmmm. Very good.” A drop of strawberry filling escaped the edge of Barnaby’s mouth and Kotetsu stared, transfixed as Barnaby licked it up with his tongue.
“I-It is?” Kotetsu smiled bashfully and turned to fully face Barnaby, a blush adorning his cheeks.
“Yes, it is.” Barnaby paused a moment and then cupped Kotetsu’s face, smirking, “Maybe you’d believe me if you had some yourself.” He plucked another chocolate from the box and brought it to Kotetsu’s lips, “Open up.”
Gulping, Kotetsu did as directed and Barnaby pushed the chocolate into his mouth. If Barnaby’s fingers lingered a little longer than was appropriate, neither said anything.
After finishing the chocolate, Kotetsu reached out and squeezed his partner’s hand, “Thank you.” He whispered quietly.
“What for? You’re the one who brought me chocolate.” Barnaby pulled Kotetsu up, “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already. Is your memory going, old man?”
“Haaa?!” Kotetsu turned to him, a mock offended look on his face, “I’m not that old, Bunny!”
“Sure…”
The partners walked into the sunset holding hands while playfully bickering, smiles lighting up their faces.
The screen went out of focus and words came on the screen. Kotetsu and Barnaby voiced the lines.
“Preorder your Tiger & Barnaby chocolates today! Be your Valentine’s hero!”
Nathan was the first to talk, “Hmm, I might have to buy some. After all, I would love to eat you two up.” They practically purred.
“Sorry, I’m taken!” Kotetsu blurted out without thinking about it. He slapped a hand over his mouth as if that would take back the words. Whoops, he hadn’t talked with Bunny yet about telling anyone.
Bunny shot him a look and rolled his eyes, “As am I.” He threw an arm around Kotetsu and gave him a quick peck on the lips, shooting a victorious look Karina’s way.
Kotetsu snuggled into Barnaby’s side as all the heroes turned towards them in various states of shock.
“WHAT?!”
“I knew it!” Nathan crowed victoriously. They turned to Antonio and held out a hand, “Pay up.”
Antonio sighed and reached for his wallet as Kotetsu studiously ignored the fact that his friends had bet on his love life.
Karina finally spoke, “Since when?”
“…About a month.” Kotetsu replied and Barnaby nodded in agreement.
Antonio piped up, “I’m not that surprised actually.”
“You bet against us.” Barnaby glared at him. It seemed he was not willing to ignore the blatant exchange of money like Kotetsu was.
“Ah, can you blame me?” Antonio held up his hands, “If I was right, I won money. If I was wrong, this kitty cat here got a boyfriend!” He reached out to ruffle Kotetsu’s hair, “So it was a win-win situation!”
Thankfully, Barnaby’s glare subsided at the explanation. Kotetsu didn’t want his best friends to fight.
“Omedetō gozaimasu!” Ivan congratulated them in Japanese, a small smile on his face, “I’m happy for you two.”
Kotetsu was quick to reply, “Arigatō.” He grinned goofily, “I’m happy too.” He reached up a hand to mess with Bunny’s hair but was caught in the act – literally – as Bunny took his hand and threaded his fingers with his own. An acceptable outcome.
“Ah, congratulations.” Karina choked out. It was clear that she was forcing herself to smile, but Kotetsu had no idea why.
“Yes, congratulations, and congratulations again!” Keith cheered them, one hand paused in bringing popcorn to his mouth. He had come prepared.