#emmajh97's posts

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Lucifer: "You know, I've technically seen you naked before~" FD

Adam: (Ō///Ō; ) "YEAH, WELL--" [hastily tries to think of a good comeback]

Adam: "...that doesn't count cause it was thousands of years ago! Before being naked MEANT anything! Before YOU ruined it for everyone!!" >8V

Lucifer: ( >3>);;; "..."

[emmajh97-mumaji]

I want Asmodeus and Lucifer to make a deal together

Asmodeus has to kill "that jerk Valentino that is giving Charlie's friend Angel Dust a hard time", and in exchange Lucifer has to "let Fizzarolli audition for a role in the Hell-famous Lu Lu World stage show"

[emmajh97-mumaji]

So have any of the 'Alastor made a deal with Lilith' theorists brought up Alastor from demonology, yet?

Likened to Nemesis the Executioner, Alastor ("avenger" in Greek mythology), was the personification of familial feuds. He was also associated with sins that pass down from parent to child.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Now that he's presumably joined the main cast, imagine Lucifer treating all the hotel guests with a trip to Lu Lu World.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Adam actually had a lot of character development from Lilith leaving him up until his mortal death.

Then thousands of years of having his ego stroked in Heaven absolutely RUINED it, and brought his worst tendencies out in full force.

Lilith and Lucifer both lament the loss of the 'grumpy old man that can be harsh but is otherwise a caring father and wise leader' Adam.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Ducky to Have You

Charlie discovers her Dad's rubber duck collection and is horrified; wholesomeness ensues.

Charlie hadn't been back to her dad's house in years... Ever since she started the Hotel project, she had simply been too busy to ever check on him. And... she was regretting it.

Charlie was aghast at the absolute STATE of this place. Rubber. ducks. EVERYWHERE. Piles and piles of the little rubber bird bois... in every drawer, on every surface, in every variety.

Charlie tip-toed around the hoard of billed buddies until she finally saw him-- Lucifer. Sitting at his work table... in the middle of painting the eyes on ANOTHER duck.

"Dad?!" Lucifer nearly jumped out of his skin as he turned to face her, "CHARLIE?!"

"Whpghdl- wh- whatare you doinghere?!" Lucifer stumbled on his words, arms flailing as panic flashed across his face. "To help you move into the new hotel?!" Charlie replied with exasperation, "Remember? We talked about it yesterday!" Lucifer could barely hear her over the sound of his internal screaming, "Haha-- rightrightright..." His eyes darted across the room, 'Nonononono how could I forget?! How could I let her see this-?! DAMNIT DEPRESSION...!'

Lucifer 'nochalantly' grabbed his cane and started backing away towards the door, "W-well I'll just go and start packing then--" But Charlie grabbed the end of the staff, "Dad!" Lucifer stopped, looking at her like a pet that had just been caught chewing on something they shouldn't. Charlie had been trying to think of a nicer way of putting it, but she couldn't-- "You've been LIVING like this?!!" "I- uh--" Lucifer pulled his cane away, "Like what?" he laughed nervously. Charlie deadpanned, "The ducks, dad."

"Haha? Whaaat?" Lucifer began sweeping a particularly large rubber duck under a rug, "Th-these?" Charlie frowned with complete seriousness, "Mom told me you make rubber ducks when you're stressed..." Lucifer's heart sank deeper into his stomach, "S-she did, did she?" Charlie's chest ached as she fully processed what was happening... she choked up, "If you've been having such a hard time, why didn't you say anything?!"

'Because of this exact thing happening...' Lucifer thought as he saw Charlie's face, 'A father isn't supposed to make his daughter worry like this...' He tried his best to hide his guilt with the usual bravado, "Oh Charlie, don't worry so much! I'm the KING of HELL! I don't have hard times! Haha--" Charlie wasn't having it, though. She crossed her arms, shooting him a serious look. Lucifer sighed, accepting defeat. He pulled the brim of his tophat over his face in shame, "I'm sorry..."

Charlie didn't fully understand how her dad's mind worked, but ever since their heart-to-heart before the Heaven meeting, she had a general idea of his inner struggles. She didn't know what to say at the moment, so... she put a hand on his shoulder, and smiled consolingly. Lucifer still felt awful, but he calmed down a bit... it didn't seem like Charlie was going to judge him harshly for this. The two came to a silent truce... and continued on to the matter at hand. Packing.

They proceeded to dig through the rubber ducky piles for Lucifer's belongings... "I know you like ducks, but..." Charlie finally spoke up as she fished out a sun hat, "Isn't this... a bit much...?" "Huh? Oh. Yeah, I just... It started because... Well, I wanted to make the perfect wittle ducky." Lucifer explained, taking the hat and putting it in a suitcase, "Something that would make you smile... something as special to you..." He smiled warmly at her, "...As you are to me." Charlie was genuinely touched, "Aww... dad..." For so long she had assumed he didn't care about her, but more and more she was realizing just how much he did.

Lucifer took the mood back down as he looked at the floor, dejected, "...but none of them were ever good enough." He squeaked one of the duckies anxiously, "I kept iterating, but no matter what I tried-- I..." He bit his lip, unable to admit those last words as he smacked the duck into the floor, "...anyway, eventually it just became a nervous habit." Charlie frowned, "Dad..." The two averted their gazes from each other, continuing to pick through the ducky hordes...

Then... Charlie saw something that made her smile. Along with the pair of shoes she was looking for, Charlie picks up one of the ducks. "Hey Dad..." "Yeah?" "You don't have to worry about making any more ducks for me." "Huh?" "You already made a perfect one." Lucifer was completely taken aback, tripping over a duck pile as he turned to face her, "I have? How? Where??!"

Charlie walked over to her father, took his hands... and deposited in them the rubber ducky. Oh. Lucifer remembers this one. The white color, the multiple wings, the little apple tophat... this particular rubber ducky had been crafted in his own image. It wasn't magical, it didn't spit fire, but... Charlie grinned at him so sweetly it made his heart melt, "This one is my favorite."

Lucifer's eyes welled up. Ever since Lilith left, he had been afraid. Afraid that he was a killjoy who would never recover from his fall. Afraid that he ruined everything he touched... including Charlie's life. Lucifer was an angel of creation, a powerful King of Hell-- he could and would give Charlie anything she ever wanted. But the only thing she wanted was the one thing he was afraid to give her... her dad.

Holding his rubber ducky doppelgänger close to his chest, Lucifer smiled... Charlie gasped in awe as, with a dramatic TAP of his cane, Lucifer sent out a wave of sorcerous magic-! All the remaining rubber ducks began to glow... before EXPLODING into a beautiful swirl of sparkling golden dust!! It was like a gorgeous fireworks display, giving the whole house a warm shimmer. It dissipated... leaving the house sparse and duck-less.

After getting over the spectacle, Charlie took a sharp breath-- "But Dad, all your work...!" Lucifer reassured her, "It's all right, Charlie..." He opened his hands... and returned to her his self-portrait ducky. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he smiled, "I don't need them, anymore."

From that point on, Charlie kept this little ducky of her father on her bedside table. And in Lucifer's room of the new-and-improved Hazbin Hotel-- he proudly displayed a rubber ducky replica of his beloved Charlie.

~ 💛🦆💛 ~

[emmajh97-mumaji]

What if Miguel (2099) is an anomaly?

I've had this idea ever since seeing Across the Spider Verse and I felt like sharing it here. (Warning: I may be totally off and misremembering things, so sorry in advance ahdsfkdf.)

Remember that scene towards the beginning when Miguel and Jessica show up to help Gwen fight the Vulture? There was a joke where Gwen says "knock yourself out" at Miguel, who then proceeds to get hit from behind.

The reason Miguel doesn't dodge out of the way is because he actually doesn't have a Spider-Sense. His origin story is different from other Spider-Men (direct experimentation as opposed to a spider bite), so he has a different powerset. (Hence the fangs, and the climbing with claws instead of sticking.) Obviously these movies differ greatly from the original Spider-verse comics, straying away from the mystical angle more towards an MCU-style scifi angle. (Heck, the initial diagram Miguel shows of 'all of reality' looks like it was pulled straight from Loki.) But, hear me out, they might be taking more inspiration than we realize.

Just like how the Spider-Society guards the Canon and the Spider-Verse that surrounds the Multiverse, in the comics all Spider-people protect what was known as the Web of Life and Destiny. One prominent Spider-Verse character that has yet to appear in the movies, Madame Web, harnesses The Web's powers to see into the future of all realities.

Now if I remember correctly, (and please correct me if I'm wrong), there was a Spider-Man comic where the Spider Sense power was connected to the Web of Life and Destiny. Essentially what Spiders thought was just wider awareness was actually a mild form of precognition. Being a Spider connected you to reality in a more heightened way than anyone else.

So now that I've established all this, hear me out-- Remember when Miguel tried to take over the life of an alternate version of himself, and that caused all of that reality to collapse? WELL... Maybe the real reason that happened isn't just because Miguel defied a 'canon event'... maybe its because HE'S AN ANOMOLY HIMSELF. He doesn't have the Spider Sense, which means that, unlike the other Spiders, he's not as innately connected with the fabric of reality.

The creators might be hinting at this with the ending, as well. When Miguel goes to hunt down the escaped Miles, he takes a small task force of two people he trusts-- Jessica Drew's Spider-Woman and Ben Riley's Scarlet Spider. What do 2099, Jessica, and Scarlet Spider have in common? None of them got their powers by being bitten by a radioactive spider. All of them have a 'canon' that differs wildly from the traditional Spidey origin story, and usually involves direct gene-splicing (or, in Ben's case, cloning). Perhaps Miguel knows something he's not letting on about how The Canon actually works, and that's why these two are in is his inner circle? Just a thought.

This whole idea is probably crazy, but it IS a way for the creators to justify why Miles is right. Why Miles will be able to change Fate while Miguel couldn't. Why Miles won't destroy the entire multiverse.

Thanks for reading!!

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Show of hands, who else gets triggered by

"The only reason you did (thing) is because I told you to."

?

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Literally ALL My Blorbos

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍💕💗💝🥰

A comprehensive list of my favorite characters from my favorite media! (I keep this because it makes it easier to decide on what to draw lol)

[This post will probably be edited every so often, so make sure to go to the original and not any Reblogs for the most up-to-date version!]

[page break because LONG LIST IS LONG]

Ace Attorney: ○ Apollo Justice ○ Miles Edgeworth ○ Phoenix Wright ○ Simon Blackquill Animal Crossing: ○ Lily (Rainy) ○ Wilbur Avatar - The Legend of Korra: ○ Mako Barbie in The Nutcracker: ○ Captain Candy Ben 10: ○ Ben Tennyson Black★Rock Shooter: ○ Black Rock Shooter Bleach: ○ Ichigo Kurosaki Danganronpa: ○ Hajime Hinata ○ Kaito Momota ○ Kazuichi Soda ○ Kiyotaka Ishimaru Danny Phantom: ○ Danny Fenton DC Comics: ○ Shazam (Captain Marvel) ○ Aquaman Demon Slayer: ○ Kyojuro Rengokou Detroit: Become Human: ○ Connor (RK 800) Digimon: ○ J.P. (Shibayama Junpei) ○ Marcus Damon ○ Takato Matsuki ○ Takuya Kanbara Dragon Ball Z: ○ Trunks Briefs (Mirai Trunks) Frozen (Disney): ○ Elsa Final Fantasy: ○ Cloud Strife ○ Prompto Argentum ○ Black Mage [any generic one] ○ Zack Fair Five Nights at Freddy's: ○ Glamrock Freddy ○ Golden Freddy (Fredbear) ○ Toy Freddie [in huggable Gijinka Form] Generator Rex: ○ Rex Salazar ○ Six Genshin Impact: ○ Arataki Itto ○ Lisa Minci ○ Mona Megistus Hazbin Hotel: ○ Lucifer Morningstar ○ Angel Dust Henry Stickmin: ○ Charles Calvin Hetalia: ○ America (Alfred F. Jones) ICEY_ (X.D.Network): ○ ICEY Interstella 5555: ○ Shep ○ Octave ○ Manager (Music Producer Guy) Jarrett Williams' Comics: ○ Joe Somiano from Super Pro K.O. ○ Sensational Sike from Super Pro K.O. ○ Ace Estrada (Yellow Hype) from Hyper Force Neo ○ Neil Tran (Blue Hype) from Hyper Force Neo Kingdom Hearts: ○ Axel (Lea) ○ Meow Wow Kiznaiver: ○ Hajime Tenga Legend of Zelda (BotW/TotK): ○ Link ○ Sidon Mario (Nintendo): ○ Luigi Marvel: ○ Clea Strange ○ Doctor Strange (Stephen) ○ Spider Man (Peter Parker) Miyuli's Webcomics: ○ Oz from Morgana & Oz ○ The Bogeyman from Lost Nightmare My Hero Academia: ○ Izuku Midoriya (Deku) ○ Kirishima Eijirou (Red Riot) Mystery Skulls Animated: ○ Lewis Pepper the Skeleton Ghost Mystic Messenger: ○ Yoosung Kim No Straight Roads: ○ 1010 [Eloni, Rin, & Purl-Hew are all good] ○ Zuke Persona: ○ Ryuji Sakamoto Pokemon: ○ Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) ○ Cilan ○ Hugh ○ Milo ○ Pearl (Barry /Jun) ○ Deoxys ○ Mismagius Promare: ○ Galo Thymos Rise of the Guardians: ○ Jack Frost RWBY: ○ Neptune Vasilias ○ Qrow Branwen Sanrio: ○ Keroppi ○ TuxedoSam ○ Shunsuke Yoshino Seduce Me (The Otome): ○ Matthew (Zecaeru) SOMA: ○ Simon Jarrett Sonic the Hedgehog: ○ Gold the Tenrec ○ Mighty the Armadillo ○ Shard the Metal Sonic ○ Silver the Hedgehog Soul Eater: ○ Black Star The Book of Life: ○ Manolo Sanchez Tiger & Bunny: ○ Kotetsu T. Kaburagi Vampire Knight: ○ Zero Kiryu Voltron: Legendary Defender: ○ Shiro (Takashi Shirogane) Xenoblade Chronicles: ○ Shulk Yu-Gi-Oh: ○ Soulburner (Takeru Homura) ○ Yami Yugi (Atem) ○ Yusei Fudo ○ Stardust Dragon 2064: Read Only Memories: ○ Lexi Rivers ○ Turing

BONUS: Media I love, but don't have a blorbo from

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar (world of Pandora; James Cameron)

Atlantis (Disney)

Angry Birds

Dekoboko Sugar Days

Disney Princess Movies [i.e. The Little Mermaid, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty]

D.N.Angel

Epic (Blue Sky movie)

Epithet Erased

Full Metal Alchemist

Ghibli Movies [specifically Castle in the Sky & Kiki's Delivery Service]

Hamtaro

Hindu Mythology [Amar Chitra Katha comics]

How to Train Your Dragon movies

Kal Ho Naa Ho

Kung-Fu Panda movies

Land of the Lustrous

The Lego Movie (and 2)

Lisa Frank

Little Witch Academia

MLP: Friendship is Magic

Megamind

Molly Moon (book series)

Mune Guardian of the Moon

Paleoart (dinosaur documentaries & encyclopedias)

Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt

Penguins of Madagascar

Pretty Cure (HeartCatch)

Pusheen

Sailor Moon

Scooby-Doo [What's New? and Mystery Inc.]

Scott Pilgrim

Starlight Brigade - TWRP

Steven Universe

TRON [1982, Legacy, and Uprising]

Tatsinda by Elizabeth Enright

The Avengers

TokiDoki

Tokyo Mew Mew

Treasure Planet

Undertale & Deltarune

Vocaloid / UTAUloids

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Sometimes my favorite characters are so obscure that I am the sole arbiter of any fan content relating to them...

... other times they are literally the protagonist of a popular franchise, and realizing just how much Content(tm) there is of them gives me sensory overload

[emmajh97-mumaji]

Siblings Reunited 💫

(A little story continuing on the idea that Stephen's Sister Donna becomes sorcerer supreme in an alternate universe...)

"Halt, multiversal traveller! You are not allowed to trespass here!"

America Chavez looks over at the one who commanded her, "Wooah, so the Stephen in this world is a chick! Nice!"

The woman goes wide-eyed, "What did you just say...?"

"Oh yeah-- you probably don't go by 'Stephen', huh? So what is it, Stephany?"

"...my name is Donna Strange. Stephen is... was the name of my older brother."

America frowned, "Oh man... another world where he's dead, huh? Dang. Hope those Illuminati weirdos aren't around, too."

"You know, as much as I enjoy having my private life pried into by peculiar young women from other universes--" Donna summons mystic weapons to her hands, "--I think it's time for you to go."

America waves her arms defensively, "WAITWAITWAIT-- okay-- I'll explain-!"

Donna raises a brow in a 'I'm listening?' gesture.

"Yes, I'm an multiversal traveller. My name is America Chavez, and my mothers have been flung into another dimension. I need to master my powers if I want to find them." America pulls up a hologram of her memory, for reference, "See?"

Donna inspects it, "Hm... I'm not sure if they're in my realm, but I'll keep a lookout."

"You know... it's actually a Doctor Strange from another universe that's helping me master my power."

"I inferred as much..."

"And in that universe, it's Stephen Strange."

"...yes...." Donna frowned, handing back the hologram.

"Don't suppose you'd wanna...?" "No! I can't risk causing an incursion!"

America got a smug 'Come on~' look on her face. Donna internally second-guessed herself at least seven times, before finally caving in-- "All right. I'll accompany you back to your universe... but only to tell your Strange that he needs to keep a tighter leash on you!"

America fist-pumped, "Sweet! Follow me!"

...

Donna visited Kamar-Taj frequently, so it was easy for her to tell this one was different from her own. The architecture was a darker color... and also much worse for wear.

She didn't get much time to marvel at this new dimension before... she saw him...

"So how did it go?" Stephen Strange asked, to which America replied with confident finger-guns, "Great! I actually wound up where I was aiming! AND-- I made a new friend!" she motioned behind her.

Stephen Strange looked up-- and locked eyes with his alternate. Her outfit was very similar to his own, red Cloak of Levitation and everything... except that face... it was so familiar...!

Stephen didn't get a chance to fully process who he was looking at, because she started lunging towards him! He gasped, bracing himself as she grappled him--!!

No... it wasn't a grapple... it was a hug. A desperate, heartbroken hug... tight and warm as the young woman buried her face into his chest.

Stephen was awkward, not exactly consenting to this, "Uh...?" he shot America a disgruntled look. But America just snickered and shook her head at Donna, 'Just gonna tell him, huh?'

"I- I'm sorry...!" the woman finally pulled away, "I just... I thought I'd never see you again." she smiled up at Stephen.

Hearing her voice plus getting a good look at her... it finally clicked.

Stephen's expression widened, "...Donna?"

She nodded, "Hi, Stephen."

He put a hand on her shoulder, "It really is you..."

She nods, "Yup."

"And you're a sorcerer in your universe...?"

"The Sorcerer Supreme, actually."

He grins widely, "Really?! That's amazing." he laughs... or is it crying?

Stephen regains his composure, "But uh... I assume I'm...?"

"Gone." "Yeah..."

Donna sees how this version of her brother is more aged... the years have taken their toll on him, not just physically. His eyes seem colder...

"Same for me in this universe, huh?" she asks. Stephen nods.

"Well..." Donna looks over at America, "I came here to warn you to keep America's portals in check! We don't want her causing an incursion..." Stephen replies punctually, "Of course."

"And also... I came to tell you..." Donna takes Stephen's hands, "...that I don't know what happened to your Donna. But if she's anything like me... she still loves you, even from the afterlife. She'd be glad to see you helping people like America."

Stephen nods failing to stop the tears this time, "And if your Stephen was anything like me... he'd (chokes up) he'd be so proud of you right now. He'd tell you... that he loves you, too."

The two Strange siblings give each other one last look... before being annoyed by their respective Cloaks wiping away their tears. "Stop that!" "H-hey..!!"

They go their separate ways... America's star-shaped portal closing between them.

"Aaw how sweet...~" America clapped, "Makes me wish I had popcorn."

Stephen grumpily turned away at that... the embarrassment of something so personal being presented to everyone was finally washing over him, "J-just go back to your practicing...!" he insisted.

But in spite of outward appearance... he smiled on the inside. Both he...

and, in another universe, Donna.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

My Tarot + Oracle Decks 🔮🃏🎴

Dreams of Gaia - Pocket Edition

Golden Wheel

Holographic

Marvel

This Might Hurt

Mystical Manga

Oppositions

Spiral

Whispers of Lord Ganesha (Oracle)

MuMaJi's OCs (Hand-made Oracle)

Bicycle - Pink Edition (Playing Cards; which can still be used for Divination!)

Wanted to make an updated easy-reference post for anyone who wanted to ask me for Tarot readings and such (less cluttered than my original post on the subject)

Mystical Manga is still my favorite and go-to deck. I'd say Spiral or Marvel are my least favorites, as of now.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

A Former-Hero's Confession

"A night out drinking with your friend leads to questions about his old partner Barnaby... and where Kotetsu's true feelings lie." - Kotetsu T. Kaburagi x Reader - Reader takes on the role of a 30s-40s aged NEXT going to college for a nursing career. Gender neutral. - Bisexual Kotetsu and Aromantic Asexual Barnaby headcanon - SPOILER WARNING: Takes place after Episode 25 of Season 2! - Prequel to CHAPTER 2: A Former-Hero's Heart & Home

You're a NEXT who lives in a small town just outside of the city of Sternbild. You've made a decent living for yourself for many years, but never got the chance to follow your dream: becoming a nurse to aid the unwell. Finally getting to a stable point in your life, you applied to several colleges-- and were accepted to an acclaimed university in Sternbild!

At first you were embarrassed, thinking you'd be the oldest student in a room full of youths fresh out of high-school. To your relief, there were actually a few other people in your medical classes closer to your age. In fact, there was one person that was a year older than you... Kotetsu T. Kaburagi.

You'd heard about him in passing, of course. Mr. Kaburagi was a famous hero, who recently helped save the city from L. L. Audun, Gregory Sunshine, and the Abbas Prison Disaster! Sadly though, he lost his NEXT powers in the process... and had to retire from being a hero for good. When asked why Kotetsu was trying to get a degree in medicine, he claimed that he had taken an interest in physical therapy when his partner Barnaby injured his leg. That makes sense. When it came down to it, he and you both had the same dream-- helping people in need.

That was the dream, anyway. In reality, you felt bad for the old man. You weren't exactly a spring chicken yourself, but his terrible memory made you worry if he'd ever pass something like Anatomy & Phys. When he jokingly suggested you tutoring him, you jumped at the chance.

It's been nearly two years, now. You've come to know Kotetsu much more than just 'ex-hero Wild Tiger from the news' or 'the classmate who fails nearly every test'. What started as exchanging small details about your lives has become sharing each other's struggles. Kotetsu helps you with your NEXT powers, and you help him with his lack of them. Formal meetings in the college library have now become Kotetsu making fried rice in your kitchen, while you read off flash cards to him. Kotetsu using his phone to show you Hero TV clips has become you having dinner with his family while cheering Barnaby on, live from the Kaburagi's television. What started as-- "Your daughter seems very mature." "So you were talking with your old coworker Barnaby?" "I appreciate you inviting me out for a drink, Kaburagi-san." --has become "Ha! Kaede's going to kill you!" "How's Bunny doing?" "Congrats on passing, Kotetsu!! Drinks are on me, tonight!"

At first you were annoyed at this bumbling man and his foolish behavior. How dare he preach to you about studying too much while he wrecks his sleep schedule from trying to be friendly-neighborhood-hero-of-the-streets all night! But now... you've come to appreciate him as a warmhearted, sensitive guy who tries his very best. Someone who hides his pain, because he's so considerate of others he forgets to consider himself. A workaholic who loves his daughter, who loves his friends, but is still trying so hard to be true to his heart. To replace the dream he he had lost with a new one. ...you'd be lying if you said you hadn't fallen for him. Perhaps further than you could have imagined.

It was a Saturday night, the two of you go out to his favorite bar. You can tell Kotetsu is frustrated, but hiding it from you (as per usual). After a few drinks, he finally reveals he got into an argument with Kaede.

"She wanted me to try out this dating app, but I told her I wasn't interested." Kotetsu explained to you as he swirled his glass. "She's just trying to help you." You reply, "I mean, you do seem pretty lonely sometimes." "I'm fine being alone!" Kotetsu countered, putting on a charming façade, "I'm a too-cool-for-you single man!" "No you're not." you flatly rebuffed. Kotetsu groaned, "Yeah..."

He cut the act, taking a swig before continuing, "I told her that I wasn't sure if I was ready to love again... But she said Tomoe would be disappointed in me for being so pathetic......" "Don't worry about it too much," you console him, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure Tomoe would want you to be comfortable in a relationship. Trying to force it would just hurt both you and the other person involved." Kotetsu lips curled up into a little smile, the kind that made the scary tiger look like a soft kitten, "Yeah, you're right."

"Plus!" suddenly, his mood brightened, "I don't need a dating app, anyway! I already have someone in mind!"

"You're kidding?" "Nope!" "Who is it?!" He sing-song-edly replied, "That's a secret~"

You take a moment to think. You grin evilly, "Fire Emblem?" "What?! No!" Darn.

The egg-timer in your brain ticked as you thought. Then, with a ding the obvious answer dawned on you-- "...it's Barnaby, isn't it?" "H-HUH?!" Kotetsu looked like he would fall out of his seat, floored by your astute suggestion.

You suddenly remember something that makes you grin twice as evilly as before, "Oh, that's right! Remember? There was that one interview where you confessed your love for him!" Kotetsu, as you planned, had his entire face go red. He blundered through his words in a overly flustered manner, "That was taken completely out of context!!" "Oh really~?" you goad. You already know the context, but you enjoy sitting back and listening to Kotetsu's silly voice when he goes off on one of his patented Old Man Lectures (tm). "It was during that charity event Fire Emblem was hosting!" Kotetsu started,

"Fire Emblem gave a huge speech about how true love is about more than just sex or romance. How it's about trusting someone completely with your feelings. About how girls are allowed to say they love their best friends, but when men do it they're assumed to be gay. And they were right! Men should be able to tell their friends they love them! I really believed them! I was so moved by their speech that I couldn't help but--"

You cut him off with a smirk, "-couldn't help but make a fool of your coworker in front of thousands of viewers?" Kotetsu mumbled angrily at that. He slumped against the bar with an adorably grumpy expression, and took another swig of his glass.

You soften your tone, "I'm just teasing you, Kotetsu. I know you hate it when creepy fans make your relationship with Barnaby awkward." He looked up at you like a sulking puppy, "Yeah..."

"That being said... Part of me does wonder..." Kotetsu shoots you a betrayed look, "Eh?!" You hold your hands up defensively, "Hear me out-!"

"You told me one time that you invited Bunny over to your place for champagne, but that it was ruined because he misunderstood you and invited all your other friends along?" "....yeah?" "And also that you had dreams of an actress with blonde hair and green eyes... one that looks suspiciously similar to Bunny?" Kotetsu sweats, "...y-yeah??" "So? Doesn't that sound at least like a crush?" "W-what?! That's crazy!!" Kotetsu flailed about. But he was protesting too much, and as soon as he saw the look you were giving him he realized it was too late.

Kotetsu sighed in defeat, "You're too smart. I can't hide anything from you." You gasp excitedly at that. You were right! He DID have feelings for Bunny! ...wait. Oh no. He has feelings for Bunny... for someone else... You stare at him expectantly, not sure how to feel about this revelation.

Kotetsu leaned back, "I think it's because Bunny was the closest I'd ever gotten to someone since, well..." he rubbed at his ring finger. You nodded in understanding.

After Tomoe, Kotetsu closed himself off from sharing his true feelings with other people. Barnaby and him were obligated to work together- and ironically that made Barnaby the perfect candidate. As heroes, they were forced to trust each other. To literally put their lives on the line for one another. You remember Kotetsu introducing you to Barnaby. The two of them were so comfortable around one another that it felt like talking to an old married couple... With that kind of understanding, it's no wonder something deeper might blossom between them.

Meanwhile here you were. Just someone Kotetsu had gone to college classes with. You've checked in on Kotetsu, forcing him to stop drinking and get some fresh air while he was having depressive episodes. You've patched him up when he was still clinging onto the idea of being a hero, and doing reckless things constantly. But how could that ever compare to fighting criminals together? To going on TV together? To saving the entire city together? You feel a pit begin to form in your stomach.

All these thoughts swim in your head as Kotetsu continues to explain-- "I couldn't help it when old desires I had came up to the surface." he takes another sip, "But it really was just a passing crush at most." You're genuinely curious at this point, "Did you... ever say anything to him?" Kotetsu sighed... "I tried my best not to... but like you just did, he found out." You could infer from his tone of voice that it didn't end well, "Oh no...." Kotetsu grinned in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his head, "I got re-ject-eeed!" "Dang!" you consoled him, "That's too bad." Though (and you're not exactly proud about this) you're actually relieved to hear this news.

"Yeah..." Kotetsu doesn't seem too upset, mostly awkward, "Bunny told me that he loved me as a friend, but he doesn't swing that way." "Aaah... it makes sense. He's always such a show-off to his female fans." "No no, he said he wasn't interested in women, either. It's called..." Kotetsu scratched his beard as he struggled, "uh- arrow-something...?" You chimed in, "Aromantic Asexual?" Kotetsu points at you excitedly, "Yeah, that's what he said!!" "Wow..." you were genuinely surprised, "I never would have guessed." "Yeah, he keeps it a secret to protect his 'sexy celebrity image'." Kotetsu clarified mockingly. You frown, "...isn't he going to be mad you just told me about it, then?" Kotetsu's brow furrowed at that. Finally, he gave a comedically delayed, "...shit! Whatever you do, don't tell anyo-!" You laughed, "Don't worry, my lips are sealed!"

There was an awkward silence. Then suddenly you remembered what started this conversation topic-

"So wait... if it's not Bunny... who is the person you had in mind?" Kotetsu froze, getting one of his characteristically dopey expressions, "H-huh?" "The reason you 'don't need a dating app'! If it's not Fire Emblem, and it's not Bunny--" you think to yourself, 'I highly doubt it's Blue Rose, as much as she'd probably wish it was', "--then who is it??"

"Eugh- w-well..." Kotetsu is back to flubbering again... until he gets an idea, "It's one of my fans, from when I was Wild Tiger!" You didn't even try to hide your incredulous tone, "Oh really?" "And how come I've never heard of this person, if you're so keen on dating them?" "B-because like I said, it's a secret! I didn't want to disappoint all my other raving fans, you see." "...sure." you roll your eyes.

As you take a drink of your own beverage, you notice Kotetsu is staring at you. He has a familiar twinkle in his golden-brown eyes. The look he had when there was something he was trying to hide. Something eating away at him...

You stare back at him for a quite a while, before he realizes you're both gazing into each other's eyes. He immediately looked down at the table, avoiding your face in embarrassment.

Finally... you get the courage to ask... "Is it me?"

You swear you see Kotetsu shiver at that. "E-eh??" he nervously sweats again.

"Am I the one you want to date, Kotetsu?" you repeat, in no uncertain terms.

He stares at you again. This time you can really see the hesitation in his face. He absentmindedly puts his ring finger up to his lips... mumbling into his hands... "I told you... it's... another person. One of my old fans."

"So it's not me?"

You can hear the 'Please stop asking' pain in his voice as he states, "...no. It's not you. You're just my friend."

That last sentence sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than anyone. But still... Kotetsu's mind worked in strange ways. Maybe you really were wrong?

"That's okay. Sorry for asking." you backpedalled, "And don't worry, I don't have feelings for you or anything! Just being friends is fine with me." But then you added under your breath, "I really wouldn't mind if you wanted to ask me out, though..."

"What?" Kotetsu leaned in, seeming as though he didn't hear that last part. But you cover it up, not wanting the situation to get awkward again, "Hey, how about I get you another round? You promised to tell me the story of how you and Rock Bison stopped a monorail together!"

Kotetsu still seemed a bit on edge, but took the hint. He gave you a goofy grin that made it feel like sunshine indoors, "Hell yeah!"

Later that night...

As the designated driver, you escorted Kotetsu back home to his apartment.

"Hey... areyou ssure... about the not-having-feelings forme ththing?" Kotetsu drunkenly asked as he wobbled up the steps to his front door.

You forced a smile, "Yes." Helping him inside, you gave him a glass of water. "But--" "Kotetsu," you cut him off before he could question you, "Listen to me."

"Over this past semester I feel as though I know you enough to at least be your close friend." "That'scuz you are!" he replied with a drunken grin. You kept going, "So I have to say... I may not be the person you're pining over, but if I was... I'd want you to know that I care about you being happy more than I do about getting into a relationship. Because you are amazing. Even if you mess up all the time, it's always for the right reasons. You may cut your leg trying to save a cat from a tree, but seeing you try makes my life so much brighter. I'd tell you that... I know I could never replace Tomoe, but I want to help you pick up those pieces she left behind. Whether that's from keeping you warm on a lonely night, or simply just being there as your shoulder to cry on during the day. Because I love you. Not just as a hero, not just as a celebrity, but as Kotetsu. My friend."

"A-at least, that's what I'd say, if I were th--" you are about to finish when hear a sniffling sound.

Kotetsu is laying his head down on his living room table, ugly-sobbing into his arms. "K-Kotetsu?!" you fret, reaching towards him.

"Th...thaat'sso b-beautiful!!!" his voice is slurring not just from the alcohol, but from the tears. You chuckle, not really sure what else to say. Kotetsu rubs his eyes, then drunkenly says, "I- I love you too, pal!!" "W-wait, what?!" your heart raced, "Kotetsu, it was just an example, I didn't mean--!" But your attempt to respect sober Kotetsu's wishes fell on deaf ears, as drunken Kotetsu continued to spill his heart out-- "I- I mean it! Really!! I'm sso bad at thiss kinda thing! Antonio and Bunny have been so busy with hero work, Muramasa's got his own family to deal with, Kaede's off at boarding school--" he sniffed loudly, "Y-you're the only one that's really been here for me!! I'm so lucky to have you!" You couldn't help but smile at that. "I'msorry for lyingtoyou, I just-- I keepthinking of Tomoe- a-and Bunny rejecting me- a-and...!" Kotetsu tried to keep talking, but it had quickly devolved into incoherent sobbing. You patted him on the back, forcing him to drink the glass of water, "C'mon, Tiger. Let's get you to bed, okay?" You escorted Kotetsu to the bathroom, then waited until he came back out in his pajamas. "You okay?" you asked as Kotetsu got into his bed. He smiled, voice still cracking, "Y-yeah... I'll be fine." You nod, heading towards the door, "I'll come by to check on you tomorrow." The last thing you hear him say is a soft, "Thank you..."

[emmajh97-mumaji]

I bet Ebitetsu (H-01 / Evil!Kotetsu) wouldn't be half as popular in the Japanese Tiger & Bunny fandom if it weren't for this singular MMD video:

...seriously, this video has its own FANART.

Absolutely wild. Blows my mind.

[emmajh97-mumaji]

A Former-Hero's Heart & Home

"You check in on Kotetsu to see how bad his hangover is... and reminisce on your first time in his apartment." - Kotetsu T. Kaburagi x Reader - Very vanilla SFW slice-of-life romance - Sequel to the PREVIOUS CHAPTER: A Former-Hero's Confession !

You had only a mild headache when you woke up... but your brain was still swimming. "I already have someone in mind~" "I'm so lucky to have you!" "I love you too..." Kotetsu's words echoed in your mind...

'Was last night a dream?' you thought as you ate a simple breakfast of fruit and toast, 'Or... was it the start of something new?' It gave you butterflies.

'Calm down, I have to focus.' You get dressed, 'Gotta head over and make sure he's okay.'

It's a lovely spring morning in Sternbild as leave your place-- warm weather, birds chirping.

You arrive at Kotetsu's neighborhood. In the light of day, his apartment's front door is as inviting as ever. You knock, but get no response. You check your phone... It is fairly late in the morning. Did Kotetsu wake up already and head off somewhere? You text him a message to check. A minute or so passes. No response, and you still hear nothing from inside.

Well you tried the polite route, now to get serious. You rummage in your pocket and grab the spare key you discretely borrowed from Kotetsu's kitchen drawer last night.

The inside of the apartment is as dark as it usually is with the lights off, but at least the first floor living area is nice and sunny. It was fairly well kept, too. Only two or three beer bottles strewn about instead of the usual ten.

Unlike back then, over a year ago...

The first time you came to this apartment... . . .

Study sessions started not long after you two first introduced yourselves in your shared Anatomy & Phys class. Kotetsu met you regularly in the college library for them every week.

The meetings went fairly smoothly for about a month, until an issue left you tied up and unable to come. Still wanting to help, you offered to host the session at your place instead. Kotetsu took you up on it, and thankfully the socializing didn't interfere too much with the actual studying. In fact, it ended up going well enough that Kotetsu offered to return the favor.

A lot had happened after Kotetsu made that offer.

You'd seen the news... Members of a gang suspected to be tied with Ouroboros had kidnapped the hero Origami Cyclone. It took the combined efforts of all the heroes to find and rescue him. Rock Bison suffered major injuries in the rescue attempt.

His old friend Mr. Bison in the hospital, his partner Barnaby busy trying to find out who was really behind all this... you could tell the whole ordeal was weighing on Kotetsu. He was absent-minded throughout classes that whole week. Every time you messaged him, it was left on read. You overheard some of the phone calls he had with Bunny... something about the unsolved mystery of Gregory Sunshine's death.. You shuddered to think what Kotetsu was getting himself into, an old man with no NEXT powers sticking his nose into dark corners where it didn't belong. And yet every time you tried to speak with him after class, he said he was "Looking forward to your next study session together!". This man was a terrible liar, but he could really fake a smile.

Finally the day had come. You got out of class alone (it was one of the few you and Kotetsu had differing schedules for) that cold evening. As you walked through the dying leaves of late fall, you pulled out your cell and messaged Kotetsu one last time-- [[Just got out, I'll be heading over now.]] ...left on read, again.

You seriously contemplated calling this meeting off. Would Kotetsu even be in the right headspace to have company over? Then again... would he even be able to pass this upcoming test, considering how he hadn't been paying attention in class for over a week, now? You wanted to at least try to help. His scholarship was on the line, after all!

The sun set behind you in dark reds and yellows as you reached your car. You double-checked the directions on your phone, and started the drive... to his place.

Mixed emotions swirled in your stomach as you ascended those steps to the front door of Kotetsu's apartment. The fear of being in an unfamiliar neighborhood at night, the excitement of finally getting to see what your friend's (and a former hero's!) home was like, the worry of whether Kotetsu was mentally okay enough to do this...

You knocked at least twice-- before you heard the thumps of stumbling from inside. "Coming!" came Kotetsu's muffled voice, followed by crashing noises and under-the-breath curses.

Finally the door opened, Kotetsu standing there with a disheveled face and another one of those grins that you now recognized as forced. "H-hey! Sorry, I guess the study session was tonight, huh? Haven't gotten a chance to check my phone today."

The apartment was dark behind him... no wonder he stumbled so much. It was hard for you to process what you were seeing over the overwhelming smell of alcohol... More accurately, the smell of cheap beer. Yeesh.

"...are you drunk?" "Not yet." Kotetsu replied under his breath, before immediately realizing his mistake and correcting, "I mean- I've just had a beer or two, nothing to worry about." "Kotetsu, if this is a bad time then maybe we shouldn't--" "NO-!!" he cut you off immediately, catching you off guard, "I mean, no- it's okay! I still want to study with you." "...y-you sure?" you stuttered in disbelief. He stepped out of the doorway, beckoning you in, "Yeah, come on in."

He flicked on the light switch... revealing the absolute state his living space was in.

Alcohol bottles and cans everywhere. Unwashed dishes piled high in the kitchen sink. Bed un-made. An ironing board awkwardly left out of the closet with dirty clothes tossed around it. And the living room couch... covered in ominous newspaper clippings and scrawled notes that were most certainly not related to medicine.

As you awkwardly approached the living room table, Kotetsu went around like a busy bee frantically fixing things up. First thing he did was gather all the ominous looking research... you swear you saw at least a few Orobouros symbols amongst the black-and-white clippings as they were scooped up.

"Sorry about the mess!" Kotetsu laughed awkwardly as he squirrelled the papers away in a corner, then immediately went to the windows. Stifling blinds and curtains were pulled open to reveal the twinkling lights of the city street. "It's fine..." you reply back with bemusement, descending to the sitting area and setting down your backpack at the living room table.

As Kotetsu started the arduous task of picking up what seemed like hundreds of old beer cans/bottles, you marveled at his apartment. The media shelves with the TV and his record collection (you'd love to comb through those later). The vintage-looking kitchen. The wooden shelves and dressers... one of them covered in what looked like framed photos.

You looked over your shoulder-- there was still cans & bottles left, but it seems Kotetsu got distracted picking up the laundry. Either way, it was the perfect opportunity to snoop. You walked up close to the dresser and were greeted with a few familiar faces. Barnaby together with Kotetsu the day he retired from hero work, Kotetsu with old boss Ben, Kotetsu with his daughter the day she graduated grade school... But most of these were photos of someone new to you... his wife. You knew she had passed, but Kotetsu always dodged the subject when you brought it up. You squinted at the caption written on an old wedding photo... so her name was Tomoe. She was beautiful. Your heart ached just thinking about Kotetsu losing her.

A loud CLANG of bottles being put down in the kitchen snaps you out of your feelings. You quickly head back over to the sitting area. The apartment is much more presentable, now. Although you still felt uneasy. Not just because you knew all the neglect was simply swept under the rug, not just because the smell of alcohol still lingered, but because of that pile of papers in the corner... what you assumed to be research into a top secret crime organization... perhaps the kind of information that might make someone a target...

"All right! There we go!!" Kotetsu spoke up, coming downstairs from his bedroom area with his laptop and course work. You snapped out of your worried staring, whipping your head to face him. Kotetsu must have caught your reaction, because he got a concerned look as he sat across the table, "You okay?" "Yes. Fine." You finally realized that you hadn't taken out your own things yet, and immediately unzipped your backpack to pull them out.

You tried to break the silent tension in the room by starting off with the usual- asking Kotetsu to compare notes. ...only him to tell you he had none. For any of your classes together. For the entire past week. You tried to stay calm, but couldn't help yourself-- "What do you mean?!" "I'm really sorry, I've been very distracted!" "With what?" You snapped back, "Hunting down Ouroboros?!"

Kotetsu fell silent, perhaps finally realizing you already knew too much. "I'm really sorry about what happened to Rock Bison, Kotetsu, really I am. But..." You trailed off. You didn't know how to say it without hurting his feelings.

"I'm not an idiot." You were caught off guard as Kotetsu responded with a calm maturity, "I know I'm not a hero anymore." Seeing your shocked expression, he continued, "Yes, I've been trying to help Barnaby with the Ouroboros investigation. But I don't intend to become some sort of vigilante." That was a relief. But still... "Trying?" "I've spent the last week reaching out to my connections and asking around. A lot of the criminals I arrested back in the day respect me as their adversary, and were willing to talk."

"But... After I turned in my findings to the heroes this morning... Bunny told me to stop." Kotetsu's serious expression became sad as he looked down with dark eyes, "Said I was drawing too much attention, and that I was just putting everyone involved in danger." "He's right, you know." Kotetsu sighed, "I know..." "Did he say anything else?" Kotetsu rubbed the back of his head, "That I looked like I hadn't slept or showered in ages." "...have you?" He slumped, "Not really..."

You frowned, "So that's why you were sitting in the dark drinking... you feel useless." Kotetsu suddenly heated up at that word, glaring at you, "I'm not useless!!" "I know you're not!" you clarified, "But you feel that way, don't you? You want so badly to be able to help the heroes, but you're frustrated that there's nothing you can do. Or at least, nothing you're allowed to do, right?" Kotetsu fell silent at that. You could tell you were right.

"Of course I don't think you're useless Kotetsu." you repeated yourself to be extra clear, "The whole point of becoming a NEXT-specialized PT is so that you can help Heroes when they need you most, right?" "Right..." he half-heartedly replied. "So then try to have a bit more self-respect, okay? You know your own limits, so focus on what you can do instead of what you can't." "Uh-huh......" he was even quieter than before.

"Kotetsu..." you say with concern in your voice, "Remember last time... when I brought up going to therapy?" He gave a defeated sigh, "Yeah, I've been meaning to go..." "It really is free. You just have to call Student Services." "I know. I just..." Kotetsu looked over at the stack of now useless research in the corner. "You've been busy?" you gave him a consoling smile. He nodded.

You looked down, thinking back to the photos on the dresser... "I was worried you were avoiding going on purpose... because of your wife..." "What?" Kotetsu's voice was in disbelief. Oh no. You said that out loud. "S-sorry-! I mean-!" you fumbled, "Last time you told me you've seen a therapist once before, so I assumed it was because-- well...!" Kotetsu had a painfully neutral expression, "You're not wrong." He got a thousand-yard stare, "Who knows if I'd still be here if my boss hadn't forced me to go back then..." "I'm so sorry." Kotetsu shook his head, his voice bittersweet, "Let's not dwell on it any more, then." "Yes." you agreed immediately.

Kotetsu cleared his throat, glad that subject was skipped over. Suddenly, he smirked, "I'll make sure to sign up for Therapy after I sleep and shower, how about that?" calling back to Bunny's comment. "Sleep, shower-- AND taking notes for these upcoming tests!" you pointed a ballpoint pen at him threateningly. Kotetsu chuckled and grabbed his pencil, "Right, right."

You spent the rest of the night going over your notes and making sure he copied them and understood the material. You, at least, felt like you understood this place... and Kotetsu himself... a little bit more than before...

. . .

... it's been nearly two years since that day.

This is probably the fifth or sixth time you've been to Kotetsu's apartment, at least. You check the calendar he has on the fridge-- all the therapy sessions he had scheduled for the past month are checked off. Good.

You pay some passing respects to the photos of Tomoe, 'I'm trying my best to look after him for you so you can rest in peace.' before continuing on to the steps. It feels like second nature as you climb them upstairs to the bedroom area. Sure enough, there he is. Laying in a messy bundle of green comforters and sawing away. Well, more like purring, you'd say. Kotetsu's snoring was less like a chainsaw and more like an adorable annoyance. You check the time-- past 10AM. Certainly not early, but you figure you could let him rest more if he needs it.

You head back downstairs and check the fridge. It's all fried rice ingredients, of course. Old takeout rice boxes, assorted vegetables on the verge of going bad, and-- aha! Eggs. That'll work.

You have to wash some pans first, but eventually you fry up some eggs. You intend on bringing them upstairs and surprising Kotetsu. However, you nearly drop the plate when you hear a grumbling behind you-! You turn and see Kotetsu standing there, woozily holding his head as he barely manages to stumble over.

He calls your name questioningly. "What're you doing...?" "Good morning, sleepyhead. How's the hangover?" you walk past him and set the eggs down in the sitting area. "Not the worst I've ever had, but..." he groans, following. "Too sick to eat, or...?" "No.. I think I can eat..." You run over to get a glass of water, putting it in his hand, "Here." you guide him over to the table. "F...for me??" he asks in disbelief as you sit him in front of the eggs. "Yeah." "B-but what about you?" "I ate before coming over." "Oh..."

Kotetsu eats in awkward silence. You sit across from him and browse social media on your phone. The eggs were gone fairly quickly, and after finishing his glass of water, Kotetsu finally speaks up... "Did I say anything embarrassing last night?"

You looked up from your phone and saw Kotetsu's face drooping with genuine concern. That signature guilty puppy expression. "UH..." Normally you wouldn't hesitate to tell Kotetsu the silly things spoken when drunk. But this time, it was serious. It was pretty obvious that there were boundaries that weren't meant to be crossed, and you wanted to respect that. Plus, he just woke up. Was now really the right time to put him on the spot with a 'You confessed your love to me'?

Unfortunately, your conflicted expression was all the answer Kotetsu needed, "I did, didn't I?" "S-sort of..." you weaseled your way around the subject, "You told me that you asked out Barnaby once, but got rejected." "Oh god..." Kotetsu groaned, rubbing his face, "Yeah, I remember that part..." "You also told me that you were planning on asking out one of your fans to start dating." "That too..." he slumped back against the couch.

"What else do you remember?" you asked nervously. Kotetsu rubbed his hands over his forehead and through his hair, hmm-ing to himself... "You... drove me home, I think? Well, obviously you did." You nodded. "And... I remember crying about something... but I can't remember what..." "Well..." You sweat, careful to choose your words, "You said you were lonely. You miss Muramasa, Kaede, and Barnaby."

"Oooh- that's right!" Kotetsu sat up and tapped his fist into his palm, "And I was telling you how glad I was to have your company." "Uh-huh." you nodded, putting on an awkward smile. Suddenly, Kotetsu frowned, "Wait..." "Wait?" "......oh no." "Oh no???" Kotetsu curled his legs up on the couch and buried his face in his hands, "I REMEMBER NOW." "Oh no." "I confessed my feelings to you-!!" "Haha..." you died a little inside, "...yes. Yes you did." "AAAAAAGH." Kotetsu's embarrassment was muffled into his hands. 'AAAAH.' your embarrassment was screamed internally.

"I'm so sorry! I know we're just friends and you just want to help me graduate!!" Kotetsu pulled at his collar nervously, "I'm fine just pretending this whole thing never happened and--" "NO!" Kotetsu goes wide-eyed at your strong protest. You try to tone it down, "I mean- no, no, it's fine Kotetsu! If you really feel that way about me, then... I'm up for it." Kotetsu fell silent. Staring at you with a glimmer of hope and surprise in his eyes, "Really?"

"B-but only if you're up for it!!" you hastily add, "After all, you still have to figure out your leftover feelings for Tomoe and Barnaby, don't you?" He looked down seriously, "I do..." Then stroked his chin, "But... maybe I can multitask..." "Huh?" you cocked your head. Kotetsu was serious, matter-of-fact, "Coping with my old feelings and exploring these new feelings... at the same time." You're genuinely concerned, "Are you sure it wouldn't be too difficult?" Kotetsu shook his head, "The first part? Maybe... but second one? Not at all."

He looked up at you... his golden-brown eyes curved up from a sweet smile as he stared directly into yours, "I already know how I feel about you."

Your heart skipped a beat. He continued, "And I know you love me, too." "H-HUH?!" you felt your face go hot. "Seriously, that speech last night. 'If I was them I'd keep you warm on a lonely evening'? You weren't even trying to hide it, were you?" he chuckled. Now it was your turn to bury your face in your hands, "Y-yeah..." "Hey." Suddenly, you felt the warmth of a body next to you. You looked out from your palms-- Kotetsu had walked around the table and was sitting beside you now. He was looking you up and down, gently caressing your arm with his hand. You stared at him back, appreciating his features up close and personally. He opened his arms. You took the hint immediately, diving into his chest. You wrapped your hands around his waist and held him close, nuzzling into his neck. Taking in the smell of his sweat and a faint hint of cologne. The feeling of his rough skin and the old tank top he wore while sleeping. The sound of his breathing in his chest. Kotetsu nuzzled back, gripping you tightly with arms that made you feel safe.

The words had been weights in your heart for quite some time now, and you finally got to release them... "I love you, Kotetsu." You swear you could feel his heart beat faster...

"I love you, too."

 ♡

[emmajh97-mumaji]

What My Tarot Deck Says About My Blorbo?

💚Kotetsu Kaburagi💚

...

1st Card: King of Cups

Much like the King of Cups, Kotetsu is a father figure and master of his emotions. He has been through it all- love, excitement, loss. He has an earnest appreciation for the turbulent waters of life and likes connecting with others. However, he wears his heart in his chest and not on his sleeve. If you look at the King, his smile is stern and his eyes are closed. The windows to his soul are guarded. Unlike the Queen of Cups, who knows the importance of letting feelings flow freely within her court, the stoic King takes into account how his emotions effect others and thus controls them strategically. This reflects in Kotetsu, who will purposefully hide when something is wrong because he doesn't want to worry other people. But despite this facade, we know that Kotetsu frets and worries constantly about the people he loves and his own perceived shortcomings. We also know that Kotetsu copes with his intense feelings by drowning himself in alcohol. In that case, the King's cup could represent literal drinks, and his executive status represents how Kotetsu's relationship with alcohol is functional (most of the time). On a lighter note, the raised cup could represent how Kotetsu likes to invite people out drinking as a way to socialize. He wants to raise a toast to celebrate his friends!

2nd Card: Two of Wands

Like the figure on the Two of Wands, Kotetsu is ambitious. Becoming a hero has been his dream ever since he was young-- and it sparking so early in his life reflects in the low number (only two out of ten; this is the start of a journey). When your powers make you 100% larger than life, it takes a lot of control to not crush everything. But look at how the world is gently cradled in the man's hands. This reflects how Kotetsu feels like he must protect everyone. However the unfortunate reality is that being a hero is much more than just saving people. Look at how the man is facing away from the world behind him. This reflects how Kotetsu struggles to put on a show for a camera and meet the social demands of being a televised hero. The number two is all about balance and choices, and for Kotetsu those choices are: to keep following his dream of being a hero at the expense of his home life, or to give up on his dream and focus on being a good father with a steady job. What the fiery two of wands suggests is that Kotetsu's passion for being a hero will always burn him, even if he couldn't do it anymore.

Conclusion:

Kotetsu feels constantly at war with himself. Deep down, he wants to keep following his childhood dream of being a hero, but he knows that the person he is now is not the same man who was once one of the top-ranking heroes years ago. He's a father and a widower; his heart has grown deeper, for better and for worse. He's an earnest goofball, but he's not naive. He wants to be there for his daughter, but he also wants to prove to his late wife-- and to himself-- that he can keep fighting till the end. The conflict makes him drown in emotions, but he tries his best to cope with those feelings and keep pressing onward.

...

Bonus:

The stone from my collection that makes me think of Kotetsu most is--

--this green Dalmatian Jasper!

...

Thank you for reading~ Information about my cards can be found in this post! A list of my favorite characters can be found here!