For Efflations: Come Fly With Me

[herotvlive]

Agnes's life is scheduled out for the next ten years.
It DEFINITELY does not include room for things like romance.
ESPECIALLY not with Sky High of all people.

Ship: Agnes x Keith/Sky High

Other characters: Kotetsu/Wild Tiger

Prior Events:

Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object 
Agnes is hurt on location. Cue massive guilt from Sky High. Contains several princess carries and numerous threats of being hit with crutches!

Dance Lessons
Tiger needs dancing lessons. Agnes volunteers Keith. THIS will go well!

Summer Wind
The Superhero Swing Party has arrived! Features dancing by Mr. Wild with Mr. Brooks and Agnes running out of contingency plans...


Warnings: Possibly eventual adult situations, swearing, absurd amounts of Sinatra

Comments

[herotvlive]

Oof!

[They're fairly evenly matched, physically, but Keith's enthusiasm is a force of nature! Kotetsu stumbles back, laughing.]

Yeeeeeeeeeah, that was why. We um... talked a long time, after you left. The party just made it kinda official.

[It was just talking. THAT time. He's confident Keith isn't going to go reading anything else into it UNLIKE SOME PEOPLE (every single other Hero.)]

[efflations]

[All that time and he hadn't noticed? He hadn't even picked up that something had changed from how the others acted?

Oh well. It doesn't matter. They're both happy - or so he assumes. It's hard to tell with Barnaby if he's happier than he was before. Definitely happier than when he first became a hero but beyond that? No. He's happy and Tiger is happy and Keith is happy for them.]

We should all celebrate together! All of us! After Ms- after I've spoken to the others too. They do all know, don't they?

[herotvlive]

[Bunny's... probably not going to go for that. Neither is Kotetsu, to be honest. But Keith looks so happy for now it's no good bursting his bubble.]

Bastards all claim they knew from Day One! Maybe Nathan did. And Agnes, but hey, Madame Producer knows EVERYTHING so she doesn't count.

[Liiiiiiittle bit of sarcasm there! Then he catches a convenient change of subject, and his grin shades a little evil.]

Wait, 'Ms.'? Ms. who?

[efflations]

Eh? Ms- Ah. Um. Ms...

[What should he say? He can't lie - Kotetsu will spot it straight away. He can't tell the truth either, not yet.]

I can't say. I'm sorry Mr Wild but we were going to tell everyone together and so I can't answer. Please understand.

[It's not as though that's far more telling than a name, that the most obvious reason he can't give a name is that Tiger would recognise it. Maybe it would've been smarter to claim he doesn't know her name, like the girl in the park. That might have worked!]

[herotvlive]

[Oh yes. Brilliant plan! Kotetsu would be SURE to believe that you don't know your girlfriend's name!

Aaaaaand we're back to titles again. Kotetsu sighs, then gets the door since they've reached the restaurant.]

Nah, I get it. Whevener you're both comfortable. You don't have to make an announcement about it, though! You're making it sound like a press conference!

And I'm out!

[efflations]

No! Nothing like that!

[Ms Agnes wouldn't - she wouldn't. She'd been the one to say it could be dangerous if people knew she was involved with Sky High, even the best ratings ever wouldn't make her do that. Right?]

No, it's just.... you do all need to know. Not just because you're my friends and I want to tell you either.

[He was sure none of them would have a problem with it but for the sake of fairness. And if they didn't get told he'd let it slip eventually. It would be too hard to keep a secret.]

Night!

[herotvlive]

"Not just?" There's another reason?

[This is making less and less sense.

The restaurant is warm and crowded, the kind of place with red-checked tablecloths. The hostess greats Kotetsu by name - obviously he's a regular - then leads the pair of Heroes to a table in the back.]

Why would we need to know?

[efflations]

[It's nice, homey the restaurant Kotetsu has chosen. Keith has to wonder if he's been here with Barnaby before. He smiles at the hostess as he takes a seat, taking the opportunity to try and think of an answer while avoiding Tiger's gaze.]

Um. You need to know because ah....

[What is a good reason? Besides the truth? He can't think of anything and Kotetsu has been honest with him, is trying to help him. He can't lie to his friend.]

Well, it might matter to our work. So you all deserve to know.

[herotvlive]

[Tiger tries to think why it would matter. Okay, maybe if Keith was dating another Hero... except he's not. It's someone he's known a while, maybe even from his early NEXT days... Um, someone at Poseidon? Or HeroTV?... Gaaaaaaah, he's not a detective!

Although... There is one thing that might make sense... But if Keith's worried about THAT, no problem! Kotetsu grins, pleased that he's figured it out!]

What, like you think the media's gonna start pestering us about your love life? Don't worry, we'll tell them to buzz off!

[He decides to change the subject anyway. Poor Keith looks like he's about to run away, and he did come for help!]

Um. Was there something else you wanted to ask about... dating or being a good boyfriend or something?

[efflations]

Oh! Yes!

[With finding out about Tiger and Barnaby he'd completely forgotten why he'd want to talk to Kotetsu in the first place. And it really is a good idea to change the subject before he says the wrong thing. Staring at the tabletop, Keith traces the patterns on the surface thoughtlessly, blush creeping back up his cheeks.]

It's just... I haven't really had a proper girlfriend before, not really. And I don't want to do the wrong thing. You were married so...

[He glances up at Kotetsu in case that was the wrong thing to mention then goes on-]

Was it ever hard? Being a hero and having someone special? Or I guess, is it difficult now?

[herotvlive]

[Kotesu nods, not at all bothered by Keith's phrasing.]

Sometimes, yeah. You've got someone you care about, you worry. You worry about disappointing them or that some psycho will go after them and hurt them. And it's hard, finding the time to be there for them - you know, as a person, not a Hero. And sometimes you do have to decide between being a person and a Hero and that... sucks.

[Work-Life balance: NOT Kotetsu's forte. He thinks about empty hospital rooms, the reek of antiseptic. It's a relief when the waitress brings the bread baskets (yes, multiple, she knows his eating habits!)]

But then, there are other parts that get better. Even if it's a really bad day, having someone who cares about you and supports you like that? It's a lifesaver. Even if they do it by shouting or being all uptight about points and ratings!

[He's poking fun at himself. Keith wouldn't have experience with that, RIGHT?]

[efflations]

[Keith nods along with Kotetsu's answer thoughtfully. Already he's finding that it is hard sometimes finding time to spend together. Both he and Ms Agnes have busy schedules and unlike Tiger and Barnaby they don't tend to be together during work. But he can't say it's not worth it when they do.]

Yes. I don't think I get told off about my points as much as you might- [It would be unfair for Ms Agnes to say too much there even if his scores were particularly bad (which admittedly they don't tend to be), unlike with Barnaby.] But if I don't do my part for HeroTV's ratings I get yelled at a lot.

[He sounds pretty happy about that though.]

[herotvlive]

Geeze, sounds like a bossy lady!

[Keith seems happy though, so maybe he's into that? And it's not like Kotetsu can really judge anyway. Good to have someone who knows what they want!]

So she's a fan?

[efflations]

Not of Sky High specifically but of HeroTV yes!

[HeroTV's biggest fan and most avid supporter definitely.]

But she's not bossy. Not really. Well, not in a bad way! Like Barnaby I guess.

[Picking at one of the bread baskets he thinks about Tiger and Barnaby again.]

Do you think people will find out about you and Barnaby? Will... it be a problem if they do?

[herotvlive]

[That gets a laugh. Like Barnaby, huh? Maybe they BOTH like taking orders.]

There have been rumors for a while. We're not confirming anything with the press - Madame Producer seems to think it's better ratings. But everyone kind of knows. Especially with that stunt we pulled, dancing at the Swing Party!

[And let's be honest, there's already enough footage of the pair's belligerent sexual tension 'partnership' to be analyzed for YEARS.

The waitress has returned. Kotetsu orders, then jerks a thumb over at Keith.]

- And I've got his too.

I am so sorry this took me so long!

[efflations]

[Wait, there were rumours about Tiger and Barnaby being a couple? That had been going on for a while? Surely Tiger is exaggerating, why would anyone have thought they were a couple even before they started dancing together? It's not like they used to spend all their time together and get in each other's personal space or anything!]

Oh. There were? She does? ...Ms Agnes didn't say anything to me about you and Barnaby.

[Not that she should have but if she had known and he hadn't he'd have thought she might have mentioned it. Should he ask her? It doesn't really matter but he is puzzled why she didn't. As he mulls it over Keith places how own order as well and once the waitress has left turns back to Kotetsu.]

That's not necessary - I was the one who asked you to help me Kotetsu.

Welcome back! :D

[herotvlive]

[She DID mention it Keith. It's not her fault your innuendo processor is nonexistent!

Kotetsu waves off the protest.]

The drinks are for celebrating. The food is another 'Thanks' for the 'getting head out of ass' thing. "Thanks and thanks again," right?

[He grins, but it falters as something else catches his attention. Something that makes no sense at all.]

Um... Why would Ms. Agnes have talked to you about dating?

[efflations]

[Innuendo - that's a Japanese food right?]

Right! If you say so!

[Keith freezes at the question, colour draining from his face as his grin turns pained.]

She didn't! We're not! I mean, ah, I'm not- Dating. Ah. I didn't, um... talk to her about....you dating Barnaby. Not exactly. And not about dating at all!

[He stares at Kotetsu with a panicked look that might be familiar from when Kaede was younger and trying to hide something even after being caught in the act.]

[herotvlive]

Okay, yeah, that seemed pretty weird, you and Agnes -

[What the hell is wrong with Keith now? Wait. Wait, what was that last part?]

Processing...]

- you and Agnes -

[Processing...]

You and Agnes.

[BOOM. Kotetsu's jaw drops and he points a finger at Keith.]

Haaaaaaah?!

[efflations]

[Nonononononono! Ms Agnes will kill him if he spills the beans before they're ready! Waving his hands frantically in the air and shaking his head Keith launches into damage control mode.]

No! No, no- we're not! No, of course not! Hahah- that couldn't happen Mr Wild, really!

[Another forced laugh and he gives Tiger the kind of pained, fixed grin better suited for a badly made action figure. Or someone currently imagining just what Agnes will do to them if she gets wind of this.]

Ha... Look! The food is here!

[That will be enough to make Kotetsu forget the past few minutes, right?

Right?]

Back!

[herotvlive]

[Keith's "damage control mode" is about as effective as Wild Tiger's. Meaning it sends more things crashing down then stay up. He's such an honest guy - surely, if he wasn't dating someone, he would say right out. Set the record straight. And say what a wonderful person they were, and that they would surely find somebody special! Not... flail and start panicking.

Someone who yells about HeroTV... Who works closely with Sky High, has known him a long time.. Someone who Keith would feel obligated to tell the other Heroes about because it would matter to their work...

Ms. ...

Oh. God.

Kotetsu drains the glass of beer and hands it right back to the waitress before she can walk away.]

Eh, sorry, can I have another one? I think I need it!

[Laughing, she goes to get the refill. Kotetsu just keeps gaping at Keith.]

Welcome back!

[efflations]

Um...

[What does he do now? What does he do NOW?

Ms Agnes will be furious if she finds out he couldn't keep a secret! And he's still not certain it won't be bad for her if it gets out before they're ready. He just.... has to convince Tiger that it's not what he thinks. Somehow.]

I'm not! Not dating Ms Agnes. Of course not Mr Wild, really I'm not! That would be- We're not! She's a beautiful, wonderful, smart woman and any man would be very lucky to have her as a-

[And where was he going with this again? He hadn't wanted to suggest that dating Ms Agnes would be - was - a bad thing (it really, truly wasn't) and gotten a little off-track. Right, that was it!]

But we're not really!

[That was convincing, right?]

[herotvlive]

[Yeah, noooooot in the least. The more Keith protests, the more Kotetsu's convinced he's right. Well. That certainly is... a thing. Processing it is difficult. Imagining Agnes with a personal life is kind of like trying to imagine snow in July (Blue Rose not withstanding.) And one with SKY HIGH?

Also, poor Keith - He's floundering and no wonder. He'd been trying so hard to keep it a secret, and Agnes will probably NOT be happy about this. What will she do to him?

More importantly, what will Agnes do to TIGER if she finds out he knows?!]

Look, um, if it is - um, who it probably is - you didn't tell me. Exactly. I guessed.

[It's a flimsy cover, but maybe enough to get away with just a chewing out instead of being flayed alive?]

[efflations]

[He should probably just give up on trying to convince Tiger that it's not what he thinks it is, shouldn't he? It seems the older hero is just too good to be fooled by his clever lies.

Ms Agnes is going to be furious. Slumping dejectedly Keith buries his face in his hands.]

You guessed because of what I said Mr Wild. It's my fault.

[It's his fault and Ms Agnes is going to be so mad and all he had to do was keep it quiet until they were ready to tell everyone. He'd thought he was doing so well - he hadn't even told John (which had been very hard not to blurt it out but he'd managed) - and now he'd given it all away.]

I'll tell her what happened.

[There's no way that could negatively affect Kotetsu, right?]

Please don't say anything to the others? We will tell them, I promise! Just, not yet.

[herotvlive]

Huh?! Tell her?! Tell who?! I have NO IDEA who you could be possibly talking about! Nope!

[Under further consideration of what Agnes would do to them BOTH, Kotetsu had decided to TOTALLY BELIEVE your very clever lies now, Keith!

Oh shit. Oh shit. Oh SHIT.]

But if it was - um - her - WHICH IT ISN'T - I'd be really surprised. You don't... um. Seem like each other's types?

[He can't help sounding doubtful. Keith looked really happy about it earlier, but Ag - THAT person? REALLY?!]