Barnaby's POV

To say I'm nervous is an understatement. We've just arrived at Anju's, she and Kotestu's brother are already cooing over Kyle while Kotetsu is getting some things ready for the visit to the grave. I'm not sure if it's appropriate to take your new lover to your wife's grave.

Anju held Kyle over her hip, waving us off as we began our walk to the grave site. This is my chance to pay respect to Tomoe and i guess to ask for her blessing. I wonder, if she's happy Kotetsu moved on? Happy Kaede has a little brother she adores. I took note of the trees and the gentle breeze that blew in my hair. Somehow, it made me feel a bit more at peace, like Tomoe was welcoming us to her grave. 

I felt Kotetsu squeeze my hand, trying to further reassure me further that we were doing the right thing. "I haven't really been here much," I commented referring to the town. "It really is peaceful here. Makes me wonder why you left?" 

"I wanted to keep my promise of becoming a hero," Kotetsu explained, trying to not get teared up. "It's been hard but I like to think I lived up to it to the fullest extent." 

"If it helps," I started to say, feeling my cheeks blush. I still wonder when I started to get emotional. "You've become my hero." 

I saw tears streaming out of Kotestu's eyes. He pulled his sleeves down his hand on his free hand and wiped his tears away. "How unmanly of your hero huh?" He tried to joke. "But it makes me happy to know you're proud of me. I can only hope Kaede and Tomoe are too." 

We continued to walk in a comfortable silence. Kaede may not show it but she is proud of Kotestu and recently I think she has been flourishing in her new environment and having her dad around more. We made it to the grave site, I stepped back, allowing Kotetsu to kneel down and have his time to talk to Tomoe. He does this for my on the occasions we have visited my parent's grave. After a few minutes he turned, gesturing me over. I gulped, the nerves settling in as I knelt beside him. Kotetsu smiled, grabbing my hand, as if to present me to Tomoe. "this to Barnaby," he introduced. "He's the one I've told you about a lot. Sorry about that." Kotetsu chuckled. "But I just want you to know, that he's been looked after Kaede and I well and he's a wonderful mother to Kyle."

I couldn't help but blush, still not used to being called 'mother'. "Hi Tomoe," I blushed. "I hope you can accept Kotetsu and mine's relationship," I started, feeling my body shudder as I spoke. "Kotetsu still talks about you, it's like you're there watching us and I'm glad." I heard Kotetsu gasp as I just continued to talk. "I'm glad, having you with us still because I hope you see the amazing young lady Kaede is becoming and how amazing of a job Kotetsu is doing. In a way, i feel like I've know you all this time to and I hope you know that I will continue to look after Kotetsu as long as I can because I love him."

"I love him too," Kotetsu spoke up. "So we hope we have your blessing for our upcoming marriage." We stayed quiet as the wind started to blow and I watched as a flower fell in front of us. "I think that's a good sign."

I nodded, Kotetsu pulling me up. "I feel comfort knowing she's still looking over you and Kaede.

"I think she's looking at you and Kyle as well," Kotetsu stated, a big smile on his face. "Well, with her blessing I think it's time." 

"Time?" I questioned. 

"Lets set a date," Kotetsu announced. "Once you have your interview, lets do it. I want to finally make you my bunny bride." 

I laughed, flicking his head. "As long as i can call you my old man groom." 

We both laughed though, I have to agree and, I'll admit, I want to be Kotetsu's 'Bunny' too.