couldn't help it. No spoilers in post, but very likely in the comments.

[fraternally]

So we're doing this? You know this is maybe not the greatest idea? For a lot of reasons?

Alright. Okay. Look, is anyone ever ready? You have to know. Right? Okay. So I guess we're doing this! Guess it'll be nice to say hi to everyone.

Let's just maybe hold off on a game for now, alright? You need to see the movie again. And I could use some time to, uh... prepare. You know how it is.

Thanks.

Comments

[zerotohiro]

[...nope. Nope, nope, n o p e.

That's a great question bro. 'Is anyone ever ready?' Because Hiro's definitely not ready for this, but he figures it's like this.

A.) He can continue gawking like a total dork.
B.) He can try to explain to Tadashi that there's absolutely no way this can be happening.
or C.) Play it cool.]

Sooo...think that'll work?

[It's just Tadashi, Hiro. It's okay.]

[fraternally]

... probably not.

[ Tadashi smiles, then reaches out to ruffle Hiro's hair. ]

Hey kiddo.

[fistbumper]

Sometimes you just have to jump into crazy ideas, right?

[... Hi big bro.]

[zerotohiro]

[It's out of instinct and familiarity that he ducks out of Tadashi's reach, but the grin isn't quite as bright as it should be. This is way too surreal for him.]

Hey. [He gives him another funny look. Kinda can't help it here.] What's the plan?

[fraternally]

That's right. Long as you're using you're head. And you are, right?

[ Teasing. Hey, little bro. ]

[fraternally]

[ Tadashi opens his mouth; closes it. Takes a deep breath. ]

... you could give me a tour of all the cool new tech you've been building, genius.

[fistbumper]

I'm trying! I mean... I guess what I'm doing in game now is kind of crazy, but... you know. Things happen.

[fraternally]

Yeah.

[ Pauses, rubbing the back of his neck and not quite looking away, but not quite meeting his brother's eyes, either. ]

... how you doing?

[fistbumper]

I'm doing... okay. Taking classes. Building things. Dealing with memory loss. That kind of stuff.

[fraternally]

Mem-- memory loss, what? When'd you hit your head that hard? [ Gets close and leans down, looking Hiro in the eye. The expression on his face can't decide if he wants to laugh or be concerned. ]

[fistbumper]

[He shrinks back a little. Come on, Tadashi!]

It wasn't my fault! It's... well. It's complicated, but it was SHIELD's fault. I mean. I remember it here, just not in game.

[zerotohiro]

[Okay, that gets a normal response out of him. He brightens considerably after that.]

I could, but it might be too much for you to handle. [A beat.] They gave me your nerd lab on campus. Kinda puts a new angle on things.

[nerdschoolgirl]

TADASHI!!!

[You're just going to get a big hug whether you like it or not, because Honey Lemon is just so happy to see you here alive and all!]

You're here! Oh, I'm so glad to see you!

[fraternally]

[ And Hiro's brightened expression gets a grin. Tadashi strokes his chin thoughtfully and nods a few times. ]

My lab, huh? You better use it well. I expect big things out of you, Hiro. [ Somewhat more seriously, though still smiling. ] You know that, right? That you can do it no problem.

[fraternally]

What-- shield? Hiro. [ There's no escaping. He reaches out to put both hands on his little brother's shoulders. ] I think you better tell me everything.

[fraternally]

Hey, whoa, hey-- hey, Honey. [ Tadashi huffs a surprised laugh, remembering to hug her back after a beat. ]

It's good to see you too. You okay?

[ It feels sort of strange to ask, but like a requisite. He'd ask it of all his friends right now. Even Fred. (Maybe especially Fred.) ]

[zerotohiro]

[Aw man Tadashi what'd you have to go and say that for? Likewise, he knows the conversation just went a little more serious.]

I'm working on it. We're doing something really, really big. [A little humbled by recent events? Maybe a tiiiiiny bit, but he's still pretty proud of what he's accomplished so far. It's not perfect, and it definitely wasn't planned to turn out the way it did...but he's proud.

And he just has to wonder if Tadashi would be, too.] I just want to do something that would make you proud.

[thehirohewanted]

[Well, someone gets to find out how being dead works in metaspace. Namely it doesn't.]

Yeah, saying hi. Definitely nice to say hi.

So.

Uh.

Hi?

[The part of him that isn't some mix of internal screaming white noise emotions is kind of glad Baymax isn't around because he's faaaaairly sure any mention of 'pubescent mood swings' would make the extremely fragile front shatter into a million pieces.]

[roboticalnurse]

Hello, Tadashi. [That's saying hi to everyone, right?] What is it needing preparations? Are you in need of assistance?

[fistbumper]

[He just... sighs and hangs his head.]

Okay look. Basically in the game that my mun put me in, SHIELD grabbed people it wanted to use as 'assets' and wiped their memories of doing anything that's superhero stuff and gave them fake memories. That's why I'm in New York now. They're triggering people with activation phrases when they're on missions and keeping those memories away from them the rest of the time.

[He crosses his arms and scowls.]

They could have just asked us, you know? It's not like I'd turn down a chance to work with Iron Man or something. I mean just look at that suit!

[heartwarmer]

Overeager mun, huh?

[nerdschoolgirl]

[Well, he's dead in her world. He may not be the first Tadashi she's seen around here, but she's still super excited. Can you really blame her?

Grinning from ear to ear, she just doesn't want to let go of him right away, but she finally does break away at least, with a little laugh.]

Me? I'm fine!

[Still hanging on to one of her friend's arms, she shrugs a shoulder lightly.]

This place isn't so bad, once you get used to it! Plus, the whole gang is here!

How are you, Tadashi? We missed you so much.

[pushtheboundaries]

Consider yourself lucky if you get that time. They're worse with deadlines than I am.

[because clearly the best way to start a conversation is by pretending Certain Things never happened.]

[societyhasrules]

...Tadashi?

You really here, man?

Am I seeing ghosts? Because in this chaotic place - I would not be surprised.

[fraternally]

Yeah, Wasabi. I'm really here. I mean, do I look transparent to you? [ He holds up and twists a hand, smiling - though maybe not as teasing as usual. ]