Tiger and bunny: Lucky to be a lady tonight

Chapter 5

Kotetsu had been right for the most part. On Hero TV, her change had been treated as a big deal for a few episodes, but finally it faded, leaving only scheduled interviews to deal with; everyone wanting to get the big scoop on Wild Tigress. After a week, she got used to the change to her hero name, and grudgingly allowed all of the photo shoots she'd been contracted to do with and without Barnaby. New hero cards had been printed for her new look and, to her surprise, they were selling out faster than even Barnaby's had when he was a new hero.

Nearly three weeks passed without Kotetsu changing back, and she was beginning to accept that it was probably permanent. Being a woman had become normal to her, though she hadn't yet admitted it out loud to Barnaby.

Kaedes reaction was something she hadn't seen coming. The girl asking her if she was to be called 'Mom' instead of 'Dad'. Truly, Kotetsu had expected a bigger reaction out of her daughter.

With such thoughts in her head, she looked up into the single glass eye staring into her soul. She froze in place, waiting for a sign that she could move once more, her expression innocent and almost dazed. The eye blinked, committing her image to memory and then swayed, moving to find another angle. Blinking at her, judging her as a voice commanded her to move or freeze.

"Alright, Miss Tigress, we're going to bring in your partner for a few more shots before letting you go." The photographer said, setting down his camera and shifting through different lenses.

Kotetsu was in a light green sundress, her mask in place, and flowers in her partially braided hair.

"I didn't know Bunny was going to be in this one..."

"We brought him in last minute. I got a few ideas I want to have fun with. The Wild Tigress and Barnaby fans will enjoy it, I think."

Barnaby came in as the last of the photographer's words were spoken. He was in a plaid button up that was dark pink, dark blue pants, ends rolled up to expose his ankles, with a black belt like his usual white one. Instead, he had on a white beanie with some white canvas shoes.

He saw Kotetsu in the dress and smiled at her. "You look good Kotetsu."

She blushed, "Thanks..."

"Alright, I want you to pose together." The photographer said, moving a step stool over for his use to get a wider array of angles. "Mister brooks, if you would pick up Miss Tigress in that famous princess carry you often find yourself holding her in—only this time, Tigress, don't look so...freaked out. I want you to put your arms around his neck and lean in."

Barnaby nodded and carefully picked Kotetsu up, making sure her dress didn't fall too out of place. His hands held her up firmly and calmly as he waited for her to get situated.

Blushing a light pink, Kotetsu pulled herself closer—intimately so as the photographer got onto his stood to get a higher angle, taking a few pictures of them both looking up at the camera, and some of them looking at each other.

"Yes, you both look natural! Very good!" the man praised as he captured them at all angles before instructing them into a new pose. Each pose had them close. Kotetsu in Barnaby's arms in one way or another until Barnaby was positioned behind her, arm around her waist, his free hand holding her hand up as if they were to dance as he leaned in close to her ear.

"Would either of you object to Mister Brooks kissing Tigress' cheek?"

"I wouldn't mind it. But only if the picture isn't posted anywhere but your website."

The man nodded, a glint in his eye, "Miss?"

Kotetsu shifted slightly, glancing at Barnaby and his soft pink lips, "I'm...not sure..."