Tiger and bunny: Lucky to be a lady tonight

Chapter 13

Barnaby was busy as usual with taking pictures with fans and giving out signatures. His hair had been perfectly curled, a hint of glitter in it as well for added flare. His glasses were polished nicely, and his black tuxedo was well fitted to his body. Every time he flashed his smirk, thousands of girls screamed in excitement; swooning. Needless to say, he was flattered by their reactions, but he was only ever interested in one person in particular calling out his name.

The thought of Kotetsu brought Barnaby back to what he was originally trying to accomplish before he was bombarded with fans. He looked over the crowd that was flooding the entrance to the ball, and yet he couldn't quite pick out the one person he was looking for.

"No, you don't understand--!" Kotetsu sighed as the voice spoke again over the phone. "Understood...thank you..." She hung up and slumped forward, gathering her composure before placing her phone back in her hand bag and finally getting out of the limo, forcing a smile on her face for the flashing of the press as she strolled down the carpeted walk way, her long green dress flowing around her ankles in sparkling silk.

Finally Barnaby caught sight of Kotetsu and moved towards her until he broke the crowd to get to her. He smiled and took her hand. "Evening, Tiger. You're looking beautiful."

She blushed, "Thank you. You look sharp, as usual for these things...is that glitter in your hair?"

"Aww, you noticed." He rolled his eyes and nodded. "I thought I'd go with a little flare tonight."

"Noticed? It's hard not to when there are so many flashing lights out here.

"I know. I can't believe how many photographers are out here. It seems like more than usual..." He shrugged. "Probably my imagination."

"Shall we head inside, Partner?" Kotetsu asked, taking his arm.

"Absolutely." Together, the two heroes headed away from the screaming fans and paparazzi and into the safety of the building where the ball was held. Their arrival was announced as soon as they were in the giant room, and more fans came over, though not the squeaky teen girls who desperately wanted Barnaby's heart.

Kotetsu sighed, smiling at the men who had gathered to greet her, "Thank you, my popularity appears to be much higher these days." She laughed, getting the men to laugh along.

Once the event was underway, guests lined up for a chance to dance with their favorite hero, Barnaby, Kotetsu, and Karina's lines being the longest.

After a few dances, Kotetsu bowed to the men in his line, "Excuse me a moment, I'd like a refreshment before continuing." She apologized for the delay before walking over to the bar.

"The usual, Tigress?" the bartender asked. He'd worked enough events to know what Wild Tiger liked to drink.

She shook her head, "I don't handle alcohol as well as I used to. Please just give me a glass of water. I have a lot of dancing ahead of me."

He nodded and gave her a glass of ice water, which she sipped down before returning to the dance floor. Following had taken some getting used to, but she had learned it quickly enough, making for easier dancing for the rest of the evening.

As she was spun around the dance floor, her mind was lost in thought of the call she had received.

How could this happen? It didn't seem fair or real...it should be impossible. But the nurse had been quick to rebuttal every argument she had thrown at her with facts that she had always known, but didn't ever think could be possible...