The Bar at the End of the Universe

The door opens from New York.

Isaac's studio is not what Hiro -- still disheveled and roughed up, but who notices that in New York, really? -- sees. Still, he breaks into an easy smile and relaxes visibly.

It is time to rest. He wanders over to the bar, and lays his head down on it, briefly, and says, breathless: "Arigatou."

He could use a break.




He's not getting one.

Not when there is the soft step of another man, approaching, the light tread of a man who is used to applying stealth along side the blade.

"You're embarassing us," says the other Hiro.

"Bu---but--!" Hiro -- younger, naive, soulpatchless! He stands straight, and stares at his alter-self. "I don't understand."

"The dead sometimes find their way here. Are you really that surprised?" Hiro-of-the-Future casts his eyes about the bar, and says, "As afterlifes go, it's not going to be so bad, I don't think."

"But--" he tilts his head. "I-- I'm sorry."

There is silence for a moment. "Paradox tickles," the black clad Hiro finally says.

"We're not the same person," Hiro replies, looking at him crossly. "I do not think I want to be you."

That does not please the future warrior. "Go your way, and I go mine, alright?" he says sharply.

There, the man turns away and walks into the crowded bar, and the other -- the 'true' -- Hiro...

He slumps at the bar, and sighs.


[Yes! Two Hiros for the price of one; just check the icons. Future Hiro AND Regular Hiro are available for tagging and will be in seperate posts from here on out. Please be specific about who you're tagging on this post.]