Stay Tuned As Life Continues

Yamato looked at the calendar it had been three weeks since Takeru had woken up from his coma. It had been about two and half weeks since he was diagnosed with amnesia, amnesia that was only supposed to last a couple days. Throughout the past nine weeks Yamato had only had one conversation with his brother/lover. And that conversation had been short and full of heartbreak. Yamato looked at the present date. Takeru had another physical therapy appointment today. Yamato checked his watch, it was late enough into the night to call Jyou.

Yamato picked up his new cell phone and dialed his friend. “Hi Jyou, It’s Yamato.”

“Hello Yamato. I’m guessing you’re calling to find out how your brother is doing.” Said the voice from the other side of the line.

“Yeah, sorry if I call too much.” Yamato apologized.

“Don’t worry about it Yamato. I know it’s the only way you can really keep tabs on him.” Jyou said, “I have good news, Takeru is almost done with his physical therapy. He doesn’t really need the wheelchair anymore. He just needs to strengthen his leg muscles a little more. But his physical therapy will continue until they are sure he’s back to being a hundred percent. ”

“Have they said anything new about his amnesia?” Yamato asked.

“No, I’m sorry Yamato. I’m just told that in some cases when the event was tragic enough, or the head injury serious enough, that the amnesia can be worse, lasting longer than average.” Answered Jyou.

“Thanks Jyou, what would I do without you?”

“Probably life for killing Nancy.” Jyou joked.

Yamato gave a slight chuckle. “I’ll let you go now Jyou.”

“Take care Yamato. I’ll let you know if I hear anything new.” Jyou answered.

“Thanks a million.” Yamato said, he then hung up the phone.

Yamato left his bedroom and walked out to the living room. With a quick scan of the room he found his new weekend roommate. Hikari had taken to spending the weekends there at her brother’s and Yamato’s apartment. Whenever Yamato or Hikari would find any new information out on Takeru, they would fill each other in. Their pain over a shared cause was bonding them together quickly. Taichi was glad about the new arrangement with his sister staying over, because it not only helped her, but it helped his best friend as well. Hikari was now able to communicate her feelings better, since Yamato too had been hurt by Takeru’s inability to remember them. Whereas Yamato had gained some self-worth by looking out for Hikari.

“Takeru is almost done with his physical therapy. Few more days or something like that.” Yamato said, sitting down next to Hikari.

“That’s good. Maybe he can get back to school soon.” Hikari said hopefully.

“Let’s hope. But I don’t know if Nancy will let him go back to school though.” Said Yamato.

“She wouldn’t dare. Would she?” Hikari asked.

“I’m not sure. She may not want him to, because of his amnesia. It would be hard on Takeru, to go back.” Yamato said.

“That’s just what he needs though. A familiar place, familiar faces. That would really help to jog his memory.” Hikari suggested.

“I don’t know if Nancy wants that though. She knows that Takeru might leave her if he gets his memories back. So she does everything she can to make sure that he doesn’t get his memories back.” Yamato answered.

“At least tell me your Dad and his lawyer have set a court date.” Hikari asked.
Yamato nodded, “They have, but Dad said the lawyer isn’t that optimistic. There supposedly isn’t enough evidence to show that she is an unfit mother.”

“She’s the most unfit mother I know!” Hikari shouted.

Yamato put a hand on Hikari’s shoulder to comfort her. “I know Hikari, oh god how I know.”

“This isn’t fair Yamato. I thought evil people like her weren’t supposed to win. But she is!” Hikari started to cry.

Yamato moved his had to Hikari’s back and started rubbing it, trying to comfort her that way instead. “She won’t win, Hikari. Takeru will get his memories back soon, and then everything will go back to the way it should be. You’ll have your best friend back and I’ll have my brother back. And we’ll all be happy.”

Hikari looked at Yamato and gave him a teary eyed smile, “You really think so?”

“I know so.” Yamato said, returning the smile. “Now are you ready for the brownies and ice cream?”

Hikari nodded and wiped her tears away.

Yamato stood up and walked away to get them their sugary treat to help fight the sadness inside of both of them.

Days passed, one after another. Each day passed was another day Yamato hadn’t seen or talked to his brother. Yamato depression was growing again and his friends knew it. So they would stop by more and more frequent to try to keep his spirits up.

Yamato opened the door. There in front of him stood a pink haired bombshell who was dressed to kill. The sight of her would make almost any man happy. Yamato was one of the few men that she couldn’t. In fact he didn’t even bat an eye. She smiled at Yamato and held up a box. “I made some Banana nut bars so I thought I’d bring some over.”

“Mimi, you were just over here yesterday with a triple chocolate cookies and the day before that it was a strawberry cake roll. What’s with all of the food all of sudden?” Yamato asked flatly.

Mimi gave a large smile, “I need a food critic and you’re the only one who will actually be honest with me.”

“Mimi you hate it when I’m honest with you.”

Mimi blinked a few times, “I do?”

Yamato nodded.

“Well fine, I’ll just take my food and leave then, if you don’t want it.” Mimi said turning around.

“Wait Mimi I never said that!” Yamato yelped.

Mimi turned around a large grin on her face. “Here you go then Yamato.” Mimi handed Yamato the box to Yamato. “Now what do you want next, a seven layer brownie or a cherry fig pie?”

Yamato stood there for a moment, “I know what you’re doing Mimi. But don’t worry I’m fine. Besides putting me into a sugar overload wouldn’t help anything.”

“Well fine, I’ll just take my bars back.” Mimi said reaching for the bars.

Yamato stepped out of Mimi’s reach. “But all this sugar wouldn’t hurt either.”

Mimi smiled, “Thought so. So brownies then?”

Yamato nodded.

“Great! See you tomorrow then.” Mimi said, she then turned and walked away, turning the heads of the other residents of the apartment building as she left.

****

“I don’t know, I say there are only six layers.” Yutaka said looking at the brownie he had just bitten into.

“Where did you go to school at? There are clearly seven layers.” Koushiro said.

“That’s if you count the brownie twice. There are only six different layers, there for it should only be called a six layer brownie.” Yutaka quipped.

Sora looked at the two arguing before leaning over to Yamato and whispering, “Do they always do this?”

Yamato nodded, “Yeah, they argue all the time since they started hanging out with each other a few weeks ago.”

“But they’re arguing over how many layers Mimi’s brownies have.” Said Sora.

“Yeah I know, but they’ve done it over stranger things.” Spoke Yamato.

Sora got a strange look on her face, “Do I even want to know?”

Yamato shook his head. That answer was good enough for Sora.

"The brownie takes up space in two areas, so what kind of person wouldn't count the brownie twice?" Koushiro reasoned.

"An awesome person, that's who." Yutaka countered.

Koushiro and and Yutaka glared at each other, and just as the air around them had grown uneasy they started to giggle. While they were lauging, Sora and Yamato exchanged confused looks wondering what had gotten into thier friends.

****

“Whenever you feel up to doing a performance just let me know. There are a few places that want to know when we’ll be available. I told them we’re on a temporary break, and we’ll let them know when we’re back.” Takashi said from the kitchen table.

“I’ll let you know.” Yamato answered.

“Hope you feel like it soon.” Akira said.

Yamato looked at the keyboardist of the Teenage Wolves. “Why?”

Before Akira could answer, Yutaka answered for him, “Because he’s having a hard time picking up chicks.”

The band giggled slightly while Akira blushed. “That’s not true.” The rest of the band stopped and looked at Akira. He caved, “Okay, so maybe that is the reason.” The band laughed again, this time Akira joined in.

****

“Takeru finished his physical therapy today. His body is now back to what it was before the accident.” Jyou said from the other side of the telephone line.

“You said his body is fully healed, what about his mental state? Are his memories still gone?” Yamato said gloomily.

“I’m sorry Yamato.” There was a brief pause, long enough for Yamato to have thought Jyou had hung up on him. But right before Yamato went to hang up, Jyou continued. “I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but I’m sure you’d find out sooner or later. Since Takeru has lost all of his memories, he has had to find himself all over again. And since he’s a different age and in a different environment than when he was growing up, things won’t necessarily turn out the same way again. So I’m just warning you that he isn’t the same Takeru you or I knew him as anymore.”

A lump appeared in Yamato throat, he didn’t know what to say.

Hearing his friends silence Jyou spoke to himself, “Oh dear. I knew I shouldn’t have said that.”

Yamato found his voice, a weak one, but a voice none the less. “It’s okay Jyou, I knew it could happen.”

“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better are you?” Jyou asked, and waited for a response. But it was already too late, Yamato had already hung up. “Hello?.......Yamato?”

****

Hikari knocked on Yamato’s door. She held a couple of steaming tea cups on a tray with her free hand. It had been a couple days since Yamato had talked to Jyou. It had also been a couple days since Yamato was spotted outside his room. “Yamato, I know you’re in there. Taichi told me that you’ve locked yourself in there again.”
Hikari didn’t get a response, but then again she wasn’t expecting one.

“I know you talked to Jyou, and he told you about Takeru finishing his physical therapy. But shouldn’t you be happy for him instead of locking yourself in your bedroom? I know that was the only way you were able to keep tabs on Takeru, but we’ll find another way. We always do. I’ll talk to Iori and maybe his family and him can work together to keep tabs on him.”

Silence still came from Yamato’s room.

Hikari switched tactics, “Yamato you’ve helped cheer me up so much over the past few weeks, now it’s time for me to cheer you up. I can’t really do it if you don’t open up the door. I know you need some cheering up, but since Mimi has been loading you up on sweets I thought a hot cup of tea would be a nice change of pace.”

Hikari was shocked when not even the bribe of tea was able to coerce the blonde from his room.

Hikari still had one left card to play, she started to cry. “I’ve already lost my best friend in the whole world Yamato. And over the past few weeks I’ve gotten better. You’ve helped fill the void in my heart that Takeru left. But now you’re even leaving me…”Hikari started to cry loudly. Hikari knew the last ploy had worked when she heard footsteps on the other side of the door. Soon the bedroom door opened slightly and Yamato stuck his head out.

“I’m sorry Hikari. I just don’t feel like talking to anyone right now.” Yamato mumbled out. His hair was messy, dark rings were under his eyes showing that he hadn’t slept much.

“I’m not just anyone Yamato, I’m me.” Hikari said with a slight smile.

“That’s not quite what I meant.” Said Yamato.

“I know. Can I come in?” Hikari asked.

Yamato pulled his head back into his room and looked around it briefly, “Sure, just don’t mind the mess.” Yamato opened up the door and let Hikari in. When she was in he quickly shut the door, making sure that no one followed her.

Hikari looked around the room, there were a couple empty water bottles and a few granola bars on the desk but other than that the room was clean, especially when if she compared it to her brother’s room, or her room in fact. “I brought you some tea.” Hikari said softly.

“Thanks.” Yamato said, he grabbed a cup and took a sip. “Tastes great, thanks again Hikari.” Yamato went and sat on his bed.

Hikari noticed that Yamato bed was messy on one side and neatly made on the other. Hikari thought about asking on it but didn’t. She already knew why his bed looked the way it did. She then walked over to a chair and dragged it close to the bed. “Taichi was worried you know. He gets really nervous if he doesn’t see you every day.”

“I know, but he should relax. I’m fine.” Yamato said.

“He knows that too Yamato. But you’re his best friend, he can’t help but be worried about you when you get like this. We all get worried.” Hikari said, concern in her voice.

“I’m fine Hikari, and you can tell all the others that. I’ve just been thinking is all.” Yamato said taking another sip of his tea.

“Thinking so much for two whole days that you can’t even leave your room? With that much thought, may I ask what about?” asked Hikari.

“Takeru.” Yamato said, a cold sadness ran through his voice. “He doesn't need me, I should just let him go.”

“What? Why would you even say something like that?” Hikari demanded.

“Think about Hikari. Jyou was right when he said that Takeru isn’t the same person he used to be. He’s different. And I hate to say it but even Nancy was right. Takeru has a safe life now. Now he won’t ever know the ridicule and hate that our relationship would bring him. He’s safe, and as far as I can tell he’s happy. That’s all I want for him, so why should I try to take that away?”

“But that isn’t right. You two are supposed to be together! You’re such a cute couple. And Nancy! She’s the bad guy remember!” Hikari started to shout.

“We’re brothers. Who were we trying to fool, we knew that it wasn’t going to work out. And I hate Nancy just as much as you, but things seem to be different now. Sure she still is an evil person but this isn’t about her, it never was. It should only be about Takeru and what is best for him. And things staying the way they are now, is what is best for him.”

“YOU’RE WRONG!” Hikari screamed.

“Admit it Hikari, you know I’m right.” Yamato said flatly.

“I won’t do it. You’re wrong!” Hikari screamed she stood and dropped her tea cup and ran out of Yamato’s room.

Yamato sat on his bed watching the hot tea soak into his carpet. He let out a sigh as he thought about what had just transpired. Yamato then got distracted when his arms started to throb.

****

“Just hang on Yamato. This may sting a little but it shouldn’t hurt too much.” Jyou said to his friend.

Yamato looked down at his arms, and then at his friend. “Whatever.”

Jyou began removing Yamato’s stitches. Yamato winced in pain.

“Are you sure you should being the one doing this Jyou?” Yamato winced.

“Would you rather have a stranger rush in here and do it quicker and more painful, or would you rather have someone you’ve known for years take the time to make this as painless as possible?” Jyou asked.

“The rate you are going, I’d rather just have someone rush through it.” Yamato said.

“You just need to focus on something else.” Jyou said.

“Oh no, you don’t. I know what you’re up to.” Said Yamato, he began to grow nervous over what he was expecting.

“Relax Yamato. The stitches are harder and more painful to remove if you tense up.” Jyou said.

Yamato relaxed the best he could, but he knew that Jyou was still going to talk.

Jyou continued to pull stitches as he spoke, “Hikari told me what you said the other night. And I have to say I agree with her. You shouldn’t give up hope Yamato.”

“Why shouldn’t I Jyou? You’re the one who was always telling me how happy he looked. So you know better than anyone what I’m talking about.” Yamato said.

“Yes, he did appear happy. But not the happiest I’ve seen him. All those times I’ve seen him at his happiest is when he’s with you Yamato. And some of the saddest times are when he’s not around you.” Jyou said.

Yamato didn’t answer, he just winced in pain.

“Think back to the day when we all went to the zoo. Think about how happy you two were, not just you but him. I hadn’t ever seen anyone as happy as you two were on that bus, as we went to Taichi’s game. You still love him Yamato. And I’m sure that his love for you is still in him. It’s just tucked away, just waiting to come out again.” Spoke Jyou.

“Whatever.” Yamato said. He looked down at his arms. Small drops of blood were on his arms where the stitches were pulled from. The red of the blood standing out against the purple of the scars and off-white of Yamato’s still fairly pale skin. Yamato’s stomach started to churn at the sight of it all. Yamato still hadn’t gotten used to the scars, they still made him sick whenever he had to really look at them. “Are you almost done?”

“Almost done. Just a bit longer.” Jyou said. He then pulled the rest of stitches out in silence.

****

Yamato glared at his black haired friend as he opened up the door, “You’re not here to tell me that Takeru and I are the perfect couple and that I’m stupid for giving up at my one chance for true romantic love are you?”

Ken stood at the front door. “No, I’m not.”

Yamato stepped aside from the door, “Good, You can come in then.”

Ken took a step inside, and then stopped. “Actually Yamato, I’m here just to tell you not to give up on your brother. “

Yamato rolled his eyes and began walking down the hall, “I knew it! Why can’t you all just leave me alone.”

“I don’t care if you keep the romantic connection between you two or not, but he’s still your brother Yamato. Just hear me out.” Ken said, he finished walking into the apartment; he closed the door and quickly walked to join his friend.
“When I lost my brother Sam, I was devastated. I blamed myself for what had happened. So I know the pain of losing a brother all too well, and the guilt that can go along with it. I would give anything to see him again. Unlike me, you have that chance Yamato. You have what I can never have, you still have your brother. He’s going to be your brother no matter what either one of you does, there is no changing it. So even if he can’t remember you Yamato. You are still his brother. Giving up on him won’t make that go away, it will just make you a bad brother.”

Ken stopped and looked at Yamato. He didn’t look happy but at least that showed that he was getting through to him.

Ken continued, “Everyone has told me what a wonderful brother you are to Takeru, and how you have always felt that you’re still not a good enough brother to him. So prove that you are good enough to be his big brother. Be the best big brother that you can be. Keep hope alive that Takeru will fully recover.”

Yamato stood there silent for a few moments. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I’m asking.” Ken said. He then turned around and left Yamato alone to think about where his life was going to lead him.
------------------------
Author's Note: This would have been posted earlier but I was having computer issues. Hope you enjoyed reading Chapter 21. It had some lighter happier tones in it, then it went back to being depressing. I was really going to have this be mainly a happy chapter, but my mind went off track and found a depressing track to follow instead. As always Please write a Review or Rate the story, as positve feedback keeps me going.

For those that give a damn: It wasn't until I was skimming this chaper, that I noticed a few things. The brownies could have been taken as special brownies, what better way would there have been to cheer Yamato up? But they weren't meant to be that way. Just normal brownies, eaten by unnormal people. Secondly what Jyou said about his speed of taking Yamato's stitches out could be also be said about sex. It wasn't meant to have that double meaning but it wound up having it if your mind is in the gutter. I left it cause I thought that it was actually kinda funny.