Stay Tuned As Life Continues

When Yamato woke up he knew something was different than when he woke up the morning before. He felt something warm laying on his chest, and as he carefully pulled the covers back, he saw a pile of blonde hair. Yamato smiled as he realized it was only his brother using him as a human pillow. Yamato reached down and ran his fingers through his brother’s golden strands of hair. Yamato could feel the warm breath of his brother flowing onto his cooling chest. Although the clash of temperatures on his body felt good, he knew his brother was getting cold too. So just as gently as he pulled the covers off he pulled them back over his brother and himself. A couple minutes later he felt the breathing pattern of his brother change. He could feel some of his brother’s eye lashes move across his skin as he tried to blink away the sleep in his eyes.

The warmth on Yamato’s chest quickly was removed as Takeru bolted upright, the blankets still covering him fully. The blankets started to move as Takeru began searching for an exit from the darkness. Yamato began to laugh. Takeru wasn’t as keen to see it as funny, “Where the hell’s the end to it?”

Yamato watched as his lover struggled to free himself from the tangled sheets, after a couple minutes however he eventually took pity on his brother and lifted a corner up. When his brother’s face emerged from under the covers, he saw it light up. “Good morning.” Yamato said with a smile.

“Good morning to you too Onii-chan.” Takeru said, he laid back down next to his brother and propped himself up on an elbow.

Yamato sat upright in bed against the headboard. “What were you doing sleeping under the covers like that? How could you breath?”

Takeru blushed slightly, “To be honest it was because I had a bad dream.”
“About what?” Yamato asked. Hoping like previous ones it was actually memories coming back.

“I don’t know. I can’t remember, you know how dreams are. You can forget them before you even wake up. “ Yamato nodded in agreement. Takeru continued, “But after the dream I was having troubles falling asleep again because it was starting to get light out, so I curled up next to you under the covers and put my head on your chest. I listened to your heart beat until I was settled down enough to fall asleep.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” Yamato asked.

“You were asleep, no reason for us both to be up. Also don’t forget I’m old enough now that I don’t need to wake up my older brother every time I have a bad dream. And besides, when else can I just listen to your heart beat.” Takeru said.
Takeru’s last comment brought a smile to Yamato’s face. He leaned down and kissed his brother’s forehead, “I love you, you know that.”

Takeru smiled back, “I know.”

Yamato then tussled his brother’s hair, “Now what do you want for breakfast?”

Takeru began listing off a long array of breakfast foods.

An hour later after filling themselves with a wide range of delicious foods, the two blonde brothers were busy trying to think of what to do that day. Eventually Yamato asked, “Do you have all your shopping done?”

Takeru nodded, then shook his head and blushed slightly. “Yes…. No.” He then let out a sigh “I still can’t remember our friends that well, so I don’t know what to get them, but I know I should get them something. But I don’t want to get them something they already have, or worse, something I already gave them.” Takeru laid his head down on the table and covered it with his hands, “I don’t know what to do.”

Yamato reached over and placed a hand on Takeru’s. “I’ll help you. So come on and let’s go hit the mall.”

Takeru looked up and gave his brother a weak smile. “Thanks but what about the dishes?”

Yamato gave his brother a grin before calling out, “Oh Taichi.”

A wild mane of brown hair appeared from the side of the door. “Need something?”

“Takeru and I are heading out to go shopping, would you mind doing the dishes?”

Taichi looked at the tall mound of dishes stacked up by the sink and groaned, “Do I have to?”

“Oh, no I suppose you don’t have to, but also I suppose I should I should wake up
Hikari and invite her to go shopping with us, she’ll need her pack mule of course to pack all of her things.” Yamato said, his grin turning to an evil smirk.
Taichi’s eye’s narrowed, “You’re worse than the Dark Masters. You know that,
right?”

Yamato gave a little chuckle then put on an innocent face and pointed at himself, “Who me?”

As Takeru and Yamato rode the elevator down to the ground floor a few minutes later, Takeru turned to his brother. “Who are the Dark Masters? They sound like some bad band from the 80’s.”

Yamato couldn’t help but give out a loud laugh at his brother’s remark. Once he was done laughing he said while shrugging his shoulders, “They’re nothing really.”

Takeru just looked at his older brother. The look told him to tell the truth or face the dire consequences.

“Alright I’ll tell you, but some other time.” The elevator dinged and the doors opened, “Because now it’s time to go Christmas shopping.” Yamato quickly exited the elevator, emphasizing the conversation was over.

The trip to the mall was exciting and thrilling as the bus would often slide on the slick roads past the bus stops, causing the several people waiting for the bus to chase in pursuit. However once the adventure of the bus ride came to a safe ending, it left Yamato and Takeru walked across the ice rink known to some as a parking lot. Inside people were hustling and bustling all over the mall, running around with countless bags and boxes. The Christmas music that was quietly playing in the background was drowned out by all the people talking and the sounds of shoes clopping on the tiles. Yamato took his brothers hand and began leading him through the mall.

After a couple hours of searching through shops both brothers had an arm lined in bags. They soon found themselves standing in front of the map of the mall discussing what store to visit next. Takeru suggested the nearby music store, his older brother nodded and said, “I needed to go there anyways.”

Before the brothers had even walked through the door the tall blonde behind the counter was waving them over. Once they got closer to the person they heard him speak. “Yamato! Takeru! Merry Christmas!” He then came around the counter and
gave Yamato a hug. “How can I help you two?”

“Takeru wanted to look around. We’re Christmas Shopping” Yamato said lifting his arm that was covered in bags. “I also wanted to see if your brother was working.”
The tall blonde shook his head. “Nope Takashi is taking Grandma and her karaoke group out caroling.”

“Do you know if he, ‘picked up that gift’ I asked him to?” Yamato asked.

The shop tenant nodded, “He did, he said he also ‘got a few left over bows’ for decoration too.”

Takeru rolled his eyes as soon as he realized that his brother and the shop owner were talking in code. He began wandering around the shop, and as he looked at the various guitars, he caught movement out of the corner of his eyes. His eyes looked to see what was moving and he saw someone jamming away on a drum set in a clear glass box. If he listened carefully he could hear the beats of the drums. He looked at the drummer, he looked to be his brothers age. He was thin like his brother but wasn’t as tall. But the thing that stood out the most about the drummer was his spiked green hair. Each tall spike on the drummers head had a few small colorful balls dangling off of each one, causing each spike to look like a mini Christmas tree. That is, a group of Christmas trees in an earthquake as all the balls were bouncing all around as the drummer jammed out a beat.
Takeru continued watching the drummer, entranced by the rapid melodic movements the man made, that is until the drummer looked up and saw that he was being watched. His eyes met with Takeru, a connection was made. The drummer then grinned at Takeru and gave him a wink. Takeru slightly blushed and looked away and began wandering around the store again.

A few minutes later Takeru thanked the cashier as he quickly put the newly purchased item in one of his bags and checked to see that his brother was still distracted by the other blonde. With a loud laugh from both tall blondes, Yamato looked around and patted the shop owner on the back and then gave him a hug, he then joined his brother. “Hey Takeru, sorry that took so long. Find anything good.”

“Eh.” Takeru said shrugging his shoulders. The soft sounds of drum beats reminded Takeru of the awkward situation he had been in moments before, “Did you see the guy in the test zone with the crazy hair?”

Yamato’s eyes shot over to the drums, and a smile appeared on his face. “Crazy hair style, but not surprising.”

“Not surprising? What you know him?” Takeru asked.

“Of course. He’s my drummer.” Yamato then made eye contact with the drummer.
Yamato tilted his head back a bit to signal the drummer to come over. The green haired man twirled his drum sticks around in his hands and then slid them in a pocket and exited the mostly sound proof room. The drummer quickly walked over to them and Takeru soon found himself in his tight embrace. The color suddenly drained from his face in shock, and he looked at his brother.

Yamato cleared his throat, “Ummm. Yutaka….”

Yutaka suddenly let go of Takeru. Takeru watched at the drummer’s face leaked its color as well, only making his spiked green hair seem brighter. Yutaka took a few steps back, “Oh shit….sorry.” The color then suddenly reappeared on his face as quickly as it had left. He extended his hands, “Sorry about that. I’m Yutaka, King of awkward situations and a friend of your brothers.”

Takeru slowly extended his own hand and shook Yutaka’s hand. Yutaka gave Takeru a large smile, “There we go, good ol’ chums once more.”

“Right…”Takeru said taking his hand back.

The three of them stood there, the awkwardness of the situation still lingering, that is until Yamato said, “So Yutaka, I find it hard to believe that you’d be wandering the mall by yourself. So what did you do with my little computer friend?”

Yutaka pointed his thumb to the side, “Last time I checked he was still picking out his Christmas present at the computer store. I got bored after the first couple hours and so I came here.” He looked at the clock on the wall, “And that was an hour and a half ago. Tell me that you guys don’t take that long picking out what you want to get from each other for Christmas.”

“Actually, it’s all a surprise.” Yamato said. He then turned to Takeru, “Isn’t that right Teeks?”

Takeru just nodded.

The two blondes then watched as another man walked behind the drummer and wrapped his arms around him and kissed his cheek. Yutaka gave a slight jump. “If this is Koushiro, hi Sweets. If it isn’t, would you mind giving me your number?”
The red and green haired man behind Yutaka gave out a huff and removed his arms, “Very funny Yutaka. I picked out my gift, but you need to hurry before it’s out of stock.” He then turned his attention to the two blondes watching them, “Hi Yamato. Hi Takeru. Out Christmas shopping I see.”

Both blondes smiled and nodded at their friend, “Hi Koushiro.”

“Well guys, I know I would love to stand around and chat but I have to go stand in a line for an hour to get him what he wants.” Yutaka said gesturing his head towards the even smaller man beside him.

“We’re still meeting up Christmas Eve at your place right?” Koushiro asked.
Yamato nodded.

“Alright see you there.” Koushiro said turning around and heading for the door.

“Wait, Koushiro. I found what I want for Christmas.” Yutaka shouted.

“And what would that be?” Koushiro asked, turning back around.

Yutaka pointed over to the drums he had been playing a few short moments earlier, and gave him the best sad puppy eyes he could.

Koushiro just smiled, “Aren’t you cute.” He then turned around towards the door again and walked out.

Yutaka looked to his friends and said solemnly, “I don’t think I’m getting the drums.”

“I don’t think so either.” Yamato said.

Yutaka then let out a sigh, “See you guys, later. Take care, and make sure to stay warm.” He then winked at the brothers and walked after his boyfriend.

“What an odd ball.” Takeru said to his brother.

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t want him any other way. He may be off the wall most of the time but I like him. Even more now, after all he was the one that got us together in the first place.” Yamato said pulling his brother to his side.
Takeru looked where Yutaka had been walking out of the store from a brief moment earlier, and smiled. “What should I get him for Christmas?”

“I don’t know, we’ll find something though.” Yamato said. The two blonde lovers then set out in search of more Christmas presents for their friends.

As Yamato and Takeru crawled into bed that night, exhausted from a long day of shopping they quickly curled up in each other’s arms under the covers. As they were drifting off to sleep, Takeru said, “Thanks for helping me today Onii-chan.”
Yamato answered, “Anything for you Teeks.” He then squeezed his brother
closer, “I love you Otouto-chan.”

“I know.” Takeru responded, nestling up against the warmth of his brother and closing his eyes.

A few days later it was Christmas Eve, a fresh blanket of snow covered the city. Through out the day you could see large snow ball fights on the streets. Hundreds of small snow men filled the parks, and everywhere you looked a snow angel smiled up at you. However now the sun had set, taking with it what little warmth it had provided. If you looked out upon the frozen barren streets you would have seen two blondes walking down the road holding each other’s hand. And depending how hard you looked you could have seen different things. Some would have seen an older brother walking with his younger brother down the road, holding on to each other for support on the slippery ground. Others would have seen a couple of young men in love, holding each other’s hands in show of love and their connection. But if you looked even harder you’d have seen that the youngest blonde was blind folded, and the older blonde was leading him to his destination. Each one of the possibilities is correct for the each were true of the two blonde brothers in love.

“Are we there yet Yamato?” Takeru asked his teeth starting to clatter together, due to the cold that was cutting through his thick jacket.

“Almost Takeru, just a little bit further.” Yamato answered.

“Can I take the blindfold off now, before my eyes freeze shut?” Takeru joked.

Yamato snickered, “Sorry Takeru, but you just have to wait a couple more minutes.”

“You know, this has turned from a romantic surprise outing, to kidnapping and torture right?” Takeru teased some more.

“Be quiet and make sure you have a hold of my hand, we’re getting ready to go up some steps.” Yamato said.

After walking up a flight of icy steps Yamato stopped Takeru, and began to untie the blindfold. Takeru blinked a couple times trying to get his eyes to adjust as well as to make sure they didn’t freeze shut. “You brought me to the theater.”
Yamato nodded.

“Yamato, I hate to say it but, you know the last showing of the Nut Cracker was last night, right?” Takeru said.

Yamato nodded.

“So then why are we here?”

Yamato smiled at his brother, “Well go on inside and find out.”

Takeru raised an eyebrow but walked to the door regardless. He opened the door and saw an empty lobby, strands of silver and gold garland ran around the room, but nothing else really stood out from any other typical theater lobby.

“In the actual theater itself Teeks.” Yamato specified.

Takeru then went over to two large double doors and pushed them open. Down at the bottom of the stairs sat the stage. On the stage were a large Christmas tree and other overly large Christmas decorations, obviously left over from the Nut Cracker play the night before. But other things caught Takeru’s attention, like the three men standing on stage next to musical instruments. Takeru could see the green hair of the man setting up the drums. An idea came to Takeru. “A concert Yamato? Really?” Takeru asked, excitement filling his voice.

Yamato nodded, “Yep, and not just any concert. One of mine.” Yamato answered.

“Awesome! I didn’t know you were having a concert.” Takeru said.

“We weren’t going to have one. But I decided that that’s what I could give you for Christmas. I know how much you’ve been wanting to go to one of our concerts.” Yamato answered before he was cut off by his brother throwing his arms around him and squeezing him tight.

“Thanks Yamato. This is going to be so cool.” Takeru said.

Takeru stood there with his arms around his brother until the sound of whistling from the stage could be heard. As well as a shout of “Get a room you two!” With both brothers slightly blushing, they walked down to the stage to get ready for the night.

They weren’t the only one getting ready for the concert though; their father was standing in front of a small mirror inside his office straightening his festive reindeer tie yelling into his office phone when he heard his cell phone ring. Looking at the screen he quickly told the person he was talking to that he would call them back, then putting his cell phone up to his ear he answered. “Merry Christmas Takeru.”

“Merry Christmas Dad!” Takeru shouted over the music playing behind him.

“Sounds like Yamato gave you his Christmas present.” Hiroaki reasoned.

“Yeah. I’m excited. Are you coming?” Takeru asked.

“I’ll be there shortly, just have to return a quick phone call then I’ll be heading that way. Did you need something?” Hiroaki said.

“Yeah, if you could, would you stop by Yamato’s apartment and pick up my gift for him?” Takeru asked.

Hiroaki looked at his watch, “I could if I hurried. Where is it?”

“Thanks Dad, The gift is in one of the side pockets of my bag in Yamato’s room.
Oh the spare key to the front door is with Mrs. Oba…” Takeru started but his Dad interrupted him.

“I have a copy don’t worry, no need to send me to see that woman. Anything else you need son?”

“Nope, thanks again Dad. Love you, Merry Christmas.” Takeru said.

“Merry Christmas.” Hiroaki said with a smile he then hung up and replaced his cell phone with his office phone. “God Damn it John why don’t you have that paper work in here yet?”

Takeru couldn’t believe it as he sat in a large comfy seat looking up at his brother, he couldn’t remember any Christmases he had before, but he was sure this was the best one yet. He relaxed the best his excited body could, and watched as tall skinny sexy blonde he called brother practiced.

Hiroaki walked out of the bedroom and to the front door of his eldest son’s apartment, holding a small wrapped box in his hand. He smiled as he looked around the apartment; the whole apartment was covered in Christmas decorations and lights. He quickly poked his head into the kitchen and saw a large plate of cookies on the table, he quietly snuck over to the table and snatched up a handful. He popped the first cookie into his mouth and the smile on his face grew. His eldest son sure knew how to cook. He left the kitchen, and walked down the hall and opened the front door. What he saw wiped the smile clean off his face, his Ex-wife stood inches from his face.

“Nancy what are you doing here?” Hiroaki asked.

“I could ask you the same thing.” Nancy retorted.

“Yamato asked me to stop by and check on things.” Hiroaki said bluntly.

“You can drop the charade Hiroaki. I know Takeru is staying here. I’m here to take him home.” Nancy said.

Hiroaki chuckled, “You know better than me that Takeru doesn’t want to go with you. Besides they’re not here right now anyways.”

Nancy just glared at the man standing in front of her, not seeing how she had actually loved him at one point in time. “It’s Christmas Eve, I want my son home.”
Hiroaki shook his head and stepped forward, causing Nancy to take a step back.
Hiroaki then turned around and closed and locked the apartment door. “They’re not home.”

“Oh but they will be, after the concert that is, they’re all getting together here and having a party.” Nancy said with a smile.

It was now Hiroaki’s turn to glare, “How do you know that?”

Nancy gave a quiet low chuckle, “Please, when Yamato’s rag tag band has a concert the whole college community goes into a buzz, and that then means I hear about it. And the party I found out about online, amazing what you can learn by looking at your sons’ friend’s online profiles.”

“I swear Nancy if you ruin Yamato’s and Takeru’s Christmas I will tell Child Services how you not only kicked our youngest son out of your house and disowned him not only once, but twice, that among all the other slip ups over the years I’ve held my tongue on, due to Takeru’s wishes. I’ll make sure you have no custody to him, no visitation, hell I’ll even make sure you won’t be able to get within 300 meters of either one of our sons.” Hiroaki threatened.

“You’re bluffing.” Nancy said, seemingly frozen as she tried to read the man threatening her.

“You’d like to think that wouldn’t you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go spend the night with MY sons.” Hiroaki walked past Nancy and walked to the elevator. Once he was there he stopped and turned around and called out, “Oh by the way Nancy.”

Nancy who had still been standing still turned to him.

“Merry Christmas.” Hiroaki said. He then popped another cookie into his mouth and entered the elevator. As the doors closed he could see her walking towards the stairs in a huff.

Nancy however didn’t make it to the stairs instead she walked to the door next to the one she had been trying to enter. She knocked on the door and waited till the little old lady in a skimpy bathrobe and curlers answered the door. Nancy gave the old woman a heartwarming smile, “Hello, You must be Mrs. Obaasan. I know you don’t know me but I’m sure you know my sons. Yamato lives next door and my younger son Takeru stays over often. I’m their mother Takashi Nancy.”

The old lady nodded, her large glasses slumping off the tip of her nose. She pushed her glasses back up onto her nose and said, “OH yes. I know them quite well. Just the other day my pussy slipped out while the landlord was doing a walkthrough, and don’t you know it, Yamato saw it first and was able to cover it up with his laundry basket before our landlord saw it. We’re not allowed pets without paying a hefty deposit you know.”

Nancy just blinked at the old lady unsure what to say. After a few short beats she cleared her throat, “So you are familiar with them. Well you see, they had invited me over to join them for a Christmas Eve party however they’re not here yet. I was wondering if I could come in and wait here until they get in.”

“Of course you can honey, in fact if you wouldn’t mind, you can help me bake some treats for all the neighbors.” Mrs. Obaasan stepped aside and let Nancy into the apartment.

Mrs. Obaasan hobbled into the kitchen and a couple minutes returned with two steaming mugs. She handed one to Nancy and kept one herself. Nancy looked down at the mug, the contents were hot and rather yellow. Nancy wasn’t quite sure what it was, so she took a drink and was surprised by the warm buttery taste. She then took another swig of the drink, and felt as the coldness that still clung to her melted away. Nancy and Mrs. Obaasan both smiled, but for different reasons. Mrs. Obaasan was smiling because it was the first Christmas Eve she had had any company on in several years. Nancy smiled because it would only be a few hours until she would be reunited with her youngest son, and then they could return back to her apartment and get back to the way life was before her oldest son had brainwashed Takeru again.
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Author's Note: There we go Chapter 28 is finally up, only been three or four weeks...Damn I was slacking...and lazy. But it wasn't all wasteful, I reread some of the earlier chapters and got kind of tried to bring that light heartedness back in. Hope it worked if not Oh well.

F.Y.I I will be going back to College for another exciting year, so that means we will all just have to wait and see how often I can update. Hopefully once a week but no promises.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. If you have time, rate me and leave me a review. Because as we have seen first hand, it really helps.