Pass me the Eggnog!~Yamato and Ken Chats!
Yamato had left Taichi at their normal meeting place with left over pizza and eggnog in a bag. He was running a little late to meet Ken at the recording shop, so he simply ran. Upon entering, he glanced around with a tilt of his head.
Browsing through the dusty collection of old records, Ken lifted his gaze carefully over the Bach record he was holding. As the door-knob turned, he saw a familiar head of blond. Putting down the object in his right hand back onto the shelf neatly, the blue-haired boy moved towards his friend.
"Yamato san." Ken spoke softly as his friend looked around, underneath his navy blue scarf.
Yamato smiled and lifted up the bag. "Hey." His smile disappeared as he looked Ken over. "What are you wearing?" The blond himself wore simple black jeans with a loose blue turtleneck and an open jacket. He didn't really change styles much.
The younger boy sighed audibly. He was wearing a black turtleneck, a red plaid shirt, and blue jeans. So far, nothing too out of the ordinary, except the fact that his face was covered up with a blue scarf that matched the shade of his hair. He also was wearing a ridiculously large pair of sunglasses-in the middle of winter! Of all seasons- and a black hat, and white gloves to top it all off.
"Err... well. My mother and Wormmon helped with the selection." Ken paused a moment before continuing. "I decided not to look in the mirror to keep myself from cringing."
"I'd have to agree. Hiding still?" Yamato asked with a knowing grin. He'd used to try to disguise himself before he gave up. He just knew how to run fast enough.
Giving a small nod, Ken reached into his pocket to grab a can of pepper spray. "I thought only girls walking in late nights would need this." With this, the one-time celebrity shook his head. "I have a whole new level of respect for you after what I've been through in the past two weeks."
Yamato smirked. "I'm glad I'm respected! This makes this whole thing a lot better. I can give you advice on how to disguise yourself without... being so awkward. The sunglasses just bring yourself out."
"You have my undivided attention." Ken stated eagerly, nearly dropping the can of pepper spray he was holding.
Yamato smirked, stepping closer so that they wouldn't be over heard. "First, wear a hat or beanie. Tie your hair back and wear normal clothes. When you're walking, mingle in the crowds and look normal. Not paranoid, not glancing. Just stare ahead like everyone else."
The boy nodded putting away what he was holding.
Yamato lifted up his own bag. "Well, let's get out of here so we can have some pizza and eggnog!"
"Pizza? That sounds fantastic! Just give me a minute." With this, the younger Chosen reached for the Bach record he was holding earlier, along with a copy of Beethoven’s symphony no.9. "Shopping for Secret Santa." As his sunglasses dove into his pocket, Ken smiled, and headed over to the counter. At the till, he had made sure to ask for an elastic.
"Who’s that?" Yamato asked, slightly worried it could be the subject he wanted to discuss later on with the boy.
"Koshirou san." Smiling a little, the young male continued. "My dad wants to get rid of his stereo phonograph, and I thought something not digital might be an interesting change for Izumi san, you see." With this, Ken chuckled as he tied his hair back neatly.
"You're much better at this whole gift giving thing than me..." Yamato frowned. "I had no idea what else to get him so I just got him a few computer things."
The younger of the two quirked his eyebrow. "Your Secret Santa’s also Koushirou san? Interesting.... I say no worries. He'd always appreciate computer things."
"Oh no!" Yamato laughed. "It was Gomamon. I just bought things for everyone. I guess dating Mimi has gotten me into this whole thing but I'm not giving up my claim to 'angstiest Chosen.'"
"I don't know, I can think of a couple that have been having much too much trouble lately." Nudging him, Ken smiled playfully. "Though I'm not sure if they're entitled to be called the 'angstiest' Chosen yet." Grinning into his scarf, Ken shook his head. "Nope, you're still the angstiest Chosen since they'd be the 'drama-queens.'"
Yamato couldn't help but grin. "Is it obvious? I didn't think it was... but I'm hoping after the hospital thing we'll be better." He cast a look at his feet. "But at least we aren't the worst. Or jump from person to person." A glance was sent to Ken.
Oblivious to Yamato's hint, Ken just sighed. "Yeah. Hopefully after the party at the hospital, things will get better. Though I'm rather pessimistic on the outcome." Ken stared into the grey sky. He wasn't sure if he was glad or sad that he didn't run into Miyako the last time.
Quickly wiping off the ebbing pain that was returning to his heart at the thought of it, the bearer of kindness shook his head.
"But you know, none-the-less we'll all have fun. And it'll be great seeing loads of Digimons. It's been awhile since I've seen any -mons other than Wormmon or Hawkmon."
"It's all right." Yamato replied quietly. "Do you have an idea of what will happen?"
The younger boy grinned sheepishly. "Not really. I was hoping you'd be able to fill me on that."
Yamato lifted a ringed hand to his chin in thought. "Not sure but I know we'll all have our work cut out for us. Ken... Miyako will be there hoping to see you." He dropped the -chan after Miyako continued to pull shit with his Mimi.
Ken drew his breathe in as he heard the youngest Inoue's name. Ken bit his lower lip and nodded slightly. Feeling his shoulders tensing up a little, he forcefully smiled. "...I... know. She had contacted me earlier."
Ken furrowed his brow, trying to sound more light hearted. "But I wasn't referring to this. Can we first talk about what's going to happen at the Christmas party?"
Yamato frowned. "Sure, but I will pick up later!" He joked. "Ah... mistle toe, my father filming..."
The shonen laughed as he found himself standing in front of the Ishida resident-or to be politically correct, a huge apartment complex.
"No, but I mean, it's entirely my fault that I don't know what exactly will be going on, for I've skimmed through that post on visit-since I got to it too late, but I have NO CLUE who should be Santa and all. Please do fill me in."
Ken gathered his hands in a prayer pose, and lowered his head. "Just keep it a secret from Mimi san?"
Yamato pulled his keys out of his pocket and put it into the lock. "Iori is Santa I think. Some others are elves. Uh... I don't really know. I've been... really busy with research."
"Hnn. Okay." Ken replied as he watched the key turn. "So as long as it's not Santa or elves it's fine I guess." The younger teen smiled.
Yamato nodded. "I'll be hiding for most of the night."
Raising a hand to copy the earlier motion of the blond, Ken replied. "Perhaps I should join you at the hiding place instead of getting myself some ridiculous costume yet again."
The boy shuddered. "Some of the 'avoid the stalker outfits' that I have been suggested are quite....experimental."
Yamato chuckled, shoving his door open. "I'm home!" He called.
"Welcome home, Yamato!" Gabumon squealed as he hopped forward. "How was your outing with Taichi? Oh--Ken! Hello!"
"Hello Gabumon." Ken bowed politely to his friend as he entered. "Sorry for the intrusion." The blue-haired boy added on, right before he started taking off his shoes.
Gabumon hurried into the kitchen muttering about how he'd get the tea ready and Yamato shut the door behind Ken. "Sorry about him, he's been so excited that Christmas Eve is so soon."
Smiling good naturedly, Ken shook his head. "No problem. Perhaps I should've brought Wormmon with me. I'm sure he'd appreciate the company as well."
Having set his shoes on the shoe rack neatly, Ken entered the house cautiously and looked around.
The Ishida residence hadn't changed over the years. Unopened boxes from when Yamato was younger still aligned the walls and there were no pictures up. Yamato pulled his coat off and rubbed his free arm. "Gabumon! We're going to have eggnog and pizza in my room!"
Ken undid his scarf and folded it neatly as he looked around for Yamato's room. Gracefully avoiding a stack of boxes, the boy genius shot a look to the older Chosen, hoping for a hint.
Yamato waved to Gabumon who nodded. "Your father got home an hour ago but he's asleep."
"Great." Yamato headed down the hall, opening the second door down the right hall. "Here we are, Yamato's evil messy room."
Ken shook his head. "Nothing's messy after the unsuccessful fight with the evil menacing lord of messiness that resides within Daisuke's room. Your room, in fact, is fairly neat." Placing his folded scarf and plaid shirt on the floor, Ken sat himself down. "Thank you again, for having me over."
"Of course! Anytime, Ken. I'm here." Yamato grinned, flopping himself down carelessly. "So... cold pizza and eggnog?"
"Sounds interesting. I've never had eggnog before." Ken grinned to match Yamato's.
"Oh, you'll love this." Yamato gave a playful wink as he pulled out the carton of eggnog along with the wrapped up pizza slices. "Gabumon! Bring in two glasses please!"
"Okay!"
Ken took a slice of pizza and took a hefty bite.
"Hungry?" Yamato asked, grabbing a slice. Gabumon hurried in with two glasses. "Thanks!" The Digimon nodded and scurried out.
"A bit." Swallowing the piece in his mouth, Ken nodded. "Thank you Gabumon!" Speaking just loudly enough for the furry digimon to take notice of it, Ken reached for a beautifully clean glass.
Yamato poured the glasses full of the eggnog spiced with salt with a wicked twinkle in his eye. "Ken. What are your plans for Christmas?"
"No plan. Nothing. I've been too busy just doing Christmas shopping these past couple of days. Maybe I'll come out to Odaiba, and swing by Daisuke or Hikari san's place." Ken stared at the milky liquid, before having a sip.
"..."
Yamato took a sip of his and regretted it. But he managed to keep a straight face. "Hikari-chan's? "
Ken nodded. "I figure she'd enjoy some company. She's always been so eager whenever I visited,” the soccer player commented, gently putting down the glass onto the floor.
Yamato grinned. "Especially with her hurt ankle, I'm sure she'd love it."
"I just hope I won't be interrupting any quality family time. You know." Ken reached for another slice of pizza.
Yamato nodded. "I doubt it."
"That's good..." Ken commented before pausing to think a little. "How's Takeru doing lately?"
Yamato looked up. "I'm... I'm sure he's fine. He's dating, so he has to be fine."
Without thinking, Ken reached for the glass of eggnog, and took another sip. With a small shudder, he looked at Yamato half questioningly. Ken asked, a little hesitant. "...Takeru's dating?...You mean Hikari chan right?"
Yamato went quiet and stared at the table. "I don't know what he's doing anymore... He never talks to me. He goes to someone else. I thought... he says he'll always need me. But I guess... I'm just not good talking material."
Silently, the boy took another sip of the spiced eggnog, without a shudder this time
Ken stared at Yamato's wall for a brief moment. Then, with a determined look, he downed what was left in the cup. "Thank you." He added on politely, before patting Yamato on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure he means everything he says." A pause. "I'm sure, some things are just difficult to bring up."
Yamato grinned devilishly. "But putting that aside, Let's ask you some questions."
At this sudden change of expression, Ken gulped and looked at Yamato. "O-okay."
Yamato laughed. "Don't worry! I promise it'll be painless. Now... you know that Miyako's going to try to get your attention, right?"
Ken just arched his eyebrow.
"Prettying herself up and making Mimi help. So she wants your attention. After she just ditched you what -- a month or something ago?"
Hnn.So that's the surprise.... Ken nodded as he came to an understanding.
"So!" Yamato clapped his hands. "We have this girl that wants your attention after dumping you. She's got screwed up feelings and now she thinks you'll take her back if she looks presentable."
Ken sighed. "...She should know that she doesn't need to change her looks to get my attention..."
"She's just that kind of girl I guess." Yamato shrugged. "Are you going to let her win you back?"
The younger boy just sighed deeply. "I'm sure she doesn't mean any harm...and she’s probably just really confused about her stance if anything."
He continued, after taking a short breath inward, with a small frown.
"I can understand she might be feeling impatient...but I think that was what went wrong in the first place with us."
Ken raised a hand to support his head. "I...don't exactly like what's happening right now."
With a small sigh, he continued. "I was afraid that she'd be doing something like this, you see. If things didn't go well with Koushirou san."
Yamato sipped his eggnog and winced. Damn it was horrible. "Don't let her do anything you don't want. Your decisions are your own, Ken. Don't let yourself become the one to 'pick up the pieces' because she was shot down."
"Yeah... Seeing how things happened EXACTLY the way I thought might happen, it just.... doesn't please me... I think I need some more time." With this, Ken shook his head.
Yamato nodded, slamming his fist down on the table. "GOOD for you, Ken!"
Ken just cracked a small smile. "I guess." He said, a little disbelievingly.
Yamato grinned. "So, when she tries to get your attention, what will you do?"
"I...honestly don't know." The younger boy shook his head.
Yamato shook his head. "Don't let yourself get whipped, Ken. Do everything in your power to remain on top. Let her see that she CAN'T control you by putting on make up. No one can, because you're you! Ignore her if you have to. Just go on with the night and mingle with your friends. Not some sex-starved girl."
Ken winced at the last comment. "I don't think... I mean, you... do you think she's...." Ken shook his head and brought his hand to his face. Blushing a little, he looked up to Yamato. "You think that's why?"
Yamato shrugged. "Mimi and I agreed. But we're just an opinion. But really. Being whipped isn't good."
"Yeah." Ken agreed, "I don't intend on rushing into anything... slow is good."
Yamato nodded. "Exactly. Now I feel kind of stupid for bringing this whole thing up. You probably would have done absolutely fine without me telling you!"
"No, not at all." Ken shook his head. "In fact, I was trying to avoid thinking about it altogether. It's a good thing you've brought it up."
"So! Let's see..." He paused. "The pizza is good, the evil salted eggnog sucks, and we're both on the same page when it comes to fans. We also have an understanding that one of our friends is going to try to show off to you on Christmas Eve."
A nod.
"So what's left is..."
"Christmas?" Ken added on, a little uncertain.
Yamato blinked. "I forgot about Christmas... guess I really am Scrooge."
Ken smiled sheepishly. "Actually me too. Other than the presents, I don't have anything planned."
"Mimi's coming here.... that is.. If she doesn't deny my offer on Christmas Eve.." He sighed. "Offer? More like begging request." Yamato corrected himself.
"I have no doubt, it'll go well." The younger boy smiled again, and patted Yamato on the back. "After all, you're our favourite rock star. You go get her!" Ken grinned widely.
"Thanks, Ken!" Yamato laughed. "Now if only I was paid a little more."
"I'm sure we can all use some extra money, especially after Christmas." The boy winced a little after reminding of his own recent spending.
"Right, speaking of that!" Ken reached for his plaid shirt, and its pocket.
"Unless I start getting out more songs, I won't be paid much more."
"Here's yours."
After handing out the neatly-wrapped small blue package to Yamato, the younger Chosen continued. "Artist's block?"
Yamato took it and rolled it between his hands. "Should I open it now or wait until Christmas? And kind of. Mimi's all I think about so that's why I finished my song, thinking of her."
Ken smiled. "You can open yours now if you want to, but I'd rather have you open it when you're with Mimi." He paused and sighed. "Writing a song with your lover as inspiration... That's nice..."
Yamato smiled. "It was really hard. It happened before we got together too."
The blue-haired boy felt the corners of his mouth curling up again. Before he knew it, he was reaching for his glass again, and then, he stopped. "...Do you have anything else to drink?"
Yamato laughed. "Sure. I think Gabumon made tea."
"Fantastic." Ken laughed as well.
Yamato got up and walked out of the room. He grabbed two glasses and filled them with tea, setting them on a platter and heading back in with a few chips on the side. He set the platter down and flopped down again. "Here we go."
“Thank you.” Ken bowed politely. He took a sip. As the fragrant smell of jasmine radiated within his mouth,
Ken leaned against Yamato's bedside. As the tied hair was making the resting awkward, he pulled the elastic out. He looked up on the ceiling, now resting his head on Yamato’s bed.
Ken closed his eyes, as thoughts began to flood his head.
"It's..........so complicated." He let out a sigh, and brought both his hands to his face.
Yamato watched him. "I know. It'd be too easy if it was simple though."
A mutual silence was filling the room for a bit before Ken spoke again. "I...just have a bad feeling."
He sat himself straight. "I know what I want to do. But I'm still worried about her. She might run into someone else again, in a desperate attempt to get out of the awkward situation....and that will just complicate matters even further."
Yamato nodded. "But Ken, it's her decisions. There are tons of bad ones, but you can't blame yourself. She decides what she wants for herself."
"I know...." Ken lowered his head.
"So don't feel bad if something happens. You didn't do anything."
"No worries. I won't be blaming myself. I'm just afraid... sometimes you know. I get impatient too." A pause.
"I guess I was blinded by that feeling when I asked her out."
Ken stared at the tea painfully, before taking another sip of it. "Growing up is a slow, hard and painful process, and I guess we're experiencing the best of it,"
"It's really annoying. Just be glad you aren't losing memory!" Yamato joked.
The younger boy just smiled, and nodded. "Thanks Yamato."
Ken got up and stretched. The younger Chosen asked as he rolled his shoulders, “So, anything you want to do right now?"
He glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's 5 pm, so I should probably call my mom if I'm not going to be home by dinner time."
"Mm... anything you want to do? I'm pretty open to suggestions." Yamato looked over. "I can get the phone."
"Hnn... I think it might be best for me to head home. Thanks for the offer, but considering the fact I'd be out again tomorrow night, it would be best to keep my mom's company tonight. Plus, Wormmon'd be lonely too." Ken grabbed his shirt and the scarf. "We'll have more fun next time?" He suggested, hopefully. "Perhaps with Takeru as well. Haven't seen him in AGES."
Yamato nodded, standing up. "Come by anytime, call me whenever, or just leave a message with the journals. I'm open all the time."
"Awesome." Ken grinned, and picked up the cups he'd used.
"I feel really proud. I gave my friend heads up and now he knows what to expect. Oh, let me take that, Ken!" Yamato reached for the items.
"Ah, it's okay. Why don't you get the rest?" Ken suggested.
Yamato nodded, picking up the rest of the items. "Sorry about the eggnog. Taichi and I were bored."
"No problem. You just be glad you haven't tasted Jun's cooking. Though, I doubt if she can top Mrs.Yagami." Ken shuddered at the flashback of the green concoction.
"And that, my friend, is why I bring food whenever I go to his place."
"Brilliant! Perhaps I should do that the next time I visit Hikari san." Ken smiled.
Yamato nodded. "But hide it where she won't look. Like in your shirt or jacket."
"Yeah. I do have to admit it's not the most polite thing to do." Ken shook his head.
"Well, it's either that or a hurt woman." He chuckled.
Nodding in agreement, gentle one set his cups on the sink. Walking towards the door, he gave a polite bow to Gabumon, and carefully avoided the landmine of stacked boxes.
Yamato followed. "Ken! Don't forget, if you need anything, advice, someone to yell at, whatever, I'm here, alright?"
Ken grinned. "Getting yourself another Otouto aren't you. Got it. Yamato. You're cool."
He chuckled. "I'm just here for everyone. It's my job, I think."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." The boys exchanged pleasant smiles, and Ken lightly bowed one last time , before exiting the blond's apartment.
Yamato set the dishes in the sink before heading back to his room. Maybe he just wanted someone to talk to instead of bugging.
Ken contemplated as he waited for the bus. He watched the white smoke of his breath disappear into thin air. It was nice, to have a chat without having to worry about the consequences once in a while, not to mention it gave him something to think about. He looked down the road and saw the bus coming.
Ken smiled. The night was still young, and he had plenty of time to reflect upon things if he wanted to. But for now, he'd decided, that he'd pick up green tea Pocky for Wormmon on the way back, and a flower for his mother. After all, some things in life aren't so complicated, to his relief.
(OOC: And now I can FINALLY go read/post on Christmas eve log. *dies*)