A Place To Call Home Part 4
“Yuto!” Yuto awoke on the chair to as he felt himself be lifted up. He looked groggily around before realizing that he was essentially floating in midair and looked down to see that Keito was holding him up with a large smile on his face.
“K-Keito! You should be in bed!”
“I feel fine! Really! I was so worried about you! When I woke up today I thought I had dreamt that you had come back… I could remember hugging you.. and then I turned and here you were! I seriously thought… that it was only a dream… that I had lost you…but here you are!” The boy jumped happily as he wrapped his arms around Yuto who could only stand there wide-eyed and stunned.
“Kei-“ Yuto felt himself cut off as Keito’s embrace around him grew tighter and he felt the Keito bury his face into his shoulder. Within moments he felt the unmistakable feeling of tears wetting his shirt.
“Keito… are you crying?”
“N-No… I’m just.. so happy…” Yuto heard sniffling and gently pat the other boy’s head.
“I’m sorry I worried you…thank you… for searching for me.”
“Yuto… please don’t leave me like that again okay? You promised me you would be with me… and when you left… “
“I know…”
“It doesn't matter what my mother thinks… it doesn't matter what my family thinks… it only matters that I want to be with you… don't you want to be with me?”
At this point Keito pried himself away from Yuto’s shoulder and gazed into his eyes.
“Don't you…?”
Yuto stuttered as he met Keito’s gaze. The shorter boy had such a pleading look on his face, a desperate look on his face, and a pained look all at the same time. He could only sigh as he smiled and nodded. He watched as Keito’s eyes closed slowly in relief, covering his still sparkling brown eyes.
“Keito-Sama, Yuto-Sama, the car has come to take you two home. I’ve cleared all your paperwork with the hospital.” Sasaki walked in and smiled as he bowed, gesturing towards the door.
“Arigatou… Sasaki” Keito nodded as he grabbed his jacket and grabbed Yuto’s hand.
“Kaerimasho? Let’s go home…” He smiled as Yuto felt himself be pulled towards the door.
The whole ride Keito kept his hand firmly clasped around Yuto’s, a secret part of him was still afraid that if he had let go too soon, he would lose the boy again. Every few minutes he would give a little squeeze to reassure himself that Yuto was still with him.
“Ne… Yuto… “ Keito turned to look at the boy and smiled. Yuto had fallen asleep again, he looked so tired as his head rested against the crevice between the headrest and the side panel of the car. With the utmost care, Keito slipped the blanket that he had kept in the car, over Yuto and sighed.
“Just like the first time huh?” He whispered, watching the beautiful sight. The slender boy’s mouth was open slightly, and his hair was busy wafting in the gentle breeze that slipped through the car’s open window.
“I love you… Yuto Nakajima…even if it’s too soon… I love you… I know it.” Keito whispered.
All too soon the car pulled up to the Okamoto mansion and the two boys stepped out. Ashamedly Yuto walked back into the house and felt terrible as he remembered the feeling of running away from this place. As soon as they opened the door, both boys were surprised to see all eight of their friends sitting there waiting for them.
“Yo” Chinen nodded, as the other boys turned to look at them.
“Ah… Yuu-Chan!” Daiki smiled, his attitude totally different than it had been the night before.
“W-What are you all doing here?” Keito asked, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Well… Chii here, has a martial arts demonstration and wanted to see if we would like to go watch.” Hikaru said.
“Well…” Keito looked at Yuto who nodded with a smile
“Let’s go!” He said happily
“Only back from the hospital for a few hours and already having to check in with the boyfriend…tsk tsk” Yamada closed his eyes and chuckled
“What?” The two boys asked in unison.
“Nothing… Yama-chan didn’t mean anything…” Ryutaro smiled as he pushed Ryosuke away and into a chair.
After a few minutes, to let Keito and Yuto shower and change, the boys got into the car and left.
“The demonstration is going to be conducted by me!” Chinen exclaimed excitedly as he clapped his hands.
“Again? So it’s just going to be us watching you kick butt?” Inoo asked, burying himself in another book. Yuto wondered how he managed to keep from getting a headache as he read in the car.
“Well… we could spar a bit… riiight Inoo-Chan?” Chinen smiled, eagerly tugging on the older boy’s shirt.
“Maybe…” Inoo sighed.
Finally, they arrived at what looked to be a large traditional Japanese building, complete with babbling creek and dozens of meticulously kept trees. The sign atop the door seemed to imply that this was the Chinen family’s dojo.
“Young master Yuri! You’re here!” A man quickly ran out and greet them.
“Ah! Inoue! Long time no see!” Chinen hugged the man before allowing himself to be escorted into the building.
“Ehh… more high class people…” Yuto shivered.
“Calm down, you’ll be okay…” Keito whispered, putting his arm reassuringly around the boy’s shoulders and pushing him into the door. They were all provided with Karate Gis and were promptly seated in the grand hall. Yuto gasped as he looked at where he was sitting and realized that from their position, everyone in the hall would be looking at them. Nervously he shrank down on his knees and sat there very still.
“Relax Yuu-Chan, look there’s Chii-chan!” Ryutaro pointed.
Sure enough the little boys walked out onto the small stage right below them and bowed as the crowd went wild. An announcer came out to introduce that Chinen was officially appointed the next head of the Dojo and its subsidiary branches. A proud man wearing the same uniform stood up and gave a pat on the back to the newly appointed successor.
“Ooo.. Chinen-Kun’s father came!” Yamada commented
“Father…?” Yuto asked, moving only enough to see the man with his arm around his son, his face beaming in satisfaction. How he had longed for someone to give him the same look.
He sat up at attention as the man gestured for the demonstration to begin. Two men jumped up onto the stage and with a loud “Hah!” charged forward. Yuto watched in amazement as with ease, Chinen jumped, and landed on their shoulders, kicking them downwards and bouncing off, landing with a flip onto the mat before them. With lightning speed he turned around and charged toward them, as they turned their heads Chinen did a backflip, letting his feet slam into their chests as the two men flew backward and hit the wall.
“Next!” The announcer yelled as this time a crowd of five men jumped onto the stage. After some quick footwork they managed to surround the boy in the center of their circle and all charged forward. Just as easily as they appeared, the five men ended up in a pile next to the two men while a barely sweating Chinen smiled as the cameras too pictures of the “Martial Arts Genius”
“Wow… “ Yuto stared in amazement.
“Would you like to learn? Chinen’s been expressing some interest in teaching you.” Inoo asked. But before Yuto could answer, he heard Chinen’s voice calling out to them.
“Inoo-Chan! The demonstration’s over, and everyone’s heading home… want to spar now?” The boy called.
“Ah.. maybe it will do me some good…” Inoo shrugged and jump down from the platform they were on. Immediately Chinen charged forward at him as Inoo ducked and appeared behind the boy, they traded blows, blocking each attack the other launched.
Once again, Yuto sat there, struck with awe as he watched the two boys fight. Finally, Chinen landed a quick jab into Inoo’s stomach, knocking the boy down.
“Yay! I got you!” The boy jumped as the older boy stood up and brushed himself off.
“Well… because I let you… if this match didn’t end I’d never finish my book.” Inoo smiled as he walked by and petted Chinen on the head before climbing back onto the platform.
“Mou… I’m bored and I’m feeling active! Someone! Anyone!?”
Yuto looked around as Daiki stood up and jumped down, one by one the boys took their turns, each with their own style.
“Sometimes… karate is a good thing to learn don’t you think?” Keito commented, watching the boys play.
“Un..” Yuto nodded, still in awe. He watched Daiki throw punches, his movements rougher and befitting his position as the son of a large underground group. He watched as Yabu’s slim body allowed him fluidic motions. He even watched as Ryutaro seemingly picking up some of Chinen’s style flipped back and forth, he looked as if he were dancing rather than dodging blows.
“Keito! I’m ready for a challenge!” Chinen called, pointing to him with a finger.
“Oh… fine Chinen… let’s play!” Keito jumped, leaving Yuto sitting on the platform alone.
Suddenly Yuto’s heart began to beat faster, suddenly fearing what would happen if Chinen beat Keito up…
“Calm down…” Hikaru chuckled as he took a seat next to the concerned boy.
“Eh…Hika-ru-kun?” Yuto stuttered, taken by surprise.
“Keito can handle himself, out of all of us, Chinen’s always said that he couldn’t quite figure Keito’s style out.” Hikaru laughed.
“Apparently, while he doesn’t hit hard, each hit hurts… I think it’s because of his medical background… he knows where to aim to make it hurt…” The older boy seemed thoughtful before nodding, agreeing with himself, despite of how ridiculous it sounded.
“So… now that you’ve joined us here… I’ve got to ask… aaaaare….” Hikaru poked Yuto in the side, causing him to snap out of his awe and giggle.
“Arrre… you and Keito finally an item?” He finished
“W-Well… eh… um…” Yuto felt another fit of stuttering hit him.
“That’s what I thought.” Yamada sat down next to them.
Yuto turned away quickly and focused on his boyfriend on the stage, battling with Chinen, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment. He looked just in time to see Keito lunge forward and with two fingers hit Chinen square in the ribs, causing the little boy to howl in pain.
“Mou… Keito… that’s unfair… you’re hitting where it hurts…” Chinen pouted as the older boy laughed and apologized.
“Yuto! Come here! Let’s play!” Keito called, as Yuto shook his head.
“It’ll be okay… really..” Keito smiled as Yuto sighed, for some reason he felt his body stand up of its own accord and jump down onto the stage. Immediately, Keito ran towards him and with a quick grab, pulled Yuto into himself and hugged him.
“Mou.. Okamoto-Kyunnn I don't think that’s a move…” Ryutaro teased, watching the two boys hug in the middle of the karate mats.
“Haha I guess not…” Keito chuckled as he broke their embrace and both he and Yuto sat down on the floor.
“Yuto, I’d like… to you know… officially go out on a date with you.” Keito quickly spat out the last part.
“oooh! He said it!” Takaki said to the other boys
“See! I told you a change of place and some relaxing activity was all he needed!” Chinen jumped happily.
“I… would love to go out… with you.” Yuto finished, feeling very shy all of a sudden. He sat up on the mats and smiled as Keito’s face radiated unmistakable joy. He watched as Keito stood up and sat down behind him, soon he felt the boy’s arms encircle his waist and he was pulled backwards into Keito. He felt so warm, and he loved the feeling of Keito putting his head on his shoulder, gently rubbing his cheek against his neck.
“You know… those six cold nights I spent without you… I think… I missed this feeling the most…” Yuto said as he closed his eyes and fell into the warmth of his boyfriend’s embrace.
“I think… I missed you the most…” Keito whispered. The two boys sat there for the next few minutes, content in each other’s arms and smiling with a shared understanding.
“Young master Yuto, there is a woman here to see you.” Sasaki’s voice rang out across the hall as all ten of the boys stopped and looked up. A woman dressed in a simple pair of jeans and white blouse stepped into the room. She shyly bowed before turning her attention to the boys.
“Yuto-kun?” She asked as she approached.
“H-Hai?” Yuto responded, slightly nervous as he pulled Keito’s arms around him tightly.
“Yuto…Oh Yuto…you’ve grown so much…” The lady knelt before the two boys, her eyes focused intently on his own.
“I’m..sorry… do I know you?”
“Ah! I’m sorry… my name is…Yumiko..Nakajima Yumiko.” Yuto’s eyes widened as his grip on Keito’s hands suddenly went slack.
“T-That… name… it was on my birth certificate… you…you’re… “
“Yuto… I’m your mother….” The lady smiled, her eyes shedding tears of joy.
“M…Mother…?”
“I’ve been looking for you… I went to each one of your foster families, and the last family told me you had run away. I looked for you where ever I heard your name… and now… I found you here…”
“W-Wh-why?” Yuto wasn’t sure what he was asking. So many questions flew into his head.
“I… came to find you… to see if you’re okay… I don’t expect you to respect me as your mother… but I needed to see you… When some investigator hired by the Okamoto family came to find us, asking about you, I came here to search for you.”
At this point, Yuto still felt so lost as he listened to the woman talk. The other boys simply gathered around the parent and child, nodding along as she continued.
“Oh Yuto… you’ve had it hard haven’t you? I took a copy of your file from the department of social services and welfare… I’m sorry. When you were born, your father and I, we weren’t ready to have a child yet, we couldn’t provide for ourselves, much less provide for a baby. This isn’t what I wanted for you…. I promised myself that if I found you, I would leave you alone if you were happy.”
“N-No…. I wanted so much to meet you…I always wondered what you looked like… what my father looked like… “ Yuto nodded as Keito’s arms unwrapped themselves and he knelt before the woman, taking her hands into his own.
“I wanted so much to take you back, as soon as things were settled and your father and I found steady jobs.”
“I-“ Yuto started but stopped as she shook her head.
“Yuto… I saw the way that you acted while you were here, the friends that you’ve found, this new family of yours. I knew that you’re happy now, and that was all that I needed…” She smiled bowing gratefully to the other 9 boys standing around her.
“Mother… is my father… here?” Yuto asked, suddenly very curious.
“No… your father… is ill, he provided enough money for this search of mine. The doctors say that without advanced treatment he wouldn’t live. We didn't have the money, even with our jobs, so we saved, enough so that I could find you, and bring you back to see him… before its too late.” As the woman spoke, her voice began to weaken as she thought about her husband.
“K-Keito…P-please?” Yuto turned around.
“Anything you want Yuto, I will provide…” Keito smiled as he stood up.
“We’ll go too!” The other boys chimed in
“Sasaki, please bring the car, we’re going to visit Yuto’s father.” Keito spoke and it seemed that the man had anticipated this and bowed as he signaled the car had already been summoned.
The ride to the small home out in the countryside was a silent one, filled with the occasional awkward question and stares between mother and son.
“P-please excuse the mess…” The lady said as she opened the door. Immediately the sounds of someone coughing could be heard as the air smelled of herbal medicines.
“So this is Yuto’s parents house huh…?” Takaki looked around, it was a quaint little home, perfect for a couple with room to work with.
“Anata…Darling… I.. found him.” The lady said to someone behind a door. She gently pushed the door all the way open and a man appeared, sitting up in a bed.
“Yuto…” The man’s voice sounded hoarse.
“Otou…san….” Yuto nodded as he approached.
“Yuto… gomenasai…” the man leaned forward and clasped his hands around his son’s
“Oh… you don't have to say that…” Yuto knelt at the bedside.
“I’ve heard about your life… I heard about all the hardships you’ve gone through…” He rasped.
“It isn’t your fault…”
“I…I…” As the man began to sob slightly the small heart monitoring machine off to the corner began to beep loudly and a hand clutched his chest.
“O-Otousan!” Yuto yelled as he backed away, scared.
In a flash, Keito appeared at the man’s bedside and looking around found the medical kit.
“Breathe slowly… “ He instructed firmly but calmly. With amazing precision he quickly filled a syringe and injected it into the man on the bed. Paying special attention to the heart monitor. It seemed that for now, the difficulties were over, although the drugs to stabilize the man had also knocked him out.
“A…arigatou…” Yuto’s mother bowed as she sunk to the ground in relief.
“This man has advanced heart problems doesn't he? Sasaki, please inform the hospital that they will need to prepare one bed in the cardiac ward.” Keito commanded.
“Certainly.” Came the response as Yuto’s eyes widened. Keito walked over and squatted down.
“I’m sorry I cut your talk with your father short…but I promise I will do everything in my power, to make sure that you have the time to catch up.” He said.
“Keito….Arigatou…”
“Miss Nakajima, your husband will be sent to the Okamoto Hospital’s cardiac ward, his care will be handled by our doctors, free of charge.” Keito continued, turning his attention.
“W-We….” She could only stutter as she wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.
“I want Yuto… to know his father…and I said it before didn't I? I will do everything in my power… for him I would do anything….” The boy said boldly, causing Yuto to look up at him.
“K-Keito…thank you…” Yuto quickly knelt on the floor and bowed as a overwhelming sense of gratitude flooded his body.
“Yuto…. Why?” Keito squatted down and pulled Yuto up to a standing position.
“A-Arigatou..Keito.” Sniffles followed as tear after tear rolled down from the skinny boy’s eyes.
“Why? Don't you get it already? I want… to do everything for you… I want to take care of you….and I want you to be happy… this isn’t something that you should thank me for. If you really wanted to thank me… all you have to do was smile and I would be content, don’t cry silly boy…” Keito smiled as he put his hand on his boyfriend’s cheeks and with his thumbs brushed away the tears.
“There now… aren’t you cuter this way?” Yuto smiled tearfully, taking deep breaths to collect himself.
Within a few minutes the boys were on the way to the hospital. They watched as Ms Nakajima, who was also quite overwhelmed with the sudden turn of events, sign the papers for her husband’s admission. Every few strokes of the pen she would turn and thank Keito again, to which the boy would merely squeeze Yuto’s hand and give him a smile.
Things were settled within an hour, and the other eight boys went home, leaving Yuto and Keito to sit in the hallway as the doctors ran their tests.
“Ne…. it’s really pretty outside isn’t it?” Keito remarked as he looked out the window.
“The last time it was pretty outside, I ran into a wall of a man…”
“Huh?”
“Uh… Nothing…” Yuto smiled.
“Noooo tell me!” Keito hopped to the boy’s side and tugged at Yuto’s sleeve excitedly.
“Ah….okay…..” Yuto smiled as he began telling Keito of his adventures during the time he was “on the run” as he put it. As the pair talked, Keito nodded and giggled as he heard the stories about how Yuto managed to scrimp together a few measly yen to buy the discount bentos to feed himself, either by performing or through some playful tricks. Eventually, when he finished talking, Keito had already fallen asleep and was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed with a small peaceful, content smile on his face.
“Okamoto-san, loves you doesn't he?” Yuto felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his mother.
“I.. uh…”
“It’s okay… I’m so happy you’ve found a family… I'm so happy you’re the way you are… you’ve grown up to be such a good boy, my Yuto…”
“M..Mom…”
“I’ve waited so long to hear those words… and just hearing them once…. That’s all I needed. I want to give you some advice… that boy there, he loves you so deeply… you should go with him… I don't want to drag you back here… “
“But..”
“Don’t worry.. I’ve worked it out with a friend of mine, she’s going to give me and your father a steady environment, where I can work to get us some money. You wont be saying goodbye to us… we’ll be around… but if you don't quickly return Okamoto-san’s feelings, that feeling may not be there forever…” The lady smiled as she gave her son a pat on the back and walked into the hospital room, leaving the two on the bench in the hall.
“Keito…I love you…” Yuto chuckled
“I love you!” He repeated, this time he leaned in and pressed his lips against Keito’s
“Arigatou…for finding me…” He thought as he pressed their foreheads together, hoping somehow his feelings would transfer.
“Mmmnh…” Keito moaned groggily.
“Keito… I’m sorry… our first date… has to be at a hospital…”
“mmmh…It doesn't matter does it? We’re both here, and we’re waiting… besides… Hospital food’s not that bad…. Or so I hear…” Keito said in a groggy and sarcastic tone, making Yuto chuckle.
“Besides, it just means… that our second date will have to be all the more special, wont it?”
“I.. I cant wait.” Yuto smiled as he put his head on Keito’s shoulder and closed his eyes. And there the two boys fell asleep. Yuto’s smile grew broader as he thought about the prospect of getting to know his real parents, and at the ever growing prospect of a true relationship between him, and Keito, his very own prince charming.
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Uwa... sorry it took so long to write such a crappy chapter (Gomenasai!) I wrote half of this while I was in like STRESS mode, so it's prolly not as good as I would like it to be... I promise I will make it up to you in the next chapter!
~Emmie
“K-Keito! You should be in bed!”
“I feel fine! Really! I was so worried about you! When I woke up today I thought I had dreamt that you had come back… I could remember hugging you.. and then I turned and here you were! I seriously thought… that it was only a dream… that I had lost you…but here you are!” The boy jumped happily as he wrapped his arms around Yuto who could only stand there wide-eyed and stunned.
“Kei-“ Yuto felt himself cut off as Keito’s embrace around him grew tighter and he felt the Keito bury his face into his shoulder. Within moments he felt the unmistakable feeling of tears wetting his shirt.
“Keito… are you crying?”
“N-No… I’m just.. so happy…” Yuto heard sniffling and gently pat the other boy’s head.
“I’m sorry I worried you…thank you… for searching for me.”
“Yuto… please don’t leave me like that again okay? You promised me you would be with me… and when you left… “
“I know…”
“It doesn't matter what my mother thinks… it doesn't matter what my family thinks… it only matters that I want to be with you… don't you want to be with me?”
At this point Keito pried himself away from Yuto’s shoulder and gazed into his eyes.
“Don't you…?”
Yuto stuttered as he met Keito’s gaze. The shorter boy had such a pleading look on his face, a desperate look on his face, and a pained look all at the same time. He could only sigh as he smiled and nodded. He watched as Keito’s eyes closed slowly in relief, covering his still sparkling brown eyes.
“Keito-Sama, Yuto-Sama, the car has come to take you two home. I’ve cleared all your paperwork with the hospital.” Sasaki walked in and smiled as he bowed, gesturing towards the door.
“Arigatou… Sasaki” Keito nodded as he grabbed his jacket and grabbed Yuto’s hand.
“Kaerimasho? Let’s go home…” He smiled as Yuto felt himself be pulled towards the door.
The whole ride Keito kept his hand firmly clasped around Yuto’s, a secret part of him was still afraid that if he had let go too soon, he would lose the boy again. Every few minutes he would give a little squeeze to reassure himself that Yuto was still with him.
“Ne… Yuto… “ Keito turned to look at the boy and smiled. Yuto had fallen asleep again, he looked so tired as his head rested against the crevice between the headrest and the side panel of the car. With the utmost care, Keito slipped the blanket that he had kept in the car, over Yuto and sighed.
“Just like the first time huh?” He whispered, watching the beautiful sight. The slender boy’s mouth was open slightly, and his hair was busy wafting in the gentle breeze that slipped through the car’s open window.
“I love you… Yuto Nakajima…even if it’s too soon… I love you… I know it.” Keito whispered.
All too soon the car pulled up to the Okamoto mansion and the two boys stepped out. Ashamedly Yuto walked back into the house and felt terrible as he remembered the feeling of running away from this place. As soon as they opened the door, both boys were surprised to see all eight of their friends sitting there waiting for them.
“Yo” Chinen nodded, as the other boys turned to look at them.
“Ah… Yuu-Chan!” Daiki smiled, his attitude totally different than it had been the night before.
“W-What are you all doing here?” Keito asked, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Well… Chii here, has a martial arts demonstration and wanted to see if we would like to go watch.” Hikaru said.
“Well…” Keito looked at Yuto who nodded with a smile
“Let’s go!” He said happily
“Only back from the hospital for a few hours and already having to check in with the boyfriend…tsk tsk” Yamada closed his eyes and chuckled
“What?” The two boys asked in unison.
“Nothing… Yama-chan didn’t mean anything…” Ryutaro smiled as he pushed Ryosuke away and into a chair.
After a few minutes, to let Keito and Yuto shower and change, the boys got into the car and left.
“The demonstration is going to be conducted by me!” Chinen exclaimed excitedly as he clapped his hands.
“Again? So it’s just going to be us watching you kick butt?” Inoo asked, burying himself in another book. Yuto wondered how he managed to keep from getting a headache as he read in the car.
“Well… we could spar a bit… riiight Inoo-Chan?” Chinen smiled, eagerly tugging on the older boy’s shirt.
“Maybe…” Inoo sighed.
Finally, they arrived at what looked to be a large traditional Japanese building, complete with babbling creek and dozens of meticulously kept trees. The sign atop the door seemed to imply that this was the Chinen family’s dojo.
“Young master Yuri! You’re here!” A man quickly ran out and greet them.
“Ah! Inoue! Long time no see!” Chinen hugged the man before allowing himself to be escorted into the building.
“Ehh… more high class people…” Yuto shivered.
“Calm down, you’ll be okay…” Keito whispered, putting his arm reassuringly around the boy’s shoulders and pushing him into the door. They were all provided with Karate Gis and were promptly seated in the grand hall. Yuto gasped as he looked at where he was sitting and realized that from their position, everyone in the hall would be looking at them. Nervously he shrank down on his knees and sat there very still.
“Relax Yuu-Chan, look there’s Chii-chan!” Ryutaro pointed.
Sure enough the little boys walked out onto the small stage right below them and bowed as the crowd went wild. An announcer came out to introduce that Chinen was officially appointed the next head of the Dojo and its subsidiary branches. A proud man wearing the same uniform stood up and gave a pat on the back to the newly appointed successor.
“Ooo.. Chinen-Kun’s father came!” Yamada commented
“Father…?” Yuto asked, moving only enough to see the man with his arm around his son, his face beaming in satisfaction. How he had longed for someone to give him the same look.
He sat up at attention as the man gestured for the demonstration to begin. Two men jumped up onto the stage and with a loud “Hah!” charged forward. Yuto watched in amazement as with ease, Chinen jumped, and landed on their shoulders, kicking them downwards and bouncing off, landing with a flip onto the mat before them. With lightning speed he turned around and charged toward them, as they turned their heads Chinen did a backflip, letting his feet slam into their chests as the two men flew backward and hit the wall.
“Next!” The announcer yelled as this time a crowd of five men jumped onto the stage. After some quick footwork they managed to surround the boy in the center of their circle and all charged forward. Just as easily as they appeared, the five men ended up in a pile next to the two men while a barely sweating Chinen smiled as the cameras too pictures of the “Martial Arts Genius”
“Wow… “ Yuto stared in amazement.
“Would you like to learn? Chinen’s been expressing some interest in teaching you.” Inoo asked. But before Yuto could answer, he heard Chinen’s voice calling out to them.
“Inoo-Chan! The demonstration’s over, and everyone’s heading home… want to spar now?” The boy called.
“Ah.. maybe it will do me some good…” Inoo shrugged and jump down from the platform they were on. Immediately Chinen charged forward at him as Inoo ducked and appeared behind the boy, they traded blows, blocking each attack the other launched.
Once again, Yuto sat there, struck with awe as he watched the two boys fight. Finally, Chinen landed a quick jab into Inoo’s stomach, knocking the boy down.
“Yay! I got you!” The boy jumped as the older boy stood up and brushed himself off.
“Well… because I let you… if this match didn’t end I’d never finish my book.” Inoo smiled as he walked by and petted Chinen on the head before climbing back onto the platform.
“Mou… I’m bored and I’m feeling active! Someone! Anyone!?”
Yuto looked around as Daiki stood up and jumped down, one by one the boys took their turns, each with their own style.
“Sometimes… karate is a good thing to learn don’t you think?” Keito commented, watching the boys play.
“Un..” Yuto nodded, still in awe. He watched Daiki throw punches, his movements rougher and befitting his position as the son of a large underground group. He watched as Yabu’s slim body allowed him fluidic motions. He even watched as Ryutaro seemingly picking up some of Chinen’s style flipped back and forth, he looked as if he were dancing rather than dodging blows.
“Keito! I’m ready for a challenge!” Chinen called, pointing to him with a finger.
“Oh… fine Chinen… let’s play!” Keito jumped, leaving Yuto sitting on the platform alone.
Suddenly Yuto’s heart began to beat faster, suddenly fearing what would happen if Chinen beat Keito up…
“Calm down…” Hikaru chuckled as he took a seat next to the concerned boy.
“Eh…Hika-ru-kun?” Yuto stuttered, taken by surprise.
“Keito can handle himself, out of all of us, Chinen’s always said that he couldn’t quite figure Keito’s style out.” Hikaru laughed.
“Apparently, while he doesn’t hit hard, each hit hurts… I think it’s because of his medical background… he knows where to aim to make it hurt…” The older boy seemed thoughtful before nodding, agreeing with himself, despite of how ridiculous it sounded.
“So… now that you’ve joined us here… I’ve got to ask… aaaaare….” Hikaru poked Yuto in the side, causing him to snap out of his awe and giggle.
“Arrre… you and Keito finally an item?” He finished
“W-Well… eh… um…” Yuto felt another fit of stuttering hit him.
“That’s what I thought.” Yamada sat down next to them.
Yuto turned away quickly and focused on his boyfriend on the stage, battling with Chinen, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment. He looked just in time to see Keito lunge forward and with two fingers hit Chinen square in the ribs, causing the little boy to howl in pain.
“Mou… Keito… that’s unfair… you’re hitting where it hurts…” Chinen pouted as the older boy laughed and apologized.
“Yuto! Come here! Let’s play!” Keito called, as Yuto shook his head.
“It’ll be okay… really..” Keito smiled as Yuto sighed, for some reason he felt his body stand up of its own accord and jump down onto the stage. Immediately, Keito ran towards him and with a quick grab, pulled Yuto into himself and hugged him.
“Mou.. Okamoto-Kyunnn I don't think that’s a move…” Ryutaro teased, watching the two boys hug in the middle of the karate mats.
“Haha I guess not…” Keito chuckled as he broke their embrace and both he and Yuto sat down on the floor.
“Yuto, I’d like… to you know… officially go out on a date with you.” Keito quickly spat out the last part.
“oooh! He said it!” Takaki said to the other boys
“See! I told you a change of place and some relaxing activity was all he needed!” Chinen jumped happily.
“I… would love to go out… with you.” Yuto finished, feeling very shy all of a sudden. He sat up on the mats and smiled as Keito’s face radiated unmistakable joy. He watched as Keito stood up and sat down behind him, soon he felt the boy’s arms encircle his waist and he was pulled backwards into Keito. He felt so warm, and he loved the feeling of Keito putting his head on his shoulder, gently rubbing his cheek against his neck.
“You know… those six cold nights I spent without you… I think… I missed this feeling the most…” Yuto said as he closed his eyes and fell into the warmth of his boyfriend’s embrace.
“I think… I missed you the most…” Keito whispered. The two boys sat there for the next few minutes, content in each other’s arms and smiling with a shared understanding.
“Young master Yuto, there is a woman here to see you.” Sasaki’s voice rang out across the hall as all ten of the boys stopped and looked up. A woman dressed in a simple pair of jeans and white blouse stepped into the room. She shyly bowed before turning her attention to the boys.
“Yuto-kun?” She asked as she approached.
“H-Hai?” Yuto responded, slightly nervous as he pulled Keito’s arms around him tightly.
“Yuto…Oh Yuto…you’ve grown so much…” The lady knelt before the two boys, her eyes focused intently on his own.
“I’m..sorry… do I know you?”
“Ah! I’m sorry… my name is…Yumiko..Nakajima Yumiko.” Yuto’s eyes widened as his grip on Keito’s hands suddenly went slack.
“T-That… name… it was on my birth certificate… you…you’re… “
“Yuto… I’m your mother….” The lady smiled, her eyes shedding tears of joy.
“M…Mother…?”
“I’ve been looking for you… I went to each one of your foster families, and the last family told me you had run away. I looked for you where ever I heard your name… and now… I found you here…”
“W-Wh-why?” Yuto wasn’t sure what he was asking. So many questions flew into his head.
“I… came to find you… to see if you’re okay… I don’t expect you to respect me as your mother… but I needed to see you… When some investigator hired by the Okamoto family came to find us, asking about you, I came here to search for you.”
At this point, Yuto still felt so lost as he listened to the woman talk. The other boys simply gathered around the parent and child, nodding along as she continued.
“Oh Yuto… you’ve had it hard haven’t you? I took a copy of your file from the department of social services and welfare… I’m sorry. When you were born, your father and I, we weren’t ready to have a child yet, we couldn’t provide for ourselves, much less provide for a baby. This isn’t what I wanted for you…. I promised myself that if I found you, I would leave you alone if you were happy.”
“N-No…. I wanted so much to meet you…I always wondered what you looked like… what my father looked like… “ Yuto nodded as Keito’s arms unwrapped themselves and he knelt before the woman, taking her hands into his own.
“I wanted so much to take you back, as soon as things were settled and your father and I found steady jobs.”
“I-“ Yuto started but stopped as she shook her head.
“Yuto… I saw the way that you acted while you were here, the friends that you’ve found, this new family of yours. I knew that you’re happy now, and that was all that I needed…” She smiled bowing gratefully to the other 9 boys standing around her.
“Mother… is my father… here?” Yuto asked, suddenly very curious.
“No… your father… is ill, he provided enough money for this search of mine. The doctors say that without advanced treatment he wouldn’t live. We didn't have the money, even with our jobs, so we saved, enough so that I could find you, and bring you back to see him… before its too late.” As the woman spoke, her voice began to weaken as she thought about her husband.
“K-Keito…P-please?” Yuto turned around.
“Anything you want Yuto, I will provide…” Keito smiled as he stood up.
“We’ll go too!” The other boys chimed in
“Sasaki, please bring the car, we’re going to visit Yuto’s father.” Keito spoke and it seemed that the man had anticipated this and bowed as he signaled the car had already been summoned.
The ride to the small home out in the countryside was a silent one, filled with the occasional awkward question and stares between mother and son.
“P-please excuse the mess…” The lady said as she opened the door. Immediately the sounds of someone coughing could be heard as the air smelled of herbal medicines.
“So this is Yuto’s parents house huh…?” Takaki looked around, it was a quaint little home, perfect for a couple with room to work with.
“Anata…Darling… I.. found him.” The lady said to someone behind a door. She gently pushed the door all the way open and a man appeared, sitting up in a bed.
“Yuto…” The man’s voice sounded hoarse.
“Otou…san….” Yuto nodded as he approached.
“Yuto… gomenasai…” the man leaned forward and clasped his hands around his son’s
“Oh… you don't have to say that…” Yuto knelt at the bedside.
“I’ve heard about your life… I heard about all the hardships you’ve gone through…” He rasped.
“It isn’t your fault…”
“I…I…” As the man began to sob slightly the small heart monitoring machine off to the corner began to beep loudly and a hand clutched his chest.
“O-Otousan!” Yuto yelled as he backed away, scared.
In a flash, Keito appeared at the man’s bedside and looking around found the medical kit.
“Breathe slowly… “ He instructed firmly but calmly. With amazing precision he quickly filled a syringe and injected it into the man on the bed. Paying special attention to the heart monitor. It seemed that for now, the difficulties were over, although the drugs to stabilize the man had also knocked him out.
“A…arigatou…” Yuto’s mother bowed as she sunk to the ground in relief.
“This man has advanced heart problems doesn't he? Sasaki, please inform the hospital that they will need to prepare one bed in the cardiac ward.” Keito commanded.
“Certainly.” Came the response as Yuto’s eyes widened. Keito walked over and squatted down.
“I’m sorry I cut your talk with your father short…but I promise I will do everything in my power, to make sure that you have the time to catch up.” He said.
“Keito….Arigatou…”
“Miss Nakajima, your husband will be sent to the Okamoto Hospital’s cardiac ward, his care will be handled by our doctors, free of charge.” Keito continued, turning his attention.
“W-We….” She could only stutter as she wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.
“I want Yuto… to know his father…and I said it before didn't I? I will do everything in my power… for him I would do anything….” The boy said boldly, causing Yuto to look up at him.
“K-Keito…thank you…” Yuto quickly knelt on the floor and bowed as a overwhelming sense of gratitude flooded his body.
“Yuto…. Why?” Keito squatted down and pulled Yuto up to a standing position.
“A-Arigatou..Keito.” Sniffles followed as tear after tear rolled down from the skinny boy’s eyes.
“Why? Don't you get it already? I want… to do everything for you… I want to take care of you….and I want you to be happy… this isn’t something that you should thank me for. If you really wanted to thank me… all you have to do was smile and I would be content, don’t cry silly boy…” Keito smiled as he put his hand on his boyfriend’s cheeks and with his thumbs brushed away the tears.
“There now… aren’t you cuter this way?” Yuto smiled tearfully, taking deep breaths to collect himself.
Within a few minutes the boys were on the way to the hospital. They watched as Ms Nakajima, who was also quite overwhelmed with the sudden turn of events, sign the papers for her husband’s admission. Every few strokes of the pen she would turn and thank Keito again, to which the boy would merely squeeze Yuto’s hand and give him a smile.
Things were settled within an hour, and the other eight boys went home, leaving Yuto and Keito to sit in the hallway as the doctors ran their tests.
“Ne…. it’s really pretty outside isn’t it?” Keito remarked as he looked out the window.
“The last time it was pretty outside, I ran into a wall of a man…”
“Huh?”
“Uh… Nothing…” Yuto smiled.
“Noooo tell me!” Keito hopped to the boy’s side and tugged at Yuto’s sleeve excitedly.
“Ah….okay…..” Yuto smiled as he began telling Keito of his adventures during the time he was “on the run” as he put it. As the pair talked, Keito nodded and giggled as he heard the stories about how Yuto managed to scrimp together a few measly yen to buy the discount bentos to feed himself, either by performing or through some playful tricks. Eventually, when he finished talking, Keito had already fallen asleep and was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed with a small peaceful, content smile on his face.
“Okamoto-san, loves you doesn't he?” Yuto felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see his mother.
“I.. uh…”
“It’s okay… I’m so happy you’ve found a family… I'm so happy you’re the way you are… you’ve grown up to be such a good boy, my Yuto…”
“M..Mom…”
“I’ve waited so long to hear those words… and just hearing them once…. That’s all I needed. I want to give you some advice… that boy there, he loves you so deeply… you should go with him… I don't want to drag you back here… “
“But..”
“Don’t worry.. I’ve worked it out with a friend of mine, she’s going to give me and your father a steady environment, where I can work to get us some money. You wont be saying goodbye to us… we’ll be around… but if you don't quickly return Okamoto-san’s feelings, that feeling may not be there forever…” The lady smiled as she gave her son a pat on the back and walked into the hospital room, leaving the two on the bench in the hall.
“Keito…I love you…” Yuto chuckled
“I love you!” He repeated, this time he leaned in and pressed his lips against Keito’s
“Arigatou…for finding me…” He thought as he pressed their foreheads together, hoping somehow his feelings would transfer.
“Mmmnh…” Keito moaned groggily.
“Keito… I’m sorry… our first date… has to be at a hospital…”
“mmmh…It doesn't matter does it? We’re both here, and we’re waiting… besides… Hospital food’s not that bad…. Or so I hear…” Keito said in a groggy and sarcastic tone, making Yuto chuckle.
“Besides, it just means… that our second date will have to be all the more special, wont it?”
“I.. I cant wait.” Yuto smiled as he put his head on Keito’s shoulder and closed his eyes. And there the two boys fell asleep. Yuto’s smile grew broader as he thought about the prospect of getting to know his real parents, and at the ever growing prospect of a true relationship between him, and Keito, his very own prince charming.
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Uwa... sorry it took so long to write such a crappy chapter (Gomenasai!) I wrote half of this while I was in like STRESS mode, so it's prolly not as good as I would like it to be... I promise I will make it up to you in the next chapter!
~Emmie