Endless Skies, Chapter 03

[lunaticxpandora]

Sequel to "Unequivocal." Yamato thought the hardest part of raising his son as a single teen dad was the first year. But he's quickly finding out how wrong he was as he juggles his first year of college, the band, dating, and the terrible twos. Taito. AU for Tri.
[Digimon] M+, family/drama, 8185 (21822) words, published 11-20-16

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Endless Skies
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"I'm handing back your pop quizzes from Friday," Dr. Kanada says, and then he looks directly at Yamato. "Mr. Ishida, unless you have a documented, excused absence, you will not be allowed to make it up."

Yamato says nothing, just nods at him and lowers his head, biting his lip to keep from saying anything that will get him kicked out of the class, or the university. He feels a smoldering anger start low in his stomach, spreading throughout until his fists are clenched tightly in his lap and his whole body is rigid. He's not stupid. He knows Dr. Kanada took advantage of the opportunity his absence on Friday presented.

He doesn't have an absence that will be considered excused, he also knows that. Of course he doesn't. Skipping class for a photoshoot is hardly a valid reason, and he knows if he were to try and use that with Dr. Kanada, the man's hatred of him would just kick up another notch. He longs to confront his professor, to demand the reason for why the man hates him so, but he knows he'd never get a true reason back. Possibly there isn't even really one, he just gets to be the lucky scapegoat for this term. So in what's becoming a habit, he does his best to just let it go.

Still, when class is over, he finds that the anger is still lingering, along with worry. He'll have a zero for that quiz, and even if he makes perfect grades on everything else, it'll still drag his grade down unfairly.

"Still angry?" Taichi asks Yamato quietly as they head to the next class. Yamato knows Taichi can't help but be a bit worried for him. With the already low grade Yamato was given on his paper, the zero for the quiz will hurt. And it's not right, the professor is singling him out without good cause, and they both know he absolutely does not deserve that. It's stressing Yamato out, and he knows that Taichi is picking up on that and becoming upset by it, though he wishes Taichi wouldn't be upset on his behalf.

Yamato nods once, jerkily, feeling somewhat like he wants to punch a wall. He glances over at Taichi and catches the worry in those brown eyes. "Sorry," he mutters, feeling bad. "You don't have to worry. It's just so unfair!"

"After math, you want to go back to your apartment for lunch? Get away from the campus for a bit and relax?"

Yamato shrugs. The idea doesn't really seem all that appealing, but he suspects nothing would right now, and he knows Taichi is just trying to find some way he can help. "Sure," he says, trying for a smile. It doesn't work too well, but Taichi seems pleased with his attempt nonetheless.

* * *

"I thought you said lunch," Yamato says as Taichi begins undoing the button and zipper on his jeans. "This isn't lunch." He helps Taichi get the pants off despite his complaints, wriggling his legs to shake them down.

"You can eat if you want," Taichi says as he starts yanking on Yamato's boxers. "This is what I'm having."

"But you're skipping all the foreplay," Yamato whines, though he doesn't really mind. The thought of this impromptu blowjob is turning him on, and his dick springs out as soon as Taichi gets his underwear down, the tip already leaking.

Taichi grins at him, cheeks flushed and eyes shining. "You don't seem to mind."

"Shut up." Yamato starts to roll his eyes, but then hisses out a breath when Taichi presses him back into the sofa and takes him in his mouth. "Fuck..." It's just the head, but Taichi's mouth is hot, and wet, and it's exactly what he needs after the day he's had so far. Taichi closes his lips around him and sucks, hard, and Yamato almost feels like coming right then and there. He jerks his hips, overcome with the instinctual urge to thrust, but Taichi follows along with his movements, refusing to let him have control.

"Taichi, please," Yamato moans, not even sure what it is he's begging for. He reaches down, threading his fingers through Taichi's hair, wrapping tightly around brown strands, trying to get Taichi to take more of him in. Taichi resists, taking the opportunity to lightly flick his tongue against the slit instead, dipping in a bit, getting a taste of the precum there.

Yamato whines, trying to thrust again, all of Taichi's teasing driving him wild with sudden need. Taichi pulls back a bit, chuckling, the vibrations thrumming along Yamato's shaft, and he nearly sobs with how good it feels. "Please," he says again, but Taichi moves away completely this time, forcing Yamato to let go of his hair, feeling himself slide out of Taichi's mouth. The cool air of the apartment rushes over him, contrasting with the heat from Taichi, and the odd sensation makes him even harder. "No, don't stop," he cries.

Taichi gets off his knees, putting his hands against the back of the sofa on either side of Yamato before leaning in and kissing him, lips pressing insistently, and he reaches up to clutch at Taichi's shirt, pulling him closer, kissing him back desperately, making low, needy noises in the back of his throat. They spend a few minutes bruising each others' lips before Taichi stops again. "Enough foreplay for you?" he whispers, his voice husky, and Yamato shivers to feel Taichi's warm breath against his lips.

"Yes," he says softly, voice tinged with his need. He swallows hard as Taichi kisses him once more, gently this time. He's so hard it aches, and he feels overheated and feverish, his skin flushed with arousal. He wants to be back in Taichi's mouth, and he wants to come.

Taichi drops back down to his knees in front of him, spreading Yamato's legs wide to get in between them, and presses his palm against Yamato's dick briefly, before wrapping his fingers around it and beginning to stroke, sliding his other hand up under Yamato's balls and pressing a finger hard against his taint.

Yamato tosses his head back against the sofa, thrusting his hips again, and this time Taichi doesn't stop him, letting Yamato fuck himself into Taichi's hand. He's panting, harsh little gasps that bubble out of his mouth almost involuntarily. Taichi's trailing a finger around his balls now, a feather light touch that's driving Yamato crazy. He nearly howls when Taichi suddenly takes his hands away, but before he has time to get truly indignant, Taichi's mouth is taking him in, swallowing his length down deep, and he feels the tip hit Taichi's throat. He whimpers.

Taichi doesn't bother with teasing this time. Instead, he gets right to it, sucking and licking for all he's worth, swirling his tongue around the thick shaft in his mouth and hollowing his cheeks.

Yamato tangles his hands in Taichi's hair again, unable to keep himself from thrusting, but this time Taichi lets him, holding himself still as Yamato uses his mouth as he wishes. It feels so damn good, and Yamato knows he won't be able to last long, but he doesn't care, he's so close, reaching that crescendo, every nerve in his body alight with pleasure, balls tight and stomach taut, and then Taichi fucking hums, deep in his throat, and it's fucking incredible and he's shrieking as he comes, loud, not even caring if the neighbours hear. Taichi swallows it all down without protest, still sucking gently, and after a few minutes Yamato shudders with how sensitive it feels. He tugs feebly at Taichi's hair. "Stop," he says hoarsely, and Taichi does.

He lies there on the sofa limply as Taichi moves away, feeling drained and content, drifting in a haze of sexual satisfaction.

"Good?" Taichi asks him.

"Mm," he murmurs, words too much effort at the moment.

"I'm glad," Taichi says, "because now we have twenty minutes to get back on campus and to class."

He bolts upright at that, regretting it as the movement sends a wave of dizziness rushing over him, but he swears anyway and reaches for his boxers. "Where are my pants?" he gripes, looking around for them as he pulls his boxers on. Taichi hands them to him, and he somehow stands up and trips into them, stumbling around a bit as he yanks them up. He feels sticky, and makes a face, knowing there's no time to clean up, and he's going to feel like this the whole time he's in class.

Taichi snags a couple of mandarin oranges from the kitchen, tossing one to him. He catches it with ease and then grabs his bag from where he'd left it beside the coffee table, and they're racing out the door, hurrying to make it to their next classes on time.

* * *

A week later, Yamato sits Naoki down in the living room with his one of his favourite colouring books and some markers, settling him at the coffee table. Normally he'd put the boy in his playpen, but it had unfortunately somehow gotten crushed in the move, and he never seems to remember to buy a new one-except for those moments when he really needs one.

He knows he really shouldn't leave Naoki alone in the room, but the living room and kitchen are basically one giant open room, so he figures he can still keep an eye on him while he goes to make dinner. He gets into it, humming a bit as he dices vegetables and slices meat and selects the appropriate seasonings, and it's only when he's got everything simmering on the stove thirty minutes later that he realises he hasn't checked on his son once. A sliver of fear grips his heart as it occurs to him that Naoki hasn't come in once to bother him, or made any noise whatsoever, and he whirls around in a panic, heart nearly stopping when he sees Naoki isn't at the coffee table.

"Naoki?" he calls, and tries to ignore how wobbly and high-pitched his voice sounds.

"Daddy, see!" Naoki cries gleefully, popping his head around the sofa. Yamato lets out a breath, relieved beyond words, but then his eyes take in the rest of the living room, and his mouth slowly drops open in disbelief before he groans in annoyance. He makes an effort to keep calm, knowing that anger won't help the situation. He then does his best to sternly explain to Naoki that he can't do that-Naoki's slowly been learning the word "no" over the past few weeks, but like most toddlers he's picking and choosing when to listen to it-and then he puts him in his high chair while he finishes dinner.

Naoki cries, not liking the restriction, and bangs his fists against the tray, face turning red as it gets soaked in tears and snot, but Yamato just ignores him, letting him work out the tantrum on his own, even though it breaks his heart to do so. Eventually the toddler's loud cries turn into soft, hiccuping sobs, and when Naoki is at last calm again, Yamato cleans his face before getting him dinner.

Later, when he's gotten Naoki bathed and in bed, he goes back into the living room and looks around again with a loud sigh. There's marker all over the walls, bright multiple-coloured scribbles streaking all around the room and even across the front door. He doesn't know what he had been thinking, leaving Naoki alone in here with markers. He really knows better. And now this is going to take him the rest of the night to clean up.

"Why me," he groans out loud, and then goes to get some rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.

* * *

When he walks into class the next morning, Taichi at his side as they slide into seats, he's exhausted and thinking of nothing but getting through the day so he can sleep. It had taken him hours to clean the labours of Naoki's artistic talent off the walls last night, and he'd been up well past his usual bedtime.

It's only when Dr. Kanada says, "Pass Monday's assignments up to the front," that he realises he never did his, so caught up in cleaning that he'd completely forgotten about it. He looks at Taichi, panic in his eyes, wondering what the hell he should do, not wanting another zero in this class-but then Dr. Kanada's looming over him, his face pinched in displeasure, irritation burning in his dark eyes.

"And where is your assignment, Mr. Ishida?" he asks-really, it's more of a growl, and Yamato tries not to cower in his seat.

"I don't have it, sir," he says honestly, doing his best to sit up straight and not look afraid. He doesn't want this man to know just how much he's getting to him.

"Any particular reason why?"

"Er..." Yamato falters, scrabbling around in his brain for a reason and coming up with absolutely nothing. "No, sir... I just forgot..." he trails off, knowing how bad that sounds.

"You forgot," his professor says flatly, staring down at him in disapproval. "This class isn't important enough for you, is that it?"

"It's not that," he says helplessly. Beside him, he can sense Taichi's growing anger on his behalf, and he hopes Taichi keeps his cool and doesn't do anything stupid. Taichi's a lot calmer than he used to be when they were kids, but he still has his moments.

Dr. Kanada shakes his head, clearly fed up with him, and goes to the front of the room. "Let's start with discussing the first of the assigned stories on the syllabus," he says. "You can find it on page 436 of your textbook."

Yamato closes his eyes for a moment, trying to compose himself, then leans down and grabs his bag, rooting around for his textbook. A panicked minute later, he's gone through his whole bag twice, and determined his textbook is definitely not in there. Which makes sense, because he remembers pulling it out before he'd set up Naoki with the colouring book last night, planning to do his assignment after he'd gotten Naoki into bed.

"Where's your book?" Taichi whispers to him as softly as possible, warm sympathy in his eyes.

"Forgot it," he whispers, voice just as soft. Taichi doesn't say anything else, but he shifts his book in Yamato's direction a little, so that they both can share it. Yamato smiles at him gratefully.

Of course, this doesn't make a difference to Dr. Kanada, who, when he comes around ten minutes later, spots them sharing the book, and angrily grills Yamato relentlessly on where his own textbook is before finally tossing him out of the classroom, telling him not to come back until he's better prepared. Yamato gets the feeling that even if it had been Taichi who needed to share, he'd still be the one tossed out.

He packs up his few things and leaves-not just the classroom, but the building entirely, sitting on a bench nearby to wait for Taichi, feeling humiliated and trying not to get too upset at being thrown out. For the first time this term, he starts to wonder if he's going to be able to pass this class.

* * *

"The second paper will be worth as much of your grade as the first one, but I expect you to work even harder on this one. You're familiar now with what I'm looking for, and you're in university now, which means I don't want to see high school level work." Dr. Kanada looks at Yamato as he says this, and he can feel his face flaming in both embarrassment and anger, but at this point he's resigned himself to it, and doesn't react. Besides, it's Friday, which means he can go home in a few hours and not think about his infuriating professor for the next few days.

After class, he gets accosted by one of his female classmates just outside the door. "I love the new PV!" she gushes at him. "I'm going to buy the single right after classes! The song is amazing! Could I get your autograph?"

"Ah, sure," he says, taking the pen and copy of their last album she thrusts at him awkwardly. He's expected this today, having been getting requests all week-the band's promotional video was released last Friday, and the new single has just come out today-but he's uncomfortably aware of Dr. Kanada packing up just inside the classroom, and he can't help but wonder just what the man must be thinking of him. Nothing good, he's sure. "What's your name?" he asks her, as Taichi indicates he's going outside to wait for him. He nods distractedly at his boyfriend.

"Satomi!" she says, missing his and Taichi's exchange entirely.

He nods, and quickly scribbles off a short message on the insert, signing his name with a flourish at the bottom. "There you go," he tells her, handing the CD and her pen back with a smile.

"Thanks, you're the best!"

From inside the classroom comes a disbelieving scoff, and he can feel the slow burn of anger start up again, making him clench a fist at his side. He tells himself to forget it, and heads outside to meet Taichi.

* * *

"Hi, you two!" Sora says, smiling as Yamato approaches everyone, Naoki in his arms. He sets the toddler down with a sigh of relief, and the diaper bag as well.

"Why don't you use a stroller?" Koushiro asks him curiously as Yamato plops down to the ground and begins to roll his shoulders, relaxing some of the muscles.

He snorts. "Trust me, I've tried. He absolutely refuses. Throws a fit every time I pull it out, and fights me when I try to put him in there anyway. If I do manage to get him in it, he screams his head off the whole time and I can't take him anywhere. I gave up after awhile."

"How odd," Jou remarks, looking at the little boy who's already gleefully pulling up tufts of grass and throwing them.

Yamato shrugs, not overly concerned. He snags the diaper bag and drags it closer to him, unzipping it and beginning to dig through it as he talks. "He just likes being able to look all around him at everything-the stroller gives him a limited view of that. Of course, it's been six or seven months since I last tried to put him in one, I could probably try again. He might go for it now that he's a bit older. Here."

Koushiro blinks, taking the colourful plastic boxes from him uncertainly. "What is this?"

"Desserts. I made them last night. I know your mom probably made us a ton of stuff, but I just wanted to contribute." Truthfully, he'd still been upset from Dr. Kanada's class, and had just wanted to cook and unwind before bed. He hadn't made them with today's picnic in mind, but he knows he'll never be able to eat them all by himself, or even with Taichi and Naoki's help.

"Okay. Thanks." Koushiro places the boxes with the rest of their food.

Taichi and Hikari get there not long after that, and Taichi comes over to sit next to Yamato, the two of them leaning back against the large tree the Chosen have claimed for their own, enjoying the rare sunshine. It's early June, and the rainy season is well underway in Tokyo, the majority of the days being gloomy and dreary. When Daisuke had first suggested the picnic to everyone, he'd wanted to go to the Digital World, just to guarantee nice weather. Yamato had nixed it, though, not yet comfortable with taking Naoki there. While the Digital World is at peace, anything can happen at any time to change that, and Yamato knows he can't be in a battle and keep an eye on his son at the same time. He's just not ready to risk it.

A little while later, the younger teenagers start a game of 'tag' with Naoki, though it mostly consists of them taking turns chasing him around and tagging him, since he doesn't quite get the concept of tagging them back just yet. They all enjoy it though, Naoki's joyful laughter ringing out above the others', and they all collapse in a happy exhausted pile of limbs near the older teens when they tire of the game.

"I'm starving," Daisuke says, his voice muffled by Miyako's arm across his face. "Can we eat yet?"

"Yeah, I'm hungry too!" Taichi chimes in, grinning.

"You're always hungry, though," Yamato says, poking him in the side. "You don't count."

"Well I'm a growing boy!"

Everyone laughs at that. "You're nineteen now, Taichi. I think you're done growing," Hikari informs her brother in amusement.

"I could eat too," Iori admits, extracting himself from Ken's legs and brushing himself off before holding out a hand to help Ken up.

While the others sort out of the food, Yamato gets his son and begins to clean him up some. His hands are grubby from playing in the dirt, so he cleans those off with some wipes. He's also got bits of grass and leaves in his hair which Yamato easily brushes out, and his face is still a bit sticky from breakfast, which Yamato hadn't noticed earlier, so he takes care of that too. "All clean," he says, and Naoki throws his small arms around his daddy in a hug.

"Yamato! Come eat!" Taichi calls, and Yamato stands, grabbing Naoki's hand and leading him over to the large picnic sheet Sora has spread out, where all the food is now laid out for everyone to take what they want, along with paper plates, cups, and disposable chopsticks.

He quickly fixes Naoki a plate, letting the child pick between 'this or that' for a few things, and then gets a plate of his own, though he knows he won't be able to eat most of it right away. Instead, he has to help Naoki eat-he's not used to eating outside of a high chair, and having to sit cross-legged with his plate on the ground in front of him confuses him.

"So, how is Dr. Kanada's class going, Yamato?" Jou asks.

He makes a face at the older boy. "He hasn't liked me since I was late that first day, and he doesn't hesitate in letting me know it."

"He threw Yamato out of the classroom Wednesday because he didn't have his homework or his book," Taichi puts in. "And he's given him low grades on all of his assignments, and wouldn't let him make up a pop quiz."

"Pop quizzes?" Jou frowns. "He never gave us any of those."

"I'm sure he only gave one because I wasn't there," Yamato says, sighing. "In fact we have to turn in our topic and thesis statement for our second paper on Monday, and I already know that no matter how good mine is, I'll still get a low grade."

"That sucks," Jou says sympathetically.

"I'm just hoping he's the exception rather than the rule for most professors."

"Why not report him?" Koushiro asks.

"For what, being a di-" he glances at Naoki then, and amends his words, "-being mean?"

"If he's treating you unfairly because of it, then yes," Koushiro says.

Yamato just shakes his head, and finally takes a bite of his own food now that Naoki has mostly gotten through his. He doesn't see that reporting will help any. "Maybe," he says dismissively once he's swallowed his mouthful of spring roll.

Koushiro looks as if he wants to say something else, to keep going until he's gotten Yamato's promise to report him first thing Monday, but a quick glance from Taichi has his mouth snapping shut, thankfully dropping the subject.

* * *

This is a poor choice of topic, something I would expect from a first year high school student. However, I don't think you'll come up with something better, so you may as well stick with it.

Yamato stares down at the cruel words in red, feeling hurt. Against his better judgement, he'd worked hard on Sunday afternoon to come up with a great topic for his paper, hoping that this would be the one that made Dr. Kanada realise he was wrong about his least favourite student. He really should have known better.

Taichi glances over at Yamato, catching sight of the red scribbles everywhere, and frowns unhappily. He really doesn't like the way Dr. Kanada is treating his boyfriend. Just because he's a professor doesn't mean he should be allowed to get away with it. He's starting to think Koushiro had the right idea, that Yamato should report him-but he knows how unlikely it is that Yamato will do so. Yamato doesn't like to show any weakness to others.

"That's really not right," Taichi mutters, motioning to the paper.

Yamato just shrugs at him; what can he do? He puts it out of his mind and begins to take notes on the lecture.

* * *

Thursday in between classes he gets a text from Nyusumi that makes him want to scream and throw his phone across the campus. Recordings and photoshoots are bad enough, but a live? Granted, it's just as an opening act, no more than four or five songs at most, but the fact that Ny has agreed to it last minute, without checking with anyone else yet again, really sets him off.

Are you kidding me? he texts back, then waits impatiently for the response.

Sorry, know it's last minute, great opportunity though! Couldn't pass it up.

He reads the text angrily, then snaps his phone shut as he reaches his history class, throwing himself down in his seat between Taichi and Sora a little roughly. They look at him in alarm as he slams his bag on the table a little harder than he means, and he takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Sorry," he mutters. "Just found out that Ny agreed to the band being an opening act tonight and tomorrow. So now as soon as class ends I'll have to find a babysitter for Naoki last minute and then spend the next few hours practising songs I haven't played in a few months."

"Mom can watch Naoki," Taichi says immediately, "or I can. Ny didn't check with you first?"

Yamato shakes his head, blond strands flying around chaotically-he's still angry. "No, just a text out of nowhere saying we'll be opening at Zepp Tokyo tonight," he fumes.

Sora raises an eyebrow. "Zepp Tokyo? That's pretty amazing."

"Yeah, it is a great opportunity," he admits grudgingly. "But this isn't the first time he's agreed to Daichi scheduling things with disregard to my schedule. Ratsuii's too, he's probably no happier about this than I am. It's like us being in university means nothing to Ny."

Their professor comes in then, and the three of them quiet, though Taichi does slide his hand over and grasp Yamato's in supportive sympathy for a moment. Yamato attempts a smile at him, but he's aware it comes out like more of a grimace. Oh well, Taichi knows what he means.

He gets out his books, and then opens his phone back up under the table, firing a quick text off to Ratz. You hear from Ny?

His phone vibrates a few minutes later, alerting him. Yes. Opening act? He never checked with me. I have Luna tonight.

Never checked with me either. Taichi offered to watch Naoki, he may watch Luna too if you ask.

Okay, thanks. We brought this up with the photoshoot, he said he would check with us before scheduling things.

I know. Told me it was too good to pass up, though. Can't tell if he's being deliberately obtuse.

It's not like him. I know I tend to stay calm and keep the peace, but I'm ready to yell at him.

Yamato smirks when he reads Ratsuii's response, imagining such a scene in his head. I'd pay money to see that!

Haha. If he keeps doing this, you may get your chance.

I'll keep a camera ready, just in case. He grins, his mood a little lightened with the exchange. In all the time they've been friends, Ratsuii's always been so level-headed-he can't recall the other boy ever having lost his temper.

"What's got you smiling now?" Taichi whispers to him curiously.

He grins wider, glancing over at him. "Ratsuii's threatening to yell at Ny."

Taichi quickly smothers a startled laugh before he can draw the attention of their professor. "I'd love to see that."

"Me too."

"Pay attention!" Sora hisses, glancing at them both, but there's an amused little smirk on her face too.

"Yes ma'am," Yamato murmurs, and bends over his notebook, the picture of studiousness.

* * *

Unfortunately that brief texted conversation turns out to be the highlight of his day, because as soon as class is over he's rushing over to Ny's, where the band spends the next couple of hours hurriedly devising a setlist and then practising it, before they load up in Daichi's van and make their way over to the venue.

Their opening act goes fine-Yamato doesn't forget the lyrics to the song from the new single they've included, or miss any notes, both of which he'd been worried about. But he has a hard time actually having fun. He fakes it well enough, but all he really wants is to just get Naoki from Taichi's and go home and curl up on the sofa with his son, watching a silly movie and enjoy hearing Naoki's laughter. He can't get into his singing at all, and worries that he might be losing his passion for the music, as he's never not enjoyed playing a live before.

Then he tells himself he's being ridiculous, he's tired and had little warning, so of course this live isn't as fun as their past ones.

He's still tired from the live the next morning, and having to stay up extra late to finish his rough draft of his paper, and winds up being two or three minutes late to Dr. Kanada's class. Taichi's right there with him, but of course the man only focuses on him, ignoring Taichi completely. "You won't be able to join this quiz, Mr. Ishida, seeing as you can't manage to make it to class on time."

He just nods, accepting it. Out of protest, Taichi refuses to take it as well, but that just makes him feel bad, that Taichi is letting his grade being affected for him. Thankfully, the professor at least lets him turn in his paper, though he doesn't really expect much of a grade out of it.

"Koushiro was right, you should report this," Taichi tells him after class.

"To who? No one will care."

"To the head of the department. He's singling you out and treating you unfairly. I think someone will care if you tell them he prevented you from taking a quiz for being late, but not me even though I was just as late as you."

Yamato scoffs. "I doubt it. And," he continues loudly over Taichi's protests, "even if they do, at most they'll probably just give him a warning, not fire him or anything. And then he'll just be even more of a dick to me, for daring to get him in trouble." He glances at Taichi, his face serious. "It's not worth it."

Taichi sighs, wishing he could convince Yamato, but knowing there's some truth in what his boyfriend is saying. He still thinks it can't hurt though, but knows he's not going to persuade Yamato to go.

* * *

"Hey Takeru, you need any spare cash?"

He hears his brother sigh through the phone. "How long do you need me to watch him?" Takeru asks, and his voice is both exasperated and amused.

"For a few hours every day this week, starting tonight?" he says sheepishly.

Another sigh, a little less amused this time. "I'm busy Wednesday, but I can do it the rest of the time," Takeru says reluctantly. "You're lucky I love you."

"I'm sorry," Yamato says. "I have a paper I really need to work on. I'll pay you same as last time. Can you be here in an hour?"

"I'll be there," Takeru tells him.

"Thanks, little brother, love you!" Yamato says, and then hangs up, not waiting for a response, but knowing Takeru's likely shaking his head at him.

He looks down at his desk then, at the paper on top of it with the now-familiar scathing comments and thinly-veiled insults, and sighs before leaving the room and going to prepare Naoki for Takeru's 'visit.'

He spends the rest of the week working on it, thankful that Takeru is there to keep Naoki busy and not constantly distracting him. When he turns it in on Friday, not feeling very hopeful despite all his hard work, Dr. Kanada takes it with a sneer, remarking snidely that, "I hope you didn't just scribble down something the night before."

"No, sir," he says simply, and takes his seat. He ignores Taichi's upset frown and pointed look.

* * *

The next day he and Taichi have the closest thing to a 'date' they've been able to manage in just over a month. He doesn't want to keep dumping Naoki on his parents or Taichi's, so Taichi comes over to the apartment, where they can spend time together and he can still be with Naoki as well.

"Totoro?" Taichi asks, raising an eyebrow at the opening scene as the three of them get settled on the sofa-okay, so Naoki is in Yamato's lap, but he's okay with that, because it means he can put his arm around Taichi's shoulder and have his boyfriend snuggle up next to him.

"Hey, it's a classic. Might as well introduce my kid to Miyazaki while he's young."

They watch the movie mostly in silence after that, stealing a few kisses now and then. Naoki's so engrossed in what's happening on the screen that he doesn't even notice. The first time Totoro shows up, Naoki claps his hands together and squeals. "Bunny!"

Yamato laughs. "Not quite," he says, but his son pays him no mind, clutching his own stuffed bunny tightly as he continues to watch Mei climb atop Totoro and fall asleep.

When the movie is over, he goes into the kitchen to make lunch while Taichi keeps an eye on Naoki. The little boy is hyper, charged up from the movie and running excitedly all around the apartment, pretending he's a catbus. Both Yamato and Taichi call out to him to stop running several times, telling him no in a stern voice, but he only listens for a few minutes, quickly forgetting and zooming around again.

"See if he'll do something calm, like colouring," Yamato finally suggests exasperatedly, at his wit's end, and Taichi nods.

"Naoki, would you like to colour?" Taichi asks the little boy, picking up one of the colouring books that had been left on the table, but Naoki just looks at him with wide blue eyes.

"No!" he says, giggling, and takes off running again.

"You know what, just bring in him here, I'll get him in his high chair," Yamato says, aggrieved. "Lunch is just about ready anyway."

"Right," Taichi says, and goes to grab him, but Naoki sees it as a chase, and runs away from him. Taichi sighs and starts after him. "Why did you want kids again?" he calls as he follows Naoki down the hall.

"I didn't!" Yamato hollers back. "It just sort of happened!"

"Naoki, don't run!" Taichi cries, annoyance colouring his tone as the toddler slips around him in the bedroom doorway and goes back up the hall again.

Yamato just shakes his head, hoping that the food will make Naoki full and sleepy enough for a nap in a bit, and he and Taichi can have some peace and quiet, and maybe a little fun of their own. A sudden thudding noise accompanied by a loud wail has all thoughts of sex flying out the window. He drops the potholder in his hand without any conscious thought, and races into the living room, fear lodging itself in his throat at what he'll find. Taichi's right there as well, coming out of the hallway, a look of terror on his face.

Yamato's slightly closer, and reaches Naoki first, picking him up and looking over him frantically for injuries. It doesn't take him long-Naoki's run into the coffee table, and sliced his arm open on it. His heart lurches when he sees it. There's blood everywhere, and he can't tell how deep it is.

"Fuck," Taichi breathes, catching sight of the wound, and Yamato doesn't even realise that Taichi's cursed in front of his son. "I'll get the first aid kit," Taichi says, and runs off again, coming back a few moments later with a small white box. Yamato ignores it for the moment, parental instinct kicking in, and he sweeps Naoki up into his arms, also ignoring the blood, not caring that it's getting on his shirt. The only thought on his mind is calming his child's terrified and pain-filled cries.

"Shh, Naoki, it's okay, Daddy's here," he says, using his best soothing voice, rocking his son gently in his arms. The motion at least helps him calm himself some, even if it doesn't seem to be doing much for Naoki. Inside though, he's still frightened and panicky. There's so much blood, and Naoki's tears aren't stopping at all, and what if he needs to go to the hospital? Yamato can't recall ever having an injury like this, he doesn't know how serious it might be, or how much damage it might cause.

He shushes Naoki some more, reassuring him that he's fine, still rocking him, desperately hoping Naoki's tears lessen soon so he can assess the injury and determine whether a hospital is necessary. Not knowing what else to do, he starts singing, a silly little song he made up himself for Naoki's bedtime as a baby. Taichi's hovering anxiously in the background, wringing his hands and looking uncertain and worried, but Yamato can't focus on him right now. He just continues to sing to Naoki, until gradually his son's cries finally start tapering off. He carries him to the kitchen, setting him down on the counter-absently realising that lunch is starting to burn, but he can't worry about that, only Taichi comes in then, and turns off the burner-and gently folding Naoki's arm over his chest so he can see the injury.

Taichi hands him some wipes, which he uses to lightly begin cleaning the blood off. Then he takes a close look at the gash marring the tan skin. It's deep, but he doesn't think it's so deep that it would require stitches, or a trip to the hospital. "Does this look hospital-worthy to you?" he asks Taichi.

Taichi comes over and looks, inspecting it, and then shrugs. "I'm no expert, but I don't think so," he says. Yamato kindly pretends not to notice the shaky quality of his voice. He's still feeling a bit rattled himself.

With Taichi's help, he manages to get Naoki's arm cleaned and bandaged without too much more crying on Naoki's part, and only then does he turn back to their lunch, salvaging what he can of it. He's not at all hungry anymore, but he still needs to feed Naoki before putting him down for a nap.

When he does finally get Naoki down forty-five minutes later, he goes to the living room and sinks down on the sofa, staring blankly at the blood still splattered in large rust-coloured droplets on his beige carpet. Taichi comes over and sits next to him, and Yamato leans his head onto Taichi's shoulder, everything catching up to him now that Naoki's asleep. He shudders, his calm façade shattering, and begins crying silently, his tears wetting Taichi's shirt. He's never felt so scared in his life, not even during all of their numerous battles in the Digital World when he was sure they weren't going to make it out alive.

Taichi says nothing, only reaches up with his other arm and begins to gently run his fingers through Yamato's hair, comforting him. Yamato manages to compose himself shortly after, feeling a little embarrassed at breaking down even slightly in front of Taichi. "Sorry," he says hoarsely.

Taichi shakes his head, indicating it's fine. "Maybe you should consider babyproofing the apartment," he suggests softly.

Yamato frowns. He's never heard the term before. "Babyproofing?" he asks.

"It's just a term for all the little things you do around the house to make it safe for a baby," Taichi explains, still petting Yamato's hair. "Anchoring furniture to the walls so a child can't climb it and topple it, covers for electric outlets so they can't stick things in there... Mom did it when she realised you wanted her to start watching Naoki regularly. She could probably help you figure it all out. They make these soft rubber corners you can put on the edges of coffee tables and things so if a kid runs into them, they can't injure themselves the way Naoki did."

"I wish I'd known that before he hurt himself," Yamato says wryly, and Taichi looks guilty at that, though Yamato doesn't blame him for what happened in the least.

"I just never really think about it when I'm here," Taichi says apologetically. "I wish I had."

"Don't worry about it, it isn't your fault. I'll ask your mom about what all I need to do." He lifts his head then, and leans up to kiss Taichi. He just means it to be gentle, to let Taichi know he's not angry at him, but Taichi deepens it, kissing him with fierce abandon, his tongue delving into Yamato's mouth, tasting.

Yamato moans into the kiss, nibbling on Taichi's lower lip greedily, hungrily. He can feel the first stirrings of arousal, his dick giving an interested twitch in his pants. Taichi growls against him, and then pulls away from the kiss to nuzzle into Yamato's neck, gently sucking at the sensitive skin there. Yamato shivers as Taichi slowly kisses his way up to his ear, lightly nipping at his earlobe, tugging at it, before tracing the outer shell of Yamato's ear with his tongue.

It feels too good, and all the fear from earlier is slowly melting away as Taichi moves back to kiss him again. Yamato makes a needy little noise in his throat, breath hitching, and reaches over to wrap his arms around Taichi's neck, drawing him in closer, smashing his lips bruisingly against Taichi's as he thrusts his hips upward on instinct, desperately seeking friction.

He doesn't get it, of course, with Taichi beside him on the sofa, and he whines, not liking it at all. He's suddenly feeling overwhelmed with intense need, wanting Taichi on him, in him, becoming one with him. Frustrated, he pulls away from Taichi, and then shifts until he's lying on the sofa, using the armrest as a pillow.

With some maneuvering, Taichi is able to follow, his legs straddling Yamato, his butt resting against Yamato's groin. He can feel Yamato's erection against him, and it feels so amazing, so right. He scoots back just a little, until his own erection is pressing against Yamato's, and slowly grinds his hips, moaning at the wonderful contact, feeling their shafts rub together through their clothes. Yamato stares up at him, biting down at his lower lip, cheeks flushed red, blue eyes wide, pupils slightly blown in arousal, need and desire clearly reflected, and it's the hottest thing Taichi's ever seen at that moment. He leans down and undoes the buttons on Yamato's shirt one by one, yanking it open, and then lowers his head and latches his lips around Yamato's left nipple, sucking gently.

Yamato sucks in a breath at the contact, and then groans and tangles his hands in Taichi's hair as Taichi swirls his tongue around. Taichi laves at the nipple for a bit, and then switches to his right one, scraping his teeth against it ever so slightly, and Yamato moans, bucking his hips, pressing Taichi's head down harder against his chest.

Taichi teases him a bit longer, driving him absolutely wild until he can't stand it anymore-he needs Taichi, now-needs to feel him thrusting, his breaths harsh pants against Yamato's ear, his weight a comforting presence against Yamato's back, their legs tangled together as Taichi fills him. He tugs at Taichi's hair, and Taichi lifts his head, his lips red and swollen, eyes half-lidded as he looks at him in concern. "You okay?"

Yamato nods frantically-he is more than okay, he is fantastic, and he doesn't want to wait anymore, doesn't care about foreplay today. "Want you inside me now," he says, voice forceful and filled with lust.

Taichi's brows draw together in confusion-Yamato's not usually one for skipping straight to the main event. "My fingers?" he asks, trying to clarify, even as he idly begins rolling a stiff nub between his fingers.

"No," Yamato groans, panting at the contact. "You, I want you in me, I want your dick, I want it now, please-" the last word is nearly a sob.

"But-it'll hurt," Taichi protests.

"Not that much, you can use plenty of lube, I just need you, Taichi, please!"

"Okay," Taichi says, though he still sounds a bit doubtful. "Get ready while I get the lube." He gets off Yamato and darts off, heading to Yamato's bedroom. Yamato quickly sheds the rest of his clothes and rolls over, waiting impatiently for Taichi's return.

"You sure?" Taichi asks as he comes back, and Yamato just nods into the sofa cushions.

He hears Taichi stripping off his clothes and slicking himself up, and feels the weight as Taichi settles behind him, nudging him slightly to make room for his legs. Something cold drips into his crack, and then Taichi's dick is pressing at him, seeking entrance.

It does burn-he's being uncomfortably stretched as Taichi slowly sinks into him, opening him up wide. But he knows it will pass soon, and simply grits his teeth until Taichi's fully inside him, both of them groaning in tandem at the sensation. Taichi waits a moment, letting him adjust, but Yamato makes an impatient noise, wiggling his hips, so Taichi begins to thrust. The first few are slow and shallow, and Yamato whines, needing it faster, harder. "More," he pants, and Taichi obliges, until soon he's pounding Yamato into the sofa, hitting his prostate with every deep stroke, and Yamato can't hold back his cries of pleasure. His own dick feels impossibly hard, digging into his stomach painfully, and he wishes they'd thought this through better, because he really doesn't want to come all over his still fairly new sofa.

He can tell when Taichi's close, because his thrusts start to lose their rhythm a bit, and then Taichi's gasping, "I'm coming," in a breathless voice, moaning and holding himself deep as he spills into Yamato, then a second quick thrust and he buries and holds again, his fingers clawing into Yamato's shoulders, and it's so damn hot and he tries to hold back but he can't, his balls are drawn up tight and his dick's pulsing and he feels warmth spattering against his stomach and he knows he's just come untouched all over his sofa but somehow he just can't bring himself to care.

Later, when they've cleaned up both their mess and Naoki's blood, he goes into Naoki's room to check on him, looking down at his son sleeping in his crib, that damnable white bandage wrapped around his arm. He hates that Naoki had to experience that. He knows it won't be the little boy's only injury, that there will be plenty others throughout his life, maybe even ones worse than this-but he can't help but feel guilty for this one, knowing how easily he could have prevented it, if he'd just known.

Taichi comes up behind him, wrapping his arms around Yamato's middle and laying his head against his back. "He'll be okay," Taichi whispers to him. "He's a tough little guy."

Yamato sighs, knowing Taichi's right. "I just never knew being a parent could be this scary," he whispers back. "I felt so terrified when I heard his first cry, and then seeing all that blood-I want to encase him in a bubble and make sure he never gets hurt again." He chuckles, quietly. "I know that's impossible, but that's how protective I feel towards him."

"I'm not a parent, obviously, but I think that's pretty normal."

"Yeah," Yamato says softly. "I guess it is."
Blooper 01
Taichi doesn't bother with teasing this time. Instead, Taichi starts sucking like his mouth's a powerful Hoover and Yamato's dick is the dirtiest carpet he's ever had to clean. next chapter