It's a hot summer evening with kids enjoying the vacation time off school. Inside the ice rink it's anything but humid as people happily skate around to their hearts content. A certain couple moving along side by side holding hands. "You're really skating like a pro now. All those months of practice paid off," Kahaku praises. A tad envious with how quickly he has caught on.
"Well what I say. I had a great coach." Natsume replies flashing him a smile. It's a Saturday and the two of them are enjoying their day off work. The younger suggested ice skating as a great activity to escape the summer heat. After going around a while longer they make their way towards the back.
"That was fun but my legs are pretty beat now." Kahaku says stretching as they exit the building.
Natsume glances at the watch on his wrist. "It is getting late and we've been out all day. Why don't we go relax at my place?"
"Sounds good."
They hop in Natsume's car both grateful for the air conditioning protecting them from the humidity. Life is great with thier next album just getting released. The pair have been quite busy lately, and though always together at work haven't had much down time. That's why they definitely made sure to take advantage of today.
"Oh, did you hear the gossip? Apparently Kenshin and Itsuki have been getting pretty close, and fans suspect something is going on between them. Say it's only a matter of time before it comes out they're dating." Natsume breaking the silence.
"Yeah, I heard a bit about that though I'm not surprised. The two of them always seem like they had a special bond." It felt that way ever since Kenshin spoke on how they first met. If something was to have sparked between the friends he's happy for them.
He knows this is a little of an odd topic, but it's something he's been meaning to ask Natsume for some time. "Hey, um, you did meet up with Akira recently right? How are things?"
Natsume slows as they pull up to a red light. "Well she's doing much better. Akira's parents aren't fully on board with her dreams, but still respect her wishes. She let business school go and is majoring in psychology now."
"I see, that's good to hear." He's painfully aware of the drama their earlier arrangement had put her through. He just wishes she can move foward in her life, and find her own happiness.
"She's pretty stable so she told me not to worry. Also met some new friends at the university, so I hope things continue to go well for her." The calmness in his voice would prove she's doing just that.
...
Arriving at his house shortly after they slip off thier shoes flopping down on the sofa. Natsume groans fanning his light clothing. "Jeez, it's so hot and miserable outside."
"Right even after all that time in the rink it still feel muggy. Wanna watch a movie?"
"I do have that new release of Paranoia two. A friend lend it to me though I haven't had time to watch it yet. Oh, but you're not the biggest fan of horror movies, so we could pick something else," Natsume insists, and it is true they always gave him the creeps. However he's not a little kid anymore, so one movie shouldn't be too bad.
"No we can watch that then."
"Alrighy if you're sure that's okay. Why don't you get some popcorn ready and I'll set things up in here."
Kahaku nods taking off towards the kitchen. After popping a bag and grabbing some drinks from the fridge, slowly makes his way back to the living room. Natsume has already put it in skipping past the previews. He has a seat the blonde wrapping his arm around Kahaku pulling him close. "What's this about anyway?"
"This group of teens get trapped inside this haunted house, and they're trying to escape while these spirts are tormenting them."
Great so this movie has to deal with ghosts too.
He swallows hard somewhat regretting his earlier bravery, though it's a little late to chicken out now. Letting a soft sigh escape his lips as the movie starts to play. It is smooth sailing for the first half an hour in. Just when getting cocky on how the film wasn't scary it takes a detour. Darkening very much from that point on. Kahaku tightly clutches unto one of the sofa pillows in his arms. Natsume appears completely immersed in the film. As for Kahaku who can't count how many times he's yelped during the jumpscares. When the movie finally ends the black haired male is shaking in his seat as Natsume stretches. "Man that was awesome. Definitely worth the watch. How'd you like it, Kahaku?"
"..."
"Uh, earth to Kahaku?" Leaning in a bit closer and now getting the boy's attention.
"Wha, what t-the movie? It was good!"
"Glad you liked it. I thought you might couldn't handle it at first." He takes out the disk then starting to pick up the small mess on the table. "Better get this in the kitchen."
"I can help-"
"No I got it. Be back in a minute." Already gathered up it all and takes off around the corner.
Kahaku groans pulling out his phone. He should have never agreed to watch that stupid movie in the first place. "That'll be something to keep me awake for days." Texting a bit to occupy himself while waiting, fifteen minutes go by and Natsume hasn't returned. "What's taking him so long?"
Standing up he slowly strolls inside the kitchen to find it empty with the lights off. "Huh? Did he go to the restroom and I just didn't notice? No I would of definitely seen him pass me..." An uneasy feeling washes over as he starts to call out his name. Receiving no answer only has his face go even paler.
Where is he? Did us watching that movie invite something into this house?
He cautiously backs up abouting to look around upstairs. But he doesn't have the chance to move when someone grabs him from behind. Letting out a squeal and drooping the pillow he was still carrying around for protection. Kahaku peeps back to find his jerk of a boyfriend doubled over in laughter. "Oh man I got you good! That scream you let out was pure gold!"
The terror now leaving his face, being replaced with anger instead. Snatching the pillow off the floor and stomping back over to the sofa. Natsume follows behind after his laughing subsides. Sitting next to him like before, but Kahaku turns away refusing to meet his gaze.
"Jeez, I had to wait a minute before you finally came. It's getting late so I'm assuming you'll be heading home soon. Kahaku?"
Only he doesn't answer continuing to pick at his nails. Realization seems to click in the older male as his expression softens. "Are you ignoring me now? Look I'm sorry I scared you. You give such a cute reaction I can't help but tease you sometimes. As punishment you can feel free to get me back however you like. I'll have no complaints towards it whatsoever."
The sudden offer causing him to raise an eyebrow glancing back. "Really?"
"Yup, anything of your choice."
"I rather save this free pass for when you least expect it then," he says, with a small grin returning on his face.
"Oh, you have me worried now. Come here." Pulling Kahaku closer and brings him into a kiss. Gazing up at him the younger gives his best pleading eyes.
"It is late but I wanna stay a while longer before leaving. Who's to say when we'll get another off day like this." Despite spending the whole time together he selfishly wants to have even more. He can't help but act spoiled when Natsume is apart of the equation. Fortunately the blonde grins at the idea holding him tight, as Kahaku leans his head against the older's chest.
"Well I have no objections over it. I could never say no to you anyway."
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The morning sun causes Kahaku's eyes to slowly flutter open. A bit groggy it's hard to process what all happened yesterday. Though mind more awake when realizing he's in Natsume's bed. Slowing sitting up as his boyfriend just walks in from the bathroom. Leaning down to give him a peck on the forehead. "Morning, did you sleep well?"
"I slept here all night?"
"Yeah, you ended up dozing off and I really didn't want to wake up. So instead I brought you in here to sleep."
"Oh, that's what happened and after I insisted to stay..." Glancing at the other side of the bed it's definitely messy. It could only mean Natsume slept in it last night too, though naturally given this is his room. Still the thought of them sleeping side by side the whole night leaves butterflies in his stomach.
"We do have a show this afternoon. I'll have to drop you off to get ready soon."
"That's right, I nearly forgot." They are suppose to be performing at a female's sweet sixteen party. She's a big fan of Treasure and her parents are rich. Ideally they offered a nice amount to persuade them.
Natsume heads to leave glancing back as he opens the door. "I'll get started on breakfast then. You can go ahead and wash up. I should be finished cooking by the time you're done."
He nods slowly crawling from bed as Natsume disappears out of sight. Taking his advice he showers there among other things before exiting the bathroom. Checking the time it took him about forty five minutes, so Natsume is probably waiting on him by now.
(Natsume POV)
Meanwhile downstairs Natsume hmms to himself while cooking breakfast on the stove. Omelette rice has always been one of Kahaku's favorites. Just turning down the heat a sudden ring of the doorbell causes him to pause in his task. He goes to answer the door and his body completely freezes up at who's standing on the otherside. "S-Sho! What are you doing here?"
"Hello, I heard Chieko was spending the weekend over. I had a new game I wanted us to play."
"You're a little early, aren't you? She came down with a fever yesterday, so she won't be here until next week now."
"I see..." The boy mumbles, his expression crumbling.
"Sorry you came all this way, Sho. Look we could-" He's cut off by footsteps coming down the stairs. Both turn towards the culprit as Kahaku reaches the bottom. Once spotting the little brother his face goes deathly pale biting his lip, and Sho's eyes grow wide.
"Kahaku?!"
"Wha, Sho?! W-Why are you here?!"
"I should be asking you the same thing! You told me you had catch up on your sleep from working late, so I'd have to visit you some other time!"
"W-Wait! You're honestly misunderstanding this, Sho!" He watches Kahaku stamper his cheeks flushing a deep red. In that moment it becomes very clear on just why his boyfriend is acting this way. From Sho's point of view the scene in front of him could only imply one thing. Though he can't deny he wishes to have a special night with Kahaku soon. Absolutely nothing like that conspired between them last night!
They stand in utter silence and needing to break the tension, Natsume awkwardly clears his throat. "Why don't you stay and eat? I fixed more than enough."
(Kahaku POV)
All sitting around the small table the tension doesn't leave in the slightest. The food is delicious but he can hardly focus on the taste with the dark aura resignating from his brother.
"How's the food?" Natsume finally asks, seeming an attempt to start conversation.
"Fine." The kurt reply cutting off any further discussion as he continues to pick at his plate.
The two exchange glances and before he can try next, Sho speaks up first. "You must've slept real well here, Kahaku. Considering you got sleep at all."
"That's not true! B-Besides Natsume has a very comfortable bed."
"I can't believe you took advantage of my innocent brother!"
"Ehh?!" Is the only sound they both can muster at Sho's sudden outburst. He's jumping to conclusions though Kahaku can't excatly blame him.
"I wish this was all just so stupid prank! I've lost my appetite." Tossing down his fork and crossing his arms.
Kahaku struggles to form any sort of an explanation, and Natsume quickly throws his hands up in defense.
"You got it all wrong, buddy! Kahaku only dozed off because he really has been tired from his work load lately. I didn't want to interrupt his rest so I let him stay the night. That's all there is to it."
"...Is that true?" Sho asks his brother now and he immediately nods in confirmation.
"Yes, that's all that happened! I should've left before I got so drowsy. Didn't expect you to be stopping through this morning..."
Sho lets out a sigh of relief, thankfully that seeming to calm him down now. Still a certain awkwardness lingers in the air while finishing breakfast. Right after eating the boy quickly goes for his shoes by the front door. "I'll be heading to subway station."
"Hey, why don't we chat for sec before you go? There's something I want to talk with you about," Natsume says. Then giving Kahaku a look probably hinting for them to have some privacy. He does want the two of them to finally sort out their differences. Only hoping his boyfriend can smooth things over and not make them worse.
"I'll be upstairs." Getting from the table and jogging back up the steps.
(Natsume POV)
Natsume starts carrying the dishes to the kitchen as Sho has put his shoes back. Currently pacing through the living room and though no longer anger he's not happy either. "I'm aware you're not the biggest fan of me. I did use to prank you a lot back then."
"You still do now also."
"Granted but I do that with all my friends." Sho opens his mouth to say something though Natsume talks over him. "And don't go denying that we're friends alright. Anyway, you have to understand your brother is older now. I think you're so overprotective of him because of how attached you are. He is your only sibling."
The boy frowns a tad his pacing starting to slow. Natsume continues in the kitchen with racking out the dishes, and setting them all in the dishwasher. "I get it. I'm the only child but I still have someone I view as a sister, but you have to learn when to let go. Besides I honestly thought we were getting along a bit better." Lowering his voice down as he rejoins him in the living room.
"I know that. This isn't..." His voice trails off when spotting a picture of them together on the shelf. It being taken during one of the more recent dates they went on. "He wouldn't stop talking about how much fun you guys had at the carnival."
"Yup, managed to make time on the very last day before it closed up. Spent the whole day together."
Sho glancing at another picture on the shelf close by it. In it Natsume and Akira stand in front of her university. "Who is this?"
"A close friend of mine on the day of her fresh start at school."
"Close friend huh...This can only prove one fact. That you're cheating on Kahaku with this woman. There's no other explanation." Setting the frame back down and Natsume's expression turns annoyed.
"I get you don't care for me and all, but at least go with something more believable!" Sighing he runs fingers through his blonde hair. Flopping down on the couch he pats for the boy to sit next to him. "Look I really do love your brother. Don't you want us to be happy?"
"...He wasn't happy when you forgot about him back then. He wasn't happy for a long time. Everything has gotten so serious all of a sudden. It was different when you were only dating for pretend, but now..."
"So that's what this is about. You're a good brother, Sho." Ruffling the boy's hair a bit. Of course Sho hasn't forgotten about the pain he caused him all those years ago. Living with Kahaku he had to see it first hand. The most he can do is try to ease the kid's worries. "I know it's hard to believe after what happened, but I promise I wouldn't do anything to cause Kahaku grief again. You have my word on it." He speaks seriously setting a hand on the promise bracelet Kahaku had given him.
"You do seem like you've changed some. I guess for his sake I'll have to trust you."
"Good because things will be different this time around. Can I give you a lift home?"
"I guess so."
"Alright just hang tight then. We'll be leaving out in a few minutes."
...
(Megumi POV)
Earlier this same morning Kyou and Megumi walk down the dark street together. The couple approaching a familiar large home. "Here we are. It's nice to be back at the Shi triplets house again."
"Well as much as you talk about them I had to bring you along. Though you get much more excited to see them than spend time with your own boyfriend." He says with a dramatic sigh and the female does a light laugh.
"I'm just a big fan of theirs and besides you're aware who's number one." She coos latching herself around his arm.
"Alright, on a serious note I'll be relying on you to take good pictures. That way I can focus on the written answers."
"Leave it to me!" She insists. Today the pair would be working on an article for the magazine. It's starring the Shi Triplets coverage over what their morning routine is like. A way for fans to get to know them a bit better off stage. Kyou in charged her to be the camera girl while he writes answers to type up later.
Kyou rings the doorbell and soon none other than Sojuro opens for them. "Ah, morning you must be here for the interview."
"Yup, the name is Kyou Mishima. It's nice to meet you." The two giving a firm handshake. His eyes widen at the woman standing next to him in surprise.
"I didn't realize you were the girlfriend that was tagging along. It's nice to see you again, Megumi."
"Likewise."
"Well come on in. Toshi is already awake but the other two should be up any minute."
They stroll inside closing the door behind them. Slipping off their shoes the oldest triplet comes over to greet them. "Good morning you two. Glad you could make it."
"I can't believe you're up so soon. I went to sleep early and still had to drag myself out of bed."
He gives a small chuckle as he uncle detours back to the kitchen. "I usually get up so I can give Sojuro a hand with breakfast. It's a pain to have and cook so much on your own."
"He does know how to work his way around the kitchen," Sojoro follows up.
Kyou nods scribbling some things said in his notebook. Megumi holds up the digital camera around her neck. "Mind if I can get a quick photo of you two cooking together?"
"Of course." Toshi goes back to what he's cooking in the oven. After getting a good angle she snaps the picture. Just then as it's taken footsteps is heard getting louder. The person responsible being the middle of the brothers.
"Morning. Breakfast smells good. I'll get the table set." Makashi offers stretching. Fetching some dishes out the cabinet to only then notice their presence. "Oh, you guys got here already."
"We just arrived a few minutes ago,"
she answers.
"You two can have a seat. I knew you were coming so we made sure to cook extra." Sojuro says, bringing a smile to her face.
"Yes, I'm starving!" The couple taking a seat as Makashi continues to set the table around them. He's about to sit himself when Toshi speaks.
"Don't forget it's your turn for wake up call today."
As soon as the words leave his mouth Makashi lets out a groan. "This is why I hate Saturday mornings."
Kyou raises an eyebrow. "Um, what's wake up call?"
"Well everyday between the three of us take turns to wake Yoshi up. He always sleeps in really late if we don't. Though it's a hassle to get him out of bed in the morning." Toshi replies, not taking his eyes off the task.
"If you think Makashi can be grumpy try Yoshi when getting him up from a nap." Sojuro jokes causing the middle triplet to make a face.
"Whatever I'm going." Stomping upstairs his uncle and Toshi start bringing food to the dining room.
Faint shouts can be heard coming from above them. "Oi, breakfast is ready! Get your ass moving now!"
"Makashi get out! I said ten more minutes!" The screaming being replaced with bumping now. Though Kyou and Megumi are speechless the other two aren't affected in the slightest.
"I-Is that normal?" She nervously asks and Toshi nods.
"They'll be fine. It happens all the time."
With a bit more thumping sounds of footsteps soon march down the stairs. "Like I feel like being covered in bruises first thing in the morning." Yoshi grumbles clearly in a bad mood.
"You should of just gotten up then. We go through this every time."
He only grunts in response yanking out his chair. However the irritation leaves his face once he spots Megumi. "Mine-I mean Megumi! I didn't know you'd be coming too."
"Yup, I decided to assist with the article today."
"That's cool! It's been a while," he says happily, and his brothers stare in disbelief.
"No usual bickering the next fifteen minutes?" Makashi mumbles.
"She's like a good luck charm," Toshi mutters back.
After everyone choses what they want on their plates they begin eating. Yoshi and Makashi's stacked higher than anyone else's. The strawberry blonde watching the two chow down, making sure to snap a quick photo. "I can't believe you can put away so much this early in the morning."
"They always sure have an appetite." Their uncle says with a chuckle.
"I understand why you have to cook so much now. Oh, some fans have wondering something. Why do you call Makashi, Maka? None of the rest of you have nicknames for each other," Kyou questions.
Yoshi stuffs another bite of food in his mouth before replying. "Well I use to just call him that to bug him when we were little. Since Maka kinda sounds like idiot, but as we got older the name sorta stuck. He has warmed up to it too. Haven't you, Maka?"
Makashi pausing in his eating averting his eyes. "I just got tired with putting up a fight with you about it."
"They might seem like they argue often, but that's just thier way of showing thier love for each other." Toshi teases causing the tsundere to stiffen.
"Shouldn't we talk less and eat quicker? There's more things they'll need to cover than breakfast."
When everyone finishes the meal Sojuro begins to wipe down. They reveal to them the next procedure on the list being bath duty. "It should be Makashi's turn in first today."
"No that's alright. I'll get in after Toshi."
"Are you sure? You know how long he can take in there."
"I can wait and help straighten up in here. Yoshi can help too." Catching the younger twin trying to sneak pass towards the television.
"Okay, I'll try not to take too long." Toshi taking off upstairs.
While the trio cleans Megumi snaps another pick as Kyou asks a few more questionnaires. Then both making thier way in the living room. Looking at the news with not much on television at this hour. Apparently it's an early day for idols with the time thier expected at the agency. She can understand why Kahaku use to be so tired all the time.
Sojuro glances at the clock for the millionth time with a frown. Yoshi is the first to notice his eyebrow furrows.
"What's wrong, Sojuro?"
"Toshi should have been out by now. I'm starting to think he fell asleep in the bath again."
"Fell asleep?" The ginger repeats questioningly and Yoshi sighs.
"Yeah, twice recently Toshi has dozed off in the tub. It's been well over an hour, so it's a good chance he has now too."
"I'd feel better if one of you went to check on him-"
"I will!" Both brothers shout in usion exchanging a glance in surprise.
"Honestly I got it, Maka. You already had to go through the trouble of waking me up. Unless there is another reason you want to be the one to check on him." Yoshi jokes, and his cheeks flame a deep red.
"O-Of course not! You go then."
Taking off to the bathroom door Yoshi gives a soft knock, pressing his ear against the door. "Hey Toshi, it's Makashi's turn now! Can you hear me!...I'm coming in."
Hearing the door creak open from downstairs has Megumi left trying to contain her nosebleed. This priceless moment most can only read about in manga. She can't pass up on such an opportunity! "H-He really went in! Well I could capture this brotherly moment for the magazine..."
"Megumi." Kyou says sternly, having his girlfriend park her butt right back in her seat.
Yoshi peeps inside the bathroom to find his brother sleeping peacefully in the water. "Jeez, I should of known."
They rejoin the others in the living room Toshi now dressed in a robe. Both brothers standing in front of him clearly displeased and Sojuro let's out a deep sigh. "Staying in there that long can be bad for your health, you know? This is the third time."
"I just-" A soft sneeze cutting him off and further proving Sojuro's point. Makashi grunting before swatting his hand on the top of the eldest triplet head.
"Honestly if you get sick and miss work what would happen then? You should learn to take better care of yourself!"
"You're right, I'm sorry."
"You're still pushing yourself to help me cook, though you've all been working more hours lately. You should sleep in for now on. I can handle it myself."
"No! I couldn't possibly do that..."
"We can discuss this more later. You can take your shower, Makashi." His uncle instructs and though the middle brother looks upset with his answer leaves to go get in.
"Once you're finished with this what comes after?" Kyou turning to Yoshi who sighs.
"After dressing on days off like today the next step to our daily routine is the most painful of the day, chorus."
A/N First half to the bonus chapter. The Shi Triplets conclusion and a side story for One Star will be featured in the next update:)