Advent Challenge

by Leiya

My Advent challenge. 24 days, 2 stories 24 chapters. Story 1: Hotsuma loves to listen to his bestest friend's harp play. It's the only time the lively boy could sit still and concentrate on something. But then Shuusei is forced to move away. Can their friendship survive this distance? Story 2: Shuusei has a secret he doesn't talk about. To no one. Not even his own soulmate.

1. Chapter 1

Day 1 – Kinderszenen

The little boy's eyes sparkled as he laid there on the floor listening intensely to the sounds of the harp another boy just slightly older than himself was playing on. Never before in the almost five years of his life had he heard music so beautiful, or so he thought. Of course he knew the melodies, it were the songs their mothers used to sing for them every day when the boys had to take their naps whether they wanted or not – usually they did not, playing together was much more fun than sleeping during the day.

Well, the boy playing was also wonderful. His bestest friend in the whole wide world! Somehow he knew that Shuusei would always play an important part in his life and he did not even dare to imagine his life without him. They knew each other since they could think. They lived in the same street and went to the same kindergarten. They were basically inseparable and spent every free minute together.

"Wow Shuusei is really talented! Do you plan on letting him play in competitions?" Hotsuma's mother asked quietly, and Shuusei's mother nodded.

"He loves the music and I think he has the potential to win."

"Haah... I wish Hotsuma had some talent besides running around and spread chaos."

"But look at him. He's quiet now."

"Thank god... That happens much too seldom."

"SHHHH! I wanna listen!" Hotsuma protested. If their parents wanted to talk they should leave the room and not disrupt Shuusei's wonderful music.

His mother laughed but then luckily indeed shut up.

But soon after Shuusei finished his performance and when the boy stood up Hotsuma jumped to his feet and applauded happily. "That was soooo great, Shuusei! One day you'll be famous! And give your own concerts!"

"And I expect you to sit in the first row to watch me play." Shuusei smiled at his younger friend.

"Of course! As often as I can come! And now come! I've learned a new game in kindergarten yesterday! We have to play it!" Hotsuma grabbed Shuusei's hand and pulled him out of the room. Both boys laughed happily.

Their mothers shook their heads. "And there he is again." Hotsuma's mom sighed. "Way too much energy, this boy."

"But it's good that he passes this energy on to Shuusei. He's too serious whenever your son is not with him. I hope they both will find new friends soon..."

"When will you move?

"

"End of next month. But we've found a good school in New York for Shuusei."

"That's good. I hope Hotsuma can deal with the separation..."

"Of course. He's a lively boy. He will adjust to the new situation."