Jackie:  Oh.  My.  Dear.  Lord.
Agent Blorange:  I'm rubbing off on you!
Takeru:  You…you wrote a…shounin-ai?
Ken:  Stop the world, I want to get off…and I thought you loved Yolei, Takeru!
Takeru:  *gags* No way in hell!  She's a dirty skank ho!
Ken:  You obviously aren't using the CSMH time line, are you?
Jackie:  Nope.  This was actually inspired by a picture called "Nocturne, 2K1" by Magnolia.
Agent Blorange:  And she likes reading Kenkeru's/Taken's.
Jackie:  Anyway, just enjoy!

Good Boys Do Fine Always

Takeru sat down in the courtyard.  He slung his backpack off and sat it next to him, noticing that the girls from San Antonio in his Algebra class had pinned American dollar bills to his strap.  He smiled.  He had been sung to in Chemistry, forced to wear weird hats in French and Geography, and now given foreign currency, all before lunch.  But then, what else can you expect when your 16th birthday is a school day?

            "Hey Takeru, when's the party?"

            Takeru grinned and blushed slightly as Ken jogged across the courtyard towards him.  Secretly, Takeru had had a small…okay, average…okay, HUGE EARTH-SHATTERING crush on the tall, raven-haired boy for quite some time, but felt sure that Ken didn't reciprocate his affections.  "At five tonight.  You coming?" He hoped he didn't sound too hopeful.

            Ken smiled, and…is that mischief I see in his eyes? Takeru wondered.  "Wouldn't miss it.  Hey, just out of curiosity, what time were you born?"  Takeru looked at him, puzzled.  "One thirty in the afternoon…why?"

            Ken looked at his watch.  "Oh look, 1:29, just in time for your…"

            "BIRTHDAY SPANKING!"

            Takeru spun around in time to see Daisuke, Hikari, and Miyako leap out of their hiding places.  He tried to run, but Ken caught him around the waist and picked him slightly off the ground.  Takeru blushed profusely at the thought of Ken's strong arms wrapped around him…not to mention from the embarrassing knowledge that practically the whole school was watching.  Daisuke helped Ken to hold Takeru while the girls took turns administering the ritualistic slaps, loudly counting each one.  After what seemed like an eternity, Miyako 'hit' "Sixteen!" and Ken let go.  Takeru started to stand up…and realized that Daisuke was still holding him off the ground.

            "Hey, what gives?" he demanded.  They had already given him the 16 years worth…of…uh oh…

            Ken stood behind Takeru, ready to administer the final blow.  He found the view rather enjoyable, seeing Takeru's tight, round ass sticking up in the air like that.  God, he's so adorable…no, he'd never go for that, he's straight…I think…

            Takeru heard Ken shout "And one to grow on!" and felt two broad hands slap his ass harder than both girls combined.  "Ouch!  You jerk!"  In reality, though, he found the action rather enjoyable …no, it wouldn't work…

            Daisuke finally let Takeru fall to the ground, and he stood up slowly, bright red and rubbing his backside.  He was about to say something about Ken's next birthday, but the bell rang and cut off any empty threats as everyone split up and headed for class.

~*Later that Day*~

            After school, Takeru walked home alone.  He slid his key into the door, and was thoroughly surprised when he found it unlocked.  His mother usually worked until late.  Cautiously, he opened the door…and immediately found himself in a headlock.  Takeru struggled against his attacker, until he heard a familiar voice behind him…

            "Hey squirt, I'm gonna have to find you a new nickname. You're as tall as I am now!"

            "YAMATO!" Takeru squirmed until his older brother released him, then turned and gave him a playful punch in the ribs.  "Man, everybody is abusing me today!"  The older blonde laughed.  "I heard.  Taichi told me that Hikari told him that you already got your birthday spanking in front of the whole high school." Takeru blushed.  "Great, everybody knows…"

            "Sweetie, your home!" Mrs. Takaishi walked in from the living room.  "Mom, you're home early, aren't you?"  Takeru asked.  "Well, yes, I had to wait for your present to get here.  Oh, and you're not allowed in the living room until the party, ok?  Why don't you and Yamato go do something for the afternoon?"  Yamato looked at his watch.  "Hey, we can catch the 3:45 movie.  Wanna go, my treat?"  Takeru nodded.  "Of course.  How often is that going to happen?" Yamato shoved him out towards the door, while Takeru wondered what kind of present his mother took off work to get…

~*5:00 P.M.*~

            "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAKERU!"

            Yamato and Takeru had just gotten back from the movie and walked in to find an apartment full of friends and family.  His mother was in the back, though, as if she were guarding the living room door.  "Hey! Hi, thanks!"  Takeru's eyes scanned the crowd.  He saw Hikari and Taichi, Miyako, Daisuke, Koushiro, Sora, and…Ken.  Takeru's face involuntarily blushed at the sight of him.  He shook it off.  "Hey mom, what's the big surprise you won't let me in the living room to see?"

            "You mean that she won't let anyone in the living room to see," said Daisuke.  "She wouldn't even let us put our stuff down in there!"

            "Well, I guess you can go in there now.  Takeru first!"  Mrs. Takaishi walked in and flipped the light switch off.  Takeru stepped in and looked around, and finally saw a large shadow against the wall that wasn't normally there.  "Maybe she got you a motorcycle, dude!" Daisuke whispered.  Takeru felt broad hands on his shoulder, and knew that Ken was leaning over his shoulder to try and see it.  I'm glad it's dark; I'll bet I've turned twelve shades of red!

            Suddenly, his mother yelled "Surprise!" and flipped on the lights.  There, against the wall, was the most beautiful thing Takeru had seen in a long time (besides Ken):  A black Pearl River acoustic miniature Upright piano!  Ken whistled.  "Wow.  That's something."  Takeru was speechless.  Miyako smirked.  "Well, Takeru, all you have to do now is learn how to play it and you'll be set!"  Yamato laughed.  "Learn?  Try remember.  Test it out, squirt."  Yamato herded Takeru over to the wonderful instrument.  He hadn't had a piano in years!  Takeru began taking lessons when he was four, and would have been taking them still if his piano teacher hadn't moved away when he was nine.  Before that, there was the whole Digital World thing, and when he and his mother had moved, they had to sell his old piano.  He missed it, but it was nothing compared to this…this masterpiece!  As he sat down, he saw himself reflected perfectly in the polished black surface. 

"Um…let's see here…" Takeru couldn't consciously remember any songs; it had been a long time.  So, he just put his hands on the keyboard and hoped for instinct to take over.

            It did.  His fingers landed in the G-major position and he began playing "Minuet" By Johan Sebastian Bach.  It was slow at first, but once he started, it all came back and he picked up the tempo.  Every note rang just right, reverberating in the small room to give it almost a hall quality, and every chord sent Takeru's heart racing like it had years ago.  This is what I love to do.  Man, I've missed this!  Takeru was so caught up in the music, he didn't even notice in the reflection that a certain raven-haired boy had come to stand right behind him, in total awe of his sapphire-eyed angel's talent.  Smart, cute, nice, and is a musical genius…wow.

            Takeru finished the song (not without adding a few ending flourishes, of course), and was snapped back to reality when everyone started clapping.  He stood up, blushing slightly, and hugged his mother.  "Thank you!  I don't know how you got it, but THANK YOU so much!"  Mrs. Takaishi smiled.  "You might also want to thank your brother.  Your next lesson is Wednesday after school." Takeru spun around to face his brother.  "My Musicianship professor gives his students lessons for half price.  I'm picking you up right after school, don't be late!" Yamato ruffled his younger brother's hair, while all Takeru could do was stutter out a thank you.

            "Okay!" shouted Mrs. Takaishi.  "Whose ready for pizza?"

~*Next Saturday*~

            Takeru stared at the pages in front of him.  He tried it again.  He started fine, but then his right hand started moving faster than his left. He banged the keys impatiently.  "Why aren't my brain and my hands cooperating?" he asked, exasperated. 

            "I don't know, I kind of like that addition."

            Takeru practically slid off the bench, he spun so fast.  "Ken!  When'd you get here?" 

            Ken grinned and walked over to the piano.  "Just a second ago.  What song is that?"  Takeru flipped to the first page of music.  "Sonatina, Opus 55, No. 1, by Fredrick Kuhlau.  Also known as Punishment for Not Practicing Enough, arranged by Takeru Takaishi."  Ken chuckled and leaned one arm against the piano.  "It's not that bad.  You'll get it eventually."

            Takeru looked at Ken.  "You look like a lounged singer like that."  He blushed as he pictured Ken, wearing a long red dress, leaning a single white-gloved hand on the piano while gesturing with the other.  Stop it, Takeru.

            Ken and Takeru both laughed.  "Hey, know any show tunes?" Ken asked.  Takeru stood up and pulled three books out of the bench.  Both suddenly looked away from each other, embarrassed.  Oh my God, I just told/showed him I like show tunes!  Wait…he likes them too…

            Takeru handed the books to Ken, who looked through them, holding them up to hide his face until the blush faded.  Ken pointed to one in the second book.  "Can you play this one?" he asked.  Takeru nodded, and Ken set the book on the music stand, and sat down on the bench next to Takeru.

            Takeru tried to ignore Ken's leg lightly brushing his.  This was something he didn't want to mess up, since it was probably one of Ken's favorites.  But nothing could have prepared him for the sound of Ken's voice, singing the words.  Who knew Ken could sing like that?!

"This is the moment
This is the day,
When I send all my doubts and demons
On their way
Every endeavor
I have made ever
Is coming into play,
Yes, here and now today"

            Ken smacked himself internally.  Why'd I pick this song?  Why THIS song?  He's going to hate me…

            "This is the moment,
            This is the time,
            When the momentum and the moment
            Are in rhyme.

            Give me this moment,
            This precious chance,
            I'll gather up my past
            And make some sense at last!"

            Takeru hoped that Ken wasn't noticing how many mistakes he was making.  This is the perfect song for him.  Wish I had the guts to do what it says…

            "This is the moment
            When all I've done
            All of my dreaming, scheming and screaming
            Become one
            This is the day
            See it sparkle and shine
            When all I've lived for
            Becomes mine!"

            Ken inched closer to Takeru, hoping he didn't notice the crack on that high note.  If only…

            "For all these years
            I've faced the world alone
            And now the time has come
            To prove to them I've made it
            On my own"

            Takeru moved his leg to reach the sustain pedal, and found himself pressed right up against Ken's leg.  Keep going; just keep going…I just wish…

            "This is the moment
            My final test
            Destiny beckoned, I never reckoned
            Second best
            I won't look down
            I must not fall
            This is the moment,
            The sweetest moment of them all."

            Ken swallowed hard and took a deep breath.  This is it; it's now or never.

            "This is the moment
            Damn all the odds!
            This day or never
            I'll sit forever with the gods!
            When I look back
            I will always recall
            Moment for moment,
            This was the moment,
            The greatest moment of them all."

            Ken's voice faded on the last long note as Takeru struggled to play the ending.  Damn all the odds.  I'm going to try.

            As the last chord faded, Takeru looked straight into Ken's deep, violet eyes.  "Ken…I…just wanted to tell you…" Ken leaned forward slightly, and Takeru lost all speech capabilities.  Instead, he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Ken's lips, then looked away and braced himself for the worst.  "Takeru."  Ken said quietly, and Takeru looked back at him.  This time, Ken closed the distance between them, pressing a more longing kiss on Takeru's lips.  Takeru melted, and moved closer until the two were locked in an embrace.  Finally, desperate for air, they reluctantly separated, and looked into each other's eyes.

            "I love you, Ken"

            "I love you too, Takeru."

            Jackie:  Should I write another chapter?  Guys?
            Takeru and Ken are making out, and Agent Blorange is watching.
            Jackie:  Um, okay…Why don't you guys, the readers, tell me?  Just R&R and tell me what you think!  Okay, hope you enjoyed this, see ya soon!
            Jackie puts on schoolgirl outfit and begins dancing around living room, singing "5 more days!  5 more days!"

            Fade to black.  Fin.