Wow, let me say I am blown away by the reviews! You're all amazing and so sweet! I know I said the next update would be next week but all of these reviews made me want to write chapter 2 as soon as possible. I'll do shoutouts in each chapter too.
BrokenWings2602: Once again, thank you and I hope you like this chapter!
TheWhisperingWind222: Thank you again and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Guest: Thanks for your review! I'd be concerned about Tadashi too.
Treehugeer: I like your idea but I just don't think I can handle another character and thank you for your words!
GuitarGeek: Thanks so much! You're so encouraging and sweet and you're awesome!
Prettylttleliers: I'm glad you like the story and hope you like this chapter!
Shiro-Sensei: I'm glad you like it and hope you like this chapter too!
Arya Scarlett 14: Thanks for reviewing and let me tell you that you may be awing more after this chapter.
Tadashi crept down the staircase a few hours after he had come home.
He looked around the living room before walking swiftly yet quietly to the kitchen.
He opened a cabinet thinking about what to get.
I've got to get something she won't notice is missing.
His eyes landed on the boxes of cereal.
She won't notice two boxes missing since we have so many.
Tadashi grabbed a box of Froot Loops for Hiro and a box of Cheerios for himself.
He shut the cabinet forgetting to be quiet.
"Hiro Hamada, I swear if you're up there eating I will give you another bruise to match the one you have!" Aunt Cass shouted from her room.
Tadashi clenched his fists as he walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
How dare she even hit Hiro in the first place.
When he reached the top of the stairs, Hiro looked up at him from his seat at his desk.
"I heard Aunt Cass yelling. Did she catch you?" Hiro asked nervously.
Tadashi smiled and walked over to Hiro before handing him the box of Froot Loops.
"She almost did but I escaped before she could come out of her room." He winked at his little brother who laughed in reply.
"Thanks for getting this," Hiro said as he opened the box and shoved a handful of the colorful cereal into his mouth.
Tadashi smiled and ruffled Hiro's hair before sitting on his brother's bed. "No problem."
Tadashi opened his box of Cheerios and only grabbed a few pieces unlike Hiro who's mouth was full of Froot Loops.
Tadashi chewed and swallowed before he saw Hiro get pieces on the floor.
Hiro looked at his older brother who had a look of faint disgust at the mess he was making.
He started laughing before he began to cough.
Tadashi became concerned as he got up and pat Hiro on the back. "Chew and swallow, Hiro," he said.
Hiro listened to the instructions and swallowed the mouthful he had.
"You okay, bud?" the elder Hamada said as he rubbed Hiro's back.
Hiro nodded and looked up at Tadashi who sighed in relief.
"You have to slow down and chew, bonehead." Tadashi ruffled Hiro's hair.
Footsteps could be heard stomping up the stairs.
Both boys turned to see their aunt, half empty beer bottle in hand, at the top of the stairs.
"Do you have any idea how much noise you two were making?" she asked before drinking what was left in the bottle.
Hiro stood up beside Tadashi. "We're sorry, Aunt Cass. We didn't mean to," he said quietly.
Aunt Cass glared at Hiro. "Why were you making so much noise?"
Hiro glanced up at Tadashi before shifting his focus to his aunt. "I was coughing. I'm sorry."
Aunt Cass raised her arm and Hiro's eyes widened.
Tadashi tackled Hiro to the floor as Aunt Cass threw the bottle.
The brothers fell to the floor as the bottle hit the wall, the sound of breaking glass echoing off the wall.
Tadashi got up, pushing his brother behind him.
He backed up as he kept a firm grip on Hiro's right arm.
"What is wrong with you?" Tadashi shouted at his aunt. "Hiro was coughing and you come up here and throw a bottle at him! You could have killed him!"
Hiro stared at his brother. He had never seen him so livid.
Aunt Cass looked at Tadashi in shock before hardening her gaze.
"Don't you dare shout at me!" she yelled as she advanced toward them.
Tadashi maneuvered around Hiro's bed and backed up until Hiro was pressed against the wall.
Aunt Cass got closer and raised her hand.
Tadashi knew what was coming and grabbed Hiro's other arm behind him to prevent any help.
Hiro squirmed as he tried to free his arms to stop his aunt from hurting Tadashi.
Tadashi stood tall and barely moved as Aunt Cass slapped him.
He stared at his aunt fiercely as she looked behind Tadashi at Hiro who froze when her gaze settled on him.
"Leave him alone," Tadashi growled as Aunt Cass flicked her eyes back to Tadashi.
Tadashi felt Hiro trembling behind him and he rubbed his thumbs over Hiro's hands trying to calm him.
Aunt Cass finally started walking away.
She stopped when she reached the stairs and turned toward them. "You're both in serious trouble."
She walked down the stairs as Tadashi turned around and hugged Hiro tight.
"You idiot," Hiro said as his voice shook,"I wanted to help you."
"I know, I know. I didn't want her to hurt you," Tadashi said.
Hiro hugged Tadashi before looking up at him. "What if she had done something worse than just slap you? W-what if-"
"Shh, don't think about that," Tadashi said as he gently pushed Hiro's head to his chest.
Hiro tried to tilt his head up only for Tadashi to press slightly harder against his head.
Hiro listened to his brother's heartbeat as the gentle but firm hand on the back of his head stayed.
"Tadashi, are you okay?" Hiro 's muffled question made its way to Tadashi's ears.
"I'm fine, Hiro. Are you okay?" Tadashi said.
Hiro nodded against his brother's chest and Tadashi kissed his head.
The third chapter will be put up next mid week. The reason Aunt Cass started drinking will be in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!