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It’s a simple thing really, but it never failed.
The first snowfall of the season- a good one, not the light dusting kind- never failed to catch Yusaku and Haruto’s attention. It’s times like that when Kaito really wished he could go back in time and kick Tenjo Faker and Tenjo Ren’s asses for messing their kids up so much and leaving Kaito to pick up the pieces.
But Yusaku’s back where he belongs, with family, not out fighting cyberterrorists or bastard AI. Even if one of said AI came back with him. But Ai was currently busy with Orbital going over the latest data from both Link Vrains and the studies on what was left of Barian World, leaving the three Tenjos alone in the small cottage Kaito had taken them away to.
It was the first Winter since they were kids that they could have together. Kaito wasn’t about to let anyone ruin it. So he had taken Haruto and Yusaku to the cottage, after getting the two AI to fix it up.
“You two are going to catch a cold standing out here.”
Yusaku turned around first, surprised to hear Kaito’s voice so close. “It is a bit cold but…” He hesitated, turning his head back towards the trees and tilting it up slightly. “I can sort of see the snow falling.”
Kaito hummed, smiling softly as Haruto ran out to play in the still falling snow, trying to catch the snowflakes before they hit the ground. “How is it today?”
“No worse.” Yusaku shrugged, clouded green eyes tracking Haruto’s movements. “Ai thinks I’ll need sunglasses to come outside though, when the clouds clear.”
“Ai’s right.” Kaito nodded in agreement. “You’re sensitive to light enough as is, sadly that’s a trait we share even without factoring in your sight.” He watched Haruto for a few more moments before speaking up again.
“Come on, let’s take a walk while it’s still snowing light enough to.” Kaito suggested, whistling lowly.
From inside the house came a large furry shape. A snow leopard, just a bot of course. Snowy moved easily to brush against Yusaku’s legs and help guide him. “Hello Snowy.” Yusaku smiled, petting the leopard’s soft fur. A compromise, since allergies kept Yusaku from getting a dog and he didn’t want everyone to lead him around all the time, a guide bot made sense.
“Haruto! Come on.” Kaito called out, grinning as Haruto ran over and hugged him. “Hey there Hart. Not cold yet?”
“Nope!” Haruto grinned, falling into step between Kaito and Yusaku. “Where are we going?”
Yusaku tilted his head, listening the snow crunching under their boots. “The lake? We can see if it’s frozen yet.” He offered.
“Please?” Haruto bounced between the two.
Kaito couldn’t say no to either of them, especially with Haruto so excited. “Of course.”
A nice walk in the snow was just what the three needed. No worries, no dueling, no aliens, no cyberterrorists or evil AI. Just family. There was plenty to see and talk about along the way too. “The trees all lost their leaves now. Except the evergreens of course.” Kaito said to Yusaku.
“We have to get a Christmas tree soon. And a birthday tree for Yusaku!” Haruto was a bit ahead of them, still within Kaito’s line of sight though.
“No birthday trees. Just something small and peaceful this year.” Yusaku commented, letting Snowy guide him. Though Haruto was doing a good job of keeping the pathway clear for him.
“The snow is covering everything, so I’m even more sure Ai’s correct with the sunglasses idea. We’ll all need some.” Kaito admitted. Even with the sun covered by thick layers of clouds, it was nearing the side of painful if Kaito looked at one spot for too long.
Haruto grinned as he looked back at his brothers. Though Yusaku was his cousin really, he saw him as a brother, as close family. “Is Ryouga gonna come join us, Kaito?”
Yusaku snorted in amusement as Kaito coughed in surprise, not expecting the question. “N-No. Not this year.” He mumbled. “He’s staying with Rio and Durbe, putting together some of their old traditions to start up again with iris.” Kaito offered for all three to come with, but Ryouga had declined, wanting to spend time with his family just like Kaito did.
“What about the hyper one? Yuma? And Astral?” Yusaku asked softly.
Kaito shook his head, catching himself quickly and responding verbally, “with the other Barians. This season is just for family here.” Three months at the cottage recovering from both the Barian War for Kaito, and from spending too long in Link Vrains for Yusaku.
They could still contact their friends of course. Yusaku had nightly talks with Kolter and Takeru, Kaito always messaged Ryouga and Yuma.
“So, Ai’s family?” Yusaku smiled.
“Yes. Your soulmate is family.” Kaito smirked as Yusaku stumbled at his words. Snowy was quick to help correct Yusaku’s balance.
They were a small family, but a family nonetheless. As they reached the lake, Kaito watched Haruto take over with leading Yusaku around. The lake was frozen solid, and Kaito quickly warned them to not go out on the ice. “While I’m sure Snowy could pull you out, I’d rather not deal with a soggy leopard in the house.” He teased.
“Sure, it’s Snowy you’re worried about.” Yusaku teased back.
“You and Haruto would dry out eventually.” Kaito smirked.
“Eventually.” Yusaku agreed, looking back towards the trail they had taken when the sound of crunching snow caught his attention. “I believe we were followed.”
“You believe right, Master Yusaku!” Orbital chirped.
“You’re going to catch a cold out here Yusaku!” Ai was quick to begin fretting over him as another SOLtiS rushed out to play in the snow with Haruto, Roboppi not giving the others a second glance at the chance to play instead.
Kaito chuckled as Ai fussed, fixing the scarf around Yusaku’s neck to better cover his neck and mouth. Yusaku stood there, accepting his fate for the moment. Kaito smiled softly. With his family out in the snow, there was no better place to be.