Special Property (BxB)

Chapter 26. Uke Game Night

Because of its location, high in the hills, St. Catherine's had a lot of snow each winter. This was a blessing and a curse; a blessing to the boys who loved to play in it, a curse to the staff who had to commute through it. Overall, winters were very enjoyable.

Each year, classes would be held on winter survival skills. Under adult supervision, the boys would grab sleds, skis, supplies, and hike out into the winter wild. And each year, the infirmary would be put to good use, mending all sorts of injuries, from cold-related ones like frostbite to dislocations or broken bones due to accidents. Boys will be boys, after all.

—Winters at St. Catherine's

Kato entered the room, but Tachibana was gone. He set down the bag of goodies, took his shirt off, and put on the one Takahashi gave him. It fit perfectly. He busied himself putting the contents of the bag away into his cubicles and then, with some trepidation, walked down to the game room. He wasn't sure what he was going to find.

"About time, Kato-san," one of the boys said as he was greeted at the door. Kato didn't know his name, but he knew Kato's. "I'm Naoki Higashihara. Come on in."

Kato entered the room. There were seven other boys; two were playing chess, four were playing cards, and Higashihara. On one table, there was a spread of snacks and drinks. "Uh, I didn't bring anything," Kato thoughtfully admitted.

"Don't worry about it. We got you covered. Let me do the introductions." Higashihara went around the room and introduced the boys. Kato figured it would take some time before he could remember all the names. "Grab a plate of snacks and come play cards with me."

Kato thanked him and did just that. There were all sorts of chips (or, crisps), soda, candy, and so forth. He made a plate and grabbed a drink and sat down at the table with Higashihara.

"Have you ever played Cribbage?" he asked.

Kato shook his head, saying "No," at the same time.

"Ah, it's a great game. It can be played 2-player." Higashihara took the time to teach Kato how to play. Kato wasn't a card player, but Cribbage was all about numbers and he liked that.

After about thirty minutes of training, they began a game in earnest. While Higashihara was shuffling the deck, he looked at Kato with a friendly smile, "How are you liking St. Catherine's?"

Kato watched as the cards were dealt. "I don't."

"Oh?" came Higashihara's reply.

"Yeah."

"Why not?"

Kato shrugged, replying "This place can be scary."

"Scary? Like what?" Higashihara motioned for Kato to play a card.

Kato, ever the one to speak the first thought to come to his mind, "Showering with other boys."

Higashihara laughed. "What?"

Kato blushed and looked at his cards.

"Seriously, what's to be scared of? We all got the same parts. Nobody is different." Higashihara tried to speak reassuringly while laughing.

Kato replied, "I've just never done it before."

"Ah. Well, not like anyone here really cares what you look like naked. No reason to be modest, nobody is looking."

Kato doubted that, remembering the first time when people looked. But he figured he had no choice in the matter so might as well get used to it. He played a card.

"Anything else scary?" Higashihara played a card.

"Well, at first, eating in the chow hall was scary as hell but seems to be okay now."