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Very sad and poignant, and also in the holiday spirit! I can see how the holidays are bittersweet for Joe, wanting to enjoy them with his new family, yet at the same time filled with memories of his lost friend.

There are not too many stories that have moved me to tears, but this one needs to come with a box of tissues.

That was really beautiful. I went through a few tissues wiping my eyes even as I was trying to figure out if it was going to be Ken or Joe who was gone. A wonderful exploration of the bond and love between two special "brothers," and I love the way you worked Nambu in as far as Joe understanding how much he can love his non-biological child. It's wonderful that they're getting Kento a brother.

Wow, what a very poignant piece. I couldn't read it without a few tears in my eyes too. Thank you, Author, you've more than exceeded my expectations!

Very bittersweet. Glad that Kento has Joe for a dad though, you know he'd be dedicated to raising Ken's son. Kudos to the author! Well done!

All of the above. It was wonderful that Joe took on the duty of helping Jun raise Ken's son.

Ohh, so sad but beautiful! Sniff... So very fitting, too, that they would adopt a child, as Dr. Nambu had them.

It took me a bit to realize that they're even adopting a child at the same time Ken and Joe would have met. Kento is 8 ...

I also wasn't sure in the beginning if it was Ken or Joe talking. Very emotional piece!

Agreeing with all the others ... what a bittersweet Christmas for Joe, in particular, and all the others! Life is so unfair, sometimes, but it's built upon bitter events like these, which either pull us down or push us forward ... I'm so glad that the author decided for the team to manage to move on and to remain a family, especially with kids involved. A tricky first part, too ... sob ... my Ken ... am out of tissues! Love the way the story repeats itself and the emotional yet Christmassy atmosphere!

*sniff, sniff* That totally tugged at my heartstrings! Ken gave the ultimate sacrifice- but I am glad that he has left behind an heir. I can easily imagine that Joe would take up where Ken left off. Glad that Jun and Joe chose to adopt, too. A very sweet ending with the rest of the team spending the holiday together. Great work!

Ok, I'm thinking that Marie wrote this beautiful piece for me, (but even if she didn't, it wouldn't make it any less beautiful!)

Originally posted by KT1972 Ok, I'm thinking that Marie wrote this beautiful piece for me, (but even if she didn't, it wouldn't make it any less beautiful!)

Yep, I agree with you KT! And such a lovely story!

KT, I d go with Marie or TJ for this piece (but I haven't read all of them yet).