This is just a little project I've had at the back of my mind, and I finally got around to writing. as the summary says, this is a series of Oneshots set during the Myotismon-comes-to-earth arc. This one is about Jim, Joe's older brother, as he tends the parents and other adults.

I don't own digimon.

Just Listen

Jim paced, up and down the long rows of adults- unconscious, but alive. He'd tried everything to wake them- loud noises, smelling salts, gentle shakes and pokes- it wasn't normal. As the thought crossed his mind, he had to laugh. None of this was normal. Floating seals, strange monsters, kidnapper ghosts, his little brother being one of eight 'Chosen Ones"… But here he was, standing alone in the darkened convention center, surrounded by hundreds of sleeping adults.

He stopped at the head of another row, stretched out on the cold tile floor with sweatshirts, small pillows and whatever else he could find for cushioning. His father lay there, frowning even in sleep.

"Dad." Jim's voice didn't echo, even in the large room with its high ceiling. His father, of course, said nothing.

Jim looked out the doorway, where Joe and the others had gone. He looked back at his father, then sat in the narrow aisle.

"Dad, I know you probably can't hear me- which is probably a good thing, considering what I've got to say. But I've got to say it, and now might not be the best of times, seeing as how the world might, you know, end if Joe and his friends don't save it, but since you never listen anyway, this seems like as good a time as any."

Jim sighed. "Why am I explaining this? It's not like you can hear me, and even if you could, you'd just say, ' get on with it, my time's too important for this'...whatever, Dad. Just whatever. Maybe I'm just talking out loud, ok? It's not a crime to! And anyway, It's not like you've got anyplace to be."

"Maybe I'm insane? Yeah, I'm insane, partly for imagining this whole thing, and partly for believing you care about this…but… Dad, just listen. For once, Just Listen to what I've got to say. I don't want to live your dream. Yes, I'm in med school, and, thanks for asking, I like it. It's hard, but I'm making friends, and doing well. Just like you always wanted. But you can't make me be you, dad. I'm going to Africa, or maybe South America, as soon as I've graduated. It'll take a few years, but... I'm not going to become so doctor for the rich and make tons of money or whatever it is your dream for me is. I want to help people. People who really need help. I don't care what you think of it- I've been going to info nights about organizations that send doctors all over the world to places that need them. I'm going to join one, or two, or three- as many as I can, whether you like it or not, dad. I know you want me to successful, but I won't live your dream."

Jim paused, breathing deeply.

"And lay off Joe. He never thinks about himself, never gets to be a kid- he's always had to be your son, the soon to be doctor. Let him hang out with friends once in a while- maybe if you'd let him he'd have had friends in grade school! From what I've seen the past few days, he's found friends, friends that need him. Don't stand between that, Dad. There are things more important than grades.

Just, listen. I know you don't really care what we say, you just want us to get a good education and all, but trust me- Joe's a good kid. Let him choose his own future. I think he'd make a great doctor- better than me even- but you've got to let him choose that path for himself."

His father did not respond, of course, but Jim smiled. "Thanks for listening, Dad. I just hope you heard it. Maybe one of these days, I'll get up the courage to say that to you, when you're awake."

What do you think? Ideas are welcome, so long as it happens during this arc.( or rather, the end of this arc. Starting when the fog rolls in.)

~HNA