A/n: here's the story about Matt, Sora, and Tai's friendship. I had a bit trouble thinking of a way to start it, make it different then how I usually do it. But I like how this one will go.
I have more stories to come, and a new idea too.
I'll also try to update my current stories faster. (Her Sad Smile, Nostalgia, and Jumping the Fence.)
Although I have to admit, the story is a tad angsty, along with a couple other stories I'm working on.
Disclaimer: I don't own digimon.
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Prologue
The pebble made another skip, before sinking into the blue abyss. As soon as it sank, another was skimming the surface of the lake. The body of water reflecting the warm colors temporarily painted into the sky. The sun's coming down, and the moon's rising.
They sat there, lost in their old worlds, oblivious to everything. The colors, smells, and sounds surrounding them seemed insignificant. These things they always cherished, were now something far from their thoughts.
The past, and each other were the only things that plagued their mind. The place playing a significance they all shared, and some they hadn't. A lake isolated by an ocean of trees. The echos of creatures roaring, water dripping, and the cool breeze that ruffled the plants was heard. The place merely discovered when they were at the tender age of eleven.
He skipped another pebble, unaware that it had become redundant.
What significance had this place played for him?
A coming of age. Growing up. Maturity.
It had helped him realize how important his past, or better yet, anyone's past meant. How much it helps create the person you will become, in his case, had become.
Staring into the vast depths of the lake, he saw his reflection. How he looked when they first found this place. His blue shirt, khaki shorts, and white gloves (which he now found ridiculous for wearing in the summer. His triumphant grin, brown eyes gleaming with mischief, and his wild brown hair that he had soon missed. And lastly, the goggles worn over a blue band around his head. Worn like a crown.
A king. The ruler. The leader.
That's what he felt like. The one responsible to decide what to do and when to do it. Soon it was recognized by them all, but he still cared. Not cold hearted, but caring. A gentle king.
Staring at his younger self, he still couldn't decipher who he was.
He found it funny how people, including himself, claim they know exactly who they are. That everyone's self aware. But they're not. Some things we know about ourselves, are that simple actions are done so by simple reasons. But did they really know the psychology behind those 'simple actions'? Not even those whose occupation is to study human behavior, can tell why they do the things they do.
The truth is, people have no clue of who they are. For example: Some say they could never hurt anyone, yet alone kill someone. And then soon enough they find themselves standing in front of a judge, being shown a knife covered with blood.
Everyone's stupid in that way, and when they're older, "adults", they hate to be wrong. Resilience is what they practice.
But as a child you're naive, and there are no worries. Dignity was something kept, but not worn. Reputation was just beginning to be etched into their minds. Love was cherished, and Friendships made.
At that stage of your life you can become anything you wanted. A hero saving the world, or even the evil villain destroying it.
Or a king even.
He had always goofed off. Only taking the things, that literally, were the end of the world seriously. Although he always said he was only looking out for everyone else, the truth was that he wasn't.
He always thought that the others were just like him. Had the same needs as him, can eat as much as him, can endure as much as him. But he was wrong. Although he was full of energy and always ready to go, his friends weren't.
Still a gentle king, but a foolish one at that.
He was a kid though. His excuse for compensating the fact that he didn't really care for their sake. He was a selfish little brat. However, that's what only he saw. And although they complained to him, only two ever recognized him for it. The first calling him an assortment of things, such as: jerk, insensitive, etc. Also giving him punches, that took toll to him seriously. But he realized that it was true that he was an insensitive jerk. This made him want to better himself. The second, was much more gentle and sweet about it. She would talk to him, give him advice, and show him his good qualities. However, as he grew up with time and his friends, he would rarely have these feelings fo self-hate again. Now more than ever.
Staring at his reflection, he didn't see the inner turmoil he suffered, but the child in him. He would never lose that trait. His childhood was something he held onto, and was afraid to let go. As much as he'd never admit it, he was deadly afraid of change. Going to highschool, moving out, going to college, and loved ones leaving. That one hurting him most of all. That was why he known for being goofy, and childish. Not because he was just some optimist, which he usually was. It was so that things would stay the same. He could still live with his parents, not having to have to worry about bills, and jobs, and what not. And his circle of friends were still in the same city, playing together in the same park. Reality took a huge toll on him, and when he thought he wasn't ready, he was.
That was something he always did. Doubt himself that things wouldn't work out, but in the end have courage to believe that things will be okay. He hated to think about sadness, and depression. All things he clearly saw in the world, but refused to believe they were there. Yet now, he also helped create sadness, stress, anger. All because of one stupid night. The two, however, showing him it's okay to look at it. Look at the world for what it is, and that he did wouldn't make the world seem even more depressing. For a period of time, all he could see was the bad. His friends ,however, showed him to see the good also.
He was much more older now than he was almost eleven years ago. He learned to see both the black, white and grey in the world. As a habit, he would just try to spot good things and things people did. Content that there was a balance.
His hazy chocolate eyes found there way to the fiery red head next to him. She sat on the dirt, legs tucked, her slender arms wrapped around them. Then he questioned again.
Why was she holding her legs? Was she afraid she would loose them? A funny thought, but he wanted to know. No, she's holding herself together. It was a habit of hers to do when she was upset and in deep thought. She did do some silly things, some he couldn't figure out why. She was quite an eccentric person.
But what was it now? Why she was trying to hold herself together?
Her mother? Him? Or the blonde next to her?
He dwelled deeper into that thought, as she went away with hers.
She stared straight ahead. Her crimson eyes piercing the sky. For some reason, this place was so bittersweet for her. Maybe for all of them, but it seemed the most to her.
Everything reminded her of her mother. The sky. How much her mother loved the moon. The flowers reminded her of the days she spent helping out at the shop. And herself. The way she was, and still is, was much like her mother's. So much like her mother, that she would often hate it. But now...now she appreciated every bit of her that resembled her mother. Her looks, behavior, and personality. Yet, she always tried to find the bits that were just her. Not her mother, not her farther, but her.
She was still doing it. She was still comparing herself to her mother. Her mother was almost everything she wasn't.
Instead of spending your day dirtying yourself up, why not practice your flower work. I know you can do much better than how you are now.
All the nagging came back to her. Those comments always to took an ample amount on her. She never really understood why she took it so seriously. But now, those comments were some of the only precious things she had left of her.
A sigh of remorse escaped her soft petal lips. Sentiment glowing in her crimson eyes.
She saw herself at the age of eleven. Blue helmet, yellow tank top, blue jeans, and red fanny pack. She asked herself what she was thinking wearing those clothes. She found it ironic now, at that age she didn't care about fashion. Yet now she was studying it, and was sounding much like a friend of hers.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized how odd she was. Although she still holds her tomboyish charm, when she was eleven it was more evident. Nevertheless, that wasn't the odd thing. She grew up never knowing much about her father. He was always away in another country on business, this driving her mother crazy. They divorced when she turned fifteen, a wonderful birthday gift indeed. She grew up only with her mother's teachings, and her mother was a rather feminine woman. Usually wearing dresses, kimonos, and skirts. Busying herself with her flower shop, cooking, and cleaning. She also was a beauty, aging very gracefully. Some people would think a girl growing up with that kind of mother, with no male influence, would end up just like her mother.
However, those people never met her.
Had she really dislike her mother so much, as to be nothing like her. But she was so much like her, and she hated it.
The blood began to rush throughout her whole body, and she knew tears soon would be coming. She wouldn't let herself cry, at least not now.
Fighting the tears, she dove deeper into her thoughts.
She claims she doesn't like her mother, and yet she misses her so badly.
How come you barely come over? The only time I ever see you is at work. Just a phone call every once and awhile, instead once a month, would be nice.
If she only had called. If only she had come over...but would calling or visiting really make a difference?
Recalling all her memories of her mother, she saw all the things she hadn't notice before. For instance, all the times she did visit her crimson eyes would light up, but only for a glimpse. Whenever she went to work her mother seemed to always just wanted to talk to her. Always asking her if she needed a break, and asking her if she wanted lunch.
She felt like such an idiot now. If only she had cherished those precious moments with her mother. If only she had notice how happy she made her mother.
If only her mother were still here.
Yes. If only.
Now a void was left in her heart, and nothing could replace. Noone can replace that motherly touch. The feeling of comfort and content. Those lessons that only she could teach.
No matter how hard anyone could try, they couldn't be her.
Now she felt more alone than ever, but she wasn't. As long as she always had her two friends by her side, she knew things would turn out okay. Even if fate had decided that she would be alone, they would fight against it and beat the odds. They would always support her. Show her that she is loved. That they would never leave her side.
She knew this was true, because she trusted them with all her heart. They would keep to their word, something she never questioned.
Her crimson eyes lead her to the blonde next to her. She couldn't help but stare. Yes, he was incredibly attractive, but that wasn't it. He was laying on his back. His left leg was spread out, while the other met halfway to the knee. He was staring at the sky, which was now filled with warm colors, would soon be filled with cool ones. His right arm resting on his forehand, his other laying on his stomach, and a cigarette shaped object pressed between his lips.
Whenever her eyes would fall on him, they would stay there. As if never wanting to miss a moment of him, refusing to even blink. She wasn't exactly sure why she would stare at him. Of course, It wasn't as if she didn't want to stare at him either.
It was odd, or more of he was odd. He was able to hide his feelings so well. However, she, along with a select few, could see them through his ice blue eyes. That's how he was though, very secretive. But then again, she and the brunette were just the same.
What was so interesting in the sky. She took a quick glance to the darkening sky and couldn't find anything. He never usually stared at the sunset, at least to her knowledge. It was really more of what she did. Then she remember something he told her once, and found herself stupid for now just remembering.
As if trying to read his mind, she squinted her eyes and stared more intensely at him. But, her actions were to no avail.
His gaze towards the sky wouldn't cease. He wasn't exactly sure why he chose to stare at the sky, but in his position it was the only thing to stare at. The truth was, that all he could really see the faces that haunted him. The faces that have been following him, and invading his thoughts.
The woman he loves. His rival. His brother. Himself.
As much as they were good thoughts, they were bad thoughts. He had always thought those people, including himself, would drive him to depression. Surprisingly, they made his life better.
He never realized just how precious they were to him, until the day he almost lost his brother.
He learned so much from the people that hurt him more than anything. Yet the same people were the ones he loved and cared for the most.
If it weren't for them, he'd probably be some nameless victim of cancer or emphysema. He would never have known what feelings such as: envy, jealousy, resentment, regret, or love were like. He would be an emotionless robot, well more of a one emotion robot. Depressed would be the only thing he felt. Thinking about it more, he felt like such a fool for ever questioning his friendships. He knew they were the ones that kept him alive. They were the reason he enjoyed life. They were his saviors.
His rival, his love. They never gave up on him. Even when he thought they did, they didn't. Maybe he had his vices just to test their friendships. If they really cared about him, then they wouldn't let him get into bad habits. They passed with flying colors, if it were the case.
No one in their trio would let another member go into a self-destructive behavior. Especially when they knew they could stop them. Even they had their own flaws. Knowing that they made mistakes and that they would slump into a deep pit of sadness, made him feel better. He felt much more content, knowing that they were like him. Nevertheless, they were still different.
He remembered, how much he changed just for them. He used to think that being more open and kind would make them accept them. Although he'd never admit it, he desperately wanted their friendship. Especially the kind those two had. Best friends.
He felt like such an outcast when he first met his seven closest friends. Although he hid through that tough cool guy exterior, deep down he was a loner. He knew that it wasn't that people didn't want to be his friends, it was that he didn't want to be friends with them. He didn't want his 'friends' to even try and get close to him. If they did, they would just end up hurting him.
Like his parents had.
They promised to always love, trust, and care for him. What 'friends' claim to do. However, he met them. They challenged him physically, mentally, and emotionally. They got through to him. When they did, they showed him he didn't have to change himself to gain their companionship. They told him that it helped to be more open, but if he wanted to be cooped up in his shell then he could. No one had ever told him that. Indeed, they changed him for the better. Though, they weren't the only ones that changed him.
His little brother.
The day he almost his brother, made him realize how important he was to him.
He remembered it all to well, the sights, sounds, and smells. Even the feelings and emotions inside him would come back just from recalling those days spent in the hospital.
From when he first saw him laying down on that white bed, to when he saw him walk out of the rehab center with a smile on his face.
It struck him as odd, that his brother comes off as a nice happy guy and then ends up doing something like that. And he was the cold moody guy that you'd expect to do what his brother did. In fact, his brother was the last person anybody would have ever thought would attempt that.
When his brother did it, it really frightened him. He thought it was so scary that it seemed for easy for his brother to do it. Not to mention, how scared he was that his brother almost left him.
He remembered how much he hated his brother. This lasting only for a week. When his brother was born, he barely remembered anything. He was, after all, only three. But he still remembered that he loathed him. His brother would be taking his parents away from him, along with all of his old baby stuff.
Maybe it was the beginning of a sibling rivalry, but they never really fought. Especially since his brother lived with their mother, while he lived with their father.
Soon he learned that his brother wasn't trying to take his parents and things away. Also, he learned just how great it was to have a little brother. He had more responsibility. Making him feel like a big boy, capable to withstand anything. Having a baby brother donned a sense of pride in him.
Unfortunately, after their parent's split things weren't as great. It was so much harder not having his brother around. He had to worry about him, always wondering if he was doing okay. Only seeing him on special occasions. And yet, those meetings only lasting hours.
Then when they finally reunited years later, things were different. He somehow forgot how to be a big brother. Whenever he thought he was either too much of a big brother, or he wasn't enough of a brother. Over time, he found a balance between the two. However, he still doubted whether he was a good brother or not. His brother, reassuring him he was.
Tearing his eyes off of he sky, he stared at his two friends. His rival continued to skip pebbles in the vast lake. His love's arms wrapped around her legs, staring at nothing. A smile overcame his face.
Even after the turn of events, they still kept tight. It amazed him, along with the other two, that their friendship has lasted this long. It was more than a friendship, it was a bond that couldn't be broken.
Recalling the past year, he saw how great it was. Even with it seeming like a horrible year, it made them closer than ever.
The three stood their ground, not moving. Only breathing, as if that's all they needed to do. The use of words didn't seem necessary.
The sun finally set, and the moonlight illuminated the clearing. The lake began to shimmer with the moon's reflection. The stars twinkling giving off an almost eerie glow.
The year has past, and a new one had begun. However, they could never forget it...
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A/n: Finally finished! Took me forever. A lot of writer's block. The beginning was coming together so nicely, but then the yamato part didn't come out as I planned. I swear I'll try to update faster. I've been pretty busy ever since New Year's. Now I have to start another story for English that's due tomorrow.
Hope you all liked it. And thanks for the reviews for The Countdown. I'll be working on a new story inspired by an Ashlee Simpson video.
R&R