What am I supposed to be writing again? Oh, that's right, chapter 7 of Skittles. Totally not an angsty twoshot that's completely unrelated. Oops. This has honestly been stuck in my head for a few weeks now and not having it written up was driving me nuts. I guess Kokuhaku messed me up more than I thought, because I am in the mood for nothing but hurt/comfort.

Has anyone ever read a fic where Takeru yells at Taichi? I never have. But now I've written one. Haha.

Hopefully I will have the second half up by the end of the week and then I can get back to Skittles.

I don't own Digimon.


"I'm home!" Nineteen year old Taichi Yagami called as he closed the door to his family's apartment. Oh man, it was good to be home for Christmas break. Three weeks free of exams, minimal amounts of coursework, and hopefully lots and lots of eggnog.

"Onii-san! You came home early!" A delighted voice cried out from the back bedroom, quickly followed by his little sister charging out to see him. Taichi scooped her up for a bone crushing hug and spun her around. She squealed and hung on tighter.

Her brother laughed and put her down, smiling widely. He took off his jacket and looked around the apartment.

"Where's Mom and Dad?" He asked, toeing off his winter boots. His eye caught the Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. While they had decorated the apartment for the upcoming holidays, the tree remained bare. His chest felt warm as he realized his family had waited until he came home from university to decorate it. It had always been his favorite tradition. He couldn't wait to light it up.

"Dad's stuck at the office for a little while and Mom's in the shower," Hikari answered. She hoisted one of his smaller bags on her back and walked with him to their bedroom. "We weren't expecting you to be home for another few hours."

Taichi dumped his things in a pile next to the bed and flopped bonelessly back onto it. A content sigh escaped him and he grinned up at his little sister.

"Yeah, well, maybe I wanted to see you before you went out for the night. Shouldn't you be getting ready for date night? You've only got like, two hours," He teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Hikari and Takeru had been going out for over six months now. Taichi had had a difficult time accepting that his baby sister was old enough to have a boyfriend, but he supposed if she was going to pick someone to go out with, Takeru was probably the best choice. He was as good a kid as they come and he had always treated Hiakri with nothing less than the utmost respect. Being friends for nearly eight years beforehand and generally being on good terms with the older brother didn't hurt either.

He had, of course, given the kid the obligatory big brother speech. The whole "hurt her and I hurt you" intimidation tactic. The little shit had saluted him. Taichi never really thought he would have to follow up on his threat, but he couldn't lose his reputation as best big brother and just not threaten Takeru because he knew him already.

So to say he was shocked when Hikari's smile flickered was an understatement.

It was only for a moment, and then Hikari's face was full of mock irritation.

"It doesn't take me that long to get ready," She pouted.

Taichi frowned and sat up on is elbows.

"What happened?"

The chosen of light was startled, then fiddled with the hem of her sweater and looked at the floor.

"That are you talking about? Nothing happened."

Taichi's concern skyrocketed. He did his best to squash down the rising anger and stay as calm as possible. Yelling would only make Hikari clam up.

"Hikari, I love you, but you are a terrible liar," He stated bluntly.

"No really, I mean it onii-san," She said, sounding genuine yet still sad.

"Then what's the matter?"

She bit her lip and stared out the window in thought.

Taichi sat and waited for her to be ready to talk.

"Nothings actually happened... like no one event, its just-" She huffed and blew her bangs away from her face. "He's been, I don't know, weird? Like this whole week Takeru has been really distant. And he won't talk to me about it."

"He's been ignoring you?" Taichi asked to clarify.

"Not... really?" She answered, her voice thick. "He's just been quiet. But when I ask if he's okay he says he's fine, or he didn't sleep well, or he's tired from basketball. But its been all week. We were supposed to study together on Tuesday after school, but he said he was going to go home and take a nap instead."

Hikari was starting to tear up. Taichi gestured for her to come join him on the bed and he wrapped an arm around her. She leaned heavily on him and took comfort in the familiar smell and warmth. It was so good to have him home. She sighed.

"I don't know if I am blowing it all out of proportion and he is just tired, or if he's lying to me. I don't want it to be either, you know? If its nothing then I am freaking out for no good reason and probably just annoying him with all my asking... And if he's lying I have no idea what's going on."

Taichi hummed lowly. That was definitely strange, for Takeru at least. He was always so cheery and generally up front about things with people, especially Hikari.

She slowly tensed against his side and he looked down at her curiously. Hikari was chewing the inside of her cheek, unsure if she should say more.

"Hikari?" He prompted.

She was quiet for a minute, looking more and more upset as time passed, until she finally popped.

"The weirdest thing is that he's been getting a lot of messages while we're at school. I'm not spying on him, I promise, but sometimes they come in at lunch while I'm sitting right next to him and you know...I see the number. But its not one that's programmed into his phone and I don't recognize it at all. I don't even recognize the area code."

Taichi's frown deepened.

"You don't think he's cheating on you, do you?" He asked as calmly and steadily as he could.

Hikari started at her hands in her lap and sniffled.

"No... Takeru wouldn't do that. Really, Taichi! I just... its so strange, he looks so serious when he gets a message. When I asked him about it on Wednesday he said they were from his mom. I don't want to think he's lying to me about that, but why would the number come up different?"

Taichi wished he had an answer for her. The whole thing definitely smelled funny, but what it meant was beyond him. He really didn't want to consider that Takeru was indeed talking to another girl, but then why lie? And if it really was just his mom, what on earth could be happening that he wouldn't tell his best friend and girlfriend about?

"Are you two still going out tonight?"

"Yeah," Hikari sat up and pushed her hair behind her ear. "We're supposed to go ice skating and get hot chocolate at that little shop near the rink," She blushed a little and gave her bother a wobbly smile. "Maybe he'll be in a better mood and I can ask him what's going on."

Taichi smiled back at her, though he was still suspicious.

"If he lies, call him out on it," He smirked. "And if he lies again, kick his ass."


The next two hours were busy. After warm reunions with his parents, Taichi helped his family trim the tree and prep dinner. Before they knew it Hikari was scrambling around the apartment trying to get ready for her date. She bustled past where Taichi sat on the couch, muttering about her scarf not being where she left it. He watched in amusement as she nearly fell over trying to shove her feet into her boots. Confusion overtook him as she threw her jacket on.

"Isn't Takeru coming to pick you up?"

Hikari shook her head and tugged on her hat.

"Nah, the skating rink is so much closer to his place. It didn't make sense for him to walk all the way over here and then all the way back again."

"But its dark out," Taichi protested, getting up from his spot. "Let me walk you over there. I don't like the idea of you walking around alone in the dark."

She snorted at him.

"Yeah, Takeru said the same thing. I had to fight him just to get him to meet me there. Believe it or not, I am not five years old."

"Well, I'm still going with you."

A mischievous glint in her eye was the only warning he got before she darted out the door.

"Only if you can catch me!"

"HEY!" Taichi shouted and surged after her, wrestling his boots and jacket on as he went. Oh jeeze, why was she so fast?

He caught up with her at the elevators, puffing and laughing.

"Oh darn, you made it," She said trying to snap her fingers, but her gloves thwarted her.

Taichi let out a breathless chuckle.

"Are you sure you didn't want me to come?" He asked slyly.

"Of course," She scoffed. "What makes you think otherwise?"

He reached past her and pressed the down button on the elevator.

"Well, you know, you won't get anywhere without doing that." Taichi smirked.

Hikari flushed and glared jokingly at the now glowing button.

Her retort was interrupted by the beeping of her phone. She fished it out of her jacket pocket and flipped it open, showing one text from Takeru.

Taichi wasn't trying to read over her shoulder, but he wasn't not trying either. He hoped for Hikari's sake (and maybe for Takeru's) that it said something along the lines of 'Heading out in five' or 'Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up?'

He cringed when she clicked the message open.

'I can't make it tonight.'

The girl deflated, shoulders drooping.

Before Taichi could move to hug her, a second message announced itself.

'Sorry.'

Taichi was about to open his mouth and exclaim exactly where Takeru could shove his crappy apologies when his sister shushed him and pressed the call button next to her boyfriend's name. They waited somewhat impatiently until the ringing stopped and it went to voicemail. Hikari faltered, ending the call without saying anything. She stood there as the elevator arrived and dinged, an elderly gentleman walking out and heading the other way down the hallway. The chosen of light took a deep, steadying breath and called again, shocked when it went straight to voicemail without ringing this time. She had been trying so hard to stay calm and be strong, but that struck her deeply.

Turning her watery eyes on her brother, she whimpered,

"He turned his phone off, onii-san."

Taichi wrapped his arms around his little sister and did his best not to let his rage show. How dare he blow her off and then not even answer her calls! That little punk.

He rubbed her back as he walked with her towards their apartment.


By seven-fifteen Taichi had set Hikari up on the couch with her favorite movie, a warm blanket wrapped around her shoulders, and a mug of hot chocolate with extra marshmallow on top. A bowl of popcorn was on the couch between them. Taichi had provided a full box of tissues for her, but Hikari was staying surprisingly dry-eyed. She sniffled occasionally, but so far had not let a tear fall. However she looked so dejected that Taichi was having a hard time looking at her.

He lasted about forty-five minutes into the movie before he couldn't stand the need to punch something anymore. He lurched to his feet and headed to the door.

"Onii-san, where are you going?" Hikari was peeking over the back of the couch, looking startled and wary.

"I'm just going to blow off some steam," He said shortly.

"You aren't going to Takeru's apartment, are you?"

Taichi let out a long breath.

"No," He said truthfully. "I'm just pissed and need to cool off. I'll be back in half an hour, okay? Keep my spot warm on the couch." He smiled at her, hoping it wasn't as much of a grimace as it felt.

She nodded and turned back to the movie.

Taichi zipped his jacket as high as it could go and walked out of the apartment. He had no specific destination in mind, but the air was crisp in his lungs and cleared his head a bit. He ended up walking the main streets, trying to concentrate on the little puffs of air that were fogging up in front of him and not on the miserable little sister waiting for him at home. The young man spent most of his time looking either at his feet or the clear, dark sky. His feet moved without his brain taking much consideration, just taking in the quietness of the night.

A dog nearby barking broke him out of his musing and brought him back to reality. Shit. How long had it been? He checked his phone and saw that it had been close to forty minutes. Hoping Hikari hadn't noticed the time, he shot her a quick text.

'Wow, sorry. I lost track of time. Be back soon."

Taichi looked around to get his bearings, man where did he even end up?

Huh. How on earth had he managed to end up only a block from the Takaishi apartment? He really had been truthful when he told Hikari he wasn't going there. That had not been his intention. While yes, he did want to pummel the little shit for making Hikari worry and look so sad... Hikari was a big girl. She could probably handle her boyfriend herself. That didn't stop Taichi from wanting to help though.

It was more curiosity that made him start walking in the opposite direction of home.

What could be going on in Takeru's head that would make him lie to Hikari all week and then blow her off on date night and offer absolutely no explanation? It was so out of character that he almost felt a pang of worry for the kid. It was quickly overridden by the mental image of Hikari trying not to cry and any sympathy he had was gone. Okay, so he wasn't going to burst in guns blazing, but maybe he could get some answers. And if it turned out that he was cheating on her or something equally as awful, well... Lets hope Yamato understood why his little brother had a black eye.

He held his anger at a steady simmer as he reached the Takaishi residence. Taichi reached out and firmly pressed the doorbell. He heard it ding inside the apartment, so he knew it worked, but no one came to answer the door. He had thought he heard voices inside, but they stopped as soon as he rang the doorbell. There had to be someone home. Multiple someones, unless whoever it was was talking to themselves. Unlikely. Was Takeru actually cheating on Hikari? Did he have some girl in there right now? His blood started boiling.

The young man banged his fist on the door.

"Takeru, its Taichi, open up!"

Oh yeah, that was smart. He pretty much just announced that there was someone on the doorstep waiting to beat him up. Yes, that would definitely make him come to the door. Wow. Good move genius.

"I just want to talk," He called, grimacing.

Still no answer.

Damnit, it was cold out.

"C'mon Takeru, I'm freezing out here!"

He knocked again loudly. The little shit ignored Hikari's calls and now he was ignoring Taichi too? Bold move buddy. The chosen of courage threw caution to the wind and went to jiggle the doorknob.

He was almost shocked out of his anger when the knob turned easily.

"Takeru, I'm coming in!" He called as he slowly entered the apartment. It was oddly dark, the only light on was in the front hall. "Hello?"

There was no answer as Taichi moved into the apartment cautiously. It was light enough that he could see the outlines of the furniture, but not much else.

"Hey man, I'm turning the lights on," He warned, entering the kitchen and flicking on the light over the sink. It wasn't an overly bright light, but it was enough to illuminate the kitchen and most of the living area. Looking around the apartment he saw that the TV was on, but nothing was playing on it. The little "stop" square was blinking in the corner of the screen. Well, that probably explained the voices dying out so suddenly. What was the kid watching, porn? Why else turn it off when someone was at the door?

"Go away, Taichi."

The bushy haired young man jumped and stared at the back of the couch. He seriously thought he was alone out here, but sure enough, a tuft of blonde hair was sticking up past the top of the cushions.

"Jesus, Takeru," The anger came surging back. The kid skipped out on a date with his girlfriend to just sit around in the dark and do nothing? "What's your problem?"

Takeru didn't so much as move.

"You know, I'm a little sick of being ignored. Hikari has been worried about you all week, and now you blow her off? What the hell?"

Nothing.

"So what are you cheating on her? She said you've been getting a lot of secret texts lately."

That got a response, but it wasn't nearly what he expected.

"Go to Hell, Taichi," Takeru said lowly.

"What did you say?"

"I said go to Hell," He repeated fiercely, finally whipping to his feet and facing Taichi. The older boy was taken aback at the icy fury in Takeru's eyes. He looked so much like Yamato at that moment, taller than Taichi remembered. Oddly, the sight calmed him, probably the effect that look so often being followed by a mind clearing punch to the face.

"Fine, I'll go. But you've got to tell me one thing first," He negotiated. He would be thrown out, but he would go home with answers.

Takeru just stared at him, gripping one of the throw pillows like his life depended on it.

"What the heck is so important that you'd make Hikari cry?" He asked sternly.

The younger boy glared shakily at him before staring down at the floor instead. He seemed to shrink where he stood, losing the defiance he had emanated moments before. When he looked back up at his former leader, the frosty Yamato stare was gone and Taichi was forcibly reminded of the tiny seven year old crying for his deleted partner.

"My grandmother died, you idiot," He choked out, weakly throwing the pillow at Taichi. It landed with a limp thump at his feet.

Well fuck.