I'll Protect You
A chance to protect what is most dear: a crucial opportunity, indeed.

Summary: When Kouji protects Takuya from a fatal blow, he begins to question whether his feelings for the boy are purely platonic.

WARNING:

Rated M for angst, violence, depression, self-harm, suicide attempts, abuse: physical, emotional and sexual - MATURE themes.

BL. This is a male x male; please no flames if you don't like BL. If you don't like BL, then this isn't for you; simple as that. For those who do like BL: welcome!

You have been warned.

By the way, as I believe Kouji and Kouichi's father doesn't have an official name, or, at least, I couldn't find one, I have named him Yoshirou for this – just so you know. If the twins' father does have an official name, then please let me know what it is! I shall then edit this story with the actual name.

For the same reasons, I have named their mother Yuki.

Happy reading! After you've read, how about a review? I love reviews, including constructive criticism (I like any review, bar flames).

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon or My Sweet Student Boy.

Yearning: to reconvene with whom makes you whole.

Chapter II: Unexpected Reality

'Go on, then. Hit that sucker with the finishing blow.' A jeer from the encompassing darkness of the alleyway sounded.

'Yeah, do it. If you really want to be a part of this gang, then you'll do it.'

Now more voices joined the jeerers. A chant commenced. 'Do it, do it . . . We know you can do it, Kou-chan.'

At this, Kouji bristled. Only one was allowed to call him that. One he hadn't seen in many years. One who would–

'K-Kouji?!'

Heeding the call, the recipient lifted his head prudently and turned to see– 'T-Takuya?!'

The boy named Takuya nodded rigidly and pointed, with moisture-filled eyes, at the knife plunged into an elderly man's chest.

Kouji followed the direction his finger was pointing in, and yelped, pulling out the knife with a sickening squelch. He then moved the blood-stained weapon behind his back and smiled pallidly. 'T-This isn't what it l-looks like . . . Honest.'

In the months following the defeat of Lucemon, the Legendary Warriors – particularly Kouji – were at a standstill. Life just seemed so boring all of a sudden! It was as if they had to have some life-threatening adventure to feel any excitement – crazy, right?

Okay, tell a lie. Kouichi was pretty relieved to be back in the Real World, living much more peacefully than he had been in the Digital World, predominantly as Cherubimon's slave . . . Hence why he declared the aforementioned lexemes, 'It's crazy, right?', when having a little vent to himself.

On many occasions in the time succeeding the conclusion of the Warriors' battles, Kouichi shared this concern with his brother. Every time Kouji heard this – what he viewed as a – childish complaint, he grew angry, storming off and slamming the door behind him. Considering the boys lived separately, you could say that their mother – these visits always took place at her house – wasn't too pleased with the son living with her – Kouichi. Sheepish every time, the boy could never seem to form a response to alleviate her annoyance.

On Kouji's side of things, the boy could never understand why his twin wasn't ever on his side. Why he was always against him. Why that stranger always seemed to rub him up the wrong way!

. . . Okay, Kouji appreciated that perhaps – just perhaps – he was being a tad extreme in his reactions and blowing things a little out of proportion. I mean, referring to his brother as a stranger? Yeah, maybe that was going a bit too far.

Kouji knew for certain that, in any case, his aggravation whenever Kouichi – he felt – criticized him (for desiring some respite via violence or something akin) was unwarranted, and, maybe – just maybe – he was feeling ever so aggravated because of some stupid –STUPID – occurrences at school.

You see, not long prior, Kouji had realised, with a start, that he missed Takuya. To coin the phrase from earlier – crazy, right? That's what the boy told himself, at least – that it was an absolutely CRAZY notion that he'd be missing his frie– AHEM – rival . . . Or something along those lines.

So, with the understanding that he sought CLOSURE via CONFRONTATION with his RIVAL, he asked his father, Yoshirou, if he could be transferred to Takuya's school in Meguro. When the adult enquired why, the boy claimed it to be for the reasons stated above. The senior didn't believe the boy, though, and asked if the latter wasn't sure it was because of some other reason, say, a girl.

Disgruntled, and unable to form an adequate – per Yoshirou's opinion – rejoinder, Kouji reluctantly disclosed the true reason why he sought to transfer schools – bear in mind, the transfer would be cheap, if not free, as long as a sufficient reason was given. A reason, that after at least a week of gruelling research, Kouji had come up with.

The moments immediately after the grand revelation, silence was prominent. The moments succeeding, shouting ensued.

Hours later, Kouji endeavoured soothing a sore spot on his abdomen. His father had not taken that well, and he wasn't sure why. I mean, his reasoning was perfectly innocent, and, to be honest, violence would have been wanton, whatever the reason! Kouji was therefore fairly upset, and rightfully so. The boy wasn't quite sure where to go from here, but he knew that he couldn't give in. He needed to find out why his father reacted so badly, for one.

The next day, Kouji endeavoured just that. The instant Yoshirou returned to the house, Kouji sought and cornered him, respectfully requesting answers. The older man laughed loudly and refused to offer any at first, but the youth wasn't having it. The interrogation seemed utterly fruitless until the interrogatee's wife entered the room, wondering what all the noise was about.

Kouji instantaneously offered a more than efficient explanation but the female refused to believe it. She uttered as follows, 'Yoshirou hit you? Ha! You're bluffing, boy!'

The aforementioned boy was shocked at the retort and attempted a reposition. 'N-No, it's . . . Can I please go to this school, father?'

Yoshirou was slow to respond, whilst his wife had a wickedly amused expression plastered on her countenance. '. . . As long as you're not one of them, then fine, I suppose – but ONLY if it's free.'

Kouji knew all too well what his senior meant by "them" and was outraged, but held it inside, as he didn't want to blow his chances of entering Takuya's school. He wasn't sure why his father had agreed all of a sudden, either, but knew there must be a catch – though, he was willing to do anything to be with Takuya. Even if–

'Yes, boy, pay me . . . hmm, how about ￥14000 a month. Then we'll see about your transfer. . . Yes, best get yourself a job, then, boy'.

Yoshirou's wife was quick to agree. With a haughty laugh, she affirmed, 'You're lucky. That is a rather mediocre price, boy.'

The one who held the Spirits of Light was fairly stunned by this, especially considering how young he was – his being so youthful would have a severely negative effect on his ability to work, but he would do anything just to be with Takuya.

Which is especially why he was shocked at the boy's eventual actions.

It started off well. The Legendary Warriors were all thrilled to see Kouji.

Apparently, they all already attended the school, or transferred recently – convenient, huh? Seriously, when did that happen, and why wasn't Kouji told?! Even his own flesh and blood didn't tell him!

Kouji was pleased to note that Takuya seemed especially happy to see him – though, that may have been his wishful thinking.

For the first month or so, all seemed good. Kouji had somehow secured a well-paid job, was on top of his rent and things were going well with Takuya. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh wait. That girl clinging onto Takuya's left arm. And that other girl attached to his right. And that one walking so close behind him that it looked as if she would wither if she was even a millimetre further away. That wasn't even the worst of it. Izumi – yes, Izumi – was the girl on Takuya's right arm, trying to shoo away the other two admirers.

To say that Kouji wasn't okay with this was the understatement of the year. I mean, girls fawning over what was his? As well as these three, there were dozens of fangirls scattered throughout the school halls. One particular group was holding up banners and the like saying "Taku-kun's Fan Club!", with a badly drawn picture of the boy's face in the centre of the words – of course, Kouji wouldn't say to their face that their drawing was bad – they looked about ready to murder anyone who stood close to Takuya, as it was.

Yes, this didn't bode well with Kouji. The boy decided to wait a little – and fight a little, if necessary – in other words, he was more than prepared to claim WHAT WAS HIS.

. . . And when did that happen? Takuya was just his fr– RIVAL, so why was Kouji feeling so unsettled and irritated to see him being fawned over and touched all over by invasive fangirls? And why was he feeling so possessive? There'd be no reason, surely?

For now, he'd would pass it off as something minor – certainly nothing to worry about. There was nothing in it for Takuya, anyway.

Or so he told himself. A month later, and nothing had changed. It's not like Kouji hadn't been trying, either. Each and every time he attempted talking to his friend, something interfered. Every. Single. Time.

He'd had just about enough of this. He'd take the next step to securing his affiliation with Takuya.

And that's how he found himself pinning the boy to the wall outside class, ignoring all the smug looks sent his way, saying how he needed to talk to him. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.

After a bit of struggling, Kouji recognised that the other boy wasn't especially comfortable in this position and was in fact protesting. After removing the dark-haired boy's arm from his shoulder, the brunette beseeched his friend to take this elsewhere – surely, they could discuss whatever needed to be there? – away from the public – and not in this incredibly uncomfortable position?

Kouji understood the need for change of positions – he himself hadn't realised he was holding his friend in such a way – they were fortunate they hadn't been found by a teacher or the like – but he didn't – couldn't understand why they couldn't discuss here, otherwise. One glance at Takuya's blush – incredibly cute blush – told him the answers he sought.

Sporting a furious blush of his own, Kouji endeavoured maintaining the anger he felt otherwise, and tugged the brunette with him, disregarding all protest.

Eventually they reached what Takuya insisted to be the quietest place in school. He insisted there'd be no-one else around, so brought them to the maths corridor.

Kouji was stunned at this decision. He was quite aware that Takuya wasn't the biggest fan of the subject – he wasn't, either – but knew where to draw the line. Tugging Takuya by the arm, he took them to a courtyard in the school which he was fairly certain few people knew about – he hoped that was the case, at least. He didn't want to be interrupted, after all.

Now that he had his friend where he wanted him, Kouji felt he should say something. He just wasn't sure what.

Fortunately, Takuya was kind enough to start off the conversation.

'. . . Kouji, what? Seriously, you make me come here and you aren't even saying anything? Man, I bet my fangirls will be furious–'

At least that gave Kouji a place to start. He exclaimed furiously, 'Your "fangirls"?! Why would you care what they think? You're your own person!'

Takuya was quick to respond. 'Precisely. That's why I don't appreciate being dragged out here. Besides, what's that about my fangirls? Kouji, are you–'

'No! I just feel you should be – I mean, I transferred to this school just to be with you! The least you could do is give me some of your time! Honestly, that's all I ask . . .'

Takuya replied slowly, 'Well, at least I know what this is about now . . .'

With this utterance, he moved from where he was situated – standing in a way that his eyes would meet his friend's – to lean against the door, to ensure nobody else could enter this area. He knew this was serious, if the seemingly emotionless Kouji appearing to be so down-crest told him anything. 'So, what do you want to do, Kouji?'

Kouji cursed as he felt a tear streak down his face. 'J-Just acknowledge me– No. Just . . . I'm doing a lot just to be in this school, Takuya, and I honestly don't know how I'm surviving. The least you could do is spend time with– EURGH, why do you make me feel this way?!'

Takuya felt extreme unease at this. He didn't understand why Kouji was acting this way – unless . . . What exactly was Kouji doing to be at this school? And perhaps he finally–

'I'll give it a month, Takuya. No longer. You may think I'm being extreme, but I'm unused to allowing anyone to get so close, really . . . I'll see you in class.

With this statement, Kouji gently pushed Takuya to the side, brushing away stray moisture from his face, and walked through the door leading to the school's main body.

In the minutes succeeding Kouji's departure, the holder of the Spirits of Flame stood still. He didn't know what to make of what just happened.

Not aware of how long passed with him just standing there, Takuya eventually recognised that he needed to make a move – any move . . . Like getting to his next class – one shared with the one he was talking to just prior. He was already ten minutes late, so he could be quite certain that his teacher was going to be very angry.

Kouji sat in class, not really listening, instead choosing to berate himself internally. He was greatly annoyed that whatever he felt towards Takuya was affecting him in this way. And speaking of the boy, he was fashionably late, having only now arrived at the lesson. He had practically jumped through the door and was apologising profusely to the teacher for his being so late.

Apparently, the boy really did consider this teacher some sort of demon. The teacher shushed the brunette and ordered him to sit, so they could proceed with the lesson. As Takuya passed Kouji, he whispered, 'I'm sorry, Kouj– K-Kou-chan. I'm so sorry.'

Needless to say, Kouji couldn't concentrate for the rest of the class.

Half a month later, all seemed to be OK . . . Seemed to be. Kouji cursed his pessimism in this scenario. In any case, the aforementioned boy and Takuya were talking – quite frequently at that – ranging anywhere from simple greetings to intense discussions. Takuya wasn't neglecting his fan club, either. Kouji wasn't too sure how to feel about him giving them so much attention but decided that what he had with the other made it slightly more bearable. That is until Izumi, several other fangirls and the president of "Taku-kun's Fan Club!" decided to confront him. Kouji struggled to offer any form of rejoinder to this confrontation, and he especially struggled with Izumi – someone he considered a friend. The majority of the fans didn't like his being silent and made it known, but Izumi halted them in their aggression and told them to back down. They did, and the Warrior of Wind appeared to look rather dejected, Kouji couldn't help but notice. They exchanged brief eye contact, and then she walked away. The boy made a note to talk to her later. That was the plan.

The plan that failed. Practically skipping to where he had been so rudely interrupted from eating lunch with Takuya, Kouji was deep in thought, hoping that all would remain OK. He retained this hope until he rounded the last corner separating him from his friend.

Turning the corner, Kouji was unsettled to see – what – 5 girls in Takuya's lap – somehow – and the boy petting their heads and whispering sweet nothings. The Warrior of Light stopped in his tracks, mouth agape. Furious thoughts entered his mind, including, 'Takuya swore he wouldn't do that anymore!'

Succeeding this mental exclamation was a more logical thought. One that realised, with dismay, that, actually, no, Takuya hadn't sworn that.

OK, so Kouji recognised that his friend hadn't made any promises. That didn't stop him from feeling so unsettled, though.

The following day – Kouji ultimately decided to leave his friend be, and eat lunch elsewhere – Takuya didn't seem to notice – Kouji confronted Takuya about what happened to him.

Takuya turned from where he had been addressing one of his many admirers and asked softly, 'Yes, Kou-chan?'

'. . . Seriously? You ignore me and then address me as such? You're twisted. And, yes, I am not happy. I thought you would change how you acted around me?'

'Sure . . . To an extent.' Takuya grumbled.

And that's how life was for the next few weeks. Kouji tried ever so hard to persevere, but, ultimately decided he'd had enough. After a full day of studying and watching Takuya flirt with various girls, Kouji made his choice. One he may later regret, but one he would have to live with. On his way out of the school gates that day, he whispered sullenly, 'Goodbye.'

From that day onwards, Kouji focused solely on doing odd jobs here and there; anything to pay unjust rent. Sure, it was cheap for rent, but he was twelve! The year since the Legendary Warriors' adventures in the Digital World was surprisingly eventful for him; in a sense, at least.

He was surprised he was able to secure any job, considering his age. But, he did, though it was hard work. Alongside his odd jobs, Kouji had set up a small business; just selling soft drinks, but still.

At some point, Kouichi contacted his brother – being the only member of the Legendary Warriors to have his number. He questioned where Kouji had disappeared to, and appeared to be quite worried. Kouji was touched by this, but adamantly refused to return to school. And, yes, per Yoshirou's beliefs, the boy had simply devoted his time to working – it's not like he would care if he had any form of basic education.

Kouji did care for this, however – he didn't want to wreck his life – so, he started taking a course of sorts in order to acquire some kind of qualifications. Juggling this and work, was a feat, but one that he managed.

Back to the contact with Kouichi, Kouji did ask his brother for any news of their mother, any news regarding any possible vacancies – general updates for him, now. The holder of the Spirits of Darkness informed his twin that their biological mother was faring (thankfully) reasonably well, though was confused as to why he was asking about work.

'May I ask why you are enquiring about this, brother?'

'It's– Just tell me, please. Please. I need to know, OK?' Kouji couldn't help but offer a pleading rejoinder.

Kouichi reluctantly told his brother about a small business – a lemonade stand, in fact – that a friend was running. He said they were looking for any available staff on the weekends, but that the pay was minimal, consisting of only ￥2,114 a week. Kouji sighed.

'I mean, that's something, but I need something more. Anything else?'

And, so, Kouichi even more reluctantly informed his brother that the company their mother presently worked for was looking for a cleaner, and they paid reasonably well.

'I'll ask again: why exactly are you looking for work? And is there truly no chance you'll come back to school?'

Kouji deigned no answer, and simply muttered a thanks, before hanging up. He then resolved to contact his mother. There was much work to do.

Half a year later, and Kouji was excelling at both his studies and work. He was passing each of his online courses with flying colours and earning quite some yen alongside this. He didn't know quite how he was managing this, but definitely wasn't complaining. The sole downside was he couldn't seem to get a certain brunette off his mind. He thought this to be frivolous, considering his situation otherwise, but that didn't seem to stop stray thoughts. He found himself wondering how Takuya was faring and, with much subdued hostility, if his fellow Warrior was still ushering on his fangirls. Even Izumi. Though, he hoped she had changed for the better.

Either way, he held no hope for his affiliation with Takuya, refusing to consider that his brother still attended the same school as him. He supposed, despite all of their adventures together in the Digital World, the holder of the Spirits of Flame had forgotten about him. He would have contacted him through his brother otherwise, surely?

Since leaving Takuya's school, Kouji found the boy more and more on his mind. First, it was just wondering how his friend was faring. That didn't take long to change, however. It was soon regarding what he was doing, and, then, if the boy ever thought of him. If Kouji was at all important in his life.

With trepidation, Kouji realised the following: he was in love with Takuya. Or, at least, he could be. That could be the only explanation for how the boy was constantly on his mind, how restless his interactions with fangirls and the like made him feel, how much he yearned to be in the boy's presence; you name it! There was no other explanation. Or, at least, not one he could glean. He was in love with his once-rival, then-ally. His friend, his compatriot, his–

'Boy? Just how long do you plan on being seated there? Boy? BOY!'

Kouji looked up from where he had been lost in thought to see a very red-faced Yoshirou bearing a clenched fist.

Kouji muttered with fear, 'Oh, crap.'

A few months later, and Kouji was moderately enjoying his job as a cleaner at his mother's place of work. That was destined to change, of course.

He woke one morning, with a strong desire to clean anything in sight – to rid any surface of dust, for one. With this mindset, he headed to work, ever so ready to tackle the day ahead of him. The first couple of hours were blissful – he arrived earlier than the main work party, you see? In order to clean anything and everything before they arrived. This meant he wouldn't accidentally see his mother, who may question him on his motives. His shift for today was a short one – only four hours – so, it was half done already. The remaining two hours went mostly without any hitches – other than a man bothering him at every interval possible – with the main work force arriving in the last half-an-hour of Kouji's shift.

He groaned at this, and did his best to avoid his mother. Whilst it ordinarily wouldn't be absolutely awful to see her, it could be a lot worse now he wasn't in the same school as his brother, and she did want them to have a strong brotherhood. He hadn't told her that rather than going to a school, he was taking an online course, he was sure Kouichi had informed her of some such. Either way, Kouji didn't fear his mother too much; more, his brother, so was grateful that he never had to see him.

When the Legendary Warrior was forced to walk through the main work room, in order to fetch a few more supplies for his last half-an-hour of work, he was stopped by his mother.

'Hello, Kouji! How have you been? It's been a while–'

'Yes. Fine,' Kouji retorted.

'Well . . . OK, then,' his mother sighed. 'In any case, I have a visitor for you. He is off sick from school today, so wanted to come in and see you.'

Kouji gasped. 'You don't mean–'

'Hello, brother.'

Kouji took an involuntary step back, not at all pleased to see Kouichi. He immediately recommenced walking towards the supply room, but his brother held out an arm to stop him.

'And where do you think you're going?'

Kouji bristled, clenching his teeth. His hand formed a fist. One could very much tell he wasn't happy. He gritted out, 'I'm finishing up work. Now, if you'll excuse me.'

Kouichi sighed, then suddenly threw his arms around Kouji. The latter was hesitant, but ultimately couldn't help but reciprocate the hug.

'I-I've missed you, Kouji.' Kouichi could barely form the words. He gripped his brother even more tightly, but a hiss of pain caused him to loosen his grip. He chuckled nervously, and stepped back.

'We all miss you; Takuya, especially. He continuously wonders where you've gone, you know? I would tell him, if I didn't respect your wishes. I do think his feelings here are important, but you're my kin, at the end of the day.'

Kouji had a single response to that. A simple declarative: 'Takuya doesn't miss me.'

'H-He's been going crazy worrying about you! He–'

'–Is spending all of his waking hours with his beloved fangirl groupies and couldn't care less as to my wellbeing.'

The boys argued back and forth for a while, but Kouichi finally submitted and Kouji grinned in victory. He then nudged his brother to the side and held up his hand in farewell, steaming towards the supply room. Suddenly, his watch alarm sounded in his pocket – he couldn't wear it on shift – causing him to jump. If it had gone off, that would mean his shift had just finished. Just perfect. He could have done with the de-stressing that came with cleaning. Alas.

Now, to head back to his abode – albeit an unfortunate one – for a brief rest, and then to his next job of the day – cleaning the garage. Yoshirou did sometimes – not often, but still sometimes – allow the boy to do menial tasks around the house and shave off a tad of his monthly rent for it. Kouji would up and move out already, had he been older. Once more: alas. He had been saying that a lot as of late.

Later that evening, after a gruelling day of various tasks and chores, Kouji was finally done for the day. Now, he could recuperate and prepare for the work of the following day. How fun his life had become. A slam sounded and Kouji groaned. That must mean Yoshirou was back from whatever he'd been up to in the day. The Legendary Warrior knew that if he didn't go down to greet the man, he'd be due to be yelled at. Oh, and he was sure, Yoshirou would find something wrong with his work with the garage.

Kouji traversed to the ground floor and then to the living room – well, he stopped outside the door, too shocked to move any further. Yoshirou was . . . squealing? OK, not squealing, but, certainly making some odd noises. Kouji peered further into the room and let out an ever so light gasp when he saw was on the television screen: some BL movie. My Sweet Student Boy to be exact. Yes. Kouji had seen it. Loved it, even. So, the fact that Yoshirou was watching it; giggling, no less? Yeah, something wasn't right here.

Kouji edged the door open, and it made a slight squeaking sound. Yoshirou visibly shuddered and changed the channel to some news broadcaster.

'Boy. The garage's cleanliness was not at all pleasing. Do it again.'

'But . . . Weren't you just having a little enjoyment with some Boy's Love movie?' Not a great counter point, but, to say Kouji was sick of his lifestyle was to understate. Day after day of gruelling work, nothing to look forward to; generally, simply the unjust rent! And, then there was the fear that Yoshirou would come home in a particularly bad mood and use Kouji as his personal punching bag – which wasn't uncommon. He never seemed to have a good day.

Yoshirou yelled, 'Why would I enjoy such a disgusting and unnatural thing such as two males kissing?!'

Kouji couldn't help but scowl. ''S nothing wrong with it. It's just love.'

'Love that shouldn't be.'

Kouji didn't know why he was even bothering to disagree with the vile man situated in front of him. He knew that he would say whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, no matter how unjust or amoral.

'Whatever you say, father . . .'

Perhaps his father would change at some point. Kouji sure didn't think he would. Now, to re-clean the garage. Hopefully, this time to Yoshirou's pleasing – however impossible to gain. Joy, oh, joy . . .

Hope you enjoyed!

See you in the next chapter!

Why social services aren't brought into this: Kouji signed a form to leave Takuya's school (he forged his father's signature), and then signed another to issue home-schooling (he's good at forging signatures, it seems!).