Disclaimer: The muses would like to remind everyone that Angel Spirit doesn't own Digimon…just the plot line for this story.

Author's Notes: huggles all reviewers You guys are really just too awesome…and I want to thank everyone for putting their two cents in on the direction that they want this chapter (and maybe the next chapter) to go. Everyone really seemed to like all the memories and stuff that went on in the last chapter, so I decided to go ahead and put a few more in. That's the only hint that I'm giving away here at the moment. The reason why it took me so long to get this chapter out was because I was debating about a few things that were going to happen-and I want to thank Sailor Epyon for being my wonderful listener and helping me out when I felt stuck! (This chapter is dedicated to you btw-surprise!) And some of you might notice that I'm finally spelling Koucihi's name right…heh…took me long enough, lol! So yeah…I might end up going back (in this fic at least) and correcting his name from Koichi to Kouichi-the way it's supposed to be spelled. I think just seeing it written as Kouichi while I'm chatting with people online helped quite a bit…Anyway, that's all I pretty much have to say here-save for the fact that there are lyrics used with this chapter, but I'm almost positive that everyone who's reading this has probably heard this song and love it as much as I do. (winks) Which, means that I should also admit that the song lyrics don't belong to me as well…(grins)

Oh…and if anyone notices any spelling errors, let me know, will you? I think I managed to catch them all…but still…

Rating: PG13

Warning: This fic is really angst driven and will contain lots of yaoi…I suggest that if you don't like male/male pairings then you should hit that wonderful back button at the top left of your screen.

Pairings: Takuya/Kouji, with hints of Koichi/Izumi/Junpei triangle (and lots of the fun Kouichi/Kouji brotherly love!)

Time Setting: Six months after they return from the Digital World

Confessions

Author: Angel Spirit

Chapter IV: Bring Me To Life

How can you see into my eyes?

Like open doors?

Leading you down into my core

Where I've become so numb

It had been a very long two weeks, and every single day found Takuya sitting beside Kouji's bedside. Sometimes it was with Kouichi, other times it was just himself.

And when it was just himself, he'd hold Kouji's hand and continue to replay memories, or tell Kouji things that had recently been happening. Like how he'd recently noticed that Izumi seemed to be caught in a love bind between Junpei…and surprisingly Kouichi.

"But I don't think you'd really believe it Kouji unless if you saw it with your own eyes. I don't think that I would've seen it coming…I mean, we all knew how Junpei felt about Izumi. But, for Izumi to have developed feelings for Kouichi and vice a versa?" Takuya shook his head, allowing a soft smile to grace his features.

"Actually, you know I think I really could see them together. Junpei would probably be heartbroken of course, but Kouichi and Izumi would look really cute as a couple. It'll be interesting to see what happens with that, neh? Ah…come on Kouji, you need to wake up. You know, I'm getting really tired of having one way conversations? I know you can hear me! Please Kouji…" It wouldn't have been the first time that Takuya begged his crush to waken…and not get a response.

A part of Takuya wondered how Kouji would react to everything once he was fully awake and aware of what was going on around him. Someone had to tell him about his father and stepmother. They were holding off the funeral until Kouji woke up, so that way he could attend it. The twin's mother had been taking care of everything, debating whether or not to sell the house that the Minomoto's had lived in and move Kouji in with her and Koichi. Eventually Takuya had the feeling that it was what Ms. Kinmura was going to do. There really wasn't much point in keeping the house…Kouji might not want to return to it once he found out what was going on while he'd been asleep for so long.

"Two weeks…it's been two weeks Kouji, and it feels like an eternity to me." Takuya whispered, brushing back dark locks of hair that had fallen into Kouji's face at one point as he continued to hold onto Kouji's hand.

Without a soul

My spirit sleeping somewhere cold

Until you find it there And lead it back home

Kouichi had gone home with the twin's mother when her shift had ended, saying that they needed to talk about things-and that he was going to try and possibly catch up on the homework that was starting to pile up on him. Takuya sighed, knowing that Kouichi wasn't the only one who's grades were suffering. He himself hadn't been focusing much on his classes at school either. Luckily for the both of them, their teachers knew about the accident and Kouji…and were rather lenient with them. For the moment anyway-Takuya wondered just how long that leniency was going to last though.

"You know school's just not the same without you? Oh…did I tell you that Kitty hooked back up with that football star freak who tried to beat me up that afternoon? I wasn't at all surprised by that one! Bitch. She still threatens me every once in awhile-as if. I could take her down any day." Takuya murmured, and smiled a little more as he knew that it was true. And he had the feeling that Kouji would agree with him-as well as help him take down the girl himself. Oh, sure Takuya had grown up knowing that it wasn't right to hit girls and to always treat them with respect-but as far as Takuya was concerned, Kitty Yin had just earned herself a trip to hell. She hadn't even seemed the least bit saddened when she had found out about the accident.

"She was probably the only person in school who didn't seem to be overly upset about what had happened Kouji…" Takuya murmured, sighing as he remembered what had happened the day he'd gone back to school…

It had been nearly about mid-week (a few days after the horrible accident) when Takuya and Kouichi had finally both gone back to school. One of the biggest things that they'd feared about, was how to tell everyone what had happened…why they'd skipped a few days earlier in the week.

As it turned out for them…someone had already informed the school what had happened-and rumors had been flying around the school since Monday.

But when Takuya and Kouichi had both walked into the school building, an eerie silence greeted them as all whispering and chatter stopped the second the doors had closed behind them with a soft thud. Stares seem to follow them as Takuya and Kouichi headed for Takuya's locker-it was the first one. They'd agreed earlier that morning when the twin's mother had gone to pick up Takuya for school, that they'd stick together throughout the day, not knowing what to expect.

They hadn't been expecting what was going on now however. Kouichi bit softly down on his lower lip and lowered his eyes to the ground as Takuya also avoided any and all eye contact with their peers. There was something about the way that everyone was staring at them, that made Takuya feel very uneasy.

It really started shortly after they'd finally gotten to Takuya's locker and he'd started dialing his locker combination to get into it so he could grab the books he'd need for the day. One of his soccer teammates-Lan-came up and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, his bright blue eyes filled with sorrow and remorse.

"Takuya…I know I don't know the whole story of what's going on, but I'm sorry that any of it is even happening. I just thought I'd catch you first and warn you that the rumors around here have gotten way out of hand and eventually you and Kouichi are going to get asked tons of questions as to what's true and what's not true. If you or Kouichi need any help at all today, let me and the other guys know, okay?" Takuya gave Lan a soft smile and nodded as he finished up and closed his bag as well as his locker, and slung a strap of his bag over his shoulder.

"Thanks Lan-I mean it." Lan nodded, and started walking with them toward Kouichi's locker, glaring every once in awhile at someone who'd open their mouths, looking like they were going to start causing trouble. Takuya shook his head and smirked a little bit. Lan was a good friend-an overprotective friend sometimes, sure, but a good friend none the less.

"The guys are wondering if there's going to be any soccer practice at all this week-Takuya, we completely understand if you don't want to have it." Takuya sighed. So there had been something that Lan had wanted after all. Sharing a quick glance with Kouichi as they arrived at the dark teens locker, Takuya sighed and shook his head, finally meeting Lan's bright blue eyes once more.

"I-I'm sorry Lan, I know I'm captain and everything, but…with all that's going on…" Biting on his lower lip, as it had started to tremble again, Takuya saw Lan shake his head as he put a comforting hand on his shoulder once more and gave it a light squeeze.

"Hey dude, no problem-like I said, we know at least a little bit of what's going on." Takuya nodded and Kouichi sighed as he finished up and suddenly slammed his locker-getting fed up with some of the looks he was getting as people were passing them.

"I know the team needs to practice-Lan, why don't you go ahead and hold practices until I can make a come back okay?" Slightly surprised by Takuya's sudden offer, Lan nodded.

"Uh-sure Takuya, I-" He started, but didn't get a chance to finish as they were interrupted by Kouichi.

"Lan, just what is going on around here?!? Everyone's looking at me like they've seen a ghost-or-or-"

"Like someone died." Takuya finished off, and both of them turned to stare at Lan, who shifted a bit, looking uncomfortable.

"Look, guys-none of you were really here to clear up anything that was going on. We didn't really know that much except that there was a really bad car accident last Friday night that your twin was involved in Kouichi. Rumors have started flying around ever since." Lan said with a sigh as he glared at a small group of girls who were giving Kouichi sympathetic looks. Kouichi shook his head, ignoring them all.

"I'm starting to wish that I hadn't come to school today-this is already driving me crazy Lan, what do they all think happened?!?" Lan sighed again, knowing that it would probably be better if the two of them found out now, then later from someone else.

"The main rumor…the main rumor is that your brother died in the car accident along with everyone else Kouichi. But several other members of our class believe that that is wrong and that he is still alive…but not doing so good. We were all kind of hoping that when you guys would get back, that things would be cleared up-" Lan was interrupted again when Izumi marched up to them, dragging along with her a furious looking Junpei. Izumi looked equally angry.

"You guys won't believe some of the stuff that we've heard this morning so far! Who would do such a horrible thing as to start some of the nasty rumors that have been going on around here?!?" Izumi's irritated statement caused Lan to look away and shift uncomfortably again.

"Like the rumor that Kouji's dead and six feet under?" Kouichi whispered quietly, paling a bit as Izumi gave him a soft look of concern and put her arm around her shoulder, drawing him close. Kouichi welcomed the comforting gesture.

"Yeah-like that one." Izumi finished off softly, and Lan growled low in his throat as a certain dark haired blonde walked past them, her head up high like she was better then everyone else-the captain of the football team following her like a little puppy dog like he did every morning. Lan hadn't been the only one to see her-Takuya had also.

"She makes me sick." Takuya muttered, and Lan nodded in agreement.

"That she does-and I can also safely say that I know for a fact that she's one of the few who's started the rumors around here about what happened. She came in here Monday morning on her high horse claiming very loudly that Kouji was dead with the rest of his family because of a car accident on Friday night-she claimed that it happened because Kouji cursed himself since he wouldn't go out with her, and had made a fool out of her by kissing you Takuya, in front of the whole school." Lan knew that they'd find out sometime-once again, it was all only a matter of time. He just wasn't expecting the response that he was getting from the small group of friends.

Izumi looked furious. Her blue eyes were narrowed, and the glare of hatred was sent in Kitty Yin's direction, whose locker was at the end of the hall-and as usual, she was surrounded by her infamous followers. Izumi's right hand was clenched into a tight ball, looking like she was ready to hit something-or someone-as her other arm tightened it's grip around Kouichi's shoulders. Junpei also didn't look very happy, and was muttering something underneath his breath about wanting to use Kitty in one of his next magic tricks-one that would make her disappear and never come back. The reactions that really frightened Lan though, were coming from Kouichi and Takuya themselves. Takuya was physically shaking with anger, his dark brown eyes looked like they were filled with fire and it seemed as though it was taking every ounce of his willpower to not go over to Kitty and deck her-Kouichi seemed to have taken the news just the opposite of the rest of his friends. He was ever so quiet…his dark blue gray eyes holding a far away look in them and he seemed to look like he just really didn't want to be there right then.

"Kouichi? Are you okay?" Lan asked quietly and Kouichi only shook his head.

"My offer with the soccer team backing you guys up still stands. Seriously Kouchi, just let us know if anyone bothers you and we'll-"

"You'll do what Mr. 'I don't know how to hit a soccer ball into the net?'" An all too familiar voice interrupted Lan and he whirled to find himself facing the one and only girl in the school who he knew could carry out the name of 'bitch' so well.

"Kitty-if I were you I'd leave…and leave now. Can't you see how upsetting this is to everyone? Especially to Takuya and Kouichi? Give them a break Kitty, and go to your class-now." A few of the football team members were silent, while the other's all laughed-including Kitty.

"It just goes to show you what happens when someone says no to Kitty Yin." She started to say, and gasped when Takuya looked up and glared at her…the fiery look in his eyes actually scared her-and at the moment, he looked scarier then Kouji did on some days.

"Shut up." Kitty only chuckled and shook her head.

"Now, now…Takuya didn't your mother ever teach you how to talk to a lady and respect her as well?" Izumi gagged and Kitty glared at her.

"Not like you don't know much about being a lady Orimoto, hanging out with your little so-called friends." She snarled, and Izumi snapped as she stood her full height and marched right up to Kitty despite the protests that both Junpei and Kouichi were giving her.

"If I were you, you little bitch, I'd take that back! I know every bit about being a lady as you do! And even if I don't, I make a better friend then you do any given day! You're nothing but a self-centered bitch who thinks that everyone should gravel at her feet and when you don't get what you want, you whine and complain about it until you do! I know Kouji pissed you off when he had told you no so many times that he didn't want to date you! You should've taken his first no as an answer and left it be instead of having to continue pestering him! It's why he felt like he had to kiss Takuya in front of the whole school-even if it meant letting everyone else know that he was gay, at least it would mean that you could go back to being the football captain's bitch!" The smacking sound that came from the slap that Kitty had given Izumi echoed off the walls. Izumi groaned as she held her hand to her cheek-she hadn't thought that someone as dainty looking as Kitty Yin could slap so hard. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she glared up at Kitty and was debating about whether or not she wanted to hit her back, when someone beat her to it.

The next thing that Izumi was seeing, was Kitty Yin lying on her back, sprawled out on the floor with her hands covering her nose.

"No one, and I mean NO one, hits my friends! Got that Yin?" Izumi's gaze was turned to a seething Takuya, who was wiping blood off of his knuckles and onto his khaki pants as Kouichi looked like he was trying to stop him from hitting someone else.

"I'm going to have a black and blue nose for homecoming now…I think it's broken!" Kitty groaned as her boyfriend helped her up and glared at the five friends standing there.

"It had better not be broken-for your sake Kanbara, or else." He threatened, and Lan-as well as Kouichi-stood in front of Takuya.

"Or else what Mr. Big shot football captain? The soccer team can take on you and the rest of the little football playing wimps any day! And the sad thing is, is that you know it's true! So get lost and take your bitchy blonde friend with you too." Lan muttered, crossing his arms over each other as everyone suddenly started to scatter, and the rest of the football team made a mad dash as well, so that way Lan, Takuya, Kouichi, Izumi, and Junpei could see the principal coming up-looking not so happy that there had been a fight in the school's hallway.

"What in the devil is going on here?!?" All five of them cringed, and prepared for the worst.

Takuya chuckled and shook his head as he continued to hold onto Kouji's hand.

"As it was, we didn't really get into that much trouble-just a warning. And we also let the principal know exactly what happened to you and she put a stop to the rumors with an announcement that morning. However, the rest of that school day was still torture…as well as the rest of the days for this week. If any good is coming out of this Kouji it's the fact that Kouichi and I are getting to know each other a little bit better each day. He's not so mysterious to me anymore. I can see a lot of differences between the two of you-and yet, at the same time you guys are also similar in a few ways as well." Takuya sighed and reached out to brush back another strand of hair that had somehow fallen out of Kouj's loose ponytail as he sat back and allowed himself to be submersed into his thoughts.

Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Shinya was over at Tomoki's-the two had been spending a little bit more time together the past week as Takuya would often head over to the hospital after school to be with Kouji…and as Takuya's and Shinya's mother wasn't fond of Shinya staying by himself after school was let out while Takuya was with Kouji, it was decided that Shinya would stay over at Tomoki's place until their mother got off of work and picked him up to take him home. A couple of times that week before going home, Takuya's mother had actually stopped by with Shinya to make sure that things were okay.

Though Takuya had the feeling that Shinya really didn't mind spending as much time with Tomoki as he had been…the two of them were becoming closer together then they had before, when Takuya had introduced the two shortly after their adventure in the Digital World, thinking that they'd get along together perfectly. He had been more than right in that fact-as Tomoki and Shinya had discovered that they had had quite a bit in common. Now, whenever Takuya saw Shinya these days, he was always greeted with 'hanging out with Tomoki is so awesome! Wanna know what we did today?' It was kind of cute really.

Sighing, Takuya glanced up at the clock on the wall and realized with dismay that it was getting late. Normal visiting hours had ended long ago, but the nurses made an exception for him and allowed him to stay longer. Takuya had the feeling that it was because of the twin's mother…but, it was nearing that time where a nurse would come in and tell Takuya that he'd have to leave for the night.

Softly biting down on his lower lip, Takuya bent forward a little bit and rested his head on Kouji's chest. For some reason it was a great comfort to him to know that Kouji was still breathing…even though the heart monitor still beeped solidly.

Now that I know what I'm without

You can't just leave me

Breathe into me and make me real

Bring me to life

"I'm going to have to go real soon Kouji…you know those nurses…it's almost nearing that time. I was really hoping that you'd wake up tonight. I…I miss seeing your blue eyes…you know, they aren't really blue? They're more like a dark blue, with hints of gray in them. They're kind of like your mom's actually. Did I ever tell you that you look more like your mom then Kouichi does? Kouichi's eyes are a bit lighter than yours and your mother's eyes. If you two had been truly identical, it would probably be the only way that I'd be able to tell you two apart." Now Takuya knew he was rambling, as he often tended to do. But it couldn't be helped…holding one way conversations could do that to you.

Hearing the door open behind him, Takuya sighed. It was time to go. He looked over his shoulder and nodded at the nurse who had come to get him, and started to tell her that he knew what time it was…when he realized that the nurse was none other than Judy. It was the first time within the past couple of weeks that the elderly blonde woman had come to retrieve him from Kouji's room. She smiled warmly at him, but there was still a clear look of worry and concern laced in her dark blue green eyes.

"He still hasn't woken, has he?" She murmured softly, closing the door behind her as she came to stand next to him. Takuya shook his head and squeezed Kouji's hand a bit tighter.

"No, he hasn't. I just wish…you know, that he would…I miss him. And it's only been a week…I don't think I could stand it if…if…" Takuya sighed again, not wanting to finish the sentence, and Judy nodded, understanding.

"I'm supposed to tell you that you need to leave now. As it's getting late-almost ten." She said, that smile of apology on her face, like the one all the other nurses held when they came to tell him this. Takuya nodded and started to stand, his hand still laced with Kouji's when he felt the nurse put her hand onto his shoulder and gently push him down.

"But that's what I'm supposed to do. You can stay awhile longer if you like, as I'm the nurse on duty. You'll find out that some of the nurses here are more lenient then others, while some stay strictly with the rules held over their heads. And as it is a Friday night, I don't think that it would hurt if you stayed awhile longer…as long as you call your mother." Takuya gave Judy a small grin of thanks.

"I'll call her…now actually, I think I need to stand up for a few minutes-I do believe that my butt has fallen asleep…" Judy chuckled and motioned toward the door that she had started to open.

"Then follow me, I know a phone real close so you can call your mom and slip right back in here." She said, and Takuya nodded as he stood squeezing Kouji's hand.

"We lucked out tonight Kouji…Judy…that nice nurse I've told you about-she's allowing me to stay a bit later. I'll be right back, I promise. I've just got to call my mom and let her know that I'm going to stay awhile longer." He was about to let go of Kouji's hand and follow Judy out of the room when something stopped him from doing so, and his eyes opened wide with startled surprise.

Kouji wouldn't let go of his hand.

Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before i come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Bring me to life

Glancing down at him, Takuya cried out when he saw that Kouji's eyes were slowly opening…and looking like he was in some kind of daze.

Noticing that Takuya hadn't followed her out of the room, Judy turned and went back in to see what was keeping him. And was quite shocked herself to see that Takuya was trying his hardest to keep from breaking down into tears-but this time, she knew that they were tears of relief and not sorrow. She had to admit that Takuya had been right-Kouji did have miraculous looking eyes…as she had overheard him telling Kouji earlier, before coming into retrieve the brunette.

"Kouji?!" Swallowing hard, the dark haired teen nodded, as Takuya practically threw himself at him while he enveloped the slightly older boy into a big hug.

"Oh my god, oh my god…" Kouji, not quite able to focus around him quite yet, and still plenty confused as to what was going on around him only managed to somehow wrap his own arms around Takuya's quivering body. Wondering just what it was that had scared the brunette so badly.

"T-Takuya?" He breathed out, wincing at the sound of his voice as it felt dry and sounded raw and unused.

"Kouji…you're finally awake…" Takuya murmured, not noticing that Judy had left to go and find a doctor-and to call the twin's mother to tell her and Kouichi what was going on.

"W-what…happened?" Managing to release his hold, Takuya was a bit startled when he heard Kouji's scratchy voice. Giving his crush a small smile of encouragement, he reached over to where a water pitcher was on the bedside table and filled a glass.

Kouji drank greedily, not realizing how thirsty he had been, and the cool water helped soothe his irritated throat. Licking his dry lips, he saw that Takuya was now sitting on the edge of his bed instead of the chair that was next to his bed-now abandoned and forgotten.

Frozen inside without your touch without your love

Darling only you are the life among the dead

Takuya hadn't forgotten about Kouji's question…as he helped Kouji hold onto the glass while he drank, he pondered over what to tell him. He really didn't want to be the one to tell Kouji about the accident…and…everything else that happened thereafter. That…that his father and his stepmother were now gone. It looked rather obvious that Kouji's memory was a bit fuzzy-and he wasn't sure what had happened or why he was here.

But Takuya was spared having to answer Kouji's question, as Judy came back with a doctor shortly after Kouji had finished the glass of water. They had entered right after Takuya had placed the glass back onto the table it had come from.

"Mr. Minomoto…it is good to see you awake. You were scaring quite a few people there for awhile." Kouji raised an eyebrow at Takuya, who only shook his head gently-an indication that he'd obvious explain what the doctor meant later.

"Your mother and your twin have been called and are on there way down here as we speak. I should let you know that your friend here has sat by your side non stop for the past several days…it's not everyday to have such loyalty in a companion." As the doctor was talking, he'd quickly examined Kouji and nodded to himself before he said something to Judy and moved to head out of the room.

"I'll come and check up on you again when your family gets here. In the meantime continue to rest and take it easy…I'm sure Takuya here, will make sure that you do so." Nodding, at the doctor as he left the room, Kouji allowed his eyes to wander from the nurse's, to Takuya's…and he suddenly remembered something that the doctor had said just a few seconds ago, that had kind of spooked him.

"Takuya…what day is it?" He didn't know why he'd asked that. But something told him that it was not the same day when…when…whatever it was had happened.

"It's Friday…it's been two weeks since…since…you were brought here Kouji." Takuya murmured, not being able to bring himself to tell his best friend the missing pieces of his memory. He heard Kouji groan softly and Takuya was instantly alert, holding him close as though he could protect him from anything.

"What is it?" He asked soothingly, and when Kouji looked into his dark brown eyes he could see pain and confusion in there.

"What am I doing here Takuya? Why can't I remember…why?" He whispered, and Takuya sighed as he hugged him close again-both boys savoring the comforting presence of one another.

"I-I don't think that I should be the one to tell you what happened Kouji. I…I don't think it's my place. I think we should wait until your mother and Kouichi come." This statement from the brunette, who Kouji had come to trust so much-caused his eyebrows to furrow in a look of puzzlement.

"I don't understand Takuya…I mean, I can understand why my mother and Kouichi are coming, as they are my family. But what about my father and Satomi? Are they here?" Takuya let out a breath that he didn't know he'd been holding, and only hugged Kouji closer to him.

"Things will…I mean, everything will be explained…in awhile Kouji…you just woke up…" Kouji for all of his life couldn't understand why it was that Takuya wasn't answering his questions. And he closed his eyes tightly as he tried to remember for the life of him what had happened…but for some reason he couldn't. It was like a door had shut, and locked some of his memories away. The only thing he remembered was calling Takuya that night, and agreeing to go over and see him. He'd been quite happy too, because Takuya hadn't seem disgusted with him at all that he'd kissed him earlier that same day with practically half of the school watching them…

But he couldn't remember anything after that.

All this time I can't believe I couldn't see,

Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me

I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems

Got to open my eyes to everything

Without a thought without a voice without a soul

Don't let me die here

There must be something more

Bring me to life

Neither of the two teens noticed how much time had passed, until they heard Kouji's name being called from the doorway, and soon Kouji was enveloped in Kouichi's tight embrace…crying as Takuya had been earlier, seeing Kouji awake and responding.

"Kouji! Brother…don't you ever, ever scare me or mom like that again!" He scolded lightly, but still held Kouji tightly to him. Seconds later the twin's mother joined in the hug, and the three of them stayed like that for awhile. Takuya, not wanting to intrude, hung back and watched the small family reunion as his eyes danced happily.

Glancing at the time, Takuya knew that even though it was late-now almost a quarter to eleven at night, he knew that Junpei and Izumi would want to know that Kouji had finally woken up. He made to leave the room, allowing Tomoki, Kouichi, and Kouji some time. Catching the eye of the twin's mother, she nodded at him as though she knew exactly what it was he was up to, and he slid quietly out of the room.

Heading over to the nurse's station, he saw Judy there talking with another nurse and sipping what smelled like a freshly, strong brewed coffee.

"Hey…Judy, do you mind if I use the phone? I think our friends would like to know that Kouji's awake. That, and I still need to call my mom." Judy nodded and pushed the phone over to him.

"It's all yours Takuya." Nodding as he allowed Judy to continue drinking her warm beverage, Takuya dialed the familiar numbers of his home phone number first, knowing his mom might not be to happy with him for calling so late-and that he wasn't home yet. However, he knew that the moment he told her that Kouji was awake, she'd understand.

And sure enough, after having told her, she sighed in relief.

"Thank god." She murmured, and Takuya nodded.

"I think I'm going to stay here at the hospital for awhile longer-I'm going to call Izumi and Junpei here really shortly and let them know what's going on…and then I have the feeling that Ms. Kinmura will probably give me a ride home as we're on the way. Besides, it is a Friday night mom." Takuya pointed out, and on her side of the phone line, Yuriko Kanbara nodded.

"I know…and I also know that it means a lot to you that I allow you to stay. If you want to, you can stay the night at the Kinmura's place and go over to the hospital with them in the morning. I'll bring Shinya over sometime tomorrow, and maybe even Tomoki too so they can say hello to Kouji…I'm sure they'll both be just as relieved to hear the news too." Nodding, Takuya grinned.

"Thanks for understanding mom." He murmured, and even though he couldn't see her, he heard the smile of relief through her voice.

"Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow, alright Takuya? Behave yourself." Takuya chuckled.

"Me, not behaving?" His mother laughed as well.

"Send Kouji our regards. Sleep well." They hung up a few seconds later, and Takuya found himself dialing Izumi's number first…

Junpei had been almost as ecstatic as Izumi had been to find that Kouji had finally woken. Having completed his task (knowing that Tomoki would find out that Kouji was awake from Shinya in the morning), Takuya stuck his hands in his pockets and strolled casually down the hallway back to where Kouji's room was.

He grinned as he realized that for the first time that week, he'd be walking into Kouji's room-and finding him awake, instead of asleep. However, as he opened the door and allowed himself into the room, he hadn't counted on Kouji finding out the exact reason why he was in the hospital and a whole two weeks had passed by on him so quickly.

But Takuya also knew that they couldn't hide the truth from Kouji forever. He just wasn't expecting to see the shocked look on Kouji's face when he walked into the room, stopping at the halfway point between the door and the bed that Kouji was now sitting up in.

Kouichi and the twin's mother looked as though they were waiting for some kind of a reaction from Kouji. And when they finally got it, it wasn't what they'd been expecting, as Kouji slowly shook his head while his hands were tightly clutching one of the sheets that covered him.

"No…no, I don't believe it." He whispered, and Tomoko sighed. She had had the feeling that Kouji would act like this-deny the truth. In all honesty, she knew that if she were in her youngest son's position, that she'd probably deny the whole thing as well.

"Kouji…" Koichi started, but Kouji shook his head.

"No. You're lying to me! They're not gone! How can they be gone…? It's not possible…I can't be the only one who survived the accident, I can't!" Kouji declared, with slight vehemence and hesitation in his voice. He wasn't sure what to believe at the moment. His dark blue gray eyes landed on Takuya, who held back a gulp of nervousness as Kouji's dark orbs found their way to his own brown eyes.

"Takuya, I know you'd never lie to me. Tell me…tell me that they're not being serious-tell me that this is some kind of a sick, cruel joke they're trying to play on me." Takuya sighed and shook his head. How could Kouji believe that his mother and his own twin brother would do something like that to him? But then again, Takuya knew that if he were in Kouj's position, that he'd probably be thinking along the same lines. Like everything that was going on, was just some kind of horrible nightmare and it would all go away the moment you'd wake up.

Except that Kouji was awake this time-and it was all very, very real.

As he'd been thinking of how to answer Kouji's pleading question, he'd been slowly moving toward the bed. When he got there, he sat down on it (as Koichi had seen what Takuya wanted and moved over a bit to create some space) and took Kouji's hands into his own.

"Kouji…I…" Takuya allowed his voice to trail off for a second as he got his thoughts together, swallowing hard as his throat suddenly felt dry.

"I'm sorry. I truly wish that they were lying…that this was just a horrible nightmare for you and you'd wake up, and everything would be fine. But that's not what's happening Kouji. You were very lucky…" Takuya started, but found that he had to stop as fresh tears came once again and he hung his head in shame. There was silence in the room for several minutes, before the twin's mother picked up where Takuya had left off.

"Kouji-you were the only one who survived the accident that night. The occupants in the other car-they're gone. It all happened so quickly that there wasn't much anybody could do to help anyone. Until they realized that you were still alive. Kouji…you have no idea how scared that we all were…" Tomoko bit down on her lower lip as she fought to keep it from trembling. She would not cry in front of her sons…she would not. She had to be strong-she was the only adult in the room-and at the moment she also knew that she was now Kouji's legal guardian as well. The twins were both hers…but even as much as she had wanted it in the past, it hurt to believe that one of her many wishes in life had come true. That she'd be able to be a true mother to both Koichi and Kouji. Kouji, who had been missing from her life for twelve years…and she'd almost come very close to loosing him again.

Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood to run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become

Bring me to life

Ummmmm…((laughs nervously and fidgets in seat))…why do I have the feeling I'm going to be hearing people screaming in protests when I say what's coming next?

TBC

DUCKS AND HIDES FOR COVER…. NO, and I repeat NO threats to kill the author!!! PLEASE?!? (And why is it that lately I've been feeling like I'm running for my life lately in my AN's from you people? –Grins-) I AM working on chapter 5, as you're reading this probably…I'm expecting it to come out soon, so hopefully you guys won't have to wait too long for it-I want to get it out before the next quarter from school starts up, as I'm currently on a holiday break, so…with that said, I'll leave you guys now to sit on the edge of your seats so I can go work on chapter 5 and you guys can see the rest of Kouji's reaction and many other events that'll happen in chapter 5….