BelialVamdemon… you died right? Are you gone forever? Heaven? Do Digimons have heaven? They are reborn, right? I realize. BelialVamdemon. I stood once in front of you as you went after my dreams and realized I was living it… but I'm curious… how will the battle go this time?

The sky swirled in abstract colors making Daisuke realize he was in a dream. He was standing in a void world with one mirror. He walked toward the mirror as the world around him melted. It melted until it was his room, but still abstract. Everything looked twisted around including the color, except for Daisuke and the mirror.

He stared and on the other side was his younger self in his room while he remained in a broken world.

With an easy wave of his hand, Daisuke noticed his younger self not responding with his motion.

Daisuke stepped back, having his arm to his back before reaching forward. Once he touched the mirror, the world collapsed once again and reformed. This time he was sitting in front of Taichi. Taichi, this time he was younger. The setting was the middle of a soccer field.

Yes, where I met Taichi.

"Hikari-chan told me about you, Daisuke-san," Taichi spoke and his youthful voice shocked Daisuke. "Well, come on, let me teach you how to be like me… in soccer…" Daisuke eyes widened as he faced forward and the sky turned crimson. Daisuke did not see Taichi anymore.

"Taichi-kun?"

"It's Takeru-kun!"

The world changed to the hallway. The hallway where he saw Takeru talking to Hikari. The one that led him to become a Chosen Child. But they were staring at him. He blinked and noticed he reverted to his younger self.

"Come on," he heard Hikari's voice and saw her walking with Takeru to a light. Confused, Daisuke stared as he noticed that the light would lead to when he met V-mon. Daisuke took one step forward and found himself in the park where V-mon left.

His head down and staring, he heard Gennai's voice say, "You always did this."

The scene changed, and he was in the broken office with Rei holding Pescimon. "You did this so much that you harmed it…"

Now he was at the alley corner where he punched his fist. "You harmed the only thing you had left," Miyako said.

The world collapsed as he saw faint images of everyone becoming a part of his life disappear. Daisuke lowering his head, "I hate you," he was staring at his younger self who spoke to him with a glare. "I hate you. You wouldn't have defeated him. What changed?"

"What changed?" Jun and his parents said.

"What changed?" A young Hikari asks with his parents and Jun.

"What changed?" Older, but still young Hikari and Taichi ask with the family aging.

"What changed?" Takeru and the younger Chosen Children.

"What changed?"

"What changed?" Flashes of the people he met in his life came forward.

"You miss him?" BelialVamdemon appeared before turning to the leader of the Chosen Children, Daisuke. "What is your dream now?"

Standing in a field of red flowers, he smiles and says, "I want to go elsewhere from Odaiba, from Japan."

And before he finished, he felt himself fall back. He landed on a bed, but the bed itself seemed endless. He turned to the side and saw Hikari sleeping.

She opened her beautiful brown eyes and peered at Daisuke. Daisuke blinked before he smiled and tapped Hikari's nose ever so.

His alarm rang, and the dream was over. Daisuke opened his eyes feeling numb. He moved but let the alarm ring. He swung his head to the outside as snow touched his window. It was the anniversary of BelialVamdemon's defeat.


Starless

Chapter 12


Daisuke walked out of his room.

Upon walking out, he saw Jun as she wore her pajamas. She left to Yamato's tour and returned unexpectedly.

"Hey," Daisuke whispered as he strolled past her.

"Hey!" she replied before grabbing him and turning him around to stare at him. "I am your sister and the first thing you do when I return is just say 'hey'!" Intense, she said as Daisuke blinked. "You can hug me."

"Yamato-san does that enough," Daisuke replied before Jun dug her nails into his shoulder. He winced from it.

"You know you're still my brother idiot," Jun let go of Daisuke and crossed her arms, huffing. "Gosh, I know we haven't gotten along, but I have been trying to reconnect."

Daisuke shoulders fell, "I'll try better," he fake-smiled before saying, "Where is Yamato-san?"

Jun and Daisuke both walked towards the living room. "Dad. He hasn't seen his dad since the tour started. Hasn't even called him either. Now I can't even see my Yamato-kun!"

"It's okay. You will go on tour with him this coming season, right?"

They both arrived in the kitchen. "Yes. I get to be with him again. He is more famous now, and he is hiding from his fans. He even gave himself an alias as Blue Wolf… so cute."

"Yeah, he would give himself that name," Daisuke smirked, but it wasn't genuine.

The first thing they got upon entering the kitchen was a glass of water. They sat on either end of the cramped kitchen table, Daisuke leaning back and Jun sitting. "I heard that the Chosen Children will have a small reunion today?"

Daisuke paused, he had forgotten about it. "Yeah, were you invited?"

"No, they didn't invite Yamato-kun either." Jun took a sip. "We came back early so I expect a call to look my best and we go to Koushiro-kun's!"

It was at Koushiro-san's… when did they talk about this? A text…? Daisuke pulled up his phone, "that's a too high bar to set," he had his little insults to Jun already. He read through the group conversation and had clumps of messages. He hasn't responded to the group chat in almost a year. But he searched through and found one message where everyone talked about the reunion at Koushiro's new apartment. The worst part was when Daisuke discovered that Hikari and Ken both tried to see if he knew about it.

Damn it…

"Earth to a dumb little brother!" Jun threw a small plastic spoon at his head. He glanced up, "you still are a dumb head," she sighed youthfully. "But if you weren't paying attention, I was wondering if you have a job yet."

"Job? No." He thought about that noodle stand he always wanted. "I… I don't know where I want to work."

"There's the factory at the corner of Odaiba…" Jun took another sip.

"The one where they deliver toys…? I heard that it's miserable there. I would never work there." Daisuke replied.

"You should try to get a job to get experience. Look at me. I worked in fast food, high-class restaurants, retail and look where I am now. The manager of my Yamato-kun."

Daisuke gulped down his glass of water, "one, you are his manager. And not in the business sense. You manage him, you just keep him sane. Too, his agent makes the most money because she books him."

"It's still something!" Jun argued back with a red-hot face.

"Jun-chan returned and all you two argue? Oh dear," Daisuke and Jun's mom appeared. She wore casual clothing and just sat down between the two siblings. "Daisuke-kun, I expect you to be nice to your sister. She hasn't seen you in months."

"Mom, being nice to what isn't nice is an abusive relationship I do not—" Daisuke moved his head and Jun throwing another plastic spoon.

"Jun-chan, those might not be expensive, but they last us months. Do not take them to waste."

And both the siblings opened their mouths, "and no insults in front of your mother," she said smiling as the two siblings paused. They looked at each other before laughing. The mother joined in the slight laughter.

Jun got straight up, "I will take a shower because I'm going to the mall with our mom. Daisuke-kun, care to join us?"

"I have winter homework to do," Daisuke said as he swung his head to see his mother's stare. He looked down.

"Stupid education of Japan. Fine, I'll go take a shower now. Be ready when I'm out mom," Jun walked off leaving mother and son in the same place.

"Daisuke-kun—."

"Mom, I need to go and—."

"Lie… again? This time to your own sister?" She spoke up but kept her voice calm. "What is wrong? You lied to Ken-kun. Miyako-chan… Taichi-kun… and now your sister. All the Chosen Children friends have come over to ask you to come somewhere when winter began and—." She paused, "is something wrong…? You haven't been you?"

"I was me," Daisuke looked over at his mother. "I'm being me, mom."

The mother crossed her hands, "then why have you been avoiding me and your father—."

"Look, mom, don't worry."

"It is!" She covered her mouth and shook her head. "I told myself that I will accept what comes when you grow up. I expected you to bleach your hair or wear all black. You never did. You quit soccer, you had good grades and still placed yourself in lower classes."

"So what did I become…?" Daisuke asked.

The mother stared down, "not the boy proud to be a Chosen Child."

Daisuke stared in awe, eyes wide and mouth open. His eyes glanced down, and a disheartened look appeared. "I'm not a kid."

The mother sighed, "If you were, I wouldn't buy you a kids meal from the fast restaurant as punishment. You're a teenager. About to be seventeen, but I'm not seeing happiness in you."

Daisuke leaned back and stared up, "you know," he expressed at his mom. "Sometimes I want to run away. Just run away from Japan. All of Japan. Just take a break from this one."

"Can I ask what's wrong with this one?"

Daisuke looked at his mom and he looked down, "I'm just not that kid anymore I guess."

The silence between a concerned mother and a difficult son. Daisuke knew he was being difficult, but it wasn't on purpose. He wanted to run away from Japan. "Sorry, I know I use other's words of me back as an excuse—."

"I know how that feels Daisuke-kun," the mother giggled, "wanting to run away. I was much younger, and it was anger over your grandmother. Thinking I deserved better. I want to call it a phase but thinking back… what I experienced was genuine and more a moment, than a phase."

"Are you hoping what I experience is a moment?"

"I'm hoping for your happiness and safety. Like any mother would."

Daisuke got a small smirk from that corny comment. He heard the bathroom door open which meant Jun finished taking a shower. "You are smart Daisuke-kun. Don't forget that," his mother whispered. And this differed from a comment, it was real. Yet it didn't touch Daisuke like she would have intended it.

She went to the fridge. Jun returned to the kitchen with her hair inside a tied towel and wearing casual clothes. "Mom, we will miss the sales."

"I'm getting a bottle of juice," the mother said taking out a small bottle of juice. She said, "Jun… we will wait for your hair to dry. I do not need my daughter on vacation getting sick on me!"

"Mom," Jun let out an embarrassed groan, "fine then…" she sighed leaning against the table before looking over at Daisuke. "You're going to the reunion, right?"

Daisuke turned to her, I don't want to go. He answered, "yeah, I'm going." And in the corner of his eye, he felt his mother trying to see how he would react. He smiled, but once again. It came out fake.


Daisuke took light steps on the cold floor of the snow. Each step he took, the slower he got.

Daisuke stopped and sighed. He saw a small closed store. He walked to it as the snow came down falling. Once he arrived in front of the shop, he saw a small bear in the front. "This place?" He saw the new bear shop

He smiled at the bear. His expression dropped as he walked away. "I should have pretended I was sick…" he felt his stomach churn, anyway.

"Huh?" He spoke as he saw someone standing underneath a canopy. His eyes widened upon looking closer. He grits his teeth and ran forward, "Hikari-hime!"

Hikari stood under the canopy, shivering. She looked over as a glint of light appeared in her eyes.

After Hikari's birthday nine months ago, she and Daisuke non-date went well at the mall. He went to the movies and watching an action romantic movie from the Americas. The day ended with Hikari kissing Daisuke in the cheek. They weren't dating…

"Hikari-hime!" He ran over and gave her a hug, but only to warm her. "What are you doing?" He touched her hand, "you're freezing."

Hikari smiled with a red face, "sorry. The phone service wasn't working, and this snow storm came so fast. When you haven't arrived at Koushiro's new apartment. It worried me."

Daisuke gave a distressed look, "but look at you. You're red from the cold…" he looked for any frost bites and she had none. A burst of wind came and Daisuke hugged Hikari to keep the storm from touching her. He knew the second round of high cold winds was coming.

If may take ten minutes for the snow wind to be walkable. I can't let Hikari-hime walk in that condition for even five minutes. He looked around and found an abandoned building surrounded by a gate nearby. His face went to relieved, "Hikari-hime—." He stopped as his eyes widened. He saw her hugging him as if the state she was in became ineffective. "Hikari-hime?"

She cleared her eyes and looked up at him. They locked eyes.

They have locked eyes. They both noticed and Daisuke spoke, "Hikari-hime?"

"Dai-kun," she said wishing Daisuke can kiss those words.

Another gust of wind made Hikari wince and Daisuke grabbed onto her as best as he could. He jogged with her to the abandoned building. Once inside, he took off his sweater and wrapping it around Hikari.

"Y-you'll get cold," she said.

"You're freezing, Hikari-hime," he said as he looked around the building and noticed it was some office. "You are prone to getting sick like back—."

"Dummy," she said smiling, "that sickness left a long time ago. Remember?"

Daisuke remembered now, it did. Maybe something about him walking her triggered back when they were young, and he needed to take her to the nurse.

"Still. I would have made it to Koushiro's new apartment just fine… speaking of which, how far is it from walking distance from here?"

"Twenty minutes…" she said holding onto his jacket.

He looked outside and felt the snow wind rage. "Damn," his head lowered, "well, we are not moving soon." His eyes averted to Hikari who sat down beside a desk. Her eyes were looking around as Daisuke smiled before sitting beside her.

Her face became very serious, "you haven't texted me in months," she said with hurt in her voice. Daisuke froze, "I was trying to invite you to hang out and you just don't reply. You could reject my offers."

"Hikari-hime, I—."

"You could tell me to stop inviting you and—."

"Hikari-hime, it's just—."

"Or just tell me how annoying—."

"Hikari-hime!" Daisuke grabbed her wrist to stop her. He shook as he saw her teary face. "Don't cry," he said moving his thumb to wipe her single tear. He touched her cheek for a second before his hand went down. "I'm sorry, I haven't been a good friend to you," he didn't notice, but she winced when he said, 'good friend'. "It's no excuse, but… I have been dreaming about you."

Hikari gasped.

"I guess there was guilt left in me. That guilt I wasn't trying when you were." He thought of everyone else, "I haven't been trying with anyone. I guess I'm just a shitty friend…" he felt her move. Her body shifted as she wrapped her arms around his. He could feel her face get closer to his. But when he turned, she had fallen unconscious.

He captured her and laid her down, the first thing he checked was her temperature to see if she had a fever. Then checked her breathing and her heart. All well. She must have gotten tired. Poor thing.

What he didn't know is that when he told her he dreamed about her. She got too excited that she didn't allow her body to rest. She was unconscious having a dream about him.

He picked Hikari right up and put her on his back. "All right," he mumbled. He huffed and walked. Even with Hikari, he could walk at a decent pace.

"So light," he chuckled as he looked over at Hikari's. He thought about her words, how he hasn't been texting her and guilt rained. "I tried…"

And he continued to walk, the snow falling on the ground, he ended up thinking about the memories of when he went to the Digital World.

fifteen minutes from when he left the abandoned building had passed. He stopped upon seeing a new park built near the one by his house. It was all covered in snow. "This place…"

"Hm," Hikari moaned.

Daisuke became focused on Hikari. She freed her eyes and said, "this the dream I always wanted." Hikari spoke before stopping and seeing she was on Daisuke's back, "better." She giggled and held onto him tighter.

His eyes widened before giving a short smile, but something in him made him, "Hikari-hime, you're awake?".

"Dai-kun? Oh, what happened?" She looked around and ignored what she had said, though it may have been her waking up that made her forget. "Where are we?"

"Near Koushiro-san's apartment," he kept on walking, ignoring the sight of the familiar looking park. "I think we are near… I mean I kept going the direction I was going."

"You're so warm," Hikari spoke as Daisuke eyes widened once more. He took a slight look back as she shivered from the cold only to comfort herself with him.

Daisuke went red, "you could buy a warm soft pillow machine. I mean… they could work out and you know…" he chuckled, "could be warm."

Hikari shook her head, "not as warm as you, Dai-kun…"

Daisuke was trying his best not to panic over these words, "I mean if you listen to Koushiro-san about the laws of… heat… it would be better for the two of us to like… get near a fire. and use that fire to… take in… warmth…" even he was becoming unsure of what he was saying. "Hey, lets…"

"Did you know people's body heat… if together could produce enough warmth to serve them under cold nights? People's body heat." Hikari's eyes softened and smiled, "our body heat."

"Sleepy, huh?" Daisuke asked and when he turned his head, he looked to see Hikari wide awake. "Hikari-hime…?" He gasped, looked forward and walked.

"Say something," Hikari said.

"I don't know what to say…" he replied.

"You were good at replying and responding. Are you even Dai-kun?"

He smiled, "it's me." And she smiled with him.

She said, "I thought about the day after my birthday." She spoke into his ear, but he did not dare to come close to shivering.

"Hm?" He smirked.

"I kissed your cheek… you never kissed mine back, I—." Her lips could almost touch his cheek, "I kissed your cheek, and all you gave me back was a goodbye."

"God, I'm so cruel, aren't I?" He turned to her. Both facing each other right now. Both staring into each other's eyes. Nose touching and their lips opening, but not saying a word. "I owe you one… right?"

"Yeah," she said smiling. And Daisuke stopped, put Hikari down as she landed on her feet. Her eyes fixated to the former leader of the Chosen Children. He leaned his head on hers, still smiling. Her soft pink cheeks never looked so kissable to Daisuke until this moment.

"I owe you one." He whispered before puckering his lips and placing them against her cheek. Her eye closed as her smile widened. Not gasping. In any other situation, she wouldn't dare let Daisuke even come close to this.

But Daisuke wasn't her friend anymore. Hikari loved him. She loved him and that made him her lover. She wanted him as a boyfriend. His kiss dragged, but she was glad. It gave her an excuse and when he finished the cheek kiss, she used it, "you kissed me longer than I kissed you in the cheek…"

"What shall you do?" He leaned closer, his lips almost touching hers.

With her damp gloves, she touched the lower region of his cheek and turned him, kissing his cheek. She moaned as she wished she wore makeup even though she hates it. The reasoning so she could mark him with her lips and make sure no one takes him away.

Her kiss ended as she giggled and looked down. She looked up at him who was smiling, a little red mark on his cheek showing Hikari kissed him hard enough and she was proud of it. "Hey…"

"What?"

"I wonder…"

"You're wondering…"

"I wonder if I could…"

"If you could do what?" Hikari replied, and she felt his arms go around her back to lean her forward. She braced for it as her eyes closed and her lips parted. His did too. She leaned up, and he leaned down. They both got closer in sync and when it looked like the ultimate confirmation of their feelings could happen. A gust of wind pushed them aside.

Hikari slipped to the side as Daisuke focused on catching her. They both fell on their side, but Daisuke made sure she landed above him as he fell back on the snow. He groaned from the slight pain he felt upon falling before realizing Hikari was over him. He looked on in shock and wonder as Hikari hovered over Daisuke.

Both blinked before Hikari closing her eyes and cupping his cheeks. "Forgive me, Dai-kun. I missed before," she parted her lips and this time shocked at what was occurring. Daisuke froze, but his heart was yearning for this.

And they didn't realize that they arrived at Koushiro's apartment area. When a door clicked, Hikari knew now it was one of her friends. She wanted to finish what she started, but her instincts made her body move away from him, not wanting to create drama.

"Hi," she moved over hoping whoever opened the door would not look to see Daisuke laying on the ground.

"Hikari-chan, didn't you say you would look for Daisuke-kun?" It was Taichi, her brother.

Daisuke laid on the ground. He noticed that he could hide in a tree and he scooted.

"I heard someone fall, I thought it was Daisuke-kun," Taichi walked to her. Hikari was not showing panic. when Taichi looked over, Daisuke hid behind the tree.

"Taichi-kun!" Hikari pouted, "I didn't want to go out because I knew it was windy. I called Dai-kun, and he said he was on his way." She said.

Taichi walked over and touched her face, "you're warm for being outside for thirty minutes now," he snickered as Hikari slapped his hand away.

"Come on big brother, I was fuming because I was trying to call Dai-kun. Signal wouldn't respond and he wouldn't answer. Then some gust of wind dropped me to the ground and I'm tired," she faked it but made herself look exhausted.

"You know how Daisuke-kun is," Taichi said which made Daisuke freeze up. "He's not talking to anyone, so I'm surprised he is on his way without you dragging him. I don't know what wrong with him, but god has he been quiet. I don't even remember the last time I saw him."

"Taichi-kun, Dai-kun is our friend—."

"Yeah, he is not acting like it."

"Taichi-kun!" Hikari snapped, even shocking Daisuke upon her furious yell.

Taichi stuttered, "little sis?"

"Come on, I'm cold," she retorted. "Dai-kun will be here soon. Let's get him something to eat. Didn't you make nachos…"

Both siblings continued and continued to discuss the party. Daisuke was standing still by the tree. His three antennae strands of his flowing in the continuous wind that came to a stop.

Snow from the heavens fell on him as each flake that fell on him, he felt like he wanted to bury himself in snow. "Damn it," he whispered, just whispered it. "I'm just a shitty—." And he felt one arm go around him, holding him.

"Come inside when you're ready. Don't get cold," Hikari as she moved over to the patio and jumped over it. "Taichi-kun, I told you to wait for me and get me some warm tea!"

They left Daisuke alone. He looked up at the leafless tree. His eyes widened before he closed them and looked down. A disappointed frown before his arm came up, and he grabbed the chest area of his sweater. His teeth gritting before he stopped and looked back up, this time with a smile. "I should ask Hikari-hime on a date one day." He said before staring at the gray cloudy sky.

You gave a promise, didn't you…? Didn't you? His voice said to himself.

"Sorry…" he said standing straight up and walking to the front of the apartment. "I couldn't keep my promise again… V-mon."


It was always like this for a while now. Daisuke just stood in the corner of the apartment once again. Not talking to anyone.

"I would like to say something to you, Daisuke-san. But this is the first time we are meeting." Daisuke heard an unfamiliar voice. Upon turning his head, he found himself staring at a woman with black short hair and glasses on. "So, I think hello is a good start."

"Hello?" Daisuke stuttered in his words.

"Right, Jyou-kun barely talked about me huh? My name is Erina, I am Jyou-kun's girlfriend." She put her hand behind her head and giggled.

"Erina-san…? It's nice to meet you…" he put out his arm and gave a slight firm handshake.

"Forgive me, but I want to say hello to all the Chosen Children I have yet to meet. I hope to get to know you more, Daisuke-san."

Daisuke bowed after she did, "yes, me too," he said hesitantly.

And when she walked off, Daisuke looked down disappointed before someone familiar brought him back to reality. "You used to be the wild one in the parties. No alcohol needed," Daisuke glanced up and saw Mimi. "Wild enough to make me embarrass which is a good thing because it made me humbled. I wasn't wild enough," she sat over, reeking of flavored booze. The scent of cherry filled the area.

"Sorry…"

"You." Mimi leaned to him and touched his chest with her finger. "Need to kiss Hikari-chan," a hiccup, "on her lips by tonight."

"W-what?"

"Stop doing that," drunken Mimi glared, "you always do that. Pretend like," hiccup, "like you didn't hear what I said clearly. You need to kiss…" she giggled, "Hikari-chan."

Daisuke looked around, "where is Makino-kun?"

Yes, the founder of the Middle School computer club Makino. The one Daisuke met when he wanted to give Miyako a valentine's chocolate was now dating Mimi. He, the smartest person that wasn't a Chosen Child, was now dating Mimi, the party.

"M-Makino-kun is being a nerd with… Koushiro-kun." Mimi crossed her arms and hummed. "You know it's funny that Makino-kun and Koushiro-kun got along. But only one of those guys got along with me." She snorted and said, "boys are dummy heads." She then looked over, "kiss Hikari-chan in the lips."

Daisuke blinked, "Mimi-chan, I think you drank too much. I'll go get—."

Mimi grabbed Daisuke's cheeks and squeezed them. Forcing his mouth to pucker, "Daisuke-kun… Hikari-chan… kiss… or I'll be mad."

Daisuke blinked more making Mimi groan, "sorry," he swiftly, but gently removed Mimi's hands. "I'm going to find Makino-kun," he got up, "stay right here."

Mimi grabbed onto Daisuke's hand, he stopped and stared right at the Chosen Child of Sincerity. "She…" she took a moment, "she likes you. Go talk to her about it."

"Mimi-chan?"

Mimi let go of Daisuke and groaned, "boys are so dumb. You know boys can reject their loved ones too and all that." She swung around the drink before sighing and looking away, "just forget it. Boys will always be oblivious."

Daisuke turned, "even if Hikari-hime liked me—."

"Hush!" Mimi put her finger over her mouth and Daisuke did as she said. "Even if she liked you… what? You wouldn't be perfect for her? Come on? You think Taichi-kun is perfect for Sora-chan. Daisuke-kun, honey… nobody is," she hiccups, "perfect for the other. They just match each other. You are Hikari-chan's match."

Daisuke knew this was her drunken speaking. She probably won't even remember a sentence of what she said by tomorrow. Whether it was desire or actual curiosity, he asked, "how?"

"You make her happy and she makes you happy."

Is all she said and that was enough to stop Daisuke from his mind drifting. He looked forward before back as Mimi who had already fallen asleep. "Hikari-hime makes me happy…?" He questioned and blinked a couple of times before touching his chest and looking right at his hand. Images of the two talking and smiling flashed.

"I…" Her smile once again appeared.

"Mimi-chan passed out, yeah!" Cheered Taichi who was also drunk. Daisuke lowered his head and decided to ignore what he was going to say. Taichi walked over with a slightly annoyed Sora holding him from collapsing himself.

"Mimi-chan…" shook the head of Makino. He stood beside Taichi, Sora and Miyako.

Miyako snorted, "weak," she had a red face and was a bit on the shaky side too. Despite being a bit underage, she slipped some drinks too much to Ken's embarrassment.

"Calm down Mimi's twin, we don't need to drunks trying to figure out who can get more drunk," Sora said before Taichi chuckled, "make that three."

"Honestly, Mimi has never gotten drunk. Why today of all days?" Makino walked over and shoved Mimi's shoulder, trying to wake her. When she only shifted and groaned, he sighed and turned to Daisuke, "I hope she was bothering you."

Mimi opened her eyes and grabbed Makino's face. Makino gasped as she put her face in front of his. "You're not a Chosen Child, why are you here?"

"You invited me…"

Mimi stared, "remember in middle school. I was in the bakery club and you were like the king of the computer club," she began to giggle as Makino nodded. Daisuke saw an opportunity to go until he heard, "I remember Miyako-chan would always come to visit and I remember this one time she came to me. Oh yeah! It was right before she began going out with Ken-kun."

Daisuke's eyes widened.

"Oh yeah~" Miyako sat beside Mimi as they both giggled. "What did we even talk about?" She asked leaning forward.

Mimi rubbed her temples, "love, I think. You went to be because you were in love."

Miyako looked to the side, "oh yeah. Love… I was also talking about Ken-kun," she said blushing before her face dropped. Daisuke turned away and began to walk away. "I remember something…" he lowered his head wishing he was somewhere else for this moment. And then he heard some shuffling.

He looked back and saw Miyako with a bloated mouth running to the bathroom with a laughing and giggling Mimi following. Sora and Makino both sighing as Taichi sighed in happiness before being struck by his girlfriend.

Daisuke… calm down! He screamed at himself. Marching as far from Miyako as he could. He saw the door leading to the outside and wanted to head right out. But suddenly he saw someone appear in front of him. He stopped until he realized it was Iori.

Iori was still the smallest by size compared to everyone in the group, but he had changed. Going from the quiet kid to the loud expressive one. Even dyed his hair at one point and it remained the same throughout his growth until now. Only small streaks of blonde and the quite proper Iori returned. "Hey, Daisuke-kun."

"Iori-kun…" Daisuke noticed how nervous he looked and quickly tried to change the subject, "have you seen Hikari-hime?"

"Oh, she is outside talking with Takeru-kun," once that was said, Daisuke found another excuse. He knew Iori was talking about the outside like the back porch, but Daisuke could pretend to think it was in the front and he could take the breather he wanted.

"Alright, thanks for telling me—."

But before he could take the opportunity to even walk outside, he heard Hikari's gentle voice from the back.

"Annia-chan won't be able to make it this time," Takeru had replied as their voices got closer. The two best friends simply talking about where Annia was.

Damn…

"Hey, Hikari-chan!" Iori waved at the Chosen Child of Light. She turned to look over and Daisuke did so too. When their eyes met, her brightened as his got a glimmer.

Hikari and Takeru walked over as Daisuke moved to the side, Hikari still keeping a close distance to him. "What is it Iori-kun?" Daisuke did not realize it, but it took everything Hikari had inside her to not stare at him.

"Daisuke-kun here wanted to speak with you," Iori said.

Daisuke saw a smile on her face which also pleased him, but then he realized. He needed to make up something fast because originally this was a way to take a breather, but he hadn't expected them to come back in. This was so simple when Hikari-hime liked Takeru-kun…

And his mouth opened, but before his excuse to wanting to talk to Hikari could come to flourish. A knock was heard at the door and like that, the whole apartment became silent. "Who can that be?" Asked Takeru.

Ken-kun? No, he is here, Daisuke found Ken helping Miyako out the bathroom where she gave a goofy smile. He turned to the door and saw Koushiro running up to it.

"Eh?" Without Daisuke even noticing, he saw the people who arrived at the party standing in a line. Drunk Taichi held by Sora. Drunk Mimi held by Makino. Drunk Miyako held by Ken. Erina and Jyou by each other. Yamato and Jun by each other. Takeru, Hikari, Daisuke and Iori standing there, confused.

"Koushiro-kun?" Mimi blinked as Koushiro opened the door.

The whole group could almost gasp from what they saw. Daisuke was probably the less shocked one, but he blinked in confusion.

There stood a somewhat small girl wearing glass with long black hair. She smiled and walked inside and gave a small bow. "Hello, it's nice to meet you all."

Taichi dramatically stumbled over, "who's she?"

Koushiro walked over and put his arm around her, further shocking the group. "This is Karen-chan and she's my girlfriend."

Silence, utter silence.

Daisuke looked around to see everyone's shocked expression. He turned over to Hikari who was less shocked and more, bothered. It didn't take long for Daisuke to realize that Hikari was not shocked by Koushiro having a girlfriend, but the fact that now he, her and Iori are the only ones in the Chosen Children group who are single.

She looked over at him, her eyes screaming what she wanted. "Dai-kun…"

"Hikari-hime…" he reached for her hand for some reason.

But before he could grab her hand, the second most shocking thing happened and Mimi fell over, throwing up on the ground. "Mimi-chan!" Makino yelled out trying to grab the drunk young woman.

"I-I'm fine," she said as everyone, including Karen, tried to help. "I'm sorry for ruining your floor, Koushiro-kun." She had tears running down her face. "Karen-chan… you… I'm sorry I ruined your…" her mouth became stuffed and she ran to the bathroom, Makino in hot pursuit.

"Dang, Koushiro-kun got a girlfriend and Mimi-chan couldn't handle alcohol… it must be winter in hell too," Taichi joked before being stepped on the foot by Sora.

"Another reckless word and you'll join Miyako-chan and Mimi-chan for drunks who throws up tonight."

"Look at the mess," Jyou sighed before pointing at different people, "don't get near. I don't want anyone getting ill. "Koushiro-kun, get me some paper towels. Erina-chan, if you don't mind, find baking soda, ask Koushiro-kun for help." Jyou then pointed at Daisuke, "Daisuke-kun, go find a broom and dust pan.

"Y-yeah," Daisuke nodded and immediately went to the kitchen to look for some things. This apartment was small, but some things have not been unpacked so there were boxes that were scattered.

Going from the empty living room to the stuffed kitchen made the rest of the apartment quiet. He sighed before hearing footsteps, he looked back and saw Hikari.

"H-hey."

"I saw this place was stuffed and wanted to help you out," Hikari said and walked closer, "is that alright?"

"Of course," he quickly smiled, and his body became comfortable. They both sighed seeing all the boxes before shrugging and looking around.

"When do you think Koushiro-kun got a girlfriend?" Hikari asked moving some boxes.

"I don't know. I mean I haven't seen him in a while, but I don't think anyone has. Karen-san… from the older Chosen Children's expression, she must be someone like Erina-san, who no one knew about. Half of us knew Makino-san, so when Mimi-chan started dating him, it wasn't shocking."

"I think it's shocking that overnight computer programs Koushiro-kun got a girlfriend." Hikari and Daisuke shared a slight chuckle. Hikari quickly got quiet, "I wonder how I'm going to introduce my future boyfriend to the group…"

Daisuke stopped and looked back for a bit. He went back to searching, "it's on you. I mean I don't think Karen-san knew someone would vomit after her introduction."

"When Sora-chan and Yamato-kun started going out, they eased us to their relationship. When my brother and Sora-chan started going out, they told people separately. When Jun-chan and Yamato-kun went out, they told us in a concert. Ken-kun and Miyako-chan were by texts once it happened. Takeru-kun introduced Annia-chan properly to everyone has his girlfriend. Erina was more random depending on the person and Koushiro-kun did it when we were all here."

Hikari stopped for a bit again, this time looking down, "I don't know how I want to introduce my future boyfriend."

Daisuke gave a small snicker, "I know how I want to introduce my girlfriend," he closed his eyes. "I want the setting to be… right… a club, but not one where the objective is to be drunk, but like… a dancing area. I want to take this girl by the hand and dance with her. And in the middle of the dance, kiss her in the lips. Telling everyone she is mine. Yeah, that would be perfect."

And suddenly felt Hikari come up from behind him and lean against him. He didn't gasp nor look back, only looked forward. Her forehead against his back since she was so much small, she said, "I like dances…" and giggled.

"I don't mind them," Daisuke turned around. Both teens were truly staring at each other. They both got closer as their eyes softened. And when they were near closing and about to close the separation they had with a kiss, Daisuke saw something in the corner of his eye.

"F-found it," he had said with no issue. He walked to the side, disappointing Hikari as he got the broom and dust pan that were in the corner. She looked down and stood there for a second before huffing.

She looked up and suddenly Daisuke walked over. He slammed his lips against her cheek, feeling the softness of her cheek. He did this for a bit before a loud smack was heard when his lips separated from her cheek. "You owe me one," he whispered to her ear before kissing her cheek again, "two…"

Before Daisuke could walk out, he heard Hikari make a happy sigh. He smiled before looking down and walking back to where he saw Mimi threw up. She was being helped by Karen. Koushiro and Jyou were already spreading baking soda on the vomit. He walked over and handed the broom to Jyou.

"Thank you, let's hope this was Mimi-chan reacting to alcohol and not actually sick or most of us in a couple days will—."

"Quit being a nerd!" Mimi yelled out drunk, "I'm surrounded by nerds…"

Makino, Yolei, Karen, Ken, Koushiro, and Jyou shared a blink before looking off.

"You know Mimi-chan, you can be a nerd too and be the life of the party," Miyako put her arm around Ken, "like… me… isn't that right, Ken-kun?"

"Miyako-chan…" Ken had an ashamed look, but he quickly returned the smile to comfort the drunken girl in her speech. "You are…"

Sora giggled, "I wish Taichi-kun could treat me like that when I get drunk," Sora laughed leaning to her boyfriend.

"You don't get drunk though," Taichi said before Sora rolled her eyes making everyone laugh as they realized that the time Sora has gotten drunk, Taichi was beyond drunk at that point. Daisuke seeing his friends enjoying themselves made him slightly fake smile. He walked over and sat down in the couch.

Iori, now sweeping, "I think Taichi-kun shouldn't encourage drinking in the slightest. I think I'm the one who drank at the youngest age…"

A laugh came from the group before Sora sighed, "I mean you did consent to drink."

The laughter and innocent banter began among friends and for that second alone. Time slowed to Daisuke as he stood there, staring at each one of them. Their laughter and enjoyment made him question many things. Why am I not laughing with them? Why am I faking my smiles? Why? I… I thought I could be happy with them.

Daisuke put his head down as the laughter continued. I can no longer feel inspired by Taichi-kun. No longer can I talk to Yamato-kun, Sora-chan, Jyou-kun… everyone… even Ken-kun… I can't look at them laughing because in me, I want to laugh with them. Then… what's wrong with me?

"Dai-kun…" said a soft voice and the former leader looked over to see Hikari now sitting next to him. His eyes softened as she asked, "is something wrong?"

"No," he said with a straight face. Hating himself as he wished he had said it in a stutter. Maybe that way he could gain a slight confidence to tell Hikari what was wrong. "I'm just cold from the cold weather, that's it…" and he could almost gasp when Hikari leaned to him, in front of the whole group no less.

"Hikari-hime?"

"Sorry, habit," she broke the hug, and everyone was too much into drunk Taichi and Iori banter to realize what had happened. Daisuke was thankful Taichi did not see a thing. "I always did this with my brother in the past. Just hug him whenever he was cold so when someone says they are cold. I—."

"Reminds me of my mom, sort of. She would always go crazy when me and Jun said we felt hot. She always thought we had a fever." He had said before leaning to her, "so you just hug anyone that feels cold."

Hikari blinked before smiling, "anyone I feel comfortable with."

Daisuke smiled softly before turning to the group, I owe you, Hikari-hime. You are a true friend, one who… well one who would always be there to make me smile. He looked down, then why don't I feel the same towards everyone?

"Daisuke-kun," Taichi said getting up and waving him to him. Daisuke did so, "you heard me?" He was drunk smiling, "I want you to start this fun game of truth or dare."

Daisuke blinked and tilted his head, "don't you think truth or dare is a bit immature for us."

Taichi thought about it, "yeah, you're right."

"How about this," Sora got up which made both first and former leader shiver. She has always gotten ideas that the two would like to attend, but not with her. "How about this. we did with the fortune teller back then, but just as questions."

Hikari flinched.

"Right, I remember Mimi-chan telling me something like this."

"So basically, we go around, and everyone asks a question?" Daisuke questioned.

"Yes, but I'll make it more fun," Sora walked over and took out a cup, "I knew just being around drunks and watching movies at night would be tedious. So I made little name slots. Here are the rules: nothing personal, the name you draw gets to ask you a question. If you draw your own name, you can give information about yourself if majority does not know it. Meaning no cheating." Sora put the cup on the table, "questions can be dumb, but this way we can entertain ourselves some more. Okay?"

"Got it," each person said.

"I think Karen should go first since you are fairly new to the group."

Karen, surprised, nodded before receiving the cup full of popsicle sticks. She pulled one out and said, "Ken-san?"

Ken stared. The whole group looked at him which made him nervous. He looked side to side before saying, "well, I guess… where did you meet Koushiro-kun?"

Karen blushed a bit before looking to the side. "I met him in the library actually. He had a book I needed to read, and I waited hours for him to abandon it and well he didn't until the library closed. I got mad and tried the next day and to no success. I went to talk to him, and I ignored the book… well here we are now."

She was truly the shy type.

"How cute," Mimi, drunk, cupped both her cheeks. She then smirked, "it's Erina-san's turn~"

Erina took the cup and shifted some of the popsicles before pulling one out. "Karen-san."

Karen blinked in shock before looking side to side. Trying to figure out things, "you're Jyou-san's girlfriend, right?" Erina nodded and Karen stood in silence. "Who do you think is smarter?" The group raised a brow, "well I always known Koushiro-kun as the smartest, but… well… Mimi had a comment about people being smart so—."

"No need to be nervous," Koushiro put his arm over Karen's shaking one.

Erina giggled, "honestly I think Iori-san is the smartest one. He was the one who greeted me and is single," that got a laugh out of everyone except Daisuke.

"Let's see, who is next?" Taichi said before getting the cup. "I guess I'll go~" He shook the cup and drew out a popsicle. "Iori-kun?"

Iori coughed, "Taichi-kun, why didn't you tell my mom you got me drunk when I got in trouble…"

"Oh come on Iori-kun… you have to let that go."

Iori blinked, "I was ground for six months," Taichi shrugged, "seven months ago." And the whole group broke in laughter except for Taichi and Daisuke. Sora put her palm on her face and shook her head.

"I was drunk too and I'm sorry… Sora's turn," Taichi went red and looked down.

"Taichi-kun."

Taichi rose his head, embarrassed. "W-What!?" He asked before seeing it was his popsicle she picked out. He went red. "What would you like for our anniversary coming up?"

Sora giggled, "that three-hundred-dollar sweater we saw at the mall a couple days ago."

Taichi sobered up, "didn't it cost one hundred?"

Sora smirked, "not that one anymore." Taichi dropped his head.

"My turn," Yamato was given the cup as Jun gently held onto him. He drew a popsicle out and said, "Jyou-kun."

Jyou snorted, "how much money did you make in the tour?"

"Oh, right!" Like Taichi always has done, he got interested in another topic.

Yamato shifted to the side and said, "enough to own a house in Tokyo marketplace and live there for three years."

"Wow! That much!?" Sora leaned forward as did a drunk Mimi.

"Jun-chan, it's your turn," Yamato gave her the cup and said, "I liked this game better when it was others getting embarrassed.

Jun waved the popsicle, "Koushiro-kun."

Koushiro began to think as the others conversed quietly on what questions they should bring up. Koushiro opened his mouth which got most of the Chosen Children and their romantic interest paying attention. "Embarrassing story from Yamato's tour."

"That one is easy," Jun giggled. "I was at the small bar we performed at. And well one of the drunken men said for a performance. I thought he meant me, and you would think too. You know… a girl in a man's bar. I thought they thought I was a stripper. Turns out, he performed… for Yamato because we were in that type of bar. He just asked me because he thought I was the manager of his band."

Everyone was silent and Taichi led off with a, "dude you got hit on by a guy. You are officially the hottest member of the Chosen Children."

"Debatable, but okay," Sora, Mimi, Miyako, Karen, and Erina said confidently. Everyone, but the girls laughed as the cup was given to Mimi.

Mimi looked at her popsicle, "I got Hikari-chan. Better ask me a good question."

Hikari wondered what to say, but she remembered how Mimi has many secrets. "Without telling us names. Some secrets you have, give us details about them."

Mimi paused before looking up, "secrets I know, but haven't told the majority of you." She began to count the people in the room and chuckled. "I got some. I knew a girl who liked two guys. I knew a guy who liked a girl. I knew a girl who tried to kiss a guy, and I've seen two people kiss in the cheek, but not confess."

Daisuke eyes widened; she saw us. He turned to Hikari to see her horrified face as they both went red.

"Makino-kun's turn," Mimi gave him the cup and leaned back, almost falling asleep.

"Jun-san." Makino said showing the popsicle to her.

Jun rubbed her chin, "it's not an insult, but how did you catch someone like Mimi-chan."

Makino looked over at her who gave him a thumbs up. He sighed, "I seen her in middle school. But in high school, well I tutored her and well… one day I asked her out. She said yes and much like everyone here… here we are." He said with a pure red face.

"Look how cute you look embarrassed Makino-kun~" Takeru and Miyako both said as he grew vein and looked away embarrassed. The two giggled as the cup was given to Jyou.

Jyou pulled out a popsicle, "Makino-san, you get to ask me a question."

Makino looked over and said, "who was your Digimon?" Everyone was silent. "I know it seems foolish, but Mimi told me everyone's Digimon and I been wondering about yours."

"My Digimon was Gomamon, but that question the majority knows. Ask something else," Jyou smiled.

"Oh, thank you," Makino thought for a bit, "embarrassing stories about yourself or facts."

"I have had the most injuries sustained throughout my life than Taichi and Daisuke combined."

Taichi got in, "wait, why you said me."

"You know why," Sora and Jyou said in unison leading to the drunk first leader to put his head down. "But…" Sora spoke, "really?"

"I mean they were minor, but the last injury I remember is the heart leg of Hikari-chan and flu Daisuke-kun got in the camping trip." Moments from that flashed to Hikari and for the first time, Daisuke remembered that more romantically than he did previously. The two made eye contact before turning back. "So, I have had the most injury despite being the safe doctor."

Takeru got the cup and pulled out a popsicle. "Look at that, Jyou-kun!" Takeru snickered putting the popsicle back into the box.

"One for Takeru-kun," Jyou whispered, "what is something Annia-chan has done that you can tolerate, but kind of annoys you."

"Safe question," Takeru commented, "well… she always cooks with my mom which is okay, but I still prefer my mom cooking along. She doesn't make it worse, but you can taste the difference."

Sora giggled, "yeah, no one here tell Annia-chan. That isn't a small secret or anything like that. If Annia-chan finds out, then she could quit cooking." The group laughed again. And once again Daisuke did not share the laugh, he only felt more out of place.

The cup was passed to Iori who immediately pulled out a popsicle stick. "Mimi."

Mimi was laying on the couch, sleeping as Makino blinked. The whole group could only see she smile foolishly in her sleep. "Try again," said Makino, embarrassed. Iori saw the popsicle and put it back making everyone believe that he got Mimi again.

"Hikari-chan," he said showing his popsicle.

"Oh," Hikari was taken aback from this. "Well, I wanted to ask you Iori-kun. Is there anyone you like in school or in general?"

Iori got red as the whole became invested. "There is some, but… there might be one…" never has anyone seen Iori this embarrassed. He passed the cup to Hikari which got a chuckle out of the drunk people except for Mimi.

"Let me see," Hikari got a popsicle and her eyes got a bit wide. "I got you, Ken-kun."

Ken was also shocked by this. He looked down before looking at Daisuke. Daisuke noticed as his DNA partner smirked a bit before getting serious. "Have you ever gotten close to dating someone?"

Hikari cheeks went pink, she was overall excited upon hearing this. "I have. Once… just once…" she said and with that, something warmed in Daisuke heart. Something warmed and he could smile without an issue, somehow something in him made him small when thinking about what Hikari had said.

"Your turn," he looked over and saw Hikari trying to hand him the cup. He would have made an excuse to go to the bathroom if it was anyone else, even Jun. But this was Hikari and Daisuke did not want to disappoint her.

He picked up a popsicle and with that his eyes widened. His mouth slightly opened, and he looked down. A small look of disbelief appeared before he said, "me." He turned his head up and said, "I don't know if this is known to everyone. I never told anyone this, but I have always wanted to run away." Silence and he put his head down, "not like runaway in a bad way, but for a while. Maybe a year or two… I just travel the world alone. Just see thing I never saw before. I would love to do that before I become a noodle-shop owner," he chuckled, genuinely. "I want to restart if I'm being honest."

Yes, he finally opened. For the first time ever, he opened to the group of people he called friends. It was heartbreaking because he realized he had never done this before. He had never opened himself to the group in such a way. To no one.

V-mon's departure. He couldn't even face the group when that occurred.

Miyako choosing Ken. No one knows that he really loved Miyako.

Yes, he felt bad that this was the first thing he ever became open about. He knew, he knew that this ambition now needed to come true. Not because everyone knows, but because he desired it in this moment. When everyone looked at him and heard him.


It all returned to normal pretty fast. Like Mimi throwing up, the whole ignored what he had said. It wasn't bad that they did, a long reunion party occurred. Sora and Hikari were doing their best introducing the new girls to the group. Miyako passed out and was being cared for by Ken. Mimi and Makino both were now asleep at the couch. Iori and Koushiro were talking as were Yamato and Jyou with each other. Takeru took a nap too after the group watched a movie. Jun was watching Taichi sleep since Sora worried, he would vomit sooner or later.

Daisuke was awake.

Watching a show on the television. It was about a man who tried to confess to his previous loves. It was a strange and comedic story, but Daisuke watched it more out of boredom.

"You seem interested in this old movie?" Daisuke looked over as Hikari sat down next to him. Surrounded by whispering friends and sleeping drunk ones made this more comfortable.

"Not really, I think have seen this before. My mom always watches it when it comes on. Surprising since she is not into romance."

"I'm not into romance flicks either," Hikari said as they both saw a seen of a man trying to tell this woman he used to like her via plane. "He could text her."

"He could have sent her an email."

"Mailed her," both teens laughed before it died down and they once again they were watching the film in front of them.

"I know the game has ended, but can I ask you a question. Genuinely." Hikari said and Daisuke looked over, "if you want, Dai-kun, you can ask me one too."

Daisuke nodded, "okay, Hikari-hime."

"Have you ever kissed a girl on the lips?"

"Have you kissed a guy on the lips?"

They whispered to each other. They stopped, still staring at the screen, "you go first," they both said and stayed silent.

"I have never," they both said. They looked at each other and smiled before facing the screen.

"Do you want to?" Hikari asked.

"I thought it was just one question?"

"You can ask me anything after…"

"I want to one day kiss a girl in the lips. Yes," he said and leaned back, "now, Hikari-hime, tell me. If you could have one wish, what would it be?"

Hikari blinked as she looked up. It took a while, minutes even as they watched a comedic scene play out, but they did not laugh. Only thought about the question. "I would want to ask the fortune teller a different question."

"Like?"

Hikari stayed silent for a while before saying, "how long until after the flower will the person, I love become a couple… I think I would love to know that question."

"Wouldn't that be cruel," Daisuke spoke. "Think about it. Tell her and then being forced to wait a year and a half for that guy to confess back to you."

Hikari looked at Daisuke. They both didn't smile, only warmly looked at each other. When she cracked a smile, Daisuke did so too, but hate. He turned away and got up once doing the fake smile. "I'm sorry, Hikari-hime," he stuttered on his words. "I need to get some fresh air outside. Just for a bit." He explained.

"Okay," Hikari said hesitantly.

He did not waste time as he passed through many friends to arrive at the porch of the apartment. He closed the door behind him and walked forward. He did it slow as he noticed the snow falling right in front of him.

"Damn it." He said walking to the edge of the porch and looking up at the night sky. Filled with clouds but had some openings where six bright stars could be seen. His eyes averted to the ground. "Damn it, I hate myself."

It was something he didn't want to face. Something he wanted to deny, but not it was truer than ever. At this very moment, Daisuke realized why he wants to run away from his current life. That is because he is bored of his friends and doesn't want them as friends.


Author's Note: This is it guys. The next chapter is where it all changes. Where... Ending B happens. After that, the story will become more mature. And will forever be presented differently. The ending I have been building up to and it's not even the final ending (wink wink). But somethings. This story is in Archive of Our Own and although I will not censor ALOT. I will try things at a minimum if possible here. But smut may or may not be part of my story and I will do a tame version here while the whole raw scene will be in Archive of Our Own. Little heads up, I will tell you when Archive of Our Own chapter will have the raw scenes.