AN: Sup minna! This is yet another chapter of Rivals. Thank you for all the people that read and review it. You guys know who you are. I'm really glad you like it so far. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I'm really getting tired of doing this, aren't you? Okay… *grumbles*… I don't own Digimon. Tide, Clorox, and Coke doesn't belong to me either ^_~!

Rivals

Part 3: Stranded

~*

::Andrew's POV::

" No way Izumi! The room is mine, so back off!" Yolie's shout can be heard all the way to town. Alright I was exaggerating, but this is way too embarrassing. I bet the neighbors, who're about five miles away from here, can hear them fight!

I poked my head inside the guestroom where Izzy and Yolie were about ready to throw something at each other. That is, if they can find something hard enough to knock the other one unconscious. After all, these people have skulls made of metal. Well, not that I've seen it or anything, but you know what I mean.

" Look," Izzy told Yolie mildly which surprised me. A lot. " Let's talk about this like civilized human beings, alright?"

Obviously they haven't acknowledged my presence yet, so what did I do? Exactly. I slowly took my head back out in the hallway and listened carefully as my friends try to settle this like " civilized beings". Huh! We'll see. Civilized, they probably mean spitting at each other's faces and telling them they have the right to stay in the room. Prepare for World War III people.

Funny because I didn't hear Yolie protest and say something like, " I'll show you civilized. This fist will show you civilized!"

I frowned but shrugged it off and continued to listen. The sound of the headboard hitting the wall was the only thing I heard before Izzy spoke up again. They probably took a seat on the bed or something.

" Now," he started, " there's no need for you to blow my head off because of some stupid reason."

Could this really be happening? Izzy? The same redhead guy from school who despises my friend Yolie? Same Izzy that always say, " She's a real pain!". The one that hates to lose, especially to her? Is being calm and gentle and almost soothing while talking to his rival?!?!?!?!

I would've given anything to have a vase or a bat or something hard to knock myself down and hopefully get myself out of this dream. Or nightmare. However you look at it. I mean, Izzy and Yolie talking to one other without ripping each other's head off? It's unheard of! Totally bizarre! Insane! Freaky! And it's starting to scare me. Sure I've wondered what life would be like if all four of us, including my girlfriend of course, are friends. But this. This is just creeping me out.

Yolie spoke up, breaking off my thoughts.

" I'm sorry," she sighed.

Okay, now I know I can die of a heart attack. My mouth fell open and practically reached the cold, bare floor, while my eyes widen as big as Ping-Pong balls.

Surely I've heard her wrong, right? She probably said get lost or get out of my room or something. But Izzy's reply confirmed that I have heard right. That this is indeed reality, not a dream.

" That's okay."

~*

*Yolie's POV*

" That's okay," he replied sincerely.

I smiled at him genuinely. A smile I've gotten use to giving him after that whole detention incident.

Okay, to make a long story short, Izzy and I have came up with this agreement to get along. Just that day. You know, since we're stuck with a bunch of psychos, as Izzy had " kindly" put it, in detention. I was glad we survived the day without a single scratch.

Apparently, the agreement lasted all through the following week. Our last week of school before Spring Break. I found out that he's not that bad at all. He can be funny when he feels like it. I should know because he spent almost the entire Saturday afternoon hanging around with me and telling me hilarious stories like, when his sister chased him down the street with those rented dogs. Sure we still yell a little and get to each other's throat sometimes, but other than that, we just ignore each other and smile at one another when we bump into each other in the hall.

Then one night, Andrew called me and asked me if I want to spend Spring Break with him and Mina, his girlfriend, at his uncle's cabin. I was ecstatic to say the least. I mean, it's not like I have anything better to do. Except maybe take care of my 8-year-old brother during our time off. Somehow babysitting did not appeal as fun to me like to others do. Well, if anybody actually like babysitting, which I highly doubt that there are plenty.

When Andrew picked me up, I all but jumped out of the car, because right there in the back was my not-so-former rival (yes, he's still my rival, kind of). Izzy Izumi. I was raving mad. I mean, Andy could've told me he was coming. But it seems that Izzy didn't know about it either which confused me.

" Okay, let me explain," Andrew had told us. " When I called you," he turned to look at me, " I just got off the phone with Izzy who had said he didn't want to go. That he had plans." He glared at Izzy, which made me giggle slightly.

" After I talked to you," he continued, turning to face me once again, " Izzy called me saying he changed his mind."

" So, why didn't you call me back?" I asked suspiciously.

" I thought you'll be mad at me about inviting him," he said nervously. I guess he's expecting me or Izzy to shout at him or something. I really couldn't blame him, can I? When Izzy and I didn't reply, Andrew eyed us skeptically but didn't say a thing. Then, we drove off.

And then here we are. Inside Andrew's uncle's cabin arguing who should get the guestroom.

Alright, so maybe that was a long recap.

" Why don't we just alternate?" Izzy finally said after thinking for a few seconds.

I smiled and pretended to consider it for a while.

" Okay."

~*

~Izzy's POV~

I didn't make an effort to put my clothes in the drawer. After all, we're only going to be here for a week, so why bother? Besides, I think Yolie need them more than I do. Girls always bring those unnecessary items along with them wherever they go. You know, like three bottles of perfume or a gallon of lotion. (AN: We do not!)

At least my sister does. But Yolie's a girl, and all girls are the same. Emotional, sensitive, beings. I really don't know why they always get mushy all the time. Especially when they watch some chick flick. Anyway, I'm way off topic now.

I saw Yolie hopping down the stairs with a huge smile on her face. I was going in the kitchen to get something to eat when I saw her. She was wearing white shorts and a blue tank top. I can't help but grin as I watch her skip her way out the house. Ever since that Saturday, she's always been smiling at me with that smile I always see her give to her friends. You can guess how precious that is. I mean, It's not everyday you see Yolie Inuoe smile at her rival. (AN: I used the word 'smile' a lot, didn't I?)

' She's pretty, isn't she?' my mind taunted, making me land back to reality with a jolt. I swear I could see it smirking at me.

I felt my face flushed. Good thing nobody's in the house to see my face turn from tan to beet red.

' Shut up!' I shot back. Oh, I wanted to erase that smirk off his face so bad! I could care less if I'm being violent.

I continued to make my way to the kitchen to investigate the fridge. My stomach is growling, no, howling now.

' Here we go again. Onto the denial phase of life. Why can't guys ever admit how they feel? For once man!' it shouted back to me.

I know I'm going crazy. I mean, I'm having an argument with myself. How I wish I have a more quieter inner voice at that moment. But instead I have this blabbermouth to deal with.

' Denial?!' I asked incredulously. My face was red hot now and smoke was practically coming out of my ears. If only…

' Yes! Men. I swear they have the thickest skull ever,' it sighed. Now I'm starting to suspect this… mind or thing of mine.

' Do you hate guys?' I couldn't help asking. I waited for a reply, but I got nothing.

Shrugging, I took out a can of Coke and a small piece of brownie.

After finishing my brownie, I decided to go outside and check the back of the house. Andy said there's a short trail that'll lead me to the ocean. Staying inside this cabin is no fun you know. Besides, Andrew and Mina are in town buying who knows what, and I don't know where Yolie went, so apparently I'm alone.

As I stepped out of the cabin, I noticed a frantic Yolie heading towards my direction.

" Why are you running?" I asked, well shouted actually. It seems that she didn't hear me though, because she was gaining speed. Fast.

" Hey! Watch it!" I cried as I realized what was about to occur.

~*

*Yolie's POV*

" Hey! Watch it!" someone in front of me cried.

I really didn't have to see who it was. I mean besides me, Izzy's the only one in the cabin. And of course I know his voice. It was this kind of deep, almost soothing, sound that only chosen guys possess. You know, like, when he speaks, you can feel the emotion in it. Just hearing his voice, you'll feel his happiness, frustration, anger, and lo-

" Look what you did?! Have you gone out of your mind?!" the guy I just collided with, roared. I'm sure you don't need to see his expression to tell if he's angry, because I sure don't.

I slowly opened my eyes, which had been tightly shut during our crash. It wasn't that surprising to see him underneath me, trying to wiggle his way out. He really did look furious. And wet.

I quickly stood up, blushing madly. Well, you know, about crashing into him. Me and my clumsiness. Unlike me however, he took his time to brush himself off and straighten his outfit. I was speechless. Nothing. Zip. His white polo shirt was soaked with some brown substance, which turned out to be Coke, as I saw him crush the can with his hands.

" Oh no," I moaned. " Oh gosh I'm so sorry. Here, let me clean that up for you," I offered as I started to " clean" his shirt with my hands. What can I do? I didn't have a towel or handkerchief to offer him.

Izzy grabbed my hands rather harshly and shouted, " just leave it okay?!"

I felt eyes starting to sting, but I tried to push the tears that were threatening to spill any second. He's making my situation even worse. And all because I accidentally bumped into him, making his soda spill all over his shirt? Not that I blame him for being mad.

But there was no way I'm going to let him see how weak I am. No way I'm going to let him hurt me again like he did a couple of days ago in the hallway.

" I was just helping," I whispered.

I heard him sigh in frustration.

" Well don't."

That was it! I'm tired of this! I have to defend myself because no else will.

" Fine!" I replied before turning to the door, yanking it open and slamming it in front of his face.

~*

~Izzy's POV~

Okay, so maybe I was a little harsh on her. Alright, really harsh. But I didn't mean to. It's just…

To tell the truth, I don't know what has gotten into me. It was only Coke after all. Nothing Tide and Clorox can't handle. That was really, really mean of me. Totally horrible, and way out of line. I blame that inner voice of mine for putting all that stuff in my head. I'm willing to bet that was why I exploded.

It's been almost two hours since she had locked herself in the guestroom. I didn't try to disturb her just yet cause she probably needs to cool off a little bit. But I was planning to apologize. It was my fault and I'm the idiot, I should apologize. I have to apologize.

It started raining really hard. It's more like a storm actually. I really need to start paying attention to the news. And to think I was actually planning to go to the beach.

I looked at my watch. It read 6:05 in the evening. I was beginning to worry about Andrew and Mina. They won't be able to get home in this weather, that was for sure, but I just hoped they're alright.

I sighed heavily. Two hours had passed since our argument.

' Maybe I should check on her,' I wondered. I jumped off the sofa where I was laying, totally bored as ever, when a loud thunder crashed, practically shaking the whole cabin.

" I just hope the electricity doesn't go off," I muttered to myself. And as if on cue, the lights went out. Great. I'm stuck here in a cabin, in the pouring rain, with no electricity, and whose only company was upstairs furious at me. Some Spring Break. A real blast.

I carefully made my way to the kitchen, stumbling now and then. Miraculously, I reached the kitchen without breaking a thing on my way. I felt around for the drawer where the flashlights and candles were. Lucky for me, Andy showed me where it was before he and Mina left.

Getting my hands on the only flashlight I could find, I turned it on quickly. Guess what? It didn't work. I tried switching it on and off a couple more times but I didn't even see a spark. One thing I don't understand is why store a flashlight if it doesn't work? Did they even change the batteries or check the bulb?

I didn't waste time to check. I just grabbed a candle from the drawer and a lighter. After a couple of tries, I finally had it lit. And the lighter? You guessed it. The thing's out of gas. I should tell Andrew to buy batteries and matches the next time he goes to town. The drawer's practically overflowing with candles, but without anything to light it with, it's nothing!

I found this really cool, old-fashion lantern on the counter and lit it with my candle. Now, it's much better.

I went up the stairs quickly towards the guestroom. I'm really getting worried, I know I am, which did not make me happy at all. I mean, why am I worried about her anyway? I bet she's just fine without me.

' You know, your head is much thicker than I thought.'

Wow! Guess who, or what, just said that.

' Oh, so now you're back?' I asked myself. Really, when we get back, I'm going to a psychiatrist.

I was surprised to see that the door to the room was slightly ajar and a faint, yellow light was coming out of the room. I went closer to the door. Grabbing the handle, I prepared to open it quietly when a sound stopped me. Was that crying?

I took in a deep breath. I scolded myself that it was just the wind.

' Stop scaring yourself Izumi!'

Then I heard it again. I felt the hair on my arms rise. I was starting to think this cabin's haunted.

" Yolie?" I whispered as I slowly opened the door to her room. Well, our room to be exact.

I didn't get an answer. Okay, so maybe she's still mad at me. Another loud crash of thunder was heard and the muffled crying became louder. Now, I'm totally freaked. I pushed open the door and shut loudly behind me, breathing hard, trying not to shout like a little girl. That would not be pretty.

" Ah!" Yolie yelped, making me snap my head to her direction. " What are you doing?!"

" Di-didn't you hear it?!" I gasped. She just shook her head and took a seat on the bed, where I assume, she was resting before I made my classy entrance.

" Whe-where did you get the candle?" I asked, forgetting the " ghost" for a moment.

I went and sat beside her, which she didn't mind at all, and looked at her. Unfortunately, she looked away from me, which proves only one thing: she's still mad.

Sighing, I reached out for her hands and held it gently in my own. She didn't refuse, but she kept her face away from me so I couldn't see.

Turning my eyes back to our joined hands, I started, " Listen, Yolie. I am so sorry about what happened. I-I didn't know what came over me. It was cruel and horrible, and I just want you to know I'm sorry."

~*

*Yolie's POV*

I tried to keep the tears from falling. I was touched by his apology, but that's not the real reason I'm crying.

I didn't say anything after he finished. I just kept my face hidden in the shadows so he wouldn't see the tears in my eyes, which keeps falling down like the heavy rain outside.

" Hey," Izzy whispered. He pulled his hands away from mine and gently touched my face, gesturing for me to face him, which I didn't at first. Hesitating, I turned my head to his direction, but kept my eyes fixed on my lap.

" What's wrong?" he queried, worry evident on his voice.

His voice again. Why do I like his voice so much? I didn't before.

Maybe it's because it's not the usual insulting sound I hear sneering at me when our hatred for each other was still immense. After that Saturday, that loathing decreased. And his voice was replaced by deep, gentle sound that makes you feel calm. Warm. And loved.

I finally raised my eyes to meet his, tears still sliding down my cheeks like crystals.

" Why are you crying?"

" No-nothing," I choked out, as Izzy wiped my tears away with his thumb.

" Tell me," he insisted. " Maybe I can help you."

" No-no you can't!" I sobbed, shutting my eyes in attempt to close him out of my mind.

I felt Izzy wrapped his arms around my shoulders and crushed my body into his, while I weep.

~*

~ Izzy's POV~

I don't know what's happening to her. It wasn't because of what happened, was it? I hope not, because I'll feel more guilty than I already do. She's miserable because of me!

I wrapped my arms around her, crushing her delicate form into mine while she cried. What was I suppose to do? She sure doesn't look like she wants to talk.

" Please," I begged her. " Please tell me. Is it me? I'm so sorry if I hurt you."

Can you believe I was actually begging her? About a week ago, I could care less about her. What's wrong with me? Have I totally lost it?

" N-no, it-it's not you," she choked out while she slowly raised her head to look at me.

" Um… would you like me to get you some water?" I offered, wiping away her tears once again and giving her a warm, friendly smile.

" Yeah. Tha-that'd be great," she replied, returning my smile with her teary one.

I slowly left her side and ran downstairs, my lantern in hand. When I finally got the glass of water, I quickly went upstairs, careful not to ran into anything in the dark. Another loud thunder crash hit just before I reached the bedroom, which almost made me scream. That would've been really embarrassing since I was only a few feet from the door and Yolie will probably hear if I did. After taking a few deep breaths, I resumed walking, only to find Yolie on the bed, arms hugging her legs tightly, and crying. Again.

I frowned. She's mumbling something, I can hear it.

" It's only rain. It-it's only rain. It's only rain, and it wasn't my fault. It's not my fault," she chanted, burying her face in her legs.

I was getting really worried now.

" Yolie," I said as I set down the lantern and the glass of water on the night table. " It's alright, I'm here."

Once again, I found myself embracing her petite body close to mine.

" It's only rain. It's only rain and it wasn't my fault…" she kept chanting.

" Yeah. Yes, it is. I mean, no, no it's not your fault. Please don't cry," I begged as I felt tears slowly forming in my eyes. She was terrified. I bet that's why she was in such a hurry to get home earlier. But what about the whole it's not my fault thing? What wasn't?

Another deafening crash of thunder shook the house, which left Yolie sobbing even more.

" I-I don't like this!" she cried. " I-I don't like this Izzy!"

" No. No, no, no, no, no. You have to stay with me alright? Do-don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you," I assured her, cupping her face with my hands in attempt to calm her down.

" No!" she sobbed. " I-I don't like this! I-Izzy, I-I'm scared."

What am I going to do? She's really terrified of the storm and I don't even know why!

" It's going to be alright. It'll be alright," murmured as I bury my face into her hair.

I felt her nod slightly, sniffling, as she snuggled closer to me and fell asleep with glittering tears staining her cheeks.

~*

AN: Ah… End of chapter three. This story gets worst and worst every chapter doesn't it? It's far from over, let me tell you. Far from it. I'm changing it again. This story will now have 6 or 7 parts. I'm so sorry about that! Hope you guys still read it. I'm trying to finish this before school starts, or at least two or more chapters, so don't worry guys, I have plenty of time.

Bye and God Bless guys!

~hugz~

angel joy87