Well, here's the next exciting installment to my story! Thanks again to my wonderful beta-reader Lavender Ana! Sorry it took so long, Chapter two should come out much faster. It's already half-written!

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, or the song. Don't sue... I'll kill you if you take away my air conditioning! :)

Review, Review, Review!

Also; Today (the 8th) We set a new record for temperature here... 37 Celcius... *thnks Kami for her air-conditioning*




TWELVE MONTHS


By: Laura



Chapter One: August 2027 - Misplaced Trust




August. It started out so wonderfully. Everyone was ecstatic after the reunion, they always were. Seeing old friends, laughing with them, reliving their past... It started so innocently, so beautifully.


Alas, but beauty fades and withers. Love is unrequited, wounds are worsened, and trust is misplaced.


All in the month of August.


~Anaia Izumi


-- -- --


Perfect. That was the only word Tai Kamiya could think of to describe his life. He had a beautiful wife, Lialis Hozumi-Kamiya. Just thinking of her caused a large grin to overtake his features. She had hair blonder than either Matt or TK's, eye's greener than Cody's would ever be... Together, they had something truly beautiful.


Their son, Brady Kamiya, was an exact copy of his father, right down to his adventurous spirit. With the two of them in his life, along with his sister and nephew, Tai was living the life he had always dreamed of.


He whistled softly as he and Brady walked the streets of Odaiba towards home.


"Dad?"


He smiled, and scooped the little boy up onto his back. "Yeah, Brady?"


"Gareth said some stuff to me..."


Tai groaned inwardly. As much as he loved his nephew, the boy had some very serious issues. Nobody had objected when Kari decided to adopt, Tai himself had encouraged it. She made the decision shortly after the birth of Davis' son and the announcement of TK and Catherine's wedding. Kari had adopted Gareth when he was three years old. While the boy had seemed fine, everyone close to Kari knew there were problems.


Gareth got into fights at school, had been held back twice, and rejected affection from nearly everyone. Wondering exactly what had been said to his son this time, Tai questioned him further.


"What did he say?"


"He said that Mommy doesn't love us."


Tai frowned. "I don't know why he'd say that, sport. Mommy loves us very much."


"He said Mommy doesn't love anyone, that no girls can love anyone."


His frown deepened. "Sometimes your cousin says things he doesn't really mean, Brady. You just have to ignore him. Mommy loves us, Aunt Kari loves Gareth, Mimi loves Patrick, Yolei loves Maya, Sam and Fiella. Saying that no girls can love anyone is silly."


Brady's small arms wrapped around his father's neck from behind. "Can we get ice cream, Daddy?" He asked, the crisis averted.


Tai smiled. "Sundaes."


-- -- --


"Honey, I'm home!" Izzy Izumi smiled, and shut the door to his family home behind him. Outside, it was already beginning to grow dark. His wife entered from the study, and kissed him lightly on the lips.


"Where's Kyelli?"


"At Ken and Yolei's." Izzy smiled, and pulled his wife into his arms. Anaia Izumi wasn't what most people would call beautiful, but to him she was a goddess. Her dark black hair, which fell to just above her shoulders was pulled into a loose pony tail. A pair of small glasses rested on her nose, covering chocolate coloured eyes. He kissed her again.


Anaia laughed, and patted his shoulder. "Not right now dear, I still have three more essays to grade."


"I'll never understand why you volunteer to teach summer school."


She shrugged. "It's fun."


"God knows you must be everyone's favourite drama teacher."


"Izzy," She looked at him over her glasses, brows raised. "I'm the only drama teacher at Odaiba High." She pushed him gently away. "How was the reunion?"


"Same as every year. Davis sends his love."


She shivered slightly. "And hopefully not his Banana Cream Pie."


Izzy smirked. "It was a lot of fun. Tai talked endlessly about Lialis, as usual."


Anaia made a slight face. "I don' like her."


"None of us do. But if she makes Tai happy, that's all that matters."


"How was everybody else?"


Izzy's eyes drifted away from hers. "I spoke to Mimi." He said, finally.


"I see. You've never told me what happened between you two, you know."


"It's what didn't happen, 'Nai." He headed into the kitchen, with her in tow. "She and I were together when we were younger, but the next time I spoke with her, she was engaged to Michael." Izzy shrugged. "Never said a word to me, just ran off and got engaged."


"I see."


He took Anaia's hand in his. "I don't have any feelings for her, I'm just upset with her over the entire principle of the matter."


"If you say so."


"'Nai..."


She giggled. "I love you Izzy, but there are times you have the mental capacity of a Blueberry scone." She kissed him fondly.


"Why thank you."


They kissed again.


-- -- --


"Mommy!" Amelia Hida launched herself into the open arms of her mother. "We had so much fun, Mommy!"


Her mother, Toicy laughed. "You always have fun."


Following his daughter, Cody Hida embraced Toicy. "She's allowed, dear."


Toicy smiled, and tucked a strand of light brown hair behind her ear. "I never said she wasn't."


Amelia disentangled herself from between her parents. "Can I call Tomaya?" She looked up at them with pleading eyes. "Kyelli's staying over there, and I wanna hear everything they talk about!"


Toicy shrugged and looked at her husband. "It's alright with me, but you'll have to ask Daddy."


The little girl's large olive eyes became fixed on her father's identical ones. "Please Daddy?"


"Alright, but not for long. You need to get some sleep tonight."


She squealed softly and dashed towards her bedroom. Toicy laughed, watching her. Cody smiled, and wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. "Those three are getting to be inseparable." He mused.


"That's wonderful, she needs more friends." She turned in his arms to face him. "How is everyone, anyway?"


"Same as always. We had a great time."


"You always do." She brushed her lips against his.


Cody smiled and tightened his grip on her. "One day you're gonna meet everyone. You'd just adore Mimi. I know you own every last one of TK's books, not sure if I should introduce you two."


Toicy giggled. "He's single, isn't he?" She batted her eyelashes, then started laughing. "Oh Cody, you know I could never love anyone but you."


"I love you, too."


-- -- --


"Hello? Ichijouji residence, Yolei speaking."


"Hey Yolei, it's Kevlyn."


"Oh, hello. Is Davis back from the reunion yet?"


Kevlyn Azuno sighed into the phone. "Well, yes and no. He came home and dropped KC off, but he's out doing God knows what with Matt and TK."


"Oh, right. I knew that." Yolei smacked herself gently. "They already came by and picked Ken up, too."


"Men, pah." Kevlyn basically snorted. She'd been living with Davis for twelve years, was the mother of his son. "Hopefully they don't intend to pick up Izzy, the last thing Anaia needs is another encounter with Davis."


Yolei laughed softly. "They won't go see Izzy." She assured her. "Kyelli's sleeping over here, and I made Ken promise to get them to give the Izumi's a night alone."


"For what? She'll grade papers and he'll play on his little computer."


"Don't insult computers Kevlyn. Anyway, I know you too well by now, there's got to be a reason you're calling aside from checking up on me."


"I just wanted to know how Davis seemed. You know, at the reunion today."


"He was regular old Davis."


"That's what I was afraid of." Even over the phone Yolei could hear the defeated note in the woman's voice.


"What do you mean?" She questioned.


Kevlyn made a face. "Just the usual problem, Yolei."


"He does love you, Kevlyn. It's just hard for him to admit it."


"Sometimes I don't know. You'd think after twelve years it would get easier."


"We've had this conversation a thousand times." Yolei's tone was soothing. "If It really bothers you this much, you should talk to him."


"I guess..."


-- -- --


Brady Kamiya wiped the remnants of strawberry ice cream off of his chin, and grinned proudly at his dad. "Mommy won't ever know we had ice cream!" He proclaimed, oblivious of pink stains on his shirt.


Tai stifled a chuckle. "She'll never guess." She agreed, putting the boy back on his shoulders. Ahead of them stood a large three-story house, befitting the family of the ambassador to the digital world. Tai hadn't really wanted a huge house, but Lialis had insisted. Now he lived in a mansion with an indoor/outdoor pool, tennis court and a small handful of servants. He didn't mind much, if it made her happy he'd do it. Tai would do anything for her.


Walking up the large drive, amidst apple trees, Tai breathed in the scent. Apple blossoms on a warm summer evening, and he was going home to his beautiful wife. Grinning, he increased his pace towards the house.


Frowning slightly at the locked door, Tai dug out his key, and let them in. The lights were off, there wasn't a sound in the house. "hmm... probably gave the servants a night off." He mused softly, carrying the sleepy Brady to his bedroom.


After tucking his small son into bed, and kissing him on the forehead, the little boy opened his eyes. "Daddy?"


"Yeah?"


"I want Mommy to kiss me goodnight."


"I'll go and get her, sport." Tai kissed his son again.


Lialis wasn't in her room. Or her closet. Or out by the pool, the computer room, the entertainment room, or any other room Tai checked. Frowning, he headed down into the kitchen.


Lying on the counter was a note. Even from the other side of the large room her recognized his wife's elegant script. Smiling, he picked it up.


Tai;


Don't look for me, okay? You've never been that bright, and you'll just hurt your head trying to figure out where I am. I'm not coming back, so don't sit up waiting for me. I somehow guess you won't listen to that, you always were pathetic.


It's over. Well; there never was anything to begin with on my side. You were convenient, a rich guy who took a shining to me. God did I milk you. I milked every penny from you.


Tell that little brat I'm gone, or dead, or something. I don't care.


Lialis Hozumi


PS: I fired all the servants for you.


The small sheet of paper fell from his hand.


In the doorway of the kitchen, Brady watched his father. Clutched in his hand was a stuffed soccer ball, and he tilted his head. "Daddy? I thought you were going to find Mommy..."


Tai lifted his head, eyes devoid of anything. "Go get your things."


Brady blinked at him. "Huh?"


"I said go get your things!" In his entire life, Brady couldn't remember ever hearing his father yell. Brady scurried out of the room.


Tai whipped around and grabbed the phone off the wall violently. Struggling to control his emotions he dialed his sister's phone number.


"Kari, come pick up Brady. I need to find my wife."


-- -- --


Kevlyn groaned and rolled over, trying to ignore the furious pounding that was waking her. It wasn't working. Cursing, she strawberry blonde woman disentangled herself from Davis' lazy embrace. She pulled on a robe, stalked downstairs, and threw open the door.


"Fuck, Tai. It's three in the goddamn morning."


He shoved past her, and stepped into the hallway of the large home. "DAVIS! DAVIS MOTOMIYA GET YOUR COPY-CAT BAD SOCCOR-PLAYING GOGGLE-STEALING ASS DOWN HERE!"


Kevlyn screeched and clapped a hand over the enraged man's mouth. "He's sleeping, you arrogant ass."


Tai glowered at her, his face weary. "Get him now, Kevlyn."


She scowled and pulled her robe tighter before climbing back to the bedroom. "Davis!" She shoved him, and he toppled out of the bed. "Tai's downstairs." She muttered, tossing her robe to the floor and climbing between the sheets. "He's pissed off, go deal with him."


Davis; who had just returned from his night out with Ken and company, grumbled about his head and pulled on a pair of shorts. "Can't a guy get any sleep?" He spat as he made his way to the foyer.


Tai was prowling the hallway, like an angry jungle cat. Upon spotting Davis, he grabbed the smaller man by the collar. "Lets go get drunk."


"But I just got back-"


"NOW, Davis."


"I might as well drink off this hangover..." Davis muttered, before going to grab some clothing.


-- -- --


The day had started so wonderfully. The reunion, the promise of friendship and new beginnings. For Tai, the wonderful day quickly became the worst of his life. Until that point, it seemed to me like he was living a dream. The perfect scenario for himself. But the dreams faded to smoke, as dreams often do.


The next weeks didn't help. He drank more. Always going to bars, and dragging one of the male digidestined with him. He even took Izzy once, when I wasn't home to stop him. The little boy, Brady, stayed with Kari most of the time. Tai couldn't deal with him, he was a reminder of everything he had lost.


After exhausting his supply of drinking partners, even going through the digi-port to Paris to get TK up, Tai started withdrawing. He stayed in that mansion of a home, but from the few times I visited with Izzy, I think that hurt him more than it helped.


Tai's plight wasn't the only thing to happen in August. Sam Ichijouji lost a tooth, Jesse Takaishi lost a basketball game, and Sora Ishida was beginning to lose her footing.


-- -- --


"How's the new line?" Matt Ishida tried to make conversation with his ex-wife, as they watched their sons play a video game.


Sora sighed and massaged her temples gently. "It's horrible. The designs are atrocious and nothing is selling very well. This may be the end of BiyoBird Fashions."


Matt gently put an arm around her in a supportive manner. "It'll work out Sora, things always do."


She refrained from comment, and watched her sons silently.


-- -- --


Mimi lit a cigarette and slumped against the vinyl seat. Normally, she wouldn't be caught dead in a fast food restaurant, let alone a McDonalds. But, this wasn't a normal occasion. She was sent to Japan to promote the seventh season of her TV show. Seated across from her, her redheaded six year-old, Patrick, was quietly eating his chicken nuggets.


She glanced around the crowded fast food restaurant. People were running around, lined up at the counter. Mimi scowled.


"Patrick!!!"


Both of their heads turned towards the voice. Within seconds, they had been joined by a blue-haired little boy sporting glasses.


"Jay!!!"


Patrick responded in kind, as Jay Kido invited himself to their table, sliding beside Patrick on the vinyl seat.


"Hi Jay." Mimi said, setting her cigarette aside.


"Hi Ms. Tachikawa!" He replied energetically. "I'm here with my daddy, can I eat with you guys?" Mimi shrugged, she wasn't in Japan that often, and Patrick and Jay were good friends. Jay clapped happily and stood up on his seat, waving above the crowd of people to his father.


Joe, clad in his hospital scrubs, soon appeared at their table, carrying a tray of fast food and pop. "There you are." He glanced disapprovingly at his son over his glasses. Then he appeared to notice the company and nodded. "Patrick. Mimi."


"Hello Joe." Mimi reached for her cigarette, then decided against it. "How wonderful to be in the company of my favourite men..." She smirked at the two children. "And Joe."


Patrick and Jay giggled, pop coming out of their noses. Mimi smiled cutely, and picked at her salad.


Soon, both boys had finished their meals and were looking hopefully at their respective parent.


"Dad..." Jay looked across the table to Joe. "Can we go play in the slides?"


"Yeah, can we Mom?" Patrick gave his best attempt at puppy eyes.


Joe pushed his glasses up his nose. "Well..."


Mimi smirked. "Sure, just don't be too long, don't eat anything you find there, and don't get hurt!"


Joe frowned at her as the two boys ran off to the slides that were inside the restaurant. Mimi winked at him, and reached for her cigarette, bringing it to her lips.


Her companion scowled. "That's a disgusting habit."


"Who asked you?" She muttered, lighting it. Exhaling, she looked over to him. "What's new in Odaiba?"


Joe rolled his eyes. "Nothing really. Other than Tai, I suppose."


"What happened to Tai?"


"Seems he came home from the reunion and that gold-digging wife of his was gone. She fired all the servants, took all her stuff and left."


Mimi's eyebrows rose. "It's been three weeks since the reunion, and nobody thought to tell me!" She set her cigarette down. "Can't say I'm surprised. We all knew it would happen sooner or later. How's he holding up?"


"Not great, he's at least partially in denial still." Joe sighed. "Can't understand why he put so much faith in her to begin with."


"Neither can I." Mimi admitted. "Hell, I can't understand why anyone puts any faith in anyone." Her hand inched towards the cigarette. "Love's pointless. Look how much it hurts you."


Her bitterness wasn't lost on Joe, who silently nodded his agreement.


-- -- --


"Bye, Bye Love. Bye, Bye Happiness. Hello Loneliness. I think I'm gonna cry."


Somewhere in Tokyo, Kevlyn was sitting in her ten-year old son's room, watching him sleep. She sang softly, awaiting the soft click of the door. Davis would be home soon, most likely drunk, or nearly there.


"Bye, Bye Love..."


In Odaiba, Kari Kamiya prepared for the upcoming school year. She jotted down ideas for games, and activities to play with her class. In the next room, Gareth sat sullenly on the bed, staring down at the shiny new backpack his mother had gotten him. His cousin Brady watched silently as the older boy carried the object and placed it deliberately in the garbage pail.


"Bye, Bye Happiness..."


Sora Ishida clung to the blankets in her bed, weeping softly. Everything depended on the sales report coming on the first of September. She could be ruined, everything could go... she continued weeping.


"Hello Loneliness..."


Toicy Hida sat abruptly in bed, coughing. Glancing at her husband, she quickly muffled the sound and moved into their bathroom. Her coughing increased. Swallowing, she leaned over the toilet, knowing what was coming next.


"I think I'm Gonna Cry..."


Tai Kamiya downed his beer quickly and glared at the bartender, who quickly brought him more. An entire month. He hadn't seen her in an entire month. Memories of her painful letter fluttered back to him... He took another swallow of his drink.


"Bye, Bye My Love... Goodbye."


-- -- --


August. It started out so wonderfully. Everyone was ecstatic after the reunion, they always were. Seeing old friends, laughing with them, reliving their past... It started so innocently, so beautifully.


Alas, but beauty fades and withers. Love is unrequited, wounds are worsened, and trust is misplaced.


All in the month of August.


~Anaia Izumi




Coming Soon:


Chapter Two: September 2027 - Torrential Winds
The sales report at BiyoBird Fashions doesn't look promising for Sora, whose life is slowly slipping out of her control. Matt receives an important phone call, and Cody gets some news, but not would one would think...