Author's Notes:
The only excuse that I have for this EXTREMELY long wait between updates is that RL had become a major pain in the butt and then my muses decided to take an extended vacation to Aruba, leaving me with nothing to write about. Now, that is all in the past. I've been working double time on this and I can only hope that you will like what happens. I'll shut up now so you can read the latest chappie!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: Don't own Digimon nor the song featured at the end. Nuff said.
"dialogue"
/thoughts/
POV
~~~lyrics~~~
Back To The Middle 10/?
by Dream-chan
Rating: R
Email: dream_chan@hotmail.com
Mission Impossible...Or Is It?
Day Before Operation 'Super Glue' Commences...
Taichi
"Are you ready yet?" I asked patiently, glancing at my watch for the hundredth time in thirty minutes. I had come straight from football practice and my stomach was beginning to grow impatient and that didn't help with the little talk I had to have with Yama before leaving. My imouto promised bodily harm if I put it off any longer.
And they call me the violent one.
"Hey Yama?"
"What?" he called from his bedroom, apparently still searching for his shoe.
Standing in the doorway, I say, "I know that this is last minute, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind playing chaperone with me this weekend."
"For what?"
"One of Hikari's little get-togethers. My parents are going out of town and the only way that she can have it is if she finds two adults willing to supervise."
"In other words, Hi-chan told you that it was your duty as a big brother and you don't want to suffer alone," he replies with that know-it-all tone in his voice.
Sexy bastard.
Turning his attention from the darkness underneath his bed, he smirks, "Why should I?"
Time to play sympathy card.
Walking over the desk chair, I began gently, "For your brother. I think he's going to need it after what Hikari has planned."
"And just what exactly is that?" he asked, finally pulling out the long lost shoe.
"To get Ken, Daisuke, and Takeru in the same room so they can talk."
And just like that, he starts laughing as if it is the funniest thing he has ever heard. Flopping down on the bed, he stutters, "Is she out of her head? What the hell is she thinking?"
Turning the seriousness up a notch, I look directly at him. "Her, like the rest of us want this drama to come to an end. You have to admit, even though it seems that we are on slightly better terms, there is still that gap between us, Besides, I really do miss my Mini-me and I know that you do too."
"You're serious."
Why did my boyfriend choose to have a blonde moment right now?
Sighing, I lean my forehead against his and whisper, "Yes I am and you will do it because you love me. If you don't I will have to enact an embargo on certain services that you might not be able to do without."
Now that should seal the deal.
"That is really low Yagami," he scowls, as he breezes past me to the living room.
Rolling my eyes, I try to rationalize with him. "I know, but you have to use what works."
"Whatever, but that does bring up a valid point. How did she get you to do this? I know that it's more than the 'brotherly duty' thing."
"What else, blackmail," I told him as if it was the most logical answer in the world.
Which runs true for all the siblings I've ever come across.
"And what possibly would she have to blackmail you with?"
Knowing that it was going to come down to this, I lean back, because I know that he is not going to be happy about this. "Remember that weekend you and I spent at my apartment a few months back?"
"Yeah."
"And remember we kept hearing a clicking sound, but figured that it was just the clock or something,"
"What are you getting at?" Yamato asked tentatively. After making a few elaborate hand gestures, he yelled hotly, "No she didn't!"
Nodding, I confirmed his worst fears. Grabbing his hand, I pulled him up from the bed and handed him his jacket. "Yes, she did. Now let's go before we give her a reason to post us on the web."
"I'm going to kill your sister Yagami," he growled darkly, before stomping to the door.
Looking at him, I decided that maybe this wasn't the time to tell him that I kinda knew what was going on all along, but he should understand that we, meaning Hikari and I are doing this for our friends.
If anyone should understand that it should be him.
Giving my koi a small kiss, I smiled, "Just make sure I'm not there. I wouldn't want to have to testify against you. Now let's go stuff ourselves."
"Is that all you think about?" he smiled, as he locked the door behind us.
Threading his arm through mine, I give him a smile of my own. "Not all the time, but my stomach will declare war if I don't feed it soon. Let's go."
Ken
As I sit on the train to Odaiba, I can't help but think of what I'm going to do, but this has gone on long enough. As much as I would like to forget all the events of the past year, I know that's not possible, so the only thing that I can do is move on, but that is easier said than done.
These past few months have been strange to say the least. After the almost knock drag-down fight between Takaishi-san and I, a lot of things has changed. Namely, the relationship between Hikari-san and I. For the supposed genius that I am, I never sat this one coming. Sometimes, I think about what would have happened if she hadn't found me that rainy night...what I would have done.
But it seems that I have come such a long way from that point. I'm not going to go so far to say that it tears me up inside for loosing someone like Daisuke, but I think that I am ready to do something about it. After a lot of debating, pleading, and outright yelling, Hikari-san has finally convinced me to hash it out with Takeru and Daisuke.
When I looked outside my balcony door this morning, I saw the bright blue sky and warm sunshine and wondered if Mother Nature is giving me a good omen for what I know I have to do. If I could, I would just close my eyes and try to sleep the day away, but I really don't think I want to feel the wrath of Yagami Hikari.
Again.
Rolling out of bed, I can't help but think about the girl that I have known for so many years, but have only really become friends with. Even though we both had our own personal battles with the darkness it never occurred to me that there might be something else in common with the Child of Light, but over these past few months, I've was once again proven wrong.
We both like soccer, reading mysteries, strawberry ice cream, have problems with the Powers of Darkness occasionally...
And we both fell in love with our best friends.
Talking to her really helped more than I expected to. Hell, her talking to me was a miracle within itself, especially after all the shit I did. I know that the others, particularly Takeru have been giving her crap about consorting with the 'enemy', but that has not deterred her in the least.
Now I can see why Dai had such a massive crush on her.
But I'm not going to fall into that trap again.
I need all the friends I can get.
And right now, I had to fix things with the best one that I've ever had.
Daisuke.
Mind made up, I quickly dress, grabbed my jacket, wallet, and keys and rushed out the door before telling anyone where I'm going.
A few minutes later, I found myself on a train across the bay, the tension nearly ripping me apart.
Getting up from my seat, I wait for the train to stop, knowing that when I step out of the metal car, there was no turning back.
Daisuke never gave up on me and now it was time for me to do the same.
With that purpose in mind, I began walking the still familiar route to the Motomiyas, praying that once I returned home, I would have one more friend to count.
I just hope Jun isn't there. I'd rather talk to Dai before getting another black eye.
Jun
Opening my eyes to the bright sunshine, I smile thanking all the Kamis that today is finally Saturday, and just maybe everything that I have done for the past few weeks will bring some happiness.
Yawning, I stretch a little, before making the big step of swinging my feet to the side of the bed to put on my slippers. With my body on autopilot, I walk to the kitchen intent on getting my normal dose of caffeine only to spy my brother staring at the idiot box as if it held all the answers to his problems...or so those psychic networks want you to believe.
Giving a quick tickle to Chibi who was working his way through a double-fudge Pop tart, I grab a mug, and fill it up with that life giving liquid. Snatching up a crumb covered Digimon, I plop down on the couch next to my brother. "Hey PB, what's been going on in life?"
"You live with me JuJu. Shouldn't you know?" came the wry retort, followed by the channel being changed.
Uh oh. All is not right is Daisukeville. And I can probably take a good guess why.
Trying to keep my coffee away from an inquisitive blue dragon, I tell him cheerily, "Well since we haven't had a sibling-bonding moment in a while, I guess you could say that I'm a little behind. So, what's the deal? You look like your looking through the TV instead of watching it."
Without explanation, he flung a card into my lap, making Chibi move to get out of firing range. Picking it up, I look at it and can tell it's some type of invitation to a party.
A party that I was partly responsible for.
"What does this have to do with anything?" I ask nonchalantly, knowing full well what was written on the card. It took Hikari and I long enough to find the invitations in the first place.
Rolling his eyes, he points to a spot on the invite. "You didn't read the return address."
Once again acting like a complete dunce, I say, "Yagami. So, I ask again. What does this have to do with anything?"
"As in Yagami Hikari...Takeru's best friend and supposedly Ken's new confidante," he mutters, grabbing Chibi and starting to play with his partner.
Acting shocked at this little tidbit of information, I can't help thinking how that was something I never saw coming. The Child of Darkness and The Child of Light...true friends.
Giving my ototo a little time to bitch and pout, I began carefully, "Think about it. Both you and Take-baka's best friends are now getting closer...." I pointed out
"Dai, what's wrong? C'mon you can tell me..."
Again nothing.
"If you tell me what the problem is, I promise not to pass judgment and keep my mouth shut until you get everything off your chest."
"Do it," he orders, not wanting to give me any room to maneuver.
"Scout's honor." I promise, although I have a funny feeling that I already know what is going to come out of his mouth.
"I still love him Jun," came the whispered confession, his sadness readily obvious.
I even wonder why I wished it would be something different.
Gathering him in a hug, I ruffle his mussed bed head. "I already know that, no matter how much I hate the fact. Anyway, we've talked this to death. What are you going to do about it?"
"I don't want to put myself out there like that again. I mean, it's easy to be sorry and all that shit, but what happens when something comes up similar to this?", he asked me, his eyes begging me to tell him that it would it wouldn't happen again, but being the big sister that I am, I can't lie to him.
Never to him.
"You work through it. C'mon PB give the baka some credit. I may not like him, but I think that he is sincerely sorry about what him and the others put you through. Hell, after all the things that he has done in the past months isn't an indication, then I don't know what is." Believe me, I wish I had one ex do what Takeru has done for Daisuke.
"Granted, it's been little things and I might be feeling that we are getting a bit closer to maybe even being friends, but I don't think that I will ever feel comfortable around him again, because there is one thing that I think we will never get back."
"And what is that?" I asked him softly, definitely knowing the answer to this one.
"Trust."
And that is what it always comes down to.
"Well, I wish I had an easy solution ready for you, but I don't know what to say except don't let the past dictate what the future brings. You are always ready to give a person a second chance. So, don't you think that the person that you love and who apparently loves you back deserves the same opportunity?"
"Why are you defending him all of the sudden?"
/Because Yagami and I worked too hard for you to be a stubborn ass/ I wanted to shout, but decided to tell him the other most important reason for my behavior.
"Because I want you to be happy."
Giving me a small smile, he says, "I know JuJu, and I appreciate it, and you're right, but-"
"NO! Listen to what I'm telling you. I don't want you to go through life thinking about the 'What Ifs' and 'Maybe If I'. I think it's time to let him know where you stand. Truthfully, it's not fair to either one of you." Grabbing his chin between my hands I look directly in his befuddled eyes. I know what I was about to say would hurt, but he needed a kick in the ass.
"And if you don't do it soon, it might be too late. For you, Takeru and the rest of your friends."
Roughly turning away from me, he gets up and starts pacing around the room. "Don't you think that I already know that?!?! Besides, the last time I checked, the Chosen weren't your favorite people in the world," he reminded me, making me wince at the memory of the theatric production I performed at the Ishidas.
Silently cursing his selective memory, I continued, "Dai, this is not between me and them. This is about you. I know that a lot of shit went down that shouldn't have, but would you really want to go through the rest of your life without them? You have to admit that all of you have a special bond with each other, no matter how slight."
Giving me a doubtful look, he asked, "What are you saying Jun?"
"Just give them a chance."
"And what if I get hurt again?"
"Life goes on and you will too. But PB, you have to get this behind you and the only way to do that is to talk it out."
"You know, if something happens, I am will kick your ass," he warned as he got up and starting walking down the hallway to his bedroom.
"I'd like to see you try it. You seem to forget who taught you," I yelled back hoping that he heard me. Shaking my head, I reach for the remote and switch the channel to something more entertaining.
One Power Puff Girls episode later, a hurriedly dressed Daisuke comes tearing down the hallway and after grabbing a laughing Chibi, followed by a quick 'See you later Jun', I hear the door slam shut.
I wonder what that was all about.
Just as I was about to watch Buttercup go against the Gangrene Gang, I hear a knock at the door.
Grumbling at the interruption, I walk to the door and hope that whoever it is, I can make go way with my good imitation of a fire-breathing dragon.
Imagine my surprise when I found a sneaky, little, blue-haired elf on my doorstep.
Giving him a toothy smile, I greet him icily, "Hello Ken."
Hikari
Looking over at the blonde sitting in front of my computer, I can't help have a small smile on face at seeing him look a little better than what he has been. I know that in some part, that is Daisuke's influence. As far as I know, both of them talk to one another, but Takeru has tried everything he knows and everyone else knows to get Daisuke to take him back, but so far it hasn't worked.
Which means that it is time for me to speed things along...for everyone's sake.
Turning on the charm, I ask sweetly, "Takeru, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure Hika-chan. What is it?" he answered, still browsing through the photo album I've put set up on my computer.
"Do you think that you are finally ready to talk with Ken?"
Pausing his constant clicking, he turns slowly, eyes wide. "You have to be kidding, right?" Takeru laughs, giving me a look as if I just told him I'm pregnant and he's the father.
Well, I guess I would too if I was in his position.
"No, I'm not. I think that this has to be done sooner than later, don't you?"
Turning around to the computer monitor, he pulls up a photo of Daisuke, tracing the digital features slowly, but soon a frown settled on his mouth and his gave me a curt shake of his head.
"No," he said with a note of finality, letting me know that I should let this go.
Not a chance buddy.
"C'mon Take. Don't you think that he's suffered just as much as you if not more?"
Giving me a look of annoyance, he asked snappishly, "Whose side are you on?"
"Yours, but I am also sympathetic to his situation as well," I said earnestly, trying to use those big brown eyes that had always worked in the past.
Not totally convinced, he retorted snidely, still a bit put off with my defense of Ken. "So what? You have a couple of conversations and all of the sudden you are best friends?"
Putting up my chin, I give him a look of equal parts disappointment and sadness, letting him no in no uncertain terms that I was not happy with his little brat display.
Groaning, he ran a nervous hand through his hair, his newly acquired highlights gleaming in the setting sun coming from the window. "Sorry Hika-chan, but I don't know if I can do this...I mean-" he began to explain brusquely, before I stopped him, wanting to explain myself further.
"I know, and I should have realized that this would be asking too much, but I think this would be the best for the both of you," and for Daisuke as well I add silently, not wanting to make matter worse than what they already were.
Giving me an apologetic look, he sighs, "I know that, or you wouldn't have brought it up, but I still don't see how me having a sit down with Ken is going to solve anything between us. As I remember the last conversation we had didn't go so well."
Hugging him from behind, I say, "Maybe it will...maybe it won't, but you'll never know if you don't try."
"You sound like my okaachan..." he mumbled, rolling his eyes and scrolling through the picture album on my PC.
Again.
Standing back up, I swing him back to face me once more. "I know. I've had practice doing that with Niichan. Now, are you going to do this?" You better not back out of this Takaishi. We have worked too hard for this to happen.
Giving me a doubtful look, he muttered, "Do I really have a choice in the matter?"
Smiling brightly, I was happy to see that he finally relented. "No, but I wanted to give you the impression anyway."
Giving me the bright smile that has been missing these past months, he got up grabbing me up in a hug and whispered softly, "Have I ever told you how much I love having you as a best friend?"
It's funny, but a year ago I would have slowly died at his admission of being his best friend. Now, I couldn't be happier with the position that I hold in his life.
"Not lately, so I don't mind hearing it again..." I tease, enjoying the banter that has always come so easily between us.
"Thanks Hika-chan. For everything."
"It's all in the duties I took up nine years ago." I remind him, giving him a peck on the cheek. After a couple more minutes of silence, he turns to me, his gaze a bit unnerving.
"Now to turn the tables. What is going on between you and Ichijouji?" he asked inquiringly, looking like a tabloid reporter, which means that this intervention was over.
Gathering my things as quickly as possible, I replied anxiously, "Um, I think that it's time for you to go. My mom is going to be here soon and I know that you don't want to stay to try her latest fungus recipe with fungus, do you?"
Lame Hikari, really lame.
Crossing his arms and smirking, Takeru read my mind. "You know that was a weak excuse, right?"
"Kiss ass, Takaishi." I laugh, glad to have a semblance of my old friend back.
"I think that Ken wouldn't mind doing that for you now. Ja." Grabbing his jacket and pulling on his sneakers, he goes to open the door and calls over his shoulder, "I'll call you later."
"Wait, I have one more thing to ask you," I shout out before he walks out the door.
He spins around quickly. "What is it?"
"Don't give up on him."
I could see the shock that poured in his bright blues, which was followed by an understanding nod.
"Never again. Bye Hi-chan," he firmly assured me, and with that he closes the door, leaving me alone in the apartment.
Walking back to my room, I laid down on my bed, and look at the patterns the sunlight has made on my ceiling. Even though I was happy that he agreed to talk to Ken, I could tell that there was something else that was bothering him, and I know exactly who was the cause of that one.
Daisuke, I hope you don't take too much longer with this.
Takeru
Walking the few blocks to my complex, I can't help but think about the last words that passed between Hikari and me.
/Don't give up on him./
/Never again./
I swear it's eerie how that girl can always see what I try to hide from everyone else, but she's had more experience at reading me, I guess.
In no time at all, I'm running through the lobby, catching the elevator and opening the front door.
"Taidama!" I yell, closing the door to the apartment, listening to the silence that greeted my greeting. Shrugging out my coat, I walk over to the kitchen to raid the refrigerator for dinner, when something catches my eye on the counter. Closing the fridge door, I walked over to look at it, and was surprised to see that it was for me.
With a little apprehension, I take the package and sit on the couch, hoping that this wouldn't have the same repercussions as the last package I opened. Seeing a note fall on my lap, I pick it up with steady hands.
Takeru,
I know that this may seem that this is coming out of left field, but I just wanted to know how I feel about the way things are between us. I want you to know that all your efforts haven't been for nothing. I see them, I hear them, and I feel them. Now I think that is time that you heard, but since our last face-to-face talk went nowhere, I'm going to let someone do the talking for me. I hope it works for me as it has you.
-Daisuke
Hands no longer steady, I pull out a tape cassette, similar to the one I gave him a few months ago. Walking into my room, I spy Patamon snuggled up on my pillow. Trying to be quiet as not to wake him, I pop it in the tape deck and surprised to hear a faintly recognizable song flow delicately from the speakers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i won't pretend that i intend to stop living
i won't pretend i'm good at forgiving
but i can't hate you
although i have tried
mmmm
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
mmmm
i won't pretend that i intend to stop living
i won't pretend i'm good at forgiving
but i can't hate you
although i have tried
mmmm
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
mm mm mm mm mm
sitting here wasting my time
would be like
waiting for the sun to rise
it's all too clear things come and go
sitting here waiting for you
would be like waiting for winter
it's gonna be cold
there may even
be snow
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
love is stronger
i still really love you
love is stronger than pride
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Putting the song on repeat, I lay down beside my partner and bit-by-bit smile. I know that we aren't out of the woods, but now I can breathe again.
I will give Daisuke all the time he needs.
And I will be right here waiting for the sunrise.
tbc...
Don't ask how these new plot twists developed, because I still don't know but I guess all of us are going to have to wait and see what happens, ne? Next chapter is going to be the DOOZY so stay tuned and I want to give a sincere THANK YOU to everyone that has supported me and this fic!
Ja ne minna!
Dream-chan
The only excuse that I have for this EXTREMELY long wait between updates is that RL had become a major pain in the butt and then my muses decided to take an extended vacation to Aruba, leaving me with nothing to write about. Now, that is all in the past. I've been working double time on this and I can only hope that you will like what happens. I'll shut up now so you can read the latest chappie!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: Don't own Digimon nor the song featured at the end. Nuff said.
"dialogue"
/thoughts/
POV
~~~lyrics~~~
Back To The Middle 10/?
by Dream-chan
Rating: R
Email: dream_chan@hotmail.com
Mission Impossible...Or Is It?
Day Before Operation 'Super Glue' Commences...
Taichi
"Are you ready yet?" I asked patiently, glancing at my watch for the hundredth time in thirty minutes. I had come straight from football practice and my stomach was beginning to grow impatient and that didn't help with the little talk I had to have with Yama before leaving. My imouto promised bodily harm if I put it off any longer.
And they call me the violent one.
"Hey Yama?"
"What?" he called from his bedroom, apparently still searching for his shoe.
Standing in the doorway, I say, "I know that this is last minute, but I was wondering if you wouldn't mind playing chaperone with me this weekend."
"For what?"
"One of Hikari's little get-togethers. My parents are going out of town and the only way that she can have it is if she finds two adults willing to supervise."
"In other words, Hi-chan told you that it was your duty as a big brother and you don't want to suffer alone," he replies with that know-it-all tone in his voice.
Sexy bastard.
Turning his attention from the darkness underneath his bed, he smirks, "Why should I?"
Time to play sympathy card.
Walking over the desk chair, I began gently, "For your brother. I think he's going to need it after what Hikari has planned."
"And just what exactly is that?" he asked, finally pulling out the long lost shoe.
"To get Ken, Daisuke, and Takeru in the same room so they can talk."
And just like that, he starts laughing as if it is the funniest thing he has ever heard. Flopping down on the bed, he stutters, "Is she out of her head? What the hell is she thinking?"
Turning the seriousness up a notch, I look directly at him. "Her, like the rest of us want this drama to come to an end. You have to admit, even though it seems that we are on slightly better terms, there is still that gap between us, Besides, I really do miss my Mini-me and I know that you do too."
"You're serious."
Why did my boyfriend choose to have a blonde moment right now?
Sighing, I lean my forehead against his and whisper, "Yes I am and you will do it because you love me. If you don't I will have to enact an embargo on certain services that you might not be able to do without."
Now that should seal the deal.
"That is really low Yagami," he scowls, as he breezes past me to the living room.
Rolling my eyes, I try to rationalize with him. "I know, but you have to use what works."
"Whatever, but that does bring up a valid point. How did she get you to do this? I know that it's more than the 'brotherly duty' thing."
"What else, blackmail," I told him as if it was the most logical answer in the world.
Which runs true for all the siblings I've ever come across.
"And what possibly would she have to blackmail you with?"
Knowing that it was going to come down to this, I lean back, because I know that he is not going to be happy about this. "Remember that weekend you and I spent at my apartment a few months back?"
"Yeah."
"And remember we kept hearing a clicking sound, but figured that it was just the clock or something,"
"What are you getting at?" Yamato asked tentatively. After making a few elaborate hand gestures, he yelled hotly, "No she didn't!"
Nodding, I confirmed his worst fears. Grabbing his hand, I pulled him up from the bed and handed him his jacket. "Yes, she did. Now let's go before we give her a reason to post us on the web."
"I'm going to kill your sister Yagami," he growled darkly, before stomping to the door.
Looking at him, I decided that maybe this wasn't the time to tell him that I kinda knew what was going on all along, but he should understand that we, meaning Hikari and I are doing this for our friends.
If anyone should understand that it should be him.
Giving my koi a small kiss, I smiled, "Just make sure I'm not there. I wouldn't want to have to testify against you. Now let's go stuff ourselves."
"Is that all you think about?" he smiled, as he locked the door behind us.
Threading his arm through mine, I give him a smile of my own. "Not all the time, but my stomach will declare war if I don't feed it soon. Let's go."
Ken
As I sit on the train to Odaiba, I can't help but think of what I'm going to do, but this has gone on long enough. As much as I would like to forget all the events of the past year, I know that's not possible, so the only thing that I can do is move on, but that is easier said than done.
These past few months have been strange to say the least. After the almost knock drag-down fight between Takaishi-san and I, a lot of things has changed. Namely, the relationship between Hikari-san and I. For the supposed genius that I am, I never sat this one coming. Sometimes, I think about what would have happened if she hadn't found me that rainy night...what I would have done.
But it seems that I have come such a long way from that point. I'm not going to go so far to say that it tears me up inside for loosing someone like Daisuke, but I think that I am ready to do something about it. After a lot of debating, pleading, and outright yelling, Hikari-san has finally convinced me to hash it out with Takeru and Daisuke.
When I looked outside my balcony door this morning, I saw the bright blue sky and warm sunshine and wondered if Mother Nature is giving me a good omen for what I know I have to do. If I could, I would just close my eyes and try to sleep the day away, but I really don't think I want to feel the wrath of Yagami Hikari.
Again.
Rolling out of bed, I can't help but think about the girl that I have known for so many years, but have only really become friends with. Even though we both had our own personal battles with the darkness it never occurred to me that there might be something else in common with the Child of Light, but over these past few months, I've was once again proven wrong.
We both like soccer, reading mysteries, strawberry ice cream, have problems with the Powers of Darkness occasionally...
And we both fell in love with our best friends.
Talking to her really helped more than I expected to. Hell, her talking to me was a miracle within itself, especially after all the shit I did. I know that the others, particularly Takeru have been giving her crap about consorting with the 'enemy', but that has not deterred her in the least.
Now I can see why Dai had such a massive crush on her.
But I'm not going to fall into that trap again.
I need all the friends I can get.
And right now, I had to fix things with the best one that I've ever had.
Daisuke.
Mind made up, I quickly dress, grabbed my jacket, wallet, and keys and rushed out the door before telling anyone where I'm going.
A few minutes later, I found myself on a train across the bay, the tension nearly ripping me apart.
Getting up from my seat, I wait for the train to stop, knowing that when I step out of the metal car, there was no turning back.
Daisuke never gave up on me and now it was time for me to do the same.
With that purpose in mind, I began walking the still familiar route to the Motomiyas, praying that once I returned home, I would have one more friend to count.
I just hope Jun isn't there. I'd rather talk to Dai before getting another black eye.
Jun
Opening my eyes to the bright sunshine, I smile thanking all the Kamis that today is finally Saturday, and just maybe everything that I have done for the past few weeks will bring some happiness.
Yawning, I stretch a little, before making the big step of swinging my feet to the side of the bed to put on my slippers. With my body on autopilot, I walk to the kitchen intent on getting my normal dose of caffeine only to spy my brother staring at the idiot box as if it held all the answers to his problems...or so those psychic networks want you to believe.
Giving a quick tickle to Chibi who was working his way through a double-fudge Pop tart, I grab a mug, and fill it up with that life giving liquid. Snatching up a crumb covered Digimon, I plop down on the couch next to my brother. "Hey PB, what's been going on in life?"
"You live with me JuJu. Shouldn't you know?" came the wry retort, followed by the channel being changed.
Uh oh. All is not right is Daisukeville. And I can probably take a good guess why.
Trying to keep my coffee away from an inquisitive blue dragon, I tell him cheerily, "Well since we haven't had a sibling-bonding moment in a while, I guess you could say that I'm a little behind. So, what's the deal? You look like your looking through the TV instead of watching it."
Without explanation, he flung a card into my lap, making Chibi move to get out of firing range. Picking it up, I look at it and can tell it's some type of invitation to a party.
A party that I was partly responsible for.
"What does this have to do with anything?" I ask nonchalantly, knowing full well what was written on the card. It took Hikari and I long enough to find the invitations in the first place.
Rolling his eyes, he points to a spot on the invite. "You didn't read the return address."
Once again acting like a complete dunce, I say, "Yagami. So, I ask again. What does this have to do with anything?"
"As in Yagami Hikari...Takeru's best friend and supposedly Ken's new confidante," he mutters, grabbing Chibi and starting to play with his partner.
Acting shocked at this little tidbit of information, I can't help thinking how that was something I never saw coming. The Child of Darkness and The Child of Light...true friends.
Giving my ototo a little time to bitch and pout, I began carefully, "Think about it. Both you and Take-baka's best friends are now getting closer...." I pointed out
"Dai, what's wrong? C'mon you can tell me..."
Again nothing.
"If you tell me what the problem is, I promise not to pass judgment and keep my mouth shut until you get everything off your chest."
"Do it," he orders, not wanting to give me any room to maneuver.
"Scout's honor." I promise, although I have a funny feeling that I already know what is going to come out of his mouth.
"I still love him Jun," came the whispered confession, his sadness readily obvious.
I even wonder why I wished it would be something different.
Gathering him in a hug, I ruffle his mussed bed head. "I already know that, no matter how much I hate the fact. Anyway, we've talked this to death. What are you going to do about it?"
"I don't want to put myself out there like that again. I mean, it's easy to be sorry and all that shit, but what happens when something comes up similar to this?", he asked me, his eyes begging me to tell him that it would it wouldn't happen again, but being the big sister that I am, I can't lie to him.
Never to him.
"You work through it. C'mon PB give the baka some credit. I may not like him, but I think that he is sincerely sorry about what him and the others put you through. Hell, after all the things that he has done in the past months isn't an indication, then I don't know what is." Believe me, I wish I had one ex do what Takeru has done for Daisuke.
"Granted, it's been little things and I might be feeling that we are getting a bit closer to maybe even being friends, but I don't think that I will ever feel comfortable around him again, because there is one thing that I think we will never get back."
"And what is that?" I asked him softly, definitely knowing the answer to this one.
"Trust."
And that is what it always comes down to.
"Well, I wish I had an easy solution ready for you, but I don't know what to say except don't let the past dictate what the future brings. You are always ready to give a person a second chance. So, don't you think that the person that you love and who apparently loves you back deserves the same opportunity?"
"Why are you defending him all of the sudden?"
/Because Yagami and I worked too hard for you to be a stubborn ass/ I wanted to shout, but decided to tell him the other most important reason for my behavior.
"Because I want you to be happy."
Giving me a small smile, he says, "I know JuJu, and I appreciate it, and you're right, but-"
"NO! Listen to what I'm telling you. I don't want you to go through life thinking about the 'What Ifs' and 'Maybe If I'. I think it's time to let him know where you stand. Truthfully, it's not fair to either one of you." Grabbing his chin between my hands I look directly in his befuddled eyes. I know what I was about to say would hurt, but he needed a kick in the ass.
"And if you don't do it soon, it might be too late. For you, Takeru and the rest of your friends."
Roughly turning away from me, he gets up and starts pacing around the room. "Don't you think that I already know that?!?! Besides, the last time I checked, the Chosen weren't your favorite people in the world," he reminded me, making me wince at the memory of the theatric production I performed at the Ishidas.
Silently cursing his selective memory, I continued, "Dai, this is not between me and them. This is about you. I know that a lot of shit went down that shouldn't have, but would you really want to go through the rest of your life without them? You have to admit that all of you have a special bond with each other, no matter how slight."
Giving me a doubtful look, he asked, "What are you saying Jun?"
"Just give them a chance."
"And what if I get hurt again?"
"Life goes on and you will too. But PB, you have to get this behind you and the only way to do that is to talk it out."
"You know, if something happens, I am will kick your ass," he warned as he got up and starting walking down the hallway to his bedroom.
"I'd like to see you try it. You seem to forget who taught you," I yelled back hoping that he heard me. Shaking my head, I reach for the remote and switch the channel to something more entertaining.
One Power Puff Girls episode later, a hurriedly dressed Daisuke comes tearing down the hallway and after grabbing a laughing Chibi, followed by a quick 'See you later Jun', I hear the door slam shut.
I wonder what that was all about.
Just as I was about to watch Buttercup go against the Gangrene Gang, I hear a knock at the door.
Grumbling at the interruption, I walk to the door and hope that whoever it is, I can make go way with my good imitation of a fire-breathing dragon.
Imagine my surprise when I found a sneaky, little, blue-haired elf on my doorstep.
Giving him a toothy smile, I greet him icily, "Hello Ken."
Hikari
Looking over at the blonde sitting in front of my computer, I can't help have a small smile on face at seeing him look a little better than what he has been. I know that in some part, that is Daisuke's influence. As far as I know, both of them talk to one another, but Takeru has tried everything he knows and everyone else knows to get Daisuke to take him back, but so far it hasn't worked.
Which means that it is time for me to speed things along...for everyone's sake.
Turning on the charm, I ask sweetly, "Takeru, can you do me a favor?"
"Sure Hika-chan. What is it?" he answered, still browsing through the photo album I've put set up on my computer.
"Do you think that you are finally ready to talk with Ken?"
Pausing his constant clicking, he turns slowly, eyes wide. "You have to be kidding, right?" Takeru laughs, giving me a look as if I just told him I'm pregnant and he's the father.
Well, I guess I would too if I was in his position.
"No, I'm not. I think that this has to be done sooner than later, don't you?"
Turning around to the computer monitor, he pulls up a photo of Daisuke, tracing the digital features slowly, but soon a frown settled on his mouth and his gave me a curt shake of his head.
"No," he said with a note of finality, letting me know that I should let this go.
Not a chance buddy.
"C'mon Take. Don't you think that he's suffered just as much as you if not more?"
Giving me a look of annoyance, he asked snappishly, "Whose side are you on?"
"Yours, but I am also sympathetic to his situation as well," I said earnestly, trying to use those big brown eyes that had always worked in the past.
Not totally convinced, he retorted snidely, still a bit put off with my defense of Ken. "So what? You have a couple of conversations and all of the sudden you are best friends?"
Putting up my chin, I give him a look of equal parts disappointment and sadness, letting him no in no uncertain terms that I was not happy with his little brat display.
Groaning, he ran a nervous hand through his hair, his newly acquired highlights gleaming in the setting sun coming from the window. "Sorry Hika-chan, but I don't know if I can do this...I mean-" he began to explain brusquely, before I stopped him, wanting to explain myself further.
"I know, and I should have realized that this would be asking too much, but I think this would be the best for the both of you," and for Daisuke as well I add silently, not wanting to make matter worse than what they already were.
Giving me an apologetic look, he sighs, "I know that, or you wouldn't have brought it up, but I still don't see how me having a sit down with Ken is going to solve anything between us. As I remember the last conversation we had didn't go so well."
Hugging him from behind, I say, "Maybe it will...maybe it won't, but you'll never know if you don't try."
"You sound like my okaachan..." he mumbled, rolling his eyes and scrolling through the picture album on my PC.
Again.
Standing back up, I swing him back to face me once more. "I know. I've had practice doing that with Niichan. Now, are you going to do this?" You better not back out of this Takaishi. We have worked too hard for this to happen.
Giving me a doubtful look, he muttered, "Do I really have a choice in the matter?"
Smiling brightly, I was happy to see that he finally relented. "No, but I wanted to give you the impression anyway."
Giving me the bright smile that has been missing these past months, he got up grabbing me up in a hug and whispered softly, "Have I ever told you how much I love having you as a best friend?"
It's funny, but a year ago I would have slowly died at his admission of being his best friend. Now, I couldn't be happier with the position that I hold in his life.
"Not lately, so I don't mind hearing it again..." I tease, enjoying the banter that has always come so easily between us.
"Thanks Hika-chan. For everything."
"It's all in the duties I took up nine years ago." I remind him, giving him a peck on the cheek. After a couple more minutes of silence, he turns to me, his gaze a bit unnerving.
"Now to turn the tables. What is going on between you and Ichijouji?" he asked inquiringly, looking like a tabloid reporter, which means that this intervention was over.
Gathering my things as quickly as possible, I replied anxiously, "Um, I think that it's time for you to go. My mom is going to be here soon and I know that you don't want to stay to try her latest fungus recipe with fungus, do you?"
Lame Hikari, really lame.
Crossing his arms and smirking, Takeru read my mind. "You know that was a weak excuse, right?"
"Kiss ass, Takaishi." I laugh, glad to have a semblance of my old friend back.
"I think that Ken wouldn't mind doing that for you now. Ja." Grabbing his jacket and pulling on his sneakers, he goes to open the door and calls over his shoulder, "I'll call you later."
"Wait, I have one more thing to ask you," I shout out before he walks out the door.
He spins around quickly. "What is it?"
"Don't give up on him."
I could see the shock that poured in his bright blues, which was followed by an understanding nod.
"Never again. Bye Hi-chan," he firmly assured me, and with that he closes the door, leaving me alone in the apartment.
Walking back to my room, I laid down on my bed, and look at the patterns the sunlight has made on my ceiling. Even though I was happy that he agreed to talk to Ken, I could tell that there was something else that was bothering him, and I know exactly who was the cause of that one.
Daisuke, I hope you don't take too much longer with this.
Takeru
Walking the few blocks to my complex, I can't help but think about the last words that passed between Hikari and me.
/Don't give up on him./
/Never again./
I swear it's eerie how that girl can always see what I try to hide from everyone else, but she's had more experience at reading me, I guess.
In no time at all, I'm running through the lobby, catching the elevator and opening the front door.
"Taidama!" I yell, closing the door to the apartment, listening to the silence that greeted my greeting. Shrugging out my coat, I walk over to the kitchen to raid the refrigerator for dinner, when something catches my eye on the counter. Closing the fridge door, I walked over to look at it, and was surprised to see that it was for me.
With a little apprehension, I take the package and sit on the couch, hoping that this wouldn't have the same repercussions as the last package I opened. Seeing a note fall on my lap, I pick it up with steady hands.
Takeru,
I know that this may seem that this is coming out of left field, but I just wanted to know how I feel about the way things are between us. I want you to know that all your efforts haven't been for nothing. I see them, I hear them, and I feel them. Now I think that is time that you heard, but since our last face-to-face talk went nowhere, I'm going to let someone do the talking for me. I hope it works for me as it has you.
-Daisuke
Hands no longer steady, I pull out a tape cassette, similar to the one I gave him a few months ago. Walking into my room, I spy Patamon snuggled up on my pillow. Trying to be quiet as not to wake him, I pop it in the tape deck and surprised to hear a faintly recognizable song flow delicately from the speakers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i won't pretend that i intend to stop living
i won't pretend i'm good at forgiving
but i can't hate you
although i have tried
mmmm
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
mmmm
i won't pretend that i intend to stop living
i won't pretend i'm good at forgiving
but i can't hate you
although i have tried
mmmm
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
mm mm mm mm mm
sitting here wasting my time
would be like
waiting for the sun to rise
it's all too clear things come and go
sitting here waiting for you
would be like waiting for winter
it's gonna be cold
there may even
be snow
i still really really love you
love is stronger than pride
i still really really love you
love is stronger
i still really love you
love is stronger than pride
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Putting the song on repeat, I lay down beside my partner and bit-by-bit smile. I know that we aren't out of the woods, but now I can breathe again.
I will give Daisuke all the time he needs.
And I will be right here waiting for the sunrise.
tbc...
Don't ask how these new plot twists developed, because I still don't know but I guess all of us are going to have to wait and see what happens, ne? Next chapter is going to be the DOOZY so stay tuned and I want to give a sincere THANK YOU to everyone that has supported me and this fic!
Ja ne minna!
Dream-chan