It's a bird it's a plane.... no it's super angst! Anyways more chaptery
goodness!
hr
Chapter Two
As was to be expected Kazuki was loosing miserably to me as we played a mini one on one soccer game. He was in the goal when something blue caught my eye and I kicked the ball. It didn't even get close to where I had wanted it to go.
"Loosing your touch Takuya!" He laughed at me. I narrowed my eyes and clenched my fists but decided it was best to drop it and chase after the ball. Not thinking, I ran into something, hard. It turned out to be Kouji, I couldn't help but throw my arms around him, loving the site of him, not bothering to wonder why he was here but only caring that he was. I helped him up and tried some of the ice cream that he had brought for me which was now all over his shirt. Behind my I knew that Kazuki was watching carefully, I knew when his eyes were off of me and I didn't care that he had left, it meant that now it was just me and my bandanna headed love.
"So miss me yet?" I asked grinning. "I mean come on you saw me yesterday and already your out searching for me." He laughed. I loved watching him laugh it was so pleasurable, his blue eyes would dance and his hair would be brushed behind his back, and his expression was so genuine and innocent it made you think that no matter what everything was alright.
"Yea, that's what you think." The expression in his eyes aloud me to believe that I had been right about my assumption and that he had missed me.
"Yea well now we are all sticky and unless you want me to lick off the ice cream we better get washed off." I was amazed at my daring to go so far as making sexual jokes with Kouji, but it didn't matter anymore, nothing did only him.
"And I suppose you already have something in mind?" He asked looking slightly suspicious.
"Oh come on this was my plan all along, I was the one who willed you to get ice cream and then get all sticky." I tried, throwing my arm around his shoulders and leading him away from the field.
"Right Takuya, and I suppose you also 'willed' my Dad into giving me this money." I laughed and nodded. "Where are we going anyways?" I shook my head.
"If I told you it wouldn't be a secret."
"You never mentioned anything about a secret."
"Well maybe I should have." There was a river that ran through the park it wasn't very wide but there was one place where the water was deep enough to swim, besides I might be able to get a glimpse of a shirtless Kouji if I played my cards right.
I led him through the forest, hesitantly letting my arm slide off his shoulder. The branches swept at our clothes as we followed a rarely taken path.
"Takuya? Are you sure this is the right way."
"Have I ever steered you wrong?" I asked already knowing the answer.
"Well actually yes," he paused then smiled. "But never on purpose I guess."
"But what if this time I have alternative motives?" I laughed mischievously as I turned to watch him. he shook his head.
"You are insufferable Takuya." he laughed pulling my goggles over my eyes.
"Ha ha." I replied tackling him and pulling off his bandanna, loving to see the way his bangs fell into his eyes.
"Takuya!" He groaned trying to snatch it back.
"Kouji," I mockingly groaned back, then took off down the path hoping he would follow. He did. Atlas we made it to the creek. I stopped running, doubling over trying to catch my breath. He showed up moments after his face flushed and his breathing heavy.
"Very funny." He said, then noticed where we were. "Oh I get it." I nodded and smiled pulling off my T-shirts, shoes and socks. Then pulling my goggles over my eyes I jumped into the cold water. When I swam over he was watching me carefully.
"Aren't you coming in, my enlightened friend?" He looked as if he was about to protest then rolled his eyes also pulling off his shirt, shoes and throwing his bandanna down. He stepped in but I grabbed his arm and pulled him down into the water, him landing almost on top of me. "We have a habit of doing that don't we?"
He shook his head again and laughed, "Apparently so."
We swam around playing in the water until alas we both felt exhausted and water logged. Climbing back on to shore we dried our best to get the water off our pants and pulled our shirts back on. We made our way back out to the field where sighing Kouji fell to the ground leaning against a tree watching me carefully with a playful smile toying on his lips. I sat down next to him but he wrapped his arms around my chest and pulled me down so I was leaning against his legs.
"Two can play at your little game Takuya." He laughed thoughtfully, I just nodded sleepily and closed my eyes, praying that this moment would never end.
~~
Takuya slept soundlessly while leaning on my legs, I rested my hand on his chest feeling his warmth, the moment overwhelmed me with excitement. This was everything I wanted and more. I watched the other kids play, and run around, ignoring some odd looks I got from passing people. I had nearly dozed off when a grinning face with blonde hair blurred into focus.
"Kouji! Takuya!" She said happily, throwing her hair behind her back she stood upright and placed her hands on her hips.
"What?" Grumbled Takuya, as he regretfully opened his eyes and sat up.
"Well I never thought I'd see you guys here and 'together.'" Izumi added hesitantly, staring down at Takuya with a look of disappointment.
"Yea well..." Takuya replied searching for words. "We happen to like this spot." He said annoyed.
"Well it looks like someone isn't a morning person."
"It's not morning Izumi," I was growing deeply irritated by her hovering.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to join Tomoki, Junpei and I for lunch?" I looked beyond her to where the other two were smiling and waving at us, beside a picnic basket. Takuya jumped at the idea, and to my disappointment agreed quickly rushing, over to the other boys.
"So what's going on between you two?" She asked suspiciously as we walked across the field together. "Nothing that concerns you I promise."
"I was just worried that I had competition." She said with tone I wasn't able to recognize. It was somewhere between suspicious and exasperated. I narrowed my eyes in reply and shook my head. Angry with myself that I hadn't told her the truth.
When we got to the table the other were already laying out spring rolls, sushi and riceballs. Takuya had his mouth full of rice balls as he grinned at me and pulled me towards the empty space beside him. Izumi raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing eh?" She said then returned to organizing the food.
"So I see you two haven't bothered to change yet." Junpei said laughing.
"Well I couldn't find any other clothes, and Kouji has been at the hospital all night." Takuya replied with yet another mouthful of food.
"What have you been up to?" I asked trying to start conversation a few awkward moments later.
"Well I was out this morning visiting with friends." Izumi said smiling.
"I was playing video games with Utaka, he came home for the weekend from college." Tomoki seemed pleased with himself. "He says I've really grown up. I wanted to tell him about the digital world, but I didn't." We all nodded at his decision. Already the digiworld seemed a lifetime away.
"I've been catching up on snacks and day time TV." Junpei added to no ones surprise.
"I've been with you!" Takuya said giving me a loving side glance.
"As we've noticed." Izumi said irritated once again.
The lunch went on from there Takuya making joking remarks and Izumi contradicting any relationship the two of us might have. Junpei seemed oblivious as he attempted to flirt with Izumi and Tomoki was feeding bits of his sushi to squirrels. When all the food was eaten, I said my good byes to everyone deciding that I should probably go check on Kouichi. I was half way across the field when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"What forget about me already?" Takuya stated hurrying to walk next to me.
"I just thought you wanted to hang out with the others." I replied coolly.
"Nah, who those guys, I'd rather be with you Kouji." His smile touched his eyes completely making me long for him. I just turned away, trying to resist him.
"You won't get me that easily." I replied.
"Huh?" He questioned.
"Nothing."
We crossed the street and hurried up the stairs to the third floor. Kouichi was awake staring out the window as if he was in another world. He turned to smile when he saw us come in.
"Hey Kouji, hello Takuya." Takuya grinned and replied hello.
"It's good to see you better."
"Yea, it's good to feel better." He seemed sincerely full of joy, I smiled at his happiness.
"We missed you during the final battle. It was huge and Kouji and I spirit evolved together, thanks to you, it was so awesome, and then we met our spirits, and Lowemon told us you were still alive and then we-"
"Takuya slow down." I laughed as Takuya launched into a description.
"Tell me everything." Kouichi added slowly and thoughtfully. "But slower." Takuya grinned and nodded telling him the whole story from start to finish. He told it with over exaggerated gestures and acted out everything, as he threw himself at a table that was apparently Lucemon. Kouichi and I laughed until the vase of flowers fell from it and shattered, he stood up straight first looking guilty then bringing his hands up behind his head, walked away as if he was the most innocent person in the world. He made me smiled as a knock came at the door. Worried that it was a nurse or something he quickly tried to clean up to glass with his hands.
"Kouji? Kouichi?" A soft voice came from the door as it opened. My mother stood there with chocolates and flowers. "I brought these for both of you." Then noticing Takuya, "and your little friend if he wants them." Takuya smiled knowing how important this woman was to me.
"You must be Kouichi and Kouji's mom, I'm Takuya Kanbara, friend to both of them." She smiled and nodded accepting one of his gloved hands to shake.
"The boys talked about you." I blushed remembering how Kouichi had tried to pinpoint my emotions towards my goggled friend. She had been reading in the corner, I thought she hadn't been listening. "Oh did they?" Takuya asked curiously.
She handed the chocolates to Kouichi who opened them as an anxious Takuya hovered above them. We all ate chocolates until a doctor came in and checked Kouichi's blood pressure.
"You're free to go, and might I add you should be quite thankful to be alive. I don't know why we are letting you out this early but there is no reason for you to stay. You're perfectly healthy." All three of us smiled remembering how it had been the light from our D-tecters that had healed the boy.
I wanted to give Kouichi sometime alone with mom so I said good bye and he left to go home, I got his address and phone number though. It was weird watching him go, he was my brother, so why did we have to live in separate houses?
"Kouji? Are you alright?" Takuya asked when we were outside watching Kouichi leave.
"Yea, it's just, why does he have to leave already?" I said as my throat threatened to betray me.
"I'm sorry," his hand reached out for mine as he squeezed it and pulled me into a hug. "It shouldn't have turned out that way." I nodded as I buried my face into his shoulder.
The sun was going down now and a cooler breeze blew around us.
"We should probably head out to." He said regretfully not wanting to let me go but pulled his arms away. We walked silently down the street, my house was almost the opposite way but I didn't feel like going home just yet. I'd walk with Takuya until I couldn't anymore.
"Where do you live?" He asked turning to me, the rays of the setting sun made him look even more beautiful then normal.
"Not this way." He watched me quizzically.
"Want to come home and have dinner with me?"
"Sure, I'll call my Dad from your house." He nodded.
~~
I was worried about Kouji he seemed so full of life only a few hours before, now he seemed silent and held back. I didn't bother to ask him how he was because I knew he would just hide his feelings.
"Mom I'm home!"
"It's about time, I thought we agreed to no more late nights." I rolled my eyes and turned to Kouji. "I brought a friend home for dinner."
"Oh really?" He voice changed to excitement she loved to entertain, and she loved it even more when I brought friends home.
"A girlfriend?" I narrowed my eyes in confusion, as her voice trailed out of the kitchen.
"No mom." Then I added quietly to Kouji. "She wants me to get a girlfriend, really bad." I laughed nervously remembering my feelings for Kouji and wishing I had kept my mouth closed. He just smiled and followed me to the kitchen.
"This is Kouji." I said pointing to him.
"What happened to Kazuki? I thought he was your best friend, just the other day-" I remembered how an enternity ago Kazuki and I had been best friends and how he always came over for dinner.
"Um... he's busy." I said, Kouji raised an eyebrow, I turned away feeling my cheeks flush.
After dinner Kouji called his Dad, telling him he would be home soon. His Dad said he would come and pick him up, Kouji didn't bother to protest, though afterwards he told me that his father seemed urgent about something.
I showed him my room and remembered with a curse that I had left my soccer ball at the park. "Beans. I'll have to go get it tomorrow." I asked Kouji if he wanted to come with me and he agreed immediately.
After Kouji had gone there was nothing left to do. His Dad had picked him up in a hurry complaining slightly how my house had been impossible to find with the directions I gave him, I apologized but felt bad watching Kouji go.
The next morning was Monday, I groaned and jumped off the top bunk. I had set my alarm clock way too early and sighed as the red numbers glowed 7:00, but I had said I would meet Kouji at the park at 8:30 so I had to get ready.
I actually bothered to find different clothes so I pulled on a pair of jeans and a red shirt, but still grabbed the same hat and goggles. I ate breakfast and headed for the park.
I arrived with twenty minutes to spare. Searching for my soccer ball I ended up finding it partially deflated in a bush not far from where I had met up with Kouji. I was kicking it around a bit when Kouji showed up. He looked tired, like he probably didn't have any sleep last night, his hands were in his pockets as he carefully watched the ground. I ran up to him and nearly threw my arms around the boy when he looked up at me sadly and shook his head. I stopped, letting my arms fall to my sides. He stared past me at the sky, seeming like he was trying to hold back tears. I wrapped my arm around him and led him to the tree we had sat in front of yesterday.
"What's wrong?" He continued to look at the ground, almost ignoring my question. After what seemed like hours, or at least the sun was now shining brighter he turned to me solemnly.
"Dad's moving away."
"So why are you upset, this is perfect you can move in with Kouichi." He shook his head.
"No, because full custody was awarded to my father, he has full legal right to take me with him." He sank down against the tree staring at the sky again. I watched him speechless. He hadn't seemed this upset since we had first discovered that Duskmon might have some connection with him.
"Where to?" I asked not wanting to dwell on it but I had to know.
"Hiroshima." It wasn't that far away, a train ride would make it only a couple hours away, but a few hours was a huge amount of time compared to walking distance.
"Oh Kouji." I brushed his hair out of his face when he took his bandanna off to wipe away the tears that came with out warning. We sat like that a long time, him clutching his bandanna and me staring at him with my hand on his. We watched the park, people came people went, it was another hour before either of us dare spoke again.
"I'm leaving this Thursday."
"Why so soon?"
"Dad was offered a job and was asked to come as soon as possible." I nodded and heard hesitation in his voice.
"And?"
"What do mean 'and' Takuya! Don't you care at all!" His harsh words took me by surprise as I retracted my arm quickly.
"Of course I care!" I replied with narrowed eyes. "It sounded as if that wasn't all!" I yelled back.
"He can't stand the sight of Mom. He said he was still in love with her, she ended their marriage fourteen years ago. He still loves her and he's worried that if Kouichi and I get close he might have to 'deal' with her. He's worried that I want to go and live with her. I do!" He yelled. I wasn't sure if he was angry with me or just angry.
"Well I'll do something about it!"
"You can't!"
"Why can't I!" I yelled. I hated it when people told me I couldn't do something.
"Because it's beyond your control." He said silently. "It wouldn't do any good, you're just a kid against the world."
"I'm not against the world!" I said frustrated with his sudden angst.
"It's useless it's all pointless! I'm just going to give up!" I couldn't believe him, all we had been through and now something like this came and all of a sudden he couldn't carry on.
"Kouji, we have never given up before." I stated thoughtfully. Kouji however lashed out a glare pushing himself to his feet.
"Takuya, you don't get it do you? We can't spirit evolve anymore, you can't make it all better, this has nothing to do with you, so just leave me alone." He left just like that no good bye or anything, he just took off leaving me alone, alone and speechless. I thought that would be the last time I'd ever see my beloved Kouji Minamoto.
hr
blah that was chapter two, you will all hate me during the next chapter. *builds fort*
hr
Chapter Two
As was to be expected Kazuki was loosing miserably to me as we played a mini one on one soccer game. He was in the goal when something blue caught my eye and I kicked the ball. It didn't even get close to where I had wanted it to go.
"Loosing your touch Takuya!" He laughed at me. I narrowed my eyes and clenched my fists but decided it was best to drop it and chase after the ball. Not thinking, I ran into something, hard. It turned out to be Kouji, I couldn't help but throw my arms around him, loving the site of him, not bothering to wonder why he was here but only caring that he was. I helped him up and tried some of the ice cream that he had brought for me which was now all over his shirt. Behind my I knew that Kazuki was watching carefully, I knew when his eyes were off of me and I didn't care that he had left, it meant that now it was just me and my bandanna headed love.
"So miss me yet?" I asked grinning. "I mean come on you saw me yesterday and already your out searching for me." He laughed. I loved watching him laugh it was so pleasurable, his blue eyes would dance and his hair would be brushed behind his back, and his expression was so genuine and innocent it made you think that no matter what everything was alright.
"Yea, that's what you think." The expression in his eyes aloud me to believe that I had been right about my assumption and that he had missed me.
"Yea well now we are all sticky and unless you want me to lick off the ice cream we better get washed off." I was amazed at my daring to go so far as making sexual jokes with Kouji, but it didn't matter anymore, nothing did only him.
"And I suppose you already have something in mind?" He asked looking slightly suspicious.
"Oh come on this was my plan all along, I was the one who willed you to get ice cream and then get all sticky." I tried, throwing my arm around his shoulders and leading him away from the field.
"Right Takuya, and I suppose you also 'willed' my Dad into giving me this money." I laughed and nodded. "Where are we going anyways?" I shook my head.
"If I told you it wouldn't be a secret."
"You never mentioned anything about a secret."
"Well maybe I should have." There was a river that ran through the park it wasn't very wide but there was one place where the water was deep enough to swim, besides I might be able to get a glimpse of a shirtless Kouji if I played my cards right.
I led him through the forest, hesitantly letting my arm slide off his shoulder. The branches swept at our clothes as we followed a rarely taken path.
"Takuya? Are you sure this is the right way."
"Have I ever steered you wrong?" I asked already knowing the answer.
"Well actually yes," he paused then smiled. "But never on purpose I guess."
"But what if this time I have alternative motives?" I laughed mischievously as I turned to watch him. he shook his head.
"You are insufferable Takuya." he laughed pulling my goggles over my eyes.
"Ha ha." I replied tackling him and pulling off his bandanna, loving to see the way his bangs fell into his eyes.
"Takuya!" He groaned trying to snatch it back.
"Kouji," I mockingly groaned back, then took off down the path hoping he would follow. He did. Atlas we made it to the creek. I stopped running, doubling over trying to catch my breath. He showed up moments after his face flushed and his breathing heavy.
"Very funny." He said, then noticed where we were. "Oh I get it." I nodded and smiled pulling off my T-shirts, shoes and socks. Then pulling my goggles over my eyes I jumped into the cold water. When I swam over he was watching me carefully.
"Aren't you coming in, my enlightened friend?" He looked as if he was about to protest then rolled his eyes also pulling off his shirt, shoes and throwing his bandanna down. He stepped in but I grabbed his arm and pulled him down into the water, him landing almost on top of me. "We have a habit of doing that don't we?"
He shook his head again and laughed, "Apparently so."
We swam around playing in the water until alas we both felt exhausted and water logged. Climbing back on to shore we dried our best to get the water off our pants and pulled our shirts back on. We made our way back out to the field where sighing Kouji fell to the ground leaning against a tree watching me carefully with a playful smile toying on his lips. I sat down next to him but he wrapped his arms around my chest and pulled me down so I was leaning against his legs.
"Two can play at your little game Takuya." He laughed thoughtfully, I just nodded sleepily and closed my eyes, praying that this moment would never end.
~~
Takuya slept soundlessly while leaning on my legs, I rested my hand on his chest feeling his warmth, the moment overwhelmed me with excitement. This was everything I wanted and more. I watched the other kids play, and run around, ignoring some odd looks I got from passing people. I had nearly dozed off when a grinning face with blonde hair blurred into focus.
"Kouji! Takuya!" She said happily, throwing her hair behind her back she stood upright and placed her hands on her hips.
"What?" Grumbled Takuya, as he regretfully opened his eyes and sat up.
"Well I never thought I'd see you guys here and 'together.'" Izumi added hesitantly, staring down at Takuya with a look of disappointment.
"Yea well..." Takuya replied searching for words. "We happen to like this spot." He said annoyed.
"Well it looks like someone isn't a morning person."
"It's not morning Izumi," I was growing deeply irritated by her hovering.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to join Tomoki, Junpei and I for lunch?" I looked beyond her to where the other two were smiling and waving at us, beside a picnic basket. Takuya jumped at the idea, and to my disappointment agreed quickly rushing, over to the other boys.
"So what's going on between you two?" She asked suspiciously as we walked across the field together. "Nothing that concerns you I promise."
"I was just worried that I had competition." She said with tone I wasn't able to recognize. It was somewhere between suspicious and exasperated. I narrowed my eyes in reply and shook my head. Angry with myself that I hadn't told her the truth.
When we got to the table the other were already laying out spring rolls, sushi and riceballs. Takuya had his mouth full of rice balls as he grinned at me and pulled me towards the empty space beside him. Izumi raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing eh?" She said then returned to organizing the food.
"So I see you two haven't bothered to change yet." Junpei said laughing.
"Well I couldn't find any other clothes, and Kouji has been at the hospital all night." Takuya replied with yet another mouthful of food.
"What have you been up to?" I asked trying to start conversation a few awkward moments later.
"Well I was out this morning visiting with friends." Izumi said smiling.
"I was playing video games with Utaka, he came home for the weekend from college." Tomoki seemed pleased with himself. "He says I've really grown up. I wanted to tell him about the digital world, but I didn't." We all nodded at his decision. Already the digiworld seemed a lifetime away.
"I've been catching up on snacks and day time TV." Junpei added to no ones surprise.
"I've been with you!" Takuya said giving me a loving side glance.
"As we've noticed." Izumi said irritated once again.
The lunch went on from there Takuya making joking remarks and Izumi contradicting any relationship the two of us might have. Junpei seemed oblivious as he attempted to flirt with Izumi and Tomoki was feeding bits of his sushi to squirrels. When all the food was eaten, I said my good byes to everyone deciding that I should probably go check on Kouichi. I was half way across the field when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"What forget about me already?" Takuya stated hurrying to walk next to me.
"I just thought you wanted to hang out with the others." I replied coolly.
"Nah, who those guys, I'd rather be with you Kouji." His smile touched his eyes completely making me long for him. I just turned away, trying to resist him.
"You won't get me that easily." I replied.
"Huh?" He questioned.
"Nothing."
We crossed the street and hurried up the stairs to the third floor. Kouichi was awake staring out the window as if he was in another world. He turned to smile when he saw us come in.
"Hey Kouji, hello Takuya." Takuya grinned and replied hello.
"It's good to see you better."
"Yea, it's good to feel better." He seemed sincerely full of joy, I smiled at his happiness.
"We missed you during the final battle. It was huge and Kouji and I spirit evolved together, thanks to you, it was so awesome, and then we met our spirits, and Lowemon told us you were still alive and then we-"
"Takuya slow down." I laughed as Takuya launched into a description.
"Tell me everything." Kouichi added slowly and thoughtfully. "But slower." Takuya grinned and nodded telling him the whole story from start to finish. He told it with over exaggerated gestures and acted out everything, as he threw himself at a table that was apparently Lucemon. Kouichi and I laughed until the vase of flowers fell from it and shattered, he stood up straight first looking guilty then bringing his hands up behind his head, walked away as if he was the most innocent person in the world. He made me smiled as a knock came at the door. Worried that it was a nurse or something he quickly tried to clean up to glass with his hands.
"Kouji? Kouichi?" A soft voice came from the door as it opened. My mother stood there with chocolates and flowers. "I brought these for both of you." Then noticing Takuya, "and your little friend if he wants them." Takuya smiled knowing how important this woman was to me.
"You must be Kouichi and Kouji's mom, I'm Takuya Kanbara, friend to both of them." She smiled and nodded accepting one of his gloved hands to shake.
"The boys talked about you." I blushed remembering how Kouichi had tried to pinpoint my emotions towards my goggled friend. She had been reading in the corner, I thought she hadn't been listening. "Oh did they?" Takuya asked curiously.
She handed the chocolates to Kouichi who opened them as an anxious Takuya hovered above them. We all ate chocolates until a doctor came in and checked Kouichi's blood pressure.
"You're free to go, and might I add you should be quite thankful to be alive. I don't know why we are letting you out this early but there is no reason for you to stay. You're perfectly healthy." All three of us smiled remembering how it had been the light from our D-tecters that had healed the boy.
I wanted to give Kouichi sometime alone with mom so I said good bye and he left to go home, I got his address and phone number though. It was weird watching him go, he was my brother, so why did we have to live in separate houses?
"Kouji? Are you alright?" Takuya asked when we were outside watching Kouichi leave.
"Yea, it's just, why does he have to leave already?" I said as my throat threatened to betray me.
"I'm sorry," his hand reached out for mine as he squeezed it and pulled me into a hug. "It shouldn't have turned out that way." I nodded as I buried my face into his shoulder.
The sun was going down now and a cooler breeze blew around us.
"We should probably head out to." He said regretfully not wanting to let me go but pulled his arms away. We walked silently down the street, my house was almost the opposite way but I didn't feel like going home just yet. I'd walk with Takuya until I couldn't anymore.
"Where do you live?" He asked turning to me, the rays of the setting sun made him look even more beautiful then normal.
"Not this way." He watched me quizzically.
"Want to come home and have dinner with me?"
"Sure, I'll call my Dad from your house." He nodded.
~~
I was worried about Kouji he seemed so full of life only a few hours before, now he seemed silent and held back. I didn't bother to ask him how he was because I knew he would just hide his feelings.
"Mom I'm home!"
"It's about time, I thought we agreed to no more late nights." I rolled my eyes and turned to Kouji. "I brought a friend home for dinner."
"Oh really?" He voice changed to excitement she loved to entertain, and she loved it even more when I brought friends home.
"A girlfriend?" I narrowed my eyes in confusion, as her voice trailed out of the kitchen.
"No mom." Then I added quietly to Kouji. "She wants me to get a girlfriend, really bad." I laughed nervously remembering my feelings for Kouji and wishing I had kept my mouth closed. He just smiled and followed me to the kitchen.
"This is Kouji." I said pointing to him.
"What happened to Kazuki? I thought he was your best friend, just the other day-" I remembered how an enternity ago Kazuki and I had been best friends and how he always came over for dinner.
"Um... he's busy." I said, Kouji raised an eyebrow, I turned away feeling my cheeks flush.
After dinner Kouji called his Dad, telling him he would be home soon. His Dad said he would come and pick him up, Kouji didn't bother to protest, though afterwards he told me that his father seemed urgent about something.
I showed him my room and remembered with a curse that I had left my soccer ball at the park. "Beans. I'll have to go get it tomorrow." I asked Kouji if he wanted to come with me and he agreed immediately.
After Kouji had gone there was nothing left to do. His Dad had picked him up in a hurry complaining slightly how my house had been impossible to find with the directions I gave him, I apologized but felt bad watching Kouji go.
The next morning was Monday, I groaned and jumped off the top bunk. I had set my alarm clock way too early and sighed as the red numbers glowed 7:00, but I had said I would meet Kouji at the park at 8:30 so I had to get ready.
I actually bothered to find different clothes so I pulled on a pair of jeans and a red shirt, but still grabbed the same hat and goggles. I ate breakfast and headed for the park.
I arrived with twenty minutes to spare. Searching for my soccer ball I ended up finding it partially deflated in a bush not far from where I had met up with Kouji. I was kicking it around a bit when Kouji showed up. He looked tired, like he probably didn't have any sleep last night, his hands were in his pockets as he carefully watched the ground. I ran up to him and nearly threw my arms around the boy when he looked up at me sadly and shook his head. I stopped, letting my arms fall to my sides. He stared past me at the sky, seeming like he was trying to hold back tears. I wrapped my arm around him and led him to the tree we had sat in front of yesterday.
"What's wrong?" He continued to look at the ground, almost ignoring my question. After what seemed like hours, or at least the sun was now shining brighter he turned to me solemnly.
"Dad's moving away."
"So why are you upset, this is perfect you can move in with Kouichi." He shook his head.
"No, because full custody was awarded to my father, he has full legal right to take me with him." He sank down against the tree staring at the sky again. I watched him speechless. He hadn't seemed this upset since we had first discovered that Duskmon might have some connection with him.
"Where to?" I asked not wanting to dwell on it but I had to know.
"Hiroshima." It wasn't that far away, a train ride would make it only a couple hours away, but a few hours was a huge amount of time compared to walking distance.
"Oh Kouji." I brushed his hair out of his face when he took his bandanna off to wipe away the tears that came with out warning. We sat like that a long time, him clutching his bandanna and me staring at him with my hand on his. We watched the park, people came people went, it was another hour before either of us dare spoke again.
"I'm leaving this Thursday."
"Why so soon?"
"Dad was offered a job and was asked to come as soon as possible." I nodded and heard hesitation in his voice.
"And?"
"What do mean 'and' Takuya! Don't you care at all!" His harsh words took me by surprise as I retracted my arm quickly.
"Of course I care!" I replied with narrowed eyes. "It sounded as if that wasn't all!" I yelled back.
"He can't stand the sight of Mom. He said he was still in love with her, she ended their marriage fourteen years ago. He still loves her and he's worried that if Kouichi and I get close he might have to 'deal' with her. He's worried that I want to go and live with her. I do!" He yelled. I wasn't sure if he was angry with me or just angry.
"Well I'll do something about it!"
"You can't!"
"Why can't I!" I yelled. I hated it when people told me I couldn't do something.
"Because it's beyond your control." He said silently. "It wouldn't do any good, you're just a kid against the world."
"I'm not against the world!" I said frustrated with his sudden angst.
"It's useless it's all pointless! I'm just going to give up!" I couldn't believe him, all we had been through and now something like this came and all of a sudden he couldn't carry on.
"Kouji, we have never given up before." I stated thoughtfully. Kouji however lashed out a glare pushing himself to his feet.
"Takuya, you don't get it do you? We can't spirit evolve anymore, you can't make it all better, this has nothing to do with you, so just leave me alone." He left just like that no good bye or anything, he just took off leaving me alone, alone and speechless. I thought that would be the last time I'd ever see my beloved Kouji Minamoto.
hr
blah that was chapter two, you will all hate me during the next chapter. *builds fort*
