Disclaimer: Um... I'm trying to think of a creative way to say this but it's no use wasting time when I can write my fic but oh well. I don't own Digimon. You must be so annoyed and tired of hearing this phrase. Actually I think that the disclaimer makes my story look kind of amateur. What an eye sore.

Chapter 5: Finding a new place to crash

(Izumi's pov)

"Kouji, you know how I said that Takuya and I should spend some time apart?" I asked realizing something. We were a few blocks away from the house now. I had been walking with my head down, thinking to myself.

"Yeah, so what?" he replied.

I stared at him for a bit and said, "I think it'll do good for both of us with our emotions but maybe it'll do more harm to Takuya. I know that he'll be blaming himself for everything. I'm just worried about his self-esteem and confidence." I was really upset that he'd be all alone with no one to cheer him up.

Kouji stopped walking and frowned. "Well it does sound like Takuya's going to beat himself up about this." We didn't say anything more for a long time. "But he won't beat himself up if I can help it. There's no way that'll happen. I'm going to make sure of it." Kouji said firmly.

"That's great!" I was relieved to know that he still cared. It was funny though. The whole time I was thinking the same thing: that Kouji should help Takuya through this.

"Watch out!" I felt my hand being grasped and and then my whole body being pulled back with it. My hair flew in my face. I was half standing and half sitting now. I brushed my hair free. In front of me a red van had sped across the street. "God Izumi, don't space out and kill yourself!" he yelled, his eyes piercing into mine. I quickly nodded my head and noticed that we were still holding each other's hands.

Suddenly there was a spark between our fingers causing us to let go. "Oh, sorry. Let's keep going." I said while blushing softly.

I was becoming dizzy and more dizzy with every minute. "Izumi, you're acting strange. Maybe we should take a break."

"What? I'm fine. Just fine..." I guess I was lying because the next moment,I'm back in Kouji's arms.

"Izumi! Izumi!" he yelled. His voice resonated in my ears so loudly.

"I can hear you! I'm right next to you." I said back.

He wasn't affected by my remark. "That's it. You need some serious help. All this stress must be affecting your body."

I was too tired to object. Kouji dragged me to a bench and laid me down. He stood straight up, with his hands in his pockets. "Hmm. The nearest hospital is 12 blocks away. That means we won't get there until at least 11:00. It's too dangerous to be out this late. I can protect myself but I can't do any good with Izumi around." he said quietly.

"I can still hear you," I replied slowly,"I don't need to go to a hospital. It's not that serious." It wasn't like him to think out loud. Perhaps, everyone's stressed out now. "Don't worry about me. Let's just get home now."

"Forget it. I'm not letting you get worse. Besides what home are you talking about? You said you wanted space from Takuya so you can't go back to his place." He looked down at me.

I snapped up. "That's right. But he won't be there because of Mira. He'll probably stay at her place overnight too. I can go back and get my stuff out before he returns." So that was the plan. Kouji insisted on driving me to my current house. We walked to his driveway with me limping behind.

I finally accepted the fact that I wasn't feeling well. Kouji occasionally looked behind to see if I was still there. I can take of myself but it's okay to be cared for, especially by him. Everyone gets the impression that he's just mean and lonely, trying to live without disturbance. I used to think so but he proved that he could be a sweet and caring guy. 'I think he really does care about me. If not I wouldn't be here in his car.' I thought as I sat back and lowered my eyelids. I didn't fall asleep. It was more of a meditating period.

(Kouji's p.o.v.)

I kept my eyes on the road ahead. It was pretty dark out here but my head lights were on and brightly lit. I glanced back again only to find her half-asleep. Izumi was still moving around her fingers a bit and turning her head every now and then. She looked so calm for a person who's engagement ended so abruptly. Usually, she'd be worrying or muttering to herself in Italian. I thought it was kind of cool that she spoke a different language. I was glad that she was keeping to herself. If Izumi was crying or panicking now I wouldn't know what to do. That made me feel helpless. It sort of gave me a pang in the chest to see her lose that pretty smile.

I'm really a tough guy but my friends and family know how to get through. In fact, I even try to open up to friendly people. That doesn't mean I run my life story to every stranger. But even though I can get grumpy or just annoyed it's okay to see people smiling. It makes me want to laugh with them. When Izumi smiles she brightens up the whole room. 'Should I try to cheer her up? I don't anything about that.' I thought. I guess I'm very in-experienced with emotions. I only know how betrayed and sad she feels.

"Kouji?" she suddenly asked. I looked into the rear view mirror. Izumi was sitting up straight now. "What?"

"I've been thinking... Since I can't linger around Takuya's, where do I go? I can't rent an apartment because I don't have enough money yet and I know Trista is going on vacation soon... C-could I stay with you?"

My eyes widened a little. Would it be wise to let her come with me to my house? She would probably drive me crazy. Not in that way. I don't know how to handle girls. What do I do if she just mopes around and never wants to leave?

"Please, it'll only be a few weeks until I can find another place." she continued ina pleading way.

I slammed my fist gently on the steering wheel and said, "Fine. You can stay with me." Izumi is still one of my best friends after all.

End of chapter 5

AznGurl: What's going to happen? I have a slight idea, don't you? Find out in the next chappie. Review please! Ciao!