Disclaimer: Nope, Digimon doesn't belong to me. Yeah….

LunaOp>AznG3: Hey! Happy holidays! My favorite time of year is here. It's snowing, the air is cold, and everything feels cozy inside the house. I love it!

Chapter 7: Independence arrives at Izumi's doorstep

(Izumi's p.o.v.)

Feeling a bit compelled to tell Miss Kimura about Akihiko was enough for me. I let all my thoughts spill out in a big wave, but at the moment, she was looking content. I slowed down my words and then it ended. She knew now.

"Izumi, this Akihiko sounds like a really nice young man. I don't know why Junpei is getting all mish-moshy about him. Oh well. I think you should listen to what he has to say about himself," she laid her opinions out gently like a caring mother would for her own children.

"Who, Akihiko? You mean for me to confront him?" I asked. It seemed like a good idea.

"Well, yes. Junpei's side of the story shouldn't be the only side you listen to. Even if he's your friend. Akihiko deserves a chance to stick up for himself."

I looked down at my hands. "It's not that simple. People lie. How can she know if he's telling the truth or not?" Kouji said, eyeing both me and his mom. I let out a sigh. Doubtful now…

"Don't worry. If he's an honest man, you'll know it. Lies aren't always seen, but I think Izumi will be able to tell them from the truth, won't you?" Her voice had a confident air to it. It was full of conviction.

I kept staring at my hands. "Could I really do that?" I asked.

"We'll see. Kouji, you are to accompany her when she does it. Just in case something happens," Miss Kimura added in a commanding tone.

"Okay. I'll go with her," he agreed. Everything was set for me to confront Akihiko. My nerves were already bubbling. How would Akihiko feel about being told he was a bad person?

(Kouji's p.o.v.)

We walked slowly down the sidewalk again. It was too dark to see but I could tell that Izumi was worried. I had to do something before the silence killed..

"Hey. Don't worry. Akihiko doesn't have to be a big deal if you don't want him to." That didn't sound like me at all.

"Huh?" she looked up suddenly.

"I said don't worry." I restated, omitting the last part.

"I'm fine. I just can't believe that he's such a concern to everyone. Even you. I know how defensive you can be," she accused. She sounded like she was in a bad mood.

I guess Izumi's right, but my intentions are good. You never know when something or someone decides to turn their back on you, though I've learned that's unlikely.

"What? We're all trying to protect you." I let my words sink in before adding, "Izumi, don't you trust Junpei? He knows something about Akihiko. Something we should keep in mind before completely letting our guard down."

"I do trust Junpei," she replied, almost sounding angry. "But still. It's not like my life is in danger or anything. What can Akihiko do to me that I can't fight against? Why should I always have to be the one everyone is trying to protect? I'm capable of standing on my own two feet."

Why is she acting like this? I was getting the feeling that she was going to be very mad soon. I started growing annoyed that she was being so rude to her friends' intentions.

"Izumi. I know that. We're just trying to make sure that you're not getting in over your head in stuff that might harm you. We don't want you to get hurt… I don't want to see you hurt."

Uh-oh. I was becoming emotional now. It felt weird to me, but I had to say something to her.

"I won't get hurt Kouji. There have been worse moments in my life that I've gone through. I'm strong. Can't you see that?"

I didn't reply.

"I know you mean well and Junpei means well but I've got to make my own decisions sometimes without everyone making a fuss."

That was enough for me. I'm too stubborn for my own good. I knew what she meant to tell me, still my pride stood in the way. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess you're right. You don't want us getting in your way."

"What?" she asked, her voice was filled with shock.

"Never mind. Let's go home," I ended. I didn't want to deal with this anymore. Izumiwas dragging on this conversation for too long.

"No. You go home first. I'm going to stay out a bit longer… to think."

"Izumi?" I wondered why she'd want to be outside in this kind of weather. Obviously, being around me now isn't pleasant in her book. I was relieved that maybe by the time she comes back, I'd be asleep. I wouldn't have to face an awkward cold shoulder or anything until morning.

Yet… I worried. Alone at night… not the best situation for a girl, but Izumi had her cell phone.

"I'll be fine. Just go home and I'll see you there later, kay?" She waved like I was already leaving.

After a few moments of silence, I turned and started to walk down the sidewalk by myself. Still hesitant, I said, "Call me if something happens."

"Kouji! Nothing's going to happen." She ran down towards the city.

I watched her disappear slowly. So now she's finally starting to break away from her friends. At least she won't go too far into the world without knowing she has people who care about her.

(Izumi's p.o.v.)

I was upset now. I was mad at him and mad at the world. Everything I do, I do cautiously. Nothing is ever safe. I can never be safe. Always, I am keeping my guard up for every reason that I shouldn't.

I sighed for the second time today. Trying to walk, I stumbled back and forth. My legs were still tired from all the walking I did in the afternoon with Junpei and then with Kouji.

I felt bad for snapping at him back there. He just wants me to be okay. I'm just being stubborn again. He's being stubborn too. It's like he can't acknowledge that me, Izumi Orimoto, can defend myself. I yelled out loud and then things around me started to swirl into a big blur.

My eyelids felt heavy and my legs were feeling numb. I couldn't walk anymore. I felt so tired. The moon lulled me into a deep sleep as my last waking moments carried me to a nearby bench. I dreamt of being a kid, so carefree and happy.

(Akihiko's p.o.v.)

I ran up to her, to a sleeping figure on the bench. It was chilly out here. It was almost midnight. What kind of woman sleeps outside at a time like this? I knew she wasn't a homeless person. Her clothes looked brand new.

'Should I wake her up?' I thought.

I was just in my bedroom when I spotted her out the window. She looked familiar from far away. My curiosity got the best of me then.

Suddenly she stirred and half-turned. Her hair slowly fell away from her face.

"Izumi?" I asked into the night. What is she doing out here!

I had to wake her up but she looked so tired and ragged. I attempted to make her wake up, but the first time she hit my hand away like she subconsciously thought I was someone else. The second time I couldn't even get a reaction. She was a deep sleeper.

'I can't let her stay out here. No way. I'll regret it if some psycho comes and kidnaps her or someone robs her. Fine, I'll take her home.'

I was still doubting that I should let her rest at my house, but we were already at the front door. I carried her in to a guest bedroom and laid her on the bare mattress. I covered her with a spare blanket.

"What a night!" I exclaimed once I was in my own bed.

End of chapter 7

LunaOp AznG3: Long chapter, ne? I hope I didn't rush the dialogue like I usually do. I just don't like to do conversations as much as action. Anyway, this chapter is longer than the other ones. You didn't read your eyes out, did you?

Well I've been reading all the new stories popping up under Kozumi and Digimon. A lot of them contain the new kid and rebel plot or have a ton of OOC. I'm sick and tired of them and now it's so hard to hold my tongue in reviews as not to be mean. I just can't take it! Some one has gotta get some common sense in people's heads. No OOC, no new kid stuff, and no flaming others. That's what I want to happen in FF.