Ariana: Hi all I'm back!

Daisuke: Took you long enough.

Ariana: I'm so sorry! School just started and I've been crazy busy. My roommate drew up my schedule for me and there's no blank spaces. Please don't hate me! (cries)

Daisuke: u.u;

Ariana: I would like to thank everyone who reviewed. They made me happy. n.n I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.

Takeru: It doesn't.

Ariana: Shut up! Anyway, just a couple of announcements...okay one. I've come to the conclusion that Daisuke's hair is reddish-brown. But I'm really just way to lazy to type all that. So for the sake of this story he shall remain a redhead. n.n

Daisuke: Oh joy.

Takeru: You're irritating the readers.

Ariana: Oh, sorry. On with the story.

Takeru: Disclaimer?

Ariana: (sigh) Do I have to? Oh, all right. I don't own digimon or any of the characters or anything that could possibly do with digimon. Happy?

Daisuke: Very.

Takeru: Story please? u.u;

The Morning After

Chapter 2

Daisuke sat at his kitchen table staring at the wall. He really didn't know what he wanted to do. Monday was the day all the younger digidestined got together after school. It was an attempt to keep in touch with each other. Once high school started people had less time. The group soon realized how easily they could all lose touch. Strangely enough, it had been Miyako who had come up with the Monday idea.

Today they were supposed to meet up at a pizza place close to the school. They would talk about homework, teachers, classes, and what was generally going on that week. They usually caught up on the gossip too, courtesy of Miyako.

Really though, he didn't feel like doing it today. He always felt like he was there because he was part of the team, not because he was wanted. He didn't feel like sitting through the teasing. Or doing something stupid. Or watching Hikari and Takeru flirt. Or...any of the millions of things that always happened. Mostly, he didn't want to face Takeru.

Of course if he didn't go he'd have to face the questions. He didn't think they'd actually care, but Miyako was way too nosy for her own good. Even if they would likely be relieved that he didn't show up. But he really didn't want to worry Ken, the only real friend he had. Ken put up with a lot and Daisuke felt he owed him at least something.

But he knew that he couldn't sit there, watching Hikari and Takeru, without breaking down. He needed to go. He needed to stay. This was driving him crazy. 'Ok. Calm down. Relax. Breath.' He began to panic. He needed to calm down. He needed relief.

He stood up and walked down the hall to his bathroom. Opening the medicine cabinet he picked up a razor blade. He took of his wristbands and stared at the red and white lines that crossed his wrists. He put the blade to an old scar and watched as a line of crimson formed. He let the pain ease some of his panic. The panic returned when he heard the door open. He quickly turned on the water and held his arm under it, turning the sink pink. When the bleeding slowed he dried his arm and put his wrist bands back on. He walked out to greet his sister.

"What are you doing home?" she asked when she saw him. She gasped. "What happened to your face?"

Daisuke sighed. "I ran into a pole."

Jun rolled her eyes. "Typical. Why are you home then?"

He shrugged. "The nurse sent me home."

"She sent you home?" She put a hand to his head. "Are you feeling okay?" Contrary to what most people thought, Jun really did care about her brother. She was a bit slow at times, sure. And yeah she wasn't exactly always the nicest sister, but she did care about him.

Daisuke rolled his eyes. "I'm fine Jun. I was just a little out of it this morning. Tired I guess. I guess she just got worried."

"Okay," she said. She took out her wallet. "Mom left us some money so here's some for your little get together." She handed the money to him. "Try not to spend it all."

He grinned. "Me? Spend it all? We're going for pizza. How could I possibly spend it all there?"

She glared at him. "I'm going to be out late, so try to go to bed at a decent time." She turned and walked back out the door.

Daisuke let his smile drop. 'Am I really so bad that my own sister believes I ran into a pole?' He slid to the floor and leaned against the wall. To go or not to go? He was right back where he started and the bathroom cupboard was calling his name. Maybe if he went a little deeper this time.... Then he wouldn't have to go to the meeting and he would have a legitimate excuse. No hard questions to answer. No teasing. No Takeru. He wiped his eyes. It was possible. No one would be home for hours. It would be too late by the time Jun got home. And if Ken came by it wouldn't be until later. Wait. Ken. 'Shit. How could I do that to him?' This time he didn't wipe his eyes. He curled into himself and cried.

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Takeru sat in class tapping his pen against his notebook. Normally he liked this class and the teacher, but today he wasn't in the mood. He shared this class with Daisuke and didn't fail to notice the redhead wasn't there. He would have brushed it off as ditching class, but this was Daisuke's favorite.

Truthfully, the guilt he'd woken up with had grown throughout the day, especially after the talk this morning. He was being childish and he knew it. But he wasn't ready to face the truth and the emotions it stirred. The bell rang and Takeru jumped. He hadn't realized what time it was. He quickly packed his things and began walking out the door.

"Takaishi!" Takeru turned to his teacher. "I was told to give this to you. Motomiya gave it to the nurse before he went home. Seems he found it on the ground outside." He handed Takeru a white bucket hat.

"Thanks," said Takeru. He walked out the door. 'That's a lie. He couldn't have found it because I didn't wear it.' He walked in confusion until he met up with the others.

"Hi Takeru!" Hikari immediately latched onto his arm. He smiled and suppressed a sigh. He loved her and all, but not the way she wanted him to. He tried to assure her that they were just friends, but she either ignored it or just didn't get it. He left it at that because he really didn't want to hurt her.

"Where's Daisuke?" Miyako asked.

Takeru shrugged. "I don't know. He wasn't in class."

Miyako frowned. "I swear I saw him this morning..."

"Typical Daisuke," said Hikari. "He probably ditched."

Miyako shook her head. "It's his favorite class. He wouldn't have missed it without a reason."

Takeru looked at her. He didn't realize Miyako was so observant. Or maybe she was closer to Daisuke than he thought. That thought didn't seem to settle well. He shook his head. "I think he might have gone home sick."

"If he wasn't in class then he's not coming," said Iori reasonably. "So let's go."

As they walked, Takeru thought about the things he had been feeling the past couple of months. Something was changing. The scary thing was he had a good idea on what it was. And to be honest, he didn't like it. The group walked into the pizza place and Takeru was surprised to see the subject of his thoughts. Said subject looked up from his conversation with Ken as the group approached the table.

"Hey guys!" greeted Daisuke cheerfully. "Hope you don't mind that I already ordered. I was starving!" Takeru rolled his eyes.

"What'd you get?" asked Miyako.

"Pepperoni and olives. I figured that was fine since we all like that except Iori, but he can pick off the olives. I also got a side of pineapple since Miyako only eats pepperoni with pineapple. But Takeru doesn't like pineapple and the flavor spreads all over the pizza if it's cooked on there. I also got Pepsi and Orange because Orange is Hikari's favorite and Pepsi's pretty safe." Everybody stared at him. "What?"

"How do you remember all that?" asked Hikari.

Daisuke shrugged. "It's not that hard really. I mean, we eat here often enough."

"How much?" asked Iori.

Daisuke shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Iori started to protest but Daisuke cut him off. "Remember the last time you all covered for me? This is the easiest way to pay you back." He grinned.

Takeru's head was swimming. This wasn't the Daisuke he was used too. First of all, he showed up when he hadn't been in class, and early at that. Then he ordered for everyone, correctly. And he wasn't going to let them pay. This was ridiculous. He turned when he felt eyes on him and caught Daisuke just as he turned away. He also realized Hikari was still holding his arm. She turned to say something to Miyako and he slid away, moving to the other side of the table. No such luck, she sat down right next to him.

"What happened Daisuke?" she asked suddenly.

"What do you mean," asked Daisuke in obvious confusion.

"Your face!"

"Oh, that." He hesitated. "I, um, well...I kinda ran into a pole."

Takeru saw Ken give Daisuke a sharp look. 'Yeah, I don't believe that either.'

"You ran into a pole?" asked Miyako.

"Yeah..." he laughed. "I was walking when something caught my eye...don't really remember what it was." He paused to think and shook his head. "Well anyway, I turned to look at whatever it was and BAM! right into the pole."

The others laughed. Takeru saw a mixture of sadness and relief cross Daisuke's face, but it was gone within a second. Soon he was laughing with the others. He knew something wasn't right, conveniently forgetting for the moment that he was trying not to think about Daisuke.

"Why weren't you in school?" asked Miyako.

Daisuke shrugged. "I was there this morning, but I went home early." He smiled.

"You ditched," accused Hikari.

Daisuke looked at her and seemed to fight with what he wanted to say. "No, I didn't. The nurse sent me home right after the first bell."

Hikari snorted. "Yeah right."

"Don't believe me then. It's the truth though."

"Why'd she send you home?" asked Ken.

"She thought I was sick or something, I don't know. She's a bit crazy if you ask me."

The pizza chose this moment to arrive and everyone piled it on their plates. "So..." started Miyako. "You guys missed a great party on Saturday." She addressed this statement to Hikari, Ken, and Iori.

"Really?" asked Hikari. Takeru stifled a groan and Iori let his head fall to the table. Miyako looked at him strangely and Ken and Daisuke shared a look.

Miyako began telling Hikari all about the guys she had met. Takeru crossed his fingers under the table. He hoped that Miyako and Hikari would launch into some strange conversation that only girls understood and leave the party alone.

"What about you?" Miyako asked Daisuke. Luck really was not with him today. "Did you enjoy the party?"

Takeru froze. He glanced sideways at Daisuke, who seemed at a loss for words. The redhead shrugged. "It was okay."

Miyako stared at him. "Okay? What do you mean okay? That party was great!"

Daisuke shrugged again. "I don't know. I mean, yeah, I guess it was a great party but..." he paused. Takeru held his breath as he watched the boy debate whether or not to go on. "It's just that I don't think having some drunken idiot follow me around for an hour is all that fun." Takeru let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Some girl actually followed you around for an hour?" asked Hikari.

Daisuke blushed. "Not a girl, exactly..." he mumbled.

"You mean some guy was hitting on you?" Miyako looked at Hikari and they both broke down laughing. Ken gave Daisuke an amused look and the red head turned even redder.

"Guys," said Iori. "People are staring..." This only made the girls laugh harder.

Ken sighed. "Now you've gone and done it Daisuke. Once they start, they don't stop." Daisuke glared at Ken who just smiled.

Takeru shook his head. "Really girls, come on."

Hikari sobered up first. "Sorry," she gasped, wiping tears from her eyes.

"So..." said Miyako, still snickering, "what did the guy want?" Daisuke glared at her. She started laughing again. "It's not funny," grumbled Daisuke. Miyako was crying now, trying to keep herself in her chair.

Takeru was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. He knew what was coming and he really did not want to talk about the party. Maybe if he prayed really, really hard. "Did you have fun Takeru?" Damn. Leave it to Hikari.

He smiled. "Yeah I had fun." He didn't expand and hoped he could get away with that. Miyako looked at him, eyes gleaming. Maybe it was time to invest in some good luck charms.

"Did you meet anyone?" asked Miyako.

He watched as Daisuke paled and busied himself with a slice of pizza. He felt a surge of guilt go through him but quickly shoved it down. Hikari was staring at him, obviously very interested in the answer. If only he could say yes, just to finally get the girl to leave him alone. But he wasn't that cruel, and he certainly wasn't going to tell them the truth.

"No," he said. It really wasn't a lie. He hadn't met anyone—that he could remember. Strangely enough, Daisuke looked surprised. He watched as the red head touched his cheek then dropped his hand, shaking his head slightly. 'Great, what else happened?' The knot in his stomach tightened.

Miyako looked disappointed. "That's too bad." He shrugged. Relief washed over Hikari's face. She moved closer to him.

Suddenly Daisuke stood up. "Well, I've got to get going." Everyone looked at him in surprise. He usually tried to keep everyone from leaving as long as possible.

Ken nodded and stood up. "I'll go with you," he said. Daisuke glanced at him. "You asked for help on that project remember?" He gave Daisuke a meaningful look.

Daisuke sighed. "Did you have to remind me?"

Takeru felt something he didn't want to admit to. There was no project, he was sure of that. So what did that look mean? Did Ken know something? Or was he just trying to be alone with the red head? Why did they have to leave now? Takeru fought down all these thoughts as soon as he realized what he was thinking. He watched as the two walked off, and couldn't help but feel just a little bit lonely.

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­­Ken stared at his friend as he got drinks for them. Daisuke must have noticed because he turned to him. "What?" he asked annoyed.

Simple questions first. "How'd you get that bruise?"

Daisuke rolled his eyes. "I told you, I ran into a pole."

Ken frowned. "And you expect me to believe that?" Daisuke looked away. "I'm not stupid Daisuke! I know when you're lying to me!"

Daisuke sighed. He handed Ken his drink and sat down. "I got punched by some jerk at Yamato's party."

Ken's eyes widened. "Don't tell me you started a fight with a drunk."

Daisuke shook his head. "I didn't start it. Well, I didn't mean to. It's kind of a long story."

Ken looked at his watch. "I've got time."

Daisuke sighed again. "Remember the guy I mentioned earlier?"

"The one following you?"

Daisuke turned red. "Yeah. Well anyway, I had just gotten rid of him when I ran into Yamato, who was drunk off his ass." Ken laughed. "He told me that if I saw Takeru to make sure he got home okay."

"Yamato asked you to look after his brother? He must have been drunk!"

Daisuke glared at him. "Anyway! I saw Takeru with this guy and they were both pretty messed up. The guy was obviously hitting on Takeru so I went over and decided he needed to go home. He was pretty bad. When I tried to get him away the guy punched me."

Ken blinked in confusion. "Why did you lie about that? Running into a pole? Seriously Daisuke!"

"Hey, they bought it didn't they?" Daisuke shrugged. "Besides, he'd hate me even more if I told the truth."

Ken decided to leave those implications alone for now. "I can't believe he would let you look stupid like that just to save his reputation." He paused. "Wait, yes I can."

Daisuke shook his head. "He doesn't know I got hit. I doubt he even remembers the guy. The only thing he thinks he remembers that night is completely wrong." He looked down at the table.

Ken raised an eyebrow. He knew there was something else. "Why do I get the feeling there's more to this than you're telling me?"

Daisuke looked at him. They fought a silent battle with Ken winning. Daisuke gave in. "I finally got him away from that jerk and out the apartment. He was too drunk to go home so I brought him here. My parents weren't home, as usual, and Jun was at a friend's house. He fell asleep in my bed. I sat there to watch him and make sure he didn't go into a coma or something." Ken knew that was only part of the reason. He smiled slightly. "I guess I fell asleep there." Daisuke's eyes started tearing up. "When he woke up he didn't remember anything and...and..."

"He assumed the worse?" Daisuke nodded. "Didn't you tell him nothing happened?"

Daisuke wiped his eyes angrily. "I tried but he wouldn't listen. And now he'll hate me for the rest of my life and I'll never have a chance! And he'll marry Hikari and they'll both hate me and--" He broke down in tears.

Ken hurried to his friend and held him, rocking him back in forth. He hated what Daisuke was doing to himself. Ken honestly didn't believe Takeru hated Daisuke, though he did believe that Daisuke believed that. He figured there was just some serious miscommunication between the two, on a regular basis. One thing he did know was if Takeru wasn't going to listen to Daisuke, he was going to listen to him.

Ariana: Ooh, things are getting kinda tough...

Daisuke: (cries) Why!?

Takeru: You're a horrible person!

Ariana: No you are. The reviewers say so.

Takeru: Please clear my name.

Ariana: Nope, not happenin. Like I said I'm back at school with a crazy schedule. So it may be a while before the next chapter but hopefully not too long...(crosses fingers)

Daisuke: As always, please review!