Disclaimer-I don't own Digimon. This is the second to last time in the story I'll have to state it.

A/N- Dedicated to another friend. Charlie, I'm sure you'd be perfect for the part of Kouji in this story. Guitar, normal guy idiocy...it'd work.

-------------------------------------

A Deepening Plot

-------------------------------------

Kouichi sighed as he stood out of Ogata's classroom. Ms. Kawai had told him to go there, but...

He didn't want to go. That much was obvious.

Gulping, Kouichi reached for the handle and pushed the door open.

"Eh? Late delinquent number one? Who-oh," said the familiar voice. It sounded disappointed. "The twerp's brother."

Kouichi froze at the voice. NO, he told himself.

"Sit," Hideki commanded, sitting on the teachers desk and looking at the clock. "Cool. Okay! I'm going to be the best sub in the world and burn all your homework! Not really. You all get 'A's! Unless you're the twerp, Kanaye, or another twerp. And...do whatever you want! Yeah. Do whatever. Or do nothing. Why am I doing this? Because I feel like it! And it's Valentine's Day! Feel the love..." A dreamy look overcame Hideki.

Kako snorted. "I know what he's really thinking," she muttered, "and it's dirty thoughts about Rai. The pervert."

As he took a seat, Kouichi sighed. And I thought Ogata was bad, he thought as he lay his head down. The boy stopped and stared at his desk, piled with small boxes and cards. What...? He stared at the pile, an eyebrow raised. Shrugging, he tossed a box to Kouji. "Stop using my desk to hold stuff."

"Uh..." Kouji's gaze went from the box his brother. "Kouichi, this is for you. See? I already got mine." He showed his brother the small sticker on the box.

Slowly, the color drained from his face as he threw another box at his brother. "This one?" Kouichi asked.

"Yep."

Another. "This?"

"Yep."

Another.

"Yep."

Another.

"Yes."

"Kouichi, they're all yours," Kako muttered. "It happened to a lot of people. Unfortunately, Kanaye got the most."

Kouichi turned completely pale. "So...all of these..."

"I got two less than you did," Kouji muttered in disappointment as he handed back the boxes.

Standing up, Kouichi shoved them back at Kouji. He muttered, utterly dazed, "Oh...holy...hell..."

"OH MY GOSH DID HE JUST SAY HELL?" Kako and Kouji yelled in horror.

"Shoot," Kouichi blurted and bolted out of the room.

"OH SHOOT!" Kouji exclaimed, rising to his feet. The entire class fell silent and turned their eyes in his direction. With a sigh, the boy sunk to his seat and muttered, "I forgot to tell him, 'Happy birthday...'"

Kako shook her head, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "Happy birthday, Kouji," she murmured.

The boy sighed. "What's so scary about chocolates? This would be a great present," he murmured, examining the chocolates.

Kako laughed. Shutting her eyes, she let out a sigh. Happy birthday to you, too. Especially you.

-------------------------------------

Kouichi shivered, hand tightly clutching his D-Tector. He didn't intend or mean to do that, but...

He hated Valentine's Day.

And once more, what should have been considered the best day of the year was ruined by the evil holiday of love.

I didn't even say 'Happy birthday' to Kouji. Great. Kouichi sighed. Hideki had said they could 'do whatever', and he had chosen not to stay in the classroom.

Too risky. Besides, Kouichi thought with a smile as he dug into his pocket. I can open her gift, now.

For some reason, Kouichi's fingers began to tremble as he held Kako's gift. Is it all that scary? Whatever. He dismissed it merely as an after fright of the chocolates. Hey, I think I found Kouji's birthday present.Turning back to the present, he slowly undid the wrapping to reveal a small white box. Kouichi drew a breath and held it as he swiftly opened it.

A sigh.

He was confused again.

-------------------------------------

"You spent the entire time in the Nurse's office?" Kouji scowled.

Kouichi shrugged and continued to walk quietly. "We need to get the drum set," he finally murmured.

"Who cares about the drum set?"

"Happy birthday."

"I don't care."

"Later, Kako."

Kako shook her head and grabbed both of the twins' arms. "You two," she snapped, "are getting on my nerves. For hell's sake-"

"Goodness," Kouichi corrected.

"Hell's," Kako growled, continuing, "It's your birthday. Stop being so-"

Kouichi's response was automatic, "Okay."

Kouji rolled his eyes. He turned away from the two grumpily. When Kako's grip on his arm tightened, he muttered, "Yes ma'am."

The girl sighed. "If Takuya was here, would you lose the bet?"

"SHUSH!" the younger twin snapped, turning to glare at her.

Suddenly, Kouichi let out a groan. "I feel old," he murmured.

Kouji grumbled, "Me too."

Kako burst out laughing. "And I feel way younger than both of you! Anyway, see you at the dance?"

Kouichi's eyes widened. Swallowing, he squeezed his eyes shut. "Oh...shoot..."

"DRUM SET!" Kouji screamed, racing off.

Opening his eyes, Kouichi waved weakly. "Right," he declared, "Dance. Bye!"

Kako watched the two race off, cluelessly waving at them. Twins, she thought, heading home. I'll never get them.

-------------------------------------

"Ow! Shinya, watch it! If we really scratch it, your brother will murder us! Junpei! CAREFUL!" Kouji bellowed, slapping his forehead furiously. He was annoyed. It had to be Takuya's drum set. Of all people, Takuya's. Oh, and Izumi had to announce. God, what is he planning? Kouji let out an exasperated sigh and helped Tomoki. "Alright...careful...careful...great!"

The four boys sighed in relief as they managed to take apart the drum set and load it in the car without damaging any pieces.

Stretching, Tomoki waved. "Well, have fun at the dance, you two. Say 'Happy birthday' to Kouichi for me, will you?" he asked Kouji.

Kouji nodded and winced when Shinya began to bounce up and down, furiously yanking on his jacket sleeve.

"Me too, me too, me too!" the young Kanbara exclaimed. "No birthday is complete without a 'Happy birthday' from me!"

Junpei looked from the serious young boy to the obviously annoyed Kouji. "Uh, Shinya, it's Kouji's birthday, too, you know."

"Yeah, I know. But who cares? It's Kouichi's bi-...oops?" Shinya let out a sheepish laugh and ran behind Junpei.

Tomoki shook his head. "Shinya! Plan TI!"

"Right! Plan Tea Eye!"

"Yeah, Plan TI."

"No...um, I meant 'tea,' as in the stuff you drink, and 'eye,' as in a person's eye," Shinya corrected, pointing to his eye.

Tomoki twitched. "SHINYA..."

"Right! Let's go! Gotta get Takuya ready for the dance! So he can make out with Izumi!"

Junpei and Kouji exchanged horrified looks.

"You know," Junpei commented as they got in the car, "I'm glad he isn't my brother. So, so glad."

Under his breath, Kouji muttered, "I hope...that kid doesn't turn out to be like him." I hope he doesn't end up like Kouichi, either, Kouji decided, eyes suddenly distant as he gazed out the window.

His life was starting all over again. It was as if he had never met Kouichi. But he had. This time...

It was really his father's fault.

Or maybe...it wasn't.

Kouji sighed and shut his eyes. What would Lobomon say...?

He had yet to find out.

-------------------------------------

Kouichi frowned at the suits his mother had laid out. Kouji would want a dark blue. That was done. He...

Kouichi didn't know what color he wanted and didn't care.

Ah, whatever, he thought, looking to his right, where Duskmon and Lowemon were examining the suits along with him. "Which one should I wear?"

"THE PINK ONE!" Agunimon yelled.

Blitzmon groaned, "No, purple. The sky was purple!"

"I tell you, it was pink!"

"They're talking about the sunset last night," Lowemon muttered. "Dark green."

"IT WAS NOT DARK GREEN!" Agunimon and Blitzmon yelled together.

Duskmon began to glare.

The two unsuspecting digimon continued to argue.

"Erm, yes," Lowemon murmured, lowering his voice. "Dark green."

Agunimon whacked Lowemon upside the head. "I told you! It wasn't green!"

Lowemon stayed as he was and Agunimon took a few steps back, letting out a nervous laugh. Blitzmon followed Agunimon's actions as Duskmon turned around. The message was as obvious as the dark cloud that began to surround Duskmon.

"Duskmon! Opinion!" Kouichi called out.

The digimon stopped and looked back. "Dark green."

"Cool. Agunimon?"

"Dark...DARK RED! RED, RED, RED, RED!" he sang happily.

Blitzmon shook his head and muttered, "Dark green."

"Red!" Agunimon retorted.

"Whatever."

Kouichi shook his head and put away all but the two suits. Gosh...darn...formals, he thought grumpily, storming to his room. He grabbed Marise's diary and sat on the bed with a sigh. For the second time, he opened the book and looked at the pocket in which the note was. He pulled it out, boredom overcoming him. The note was the same:

Here is the key, now look through the bandanas.

P.S. It's not the bandanas.

It was what was under the folded paper that surprised Kouichi. He didn't remember any fold. Confused, he unfolded the paper and read, "'A key opens a lock et autre choses.' What the...? French?" Shaking his head, he continued, "'One's treasure is another's trash. Look carefully for the needle in the haystack. It may lay right in front of you, simply on the floor.' On the floor? Well, what does the rest say? 'Two down, eight to go. Four down, six to go. Six down, two known, two to be found. The answer lays under your nose, on your hands, on your toes.' Marise sure knows how to write riddles."

Shaking his head, Kouichi pulled out the key and the box that held the gift Kako had given him. He placed the key in the box, then pocketed the box.

"WE GOT IT!"

Kouichi headed out of his room, a small smile on his face. He nodded to Junpei and his brother. "Drum set, check. Suits, check. Takuya, check. Izumi, check. Junpei, check. How long do we have till it starts?" he asked Kouji.

"We should get ready now, actually," Junpei commented. "Meet you there?"

The twins nodded and said good-bye to the older boy as he left. Then, turning to his older twin, Kouji asked suspiciously, "What are you up to?"

-------------------------------------

Kako swallowed, looking to her brother desperately for help as she approached her father. "U-uh...D-dad?"

Mr. Sakai said nothing, merely looking over the papers in his hand.

Drawing a breath, Kako asked, "Could I go to the dance tonight?"

Turning to Hideki, he asked, "What type?"

"Formal, then informal," Hideki replied casually.

"No."

Her blood was boiling. She couldn't take it anymore. "Look. At. Me." Her father said nothing, but returned to his papers. "YOU'RE RIDICULOUS!" Kako yelled angrily, ripping the paper out of his hand. "WHAT KIND OF FATHER ARE YOU?"

Hideki stared at his sister in shock, shivering slightly. This is her true evilness? Because if it is, I need to be super careful now, he thought, stepping back.

A glare appeared on Mr. Sakai's face and he turned to Kako and hissed, "Do you think I really care?"

"Well, that's disappointing. I'm sure Mom's just ecstatic to know she married a freak like you!"

"Kako..." Hideki started, but decided against interfering. He wanted this as much as her, anyway.

Her father's eyes narrowed. "A freak? No, girl, that would be you. You...you and that fool she married earlier."

"H-HEY!" Hideki snapped, grabbing the man in front of him by the collar. "Do not talk about that."

"No. Tell me," Kako insisted, recovering from the small shock that had been dealt to her. "Is that what you were hiding, Hideki?"

Hideki looked away, and Mr. Sakai smoothed his suit before snapping, "You're exactly like him. I find it hard to believe I didn't dump you off in some boarding school after your mother died. Of course, he would find out. Him...and your damned grandfather-"

"Shut up! GET TO THE DAMN POINT!" Kako screamed.

"Oh, and your mother...she wouldn't let go of you. Not like I had a second alone with her. Either you or your stupid brother would get in my way. I never got a chance to even have a word alone with her." He had a disgusted look on his face. "Filthy brats..."

"JUST TELL ME!"

"He's..." Hideki muttered, "not..."

A bitter laugh escaped Mr. Sakai. "Oh, go on, Hideki, tell her."

"Kako, he's not our father. Not yours, not mine. Never was, never can be."

Kako stood still before a small smile broke onto her face. "Then," she said softly, "what he says doesn't matter." She headed to her room.

"H-Hey! I still refuse to let you dance with the twerp!" Hideki yelled furiously.

"You aren't going," Mr. Sakai snapped.

Laughing, Kako shook her head and walked out, a small bag in hand. "I don't need you to take me. I don't need your permission! Get out of my life, goddammit! I'll see you later, Hideki!"

Hideki suddenly broke into a smile as well. "Life...is good. And you're out," he murmured, turning to Mr. Sakai. "Just wait until she really hears the truth."

Then, Hideki thought, heading to his room, I'll really be able to free her of this life.

-------------------------------------

"Okay, forget the stupid masquerade. My attire's formal enough!" Kako muttered, jumping over a rock. "Formal for me. I mean, who needs the dress?"

She sighed, feeling a bit dumb. I really shouldn't, but...

Drawing a breath, Kako shut her eyes and rang Izumi's doorbell.

-------------------------------------

Kouichi shut his locker, letting out a sigh. Everything was noisy. Alive. More so than a normal school day.

"Kouichi! I got Kako in a dress!" he heard Izumi squeal.

Out of conditioned reflex, Kouichi turned around, immediately wishing he hadn't. "Uh...h-hi," he stuttered, flushing red at the sight of the two girls due to self-consciousness.

Izumi's eyes widened. "Oh, you got a haircut!" she gasped. "Didn't notice that earlier. Anyway, happy birthday!"

"Izumi?" Kako muttered. "Where's my jacket?"

"Oh, you don't need it!"

"Izumi!"

"Wow," Kouji murmured, walking over, "what's this? Kako in a dress?"

Kouichi rolled his eyes and added, "Again. The third time Izumi's...well, I won't say forced."

Kako glared at his. Stepping up to him, she growled, "You think I went willingly?"

He shrugged. Pushing her back by Izumi, he allowed a smirk. "It's not very lady-like to growl. It's a formal, remember?"

"Oh be quiet!" she snapped, turning red.

Kouji let out a laugh. He turned to Izumi, then his brother. A frown suddenly appeared. Turning to his brother, he asked, "Where's Naoko? And where's Takuya-er...I mean Junpei?"

Naoko walked over, clinging onto Kouichi's arm. "Right here!" she announced with a smile. "Oh...wow, Kako, you look sooo cute! It's like my little sister, only a few years older!"

Kako folded her arms and glared at Izumi. "What am I?" she asked grumpily, "Your dress-up doll?"

Clapping, Izumi nodded. She added with a smile, "But don't feel so sad! You're the only one I do this to!" The girl began to laugh as Kako angrily began to attempt to stomp on the snickering Kouichi's foot.

"Hey! Junpei!" Kouji called out, waving to the older boy. "Get over here!"

Junpei ran over, nearly tripping in the process. Catching himself barely in time, he straightened himself up and walked over to Kouji. He paused, then walked over to Izumi and grabbed her hand. The boy drew a breath and murmured, "In the place of Takuya, I'll do my best, dear Izumi!"

Puzzled, Izumi stood there, blinking for several seconds before pushing him away. "Sorry, Junpei. But...I'll save a dance for you!" she promised with a smile.

Junpei smiled, this time sincerely. "Hey, we'll get him back."

"Which is why we're doing this," Kouichi snapped. "If any of you screw up in any way, I'll personally murder you by letting Duskmon possess me."

"Uh...who's Duskmon?" Naoko asked.

"Doesn't matter. We all know Takuya loves his drum set more than a lot he owns and has in his life. Now, after the song, Izumi will say some...well chosen words and something like, 'hope you have a fun time.' No...no wait..."

Everyone gazed at Kouichi, whose mind was floating all over the place. Finally, he asked, "Izumi, would you prefer Takuya come back before or after the song?"

"B-before?" she sputtered.

"Then this is how we do it. Wait...Kouji, when are we up?"

Kouji grinned and replied, "After the masquerade! Well, we're the end of the masquerade."

"Good." It began to fit into place. Kouichi smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Alright, Izumi, while you're announcing that we're up, the curtains will be drawn up. Junpei, play the drum completely off. If I have to play it...it just has to be played incorrectly, okay? That simple. Do it while Izumi's talking. Izumi, take your time announcing. Kouji, you don't need to do anything except stand there and look cool. And the rest will fall into place," he finished confidently.

"Cool. And that will get T-oh," Kako said, realizing what Kouichi was up to. "Cool."

"And now go get your masks," Kouji snapped.

Kouichi sighed. "Do I have to?" he grumbled.

"YES. TO THE BALLROOM!"

This...stinks. Kouichi allowed Naoko to drag him to the ballroom.

-------------------------------------

The 'ballroom,' as Kouji had put it, was merely a large unused building that had never been used except for dances such as these. As soon as they received their masks, Kouichi had managed to use the mask to his advantage. After a few minutes of keeping it on and weaving in and out of the crowd, he had managed to lose everyone. With a sigh, he took a seat in a nearby chair by the punch bowl. The mask was off for the first time in minutes

Don't drink it. It's pure alcohol, Lowemon grumbled. Kouichi found him hiding behind a plant with Duskmon.

Wasn't going to, Kouichi thought back, pulling out his water bottle with a grin. I love this suit. So many pockets...

He could tell Duskmon wanted to say something, but Kouichi never got a chance to hear. Putting away his water bottle, he put on the mask as someone walked over to him. Almost immediately, he slipped it off. "Izumi!" he murmured in surprise. "Find Takuya, yet?"

Izumi smiled sadly and shook her head. She sighed as she took a seat in the chair beside him. "Maybe, just maybe," she whispered, "he'll find me. It's a long shot, but..."

"Yeah...I see what you mean."

"Are you going to dance with Kako?"

"N-no!"

"Kouichi, are you going to dance with Naoko?"

"No," he replied, relaxing a bit.

Izumi shook her head in exasperation. Turning to him, she muttered, "You know, I know you like Kako, okay? You've already confessed to me! Now, I want you to dance with her! When it gets to the point where they announce that all boys need to put on their mask, put yours on and dance with her, got it? Because if you don't..."

Kouichi didn't need to hear her threat to know she would carry it out. Stark white, he nodded and stood up, pulling his mask and weaving through the crowd again. Kouichi made sure to take his time. It would be forever before they announced for all the boys to...

"OKAY!" Kouji yelled into the microphone, "ALL BOYS, MASKS ON NOW!"

Kouichi's blood ran cold. Izumi made him, he thought glumly. Frantically, the boy began to search for any sign of Kako, any glimpse whatsoever.

...He didn't even remember what dress she was wearing.

Hopeless. I'm hopeless, he panicked, pushing through the thickening crowd. "K-...Kako!" he yelled, grabbing her hand when he caught sight of her.

Kako turned to him, eyes wide. "E-eh? What-?"

"Sorry, I'm going to have to borrow you," he murmured, grabbing hold of her other hand. "If I happen to step on your foot, sorry. I can't dance."

She sent Kouichi a confused glance. With a sigh, she asked, "Who are you?"

Kouichi nearly fell over. I guess I'm not the only forgetful one...? Can't she recognize my voice? He shook his head and murmured dismissively, "It doesn't matter. Do you mind if I steal you from Kouji a bit?"

"Nope. He's busy, anyway. I was heading for the drinks..."

"Don't. Their pure alcohol," he told her, remembering Duskmon's warning.

"Oh, great," she snapped sarcastically. "Typical. Wonder what idiot did that."

He chuckled. "So," Kouichi murmured softly as they began to dance. In the back of his mind, he wished Izumi hadn't threatened him, but he was grateful it was a slow dance. Considering I can't dance, I'm pretty lucky, he thought as he suddenly asked, "Hm...Hey, Kako, you like Kouji, don't you?"

She looked at him in surprise before nodding softly. "Kouji...I...didn't really like him before. And...well, now he's more of an older brother to me than anything. But...I don't know," she confessed.

The two danced quietly for a while longer before Kako murmured, "Today's a funny day, you know."

"Is it?"

"Kouji and Kouichi's birthday, Valentine's Day, I found out my dad isn't my real dad, I'm actually wearing a dress, I'm going to break up with Kouji," she listed. "I forgot. I don't think I ever said 'Happy birthday' to Kouichi."

Kouichi resisted the urge to pull away. Izumi's throat lingering in his mind, he scanned the room for his twin. "Well," he finally said, "How about we head to the refreshment area? I think I saw Kouji heading that way..."

She nodded in agreement. As soon as they stepped out of the crowd, Kouichi pushed Kako into his brother, then disappeared back into the swarm of people. Kako whirled around and frowned when she saw he was missing. Turning back to Kouji, she knocked the cup out of his hand. "Don't," she advised. "It's pure alcohol."

-------------------------------------

Izumi smiled as Junpei pulled down his mask and led her to the dance floor. She felt so bad, doing this to him, yet he acting like such a gentleman. Takuya, she thought, shutting her eyes, he wouldn't get angry, would he?

"Excuse me," a voice cut in.

Izumi opened her eyes and found a boy holding out his hand. "Miss?" he asked. "Would you mind?"

Blushing, she turned to Junpei. "Uh..."

But Junpei merely pushed her towards him, murmuring in her ear before he left, "Have fun."

Trembling, Izumi placed her hand in his. The two were quiet until the boy whispered, "Izumi...I'm sorry. Meet me outside after the dance, will you?"

Her eyes widened with fright. She tried to pull away, but he merely held her closer. "T-Takuya," she murmured, shutting her eyes once more. "Please, just...don't go..."

"Sorry, he'll know."

"No, please...I...I don't want to do this!"

Leaning forward, Takuya kissed her cheek, then smiled. "Hey," he told her, "it'll all be fine. You'll see. As usual, I have no idea how, but it'll work itself out, okay? Promise you'll be careful, though. I don't want him...doing any funny stuff. Got it?"

"Right!"

As soon as the dance ended, they heard Kouji announce, "Alright, girls, masks on and boys masks off. This is the last dance! Pick well!"

Izumi pulled down her mask and pushed Takuya's off. He gazed at her in surprise as she wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured, "One last dance...okay?"

-------------------------------------

"Kouichi!" Kouji snapped, dragging his brother out of the crowd.

Kouichi took off his mask and threw it behind him. "What?"

Suddenly, his brother gave him a suspicious look. "Hey..."

"Hey...?"

"Never mind! We need to set up! Where's Junpei? And Izumi?"

"Izumi's dancing with one lucky guy," Junpei announced happily, walking up to the twins. "Gah, they look so cute together..."

The older twin smiled and shook his head. He let out a sigh and muttered, "Cool. But we need to make it permanent. So...you two set up, I'll find Izumi and meet with you in at least five minutes."

"Right!" Kouji agreed.

Kouichi took a breath and dove into the mass of people again, wishing he hadn't thrown off his mask.

-------------------------------------

Kako wandered around aimlessly, nothing to do in mind. She didn't feel like dancing. Izumi wasn't anywhere in sight, Kouji was off preparing, and...

Is that Kouichi? Frowning, she walked up to the boy and grabbed a hold of his arm. "Hey!"

Kouichi whirled around in shock, nearly falling backwards. "Wh-uh...hi!" he sputtered, looking around and suddenly flushing red.

Confused, Kako stared at him. She let out a sigh and grabbed his hands. "So," she said slowly, "you owe me."

"I what?"

"Oh, come on! Play along! Or can you not dance?"

Turning red, Kouichi mumbled, "Actually...I can't."

She hit his arm. Furiously, she snapped, "Yes you can! Don't lie to me!" Softer, she added, "You can do pretty much anything..."

"Kako..." Kouichi frowned as she stared at the ground, seeming utterly depressed. What do I do? Dance? I need to find Izumi. But for some reason, he couldn't resist. Second time, Kouichi, his mind growled, Second time. Nodding, he took her hands. "I owe you. Fine."

A smile lit up Kako's face. "Thanks. Kouichi...um..."

"Yeah?"

"Er...what were you doing?" Kako asked, mentally kicking herself. God, just say it.

Kouichi tilted his head. He pushed down Kako's mask and then sighed, "I was looking for Izumi, but now that I think about it...I don't think she wants to be bothered. So I'll go look for her later, I guess. In a minute or so..."

"She's over there."

"What?"

Kako pushed him away and pointed over to Izumi. "You're busy, huh? Sorry," she murmured in apology.

"Huh? O-oh...I wasn't all that busy-"

He tried to reassure her, but Kako was adamant. With a push, she hissed, "Get going, idiot."

Flashing an apologetic smile, Kouichi ran to get Izumi. Kako sighed and scratched the back of her head. Hideki must've really cut his hair...the idiot. That's the haircut I like...

-------------------------------------

"Okay, ready?" Kouichi murmured. "Change of plans. Too risky to do this at the beginning. We'll wait for the end. That okay, Izumi?"

Izumi gave him a smile and nodded.

Kouji wiped away a fake tear. Turning to Junpei, he nodded and said loudly, "You're right, Junpei. So cute."

Angrily, Izumi whacked his shoulder. Kouji yelped. "So, Kouichi, I just have to give an improvised talk at the end?" the girl asked for a confirmation.

"Yep. That's pretty much it."

"Then let's go!"

"Junpei, abuse the drum set in the end. Not so you do serious damage, though."

Junpei nodded, "Right!"

Handing the microphone to his brother, Kouji whispered, "Sing well. I have to lip sync, dammit."

Kouichi nodded and turned to Izumi, nodding to signal her to start.

The curtains rose.

Making sure he was completely backstage, Kouichi drew a breath. His heart beat wildly, faster with every word Izumi said. The seconds ticked by.

He was backstage. He was still afraid.

Kouichi drew another breath, letting it out slower than the last. It was starting. He inhaled and began to sing.

-------------------------------------

Kako sighed as she watched Kouichi leave. God, I'm bored, she realized, deciding to follow him. At least that way she was amused no matter what. Stupid haircut...why do I have to be so amused? Grumpily, she stopped at the entrance to the stage, confused.

It hit her. HOW DID I FORGET? She wanted to scream. Drawing a breath, she opened the door and walked up the stairs, listening to Kouichi's voice.

'Kizuite ita nda Mou nido to tobenai tte koto o
Wakatte iru no sa Oreta tsubasa ja tobenai tte koto o
Dare ka ga naiteta "Yume ga sugata o kaete yuku yo"
Dare ka ga akirameta ai wa mou, doko ka e kieta'

'Woo, oreta tsubasa de
Woo, with broken wings'

Eyes widening, she took a few steps closer.

'Dakishimeru dake ja furue wa tomaranakute
Ano koro no samusa wa kitto konna mon ja nakatta'

'Woo, oreta tsubasa de
Woo, with broken wings'

'"Kubiwa no nai norainu ga ore no koto waratteru..."'

'Itsu no ma ni ka ore wa mainichi ni obiehajime
Yami no naka de mogaku Hikari o motome
Kawaru keshiki no naka, nani ka o machitsuzuketeru
Ugoku sekai no naka, hontou no kotae o sagashiteru'

'Woo, oreta tsubasa de
Woo, with broken wings'

'Kago no naka no tori ga "Soto e dashite!" to wamekidasu
"Kubiwa no nai norainu ga ore no koto waratteru..."'

Kako nearly fell over as he laughed. ...that...wasn't...Kouichi-ish, she thought, swallowing.

'...Ah, tonde miseru
...Ah, oreta tsubasa de
...Ah, tonde miseru
...Ah, oreta tsubasa de'

'...with broken wings'

Kako swallowed as he finished, a blush rising to her cheeks. Shaking her head, she turned to leave and knocked over a soda can that had been placed on the steps.

Kouichi whirled around, eyes wide with horror. Catching sight of her, he winced. "Uh...K-Kako..." he murmured uncomfortably.

Laughing nervously, she turned and waved to him. "H-hey..."

How awkward can this get? Kouichi thought, gulping. Please let this have worked out for Izumi at the least...

-------------------------------------

Izumi forced a smile as she took the microphone from Kouji and announced, "And there you have it! A stunning performance by your very own Kouji Minamoto and Junpei Shibayama. They would like to thank the following people; Kouichi Kimura, T-"

Before she could finish, Junpei hit a cymbal, causing it to crash to the floor. A yelp was emitted from the audience and Takuya jumped onto the stage, pushing Junpei away as he examined his drum set. Izumi stood there, dazed.

"Curtains!" Kouji hissed.

The curtains fell immediately, and Izumi could practically hear her heart beat. Takuya was groaning as he picked up the cymbal and put it back. She could hear an impatient sigh. Turning off the microphone, she whirled around and handed it to Kouji, who went outside to announce the end of the masquerade. "Takuya," she whispered.

Takuya winced, squeezing his eyes shut. He was kneeled in front of his drum set, checking for any sign of damage yet again. Junpei chuckled and yanked the boy to his feet, pushing him over to Izumi. With a smile, the older boy murmured, "Open your eyes, goggle head."

Ignoring her tears, Izumi threw her arms around Takuya, laughing with him for what seemed like the first time in ages.

-------------------------------------

A/N-

WOOOOW! Their school is rich! BALLROOM! ...well, more like...UNUSED ROOM!

...and...yes, there's going to be another chapter. I lied, sorry. AND WE'LL BE DONE! HAHAHAH...

...() Stinky Izumi and Takuya get-back-together scene. I could have made it better! Sorry.

One more chapter, then the second part. .:squeals in excitement:. I can't wait!

This has been so much fun, believe me. There's nothing more fun than not doing homework and writing fanfics, then later bsing homework at school. Although, the homework part is hectic, but hey! I lived, right?

(That remains to be seen, actually.)

I'll be back TUESDAY! As to whether it'll be day or night, I don't know. I'll attempt writing up the stuff. Actually, no. I'll let you pick. Choices will be given next chapter.

Merry Christmas!

Review or Flame.