A.N.: Welcome to the fifth revised chapter of this story! This is where the story begins to twist and turn…
Synopsis: Last time where we left our characters, Hikari and Takeru were getting ready for college, and Hikari thought back to the moment where she fell for our blonde protagonist. Also, Mimi was getting frustrated in planning her wedding, so she called Joe up. Later, Takeru and Hikari were reminded of the party on Friday, and went. Now, the other blonde in this story, Willis, has asked Hikari to dance, and now has some vodka with him. All he has to do is to get into her drink, and she'll be putty in his hands. Meanwhile, Takeru was outside, contemplating on his feelings for Hikari, as usual. However, as he heads back inside, he runs into a familiar face…
Will Takeru be able to save Hikari? Let's find out, shall we?
11/13/05- Re-edited and for grammar, spelling errors, and consistency.
Italicized words: Thoughts, or the narrative.
Bold words: Might be pointing out certain words, like Japanese words.
Bold italicized words: The thoughts of Takeru's dark side.
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon whatsoever. That's owned by Toei Animation. But I do own the idea for this story…
And now, to present the fifth chapter of this fic…
"Second Chances are so Few"
By
Malcolm Yuy
Chapter 5: Confessions and Feuds
Just when I thought things were going to be perfect, something intervenes. Now, things are just more screwed up than before. Will I ever be able to tell her how I feel?
Now, when I was contemplating my feelings for her outside, I bump into someone who I thought I'd never see again. And now, feelings about this girl are beginning to stir within my heart, but I have to remain true to myself.
But, will things ever go smoothly? I doubt it…
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"Catherine?" Takeru asked, speechless. This was the last thing he expected to happen. Now, he was looking at a girl that he hasn't seen in seven years. Catherine smiled as she embraced him. The young man was taken aback.
"Pourquoi, bonjour Takeru. It's been a while, n'est-ce pas (Why, hello Takeru. It's been a while, has it not)?" Catherine asked. Takeru nodded as the girl broke her embrace and stood back to take a look at him. Feelings of nervousness was starting to make their way into Takeru's heart.
"Oui, it has. Cava (Yes, it has. How are you)?" Takeru asked nervously, looking from her and back into the dorm to see the party. Catherine just smiled.
"Je suis tres bien, pour maintenant (I'm very good, for now). Et toi (And you)?" Catherine asked. Takeru just shrugged.
"Je suis comme ci, comme ca (I'm okay, or not good, not bad)," Takeru answered. He wanted to talk to Catherine more, but his mind then reminded him of why he was here in the first place.
Hello Takeru. Do you remember why you're here in the first place? Hint hint: Hikari?
Oh, yeah, that's right. I love Hikari. That's why I'm here at this party. To have a good time with her, and to confess my feelings for her. I have to keep reminding myself that. Despite what little feelings I have for Catherine, they're nothing compared to what I have with Hikari… Takeru then trailed off in his thoughts as he shook his head. He then looked at Catherine.
"Regardes Catherine, j'aime parler avec toi, mais, j'ai aller maintenant (Look Catherine, I like talking with you, but, I have to go now)," Takeru replied. Catherine then frowned.
"Mais, parlerons-nous plutaur (But, will we talk later)?" Catherine asked.
"Oui, plutaur. Au revoir (Yes, later. Bye,)," Takeru said, as he hugged Catherine one last time. The two then parted as Takeru made his way back into the building. Looking around, he couldn't find any trace of pink.
Where is she? Where's Hikari? Takeru thought. Takeru then noticed a mop of long, black hair, and walked over to the head the mop belonged to. It was Jim. Takeru clamped his hands together.
"Hey Jim, have you seen Hikari?" Takeru asked over the loud music. The teen turned his attention towards the blonde.
"Huh? Could you repeat that?" Jim asked. Takeru sighed tiredly.
"Have you seen Kari?" Takeru asked. Jim nodded.
"Yeah, I have. I saw Willis take her out of the dorm. I think he said he was going to his place," Jim replied. This only made the other teen furious.
"Well, thanks. I think I'm gonna go," Takeru replied. He waved Jim goodbye, before leaving the apartment, closing the door behind him. Takeru then put his hands in his pockets as he was leaving the complex.
This is great, just great. If I know Willis well, he's going to get Hikari drunk. I have to stop him, Takeru thought. He then stopped as traffic was passing between him and the other side of the street. He then sighed to himself as he looked up at the night sky…
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Meanwhile, while Takeru was making his way toward Willis's apartment, the other blonde had just gotten there, with his prey. Due to not drinking very much alcohol during her life, Hikari had gotten intoxicated within a few sips of the vodka mixed in with the Sprite. Now, all Willis had to do was to get her into bed, and she would be his for the taking. And Hikari was too weak to stop him.
"Willis, what are you doing? I wanna…I wanna go…home," Hikari said slowly. Willis just grinned.
"Well, don't worry princess, I'll take you home. We're just comin' here so I can pick something up first," Willis lied, as the two made their way into his apartment. Willis then locked the door behind him, so Hikari couldn't get out, at least not until morning. Even though the girl was intoxicated, she knew what was going on.
"Willis…why…are you…" Hikari asked, her words slurring some as the young man was leading her to his bedroom. She tried to extricate herself out of his grasp, but however, she didn't have the strength to be released. Willis basically pushed her onto the bed, and held her arms down. He smiled evilly as he saw the scared expression on Hikari's face.
"Don't worry Kari, this won't hurt one little bit…" Willis said, as he slowly started to force the top off of her body. Hikari shivered as her bra was revealed. She closed her eyes as Willis also started taking off his clothes, and covering them with the bed-sheets.
Takeru, wherever you are…Please…help…me…
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Minutes later, Takeru had finally made his way into Willis's apartment complex. He sighed tiredly as he finally reached Willis's door. He knocked on it.
"Willis, it's me T.K! Open this door right now!" Takeru exclaimed. He then shook the knob to see if it was unlocked. It wasn't.
Damn, for all I know, Willis could be raping Hikari right now. I've gotta stop him, Takeru thought, as he then switched to trying to elbow the door. And with no success. As he kept on trying, a young man about his age passed him, but then stopped to look at the blonde.
"Excuse me sir, but what are you doing?" the young man asked. Takeru stopped to catch his breath.
"What does it look like? I'm trying to break into this apartment!" Takeru exclaimed. The other guy then took out his cell-phone. This alarmed the blonde. "No, don't!" Takeru exclaimed again, just as the other guy was about to call the authorities. He just held his phone within his hands.
"Why? You're committing a burglary, as well as breaking an entering. You should be arrested," the young man said. Takeru shook his head.
"I know what this looks like, but it's not. Right now I have a friend in there, who need's my help," Takeru replied. Right as he finished his sentence, he heard a scream on the other side. The other young man's eyes widened. "See, she needs help. So please, will you help me?" Takeru asked. The young man looked at him. Takeru looked back at him nervously. Another scream pierced the air. "Please?" Takeru pleaded again. After scream echoed, the young man sighed, as he clipped his cell-phone to his pants.
"All right, I'll help you." Takeru smiled in appreciation as the two readied themselves at the door. Then, with all their might, elbowed their way into the apartment. The door was knocked down as Takeru and the other teen made their way to where the scream came from. Takeru became enraged at what he saw. Willis had Hikari's hands forced onto the bed, with the girl topless. She was struggling as Willis was trailing kisses down her neck. Takeru then walked over and shoved Willis off the bed, and Hikari covered herself. Willis then got up and looked at his former friend.
"T.K, what are you doing?" Willis asked. Takeru just gave the other blonde a death glare.
"Saving my friend. I can't believe I was a friend with you for the past two years. You're an awful person," Takeru answered, giving Hikari her clothes so she could get dressed. Takeru made sure to guard her, and Willis was about to make his way over to Takeru when the other young man restrained him. Willis looked at him.
"Hey man, what are you doing? I wasn't gonna hit him," Willis replied. The other guy just sighed.
"Yeah? Well, your actions speak differently. I'm gonna-"
"No, don't call the authorities. I'll do anything, anything!" Willis exclaimed. Takeru helped Hikari up as she was done dressing, having her arm slinged around his shoulder. Takeru just gave Willis another glare.
"Why shouldn't we? You almost raped Hikari. But, since I'm your 'friend', I'll let it slide. Besides, going through court would be a bitch, so I'm letting you off easy. But, if you ever, EVER try to hurt Hikari or any girl for that matter again, I will hunt you down and kill you myself," Takeru threatened. Willis nodded, and the other guy released his hold on the spiky blonde, pushing him down onto the bed. Takeru just scoffed at the boy.
"Let's go," Takeru replied. The three then left, leaving Willis all by himself…
About half an hour later, the three finally made their way to Takeru and Hikari's apartment. Takeru smiled as the turned back to look at the young man, while holding Hikari in his arms. She had fallen asleep on the way back.
"Uh, thanks for everything. If you weren't there, I don't know what would've happened," Takeru replied. The other young man just nodded back.
"No prob. After all, that girl is going to be working with me," the young man replied. This just caused Takeru to furrow an eyebrow in confusion. This caused the other young man to shake his arms and head.
"No, no, not like that. I know that girl. You see, I work at the One-Hour Photo Shop. That girl's name is Kari Kamiya, right?" the boy asked. Takeru slowly nodded.
"Well, she's going to work with me at the shop. I'm the assistant manager. My name's Mark. Mark Poi," Mark replied. Takeru then nodded in realization.
"Oh, so you're her boss. Well again, thanks for everything. I guess she'll be seeing you Monday," Takeru replied.
"Well, if she still doesn't feel okay, tell her she can come on Tuesday, all right? I'll understand," Mark said. Takeru nodded as he took out the apartment key, and opened the door. He then gave Mark one last goodbye before stepping in, and leaving Mark behind…
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The next morning, Hikari awoke as she looked towards her alarm clock. As her eyes focused, her body started to feel very bad. She sighed as she struggled to get up.
What happened last night? All I remember is going with Takeru to a party, and then dancing with him. And then Willis came up and danced with me… Everything else is all fuzzy… Hikari trailed off in her thoughts as she massaged her temples. What had happened after she danced with Willis? Maybe Takeru can tell me. After all, I'm assuming he did take me home last night… Hikari thought, as she got up. She then took a good look at herself.
Why am I wearing the clothes I wore last night? Right as the girl was about to ponder over that, her stomach churned. And it wasn't good. Hikari then ran out of her room, and into the bathroom as she closed the door behind her. A few moments later, she re-emerged from the bathroom and changed clothes. She then went into the kitchen, to see Takeru eating a piece of toast. As soon as he saw her, Takeru smiled at her.
"Morning Hika-chan. Are you all right?" Takeru asked, his smile fading as he immediately became concerned for the girl. Hikari shook her head, as she sat beside him. She then leaned her head on his shoulder.
"I don't feel good Takeru-kun. My memory's so…fuzzy…all I remember is going with you to the party, and then having Willis give me a drink. After that, I can't remember anything else…" Hikari trailed off. Takeru sighed as he looked from the girl, and towards the table.
Damn. Hikari, I don't want to tell you what happened after you blacked out. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have decided to go to that party. Then, this wouldn't have happened…I'm sorry, but I don't want you to know what happened..for right now anyway… Takeru then ended his thoughts as he looked back to Hikari.
"Well…all I'm going to say is that you had a good time…" Takeru replied. Hikari smiled at him, as she lifted her head from his shoulder to make eye contact with him.
"Really? That's cool…ugh…" Hikari's stomach churned, as she looked down. Takeru just chuckled.
"Ha. Well, I guess you had too much to drink. Maybe we should just 'chill', as the Americans say it for today," Takeru replied. Hikari shook her head tiredly.
"But, I don't wanna…" Hikari trailed off. Takeru just laughed.
"Hikari, you know it, and I know it. You're in no condition to move around. So just go to your room and relax, okay? And if you need me, I'm only a few steps away…" Takeru suggested. Hikari then pouted.
"Oh, all right, all right. Thanks 'Keru-kun. You're the best," Hikari said, as she gave Takeru a kiss on the cheek, before getting out of her seat as she slowly made her way towards her room. Takeru only sighed tiredly as he watched her retreating form. As soon as she closed the door behind her, Takeru looked back down towards the table.
I'm sorry for lying to you Hikari. But, it had to be done…
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Meanwhile, while Hikari and Takeru were resting at the apartment, Mimi and Joe were finishing up with their wedding plans. They were finally covering the last details of their wedding reception. The two laughed as they were concocting a fun thing for everyone to do.
"So Joe, you think this could be real fun?" Mimi asked. Joe nodded.
"Of course. Besides, it'll be funny when everyone tries. Well, except for Matt of course. He's a professional," Joe answered. A smile then appeared upon Mimi's face.
"Yeah, but for everyone else, it would be funny. I think this'll work…" Mimi replied, smiling at the idea. Joe nodded. He then looked towards the clock, which was situated upon a nearby wall. He sighed as he looked back to Mimi.
"Well Meems, I don't want to say this, but you have to go. I have to go the hospital now," Joe replied. Mimi frowned.
"Oh, all right," Mimi said, as the two got up and hugged each other. They then shared a few kisses, before they broke apart and left the apartment together…
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Two days later, it was finally Monday. Hikari smiled as she and Takeru left the college campus. Overall, she was having a very good day. The only thing odd about it though, was that her friend did not talk to Willis or Jim during the whole day.
I wonder what happened between them, Hikari thought, as she looked towards her right. Right now, Takeru was concentrating on looking at his feet. She then pushed him, and snapped the young man out of his trance.
"Huh? What is it Hikari?" Takeru asked, looking towards his brunette companion. The two stopped walking, allowing people to walk by them as Hikari encircled her arms around Takeru's left arm. Takeru blushed as this was happening. Hikari then gave Takeru a look of seriousness.
"Takeru, there's something I've been wondering about. How come you haven't talked to Willis, or Jim all day? You usually talk to the two of them during some part of the day," Hikari mused. Takeru sighed tiredly. The last thing he wanted right now was to tell Hikari what had passed the night before. So, he decided to cover it up.
"Let's just say that Willis and I had a disagreement," Takeru replied abruptly, as he started to walk again. Hikari caught up to him, and pressed a hand on his shoulder. This made Takeru look at her again.
"What kind of disagreement?" Hikari asked, becoming concerned. She had a feeling that this problem went deeper than what Takeru was telling her. Takeru averted her glance as he looked at a nearby shop.
"Really big. All that matters is that we're not friends anymore. But forright now, we have to go to your new job," Takeru replied. Hikari sighed.
"Okay," she simply stated. Getting information out of this young man was going to be harder than she thought. The two then continued to walk, and within minutes, made it to the One-Hour Photo Shop. The two then made their way inside, the door swinging as they did so. Mark noticed them enter, as he looked up at them.
"Oh, hey Kari, T-" Takeru shook his head as Mark was about to say his name. Mark then faked a cough, and Hikari just gave the other young man a puzzled look, and then looked at Takeru. Takeru immediately stopped what he was doing.
"What? What?" Takeru asked. Hikari sighed tiredly, as Mark made his way to the front, and handed Hikari an apron. The girl laced it onto her body, and tied her hair back into a bun. Hikari turned to look at Takeru as she was doing this.
"Well Takeru-kun, you better head to work if you don't want to be late," Hikari chimed. Takeru nodded.
"I know. I can afford to be late today though. I need to talk to your employer for a moment, if you'll excuse me," Takeru replied. This caught interest in Mark.
"What do you need to talk to me for? Afraid your girlfriend is going to work for a cruel boss?" Mark asked humorously. Takeru chuckled.
"No, far from it. Hikari and I aren't going out," Takeru replied.
"Oh," Mark said. The two then left the store, leaving a puzzled Hikari as she waited within the building. Takeru and Mark stood right outside the doorway, and Mark crossed his shoulders as he looked at the blonde. "So Takeru, what is this about? Why did you stop me when I was about to say your name?" Mark asked.
"Because, Hikari would then be curious to how we know each other. No offense Mark, but right now, I don't want her to know anything about what happened last night," Takeru replied. By the tone of his voice, Takeru sounded sort of threatening. Mark understood what the young man was trying to convey to him.
"I understand. But, you have to tell her sometime. You can't keep hiding this forever," Mark stated. Takeru nodded his head quickly.
"I know, I know. I'll tell her. But, only when the moment is right," Takeru replied. Mark then sighed.
"Okay. Well then, I guess I'll see you later. Bye then," Mark said, extending his hand. Takeru reached his hand out to shake it.
"Bye, and thank you." Takeru then left the black haired young man as he made his way back inside to instruct Hikari. Takeru then sighed as he started to walk to work.
Man, that was close…Yes, extremely close…But, he's right. You can't keep what happened a secret forever. It'll leak out eventually…
I know. But I will try to keep it locked up as long as I can, Takeru's lighter side thought, as he made his way to a crosswalk. He then sighed as the light changed, and he crossed the street to his workplace. This afternoon was going to be a very stressful one. He could already feel it as he entered.
"T.K., you're twenty minutes late! If you're late one more time, you know I'm going to cut you," Dave said, as Takeru made his way to the back of the store to change into uniform. Takeru sighed.
"I know…I'm sorry Dave. I promise tomorrow I'll be on time…" Takeru replied as he pulled off his shirt and pants, and changed into his uniform. Minutes later, he re-emerged into the store, and made his way towards the counter. He then sighed tiredly as he began to work…
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Takeru grumbled tiredly as he awoke the next day. He brushed his eyes as he opened the door. As he opened them, he muttered a "Huh?" as he noticed that something was lying on the floor. He bent down to pick it up. It was a small letter, engraved with his name in English, cursive handwriting, which read "Takeru Takaishi." Takeru then opened the letter. It was an invitation. It stated:
Dear to whom this may concern:
You are invited to witness the union of one Jyou "Joe" Kido, and of Mimi Tachikawa, on Saturday, October the Fifth. Please reply R.S.V.P.
Takeru glanced at it, before glancing at the calendar. October Fifth was pretty soon. Actually, it was next weekend. Takeru sighed. He was then about to drop the invitation on his bed when something else fell out.
"Huh? What's this?" Takeru bent down to pick it up. It was a little slip of white paper. He opened it up. There was another message engraved:
Oh, one more thing…Please pick a song to perform at the wedding reception, because we're going to have a karaoke bar!
-Mimi Tachikawa
Takeru tensed up as he read that note. Me, sing? I can't sing, 'cause Matt inherited that talent. Oh well, might as well give it a try…but, which song shall I choose? Takeru mused over the note, before he heard a faint knock upon his open door. He turned his head to look. It was Hikari.
"I've taken you've read the invitation, as well as the note as well?" Hikari asked. Takeru could only nod. "Well, this'll be fun, right Takeru-kun?" Hikari asked. Takeru just blushed at the comment.
"Yeah, sure, fun…what song are you going to sing?" Takeru asked. Hikari just shrugged.
"Like I'm going to tell you…you'll have to find out for yourself," Hikari replied, thrusting her tongue out at him. Takeru repeated the motion.
"Fine then, then you won't know what song I'm going to sing either," Takeru said, closing his eyes, crossing his arms and moving his head to the right. It was hard for him to keep a straight face. The two then burst out laughing. After a few moments, the two finally stopped.
"Well, I guess we'll find out at the wedding then, huh?" Hikari asked.
"Yeah, I guess so. We better start getting ready to go," Takeru replied. The two then smiled at each other before parting their ways to get ready for the day…
This is going to be interesting…
Well, that's the end for this chapter…
Next chapter: Takeru and Hikari leave to go to Mimi and Joe's wedding, and the two finally get into a situation where they are by themselves. Can Takeru confess to Hikari, and what about what happened between them and Willis?
Please read and review as always!
Ja ne!- Malcolm Yuy