Hi there guys. Back with another chapter for you. This one was a fun one to write even though it's a little bit on the short side. However, it is pretty packed so no worries. Well, you don't want to hear me blab so enjoy and I hope to hear from you guys. Later.

Chapter 12: Gives You Hell.

Zoe grinned, pulling him to his feet. She took his hand and led him out of the park towards a few small cafes and shops. "What are ya in the mood for Takuya?"

"I dunno. I don't really have a preference." He shrugged, looking at the choices, "How about this one? It has an outside patio to sit at."

The blonde smiled, "Sounds good." She pulled him along inside the cafe to get seated. A waiter showed them to a table, poured them each a glass of water and laid a menu before them. Takuya and Zoe decided quickly, placed their orders and set about making small talk while they waited for their food to arrive.

A group of boisterous newcomers entered the cafe, being overly loud and obnoxious. Takuya turned to glare. He lost his nerve. "Oh you have to be kidding me."

"What is it?" Zoe asked and looked over Takuya to see who was causing the ruckus.

"Don't make eye contact." Takuya said quickly, making sure they looked like they were minding their own business as to not attract any unwanted attention especially from the newcomers. The group was none other than Shinoba and his gang much to Takuya's dismay. He knew there would be trouble if the group had taken notice to him and Zoe.

"Takuya? Who are those guys?" the blonde asked after a getting a look at the group.

The gogglehead bit his lip and "No one. They just look bad is all…"

"Well, look what we have here."

Takuya moaned and dropped his head on the table. "Crap…"

"Why isn't it the runt- Oh lookie here boys! He's got a girl too!" Shinoba sneered, "What's your name good looking?"

Zoe wrinkled her nose, shrinking away from the elder boy. "Get lost Shinoba." Takuya growled.

Shinoba rounded on the boy, "Say that again, runt." Takuya opened his mouth to respond, anger welling inside him. Zoe looked at him, knowing how dangerous this situation could get.

Takuya fought back a feral growl, his instincts screaming at him to burn the bully. As much as he wanted to he knew starting a fight with Shinoba would land him in a lot of trouble.

"Takuya…." Zoe spoke softly, afraid that her friend might lose control of himself if the bullies continued in their hostility.

Shinoba snorted, taking Takuya's lack of response as cowardice. "That's what I thought." He turned his attention back to Zoe. "Why don't you hang out with someone who isn't completely spineless?"

Zoe glared at him. "I already am." she replied coldly, "Go skulk somewhere else."

"What did you just say to me?!" Shinoba asked, taken aback that a girl just snubbed him openly in public.

"You heard me. Now leave me and my friend alone," she said curtly, turning her attention back to Takuya, who was still restraining himself with great difficulty.

Shinoba didn't like her answer. He growled softly, "No one talks to me like that- not even a girl!" He came at the blonde, glaring- intent to strike her. Shinoba stopped however when a strong burning grip latched itself onto his arm. Takuya had grabbed onto his arm before he could even raise it to harm the girl. "What the hell?"

Takuya tightened his grip and glared dangerously at the bully, his eyes rimmed green and holding a wild look in them. "Don't you dare lay a finger on her." He snarled, his grip growing hotter.

Shinoba tried to wretch his hand free as it was slowly being burned but Takuya's grip was too tight. "Let go of me!" he cried out and fell backwards when Takuya suddenly let go of his grip. The posse shrank away in fear, terrified of the dangerous look on the boy's face as their leader tended to his hand. They then high tailed it out of the café when Takuya turned his gaze onto them.

The entire cafe was staring at them. Takuya blinked a few times, trying to calm down. Zoe reached out, touching his hand. He flinched away, shame clouding his eyes. Takuya swallowed slowly as a waiter approached him slowly, asking him to leave. Takuya nodded numbly, doing as the waiter asked.

Zoe followed the boy closely as he left the cafe. "Takuya! Takuya wait up!" She called after him. He stopped abruptly; Zoe nearly walked into him. She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Takuya...?"

"I…I'm sorry… I just…. I couldn't control myself… he was going to hit you and…" Takuya tried to rationalize but it didn't clear him of the shame he felt. He had lost control either way and hurt someone. He would be lucky if he didn't seriously burn Shinoba's wrist. "I…"

Zoe pulled her friend into a hug to comfort him. "Hey, it's okay. You were trying to help me. That jerk would have hurt me if you didn't stop him in time."

"But I…" Takuya still felt guilty for what happened back there at the café. Everyone was staring at them and he scared them all with that dangerous look in his eyes.

"Taku..." He looked away, "Taku look at me." She cupped his chin with her hand, tilting his head gently to meet her gaze. He looked at her, still ashamed of his actions. He lost control again. He was just moments away from becoming Flamon and roasting Shinoba on the spot. She smiled softly, "It's okay Takuya..."

He shook his head, "Zoe... I... I almost lost control. I... I wanted to kill him! I almost did kill him!"

"But you didn't. You let him go." Zoe told him softly, trying to sooth him. She didn't blame him for anything or think of him any differently. "You didn't kill him."

Takuya looked away, not able to keep her gaze. "But I almost did. Zoe… It would have been BurningGreymon all over again… and you remember how that happened… I nearly burnt down an entire forest…"

"Don't you remember? You had us and you were able to overcome it and control your Beast Spirit. If you can control BurningGreymon you can control this." Zoe told him and gently turned his face so he would look at her.

He was trembling. She was right but at the same time he couldn't bring himself to look at her. "Zoe..." Takuya pulled away. He wanted to run and hide, find a place to blow off steam and vent his emotions.

"Taku, Please don't run away again," She pleaded, seeing the look in his eyes. Zoe took his hands in hers again. "It's okay now. It's all over with."

Takuya wanted so badly to run but with the way she pleaded to him he just couldn't find the will to carry on with it. He couldn't pull away from her. He lowered his gaze again, unable to look up at her.

"Taku… please. You don't have to let this get to you. You can let it go. You don't have to run away." Zoe continued, speaking to him softly as to not upset him. "Trust me."

The brunette stood in silence still staring at the ground. He sighed softly, "I trust you Zoe... It's me I don't trust." He finally looked up at her, the edges of his eyes still tinged bright green. "Gods.. Zoe... I... I just want to hunt that jerk down and tear him limb from limb. He... He's a horrible human being... and it's driving me to be a monster- he came after me twice before today... He's not going to leave me alone Z! It's only a matter of time before I snap!"

He was shaking with a volatile mixture of rage and fear. Zoe wanted so desperately to comfort him- to tell him it would be okay. Now she wasn't sure it would be okay. Takuya's emotions were directly linked to his Digimon half- any time he felt threatened, pressured, under any state of duress- he could become Flamon and hurt someone without meaning to. Even now, she could tell he was fighting the Digimon side of himself.

"I just… I don't know what to do Zoe… I don't know how long I can keep this up… Just today I know it's… pushing me beyond my limits… Just knowing he's there makes my skin crawl… I don't know much more I can take tomorrow… or the day after that… school's just going to be a constant struggle!" Takuya was getting hysterical, frightened by his future encounters with Shinoba and his lackeys. Five days a week and he has to deal with them and any trouble they bring him.

Zoe hugged the boy tightly after seeing the tears that threatened to roll down his face. She couldn't just stand there and let Takuya hurt himself with the way he was thinking. She wouldn't just let him snap and so she held him tighter in her embrace hoping the gesture would show Takuya that she was there for him no matter what.

Takuya didn't struggle in her embrace. He shivered as the tears he'd tried to hold back broke through his defenses and rolled down his cheeks. He could feel his body breaking down from the anxiety. He was slipping; the Digimon half invading more and more with his guard down. He pulled away suddenly; He needed to get out of the street- out of the open. He made a dash for the park, knowing he could hide out and collect himself there in safety.

Zoe stood there for a moment, perplexed by what just happened before giving chase to the brunette. "Takuya!" She lost sight of him before she made it to the entrance. "Takuya!" she called out to him again, but the boy had vanished.

"Did the the little runt finally come to his senses and ditch ya, bitch?" a voice sneered from behind her. Zoe turned only to be greeted with a rough slap to the face. She yelped, falling to the ground in surprise and shock. "That's not the worst of it yet- NO ONE treats ME like that!"

"Get away from me you creep!" Zoe shrieked as she kicked up at them to keep them away from her. She was terrified seeing the group of boys surround her. "S-stay away from me!"

The cries did not deter the bullies and they simply ganged up on her; two of them grabbing Zoe by her arms and dragging her into the park to make sure no one would see and come to her rescue.

"Let me go right now or I swear I'll… I'll make you regret it!" Zoe commanded and struggled fiercely in their grip, her legs flailing around in wild kicks.

"For the love of… shut up!" Shinoba barked, getting in Zoe's face. However, in getting close, he came into Zoe's range and her foot landed a solid blow to his groin.

The other boys moaned and watched their leader back up and take a moment to try and recover from the kick. They gulped knowing that this would only piss off their leader; his face red with rage once he finally collected himself. "You stupid bitch!"

He reached out grabbing her by the neck, angry enough to kill her. His hand wrapped around her throat like a vice, crushing her windpipe. She gasped for air as two of Shinoba's friends came to their senses and attempted to pry him off the girl before she suffocated.

A wild snarl got their attention. Something shot at them with inhuman speed, knocking Shinoba to the ground, freeing Zoe. The other boys yelped in fright, fleeing as soon as they go a good look at the thing that tackled Shinoba.

Shinoba moaned and looked up at what had tackled him to the ground and was instantly terrified by what he saw. Flamon stood over him and glared down at him darkly. Shinoba was completely petrified by the sight of the creature and it only became worse when Flamon's hands simultaneously combusted. "W-what the hell are you?! Get the hell away from me!"

Takuya only prowled closer as the bully tried to crawl away. He didn't bother speaking and only stepped closer and closer to his prey, spiking fear within the bully with every step.

"S-stay away!" Shinoba yelled, almost begging for the Digimon to let him go.

Zoe was too caught up in everything that happened to speak and just watched numbly as Takuya stalked the whimpering older boy.

A fiery aura built around Takuya's body as he drew closer to Shinoba. Zoe remembered seeing something similar happen when Takuya first gained Aldamon's power. Heat rippled off the Digimon's body. Takuya snarled, extending the claws on his fingertips.

Shinoba yelped at the sight of Flamon's sharp claws and bared fangs. Takuya was going to kill Shinoba for the torment he dealt to him. He snarled, poised to attack and rip the elder boy limb from limb, body blazing.

"Takuya! No!" She cried out, pushing her self up to get between the boys.

The boy stopped in his assault and stared at Zoe, having not expected her to cut him off. He growled and tried to walk around her but she continued to cut him off.

"Takuya…. Please, don't do this…" the girl begged. She was scared for her friend. She realized this must have been what Tommy felt when he stood up to BurningGreymon. She was scared that Takuya wouldn't be able to gain control; that he would do something he'd regret and drive him over the deep end. He'd never forgive himself if he continued with his intentions. "You don't want to do this… please… let him go…"

Shinoba just quivered in his spot. He couldn't find the will to get to his feet. It was like he as cornered by a wild beast that would attack him if he so much as made one wrong move.

Zoe reached out, taking his hand firmly and extinguishing the flames. "Look at me Taku." She got his attention and tried to get him to focus on her instead of Shinoba. He gazed at her, eyes glossy and unfocused. She carefully reached behind one of his ears and rubbed it gently. Zoe had his full attention as the angry flaming aura died away.

Shinoba scrambled to his feet, making a dash for the exit. "You're a freak Kanbara!" he shouted once he felt he was a safe distance away.

Takuya paid no mind to the bully's insult as Zoe continued to rub his ear, soothing his mind and calming him down from his blazing fury. The feral look in his eyes had soon faded away into a more intelligent and aware gaze. He was finally in control of himself again.

"Takuya?" Zoe asked tentatively, wanting to be absolutely sure he was back to normal.

"Zoe… I…" he moaned and tried to gain his bearings. He took in everything and grimaced. "I… I lost control…" Takuya muttered with his gaze downcast with shame.

Zoe wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I honestly don't blame you Taku. Shinoba tried to kill me! If you hadn't... He could of..." she swallowed at the thought, "You saved me from that creep."

Takuya sighed softly, ashamed of his actions. "I tried to kill him too- you stopped me though. I wanted to rip that jerk's throat open," he whispered, shivering a bit. "I wanted to kill him- I've never experienced bloodlust like that... especially towards another person!"

"Taku..." She released her embrace, still holding him close to her. "I trust you. You'd never hurt anyone who didn't sincerely deserve it. He attacked me- you were just trying to protect me."

Takuya bit his lip, paying no mind for how his fangs were digging in deeper to his lips than he wanted. "I just… I don't want to be a murderer Zoe… I… I can't do that to someone but… "

"I know… but you're not a murderer Takuya. You won't ever be one. You're not that kind of person. You're better than that." Zoe interrupted him softly.

Takuya just shook his head. "Zoe… if you didn't stop me then I would have killed that jerk… I… I would have torn him apart…"

She rubbed his back gently, easing him to the ground. Zoe opted not to say anything more, instead trying to make him feel better physically. She toyed with his mane, and rubbed behind his ears more. Takuya sighed softly, still upset with himself.

Zoe began to worry that her change in tactics was the wrong thing to do. A soft purr rose in Takuya's chest, allowing his walls to come down and emotions to flow freely.

Takuya clung to her, taking some comfort in her embrace as they sat there on the grass. He felt that her embrace is what kept him grounded. Zoe was the only thing right now that kept him from completely breaking down.

The blonde continued to help her friend with her small gestures, just letting him know that she was there for him. They stayed like that for a while; neither of them caring how long they stayed like this.

"Taku?"

Takuya looked up at her, eyes wide and full of pain. Zoe brushed his hair from his face, smiling softly. She continued to stroke his mane, untangling the knots her fingers caught.

"Feel better now?"

The boy still looked sullen, but he had improved significantly since the incidents with Shinoba. He nodded slowly, closing his eyes again. He purred louder, drowning his sorrows and enjoying Zoe's company.

Zoe's smile grew a little wider, happy that he was at least feeling better, and rubbed him behind the ears again making him purr even louder. Takuya was beginning to feel drowsy, he felt comfortable in their embrace. He felt safe here with her.

"Zoe?" He finally spoke up.

"Yes?" Zoe asked.

"Thanks. For being here with me." Takuya answered shyly but gave her an appreciative smile. He really did appreciate the help she gave him through the whole ordeal.

She smiled back, "Of course Takuya. You're my friend and I care about you. I'd never leave you."

Takuya smiled back, a blush creeping onto his face. They were awfully close- their faces maybe a few inches apart at best. The thought made him blush more. He turned away, trying to hide his face from her.

Zoe tilted her head, realizing what Takuya was embarrassed about now. She felt her face heat up at the thought. She still harbored a crush on the boy, though he was too clueless to catch on. Zoe wondered if now was the right time to tell him, they were alone for the first time in a long time, but given the events perhaps she should wait.

"I guess we should head back. You know?" Takuya asked awkwardly while trying not to show how flustered he was. "I mean it's getting kind of late."

"Oh, right. I guess it is getting late" Zoe replied after taking notice to the time of day. It was around five or six in the afternoon. Surely their parents would be expecting them home soon.

"Yeah, and I don't want to freak out my mom or dad either. I think I've done that enough these past few days." Takuya stated and scratched the back of his neck.

Zoe nodded, completely understanding of the situation though disappointed about not being able to enjoy anymore time with him. "Yeah, we don't want to give them anymore reason to worry."

"Yeah." They stood up, Takuya shaking his mane like a dog for a moment. He didn't bother to change back to his human state as he planned to go home via the rooftops again. It was too much fun to pass up.

Takuya smiled at her, feeling better about the day. "Thank you Zoe. You're a real life saver."

"So are you silly," she replied, smiling brightly. She hugged him once more, "Don't hesitate to call if you need me."

"Right, Thank you."

They stood there for a moment, not wanting to part ways. Zoe smiled again, leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "See ya Takuya." She darted away before he could recover.

Takuya stood there, completely dumbstruck after she kissed his cheek. He ghosted his fingers over the spot where she kissed him, his heart fluttering from the experience. He couldn't believe it at first but it happened.

He was finally able to bring himself back to reality and smiled. He was elated. Takuya jumped into the trees and nimbly made his way to the rooftops, a happy spring in his step. The wind in his face and the sun on his back only added to the euphoria.

The boy was still on the kiss. It had happened so fast but the feeling lingered. Though he had yet to admit it, he had a crush on the blonde but never got the nerve to tell her how he felt. That kiss made him ecstatic about the possibility that she had feelings for him as well.

Takuya drifted through the rest of the evening, lightheaded and in a dreamlike state. His father raised an eyebrow at his son's antics but his mother knew very well what Takuya was experiencing.

"My baby is in love!" She squealed happily. Not even her high-pitched excitement could shake Takuya from his high. The brunette was on cloud nine and nothing could bring him down.