A.N.: Hello people! I'm sorry for the long overview on Seasons 01 and 02, but I felt it was needed to help the story flow together. After all, if it wasn't for what happened, Takeru and Hikari wouldn't have met. Anyways, sorry for the long blab…and now it's time respond to the reviewers..
1/08/07- Edited for consistency and errors.
And now, to move on to the story.
Synopsis: In the Prologue, we found a young woman running away from a young man. For whatever reason, she wanted to get away from him, and ultimately, she did. In Chapter One, we discovered that the woman who ran away was Hikari, and that the man chasing her was her lover, a now twenty-five year old single man named Takeru. During the past seven years Takeru had worked on his first Digimon novel while attending Tokyo University.
Now graduated and published, Takeru is now a success in both Japanese and English Literature. But unfortunately for our young protagonist, one night proved very trying for him, as it was the "thirteenth" year of his love for Hikari. Will our blond hero be able to move on from this traumatic experience, and move on with his life? And what about his friends and family? How are they involved?..
Well, in this chapter, the story will begin to pick up as Takeru's friends enter the picture.
And now to present Chapter 02…action!!
"Derailed"
By
Malcolm Yuy
Chapter 02: Life Goes On..Even When You Don't Want It To
The alarm clock rang with a buzz as Takeru awoke with a jolt. He gripped his head in pain as he turned his clock off. He slowly opened his eyes as he felt the pain in his head subside..for a moment. He closed his eyes as he felt the pain reverberate in his head.
Damn, what happened last night? Takeru thought, as he struggled to open his eyes. As he got out of bed, he looked down to examine himself. He found that he was still wearing the same suit from the day before.
"Damn, I must've gotten wasted," Takeru said to himself as he walked over to his closet. He took off his white jacket, soon to be followed by his shirt and pants. He then tossed his socks in his clothes-hamper, which left him only in his boxers. He then slowly walked into his bathroom, making a detour to his closet as he grabbed a towel, washcloth, and bathrobe with slippers.
About twenty minutes later, Takeru arose from the bathroom, attired in his bathrobe and slippers. He certainly felt better, after taking some painkillers. He ran a hand through his blond locks as he made his way into his kitchen. He took out a glass from a nearby cabinet, before making his way to the refrigerator to pull out a carton of milk. He then filled the glass, before sealing his milk carton and placing back in the fridge. He then walked over to his answering machine, pushing the "PLAY" button as he began drinking his milk.
"You have three new messages," his answering machine said. Takeru rolled his eyes as he waited for his messages to be played back. A beep was heard, before the first message was played.
"Hey Take, this is Yama. I just called to check up on you. I hope you're doing okay bro," Yamato's voice said as Takeru began making himself a bowl of cereal. Takeru grimaced as he took a bite of out the corn flakes.
"Yamato, I don't need you to baby me. I'm twenty-five for Christ sake," Takeru said as he continued eating. He then took another sip from his glass of milk.
"Look Takeru, I just hope you're doing okay. I know today is a bad day for you, so I just want to support you the best way that I can, and I..I miss you. I know you're busy, but please, could you visit me and Sora sometime? Ika's been begging to go see her favorite uncle, and Sora has been worried about you, and I have too. So please Take, if you get this message..please call me back. Bye," Yamato said. Takeru sighed as he finished eating his breakfast. He then heard the machine click.
"Second message playback.." A beep then followed.
"Greetings Takaishi-san," a female voice spout on the other line.
"Greetings Kuwu," Takeru responded with an irritable smile.
"Takaishi-san, I and the rest of the people at the publishing company have finally declared a winner for your contest. Do you have pen and paper?" Kuwu asked. Takeru quickly grabbed a notepad and a pen.
"Right here," he said.
"I hope I gave you enough time to gather writing material. The winner of the contest is a Green, Hikeru, a seven year old boy from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is currently in the second grade, and he attends R.M. Lusher Elementary School, Seventy-three fifteen Willow Street. We already have bought your ticket for the flight. It should get to your residence any day now, and you should be prepared to leave next Monday. You will spend a week, and then return on the following Sunday. Take care." The machine beeped as the second message ended.
"A Hikeru Green, huh?" Takeru asked to no one, as he pronounced the winner's name in the American fashion. A few months ago, after Takeru had published a previous volume of his work, his publishing company, Scholastic, had advertised a contest. When one person bought one of his books, they could go online and enter the serial number on the book to receive a chance at winning a meeting with him. Not only would they meet Takeru, but Takeru would be able to spend a week with them, with them asking questions about him and all that. And if they so wished, he could read aloud from a part of his book as well.
And it just so happened that a young boy won. Takeru sighed tiredly.
"Well, it could've been worse," he said to himself. His answering machine then began speaking again.
"Third message playback.."
"Hey Takeru, it's Ken. Daisuke and I were wondering if you wanted to hang out, you know, like old times. We miss you and would like to know what you're up to since you hardly talk to us. Just in case you're wondering, Daisuke's doing very well with his noodle cart. Not to mention he just became a daddy. And with me, well…I think Miyako may be due soon as well. Anyway…if you get the chance to talk, please call us, we miss you. Bye," Ken said on the other line.
"End of final message." The machine then stopped talking. Takeru sighed as he messaged his temples.
"Damn people," Takeru said as he had his eyes closed. "I guess I've been leaving them hanging for long enough." Takeru then took his phone off of the receiver and navigated the phone menu until he reached his brother's number. He then pressed "DIAL" and waited as the phone on the other line began to ring. After a few moments, someone picked up on the other line.
"Hello Takeru," a feminine voice replied on the other line. Takeru smiled as he noticed the voice.
"Why Sora, how did you know it was me?" Takeru smirked.
"Easy. We have a little thing called 'Caller ID'. So little brother-in-law, how come you haven't returned any of our calls lately, hmm?" Sora asked.
"Well Sora, I would have, but I've been a little preoccupied-"
"Preoccupied, right..Personally, I think that's a bunch of bullshit Takeru-kun. What would make you so preoccupied right now to not talk to your family?" Sora asked angrily on the other line. Takeru winced at the sound of her voice.
"Sora, you know how I've been busy," Takeru said nervously.
"I know, but you can't be too busy writing to not talk to your brother. Come on Takeru, you need to talk to us more. Come visit us sometime, we miss you. You don't know how much Ika misses 'Storytime with Uncle Takeru,'" Sora said. Takeru could only grin.
"I'll bet."
"Is there anyway that you could visit us in the near future? We would like to see you sometime," Sora said.
"I guess I could. I'm pretty much free for the rest of this week. Next week I have to go to America though," Takeru replied.
"What for?"
"My publishing company sponsored a contest. They just declared a winner, so I have to head over there to spend time with them for a week," Takeru explained.
"Oh, well I hope you enjoy that."
"Me too." Takeru smiled as he closed his eyes.
"Hey Takeru, would this afternoon be good?" Sora asked.
"What time?" Takeru asked.
"Hmm, let's see…I guess four would be okay. I think Yama will be back from band rehearsal by then," Sora answered.
"Great, I'll see you three then," Takeru said.
"Good. Bye then," Sora said.
"Sayonara (Bye)," Takeru said. He then clicked the "OFF" button on his phone. He sighed. "Well, I better go get ready then…" He then placed the phone back on the receiver, before leaving the kitchen to go get himself ready for the day…
"So what has been keeping you so preoccupied that you couldn't visit your only brother?" Yamato asked as he took a sip of tea. Yamato and Sora sat across from Takeru as he was looking down at his teacup. Takeru slowly looked up at them.
"Work," was all Takeru could mutter as he decided to look back down at the table. Sora gave Yamato a glare and elbowed him in the arm as the older blond looked at his brother sourly.
"Well, it must be interesting, working on a new novel..is it?" Sora asked. Takeru looked back up at the redhead.
"Yeah, I guess so. It really sucks though when your publisher tries to rush you though," Takeru said, taking a sip of his tea. Yamato grinned.
"I bet. So Takeru, is there anything else that's been happening in your life other than work lately?" Yamato asked. Apparently his question caught his younger brother off-guard, as his eyes widened, and he almost choked on his tea. Sora and Yamato both gave him looks of concern as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Are you okay?" Sora asked. Takeru sighed as he stopped coughing.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Takeru said, as he tried waving off their concerns. Takeru raised one of his eyebrows as he noticed that Sora was giving him a peculiar look. "What?" he asked.
"Well, it's just that..you don't look too good, now that I think about it. Have you been taking care of yourself lately Takeru-kun?" Sora asked.
"Yeah, you look..tired," Yamato commented. Takeru only shook his head.
"I'm fine you guys, really, I am. I just haven't slept that great recently," Takeru said. The last thing he wanted to tell them was what was really going on. He took a sip of his tea as he looked at his brother. "So, where's my niece?" Takeru asked.
"Right here Unca T.K.!" a little voice yelled, as she made her way into the room. A little blur of red ran by, before she shocked her uncle by jumping into his arms. Lucky enough, he had placed his teacup back on the table beforehand, so nothing broke. Takeru smiled down at his niece as he hugged her.
"So how have you been, my little Ika?" Takeru asked, as he rubbed noses with his relative, looking into her blue eyes, which was the same shade as his. Ika could only giggle.
"Great!" she exclaimed.
"That's good to hear," Takeru said.
"Yeah, and I've been doing good in preschool. Wanna see my drawings?" she asked. Takeru smiled as he ruffled her hair.
"Sure, kiddo." Takeru followed Ika as she ran out of his arms and ran back to her room. He then looked at her parents. "Cute kid. Maybe she'll be like her mother someday," Takeru said. Sora only smiled, as Yamato wrapped an arm around her.
"We can only hope," Yamato smiled. "Well, speaking about kids…" Yamato trailed off as his daughter made her way back into the room, grinning as she showed her uncle her drawings.
"Are they pretty?" Ika asked, as she looked up into her uncle's eyes. Takeru could only smile as he examined the drawings. Of course, for a three year old, they were pretty crude, but still cute to the human eye. Takeru could only chuckle as he again ruffled his niece's hair.
"They sure are, kiddo." He then turned to his brother. "What was it you were saying earlier? Something about kids?" Takeru asked, as Ika looked at her parents, awaiting what they were going to say.
"Well, I was going to say, before I was rudely interrupted," Yamato said, giving his daughter a sharp look. Ika blushed as she looked away.
"Sorry Daddy," Ika said. Yamato laughed.
"Don't worry about it sweetie, I was just kidding. Come over and give your daddy a hug, will ya?" Ika giggled as she ran over to her father, and Yamato lifted her into his arms. He smiled at her, giving her a kiss on the cheek before turning back to his brother. "As I was saying, it looks like…"
"..I'll be expecting," Sora finished, blushing as she was looking down at the table. Takeru looked at the couple in astonishment.
"Really? Congratulations!" He exclaimed, smiling at the couple. Sora looked up and smiled back at him.
"Thanks Takeru-kun, that really means a lot," she said.
"No problem. So, when will you be expecting?" he asked.
"Hmm, well..I'm about three weeks along, so I say about another eight months," Sora said. Ika turned to look at her mother.
"What does this mean Mommy?" she asked. Sora turned to look at her daughter.
"Well it means Ika that you might be getting either a brother or a sister. Can you imagine, you might be a big sister!" Sora exclaimed. Ika smiled.
"Really? I can't wait then," Ika said. Takeru could only grin as he watched the conversation between that family.
"Oh, you say that now…just wait until the baby is born," Yamato said. Ika looked at her father.
"Huh?" she asked, the question catching her off-guard. Yamato just shrugged it off.
"Nothing honey, nothing. Now why don't you go back to your room and play with your dolls, huh? Mommy and I want to continue talking to Uncle Takeru. Is that okay with you?" Yamato asked, looking his daughter square in the eye. Ika nodded.
"Uh huh. I'll go now. Bye bye!!" she yelled, giving her father a quick kiss before running off to her room. Yamato could only smile as he looked after his daughter. "Man, I love my life. Great wife, great daughter. What more could a man ask for?" Yamato asked. That question made Takeru depressed as he started thinking about his own life.
Hikari…
"Takeru, are you okay? You look sad," Sora inquired. Takeru looked up at her, trying to dispel his feelings of sadness as he forced a smile at her.
"No Sora, I'm fine. Trust me, I am," Takeru said. Sora narrowed her eyes as she looked at her brother-in-law.
"Okay…" she then looked over to her husband as she heard him speak.
"Wait a minute, wasn't yesterday…"
"What about yesterday?" Takeru asked, hoping the two weren't catching on. Unfortunately for him, one of them was.
"Oh, I now what it is now. Yesterday was the day-"
"Yamato, please don't say anything," Sora said, hushing her husband. Yamato turned over to give his wife a glare.
"But why no- sigh fine…" Yamato said, looking away from her. Takeru shook his head.
"No, it's fine Sora, really…after all, it has been seven years," Takeru said. Sora just gave her brother-in-law a look of concern.
"Do you still love her?" Sora asked. Takeru frowned as he looked at her. Slowly but surely, he nodded his head solemnly.
"But Takeru, shouldn't you try moving on? She could be dead for all we know! What if she-" Yamato stopped talking as soon as he saw his brother giving him a glare in his direction.
"You don't understand anything, do you Onii-chan? How could you? You have Sora and Ika. You'd never understand," Takeru said, getting up, walking over to the door to grab his jacket and shoes. He slipped them on and began to leave the apartment.
"Takeru," Sora said. Takeru stopped as he looked back at them, standing in the doorway. He sighed as he looked at them.
"Look, I'm sorry you two. But perhaps I was wrong. Maybe I really don't feel like talking about it right now." He then looked at his watch. "Look, I gotta go. I'll talk to you later." And before Yamato and Sora could say anything more, Takeru slammed the door on them as he left the two alone. Sora turned to glare at her spouse.
"You just had to bring that up," Sora said. Yamato raised his hands in the air.
"Well it's been seven years Sora! You'd think he'd be over it by now," Yamato said. Sora just shook her head.
"You know Yamato, Takeru is right, you don't understand." She then got up, and got her jacket and slippers. She just gave him a look.
"Where are you going?" Yamato asked, looking at his wife in question as she opened the door.
"Out." She then slammed the door on him as she left Yamato to himself. Yamato sighed tiredly as he looked down at the able.
"Man, why did I have to open my big mouth?.."
Why did Yamato have to remind me of her? Damn you Yamato, Takeru thought as he began walking back towards his apartment. He looked down toward his feet as he carried his hands in his pockets. One would think that seven years would be enough time for the young man to get over his lost love. However, for Takeru, things just weren't that simple. Hikari was his one and only love, and Takeru felt that it would stay that way. Forever…
Well, now that I think about it, it really wasn't Yama's fault…after all, he was just trying to help me out. He is my older brother, and all he was trying to do was comfort me. Takeru sighed. I just need to get over her, Takeru thought solemnly as he looked up at the sky. The sun was out earlier in the day, but, by midday, that had changed. Clouds had formed in the Tokyo area, and had enveloped the sky, leaving it overcast. Takeru sighed as he continued walking.
I hope I don't get rained on… Takeru thought. He then began hearing a noise as he passed through the crowd on the sidewalk. As he continued listening to it, he discovered that it was a voice, and it was calling his name. I wonder who's calling my- oh, Takeru thought as he turned around to see Sora face-to-face. She was puffing as she looked up at him. Takeru widened his eyes as he looked at her.
"Sora?"
"Look Takeru..I just want…to apologize…for..you know," Sora said, looking away as she pressed her fingers together, hoping Takeru would get the message. Takeru smiled.
"It's okay Sora. We both know how my brother can be sometimes. I know he just wants me to be happy," Takeru said. Sora smiled at him.
"That's a relief. And don't forget dear brother-in-law," she said as she poked him in the nose, "I want you to be happy too. We both just don't like seeing you depressed. It doesn't suit you, you know?" Sora asked. Takeru could only chuckle in response.
"I know, I know. It's just that..can I tell you something?" Takeru asked. Sora looked at him in concern.
"Sure. What is it?" she asked in return.
"Sometimes, when I visit you and Yama, I sometimes wish…I sometimes wish that I could have what you have, you know? I wish I could have a loving wife and a beautiful kid," Takeru said, making Sora smile at his words. Sora clutched his cheek as she looked at him.
"Don't worry Takeru, you'll get there someday, trust me. But I think that for right now, you should go home and take care of yourself. You don't look too good," Sora said, now placing her hands on his hips.
"Yes 'Okasan'," Takeru mumbled sarcastically. Sora just laughed at him in return.
"Very funny Takeru-kun. Seriously though, you should go home and rest. You look like you need it. And don't try to think too much about it, okay? I know how much you miss…" Sora trailed off as she looked away from the blond. A saddened expression came upon Takeru's face as he looked down upon the young woman.
"Hikari…" Takeru said. Just that one name would always move his heart. Sora then looked back up at him.
"Yes, Hikari." She then wrapped her arms around Takeru in a warm embrace. "I know how much you miss her. We all do. But, we've moved on with our lives. Is it about time you moved on with yours?.." Sora asked, loosening her hold on Takeru a bit so she could look him in the eye. Takeru tried his best not to make eye contact with the redhead. Slowly but surely, though, his eyes moved to meet hers. He sighed tiredly.
"I guess so…" The blond's eyebrows then furrowed as he looked upon his sister-in-law. "But Sora, how would you feel if you were in my situation?.." Takeru asked, glaring at the young woman. The question caught Sora off-guard as she widened her eyes in response.
"I…" Sora couldn't find anything to say, as she tried to put herself in Takeru's shoes. Takeru just smirked as he saw the look upon her face.
"I thought so." He then turned away from her, and began walking again. Sora tried to mutter something at the blond, but no words would come out. She then looked down at the concrete ground as her feet seemed more interesting at the moment.
"I'm sorry Takeru…"
Takeru sighed as he made his way back into his apartment. He took off his jacket and placed it on the coat rack, before noticing that his answering machine was glowing. He then walked over and pressed the "PLAY" button on his machine.
"You have one new message. Message playback…" the machine said.
"Hi Takeru, it's Ken again. I was just hoping that you caught my message. If not, then here's another one that I hope you'll get. Please, just call us. We really miss talking to you. Bye." The message then ended as a click sounded off after Ken finished his sentence.
"End of final message…" the machine said. Takeru sighed again.
"Why can't these people just leave me alone? I really don't feel like talking right now," Takeru said to himself, before taking a swig of his water. He then began conversing with himself in his mind.
I really do need to get over her…maybe talking to Ken and Daisuke would help. Hell, it would probably get my mind off her at least. And I should spend more time with my friends. I'm becoming too anti-social, Takeru thought as he stopped drinking the clear liquid, making a decision. He then walked over and took his phone off the answering machine, and cycled through the list of contacts until he came to Ken's number. He then pressed "Call," and the phone dialed the number. Takeru pressed the device closer to his ear as it began ringing. He then smiled as he heard someone pick theirs up on the other line.
"Well well well, look who finally decided to call," said a familiar voice on the over line. Takeru just smiled.
"Hello Miyako, long time no see. How have you and Ken been?" Takeru asked.
"Well, I don't know if he told you or not, but I should be due soon. Ken's been wrapped up in police work recently…And well, I would be working for Koushiro right now if I didn't have another life growing inside of me," Miyako answered. Takeru just laughed.
"Sounds like Ken all right. Is he home right now?" he asked.
"Well, no- oh, he just got in. I'll put him on the line for you," Miyako answered. "Hey Ken, Takeru's on the phone!" Takeru heard her exclaim. He could only laugh as he imagined the look upon Ken's face as he looked at his wife. He then heard the phone change hands before another voice began to speak.
"Hello?"
"Hey Ken, it's me Takeru. I was calling in response to the messages you left me. Is everything all right?" Takeru asked.
"Yeah Take, everything's going good. I've been caught in work lately. I just wanted to know how our favorite author was doing," Ken replied on the other line. Takeru smiled.
"I'm fine. I've just been busy working on my next book," Takeru said.
"Gotcha." Ken paused for a moment before beginning to speak again. "So, Daisuke and I were wondering if we could sometime get together and just hang out, like old times. Would you be interested in any way?" Ken asked. Takeru sighed as he walked toward his calendar. It was empty for the rest of the week.
"Sure, I guess. I'm open for tomorrow," Takeru responded.
"Great! Where do you want to meet?"
"How about at Suji's Sushi Place? I've heard it's real good," Takeru suggested. He almost felt like he could see Ken smile on the other line.
"Oh yeah, Suji's, how could I forget? Sure, that would be okay. Does one o'clock sound good for you?" Ken asked. Takeru nodded.
"Yeah, sounds good."
"Great! Then we'll see you there!" Ken paused again. "Well, it's been nice hearing your voice again Take, it's been too long," Ken said.
"I know," Takeru said.
"Well, I'd like to stay and chat, but I really have to go. I got a case to work on. See you tomorrow!" Ken exclaimed on the other line.
"Okay, tomorrow at one. I'll be there," Takeru said.
"Ken exclaimed on the other line.
"Okay, tomorrow at one. I'll be there," Takeru said.
"You better."
"I will, don't worry about it."
"Okay then. Later," Ken said.
"Later." Takeru then turned his phone off as he placed it back on the receiver. He smiled at himself. "I feel a lot better now. I think I'm going to lie down," he said. He then left the kitchen and went into his bedroom. He then hopped onto his bed, and closed his eyes. And soon enough, the young man fell asleep, thinking about his past memories…
"Hey Take, you remember that time in high school when I broke the window in your science classroom?" Daisuke asked, as the three were enjoying some drinks at the bar. Takeru smirked as he took a swig of beer.
"How could I forget? I was the one who caught the soccer ball after all," Takeru answered.
"Yeah, and then you tried to play it off as if you didn't do anything," Ken said. The two men laughed as Daisuke just glared at them.
"I swear Uumaki-sensei, I didn't do anything! The ball had a mind of its own!" Takeru exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.
"Come on Ken, you saw! Help a brother out!" Ken followed. The two continued laughing, while Daisuke continued to glare at them.
"Screw you guys…" he muttered. Ken pat his best friend on the back.
"Oh come on Dai, you were the one who brought it up. We just wanted to remind you that we remembered," Ken said. Daisuke huffed.
"Yeah, well you two remember a little too well," he said. He then took a sip of his beer. Ken then turned to face Takeru.
"So Takeru, got any plans next week?" Ken asked. Takeru sighed.
"As a matter-of-fact, I do. Why?" Takeru asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"Well, Dai and I were wondering if you wanted to go somewhere with us. You know, get away from life, the city…" Ken was suggesting.
"The women..the children…" Daisuke muttered. Ken rubbed his friend's back.
"Don't worry Dai, it'll be okay…"
"Yeah, like you know how I feel. Screw you Ken," Daisuke said.
"I don't think you'd actually want to do that Dai. Not unless you want to be considered gay," Ken stated. The two just chuckled. Ken then turned back to face Takeru. "Anyway, that's what we were going to do. But, since you can't come, that's all right. We'll be fine without you," Ken said. He then swallowed some of his drink.
"So Take, what are you doing next week?" Daisuke asked.
"Well…it has to deal with my publishing company. When I published the last volume of Adventures in the Digital World, the company advertised a contest, aimed towards little kids, of course. Anyway, whenever a person bought a book, there was a code imprinted into the front cover when you opened the book. You could go online to the book website and type in the code, for a chance to win a week with me! What I basically do is go to the elementary school the winner goes to and reads certain parts of the book a day, until my time is up. And that's about the gist of it," Takeru said, drinking his beer. Ken and Daisuke continued to look at him.
"So who won the contest?" Ken asked, intrigued. Takeru smirked.
"A Green, Hikeru. He lives in New Orleans," Takeru replied. This caught Daisuke's attention.
"Man, I've always wanted to go to New Orleans!" Daisuke shouted. This caught everyone else's attention in the bar, and he chuckled nervously as he looked around. "Sorry," he said. Everyone then went back to their own business. "But still, I'd like to go," Daisuke said. He then emptied the last of his drink.
"Me too. I've only been to America once, and I'd like to go back if at all possible," Ken said. He then smirked. Takeru raised an eyebrow at the blue haired young man.
"What?" Takeru asked.
"Well..I just had an idea. How about me and Dai go along with you?" Ken asked, poking Daisuke in the side. Daisuke smirked.
"Yeah…What?!" Daisuke stammered. Takeru shook his head in disdain.
"I don't know you guys. I'm going for business, not for pleasure," Takeru said. Ken then wrapped an arm around Takeru's shoulder.
"But that's the thing Take. New Orleans is the City of Pleasure. Come on, it'll help you unwind a bit. After all, no one likes a tense writer," Ken said. He then turned to Daisuke, and the two turned to look at Takeru. Takeru's mouth hanged open as he saw the two give him a pleading look.
"Please? Pretty please? With sugar on top?" Daisuke asked.
"You two are acting like little kids," Takeru said.
"Oh come on! With noodles on top, please? Please?.." Daisuke asked. Takeru sighed as he looked away from the two of them.
"Fine, you can come."
"Awesome!" Daisuke exclaimed, as he and Ken high-fived each other. Takeru just shook his head.
"I can't believe you two. We're twenty-five, and still, you two act like children at times," Takeru said. Ken pat Takeru's back.
"I know, I know, but Takeru, that's part of what makes life enjoyable. So, where will you be staying?" Ken asked.
"At the Alexa Hotel. It sits in-between Royale and Bourbon Street. And I get my own limo," Takeru smirked. Daisuke whined.
"No fair!" the other two just laughed at the spiky-haired young man. "Well, we'll probably stay there too, if we're able to book rooms. When do you leave?" Daisuke asked.
"On Sunday. I'm supposed to head back here Friday night," Takeru said.
"Then we'll make sure to book the same arrival and departure dates," Ken said, smiling. Takeru smiled in return.
"Good." Takeru then looked at his watch. "Well, it's been nice seeing you guys, but I think I should head out," Takeru said, as he stood up. Ken and Daisuke stood up along with him.
"Yeah, we should too. I need to go back to handling my cases," Ken said. Takeru then turned to look at Daisuke.
"And what about you Dai?" Takeru asked.
"I gotta head home and check on how Shiru's doing, now that I'm a dad and all," Daisuke said. Takeru smiled as the other two shook hands with him.
"I'll e-mail you guys about the flight and lodging specifics. Make sure to leave on Sunday, if you can," Takeru said. Ken nodded.
"We will, don't worry about that. Right Dai?" Ken asked.
"Right Ken. Don't worry Takeru, we're not as forgetful as we used to be," Daisuke said. Takeru chuckled.
"Let's hope not," Takeru deadpanned. He then quickly glanced at his watch. "Well anyways, it's been nice seeing you guys. Later!" Takeru exclaimed. Daisuke and Ken smiled at him.
"Later!" Takeru then left the bar, leaving Ken and Daisuke to themselves.
"Man, I can't wait 'till next week. This is gonna rock!" Daisuke explained. Ken smiled.
"Yeah, I know. But Dai.."
"What?"
"How are we going to explain this to the wives?.."
"Flight one-fifty eight to New Orleans now boarding," the intercom replied. "Flight one-fifty eight to New Orleans is now boarding. Arigato." Takeru sighed with apprehension as he got up from his seat with his luggage.
"Here we go…" He then walked up to the flight attendant, showing her his boarding pass, before being allowed to go through the terminal and onto the plane. Since Takeru was a famous novelist, he got to go first class, and he enjoyed it.
"I guess there are some benefits to being famous after all," Takeru said to himself as he found his seat, before storing his luggage away in the overhead storage bin. He then sat down, and waited until the other passengers boarded. A few moments later, the plane roared to life as it began moving away from the terminal and onto the runway. And then, the plane ascended into the sky. Takeru looked out the window as the night clouds passed by, and smiled before he turned to look at the seat ahead of him.
New Orleans, here I come…
So Takeru isn't going to New Orleans alone! What will happen once he gets there? And what do Daisuke and Ken have planned in store for our blond protagonist? These questions will be answered in the next chapter of Derailed!
I hope you liked that chapter. As for the next one, I hope I get it out on time. I'm having trouble writing it right now, but I have written some of it. I'll try to get it finished and published on time, hopefully within the next two weeks as scheduled.
Well, until the next one, ja ne!- Malcolm Yuy