Holding Back by Daikeru Insanity
Chapter 5(6) coming right up!
Happy Birthday To Me! :D Yeah I wanted to post this chapter on my birthday, just cause :P And I succeeded!
Yaoi, boyxboy, blah blah blah, don't like? Don't read!
I think my plan for this chapter exceeded twice the length of any of its predecessors...
Hopefully I can recover from last chapter's disaster :P
Reviewers!
Takato the Dreamer: You lie, lemon no good xP Either way, glad you liked most of it. Yeah I know but I had to get to the party eventually, and it's just to kick off the rest of this fic :)
lgaz123: Aww, thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it so much, and yeah I love Joe 3 I know what you mean about going too fast, I regretted it almost instantly but I feel it needed to happen for the following events. I appreciate the very justified constructive criticism!
TKViedarts: You squealed, that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling :P Hope you did for this chapter too! Yeah well it isn't a huge event, but Tai isn't the impulsive one this time round...
KoumiLoccness: Glad you enjoyed it, but not sure I'm gonna dye Izzy's hair :P Also, sorry but Ioryako gets no where near my fic...Cody can die.
SCHWARZSCHILD: Yay, more reviewers :D! I love hearing that people enjoy the fic, and I was actually thinking about doing a Taito side-fic after this, but still unsure...
haosthunder: Thank you! XD
Disclaimer: You know the drill, I do not now, or ever will own Digimon or its given characters. I just own the plot as well as Archie + Daniel. That drunk whiskey story is mine too...
On with Holding Back!
Chapter 5
'Catalysed Conclusions'
(Takeru's POV)
Light bursting in through the unshielded window hits me dead on, and I'm rather begrudgingly forced to awaken, much like the day I left Tokushima.
'Holy crap, that light physically hurts! My head is pounding, my memory is fuzzy, and my stomach is...uh oh, bathroom!' I rush to the nearby bathroom as fast as my feet will carry me, and I hastily slide across the tiled floor , stick my head in the toilet, and release the apparently impatient vomit. 'Good god, this hangover is ridiculous! Maybe I really did find some cyanide pills...'
After about five minutes of home-brand stomach pumping, I shakily and slowly make my way back to the room I woke up in and crawl back in bed. Though something is a bit off, and that's the fact that I'm pretty sure this isn't my room. It looks like...Dai's? My memory then begins to come back in small glimpses and I manage to remember that I was to stay over after Mimi's party (most of which is completely forgotten). Upon remembering this fact, one question does require answering: Where is Daisuke?
For the next couple of minutes I laid and tried to piece together the events of the previous night. I recalled that I had finally accepted my feelings for the soccer player, but I was keeping them to myself since they surely wouldn't be returned. 'Man, I hope I didn't tell him like that by accident when I was drunk. That would be awkward...'
I then notice that this whole time, a post-it note has been stuck to the wall next to the bed, so I painfully sit up in order to read its message:
"Takeru, good morning/afternoon (given your state, probably the latter). I hope you're ok, you drank an unholy amount last night. If you need anything, Jun's back home and will take care of whatever you want.
You're probably quite confused and don't remember a lot – just don't jump to conclusions, we didn't have sex! Look, I know how it must seem, me having bolted and everything, but I just can't face this right now. Gimme some time to clear my head. You can let yourself out when you want to, I'm really sorry!
Daisuke.
'Sex? Why on Earth would we have...' Cue the gongs. Suddenly the memory of last night's most significant activity hits me like a freight train, in all its explicit detail. Realizing that I'm still naked, I blush profusely and pull the covers further up my body, despite the present lack of company. 'Thank god he's not here actually...I think I need time to collect my own thoughts. For now, let's get out of here before he gets back!' So as if the building was on fire, I rapidly throw on my new set of clothes, collect all of my items and make my speedy escape from the apartment building, avoiding for the time being what would no doubt of been the most awkward conversation of my life.
I set a quick pace towards home, eager to get a long, hot shower and anything but eager to have to an unfortunately, desperately needed talk.
xXxXxXxXx
(Daisuke's POV)
'I feel pretty crappy about leaving 'Keru alone, given his state, but there was no way I could talk to him about what happened! Besides, if anything bad were to happen, my sister is home to look after him.'
After I regained my memory of last night, I panicked. All my worst fears had come to fruition, so instead of staying to face the situation like a man (and friend), I ran. Not one of my proudest moments...It was the only thing I could think to do! When I realized what happened, all I could do was think of Archie.
'Archie...I need to make sure the same doesn't happen with Takeru, I need to protect him, therefore we can't be together.' My resolve was almost set, but the voices in my head had other plans;
'Yeah, but what about you,Daisuke? Last night was one of the best times of your life, don't even try to deny it!' Unfortunately the voice is correct, as even though I'm panicking over our experience and wishing more than anything that it hadn't happened, I can't stop thinking about how amazing it was...Damn. This situation isn't gonna be an easy one to deal with, and I'm not really sure I can cope alone.
After a few minutes of pacing in the children's park I had passively wondered to, my mind was (for once today) made up. Sighing, I reach into the pocket of my jeans to extract my cell phone and dial my friend's number.
*Ring**Ring* "Hello?" The usual chipper voice comes clearly through the device and despite everything going on in my head and heart, I can't help but gain a small grin upon hearing her greeting.
"Hey Kari, it's Daisuke. Are you at home just now?"
"Yeah, everyone else is out so I'm home alone."
"Could I maybe come over? I really need to talk to you..."
xXxXxXxXx
(Takeru's POV)
Given the hurry that I was in, it didn't take long before I had reached home. Although in the short journey, I had thrice been one push of a button away from calling Dai, but resisted each time, deciding we would both need a fair amount of time apart before confronting this. 'Thank god Friday was the last day of school for a fortnight, otherwise Monday could have been pretty tense...
Checking my cell phone, I could see that that it was almost noon which meant that both Matt and Dad would be home. Gathering my thoughts, and putting on the best 'Nothing happened last night/I'm perfectly alcohol free' face that I could muster, I gingerly open the door and step into the house.
Neither my brother nor father seem to notice me, being too thoroughly engrossed in whatever TV show they're watching. Using this to my advantage, I shout a brief greeting to them whilst moving swiftly towards my bedroom upstairs.
Fighting back any urges to vomit again, I reach into my bedside table and pull out the strongest headache tablets I can find. Popping the pills like skittles and leaving the packet on top of the table, I collapse onto my bed with a groan.
After what must have been an hour, I reawaken to find another presence leaning against the door, watching over me. Through groggy, hungover, sleep-deprived eyes I can make out the head of spiky, blond hair that belongs to my brother.
As a side thought, he's doing a lot better now, as the past three weeks have done wonders in healing his injuries. Matt can now use crutches and minor movement is available for the rest of his body. He spent three days mastering the stairs with crutches, but he was so determined to regain his independence. I really admire Matt, as he never once complained about his condition and would always wear that same smile which I love and cheer up all those around him. The physical therapy must be tough, but all things considered, Matt should be good as new sooner than expected, but it'll still be a while.
Rubbing my eyes for a few seconds, my vision is clearer and I notice Matt looking over to my table, eyeing the open packet of headache tablets with a knowing smirk upon his face.
"Have a good time last night?" His response comes far louder and more enthusiastic than is to my taste. I just sigh and flop my head back against my pillow.
"Where's dad?" 'Subject change...please!'
"Same place as usual, work. He got called about twenty minutes ago and they wanted his help with a big problem." 'On a Sunday? Take a day off for once dad...'
"So how was Mimi's? Anything exciting happen which I should know about? You know how it is, people always seem to hook up at these parties!"
"Erm, well you see..." I try to stall for time while I think of a convincing lie, but unfortunately my brother has always been able to see through the smokescreens I put up.
"You're blushing, Takeru. Did you hook up with someone?" I can read his expression like a bad cookery programme recipe. 'A good dollop of excitement and interest followed by a heaped tablespoon of brotherly concern and to finish off, just a sprinkle of disbelief. Voila! The perfect recipe for disaster...'
That's good Takeru, cause jokes are gonna get you out of this one. Fuck. 'You know you have to talk to him about it. He's gonna be the only one who understands, and I'm too close to the situation to make heads nor tails of anything. Oh well, out of the frying pan, as they say...'
Taking a long, heavy sigh, I prepare myself for the tough explanation ahead of me. "Ok Matt, I'm gonna tell you, but you have to promise to keep it to yourself! You can't even tell Tai."
Matt hesitates slightly, the idea of keeping secrets from his boyfriend obviously not sitting well with him. He surrenders to my conditions however, and soon enough replies; "Alright, I promise. Now what happened with you?"
'Oh boy, where do I start?'
"Well, you see, Dai and I..."
xXxXxXxXx
(Daisuke POV)
I wasn't very far from Kari's apartment when I called, so it only took me about five minutes to get there. I prepared myself for the heart-wrenching explanation that was to come, and I rang the doorbell. True to her word, Kari was the only one home, and hurriedly let me in, ushering me towards her bedroom, clearly anxious to hear whatever emergency I had. 'I must have sounded pretty desperate on the phone...'
Now I'm currently sitting on one of Kari's chairs, facing her with my back to the bedroom door. Kari seats herself comfortably on her bed, looks into my eyes, and commences her casual interrogation...
"So Dai, what's up? You sounded really worried over the phone, and I don't like it. Are you in some kind of trouble?" Her voice is laced with obvious concern, which just reassures me that I've come to the right person to unload my emotions.
"Well, I wouldn't class it as 'trouble', but something did happen last night."
Kari takes a moment to ponder my words, clearly trying to work out what I mean; "Something happened? What do you..." 'And there it is...it's clicked.' "Oh! Did you get together with someone?"
The question wasn't unexpected, but I was still a bit startled, more from the memory than anything else. I've never been the kind of guy to hide my emotions well, and the look of embarrassment in my eyes apparently gives Kari the answer she seeks.
"Ooh, good for you Dai! It's been forever since you were with someone! So spill the beans, who was it? I bet it was Rika, she was pretty gone last night and you know how she gets after a few drinks..."
'I am so not in the mood for guessing games. Sorry Kari, gonna have to hit you head on with this.'
"Heh, heh. Actually...It was...Takeru." Everything just goes downhill from here...
"...I'm sorry, what? Did I mishear you there?" 'You're not making this easy, Kari!'
"Nope, you heard right. I hooked up with Takeru Takaishi." If this whole process wasn't ridiculously awkward, then the look on her face would call for a Kodak moment...
"Riiiiiiiight...So are you saying that when you two went back to yours, you...you know?" Her suggestive tone and hand actions gets her point across surprisingly clear, and my eyes practically leaped out of their sockets and I start to panic. 'I'd better set the record straight!'
"No! No, we didn't do THAT, but..." All I'm getting in response from the brunette facing me is a look of total confusion. "Do I need to draw you a labeled diagram?"
"Oh good lord, no. I think I understand what you mean now, don't worry." 'Well that's a start at least...now what?' Having not a clue where this conversation is gonna go next, I'm left to blush and literally twiddle my thumbs. Kari picks up on this and asks her next question;
"Ok then, so what's the issue? Did he freak out, or just not enjoy your...'activities'?" 'That was so awkward for her to say, I just know it.'
"No, nothing like that. If I remember correctly, he actually initiated it. If anything, I was the one that freaked."
"Really? That's odd, cause seeing the way you've been looking at him I would have thought you'd enjoy doing that." 'Oh you haven't a clue...'
"I did! That's the problem though. I'm pretty sure he did too, despite how drunk he was." She's just staring now, her face never settling on an emotion for more than a moment. 'I think I broke her brain.'
"...Nope, you've lost me. You like him right?"
There's no escaping it now. Whether I like it or not, I'm into Takeru. I reluctantly nod at Kari's question.
"Right, so what you're telling me is that you and the guy you like just mutually enjoyed a night of vodka fueled passion, yet you're complaining? That logic is seriously flawed, even by your standards Dai."
"But this is all wrong! This can't be happening!" 'This isn't what I wanted...'
"And why not?" The question brings all my memories of Archie and Tokyo High to the forefront of my mind again, and I find myself avoiding the question, gazing in the direction of the bedroom window as if all the answers were written on the glass. This doesn't last long however.
"It's time Dai." The remark comes from a different, more masculine voice. I spin my chair round to find Tai's familiar tall figure standing in the doorway, looking down at me with his large brown eyes, full of concern. "Tell us what happened back then."
Tai enters the room fully and sits next to his sister on the bed but doesn't release the stare fixated on me. Knowing that I can't hold him off any longer, I sigh in defeat and prepare myself to open the emotional bottle that has been successfully closed ever since moving to Odaiba...
"From the beginning?"
"Yeah, and don't worry, we won't be gossiping to anyone about what you tell us, right Kari?" She nods in agreement, realizing that what I'm going to say is serious and not for the entire Odaiba Academy student body to know.
"Right, well you guys obviously know that I moved here from the other side of Tokyo almost two years ago?" I receive nods from both of the siblings, their eyes clearly showing their curiosity. "Well, what you don't know is that while I was at Tokyo High, I had a best friend...Archie."
Just uttering his name throws me off my perch but I know I need to concentrate and push past this!
"Eventually I gathered up enough courage to tell him that I had feelings for him and to my surprise, he returned my affection. After that, we started dating." I think Kari was about to break out a very girly 'awwwwww' if it weren't for Tai clasping her mouth with his hand, apparently understanding that this isn't a story with a happy ending. After calming his sister down, Tai motions for me to continue.
"Despite the fact that we were so young, Archie and I fell for each other so easily. We were each others first boyfriend and he was the first person I've ever truly loved. For the first seven months of our relationship, we both felt unparalleled happiness and our lives were perfect. The only people we decided to tell were our best friends, Ryo and Daniel, who were both totally supportive and ecstatic for us!" 'And now, cue the violins...' I take a small break, half to take a breath and half to steel myself in order to relive the rest of the tale without falling prey to tears.
"But then everything fell apart, in the worst way possible. One day when I was leaving Archie's house, I took a moment to give him a goodbye kiss as I would always do. Well, the captain of our soccer team happened to be passing nearby at the time and saw the two of us together. Naturally by the following Monday morning, everyone at school knew that we were 'a pair of dirty fags'..." Tai notices that my fists are clenched, knuckles threatening to turn white upon the memories and leans closer in order to lay a hand on my shoulder.
"You're doing great, Dai. I know this sucks, but keep going." 'Damn that reassuring, big-brother like smile of his! Still, it has calmed me down, if only slightly.' I uncurl my fists and lightly sigh, but Tai doesn't remove his hand.
"Thanks Tai." He just nods at me and withdraws his hand, allowing me to pick up from where I left off. "So as I was saying, things turned sour after that incident. We certainly saw everyone's true colours in the months that followed. The normally friendly, docile students started shouting abuse at Archie and I, regularly and relentlessly. The verbal abuse was continuous, both inside school and out. Everyone seemed to have the same, derogatory opinion..."
"Did you not go the staff or anything? Surely someone could have helped!" Kari shouts at me, more in disbelief that people acted the way they did than in anger towards me.
"I know that telling people about these bullying incidents does help but you can't monitor the entire student population, especially outside school grounds..." After a moment of contemplation, Kari begrudgingly concedes and simmers down.
"Anyway, the pair of us constantly received insulting calls, threatening texts and guys even came to our doors to hurl abuse at us, just for being in love with one another. We quickly found out that our school population was almost entirely comprised of bigots. Ryo and Daniel did what they could to try and help but their powers to assist were limited and we didn't want them becoming outcasts too."
"I just don't get what's so goddamn wrong about being gay! Does no-one understand that we're still people, just like them?" Now Tai's anger is building, but he makes a good point. We hadn't suddenly become different people, all that had changed in their eyes was that we were both in love with a guy...
"Well the bullying wasn't just verbal...At every opportunity, the big, tough guys from our school would jump Archie or I and give us a thorough bashing. We never got breaks from it either, they made sure of that." 'Here comes the toughest part...'
"The thing is, even throughout all of that crap, I could take it. I wasn't happy about what was happening to me, but I could withstand it...as long as I had Archie. He gave me hope amidst the darkness." My hands start to shake, knowing what I'm about to discuss. I shove them into my pockets and try to maintain composure.
"Unfortunately, Archie couldn't handle it...He lost everything. Practically all of his old friends abandoned him, he was kicked off of his rugby and swimming teams too. He lived for sports, and losing them hit him hard. It wasn't just hobbies either, as his grades nose-dived too...and all because he loved me."
Kari looks at me anxiously, noticing my lip has started to quiver, so I bite it quickly to try and maintain my brave face. This obviously doesn't work as she rushes over to give me a big, comforting hug. 'Save that hug for later, I might need it...'
Once Kari had released me and sat down, I continued my less that glamorous love story; "One of the worst incidents happened about ten months into the relationship, when I went over to spend a Saturday with Archie. His parents were both at work - which wasn't uncommon - so I knew he would be alone. I was accepted by his parents as extended family, so as I always did, I let myself into the house." Holding back a few tears, I gather my strength and press on in the hopes that the Kamiya siblings don't see me at my weakest.
"I checked in his bedroom but I couldn't find him. As I went upstairs however, I could hear the hum of the bathroom's extractor fan. Following the noise, I approached the doorway and that's when my heart sank. I saw Archie facing the mirror above the sink, arm extended, with a razor aimed at his wrist!" Kari wears a strong expression of shock while Tai looks deeply saddened, yet understanding.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I immediately ran over and snatched the razor away before he could execute his plan. He burst out in tears and all I could do was helplessly hold him in my embrace whilst he repeatedly told me that he 'just wanted to die'. I was heartbroken...Of course I watched him like a hawk for the rest of the afternoon and I told his mother as soon as she got home. The whole situation was a complete nightmare..."
All of the memories are really starting to hit me now, as a few tears are forming but I've given up caring now.
"It was a couple of weeks after that when I next went to his house, but there was no one home and when I looked in the window, none of their possessions were in sight. One of the neighbours saw me and came across to tell me that Archie's family had actually moved away the day before. I mean...Archie had grown a bit more distant before hand, but he never even called to let me know, or say goodbye!"
My entire body is shaking now, and Kari attempts to pull me into another hug but I stop her before she can, as I'm not finished with 'Daisuke Motomiya's A Series of Unfortunate Events'...
"That's when I got really depressed...Archie seemed to hate me and want nothing to do with me, as he never contacted me afterwards. Then again, can I really blame him? By loving him and being his boyfriend, I had completely ruined his life and had cost him everything he treasured." Tai looked ready to start an argument over that summary but the glare I gave him through my tears was enough to derail his plan.
"So, I decided not to try and contact him either and just pray he picked himself up in his new town. When my mother decided to move us here to be closer to family, I thought it would be a good opportunity for a fresh start, so I severed all connections with Tokyo High, except for Ryo, and now Daniel too...And everything was going well here, but then I met...T-Takeru." The tears are coming stronger and faster now and beginning to form a stream down my cheeks.
"Everything's fallen apart again...I can't be with Takeru! I refuse to allow anyone else's life to be ruined on my account! I-I have to protect him...What happened with Archie will never happen again!" Emotions haven finally overcome me, I run from the room, tears in full flow and I lock myself in the bathroom for now, doing nothing to hold back the pain...
xXxXxXxXx
(Taichi's POV)
"Dai, wait!"
I extend an arm in order to prevent my impulsive little sister from running off. "Kari, don't. Just give him a little space, that was a lot to get off his chest..." She sighs in defeat and a frown forms on her face,
"You're right, this whole thing just sucks! I really wish there was something that we could do for him!"
"I know Kari, I don't like it anymore than you do, but what can we do?" 'That was one hell of a story that Daisuke unloaded on us, and it does explain a lot. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him into reliving it...Oh Dai, if there was anything that I could do to relieve your pain I would, but what can be done?'
"Tai look, is that Dai's phone?" I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Kari's question, and sure enough, just outside the bedroom door is the black, rectangular smart phone belonging to the burgundy haired teen. I pull myself from the bed in order to retrieve it for him. 'Must have fallen out of his pocket when he was running.' I almost set it down on top of Kari's set of drawers before a sudden flash of inspiration hits me. 'Maybe there is something I can do! It's pretty crazy, but then again, I specialize in crazy...'
"Tai...What's wrong?" Kari asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, Kari" A smirk appears on my face, and my mind is made up. "Quite the opposite actually, go get me a pen and paper!" She runs to the kitchen to fulfill my request while I unlock Dai's phone and immediately hit the 'Contacts' button. I begin scrolling through the names that have appeared, and just as Kari returns and sets a pad and pen in front of me, I find what I've been searching for. My eyes contain a glimmer of excitement mixed with hope as I write down the number presented to me on the HTC's screen.
"Yup, this'll do."
xXxXxXxXx
(Takeru's POV)
"Ok, let me get this straight..." My brother has been pacing back and forth across my room for the past ten minutes as I regaled him with tales of drunk teenagers and accidental oral sex...Yeah, it was awkward.
"So you and Daisuke had a hefty amount to drink last night, and when you got back to his, you had your...'exchange'? Then when you woke up, he was gone and had left a note explaining everything?" My silence prompted him to continue, assuming he was correct thus far. "Now you're freaking out and feeling all nervous because you're certain that you like him?"
"Basically, yeah." My calm, neutral reply only throws Matt further. He starts to rub his temples, a habit of his whenever deep in contemplation. Apparently having reached a conclusion, his pacing stops and he sits beside me on my bed, establishing firm eye contact.
"Look, as much as I hate to see my – up until now – innocent little bro' rush into stuff of that nature, maybe it was a good thing that this happened.." I think I just risked whiplash with the speed I turned at, but I'm sure my brother has lost his mind! I stare at him with disbelief in my eyes.
"Excuse me?" He chuckles in response, and his whole expression softens.
"Don't give me that look, like I'm crazy. You liked him, but you weren't going to do anything about it right? You were scared, and he probably was too – so now that this has happened, you can both grow a pair and get together!" 'Ok, ok, let's grab a hold of reality and take it for a ride, shall we?'
"It isn't that simple Matt...How would people react? I doubt everyone's going to accept it as if it were nothing and I'd rather not have people turn against me." He just rolls his eyes and scoffs at me...I may hit him.
"Oh please! For obvious reasons, I don't care if you're gay and do you really think our friends would shun you, given that they all know about Daisuke anyway? As for anyone else, if we don't know them, who cares what they think?" '*sigh* He has a good point, and I already knew that answer anyway. It isn't our friends that I'm worried about.'
"What...what about dad?" As if by magic, I can hear the front door opening and dad shouts his greeting to us. Matt is staring at me sympathetically, obviously sharing my concerns.
"I understand. Well...I guess there's only one way to reassure you!" Before I can ask what he means, my brother gives me a clap on the shoulder and hobbles out the room, heading downstairs. Assuming that I'm supposed to, I quickly get up to follow him, wondering what insane plan is forming in that mind of his. I don't even have time to ask, as we don't take long to reach the kitchen, and Matt addresses our father.
"Hey dad, thought you had to work?" Unsure of exactly what the hell is going on, I take a seat at the table and just watch silently.
"I did, but turns out the problem I was supposed to help fix wasn't a real problem at all, just some screw up by an intern. I'm going back in later tonight." He sighs, pours himself a glass of orange juice and then takes the end seat of the table, quickly followed by Matt sitting opposite me, never removing his gaze from our father.
"Look dad, I need to tell you something. It's pretty tough, but you need to know, and I'm not gonna beat around the bush about it..." 'Oh hell no! He's not gonna...surely not cause of me? Matt, stop you idiot!'
Cue dad's game face. "Alright, what's the matter? You can tell me anything, that goes for both of you."
"Well...to put it in a nutshell...I'm gay." 'Shit, shit, shit. Maybe if I close my eyes and wish hard enough, this'll all have been some nightmare...' Matt seems quite visibly nervous, but has an expert poker face compared to me, sitting panicking like the time I broke Matt's favourite guitar...
"Alright. I'm not sure what you expect me to say, but I'm proud of you for telling me." 'I knew this was a bad idea, now Matt's gone and ruined...wait, what was that?' Matt relaxes, while I feel the weight of the world lifted off of my shoulders, yet I'm still somewhat stunned.
"You're ok with that, dad?" The questions wasn't meant to imply that I feel differently, but apparently it did...
"Why wouldn't I be? Yamato's my son, and I don't care if he's straight or not. Love is love, regardless of the format it comes in. You don't happen to have a problem with this, do you?" The question feels more like a command, and Matt just snorts at our fathers' response.
"No, no, of course not!" I flash a small smile to help strengthen my words, and it seems to appease him for now.
"Good, then there won't be any issues. Wait, there is one thing. Yamato?"
"Yes, dad?"
"Just tell that Taichi boy that if he hurts you, he'll have me to deal with." 'Holy...I don't even know what's happening now. How could he possibly have known that?' Matt is far more calm than I am and laughs out loud at the threat.
"Will do, dad!" After having finished the conversation, dad heads towards his room to get changed out of his work clothes. I remain still, the disbelief having still not dissipated. My brother then also gets up to leave but before doing so, steps behind me and whispers in my ear;
"Looks like you've got no excuses now. Go for it!"
xXxXxXxXx
(Daisuke's POV)
It's Wednesday now, and I'm sitting at home alone, watching some comedy show on TV that I don't really care about. The events of Saturday/Sunday are still playing heavily on my mind, but I thankfully managed to get out of the Kamiya apartment alive. Luckily, after my little pity party in the bathroom, they refrained from asking many questions.
I still haven't seen 'Keru since Sunday morning...I miss him like crazy and I just wish everything could go back to the way it was before the party! I hate avoiding my best friend and feeling awkward every time his name comes up in conversation, but there isn't a whole lot I can do now. Maybe this is for the best so that neither of us get hurt any more than necessary...'Bullshit, Dai. This is the worst...'
I'm not left to ponder on this for very long, as I hear a slow, almost hesitant knock on our apartment door. 'Wonder who that could be, no one else is home...Maybe it's Kari, she's been very concerned for the past few days, calling me frequently.' I get up off of the couch and move towards the door and as I swing it open to greet my visitor, my heart stops.
I take back what I said on Sunday, now all of my worst fears have come to fruition. I can do nothing but remain frozen in place and stare at the slightly taller brunet. His skin has a slight tan to it, and his muscles are easily visible, even through the black leather jacket he wears. His dark brown eyes stare directly into mine, and he greets me with a rather sheepish smile.
"Hey Dai..."
'Seriously...was I Stalin in a previous life or something?'
"H-Hi...Archie."
xXxXxXxXx
TBC
A/N:
Well, I hope that was enough of a cliffhanger for you! We finally understand what's up with Dai!I just hope that this chapter is received better than the last one. I feel better about this chapter so fingers crossed!
By the way, is the 'humour' that I put in actually funny? Let me know, cause I'm a bit self-conscious about it...
So there's Chapter 5(6) done, and on time for my birthday!
I'm contemplating a Taito side-fic to this once it's done like I said, so please let me know if you think that's a good idea/if you'd read it etc...Your opinions are important!
R&R please, and hope you're enjoying Holding Back – now you understand the title :D