Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
When
they say you're
not
that strong
Well
you're not that weak
It's
not your fault
When
you climb up to your hill
Up to
your place
I hope
you're well
There's
nothing left to prove
Nothing
I won't do
Nothing
like the pain
I feel
for you
Nothing
left to hide
Nothing
left to fear
I am
always here
-"Not
Enough," Our Lady Peace
Not
Enough
Chapter
Twelve
The week of Taichi's family dinner had been quiet, eerily peaceful like the breath before a plunge. Yamato would be back in a week or such and Jyou had been working pretty late each night. He and Takeru got along fine but Daisuke was acting…odd.
The aspiring actor had been out of the loft much in the week Taichi had been back and Takeru had confirmed that behavior had started when he had been away in Kyoto. Daisuke was more silent, more thoughtful than ever before and Taichi had almost fallen out of his chair when he had learned that his friend and his sister were spending time with each other again.
"Why not," his friend replied with a shrug. "We were friends once right?"
Taichi had to bit down on his lower lip hard, almost drawing blood, to swallow the words of disbelief that were forcing their way from his throat. To be truthful Daisuke and Hikari had never been just friends ever. There had always been something, even though for a while it appeared to be from his side more than hers, between them that discredited that close relationship of being just a friendship.
Someone was bound to get hurt, he rationalized. The worst part of that eventuality was that he would be torn over who to comfort and what to do with the other. On one hand it could be his sister left heartbroken and on the other hand it could be one of his closet friends that would be left to pick up the pieces.
They were going to get hurt.
But they were adults and he couldn't stop them. They were in charge of their own lives.
It didn't mean he had to like it though.
Taichi sighed as he ran a hand down his button up blue shirt to smooth out the few wrinkles that had appeared in the fabric. His mother had called and ordered him to dress nicely so he had worn his best dress shirt, black pants, and a pair of black loafers. He had gone straight to his parent's home instead of the usual ritual and with great trepidation he knocked on the door.
It was answered by Hikari whose large doe eyes pleaded with him to forgive her for some slight. Confused he slipped past her, waved at his mother and father, and abruptly stopped in his tracks as he took notice of the third person sitting at the dinner table.
Twenty-two Inoue Miyako worked over him as manager of the publishing industry they were employed him. Known for her quick temper and determination bordering on bull-headiness, she was pretty but she wasn't exactly his type. She was tall and thin with long lavender locks, hazel orbs magnified by a large pair of wire-rimmed glasses, and very pale skin. She wore a nice white blouse, wrap around black skirt, and just enough make-up to accent her features.
The need for Hikari to apologize had been made clear.
Masking his sheer horror under the guise of politeness, he exchanged pleasantries with everyone present he slipped into the seat next to his intended date due to his mother's cunning. The dinner was good since it had been ordered instead of being home cooked but conversation, especially between he and Miyako, were strained and somewhat embarrassing.
Especially as his mother had been listing his past accomplishments in school and soccer to Miyako while Hikari and his father gave him sympathetic expressions. His mother gave up after a few minutes of talking to each separately and after an hour Miyako rose and announced she had to get going.
He hastily said he'd walk out with her, delighting his mother, and the two took a simultaneous breath of relief. Laughing he exclaimed, "This was fun! We'll have to do it again sometime!"
Giggling she shook her head. "I bet your mother would really love that!"
"She keeps lecturing me to find a wife! Everytime it's 'When are you going to get married?' or 'When are you going to give me grandchildren?'"
"My parents are exactly the same. Our families need lives in the worst way."
"Tell me about it."
The two shared another laugh and she patted him on the arm. "I'm glad this didn't work out. No offence Yagami you just aren't my type."
He arched an eyebrow. "And what is your type?"
"Much more shy than you."
He was going to say something unflattering to her when his mind suddenly whirled to Koushirou whom he knew hadn't been on a date in almost a year and a half. "I know someone you'll like."
She frowned. "I'm not a fan of blind dates."
"But unlike my mother I know you. I know a guy you'll get along with."
She finally broke down and he gave her Koushirou's name and number before they went their separate ways. That night had been embarrassing and the sooner he climbed into bed the better.
That date had failed.
But on his horizon there were two women who were very willing to change that.
He would just have to wait.
Author's Notes: Poor Taichi and Miyako. Well at least Koushirou's going to get something out of their embarrassment. Please read and review.