Disclaimer-I don't own Digimon, simple as that.

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Contemplations

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"Brat," Hotaru muttered, slamming her locker shut as the bell signifying the end of the school day rang. "Brat, brat, brat, brat, BRAT!"

"Calm down...he's not that bad!" Sumi assured her friend. "He's just being...cranky, lately."

Hotaru shrugged and murmured, "He can be cranky, that's fine with me. But he has no right to be a brat."

"Hotaru..."

"What?" she snapped, adjusting her books in her arms. Finally, she let out a sigh and murmured, "Listen, I know it's painful to lose a mom, I mean...well, but if he's being a total loser, how does he expect his mom to be happy? Or...or his current family, even? Lots of people lose members of their family everyday. You don't see them being as sour as he is."

Sumi shook her head. "He's punishing himself and pushing everyone away. He doesn't want to hurt anyone more than he has to. Two years ago, well..." The girl sighed dreamily. "he is the reason Kouji and I are together..."

"Kouji's weird."

"Hotaru..." Sumi murmured warningly, flushing slightly.

Puffing up her cheeks, the other girl exclaimed, "It's true! I mean, he doesn't cut his hair, and if he does, it's always in that ridiculous ponytail! And that bandana...it's weird to wear a bandana, for goodness sakes!"

"Shush! I think it's cute!"

"You two are going out, of course you think it's cute! But Izumi agrees it's ugly!" insisted Hotaru.

Sumi sighed. Brushing her bangs out of her eyes, she looked at the ceiling. "Is there anything that'll get you off my case?"

Hotaru laughed, "No. Oh, Mr. Ugly-bandana-head is coming over. Hey! Bandana head! STOP SLOUCHING! Sumi doesn't want a slouching boyfriend."

Kouji slumped over to Sumi, then began banging his head repeatedly on a nearby locker. "I'm never going to figure out how to fix him up. It's hopeless..."

Sumi yanked on Kouji's hand. "What's wrong? Come on, stop it! You don't have enough brain cells as it is!"

Leaning against the lockers and sinking to the floor, Kouji sighed and muttered, "Kouichi started going all snappy again. Hotaru, you didn't mention our mom, did you?" As Hotaru nodded, Kouji let out a groan, "I'm doomed..."

"Oops? Well, hey, he was being a brat!" Hotaru countered in her defense.

Kouji rose to his feet. "I'm...doomed. He's going to murder me, and I'm...doomed..."

"Kouji, you're too slow!" Kouji whirled around and winced as he saw Kouichi glaring at him, several feet away. The older twin kept his eyes on his brother as he continued, "You know, it gets annoying after a while..."

"What does?" Kouji asked politely, trying to maintain eye contact with Kouichi, and nearly giving up. Why does he have to stare at me? WHY?

"Your slacking. Or were you going over to Sumi and Takuya's?"

"Uhm, no, actually, Sumi and Hotaru are coming over for our Lit project..."

Raising an eyebrow, Kouichi looked at Sumi before his eyes settled on Hotaru. Unbeknownst to him, Hotaru shivered under his eyes, wondering how anyone could be so bitter. "Whatever," Kouichi finally muttered, turning around and walking off.

Kouji began to bang his head against the lockers. "Me...and...my...big...mouth..."

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"Kouichi! Can you cook something up?" Kouji yelled as he, Sumi and Hotaru entered the house several minutes later. Receiving no answer, he grumbled and dropped his bag onto the floor and headed into the kitchen.

"WAH! This place is huge!" Hotaru yelled in delight.

"You really are an idiot," Kouichi muttered, heading down the stairs, one hand on the rail, the other in his pocket. "This place is stupid."

Hotaru's jaw dropped. "Y-you! How long have you been living here? I mean, honestly, you hate your own house?" she exclaimed with a glare.

Kouichi shrugged. "It's ugly."

"Pretty!"

"Ugly."

"Pretty."

"It's ugly!"

"Pretty!"

"It's ugly, so shut up!" Kouichi snapped, heading into the kitchen. "Get out, Kouji! You're going to burn the kitchen down!"

Gratefully, Kouji walked out of the kitchen, heading to the living room and collapsing on the couch. "Okay, so I'm not doomed," he let out with a relieved sigh.

Hotaru frowned at Kouji. "Why does he think the house is ugly? I mean it's-"

"He lived with our mom. Our parents divorced when we were little," Kouji interrupted in a quiet voice. "Anyway, what do we do now?"

"Well, Romeo, you can start by getting out your Lit book," Sumi advised, sitting down besides him, book in hand. "And then we can start on our project."

Grumbling as Hotaru sat down on the couch opposite them, Kouji stood up to get his Lit book from his bag. At that moment, Kouichi came out of the kitchen, four mugs on the tray he held. "What project are you guys doing, anyway?" he asked Sumi with a small smile as he placed the tray down.

Hotaru's jaw dropped in amazement, but Sumi smiled in return and replied, "We need to rewrite our assigned scene of Romeo and Juliet using a new theme."

"Ah, I see. Hah, we already finished that."

"What was your theme?"

"Gangster. We were doing the balcony scene. It was Takuya's idea, and Izumi started yelling at him because of it."

Laughing, Sumi snickered, "Typical."

"Hah! I found it in the deep...uh...ooh! HOT CHOCOLATE!" Kouji yelled, dropping his book on the floor as he ran forward and grabbed a mug eagerly. Kouichi shook his head and was about to leave before Kouji grabbed his hand and yanked him back. "No. Way. Sit. No more anti-social act. That's my cover."

Kouichi waved his brother's hand off. "Shut up. It's not being anti-social, it's...it's..."

"Being anti-social," Hotaru supplied.

"Y-yeah, being-No, it isn't! No one asked you!" snapped the older twin. "I am not anti-social!"

"So prove it."

"Wh-you..." Steaming, Kouichi plopped down on the couch, beside Hotaru, arms crossed angrily.

Hotaru smiled smugly, then picked up a mug. "So...what should our theme be?" she asked, taking a sip of hot chocolate.

Kouji stared at Sumi, who had started to laugh. "What's so funny?" Between fits of laughter, Sumi grabbed Kouji's hand and yanked him down to whisper into his ear. Slowly, a smile appeared on Kouji's face. "E-hem, yes, anyway...theme..."

"I don't see what's so funny," Hotaru muttered. She turned to Kouichi, hoping he would have an answer, but found him starting up the stairs as inconspicuously as he could possibly be. Eyes widened as Hotaru barked, "Hey! Mr. Anti-social! GET DOWN HERE NOW!"

Kouichi winced and stood up straight, stopping in his tracks and looking down at Hotaru with a defiant face. He stuck his tongue out. "Make me! You guys are boring!" he yelled, now running up the stairs.

"You little!" Hotaru jumped out of her seat and made an effort to follow the older boy, but instead found herself restrained by Kouji and Sumi. "Lemme go! Someone needs to beat him up!"

Sumi managed to drag Hotaru back and force her to sit. Shoving the mug Hotaru previously drank from in her face, Sumi warned, "One of the things you never want to do is go charge into a boy's room, okay? Especially Kouichi's. Now shut up, think, and drink you're hot chocolate. We're all lucky Kouichi bothered making anything. Kouji would have blown up the kitchen trying to make some."

Hotaru stared at the mug curiously. "Uh...you mean Kouji can't pour hot chocolate mix into a cup, and milk and heat it?"

"Kouichi makes everything from scratch," Kouji explained. "Says it's safer. He's just paranoid about getting sick. He hardly cooks anymore, though, and he eats less. So we're pretty lucky when he does cook or eat. Not that Mom's cooking is bad, but..." Noticing the stares Hotaru and Sumi directed his way, Kouji cleared his throat and sat down. "So...theme..."

Quietly placing the mug down, Hotaru shut her eyes. "People will think that modern will be overly used, so they'll do something like gangster or who knows what. So we'll go with modern," Hotaru affirmed, opening her Lit book on her lap. Guess I have a lot to learn...

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From the railings of the top of the stairs, Kouichi sat down and watched his brother. He hated it when other people could force him to do anything with a simple dare. He wasn't like this before...

Letting go of the bars, Kouichi sighed and sat on the top step on the stairs, rocking back on his palms. "This is stupid," he decided in a mutter, standing up. "I don't care what they think," he told himself firmly, "because their words don't matter. I can do everything without them. I'll be fine. I always am...they...they just never are..."

Kouichi let out a small moan as he headed to his room, slamming the door shut. "Why do I need to prove myself? I hate her! I don't need to prove myself to her. She's forcing me to...damn her," he swore, falling back on his bed and closing his eyes. Kouichi drew a breath, trying to keep it steady as he exhaled. "Cherubimon, do you hate me that much? Or does Ophanimon hate me? Or do you all hate me?" As the scene flashed in his head, Kouichi withheld a whimper and gripped the sheets tightly, drawing them around him. "No...I shouldn't have followed her. It's my fault. I'm an idiot, dammit...why..."

He was too caught up in his own little world that he didn't hear the footsteps approaching his door. "Ow," he heard someone mutter outside his door. "Gah...this house is huge..."

Kouichi's eyes flew open and he bolted towards his door, opening it and glaring at Hotaru, who was on the floor, rubbing her arm. "What are you doing here?" he growled, stepping outside of his room and shutting the door quietly behind him.

Hotaru froze and glanced up at Kouichi, blushing furiously. "Uh...uh...uh...w-well, uhm..."

"No! Dammit," Kouji yelled, racing up the stairs. "I forgot you didn't know where my ro-huh? Kouichi, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," snapped Kouichi, slamming the door shut as he went back into his room.

Hotaru let out a relieved sigh as she stood up and accompanied Kouji to his room. "For a moment, I swear he would've yelled at me," she muttered miserably. "He's such a meanie..."

Laughing, Kouji opened the door to his room and shook his head as he murmured, "Kouichi's not that bad. I suppose he picks more fights now, but he wouldn't yell at you."

Making a face as she stepped into the bandana boy's room, Hotaru replied, "Your room is messy."

"Shut up." Kouji cringed as he brought out his notebook and annotations, then pushed her out. "Takuya's is worse."

"Uh-huh...hey, Kouji?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you planning to ask Sumi to the dance or what? The anticipation kills," Hotaru told him, a smirk on her face.

Turning red, Kouji ran down the stairs without another word.

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They're gone. They have to be gone, Kouichi thought, slowly and quietly making his way down the stairs. "Dammit," he muttered, seeing three figures on the couches.

Sighing, he slumped his shoulders and headed down the stairs noisily and grumpily, giving up on all hope of solitude. "Kouji, h-...they're sleeping," mused Kouichi in disbelief. "What...the..." Sighing and allowing a small smile to appear on his face, Kouichi headed to the kitchen to make dinner.

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"Nooo! I can't believe I fell asleep!" Sumi yelled, suddenly jumping up and accidentally hitting Kouji's shoulder in the process. "Ack! Kouji, no! I'm so sorry!"

Hotaru groaned and rolled over onto the floor. "Ow...f-five...minutes..."

"Huh?" Kouji's eyes slowly opened as the searing pain flowed through his shoulder. "Oh...I smell..."

"Dinner's ready, slackers!" Kouichi yelled from the kitchen.

Surprised, Kouji jumped up, forgetting the pain and dashing into the kitchen without waiting for anyone. "Food! I'm hungry." As the two girls made their way to the kitchen, Kouji yelped, hopping towards them while grabbing his left foot. "Hotaru's right…Kouichi is a meanie," he muttered, looking at his brother, who was standing by the stove, staring at the dying heat. "Can I eat now?"

Kouichi shrugged and murmured, "Knock yourselves out. The food's on the table." As Kouji cheered and ran to the table, Sumi shook her head. "Sumi, I really do pity you..."

Smiling, Sumi walked to the table. "Well, I'd be happy if I were him, too." Hotaru followed closely behind, muttering something under her breath. Sumi glared and elbowed the girl lightly, muttering back, "Shush. You should be grateful, you know."

Hotaru grumbled and sat down in her seat grumpily. As soon as Kouji and Sumi sat down, Kouichi turned around and was about to walk away when the two began to cough. With a heavy sigh, the older twin turned around, no hint of humor on his face. "What?"

"You're eating, too," Kouji stated bluntly.

Kouichi walked back, pulled out a chair and sat down. His eyes didn't leave Kouji's. Sumi rolled her eyes and kicked Kouji's foot under the table before throwing her spoon at Kouichi. Standing up to pick up her fallen spoon, Sumi told them, "As amusing as you clowns think you are, I'd really like to eat, and I'm sure-Hotaru! Wake up!"

The older twin let out a snicker. Standing up, he chuckled, "Someone's getting irritated." He head to the drawers and pulled out a new spoon. Handing it to Sumi, he whispered, "I'll eat, but you have to leave me alone."

"Kouichi..."

"No. I told you, I'll go along being calm old Kouichi who doesn't tell anyone to shut up as long as you leave me alone. I'm tired of people trying to help me. If anyone needs help, it's the rest of you," muttered Kouichi, eyes glued on an awake and aware Hotaru. Taking the other spoon from Sumi, he added, "And if anyone else finds out about this, I'll make it my personal mission to murder Kouji."

Kouji swallowed, glancing nervously at Hotaru, who gazed lazily at the glaring Kouichi. "Right," the younger twin said hastily, "So, are we gonna eat?"

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"Gah, Hotaru's gonna get me murdered," Kouji whimpered the next day at school. He slammed his locker shut. "Even if she doesn't, Kouichi'll murder me anyway."

Sumi murmured reassuringly, "You know he wouldn't."

"Uh-huh..." Hotaru muttered. "He's stupid."

"That would be you," Kouichi shot, opening his locker, located next to Kouji's, and throwing a book in. "I've really never met a stupider girl."

"Funny how you and Kouji are twins. It really is, considering you're stupid and he's smart."

Clearing his throat and flushing red, Kouji muttered, "Actually, he has the higher GPA. I'm half as smart."

"And...I'm at 72 myself," Sumi admitted.

Hotaru opened her mouth, but quickly closed it and hid behind Sumi. "Sumi," she whispered, "is he coming this way?"

Sumi shook her head. "You're going to have to talk to him one of these days..."

Kouichi turned to his brother who seemed equally confused. "Girls," he muttered. "Anyway, are they coming over again?"

Kouji nodded. "Sorry, but it's only for-what?" he asked Sumi, seeing the look on her face.

Smiling sweetly, Sumi told Kouichi, "See, Kouichi, our project's going to last all week. I hope you don't mind."

Red faced, Hotaru stuttered, "Couldn't we go to your cousin's house, Sumi?"

"Nope. Shinya's videogames attract Kouji like a moth to light."

At this, Kouichi chuckled, "Kouji and Takuya as moths...very nice analogy."

Kouji folded his arms across his chest. "I'm not that bad. Not like Hotaru hiding behind Sumi because of some boy," he returned in a sour tone.

Angrily, Hotaru snapped, "Sumi, you-"

Sumi's defensive remark was quick. "Kouji's just observant!"

A sly grin appeared on the bandana boy's face. His eyes scanned the room. No one seems likely enough. Might as well just lie, he thought. The room was devoid of all boys save Kouichi, himself, and another boy with dark brown hair who was walking away from his locker. As he didn't have a clue as to who the third boy was (and he wanted to get his kicks while he was still alive), Kouji decided to say his guess aloud. "Let me guess..." He paused for a dramatic effect before uttering, "Kouichi."

Kouichi and Hotaru exchanged blank glances before turning to Kouji. "Nice joke," they muttered in unison.

The grin quickly faded, replaced by a serious look. "I wasn't joking," Kouji responded automatically. His tone was level as he continued, "I was actually serious." Actually…it works!

The older twin turned around, his back to the three. "Kouji," he murmured warningly.

"You know what? A relation would help you." It would! I'm a genius.

Letting out a sharp breath, Kouichi snapped icily, "What did I say before?" Coldly, he turned away and began walking to his classroom.

Kouji turned to Sumi and let out a defeated sigh after hearing his brother's fading footsteps. "It was worth a try. Anyway-"

"Kouji..." Hotaru growled, stepping out of Sumi's shadow.

The boy shrugged. "On your part, a joke," he murmured, "Kouichi, however...well, the day I get into his mind, I'll thank the world."

Hotaru's face softened. "Why do you do so much for him?"

"I met my mom because of him. I found out how important my family is to me. I actually have a social life thanks to him. So, you don't have to come over all week, but it would help," he commented.

A devious smile played on her face. "You're kidding, right? I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

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Kouichi walked into class a second before the bell rang. A tired sigh escaped his lips while he walked to his seat, immediately sitting down and resting his head on the desk. The sound of someone clearing their throat caused him to look up a few seconds later. "Yes?" he snapped.

A brown haired boy in a black jacket looked down at him. He had dark, seemingly endless eyes that surprised Kouichi. "E-er...hi," the boy muttered lamely. "I'm Arata-"

"I know."

"Right, I was...um, I was wondering-"

Pulling out his notebook, Kouichi asked, "You want me to tutor you?" He locked eyes with the now ashen-faced Arata. "I'm not reading your mind. And fine, I'll help."

"R-really?"

Face and voice void of emotion, Kouichi turned back to his notebook. "Yes."

"Thanks. Um..."

"Today after school if you can make it," Kouichi replied calmly. Arata nodded and went to sit down. A thin smile formed on Kouichi's lips. Well, they're all in for a surprise.

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A/N-

I need to change the title. I'll do that before the next chapter. An accident on my part. So…heads up. It won't be a major change, though.

I wrote this quite a few months ago. Sometime last year, really…before NTB3 was even up. It was one of the first intended multi-chapters. The other, a Takumi fic…ehehe. Truthfully, this fic has changed a lot, even in the some eleven chapters I wrote. I'm really proud of it.

True, there isn't much so far in, but it's actually gone a long way in these two short chapters. That's why I really love this story: it tells so much in so little. Or…so I think. Sorry. If you have any questions, ASK, because I know I'm bound to confuse many of you. Truthfully, I confuse myself a lot just writing this. But I actually go back and read this story (another reason I love it so much).

Thank you: GemmaniGirl, ritachi, Light's Blue Blossom

You've all given me a lot of support just by reviewing and telling me your opinions.

Next chapter should be posted: September 7

Please review, PM, or flame.