Disclaimer-Unfortunately, I don't own Digimon. Otherwise, it would be an entirely different story, and it would be ten times easier to write fanfics for it.

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Morphing

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"You're kidding." Kouji stared, jaw hanging barely above the ground as Kouichi ran around his room, cleaning up. "All of the sudden, you're bringing in strays. The hell is this about?"

"Hey, Daisuke's no stray. Daisuke's the younger brother I never had," Kouichi corrected his twin.

"THEN WHAT AM I?"

Kouichi walked out of his room and quickly descended the stairs. "Dai, the bed's ready for you and D-um...your dog," Kouichi said, catching himself before he said too much.

Daisuke ran towards Kouichi, Doggymon behind him on all fours. "Um, Kouichi...then...if I'm taking your room, where are you going to sleep?" the boy asked.

Shoot, Kouichi thought, realizing he had been caught. A thought struck him, noticing his brother behind him.

"Wow...you trust him without a leash?" Kouji asked, raising an eyebrow at Doggymon.

Grinning, Kouichi pointed to his brother. "See this guy?" he asked Daisuke. "This is my younger-" -a pause- "uh..." Inferior, Kouichi told himself with a smile, "twin brother. Kouji. I can invade his room any time I want."

"Wow. Itsuma never lets me do that." Daisuke gazed at Kouji, suddenly becoming puzzled. "But wait! Where's he going to sleep?" the boy cried.

I'm liking this kid, Kouji thought, however surprised. Beside him, Kouichi snorted. "Who? Kouji? He can take the couch. He sleeps there anyway. I might as well not let his room go to waste, you know?"

"HEY! Uh-" Kouji fell silent immediately, noticing the faint smile on his brother's face. Clearing his throat, the bandana boy nodded. "Yeah. I live on the couch."

"Really? Could I visit sometime?" Daisuke asked, obviously intrigued by the prospect.

Taken aback, Kouji looked to his brother for help. Instead, Kouichi led the younger boy (meaning Daisuke, of course) up the stairs. "Come on. We've got a few rules to go over."

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Kouji stared at the stacks of paper in front of him. "I don't get it," he confessed to the goggle boy. "It just...still...doesn't make sense! What do you think, Tomoki?" He looked to the older boy, hoping for an opinion.

"I think you better let me sleep! Do you have any idea how late I was up just to study?" the lower classman scowled, swatting aside the paper Kouji stuck in front of his face.

The bandana boy turned to Sumi. "You agree with me, don't you?" he asked, sounding hopeful as he scooted up beside the girl. "Come on, Sumi, tell me-"

"That you're insane?" Sumi inquired, one eyebrow raised. With a sigh, she told him, "Come off it. I think you should be happy he's coming out of his shell. It's about time..."

"But it's not...it's...it's different," Kouji insisted. "That kid-Daisuke, or whatever! Kouichi's being nice to him!"

Sumi shrugged. "Kouichi's nice to me," she countered.

"He isn't nice to Hotaru."

Your fault. "Hotaru isn't a kid."

"I'm right here you know. Go talk about me somewhere else!" Hotaru snapped. Her grip tightened on the small plastic cup in her hand as she brought it to her lips and took a sip.

Sumi just shrugged. The bandana boy was the one who set her off as he snickered, "Someone has Kouichi's old temper."

"Don't compare me to him!" yelled Hotaru. The cup in her hand, pressured by her relentless grip, fell into pieces before their eyes. "That jerk is just..."

Quickly, Sumi slapped her friend's hand, causing Hotaru to drop the plastic shards she had been tightening her grip on. "Calm down," Sumi murmured with the intention of mollifying the girl. "What's with you?"

Hotaru rose to her feet without a word and slowly trudged off, leaving her lunch behind.

"I suppose if I said 'I didn't do it,' it would be a lie?" Kouichi asked, appearing from behind the trees. "Yeesh, what did I do to her?" He scratched the back of his head, cluelessly staring at Hotaru's retreating form.

Kouji narrowed suspicious eyes on his brother. "I dunno," the younger twin murmured, "What did you do?"

Silence befell the friends, while both twins exchanged suspicious glares. Unable to stand another second of intense gazing, Kouji retreated, covering his eyes with his hands and croaking, "Too...much...staring. Face...must...go!"

"Let me try," Takuya muttered, putting on a mean face as he pushed Kouji out of the way.

Kouichi rose an eyebrow.

Eyes wide, the goggle boy turned away. "Yeah. He's good."

"You two didn't look him in the eye for any more than ten seconds! Especially you, Tacky," Tomoki declared, cracking one eye open. "Honestly, I need to start hanging out with people my age. I might get stupid if I stay with all of you. And the whole idea is that I'm supposed to get smarter because you guys are older."

A chorus of angry people shouting, "What was that?" met Tomoki's ears before he found himself pinned to a tree, laughing as his friends tickled him.

Kouichi, on the other hand, a small smile evident on his lips, took the opportunity to vanish.

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Kouichi arrived home later than he usually would have on a normal day, but his days were hardly normal now (if they ever were before). He had left almost immediately to get Daisuke, not wanting the boy to walk himself (it was more out of safety than trust). Daisuke was now behind him, thrilled that Kouichi had brought Doggymon along.

A thought entered Kouichi's head, and he couldn't help but ask, "So...Daisuke, is there a pipsqueak named Shinya in your class?" As he said this, Kouichi found his eyes glued to the unmistakable figure of his vexed-looking friend across the street, the goggle boy, who stood beside his younger brother, scowls on both their faces. Yeah, must be another one of those fights.

"I...don't pay too much attention to my classmates," Daisuke confessed in a murmur. "They...um..."

Seeming to comprehend the situation, Kouichi nodded. "Got it." Time to talk to Shinya. "Alright, Doggymon, can you take Daisuke home the rest of the way?" When the digimon stopped and nodded, Kouichi turned to Daisuke. "If someone decides to bug you, don't use the cards unless they're my age or older. Use Doggymon, got it?"

The young boy gave a curt nod and dashed after Doggymon. "Bye, Kouichi!" he called out as he left. "See you at your house!"

Kouichi smiled and turned around, proceeding to follow Takuya. Yeah...but you might see Shinya first.

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"Dai...suki...?"

"DAISUKE," Kouichi corrected for the twenty-third time that hour.

"Daisuke," Shinya repeated. "That real quiet nerdy kid?"

Kouichi rose an eyebrow. "Sorry, Takuya. Shinya doesn't look cute anymore. Can I beat him up?"

"About time someone noticed. I still get first dibs, though," the goggle boy snapped, glaring at his brother. "You know, with a crappy attitude like that, there's no way you'll ever earn my goggles!"

The younger Kanbara frowned. "But that's what everyone says about him!" he insisted.

Kouichi just watched wordlessly as Takuya began yanking on Shinya's left ear mercilessly. "That's no excuse! A leader-a goggle boy-must develop his own opinions!" the older boy snapped.

"Hey, I've got one right now!"

"Good!" Takuya let go of his brother's ear.

Sticking out his tongue at Takuya, Shinya declared, "You pull like a sissy!"

"Brat!"

"Moron!"

"Incompetent!"

"MOM, TAKUYA CALLED ME INCOMPETENT!"

"HELLO?" Kouichi snapped, resisting the urge to kick either of them. "Listen, whether you like it or not, goggle boy in training, you're going to talk to Daisuke, even if I've got to skip school tomorrow and spy on you. Got it?" When Shinya nodded meekly, Kouichi rose to his feet. "Good. Because I can't keep walking the kid to school every day. I'll always be late for class." That aside, he needs friends, and Shinya's the perfect magnet to use.

"Takuya! Tell Shinya to get his junk out of my room!"

The goggle boy sent a glance in the direction of Shinya. An eyebrow raised, he repeated aloud, "Junk?"

At this point, Shinya quickly edged over to hide behind the armchair Kouichi was sitting on. With a sigh, Kouichi stood up. "Sumi, he's behind the armchair," he informed the girl, staring down at Shinya.

Sumi stormed into the room, pillow in hand. Kouichi stepped aside just in time to avoid the pillow that was thrown at Shinya. The airborne item hit its target. "Morons."

"Dersh only one uh me," Shinya slurred, falling forward onto the pillow.

"I meant all three of you. Takuya, stop hiring Shinya to look through my diary. And Kouichi..." Sumi glared at him mercilessly. "Stop bothering Hotaru."

Kouichi's jaw dropped. "I'm not," he insisted. "I haven't talked to her since she yelled at me!" Even though it would have been nice to annoy her...

"Augh...you...you boys!" she shouted, storming back from where she came.

"I didn't do anything!" Kouichi yelled after her.

Kouji's right, Takuya observed with a frown, Kouichi's really different. "Hey, Shinya...get over here." Maybe it's because of that kid. "Listen. I'll give you 500 yen if-"

Scratching the back of his head, Shinya let out a heavy sigh. "I dunno...Sumi said to stop bribing me..." He trailed off and gazed up at his brother with a contemplative look on his face.

Angrily, Takuya hit his brother over the head. "Incompetent! That was for looking through her diary! Listen first next time!" When Shinya nodded, he continued, "Alright, I need you to see how Kouichi acts around this kid."

"What? But...but...my...uh, my homework!" Shinya stuttered. "What about my homework-"

"The same one you didn't care enough about to bring home? Hey, I'll even offer to cover up for you!" Takuya quickly told his brother in a low voice.

Silence. "Deal!"

The goggle boy jumped to his feet. He ran up in front of Kouichi and kicked the door shut before the said boy could make it out. "Hey, Kouichi!" Takuya shouted, grinning from ear to ear, "Shinya would love to talk to Daisuki-"

"Daisuke."

"Right. Daisuke. He'd love to talk to Daisuke right now. Wouldn't you, Shinya?" The grin changed into a glare as Takuya glanced back at his brother.

Shinya forced a smile onto his face as he slung his backpack on. "Yeah," he agreed, trying to sound enthusiastic (but the words literally sounded like they were coming from between his teeth) as he walked over, "Cuz they say he's a nerd and I really need help with my homework-OW!" Shinya glared up at his brother, who had (quite obviously) hit him on the head (yet again, although Takuya did his best to smile and look innocent).

"Yeah...they could definitely use the bonding time," Kouichi muttered, narrowing suspicious eyes on both brothers. "So hurry up." Looking at Takuya, he murmured, "I'll walk him back later."

That's okay. You can keep him. Takuya just nodded, the smile still plastered to his face as he watched his brother and friend walk off. It really sucks how he isn't nice anymore. Back in the Digital World, it was easy to tell if something was wrong with him, or anyone else for that matter. He sighed as he discovered his conclusion.

I hate growing up.

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Shinya watched Kouichi with intensely curious eyes; he didn't bother to hide the fact, either. Instead, he sped up until he was at pace with Kouichi and ask, "So why bug me?"

"You're his age, you need the training, you're the only little kid other than Daisuke that I know, you both go to the same school...take your pick. I've got more, though," Kouichi informed him.

"Ooh, really? I wanna hear!"

"You're in need of refinement, you need to be exposed to different people, someone has to shape you up-"

"Never mind," Shinya muttered, looking away and sulking grumpily. He doesn't seem different. I wonder if this Daisuke guy is as mean as him.

Feeling slightly guilty, Kouichi glanced at the younger boy. "Hey, I really need you to do this. Just...be nice, okay?"

His choice of words startled Shinya. "But why?" the Kanbara demanded, looking up. "What's it to you?" He was about to say something else, but held his tongue.

Instead of being angry as Shinya had predicted, Kouichi smiled and told Shinya, "I just want him to have a friend." The smile faded, replaced by an unreadable expression. "If you aren't doing this for anyone, do it for the goggles. But I'd prefer you did this willingly," Kouichi told him. "You know as well as anyone else how it feels to be alone."

Shinya just snorted. What's the worst he could do if I didn't do it willingly? Reassured by these thoughts, Shinya chuckled aloud in hopes of escaping Kouichi's last remark, unaware that Kouichi's eyes were narrowed on him.

Kouichi rose both eyebrows when Shinya continued his cackling, and then cleared his throat. "What's so funny?" he asked innocently.

The younger boy froze. What am I thinking? Swallowing, he forced a shaky smile and squeaked, "Nothing."

"Thought so...now move it!"

"Yessir!"

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"Eh? Goggle junior? Why him?" Kouji demanded, seeing Shinya enter the house. Soon, he'll be inviting the brat next door.

"He left his homework at school and wanted to ask Daisuke for help," Kouichi answered automatically. Maybe I should invite the brat next door. That'll put him in his place.

The young boy was in shock. "YOU OVERHEARD?"

"That's what you get for whispering so loud."

Note to self: whisper quietly, Shinya told himself, glaring at both twins (which was slightly hard, as they weren't exactly standing side by side). Then, clearing his throat, he asked, "Where's...uhm..." Daisuki? Oh. Daisuke. "Daisuke?" Gah, there goes my reputation.

Why couldn't Daisuke be closer to Tomoki's age? I bet he'll hate me for this. Kouichi pointed up the stairs. "What was once my room. I'll go get him. And Shinya..."

"Huh?"

"You're staying for dinner, too."

"Okay, but if I get into trouble-"

"You won't. I'm walking you home."

Shinya paused for a moment, taking his time to go over the possibilities. Coming to a consensus, he nodded.

"Okay," the young boy declared, "but only if you don't cook."

Shocked, Kouji sputtered, "But it's Kouichi's turn to cook tonight! Why are you and Takuya out to ruin my life?" Bandana glared at goggles-in-training.

The older twin placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry. He's afraid I'll poison the food, so you're all safe...for today." Kouichi then let out an evil cackle that was so unlike him, even if he was the same, rude, insensitive Kouichi they had seen only a week earlier.

Kouji and Shinya watched Kouichi vanish up the stairs.

"He bribed you, didn't he?" The bandana boy didn't dare chance a glance at Shinya as he asked this. Shinya nodded; he could see from his peripheral vision. "I'll double whatever he paid you if you report to me first."

"You mean...1000 yen?"

"Y-uh...no. Here, I'll give you 500 yen, okay? And...I'll steal Takuya's goggles tomorrow and give them to you."

"Deal!"

The older boy just stuck his tongue out. Good thing I'll be able to get the goggles. Takuya always leaves them in class during lunch. More like...he forgets them in class during lunch.

"Kouji, tongue back in."

Startled, Kouji bit down on his tongue, trying not to yelp as he drew his tongue back in and ignore the pain. The words didn't seem to come out right as he told his brother, "Alright, I'll miss your cooking this time." That being said (if you could consider it said. It sounded more like, 'Awight, aw mish er cooking dish kime.'), Kouji walked up the stairs, waving to Daisuke as he passed the boy and Kouichi, then ran quickly to the bathroom to rinse his mouth.

His fault, Kouichi decided mercilessly, pushing Daisuke forward (but slowly, so the boy didn't trip down the stairs as Arata had that while back). "Shinya's all bark. You guys have fun." He gave Daisuke a little push as the boy reached the last step, then muttered so only Daisuke could hear, "Don't worry. I'll be in my room if you need me."

Reluctantly, Daisuke sulked forward, eyes on the ground. "Uh...hi," he mumbled, lifting his eyes high enough so he could see Shinya's feet only a few inches away.

Kouichi ignored the look Shinya threw his way and started up the stairs, leaving the latter boy to sigh and look at Daisuke, whose sulking had created a dreary mood in the room.

So much for spying on Kouichi. "Oh...come on...don't tell me that's all you do in a place like this...!" He scowled in annoyance as he gestured to the room around him.

"Uh...?" Daisuke looked up at Shinya in confusion.

Shinya rose his arms higher in the air and waved them around a little more. "You could party in this place like crazy! I mean...you don't just sit and sulk here...do you?"

Daisuke shifted a little.

"Well..."

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Kouichi did his best to hide the smile that lifted the corners of his lips as he walked down the stairs. Below, Shinya and Daisuke were engaged in some nonsense or another; really, Kouichi didn't care, as long as the two were talking. He managed to turn his smile into a smirk just as Shinya looked his way with a glare.

"What's wrong? You were laughing just a second ago," Kouichi cackled.

"You're heading to the kitchen," Shinya growled.

Kouichi paused at the entrance of the kitchen before murmuring, "I have the right to be hungry." Then, with a dismissive wave, he entered the kitchen, letting out a relieved sigh as he heard the laughter of the two boys seconds later. Mission accomplished.

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Kouichi let out a yawn as they approached the school gate. "You got your cards and the weird disc?"

"Yeah," Daisuke mumbled.

Kouichi gazed at the boy and frowned. Placing a hand on Daisuke's shoulder, he murmured, "You just have to know where to look, okay?"

The puzzled boy looked to Kouichi for another answer, but Kouichi was already on his way to his own school. What's that mean...? Daisuke took a hesitant step onto the school yard.

"WATCH OUT!"

Startled, the young boy looked up, holding his arms out in front of him and flinching as a soccer ball flew into his hands. Opening his eyes, he discovered Shinya in front of him, grinning.

"Hey, Daisuke...wanna play?"

Daisuke looked from one side to another.

"M-me...?" he stuttered, looking startled as his gaze returned to Shinya.

Shinya just nodded, still grinning.

"Y-yeah...sure!" Was that...what he meant? Daisuke dropped his bag by where the others had and ran after Shinya, who currently had the soccer ball. Thanks...Kouichi!

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"Shinya didn't get anything," Takuya groaned, falling back on the grass. 500 yen to waste.

Kouji just laughed. Talk about a waste of 500 yen. That brat won't get the goggles, either. I'm not wasting my time for useless information! "Yeah...he was too busy playing with Daisuke."

"Funny thing is...he asked me if Daisuke could come over today..."

"And you said...?"

"Well, it's not really my choice, smarty," Takuya snapped irritably. "Mom said it was okay, though..." The goggle boy shut his eyes with a sigh. "He's so weird..."

"Who?" Sumi asked, kicking her cousin on the side of the head lightly before taking her seat beside him.

"Well...both of them."

"Huh?" Confused, Sumi turned to Kouji.

"Shinya and Kouichi-hey! No Hotaru today...?" Kouji suddenly asked.

Sumi rolled her eyes. "So you did fall asleep in class today..."

Kouji turned pink and looked to the side. A few seconds of silence passed. Then, mumbling to himself, the boy stood up and walked away.

An even more confused Sumi looked down at the goggle boy to her side. "Mind telling me what's up?" she inquired.

"I guess...Kouichi's finally changing for the better."

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A/N-

290837859 more chapters to go! Kidding. Everyone have a good Christmas time! Rather than write, I finished J-dramas: Gokusen 2 and Dragon Zakura. Speaking of media, I really, really want Wada Kouji to get out some ALBUMS. He only has like...one. What a jerk, hogging all the good music to himself! XP Hirari comes out the 22nd or so, and the cover is awesome.

Similarly, I should get some chapters out, hogging all the good ones to myself...! But after this chapter…it'll take a while. I need to retreat, or I'll need glasses…o.o

Thank you for the reviews: Ritachi, GemmaniGirl

Please Review, PM, or Flame!