Kitty: All right. I did it. I finished the real Chapter Twenty-One. It ended up just being a bridge chapter between 20 and 22, which is not what I wanted, but it got me back into the swing and I have fresh ideas for what's going to happen next. To tell the truth, I've been really busy with DND lately. I started up game in July and my character ended up being a lot of fun and there's romance going on with another character that's really awesome and fun! It's so cool! I'm slowly turning it into a story. I'm going to try and get it publish, like the Dragonlance series, or Drizzt books, but it's really hard converting it from play to story and it's been sucking up all my author energy. I've been writing Chapter Twenty-One for months now, I could just never do more than an hour or two at a time. It is done, however, and I have a good ending for it... wait a minute... do I remember the ending I chose? Oh, right, * evil grin * I remember now. It's amazing. My now-ex-boyfriend helped figure it out with me. * sigh * I should stop talking about my personal life and just post the damn chapter.
Butter doesn't fly: 0.0 Wow… thanks… I need to look your stories up (mental note to self). I don't know what else to say except… wow… thanks. 0.0
SageoWind: You're totally right, so damn close to the end! Sorry I totally blitzed out on you guys these past months. Really… I'm becoming quite frustrated with myself.
Cool_Hanyou: Mystery girl? Oh, right, the mystery girl… yes, she's one of my favorites. And Saiwa isn't whiny, she's just shy and insecure * pout*. Think Hinata from Naruto, cuz that's who she's based on.
Dragon545: Arigatou gozaimasu! Your review made me happy. If the story ever seems rushed,* look away awkwardly * it's because I'm just pulling stuff outta my ass cuz I'm tired or lazy. Thankfully, I've been working on that, but it still happens now and then. I need to keep myself from doing it again. Oh, and your beef on the long stories about a lesser faved couples? I sooooooooo understand. Try finding good KibaHinas, and then try on find them NOT oneshots! *Sob!!!!! *
IronReaver: I was waiting for your review! I'm so glad to see you again! I don't think I understand your last paragraph…what? My story is going to get real… hectic now that I've changed the ending, MUAHAHAHAHA. I want to warn you, but it'll give the ending away.
BTW!!!!! Check out last chapter, I added two notes at the bottom you should read.
Chocolate Covered
Chapter Twenty-One
Chocolate Covered Interlude
Koushirou opened his eyes sluggishly. Something heavy was draped across his waist and he smiled slightly. A gentle snore rumbled by his ear and a light flutter of warm breath grazed his hair and temple. He turned his head slightly and his smile widened just a little more. Tai's chocolate skin was gilded gold as sun caressed his long arms and peacefully sleeping face. Even darker chocolate hair fell over Tai's forehead and Koushirou reached over to brush it gently away. Tai's shorn hair sprang back to the position Koushirou just brushed them from. Like velvet, Tai's hair slid under Koushirou's soft touch.
Tai's eyes tightened at the corners and, slowly, they opened. Black gazed into warm, glossy brown- the same dark chocolate as his velvet hair. A lazy grin grew over Tai's dark face, drool sliding down his jaw. Koushirou rolled his eyes as Tai's hurried wiped at his face with his fist.
"What's that eye roll for? I've seen you drool like a baby." Tai laughed. His arm tugged Koushirou up against his long, lean body.
"I do not drool!" Koushirou protested, laughing along.
"Course you do. Like when you fall asleep over your keyboard, and that one time you fell asleep on your history book and all the ink blurred under your mouth and stained half your mouth black." Koushirou laughed harder. "Don't forget that one time… course, that had nothing to do with sleeping." A large tan hand slid down Koushirou's pale shoulder. Shivers ran down Koushirou spine.
"I definitely didn't drool… then…" Koushirou breathed out. Tai mouth followed his hand's trail and Koushirou shuddered.
"I guess you're right, but you definitely crossed your eyes." Tai teased. His mouth trailed back up Koushirou's shoulder, words caressing pale skin. His lips pressed into the side of Koushirou's throat and Koushirou tilted his head slightly.
"My eyes… might've crossed… a little." Koushioru admitted, a flush blooming over his face. He gasped and stiffened in Tai's hold as teeth bit softly into his neck.
"Let's see if you drool this time…" Tai murmured. His hand continued it way down Koushirou's side, fingers kneading into Koushirou's slim hips.
A loud, harsh scream rent though the room. Koushirou's head banged against the headboard and Tai sat up too fast and toppled off the side of the bed. Both laughed, silently cursing, as Tai sat up and slapped the alarm clock.
"Are you okay, koishii?" Tai asked worried as Koushirou rubbed his head gently, his flush brighter than a few moments before.
"I'm more embarrassed." Koushirou chuckled weakly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm fine. It seems my first day of work has caught up with me."
"Damn clock." Chocolate eyes glared death rays into the innocent inanimate device. "I thought your first day of work wasn't til Monday? It's Saturday."
"That's my internship. At school yesterday a few of my class mates asked me tutor them. They're paying me a lot, so I figured I should take the offer." Koushirou shrugged. He straightened his shirt over his stomach and began to slide off the bed.
"Can't you be late? Who wants to be tutored at ten in the morning?" Tai's rough voice cajoled. His hot chocolate eyes met Koushirou's and Koushirou felt his breath catch seeing the simmering hunger. He leaned over Koushirou, his warm, dark hand cupping Koushirou's pale jaw.
"That's not a good idea." Koushirou whispered. Slowly, his eyes drifted lower, and his body leaned towards Tai's. Tai's hand slid over his skin until his fingers brushed through the fine, soft hair on the back of Koushirou's head.
"I don't see why. They're college students, all grown-up and everything. They can handle you being late." His lips gently touched Koushirou's and blood surged through him like fire.
"I made… a commitment…" Koushirou reached up and grasped Tai's forearms, bracing himself as he rose closer to Tai's mouth.
Kiss my face really good tonight, and mean it. My face needs the love. That hoarse, low voice skittered through his mind as Izzy's soft lips pressed against his. With a low moan from deep inside him, Tai reached his arm around Izzy's slim waist and pulled him up, kissing hard. Black eyes widened, and then closed again. White hands trailed down a tan stomach as he met Tai heat for heat. Tai kneeled back on the bed, the inches that separated their heights making the urgent kisses awkward before Tai pulled Izzy up higher.
Koushirou moaned and gripped at Tai's hips, pulling him closer, aching for contact. He gasped as Tai broke their kiss and took his ear in his mouth, sucking hard and rocking his hips forward.
"C'mon, Izzy-koi, you know wanna." Tai whispered in his ear. Koushirou shuddered.
"Y-yes… but… no." Koushirou took a deep breath and pushed back.
Tai frowned, irritation making his brows lower. "Why not?"
"Sex should not be a first priority, Taichi. School should be. I made a commitment to my classmates and they're counting on me."
"Damn it, Izzy! You just can't wait to make excuse after excuse! I'm your boyfriend, for three years! Don't I get some of you damned commitment?" Tai snapped rising off the bed and grabbing his clothes off the floor.
"Taichi!" Koushirou quickly slid off the bed and grasped the shirt Tai had grabbed.
"Let go! I can't go to class naked, can I?" Tai yanked it back angrily.
"Why are you so angry? You know how I feel about keeping my word! It's not as if I'm trying to avoid intercourse with you. It's ridiculous to expect me not tutor people who've volunteered to pay me, after I agreed to help them for that money, because you want to satisfy your libido!" Koushirou exclaimed, his own anger starting to rise.
"You're talking like I'm some sex-crazed freak! Maybe if you weren't such a prude I wouldn't have to beg you to give me the time a day! Let alone sex!"
"What's that supposed to mean? I have a life outside your pocket, Taichi. I've been trying to become adult and make something of myself other than following you around like a lovesick four-year-old. I'm so sorry your inferiority complex means you can't appreciate having a partner already beyond your intellectual boundaries-"
"Oh, and now I'm stupid? At least I have some sort of life! You're so stuck to your books and computer screen sometimes it's like you are a computer. What kind of sixteen year old would rather go study, what was it, intregal mathematics, instead of getting laid?"
"What kind of adult would rather put his life on hold for a bit of, what do people like you call it, oh yes, a piece of ass!"
"People like me? You mean normal people?"
Black and honey brown flashed dangerously beneath lowered brows.
"Forget it. You want to put your nose in another book and suck up to some professor Einstein or another, so I'll just move on back and get out of your intellectual way." Taichi finally hissed, ending the heavy silence. Koushirou's face suddenly softened. He shook his head and grabbed Tai's shirt again.
"Wait, Taichi, just wait a minute. I can't let you leave when you're so angry."
"Oh, so now you're Mr. Wiseguy? All ready to forgive and forget? I'm sorry I'm not an unfeeling machine. It's takes awhile for me to actually control my emotions."
"Taichi, just shut up and put the shirt down!" Koushirou snapped, irritation making his voice sharp.
"There's your mom tone again."
"Damn it, Taichi, your shirt was on the floor! At least get a clean shirt! Now you're just being a slob!"
"Fuck you!" With disgusted "grah" noise, Tai dropped the shirt and grabbed one from a hanger in the open closet. He grabbed a pair of pants from the top shelf and grabbed his backpack.
"Taichi!"
Tai turned around, brown eyes still dark with anger, to see Koushirou standing in the middle of the room, clutching his dirty shirt in his fists and wearing just a pair of boxer shorts and T-shirt. Tai turned away quickly before he felt guilty for putting that wounded expression in his Izzy's eyes. Still wearing just his boxers, Tai threw open the door and slammed it behind him.
Jyou and Yamato were standing in the living room wearing only their pajamas when Tai walked past from the bathroom a few moments later. Both older men looked at each other and then glanced back at Tai. His face was to the ground, and his fingers were curled into tight fists.
"Tai-kun, dude, what's going on?" Yamato finally asked hesitantly.
"It's none of your business." Tai snapped, keeping his face hidden beneath his bangs.
"Why does that sound familiar?" Yamato wondered a little too obviously. "Oh, right, wasn't that what I heard from, like, three different people who were all hurting? And crying constantly? Oh, and why were they all sorts of fucked up? Because they were all being stupid. Maybe if you make it my business I can point out the obvious and go ahead and get the stupid part over with?"
"Up yours, Ishida!" Tai almost screamed. He whirled on Yamato, his red eyes betraying what he'd been trying to hide.
"Get a grip! You got in a fight over sex!"
"Who told you to butt the fuck in?"
"Like I had a choice? You 'bout crack a hole in the wall with your piss-ranting! Grow up, Tai!"
"Oh, thanks, some more friendly advice! Apparently everybody agrees that I'm some stupid little kid! Why am I even here if you all think so highly of me!"
"Oh, don't give me that pity shit, Tai. You just have a fight with your seventeen-year-old boyfriend about sex! Your seventeen-year-old boyfriend with a job and a boatload of college courses you couldn't even begin to imagine understanding and you give him more stress with this crap?"
"Yamato-kun!" Tai and Yamato both turned towards the hallway where Koushirou stood, his face dark red with shame and annoyance. "Shut. Up."
"Koushirou-kun…"
"This is between Taichi and myself! I don't interfere with your relationship with Sora-san, do I? I've had ample opportunity with you two yelling at each other almost everyday over the most mundane situations. You have no right to intervene in this matter, especially about a topic so personal!"
"Koushirou-kun…"
"Not another word, Yamato-kun. Jyou-san, what is it?" Koushirou's black eyes met Jyou's dark grey. Jyou quickly raised his hands, a helpless and weak grin on his face.
"N-Nothing, nothing! I was just here to keep things under control."
The front door slammed. All three roommates turned, their eyes wide and surprised. Koushirou's eyes tightened at the corners and his mouth curled downwards slightly seeing Tai and his shoes gone.
"I better go after him and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, like jump off a bridge or forget about the concert." Yamato sighed.
"Yamato-kun, you won't…?"
"No, Kou-kun. Just in case, though, maybe I should get Sora to do it?" Yamato smirked slightly as relief relaxed Koushirou's tight shoulders.
"I'm sure he'd appreciate it more." Koushirou agreed. "I have to hurry now. See you all tonight at the concert." Koushirou quickly shoved his feet inside his shoes as Yamato walked quickly back to his room to put on clothes.
& & &
Hikari sat on the bench in the train station, anxiously twisting her fingers together. He had promised to met her here, even though he hadn't sounded very happy about it. Miyako had told her she told him what happened and that he hadn't reacted well to it. He had ignored ever since that day, so she believed Miyako without question. Not only that, but Miyako had been in too foul a mood to lie at the time. Hikari wondered briefly just what happened between them, not just the other day, but in middle school, too. Wallace had told her that Miyako had had a huge crush on Ken for the entirety of seventh grade, but he had left before their falling out happened, and Miyako never told him why.
Hikari shook her head quickly. I have to keep my mind clear. It's going to be hard enough without everything else whirling through my head. She sighed sadly. Oh, Ken-san, I'm so sorry.
"Yagami-san." Ken's voice cut through her sadness and she jumped off the hard metal bench, her heart thumping painfully. He sounded so cold...and his eyes were dark and hard.
She reached up to grasp her shirt.
"I... I needed to talk to you. We...I..." Hikari drew a shuddering breath.
"I don't need to hear to say it. I know what you want to say."
"I-I know, but... Ken-san..." Hikari's eyes met his once more. "I never... I never meant to..."
"Whatever you meant not to do, it doesn't matter, nor does it change anything. I knew how you felt about him." Ken's lips thinned dangerously. "I had hoped you cared a little for me, at least enough to break up with me before running back to him."
Hikari paled and flinched, but then quickly straightened her spine. Her chin rose and she met his eyes again.
"I am sorry. You are such a good person and you do mean a great deal to me. You helped me through so much, but I know asking to remain friends is an empty request right now." Ken snorted. Though he seemed distant and unfeeling, she knew how much he was hurting. He couldn't hide that from her, not now. "I did hurt you, whatever my intentions. For that... I am utterly ashamed of myself." Hikari looked down to the concrete and beside them a bullet train rushed past making their clothes and hair fly around their lanky, teenage forms.
"But you wouldn't take it back, if you had the chance, would you?" Ken whispered. Hikari's fist tightened around the fistful of cloth, then she slowly shook her head.
"I could never regret... him..." Hikari whispered even quieter than him.
"If he makes you cry again... you'll need to find another shoulder." With that, Ken turned on his heel.
Hikari glanced up at his cruel words, a gasp falling past her lips. She watched him leave full of guilt and grief... but never regret. She knew it hurt him, but she could never regret rushing to him as soon as his arms were free to hold her. Nothing felt so right than being in Motomiya, Daisuke's arms. She held back the tears as Ken left the train station.
She just wished she could've found the strength to wait a little longer, just long enough that Ken's voice wouldn't have lashed through skin like a whip. She scoffed quietly and walked towards the ticket meter into the station.
Who was she kidding? No matter what she had done, he still would've ended up hating her. Even after three years, he still came second place to the boy who made her cry and nothing she could have done would have lessened that blow.
& & &
"I wasn't expecting you to agree to meet up to talk so quickly. I've never known you to wake up before noon if you didn't have to." Sora joked lightly as she set down a cup of coffee.
Mimi wrapped her slender hands around the porcelain cup and stared down into the dark brown liquid. A sharp pain in her lower belly made her wince. Her fingers tightened around the flower-pattered glass.
"Mimi-chan?" Sora's worried voice finally caused Mimi to raise her eyes. "You look so pale. Do you really think it's a good idea for you to be wandering around when you've got a stomach flu? Why aren't you wearing a face mask?"
"So responsible." Mimi smiled weakly. "My 'stomach flu' isn't contagious, I promise. It's why I need to talk to you so badly."
Sora felt the blood drain out of her face as Mimi's words sunk in.
"Oh, god, Mimi-chan, no, don't tell me…!?" Sora whispered hoarsely in horror.
"What?" Mimi's eyes widened.
"Y-You're… You've… Do you have cancer?" Sora stuttered. Mimi blinked.
"N-No! No, god, no, Sora-chan!" Mimi covered her eyes with her hand and laughed weakly. "No, it's not so bad as all that."
"Mimi-chan, what is it? It's eating you up inside. Tell me, I'm getting so worried!" Sora reached over the table and wrapped her hands around Mimi's cup and over the hand that still rested there.
"I… I'm pregnant, Sora-chan." Mimi murmured quietly, her eyes still hidden behind her hand. A startled silence filled the air between them.
"Did… did you go to a clinic? Did you get a test at a clinic? You know how unreliable over the counter tests are." Sora asked.
"N-No, I haven't. But…I've been puking every morning and I woke up this morning with no period. I'm over a week late."
"Okay… we should still get you to a clinic. I'll take you. You obviously haven't told anybody else."
"I told Koushirou-kun… but that's because I dropped my pregnancy test right in front of him." Mimi laughed again, though it sounded rather hollow.
"Why haven't you told Jyou-san, Mimi-can?" Sora asked quietly. Mimi dropped her hand from her face and sighed.
"I was going to… yesterday afternoon. But… when I was going to… he looked so tired, Sora-chan. He's so busy… and he runs himself ragged with school and work. I couldn't lay this burden on him."
"What are you planning on doing then, Mimi-chan? You're not going to jump into any decision are you?" Sora's voice rose slightly in panic.
"N-No! I'm… not sure what I want to do. I need… I need you, Sora-chan. Please help me!" Mimi's chestnut eyes shined as tears gathered on her lashes. She finally raised her eyes to meet Sora's. Sorrow twisted Sora's mouth and made her own red-brown eyes shine.
"Of course, Mimi-chan. I'll do whatever I can."
"Thank you!" Mimi suddenly winced, her wavering smile ending as she gasped in pain.
"What is it?" Sora half-rose from her chair her hands slipping from Mimi's.
"It's… my stomach… it hurts." Mimi panted, her tears falling from her lashes to the table top. Sora knelt next to her side, her eyes narrowed where Mimi's hand pressed against her lower abdomen.
"Your stomach… or your uterus, Mimi-chan?" Sora whispered. Chestnut eyes looked up into red-brown and fear swam beneath her tears.
"My… my baby… Sora-chan…" Mimi choked out. Sora wrapped her arms around Mimi's shuddering shoulders.
"It'll be all right, Meems. I'll stay with you. The clinic opens Monday, so come over to my house this weekend. I'll take care of you."
"The… the concert, Sora-ch-chan."
"I can go to the next one. Yamato won't mind if I tell him it was an emergency."
"You're not going to tell him!?"
"No, of course not. If your pain gets worse, I'll take you to the emergency center and your parents will have to be called."
"Okay, but only if it gets worse!"
"Okay. Let's go now. You need to rest. I've got a hot water pad and some real nice tea at home, too. I'll have you pampered up in less than in hour, Meems."
"Arigatou." Mimi sighed. She let Sora help her to her feet and they both left, their arms linked.
&&&
Takeru pressed Iori's small warm body close. Iori stiffened, at first uncomfortable, but slowly, Takeru had felt Iori gentle beneath his hands. Iori's full tight mouth warmed beneath his own and Takeru felt his chest tighten as Iori began to kiss back, his small hands clenching Takeru's shirt. It had felt wonderful, feeling his skittish boyfriend come to life beneath his lips, like a marble statue becoming flesh and blood.
"T-Takeru-kun…" Iori stuttered against his mouth. His slow, warm voice made Takeru's blood surge.
"S-Sorry, sorry, Iori." He pressed his forehead against Iori's and breathed slowly, drinking in the soft scent of his Iori.
"It's... It's all right… I'm sorry…" Iori whispered, his heart thumping so loud Takeru could hear it.
"Why should you be sorry?" Takeru pulled away slightly and looked down at Iori's flushed face.
"I... I'm just so much younger than all of you. You're all growing up and I'm... I'm just dragging you back."
"God, Hikari, what am I supposed to do? I can't believe he said that." Takeru groaned.
"Do you agree with him?" Hikari asked nonchalantly, cutting into her cake with her fork. She had come straight to meet up with Takeru after that horrible meeting with Ken a few hours ago. She hoped sugar and Takeru would keep her mind from dwelling that disaster. She popped a forkful of whipped cream and soft melt-on-your-mouth cake in her mouth, closing her eyes to savor the sweetness on her tongue.
"NO!" Takeru exclaimed, her face flushing in anger. "Do you really think- How can- Hikari!"
Hikari blinked at him, as a smile still tugged at her mouth.
"I would never think he's dragging me back! He's wonderful. I've never loved anyone like this. He's amazing! Oh god, how could he think that I think that?" Takeru grasped his already messed-up gold hair and groaned.
"Darling, what's eating at you?" Hikari asked softly.
Takeru stared silently at the table and his untouched peppermint tea. Hikari took another delicious bite, letting the sugar dissolve and linger on her tongue. Then, she set her fork down, sipped her own peppermint tea, and set the cup down. Another glance at Takeru's pained expression, and she sighed.
"You're guilty because you somewhat do agree with what he said. You're guilty because you do wish he was older. You're guilty because you're a horny-fifteen-year old boy and your boyfriend's barely thirteen. Aren't you turning sixteen soon?"
"Hikari!" Takeru gasped, his face flushed even brighter.
"You're so cute." Hikari couldn't help but giggle. She picked up her fork again.
"I am not cute. I wanna screw my thirteen-year-old boyfriend, Hikari! I'm a horrible… sex monster or something."
Hikari burst into laughter. "S-Sex m-monster?"
"Or something." Takeru muttered, his blue eyes glancing surreptitiously at the customers around them. None of them seemed to notice their conversation.
"Takeru-kun, you're a teenager, geez. Even… even I get flustered sometimes." Hikari blushed and lowered her voice as she added that last detail. Takeru's raised his eyebrow and couldn't help but grin at her admission. Hikari quickly cleared her throat, still flushing. "Anyway, you're not some sex monster for being a little flustered. You care more about Iori-chan than about your libido. You're being too hard on yourself."
"I just feel guilty." Takeru admitted.
"It's nothing to be guilty about unless you start… being bitter with him or something for it. Just… Just watch some… videos, okay?" Hikari flushed brighter. Takeru flushed as well and then grinned.
"You mean porno right? Where do you go?"
"Wh-what? I do not! Ano…Dai-kun has some. I found them once." Hikari whispered.
"Really?" Takeru snorted. "Did you watch them?"
"That's none of your business!" Hikari squeaked. Takeru laughed while she cleared her throat again. "You're too young for sex anyway. So, just focus on school. I know you failed that last Economics test."
"Aw, Hikari-chan." Takeru sighed. "I was preoccupied."
"With what?" Hikari's eyebrow rose condescendingly.
"Anything not Economics, I hate that class." They both laughed.
"All right, all right. You're over your emo moment, right?" Hikari took another heavenly bite of cake.
"Yeah, yeah, and look, just in time, Dai-kun is here." Takeru teased as the coffee shop's door bell jangled.
"Oh, he said he wouldn't be here another thirty minutes! He's going to eat my cake!" Hikari shoveled at her cake quickly, cream smearing over her mouth. Takeru laughed, holding onto his gut.
"What's going on? Hikari, you're gonna get sick!" Daisuke grabbed at the fork in her hand.
"Mmm mmph!" She tried to snapped, her mouth bulging with cake, waving her fork viciously in his direction.
"Hikari-chan, what are you doing!?" Daisuke exclaimed, utterly bewildered. "Put down the fork, Hikari."
"Mm MMph! Huc hu…" Hikari grabbed at her throat. Her shoulders shook as she tried to keep from coughing all the cake out of her mouth.
"Oh, god, Hikari! Why did you stuff all that cake in your mouth? Are you dying?"
Takeru howled with laughter as Daisuke patted Hikari's back and grabbed a strawberry off her cake. Which only made the choking worse as Hikari flushed and waved her fork in Daisuke's face again.
&&&
"What are you getting all dressed up for?"
She turned towards the harsh voice of her friend. Kimiko had smoked so much it was hard to tell if she was a boy or girl by just listening to her speak. Looking at her, however, she made her appearance make up for her voice's lack: bleached blond hair, skinny wrists covered in bangles, tight button-up shirts and tiny miniskirts, skin artificially tanned, and socks too baggy to stay up on skinny calves.
"I'm going to the Wolves concert." She replied, adding more blush to her pale face.
"But… Haruko… How could you afford tickets? Especially this close to the concert!?" Kimiko gasped, jealous and amazed.
"Some scouter was wandering around. They're suck-ass seats, but they'll get me in." She examined her face and decided on some lipstick.
"Why are you getting all dolled up for it, though? You normally hate caking on the paints."
"I need to make a good impression."
"On who? A bald and thirty-year-old banker who likes miniskirts?"
"I try not to whore myself out, Kimi-chan. And you know I'm trying to quit."
"And I know the last time you tried, you hookered yourself out to a fat, old creep."
Haruko grimaced. "I'm not going to this time. I found him… the one I want. A straight-edged, gay, jock who'll love me."
"But… you just said he's gay."
"But he's in love with my face. I'm sure I can swing him around." Haruko's black eyes were dark as she set the lipstick down. "I have to try."
&&&
Tai sat in the park, kicking at the grass absently. The sound of children laughing and screaming was lost on him. He wasn't good at being introspective… it just wasn't in him. He was impulsive and kind of stupid with it most times. He sighed and leaned back on the wooden bench, letting his head fall back on his neck. Sunlight filtered through the trees over his head, making him squint slightly. He braced the back of his head on his hands. Summer was warm and pleasant this year… just the other weekend, the whole gang had joined up for a picnic. Tai sighed.
I'm going to have to apologize again. I'm such a douche sometimes. I just… I just get so frustrated, as if I'm the only one wanting or needing anything. Izzy's… so self-sure, and confident in himself. It's like… he doesn't need me as much as I need him. It's so damn aggravating!
"Yo… Tai."
Tai looked up slowly, making sure Yamato could see how much Tai didn't want him there.
"Look, I know, I'm one of the last people you wanna talk to, but Sora isn't answering her phone, so you're stuck with me." Yamato sighed and sat down beside Tai. "I shouldn't have got involved. I was outta line… and I'm sorry."
"You said what you felt. I do it, too. Doesn't mean I like it, though."
"I also said some truths, Tai. You can't tell me I didn't." Yamato pointed out, leaning back on the bench just like Tai.
"Yeah, yeah, I think I would know. I was one of those idiots who was hurting himself."
"It was kinda funny how you tried to fix it, though. Remember that first time, with the flowers, and your voice got all squeaky." Yamato teased.
"Aw, come on, Yama." Tai whined, a flush on his dark face.
"You sounded just like a little girl." Yamato burst into laughter when Tai punched him in the ribs, just enough to almost hurt.
"I get the point. Shuddup!" Tai was grinning, though, feeling a lot better. Yamato might be a pain in the ass, but he managed to say just what Tai needed to hear.
"If you get the point, you know what you gotta do."
"I was already thinking that, before you even showed up, loser."
"Really? Just what was it you were thinking?" Yamato raised an eyebrow wryly.
"Well, it wasn't tying Izzy down and forcing myself on him." Tai snapped, then sighed. "I wish that would work, though."
"Dude… gross."
"Homophobe."
"No… I just don't wanna picture you-or Koushirou- naked."
"Fine, anyway. I'm gonna say I'm sorry. I was prat, again. I keep doing it. I wish we could just get the first time over with. I feel like I've been waiting forever."
"Me 'n' Sora haven't had sex." Yamato stated suddenly. Tai turned and gaped at Yamato's profile. "I guess I'm not so bad off as you. I've had sex before. I am twenty-one. I lost my virginity when I was sixteen. It kind of sucked. I had no idea what I was doing, and I lost control too soon. I felt like an idiot. I don't want that with Sora. I want it to be something special, something that will last forever." Yamato's eyes closed in an attempt to ignore Tai's stares.
"B-But… it's been three years and you're both adults."
"Yeah. I've pretended not to notice it, but sometimes Sora looks at me when we cuddle and I get a little… well, you know, it just happens sometimes. I just ignore it, shift positions or something. She doesn't say anything, 'cause that's the way she is, but I know she's wondering why I don't take the next step when I clearly want to."
"Because you want it to be special…" Tai whispered. Yamato nodded.
"Yeah. Because she is. Because she's the one for me. I'm going to marry her, Tai. I've already decided. I'm going to be her first and her only. And I want a ring on her finger to prove it to every man that looks at her." Yamato's voice was a little hot as he spoke. "And I want to prove it to her. So I'm going to wait until she's ready, until she's almost graduated, and then I'll ask."
"That'll be another three years, Yamato. Maybe more."
"Yeah… I know. I get kinda frustrated thinking about it. But it'll be worth it, she'll be worth it."
"I feel like slime now, thanks a lot." Tai grunted, flopping back against the bench.
"Not everyone's made of moral fiber. Actually, you're one of the majority, congrats."
"Shut up."
Yamato laughed. "Joking aside, if both of you want it, there's nothing wrong with it. It's not like you can be legally married anyway. That sort of thing doesn't happen in Japan."
"But… it's the symbol… the ring… maybe… Maybe we can't get married, but it's the meaning that counts." Tai muttered, thinking as he spoke. "I want him to know how much he means to me, how much I need him. Maybe… he wants the ring, too."
"There's a thought. Way to think with your brain instead of your head."
"Oh, shut up, really!"
&&&
Saiwa twisted, tugging on her skirt and frowning. In the full-length mirror Saiwa could see Miyako's cheery room. The same howling wolf with frosted breath decorated her comforter and her pillowcases and sheets were bright yellow. Shelves were nailed into the walls over her beds and lined with cute, google-eyed stuffed animals. A small, cherry-wood desk lay under her yellow-curtained window. A shiny desktop with an eye-popping-colored screensaver sat on the cluttered desk. Miyako stood in front of her open closet pushing hangers aside. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled as she saw Saiwa frown softly.
"You're going to wrinkle it." Miyako warned teasingly.
"Are you sure it looks good on me? I feel so silly." Saiwa asked again. Miyako sighed.
"Yes, I'm very sure. Pink looks good on you. It brings out the flush in your cheeks. You're normally so pale."
Saiwa glanced down at the pink skirt that barely reached her knees, bony knees she thought, and the white polo with pink piping she wore with it.
"I'm going to drop ketchup on it or something stupid. White's horrible for a concert! I know I'll do something stupid and embarrass myself." Saiwa burst out, wringing her shirt in her hands.
Miyako almost became aggravated, but she had to remind herself Saiwa was nothing like her. Saiwa didn't have much spunk, or self-confidence, or even a good sense of color coordination, all of which Miyako had in spades.
"I have a jumper to wear over it, all right? A cute blue one with a little Angelpuss on it. My sister used to love Neopets and I got it as a hand-me-down."
"Oh… but won't that seem… a little childish?" Saiwa looked rather happy about the idea though. She probably secretly loves Neopets. Miyako though with a grin.
"Maybe. But it's perfect for you. You're just so cute." Miyako teased, wrapping her arms around Saiwa and snuggling the younger girl's cheek.
"M-Miyako-san!" Saiwa choked trying not to laugh. There was a knock on the door.
"Come on in, Wallace-kun! Meet the cutie Iori-chan found!" Miyako called out. Saiwa flushed, preparing to protest, when the door opened.
His beautiful blue eyes met hers and widened. Saiwa felt everything fall away, and it was if it was just them two and no one else. The air was heavy in her lungs and she struggled to breathe. She realized with a start he recognized her! A smile lit up his whole face and her mouth curved into an answering smile, hopelessly. Her knees were weak and only Miyako's arms around her shoulders kept her on her feet.
"Saiwa-chan! I… I will be thinking you never I see again!" The beautiful boy exclaimed in his poor Japanese. He was definitely her park-bench angel. He remembered my name! She was almost dizzy with happiness and didn't notice Miyako pull away.
"T-Tenshi-kun… I w-waited f-for you! B-But you n-never came! I th-thought you f-forgot me!" Saiwa stuttered. She stepped towards him, her hands clasped in front of her stomach.
"You two have met?" Miyako asked, looking between the two with a matchmaker's gleam in her eye.
"The park I saw her." Wallace stepped up Saiwa and turned her hair gently. "A flower here…"
Saiwa nodded mutely, her whole face flushing with his touch. "Y-yes…" She sighed. With a sudden, wild grin, Wallace threw his arms around her tiny waist and lifted her off her feet. She shrieked and then laughed as he spun her around.
"I found the girl! Miyako-chan, I be so lucky!" Miyako laughed as Wallace spun Saiwa until the girl was dizzy and breathless with laughter.
"Put her down or your luck will run its course! You're about to kill her!"
"N-No!" Saiwa exclaimed. "I-I m-mean, I'm not dying!" Saiwa protested with a shake of her head.
"What's going on here?" Saiwa, Miyako, and Wallace turned to see Tsuchiyo and Iori standing in the doorway.
"My angel! Iori-san! Tsuchiyo-san! He's Miyako-san's friend from America!" Saiwa told them, her feet still dangling a foot off the ground.
"He's the angel you told me about, Saiwa-san?" Iori gaped. Saiwa nodded happily and grinned at Wallace with shining eyes. Wallace smiled back and lowered her back to the floor.
"I not know you knew Miyako-chan. The other day I'm sorry I was late, the time I got there, you will be gone." He laid his hand on her hand and bent down to meet to her eyes. "You forgive me, yes?" Wallace asked.
Saiwa nodded eagerly and then burst out laughing. "You angel speak bad Japanese!" Saiwa joked in poor English.
"We speak bad together!" Wallace joked in return.
"We're gonna be late for the concert." Tsuchiyo mumbled. Saiwa flushed brightly.
"I'm sorry! I'll hurry!" Saiwa snatched the blue jumper and pulled it over her head.
"You're Tsuchiyo-san, right?" Miyako asked as they left her room. Tsuchiyo nodded mutely, his mouth shut tight.
"He's a friend from class. I tutored him a few times." Iori told Wallace as they all trouped outside. Miyako stopped to lock her apartment door before rushing to catch up with them. "He asked Saiwa-san to the concert as an apology. He managed to offend her a dozen times in thirty minutes." Iori explained with an eyeroll.
"I-It wasn't th-that bad." Saiwa objected quietly.
"Him?" Wallace turned to the heavily-blushing Saiwa with a small frown. "He make you cry that day?"
"Of course not!" Tsuchiyo and Saiwa exclaimed. They glanced at each and turned away blushing brightly. "I never made her cry. If she cried because of what I said she'd be pretty stupid."
Saiwa clenched her teeth and then turned to him. "I never cried because of what you said, Tsuchiyo-san, but maybe I'll slap you if you're rude again!"
Saiwa and Tsuchiyo glared at each other mutinously. Miyako, Wallace, and Iori stared at them both with wide eyes.
"Saiwa-chan… I think you've been hanging out with me too much! You've found your tongue!" Miyako squealed and then glomped the pre-teen. Saiwa squeaked and the tension fled.
"You really know how to piss her off, Tsuchiyo-san. I don't know how you do it." Iori muttered, amazed. Tsuchiyo scoffed.
"Weird chick. I shouldn't have asked her to come with me. She may be cute, but she's weird."
"Weird, maybe, but full of surprises, too!" Wallace laughed. "If she only weird as that, I don't mind. Miyako-chan is violent!"
"I heard that, blondie! You don't know violence yet!" Miyako cried, throwing a fist up in Wallace's face, Saiwa still locked in the curve of her elbow.
"Don't drag on Saiwa-san like that!" Iori pulled the red-faced Saiwa away and patted her back gently. "Be careful with Miyako-san. She doesn't know her own strength."
"Monster!" Wallace shouted and threw his arms around Miyako, lifting her off her feet. She screamed and kicked her feet in the air as she laughed. "She be a MONSTER!"
"PUT ME DOWN, WALLACE!" All the friends laughed as Miyako struggled uselessly and Wallace shouted to the passersby she was a monster.
"As much as you all seem to be having fun, you're annoying the rest of us." A smooth, irritated voice came from behind Wallace.
Wallace turned, his blue eyes wide with innocence. "I thought it be you! Ichijouji-san! You remember me, yes?" Miyako still hung from his arms, panting and flushing.
"I do. You're still friends with Inoue-san, I see. I suggest you put her down." Ken said blankly. "You'll break your spine if you carry a monster around too long."
"DAMN IT, ICHIJOUJI!" Wallace let her fall and doubled up laughing. Miyako thrust her finger into Ken's chest. "Just what's your problem? Huh?"
"Miyako-chan, he was joking. Right?" Wallace gasped. Ken shrugged and moved around Miyako.
"Enjoy the concert." He walked away from the concert, towards the train station. Miyako stared after him, her brow lowered and her teeth chewing her bottom lip angrily.
"Miyako-san, let's go. The concert…" Saiwa murmured. "Just ignore him, Miyako-san."
"No…" Miyako clenched her hands into fists. "Go back to the concert without me. I'm putting this to rest." Miyako raced after Ken.
"Do… Do I miss something?" Wallace asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Let's just go, shall we?" Iori suggested. "Miyako-san can more than take care of herself. Takeru-san may be worried if we keep him waiting any longer."
They all turned to the concert once more.
&&&
Miyako ran after him, her feet pounding into the concrete. I'm tired of him being such ass! I'm not going to let him get away with it anymore!
&&&
Hikari and Daisuke walked through the park, hand in hand. The sun was beginning to set, but they weren't in any rush. Just being together again was the sweetest dream, one they could scarcely believe was true. Every now and then their eyes would meet and they'd smile stupidly, say some nonsense or another and then sink into comfortable silence again.
"I spoke to Ken-san today." Hikari finally said. Hishand tightened around hers.
"Are you all right?" He whispered.
"I am. I... I was...I felt so horrible, Daisuke." Hikari gripped her skirt until her knuckles whitened.
"Hikari..." Daisuke halted and turned to face her, his dark eyes concerned.
His free hand reached up and cupped her face. A shiver ran down her spine and she let her face fall into his palm wearily. Just his touch made everything seem better. He was like a drug to her, and she wondered vaguely how she could have survived without him for three whole years.
"We both made mistakes and we both hurt people who we really like. It's hard on all of us, Hikari, and I'm sorry... I can't make it better." Daisuke frowned angrily, helplessly. "I finally got you back, but it's making you sad."
"No! Don't say that! It'll just be worse! We already made the jump, so we can't regret it now!" Hikari exclaimed.
"Don't be stupid! Of course I don't regret it! I could never regret you!" Daisuke pulled her up against him and breathed in the scent of blueberries. Hikari pressed her face against the curve of his throat and squeezed her eye shut, holding back the tears. "I only regret making you cry. God, Hikari, I was so stupid! If I had just-"
"Shut up, stupid." Hikari laughed softly. "No 'if'. Like you said, we both made mistakes. I love you, Daisuke. I... I messed up so bad, but damn it, I can't be sorry. I missed you so much. I felt like I cut out something vital."
"Yeah. Hey, no more talking about other people. Just us, okay?" Daisuke whispered, stroking the thick softness of her hair.
"Yes, all right." Hikari agreed. "We're... uh... going to miss the concert."
"Screw it. I'd rather be here with you."
Hikari laughed and then tilted her face up towards him. Hurriedly, as if she'd disappear if he took too long, his mouth slant over hers. They stood there in Odaiba Park, holding each other close and sinking into each other's embrace. The world didn't exist except for that moment.
