(May 15th, 2010)
Okay first off I'd like to apologize in advance for the grammar/spelling mistakes that will be in this chapter, I'm going away for a few days and I really wanted to get the next chapter up before I left, so I haven't had much of a chance to proof read. I hope you get the gist of what I'm trying to say (you all seem pretty smart anyways). So more drama this time as requested, hope you likey!
PLEASE REVIEW!

Disclamier: I don't own Digimon or any of its characters. As well as any other brand name (such as Apple, Mac etc), magazine name, people, celebrities etc.

CHAPTER 12: Fear

~TPOV~

The party was already buzzing when they made their way through the front doors; people filled each room, making it impossible to tell which room from which. They had to let go of each other to be able to squeeze their way through the crowds, music pumped from a wall of massive speakers and hordes of people were dancing.

"It's barely even dark! I thought this was just a pizza thing?" Takeru had to yell into Hikari's ear for her to hear him; she just shrugged.

"Yeah but dark is good enough for most people, and this is just pizza, wait til later, then you'll see that this isn't really the party." Miyako bounded over to them, she hugged Hikari enthusiastically, then Takeru, she had defiantly had something to drink.

"Oh my god! You're here! Everyone's been waiting for you, they didn't know if you'd be coming, what with your shoulder and everything!" Then she and Hudson were gone before they could blink, Miyako running off to the DJ's station, towing Hudson helplessly behind and tugging on the DJ to talk into his ear; they saw him nod then the music faded out. The guy picked up a microphone and handed it to Hudson who waved his hand over his head.

"Ladies and gentleman, the moment you've all been waiting for, may I present: Takeru Takaishi!" He pointed to where he was standing in the doorframe; everyone turned and cheered wildly, raising their cups and bottles to him. Then a horde of people swarmed him patting him on the back or shouting their congratulations. He had some guys shake his hand and couple girls whisper something about "hot tub", "naked" and "join us". But twenty minutes later when he had stopped being surrounded by people he and Hikari made their way over to Ken, Iori, Catherine, Hudson and Miyako. For once Catherine didn't viciously flirt with Takeru, instead she looked nervous; her neck moved so much to scan the room it looked like she had a twitch. Takeru raised his eyebrows at Ken questionly but he just rolled his eyes and shrugged; Miyako noticed and leap over to him, dragging him down so she could reach his ear.

"Apparently she's waiting for someone. A boy." She said the last word like the male species ad cooties; but then she was off again, hopping over to Ken yanking him off to the dance floor. Hikari couldn't help but laugh as her best friend's behaviour; when she was drunk her hyperness shot through the roof. Then Hikari too disappeared, only to come back a few minutes later with two bottles of cold Corona; he took a large gulp letting the cool liquid refresh him in the stifling room. They spent the next hour chatting with each other, Ken and Miyako still hadn't come back and Catherine was completely oblivious to anything they said. Hikari still hadn't seen Daisuke but she didn't want to go look for him; she was mad about what he did to Takeru, and boy was he going to get an earful when she saw him. As they were talking a tall figure tapped Catherine on the shoulder, she spun around, screamed, then threw herself at him locking lips with the tall stranger. Hikari exchanged sceptical glances with Iori and Takeru, and then once they pulled away from each other Takeru recognized him as the black-haired player from Hiroshima that helped him up in the game. He saw Takeru and shook his hand again, one hand around Catherine's waist.

"Hey good to see you again! I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself before, I'm Chase. How's that shoulder of yours?" He spoke with an Australian accent that Takeru hadn't noticed before.

"I'm Takeru, but everyone calls me TK. It's okay now, it's was dislocated but they popped it back just after the game ended, I can't thank you enough for before." Chase nodded then shook hands with Iori, Miyako and Ken (who had magically appeared again), then when Hikari introduced himself a dawned expression on his face appeared as he looked from her to Takeru. "Now you must be TK's girlfriend! Can I just say that you are one hell of a girl to have helped him like that, he's lucky to have you." She flushed a deep red and shook her head sheepishly.

"Um actually I'm not his girlfriend, just his friend." Chase looked startled as her looked back and forth between the blonde and the brunette.

"Seriously? Well then you're the best friend he'll ever have." Everyone continued chatting, now that Catherine had her beau she was fully involved in conversation again. After another half an hour Chase turned to Takeru and leaned in, speaking so only he could hear. "Okay mate, how could you not be dating that girl? It's clear to anyone who even looks at you that you guys have something going on." Takeru eyebrows creased together, shaking his head confused.

"What do you mean? We're friends, and she already has a boyfriend."

"Psht! Well for one, the way you two stand so close to each other, the air you give off tells any guy to back off; don't you ever wonder why guys don't swarm a gorgeous girl like her? Two, you guys look at each other more then anyone else when you're in a group and three, the chemistry between you guys screams sex." Takeru raised his eyebrows and snorted. "Obviously that boyfriend of hers isn't a very good one or she just likes you a hell of a lot more. Maybe even both." Takeru was about to say something when Hikari took his empty bottle and replaced it with a fresh one; he smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her pulling into a hug. Hikari looked up at him with a suspicious look.

"Have you boys been talking about me?" He laughed and ruffled her hair gently.

"Geez Kari, you know the world doesn't revolve about you." She took on a mocked surprised look placing a hand over her mouth.

"Really? Gosh I never knew that!" She hit him over the head and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him onto the dance floor. He shrugged in Chase's direction saying he was sorry and placed his bottle on a passing table. The crowd seemed to part as they made their way to where Ken and Miyako were; Hikari raised her hands, Takeru's hand in one and her Corona in the other. Takeru twisted and twirled her, each time they got closer and soon enough they were only a couple inches apart. Hudson, some senior girl he didn't know, Catherine and Chase had joined them on the floor twenty minutes later, grinding up a storm. It was obvious Chase and Catherine liked each other and he seemed the like perfect guy for her; attractive, foreign and set on making her happy.

The time rushed by and it was getting too hot to keep dancing. They decided to go into the huge kitchen and talk; although they left Hudson making out with his mystery chick, not really wanting to disturb them. Takeru grabbed more drinks for everyone and when he came back Daisuke was beside Hikari. He hung back and watched; Daisuke was saying something into her ear and she shook her head, throwing off his hand that was creeping up her butt. He looked pissed off, throwing his hands up in the hair and then pointing an accusing finger in her face. Everything was too loud to hear what they were saying, but he could tell that she was equally pissed off. She slapped his finger away and got right in his face; his other friends were standing around them, trying to ignore it but at the same time not able to. Daisuke grabbed her wrist and she struggled against him; Chase stepped forward, he could see his lips talking, but Daisuke turned angrily on him and he backed down. Finally Takeru walked over, beers in hand around to where Chase was standing, he passed the bottles along listening to their argument.

"I don't care! It was wrong to do it! You seem to have this idea that everyone in the world is out to get you! Just GET OVER YOURSELF DAI!" She was defiantly screaming but he looked like he was about to hit her.

"You just can't stand the fact that I injured your boy toy. You make all these excuses; 'oh we're studying', 'we have a project to finish'. But I know what you're really up to you little slut." The look she gave him was murderous and she clenched her fist, ready to punch him; Takeru stepped forward staying her hand; Daisuke glared at him. "I would suggest you stay out of this." Hikari flashed a black look at Daisuke; Takeru bent down talking to her calmly.

"Kari, take Miko and go okay? I'll meet you in at the front door." She shook her head vigorously. "I'll deal with this just go, I don't want you to do something you'll regret." She hesitated then grabbed Miyako by the hand tugging her out of the room; Catherine following behind. Takeru gave Daisuke an icy stare taking a couple steps towards toward him; Takeru bore down on him, a good three taller than him. His voice was acidic as he spoke.

"I'm only going to say this once, so I would advise you shut your big mouth and listen. You were lucky I didn't let Hikari dump you tonight; but she's had a bit to drink and I don't want her to do anything she'll regret. This is your final warning; after this, I'm not playing the nice guy anymore, I'll be playing harder than you and believe me, I'll win. Do you understand me?" Daisuke scowled at him, not knowing what to say; Takeru smirked and moved towards the door behind Daisuke. "Oh and by the way, if you pull that crap you did in the game again, I'll break your arm." He strode to the door, Chase, Iori and Ken following him, glancing briefly at a beet red Daisuke. Takeru pushed his way through the crowds until he found Hikari and the girls by the front doors; Hikari looked like she had calmed down and she was chatting to Miyako animatedly clutching another beer bottle. They walked over and Takeru gently took the bottle from her hands placing it on a table.

"Ready to go home?" She nodded, saying goodbye to everyone, swaying a bit as she did. She grabbed Takeru's hand and opened the front door to see that it was raining steadily. She jumped then yelled "Coat!" and ran back inside, coming out a few minutes later with both their jackets. They started to walk to the nearest subway station; Takeru guessed it would be a good hour or more until they reached home. As they boarded the train Hikari gave him a tight hug and held his hand, humming to herself. He got the idea that she probably already forgot about her and Daisuke's fight because of the amount of alcohol she'd had. The entire way back she talked about the most random things, jumping from subject to subject with no rhyme or reason. They sat down as two seats became vacant, their legs bumped into each other as the train speed along, sending shocks through Takeru every time and emitting a faint rosy blush to Hikari's cheeks.

After several transfers they got off at their regular station, hands still linked together and babbling on. From there they continued to walk their normal route home; the rain turned into a steady shower, but they didn't seem to notice. They turned down the alley for their usual shortcut past the corner store, as they entered the alleyway there were three men standing outside the back of the bar talking and laughing loudly. Takeru and Hikari hesitated for a second and looked at each other; they could tell the men were drunk but to not take the shortcut would be another 20 minutes in the pouring rain. Takeru pulled Hikari's arm tighter to him and pulled her along slightly, putting himself between the men and her.

"Hey darling! You are one fine woman!" One of the men called as they approached.

"Why don't you ditch blondie and join us for a drink?" The group closed in on them, cutting off any escape paths.

"Yeah blondie, she obviously doesn't want to be with you. Why don't you leave now and we'll take care of her." A tall brunette tried to pull Hikari away from Takeru. Takeru grabbed Hikari's hand and pushed the brunette with the other.

"No I think you're mistaken, she's with me and we're leaving." He tried to pull away but a redhead and dirty blonde stepped in front, blocking them.

"No, I really don't think so. " The brunette snatched Hikari arms and yanked her away, breaking her hold on Takeru's hand. She struggled trying to break his grasp, Takeru hissed and lunged for him, but was stopped by the redhead and the blonde.

"Stop it! You're hurting me. Stop!" She wiggled but his grip was firm and unbreakable. Takeru fought against his captors too, his arms pulled forward trying to get to her.

"Leave her alone!" He yelled, the brunette snapped his fingers at the blonde and he wound his hand back and snapped it in Takeru's face. He groaned, and then re-doubled his efforts to get to Hikari. The blonde struck him again. The redhead covered his mouth with a large hand, muffing his yells.

"You see, you're annoying me, and she's really hot. I can tell she likes me more then she likes you, so I'm going to make you watch." He smirked and turned to Hikari, his eyes glistened with something that sent a jolt of pure fear through Takeru as he saw where this guy's thoughts were headed. He squirmed harder trying to bite on the hand that restricted his voice.

The brunette lifted his free hand and gazed Hikari's cheek; he leaned closer to face his face mere centimetres from hers, she cringed and tried to pull away again. He grazed his mouth down her neck, biting it with every touch. She yelped in pain and squirmed some more.

"Oh come on sweetie, I know you want it just as much as I do. Stop fighting and just enjoy it." He wrenched open her trench coat, dragged her closer and groped at her shirt, she screamed. His other hand slid up her jeans and grasped her ass pulling her forward unwillingly.

"No! Leave me alone!" She kicked him in the groin; he keeled over and hit the ground. The other two looked at each other uneasily as Hikari struggled to move, Takeru took advantage of their momentary distraction and yanked with all his might. His arms freed and his swung his fist, which collided with the blonde's head, rendering him unconscious. Then he ran after Hikari, leaving the redhead looking stunned.

"Kari! Kari!" He sprinted after the small figure running down the alley in the torrential downpour. He finally found her sitting on a park bench, her legs pulled to her chest slowly and her head resting on her knees. He walked over to her, paused, and then sat next to her careful not to touch her. The rain pounded around them, Hikari was shaking, either from her sobbing or from the cold, Takeru wasn't sure. He wanted to comfort her, but was unsure of how to proceed. His eye throbbed where he'd been hit but he ignored it, focusing on Hikari.

"Kari?" he had to squint to see her through the rain, she didn't answer. "Kari? Do you want to go inside? You look freezing." She lifted her head slightly and nodded. She rose from the bench, trembling. Takeru got up, hands out but still not touching her. She stumbled and he caught her, then she lost it. Hugging Takeru, she broke down in hysterics, pressing her head against his chest. He placed his hand on the back of her head stroking her wet hair.

"Shhhhhhh it's okay. Everything's fine now." He wasn't sure how long he stood there for in the cascading water, comforting her. Finally she looked up at him and spoke,

"I think I want to go inside now." He nodded and as he shifted he felt her slip her hand in his, clutching it. After a few minutes they reached Takeru's apartment and entered the door, both sopping wet. Hikari was still crying and holding Takeru's hand in a vice grip.

"Do you want me to give you a dry jacket then we can leave for your place?" She squeezed tighter and started to hyperventilate, eyes wide with panic.

"Okay, we won't go anywhere, I'll call your parents and tell them where you are alright?"

"They aren't home, they went to Yokohama to visit my grandparents."

"Then I guess I'll call Tai?" He picked up the phone.

"He's gone to Mount Fuji for reading break with Sora. I was suppose to be by myself for the next week..." She trailed off and the panic returned, she placed her hand on her chest and sat down on the couch. He put down the phone and knelt on the ground in front of her, taking her hand.

"I won't make you go anywhere alright, you won't be alone okay?" She nodded and slipped off the couch, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Thank you…" She whispered into his shoulder.

"Anytime Kari, anytime." He placed his arms around her waist and rubbed her back. "Let's get you to bed" He scooped her up in one swift movement and carried her to his room, kicking the door open with his foot. He rested her on his bed and turned to his dresser to pull out some dry clothes. He handed her a large blue jersey and looked at her in the dim light emitting from the kitchen; she looked so perfect lying there, he knew he wasn't suppose to be thinking these thoughts but her shirt was clinging to her body showing off every curve of her body.

"I'll be sleeping on the couch if you need me." It took every muscle to make him move towards through the door. He changed into new boxers and grabbed the duvet off his mother's bed, dragging it with two pillows to the couch. He stripped off his wet shirt when he heard footsteps; he half-turned to see Hikari standing in the doorframe, his blue jersey reaching to the top of her knees. She was staring at him, mouth slightly ajar and eyes wide.

"Um… I…. uh…" She stuttered, stumbling over words. Eyes fixed on his torso she moved towards him. "I… don't want to be… alone. Please" She looked up, her face was white and slick with tears; mascara was smudged slightly around her eyes. She advanced towards him, placing her hands on his and leaning her forehead on his chest. He stiffened as her breath grazed him and her hands felt like icicles in his.

"Okay sure." She lowered herself onto the couch, tugging on his hand until he sat down as well. He lay down and enclosed his arms around her petite frame. She shivered and he reached over to pull the duvet higher and tucked it around her body ensuring no more heat escaped. There wasn't a single inch of their bodies that didn't touch. You're crossing the line here. Control yourself. Control. Yourself. She relaxed and he heard her sigh then felt heat rush across her body. He took a deep breath and shifted slightly to rest his chin on her shoulder. He became aware of her chest rose steadily up and down as sleep took over. Her arms still clutching his, he rested his mouth on a bare patch of her shoulder, gently pressing his lips into the warmth of her skin; something he had dreamed of doing since the first day he'd laid eyes on her. Streetlight streamed through the window illuminating her sleeping face and her wet curly hair. She looks so beautiful. He closed his eyes and started to drift off. As he did his tightened his hold on her, never wanting to let go.

Author's Note:

And the plot thickens...... Hope you enjoyed it! PLEASE REVIEW! Love to hear your thoughts! Seriously, I love the feedback I'm getting and everytime I read one I have this urge to write more knowing that so many of you guys like it! 3 You guys are freakin awesome!

Thank you for all the readers who left reviews!