Silent Realization

Chapter Seven: Three Little Words

By KellyQ

I slowly opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was Kouichi's worried face. Next, I sat up and wrapped my arms around him, silently thanking the spirits that he was safe. Speaking of spirits, I looked around after hugging my brother, and my eyes fell on a figure. My heart skipped a beat to see that it was Takuya—He was back to normal.

As I crawled over to Takuya, Kouichi moved out of the way and looked down at his sleeping face. He looked like an angel sleeping peacefully, his hand on his chest and the other slightly stretched out.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Tomoki asked.

"We'll find out when he wakes up," Bokomon replied.

I could not help but smile down at Takuya. I wanted to scoop him up in my arms and hold him close. After a moment of still looking at him, I could not control it anymore; I scooped Takuya in my arms. I could feel his breath against my neck as I rested my face on his. His skin felt soft, and his hair felt like silk.

I opened my eyes when I felt eyes on me to see the others smiling. Junpei gave me the thumbs up, Tomoki smiled happily, and Izumi did her usual by squealing, saying we looked cute together. A sudden beeping interrupted our reunion from Tomoki's pocket. He pulled out his D-tector, and the screen flickered on …

"Children, are you alright?"

Lady Ophanimon?

"We're just fine, and Takuya's back to normal," Tomoki beamed as he told her.

"I'm proud of you," Lady Ophanimon began, "your love and friendship healed him..."

How did she know that I had a crush on Takuya? My thought was interrupted when Lady Ophanimon's deep voice came out of the D-tector again.

"You helped him see past Cherubimon's lies..."

"What did he say?" I said, trying not to let my anger take control of me.

"I'm sure he lied about many things, Kouji," my brother said, "Cherubimon lied to me that it was your fault for mom's pain..."

"He lied that no one loved me," came a muffled voice.

I looked down to see that Takuya was awake, but he looked upset. I chewed on my lower lip. I hope he was not mad at me.

"How are you feeling, child of fire?"

There was a short pause before Takuya answered.

"Why'd you save me?"

"Is that any way to thank your friends?" Izumi protested, glaring back at Takuya.

"Not that," he said, looking away, "I tried to take your spirits and hurt you..."

We all froze momentarily to realize that Takuya's voice was healed. He put his hand on his throat.

"I helped heal you..."

"I don't deserve any of it. Being forgiven..."

By now, he was chewing on his lower lip, which was starting to tremble.

"Everyone has a right to have a second chance," Lady Ophanimon said, "even to have a chance to make things right."

If I did not know any better, Lady Ophanimon smiled as she spoke. However, Takuya started crying. I pulled him close, rocking him back and forth.

"I forgive you," I said, feeling him shiver.

"Why," he whispered, "I tried to kill you..."

We were now gazing at each other. Tears of regret and pain were clearly shown on his face. I had to show him that I was not mad. I leaned close and kissed his forehead.

"Because I love you."

His expression changed from pain to joy. I smiled, feeling that my heart would melt, as he wrapped his arms around me.

"…Even love to start." Lady Ophanimon finished.

"H-how did-you know?" I stuttered as Takuya rested his head on my shoulder.

"Your spirits are close to one another, and I'm close to them..."

"Oh." I figured it out.

"Don't be afraid that I'm going to think it's wrong," Lady Ophanimon continued, "I'm glad that you two love each other."

"We all are."

I could not help but smile at the others as I held my Takuya close. I looked back down at him to see that he was sleeping. I pulled him closer and kissed him on the forehead. A smile formed on his lips as he opened his eyes and leaned closer, pressing his soft lips on mine.

I was initially shocked but deepened when I realized what he was doing. I was going to show him how much I cared. Make sure that he is loved, make sure that he is always protected, and make sure no one is out to hurt him. I will not let anyone break his pure heart full of love, kindness, and compassion.

The End