Ominous Flame

Chapter 38

Author Notes: Time for drammaaaaaa. And can we talk about how long this story is?! Over 38 chapters...and counting. To think this was supposed to be a short series. I should just make that as part of my brand now lol.

3rd P.O.V

Koichi was a royal wreck, and he blamed his brother for it, one-hundred percent. Hours since their conversation and the poor teen's mind is just scrambled. "You alright man? I've been hearing you drop stuff and trip all day." And to make matters worse, Takuya noticed.

"F-fine! Ahem, i'm fine Takuya." Even blind and pretty much a mummy, his instincts and sense of hearing was able to paint a detailed image of just how much of a mess the warrior of the darkness was.

"Right...and I'm sure it has nothing to do with whatever your brother wanted to talk to you about last night." And on top of All that, there was no way for Koichi to avoid the conversation or distract himself from the bandaged, burning gaze.

Why? Because once more the group of friends split up to gather wood and more glowing moss for their next little campsite. A campsite that of course fell onto Takuya and Koichi's hands. Lady luck was deciding to be just as mean as Koji right now.

Despite what little humorous theories have formed over the last few months, not once has Koichi ever truly manipulated the straws in his favor. He was just as blind to the ways of partners as everyone else. And right now he really wished he actually tried to cheat because he was in utter turmoil.

"Er...no?" His friend snorts, completely amused because no matter how hard the warrior of darkness tried...he couldn't even try to lie. Let alone well enough to convince the injured teen. "Sure. Whatever you say." Still it seems there was some mercy to be found.

As the matter was dropped for a moment. The flustered younger twin spared from further humiliation as he find his impaired companion doing a few circles around the site. Using a stick that Neemon found for him to help him explore.

They wouldn't be staying here long, especially since they weren't sure if they were even going in the right direction. However, the last thing Takuya wanted or needed was to trip or accidently leave the little area they created.

Memorization and circling around is what prevented him from smashing head first into the fire pit yesterday, as well as gave him a bit of independence from people breathing down his neck trying to do things for him.

Couldn't stop him even if you wanted to now. So he was allowed to do what he pleased, with Koichi sighing as he rests his back against a tree. The others had left not too long ago and already he wished they would get here soon. If for nothing more than to distract him from his thoughts.

"You HAVE been getting closer."

"But you DO like him right?"

"Because...as much as the guy gets under my skin, he makes you happy right?"

"At least from where I stand he's been a good influence on you."

"If you like him-tell him. These days I can't tell if he's dense or hiding it, but-you both look happy together."

Was it really true? Does he actually like Takuya in that sense? Romantically? The pyro manipulator was a good friend. He was strong, caring, smart, protective, but he was also sneaky, a liar and smartass. Plus when he's pissed, he's also scary to be around, especially if that anger is aimed at you.

He had his flaws and his strengths, but all in all he was someone Koichi trusted and cared about very much...but does he love him? Immediately his cheeks start to burn at the idea. It's really all he's been thinking about, and he wants to deny it.

Last night he wanted to tell his brother that he was insane, or reading the situation completely wrong. But...that couldn't necessarily be an incorrect assumption. At least now that he thinks about it.

Koichi, despite his maturity and ability to be social and considerate, has never fallen in love or had a crush on somebody. Granted, there hasn't been a spark, or jolt of electricity running in his veins, or butterflies fluttering through his stomach...like what's expected when it comes to romance.

All those sickening romance dramas showed on tv or the books that go into details on those mushy lovey dovey feelings-he hasn't experienced any of that. Yet, whenever he thinks of his friend, he feels warm.

There's this sense of comfort and happiness to be found when he's with Takuya. When he joyfully smiles, he brightens the room he's in. And there have been so many times where his actions and words have made the next day worth waking up to.

After he had first obtained his beast spirit, Koichi was afraid. Afraid, ashamed, and despised himself for what he had done. He didn't feel like he deserved to be considered a hero if he harmed those he cared for.

But the one person he attacked was the one who didn't show any signs of fear towards him, or blamed him for losing control. Instead he offered a steady hand full of unwavering support and kindness. At the beach he put his shirt back on, knowing that Koichi still had not gotten over what happened.

And when...Takuya got into that fight with JP and Zoe, when he started closing himself off, it was hard to ignore the pain in his heart. It honestly hurt. Not being able to talk to him without fear of the fire elemental snapping at him. Not being able to offer any sort of reassurances or support-

Then...the most recent incident, Takuya's suicide attempt. The ravenette remembered those particular feelings loud and clear. Terrifying dread, like taking a cold bath, ice filled his entire being within a matter of seconds.

Seeing the injuries he sustained, that he caused himself because he was desperate and forced to make a last minute stand against Cherubimon...the memory plagues his dreams. Makes his heart pound erratically in his chest.

His eyes close as he desperately tries to will away those cruel images. But the phantom emotions from the past linger. Though it was true that he would've felt that way about any of his friends dealing with such circumstance, deep down he knows he wouldn't be this affected were it anyone else minus his brother.

Only confirming what he had been avoiding, ignoring. Takuya was in all matters, the perfect representation of fire. Warm and inviting, but dangerous to the touch if too close. And no matter how much Koichi didn't want to admit it, he couldn't stay away from the fire, from Takuya.

"Hey-what's up? You've been mumbling to yourself for the last five minutes now." Startled, dark blue eyes meet white bandages. "Hu-huh?" The stick in his possession gently tapping his shoe.

A frown was on his fellow hero's face. "Look. I don't know what's bothering you, but whatever it is chill out ok? If it's stressing you out, don't worry about it or let me lend an ear. Can't promise I'd be able to help. But...if I can I'll do whatever you need me to."

That was the wrong statement to make. "Takuya..." For a LOT of reasons. "Lay it on me." That blush was not going to be leaving anytime soon. "Er-um. I-I don't think-" However, before the conversation could go further, there's a snap of a twig.

Startling the both of them. Partly guilty, yet relieved Koichi rises from his position. "It must be Koji and the others." Maybe he'd have a bit more time to sort out his thoughts, maybe when everyone's sent to bed he can talk with his brother further on this.

Yet, as Koichi was about to walk towards the noise, to greet the others, a hand rests on his shoulder, keeping him in place. "?" Turning his head he takes note of Takuya's scowl and tense frame. "I don't recognize these steps."

With wide eyes, immediately, a sense of adrenaline courses through their veins as the steps grow louder. Koichi's hand reaching into his pocket while they come through the shadows. "Hey-yall~ Aren't the two of having fun. Mind if we join?" Light reveals evil, grinning faces.

"Thou seems upset. Something wrong?" This was the worst possible outcome. "It's payback time boys!" Mercurymon, Ranamon and Arbormon were here, and the only one capable of standing up against them was Koichi. Takuya's grip on his friend's shoulder tightened.

Making his shaking all the more eminent. There was nothing his could do to comfort his friend, still, he faced forward, staring right into their wicked gazes. "I'll be ok Takuya. Don't worry about me." Right now it was a battle of time and endurance.

He had no doubt that the moment the fight began there'd be a lot of noise, alerting their friends of what's happening. "There's no way I'm letting you fight alone against these guys Koichi. Give me my dagger." They'll come rushing over.

"You can't see Takuya. You're still injured." The two of them would just have to survive long enough for their fellow heroes to save the day. "I'm dead either way, but at least I'll be able to dish out some damage." Gritting his teeth, the ravenette hands the blade over his shoulder.

No matter how badly he wanted to argue, he knew he wouldn't be able to protect both of them, especially if these guys decided to somehow create distance and separate them. "Please don't do anything reckless or stupid." Regardless of his feelings on the argument, he would put his faith in the warrior of flames.

Not that he really had much choice in it. "Can't promise you anything, but I'll do my best. Let's make it out of this. Together." The time has come. "Execute- Beast Spirit evolution!"

To be continued

Author Notes: Muahahaha i interuppted lovey dovey time and I have NO shame whatsoever. And let me tell you, it's only going to get worse from here lol. But that is it for now. Thank you all for reading!

If you guys like this story, please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. This story has been a joy to write so seeing others like it alongside me really makes my day. But i'll see you guys next time. Tchao for now.