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dutchforstrangers · 3 years

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Digiweek day 3 - Music | Shades of red; a Taikoura fanfiction

Chapter 3/7. Candy cane red

Chapters [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

AN!: Yes, I wrote a Christmas fic in the middle of summer. So get cozy, place yourself in front of a random pine tree, put on an ugly Christmas sweater and get yourself some ‘glühwein’ and ‘kerstkransjes’. Happy readings!

Characters: Taichi Yagami (Hikari Yagami, Koushiro Izumi & Sora Takenouchi and other Adventure and 02 DigiDestineds in background) Genre: Romance, songfic (Chirstmas!) Rating: K Wordcount: 1.568

Song used: Wrapped in red - Kelly Clarkson

Art by Sanni @seventeenlovesthree

“Do we have to go?” Taichi sighed, slouching further into the couch. From where he sat he could see his baby sister rolling her eyes, simultaneously packing up the pie she made earlier today to bring to the party.

“Don’t be such an indifferent baby,” Hikari said, her eyes now directed to him. “It’ll be fun! I know you’re dying to see everyone together. Daisuke made some special ramen for us, Mimi-san spends this Christmas in Japan for the first time since three years, even Jyou-senpai and Iori-kun could take off from their busy work schedules.”

Hikari was right, he wanted to see everyone, especially together which was something very rare. Taichi tried to think back to the last time all of them were together, but it was hard. Meanwhile Hikari continued her enumeration, saying they should be prepared for Miyako and Ken showing off Miyako’s little baby bump. They would be the first ones to have a baby and Taichi suddenly felt old.

“Of course Sora-san and Koushiro-san will be there too.”

Taichi felt his face heating up hearing those names, immediately sitting up straight, his throat dry. Hikari’s suspicious gaze made Taichi feel even more uncomfortable as he swallowed trying to get back his cool.

“You forgot the blondes,” he quickly covered up his nervosity to which Hikari responded with nervosity of her own. Now they were even. However unlike Taichi, Hikari managed to keep her cool.

“I don’t have to mention them, because they obviously will be there as the party is hosted by Takeru.” her calm voice replied to him. “And of course he will drag Yamato-san with him just like I have to drag you with me. Kami, why do you two always have to be so stubborn and indifferent while both of you love to have the group complete?”

“No I love to have the group complete while Yamato just pretends to love it, when in reality he just wants to be alone with his guitar.” Taichi countered.

“You sure about that?” Though the counter was short lived. “Because Takeru told me he is bringing a girl. And you know, it’s Christmas... we’re at Takeru’s place... meaning there will be one or two mistletoes...” Hikari shyly smiled, a pink blush on her cheeks. Taichi sighed, standing up from the couch now having two good reasons to go to the party. One to see Yamato trying to act all cool but miserably failing being all nervous around the girl he would bring. And two to keep an eye on his sister, Takeru and the mentioned mistletoes.

Or maybe he had three reasons. After all, Sora and Koushiro would be there too…

Takeru’s Christmas party was a blast and Taichi had to admit he had a good time eating with everyone, catching up and seeing everyone all happy together. Not to mention that the booze was lifting up his mood. Also, luckily for him Takeru hadn’t decorated the place with mistletoes but instead everywhere were candy canes. The ricocheting light shining on the candy canes turning the room slightly red.

Taichi looked over to Sora and Koushiro who were in deep conversation with Mimi and Jyou. Their red colored hair fading because of the red shade filling up the room. Nonetheless they looked stunning to him, Koushiro dressed in a simple black trousers topped of with a forest green blouse and Sora in a stylish indigo colored cocktail dress. He dreamily smiled to himself enjoying the sight in front of him, the confusing romantic feelings he experienced during the past months coming all back to him at once. His heart speeding up by the thought of a possible confession.

He had thought about it for a while now, feeling like he had to confess his feelings someday. But it was complicated, he had no idea how to do it and, most important, he didn’t want to ruin his friendship with the both them. Besides, how did one confess his feelings towards two people at the same time? He could feel his head spin as he gathered all the courage inside of him.

Yamato interrupted his plans, taking a seat next to him. Not wanting or able to ignore him, Taichi shifted his attention from Koushiro and Sora to the blonde, giving Yamato a questioning look. Their friendship was either a stormy one or a quiet one and right now it leaned more towards the quiet friendship, because the only thing Yamato did was nodding a single nod in the direction of the improvised stage where his date picked up the microphone of the karaoke set.

Everyone in the room immediately grew quiet, just like Taichi had done, shifting their attention to the girl with the microphone. She told everyone she had played in a band, which didn’t surprise Taichi knowing Yamato’s type, and that she wanted to kick off the karaoke part of the night. He glanced over to Yamato -who looked a tad embarrassed- to gave him an approving nod. Making himself comfortable he leaned back in his chair, music accompanying the red light painting the room.

Everybody's happy Snow is falling down Prayers are being nicer Miracles all around

The girl’s voice sounded soft in comparison to Yamato’s more raw sound. It had something magical with the redness in the room. That thought made his gaze drift off to his two favorite redheads once more.

From afar I've loved you But never let it show And every year another December comes and goes

A warm smile escaped Taichi’s lips upon looking at them. Kami, they looked gorgeous and so incredibly happy. He had looked at them for quite some years, but recently those looks felt more like deep stares. Or maybe those stares had always been there and he wasn’t sure anymore. Thinking back to it, how long did he have these feelings now? It was hard to remember as those feelings felt both confusing and strangely familiar for so long all the same. Because, well, he had to admit to himself that over and over again he was mesmerized by their appearances. Even after all these years. The way they looked, the way they smiled, the way they talked…

Always watching Never reaching

He had always watched them. Always. He knew them from the inside out. Thing was that they didn’t know him, or at least not the way he felt now. And to be honest, he had no idea how to exactly reach them about this matter. He never had been able to. Never.

Blue is where I've been Green can't buy me you Silver bells remind me That mistletoe's for two

Taichi looked to his left where Yamato was. His mouth was curled into a proud smile while his eyes were closed, deeply listening to his date’s singing. Then Taichi looked over to Mimi who was supportively and excitingly clapping for Yamato’s date like a little kid. His eyes then shifted to Jyou who’s foot was attempting at tapping along the beat of the music, a serene smile on his face. Of course his eyes then fell onto Koushiro and Sora sitting side by side. He whispering something in her ear. She laughing to whatever he had said to her.

The realization hit him there that they were already with two. Sure, as far as Taichi knew they weren’t a couple or a thing or each other’s date. But he couldn’t just interfere telling he loved them both, right? Besides, a romantic relationship existed of a maximum of two people.

So I found a color That only tells the truth That paints a picture Of how I feel for you

They were messing with him. It was messing with his head. He was messing with himself. The confusion in his body and mind only grew bigger and Taichi could feel himself slip. He had to tell them. For all he knew he had to. But how? Or when? Where? Who? Who…

I'll never feel you If I don't tell you

All he knew was that he had to confess and that tonight could be his chance. Having no clue where it would lead him. Lead them.

But this Christmas I'm gonna risk it all

But Taichi had to risk it all.

This Christmas I'm not afraid to fall

He could fall deep. And if so, he could still count on them to catch him. Right…?

So I'm at your door with nothing more than words I've never said

What were words anyway? It was all it took, words. It would be best to just tell them the things he had been afraid to tell them. He had been afraid to confess.

In all this white, you'll see me like you've never seen me yet

It would definitely place him in a new light. Though suddenly he wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad light. A bright and shiny one or a cold and darker one. He didn’t want to seem desperate. It had to be sweet love, like the red of the candy canes all across the room.

Wrapped in red

But what if it turned out to be the bitter red of fury and he would destruct their bond like a raging fire… He could feel his courage fading, a dark shade of doubt replacing all the shades of red he cherished and loved so dearly.

#digiweek2021 #digimon fanfiction by me #digimon #taikoura #taichi yagami #taishirora #tai kamiya #koushiro izumi #sora takenouchi #hikari yagami #izzy izumi #kari kamiya #digiweek day 3 #music #songfic #shades of red #candy cane red

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jokessho · 6 years

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[Update]: Seven Plus One Chapter 4

Woop! Sorry it took a bit longer to edit, but I had to go back and re-read the previous chapters to make sure I wasn’t contradicting myself. I wasn’t :)

This one’s a bit shorter, but there’s a bit more going on and some “new” characters.

FFN

AO3

“So how was shopping?” Sora asked as she settled for dinner onto the floor between Mimi and Meiko.

The teenage boys, sitting across from her, looked at each other with mirth in their eyes and smirks on their faces. Meiko, recalling the same trip, rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly, though a smile played at her lips.

“It was good.” Hikari answered, sitting by the window with Koushiro. “Yamato got clothes—we got some new ones, too, for winter. And me and Koushiro got school supplies for when Yamato starts teaching us.” She grinned over at Yamato, who smiled back.

“That’s good.” Sora smiled at her and then returned to her meal.

“So you got your key?” Jou asked the blond sitting next to him.

Everyone except Sora and Jou froze, some with food halfway to their mouths. Meiko, Taichi, and Yamato exchanged wide-eyed stares.

“I told you to remind me!” Taichi yelled at Yamato.

“And I told you I would if I remembered to!” Yamato retaliated.

“How did we all manage to forget?” Meiko groaned.

“Well, Taichi’s always irresponsible, so that’s explained.” Hikari chimed in, sticking her tongue out at her brother.

“Not like you were responsible and remembered.” Taichi stuck his tongue out at her, too.

Jou let out a large breath, pushing his glasses up before rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Maybe take a shopping list next time?”

“Nah.” Taichi waved the suggestion off. “It’s more fun without.”

“But a list would make shopping more economical.” Jou rebutted. “Winter will be upon us soon, so we need to start saving elsewhere, so that we can afford heating.”

“Not to mention we won’t be able to grow our own vegetables anymore.” Sora added, thinking of their small vegetable patch in the backyard.

“Oh, that reminds me.” Meiko said, turning to Sora. “One of Mimi and my colleagues was talking about getting rid of her small greenhouse and I told her that we could take it. I spoke to Mimi and she’s up for keeping vegetables going throughout the winter.”

Sora perked up. “Really?” Meiko nodded and Sora and Jou exchanged smiles.

“How are we getting it here, though?” Jou asked between bites.

“She said her husband could bring it here with his trailer. They don’t even want any money for it—they just want to get rid of it.”

“That sounds really good.” Sora said softly.

“So, wait.” Yamato said, looking from Meiko to Sora. “Mimi’s ‘up for keeping vegetables going’? Mimi takes care of the gardening?”

“Yes.” Sora answered simply.

“Oh.” Yamato looked down at his nearly empty plate and bit his lip. “I thought you took care of it, what with your background and all…”

Sora tilted her head, smiling kindly. “Well, it’s not like I don’t know how to, but Mimi loves gardening.” Sora let out a laugh. “Surprisingly, she enjoys getting her hands dirty.”

“She loves all plants.” Meiko added with an affectionate look on her face. “She talks to them and pets them and tells them all that they’re pretty. You should go with her one day; it’s a whole new side of her.”

-o-o-o-

“Ugh, I can’t believe the amount of homework I got for maths!” A purple-haired girl with large round glasses complained, whilst taking a seat in the school cafeteria. “I have afterschool activities, too!”

Yamato smiled, already seated at his small group’s usual table. He was in a different class from his two best friends, but at least they still had lunch together.

“It’s just busy-work, though, isn’t it?” He tried to console. “It won’t take you that long to answer all the questions, Miyako.”

“Unlike me.” Joined in a male voice. “I’m not as clever as her—or you—so it’ll take me forever to get through all the problems.”

The male took a seat next to Yamato, across from Miyako, and dug into his food immediately.

Miyako made a face. “Geeze, Daisuke, calm down, we have plenty of time to eat.”

“No time.” Daisuke informed between quick bites. “I need to get started on this homework if I want to have it done by tomorrow’s class.”

“Why can’t you just do it at home?” Yamato asked, chewing his food thoroughly.

“Can’t.” Daisuke said.

Yamato and Miyako exchanged amused looks.

“Yes,” Miyako emphasised. “We gathered as much, but why? You need to elaborate.”

A smile graced Yamato’s face for a second, upon recalling Taichi always telling him the same.

“What?” Daisuke’s tone held a teasing amusement.

With a slight delay, Yamato realised that Daisuke’s question was aimed at him. “What ‘what’?”

Daisuke’s brown eyes held a mischievous glint. “What’s that smile for? Something you’d like to share, hm?”

Yamato felt his face heat up. “What are you talking about?”

“That smile.” Daisuke repeated. “Looked like you were thinking of something nice—or someone.”

“Ooh.” Miyako chimed in. “Does our little ‘Mato have a crush on someone?” Miyako’s long hair whisked around as she scanned their surroundings. “Did she just walk in or something?”

“No.” Yamato stated firmly. “There is no one and Daisuke’s just making stuff up. Again. He’s just avoiding the real question.” Yamato’s tone changed to a teasing one. “Maybe he has a date tonight, which is why he doesn’t have time to do his homework at home.”

“Ooh!” Miyako, eyes ablaze, turned to Daisuke. “Is that it? Spill the beans!”

“What?!” Daisuke pushed backwards in his chair, as if putting himself further from Miyako physically would deter the girl. “There’s nothing like that going on!” He flicked some of his rice at Miyako when she opened her mouth. “I just have a video game going that I want to beat. I had to stop last night because my mum yelled at me to go to sleep, but I’m so close to finishing! I just need a few more hours and then I’ll be done.”

“A video game? Really?” Yamato slumped back in his chair. “Hasn’t anyone ever taught you to prioritise?”

“Yes and that’s why I tried to eat fast, so I could start on the homework and at least get part of it done before going home. But you guys held me up.”

Miyoko gave him a flat look. “So you have no intention of doing any of the work at home?”

“Nope.” Daisuke said, finishing off his lunch and pushing his tray aside. He pulled out his math book and a battered notebook, opening both. “I’ll try to get some done in literature in the afternoon, too.”

Yamato rolled his eyes, mumbling: “Whatever.”

The table was quiet for a few minutes, Daisuke working on his homework and Miyako and Yamato eating at a moderate pace.

“Say,” Daisuke started, chewing on the end of his pencil and looking at Yamato. “We haven’t really hung out together in a really long time. We should do something after school today or tomorrow or sometime this week. It’s been almost a year since we’ve really hung out together. Let’s go for ice cream or coffee or something after school today.”

“Am I not invited?” Miyako asked from across the table, looking insulted, though both males knew she wasn’t.

“No.” Daisuke said, sticking out his tongue at her. “So how about it, ‘Mato?”

“Ah, I can’t really hang out today. Maybe some other day? And you have a video game to get to, anyway.”

“Hey! You just told me off for not prioritising. Well, now I’m prioritising you over my video game, so you should appreciate that.”

Miyako smirked. “Instead you’re getting rejected.”

Daisuke threw his pencil at the girl. “Shut up.”

Yamato chuckled at his friends’ antics, taking another bite of his food.

“Besides—and give me my pencil back—I wasn’t rejected; I was just moved to a later day. Right, Yamato?”

“Yeah, we’ll see.”

“Ree-jec-teed.” Miyako sing-sang.

“Ugh.” Daisuke complained. “I ran out of things to throw at you. You never returned my pencil.”

“Sucks to be you.”

“Just give it back, Miyako. I need it to finish my work.”

“Is this the only pencil you have?” Miyako twirled the pencil in her hands, inspecting it. “Ew!” She threw it at Daisuke. “You’ve been chewing on it—gross!”

Daisuke smirked, returning to his work.

-o-

“Yamato!”

Yamato groaned lightly. He had easily managed to avoid Daisuke after lunch, as they were in separate classes. But now the energetic teen was running down the hallways, calling Yamato’s name.

Daisuke landed heavily on Yamato’s back, almost knocking both of them to the floor on their faces.

“Watch it.” Yamato complained, shrugging his shoulders a few times to try and dislodge the other male.

“Did you think you could escape from me that easily?” Daisuke asked cheekily, still draped over Yamato’s back.

“I did hope.” Was Yamato’s mumbled reply.

“Oh, why must you hurt me so?” Daisuke lamented loudly, attracting the attention of a few other students still in the hallway. Thankfully, though, he had removed himself from Yamato’s back. “So you coming round to mine today or should we head to yours? Or just hang out somewhere else for the rest of the afternoon?”

Yamato’s eyes fell to the floor as he started towards the main doors again. “I don’t think I’ll be able to make it today… Or for a while. Sorry, Daisuke.”

Daisuke’s frown turned more into a squint as the pair walked out into the sunshine. “We used to hang out all the time, you know—”

“I know, but things are different; so much has changed in the past few months…”

“Look,” Daisuke paused in his steps, making Yamato, next to him, stop as well. “I know you just lost your dad and are feeling down about it, but that’s no reason to stop spending time with your friends. You need to start looking on the bright side of things again.” Daisuke turned his whole body towards Yamato and took both the blonds hands into his. “You need to allow yourself to be happy again.”

The two stared at each other for a minute before Yamato gently pulled his hands away and continued walking. “I’m not unhappy, Daisuke. In fact,” Yamato thought about his current situation. “I’m actually quite happy with how things are now. Yes, it still hurts, but I’m moving on and—”

Taichi.

Mimi. Sora.

Meiko.

Jou.

Koushiro. Hikari.

He was meeting new people and starting to be glad of his decision to take the vocational route. Once upon a time, he had dreamt of going further with his education, maybe even achieving the title of ‘Doctor’ before he turned 30.

But right now, he just wanted to help his new friends. He wanted to give back to the people who had helped him at his lowest point.

Right now, he just wanted to see Hikari and Koushiro through their high school education, so that they could have better lives. Four or five years would be all it would take. Right now, Yamato was more than willing to invest his time into helping the others.

Hell, he could always continue his education a few years down the line, if he still wanted that. In fact, at a few years older, he would know better what he wants to do with his life.

“Yamato!”

Yamato started, snapping out of his thoughts. He turned, annoyed, to face Daisuke. “What?”

“You back?” Daisuke’s eyes held such concern that Yamato’s annoyance deflated.

“Yeah, let’s keep walking.”

Daisuke didn’t move.

“What’s up?”

“Are you planning on walking home? Don’t you live with your mum now and doesn’t she live really far away? I thought you took a bus or something in the mornings.”

Yamato’s eyes widened briefly, before he pulled his face into neutral. “Yeah, but I can take a bus from somewhere around your place. I thought that, since we can’t hang out, I can at least walk you home.”

Daisuke grinned and took a few running steps to catch up. “Yes!” He threw an arm around Yamato’s shoulders. “Thanks man.” Daisuke gave a long squeeze. “I really have missed spending time with you.”

“Yeah…” Yamato mumbled. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it; I know you’ve had it rough.” Daisuke assured with another squeeze and an easy smile. Though in the blink of an eye, the arm as well as the mood dropped. “I just wish you’d rely on me a bit more. I want to help, but I can’t unless you tell me things and trust me to be able to help.”

Yamato cringed at the pang he felt in his heart. “I’m sorry, Daisuke. I do trust you, but I just…” Yamato fished around for the right words, eventually going with: “See? I don’t even know what to say now.” He shook his head, eyes on the ground. “I’m just no good with words or sharing my thoughts or feelings.”

Daisuke reached over to grab Yamato’s hand, making the blond look up into reassuring coffee-coloured eyes. “I know.”

-o-

Yamato let out a deep breath as he rang the bell of his new home.

“You’re back later than usual.” Hikari commented upon opening the door and walking backwards a few paces.

“That’s cause he was hanging out with his boyfriend after school.” Taichi announced, walking up behind Hikari, grinning from ear to ear.

Redness rushed up to Yamato’s face as he dropped his head to toe off his shoes. “What on Earth are you talking about? I wasn’t and I don’t even have a boyfriend.”

Taichi kept the grin on his face as he watched Yamato. Hikari rolled her eyes, already growing tired of the conversation and moved back into the living room to do some school work.

“If that wasn’t your boyfriend, then who was it, huh? You two were awfully close and touchy to not be dating.”

Yamato shoved past Taichi and into the living room, a frown on his face. “What were you doing spying on me?”

“I wasn’t.” Was Taichi’s easy reply. “I was walking past the school and thought that we could walk home together, but you already had company—very good company, by the look of things.”

“Would you just stop that?” Yamato snapped, turning sharply, toe to toe with Taichi. “He’s a friend and that’s it.” Then Yamato turned back towards the living room and his voice took on a more gentle tone. “How are you getting on with your work, Hikari? And where’s Koushiro?”

“Alright. This level is something I can do, though some problems need a bit more time. Koushiro finished ages ago, so he’s in our room.”

“Hm.” Yamato kneeled on the floor, facing Hikari, and started looking over Koushiro’s abandoned work. “These are very detailed…”

“He has a very analytical mind.”

“Clearly.” Yamato affirmed Hikari’s statement. “I can only get him so far and then we’ll need outside help… And Taichi stop pestering me!”

Taichi jumped back from where he had been looking at the papers over Yamato’s shoulder.

“What?” Taichi protested. “I was just checking on Koushiro’s work.”

Yamato’s eyes narrowed. “No you weren’t.”

Taichi smirked. “What was I doing then?”

“Well, I don’t know, but I know that checking Koushiro’s work wasn’t it.”

Taichi crossed his arms over his chest, eyes on the kneeling Yamato. “So what you’re saying is that your other friend can be really close to you, bu—”

“Didn’t I tell you to drop it?!” Yamato snapped to his feet, marching into the kitchen. “I’m going to start cooking. Hikari, bring me your work when you’re done and we can go over the parts you struggled with. And Taichi, don’t follow me.”

Taichi, who had just been slinking towards the kitchen, deflated, letting his posture sag. “You’re no fun.” He called out, sticking his tongue out towards the kitchen, even though he knew Yamato couldn’t see him. His eyes flew down to his little sister, who’s face held a contemplative look. “What?”

Hikari just rolled her eyes and returned to her work.

-o-

“Did anything interesting happen to anyone today?” Mimi asked when most of the ‘family’ were seated around the coffee table; only Jou, Sora, and Meiko were at work. Monday was Mimi’s only day off.

“Not really.” Hikari said around a mouthful of food. “Though me and Koushiro are starting our homeschooling properly tomorrow. We did some exercises to establish our level and now Yamato knows where to start.”

“That sounds great!” Mimi said with a broad smile, genuinely glad that the young girl would have the chance to get proper education.

“I saw Yamato’s boyfriend.” Taichi butted in, throwing a grin Yamato’s way.

“He’s not my boyfriend!” Yamato bristled, grip tightening around his fork.

“Chill.” Mimi grinned. “It’s not like we’re homophobic or anything.”

“It’s not…” Yamato started, though he wasn’t sure how to explain the situation.

Mimi seemed to have come up with something else already. A grin formed on her face. “Ooh! So you two had something going in the past, but are no longer together, but you might want to be?”

“No, not that either…”

“You’re not gay.” Taichi stated neutrally. “That’s okay, too. It’s not like it matters at all which way you swing. I’m also straight.”

Mimi nodded in affirmation and Taichi grinned, but Yamato had difficulty swallowing around a sudden lump in his throat. He didn’t know why. Maybe because he had never really thought about his sexuality before and he was nervous about labelling himself? Though that didn’t sound right…

“Yamato?”

Yamato started at Mimi’s gently inquiry. “Sorry.” He looked down at his half-empty plat, trying to find the words. “I’m just…” He paused again, shrugging a shoulder, and shoving a forkful of food into his mouth. He took his time chewing, whilst everyone waited in silence, eating their own meal. “I just don’t really like labelling myself—or anyone else for that matter.” He shrugged again. “I just like who I like and that’s it.”

Hikari smiled encouragingly whist her brother nodded.

Mimi grinned mischievously. “So you just like this guy. No labels attached, just attraction.”

Taichi gave a bark of laugh and Yamato’s face reddened.

“It’s not like that. I don’t actually like him. Not romantically.”

“Oh.” Mimi seemed disappointed, though she quickly put a smile on her face. “Anyone you do like, then?”

“Mimi!” Hikari scolded, though she was fighting to keep a smile off her face.

“What?” Mimi shifted her gaze to the younger girl. “It’s been ages since we’ve had fresh love affairs around this place. No woman in their right mind wants Taichi, and most others are taken. You and Koushiro are too young for romance.”

Hikari stuck out her tongue. “No where’s not.”

“Oh?” Mimi had a sly look on her face. “Are you interested in someone? You haven’t mentioned this before.”

“She’s not.” Taichi butted in, sending a quick glare at Hikari.

“Oh?” Hikari shot back. “And what would you do about it if I was interested in someone?”

Taichi straightened his back, pulling on an aura of authority. “There is absolutely nothing I could do about it, as a matter of fact.”

Everyone laughed before settling back to their meals. The silence lasted for a few minutes before Mimi’s eyes found Yamato again.

“You never answered my question.” She smirked at the blond.

Yamato nearly choked on his food, having thought that he’d gotten off the hook. “What question was that?”

“Who do you like?”

“No one.” Yamato’s reply was firm and he was quite sure he wasn’t lying.

-o-o-o-

“Yamato.”

Surprised, Yamato stopped and turned, waiting for Miyako to catch up to him in front of the school.

“What’s up?” Yamato asked, playing it cool, though he was slightly tense, annoyed that he was being—yet again—harassed by one of his friends after school. Daisuke had soccer practice, so he had been easy to get rid of, but it seemed Miyako had taken his position.

“Not much. I was just wondering whether you’re really okay, you know? I know you keep telling us that you are, but you seem kinda different and, like, off. And you know that you can always talk to me and Daisuke and not have to worry about what we think and stuff, yeah?” Miyako tone was soft, which was rare for the normally exuberant girl. Mind you, she was a caring friend, but it rarely showed in the way she spoke.

The defensiveness fell from Yamato’s demeanour and a small smile graced his lips. “I know, Miyako, I know. And thanks.” Yamato’s eyes fell to his shoes as he scuffed his toes against the ground. “I know I’ve been a bit different, but with everything that happened… And I’m still trying to get used to my new life.”

“Yeah…” Miyako said sympathetically.

Blue eyes met light brown and Yamato smiled. “I’m getting better.”

Miyako returned the smile with a broad one, eyes squeezing shut. “That’s good to hear!” Miyako’s manner softened again as she turned, throwing over her shoulder: “Well, if you’re getting better on your own, then I’ll be off.” She managed two semi-running steps before halting. “Isn’t that your brother?”

Yamato’s widened eyes followed Miyako’s pointing finger. A lanky blond stood by the school gates, shifting awkwardly.

“Shit.” Yamato mumbled.

“Huh?” Miyako’s hair flicked across her face as her head snapped to face Yamato. “Um, why? I thought you two got along well.”

“Oh.” Yamato’s eyes widened even more as he realised his mistake. “Uh, it’s just that I kind of forgot that we were supposed to be doing something today.” Yamato put a sheepish look on his face. “I just can’t believe I forgot something like that.”

“I can’t believe it either.” Miyako frowned. Then her face brightened in a smile. “At least that’s what I would have said months ago. These days, though…” Her eyes twinkled in jest.

“Hey.” Yamato gave her a shove, then blanched as he realised that Takeru had spotted the elder blond. “Well…” Yamato hedged, staring at his feet. “I guess we should get going, huh?”

Miyako nodded and bounced off with a wave. Thankfully, she had left in the opposite direction, towards the back gates. Yamato was tempted to follow her. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets and started marching, head down, towards the gates.

“Yamato—” Takeru started, hand reaching out to his brother’s shoulder, but never contacting as Yamato jerked away.

Yamato continued walking and Takeru watched him for a few steps before catching up.

“Yamato.”

Takeru didn’t seem to know what he was supposed to say, if the repetition of Yamato’s name was any indication. The younger probably hadn’t planned this meeting or had not expected to actually run into Yamato.

The two continued to walk in silence, in the opposite direction to Yamato’s new home.

“Yamato…”

Yamato turned them down a quiet alley, stopping halfway down and turning to Takeru. He crossed his arms over his chest, fixing the younger with a piercing look. “Whatever it is you want, forget it.”

“Yamato...”

Yamato waited, but it seemed his earlier suspicions had been confirmed: Takeru had not planned this encounter.

Letting his hands drop to his sides and releasing a long breath, Yamato half-turned. “If that was all, then please go home. I’ll see you to the bus stop—”

“No.” Takeru had apparently found his tongue and, thus, his extended vocabulary. “I’m not leaving until you tell me why you did.”

The brothers stared at each other for a few minutes in silence.

Yamato closed his eyes and turned to face Takeru, looking defeated. “I left because I don’t want to be somewhere I’m not welcome. And she doesn’t want me there.”

“That’s not true!”

“Yes it is.”

Takeru opened his mouth again, but Yamato gave him a meaningful look.

“Takeru, you know she hates me. You were there when she realised I wasn’t coming back. I bet she was thrilled.”

Takeru bit his lip.

“She was, wasn’t she? Did she throw a party when she realised she would never have to see me again? When she realised she was finally rid of the biggest mistake of her life?”

“Yamato… Stop.”

Yamato’s eyes narrowed. “She never wanted me, you know. Not when I was born and especially not after dad…” Yamato trailed off, still not ready to speak of his father’s fate.

“I’m sure she loved you when you were born. You were her firstborn…” Takeru didn’t sound too sure.

“Do you know why dad was such a workaholic?”

Takeru shook his head, slightly surprised at the turn of the conversation.

“It’s because he had to take time off work when I was born so that he could look after me.” Yamato’s tone was harsh as he recalled what he’d been told about the first years of his life. “She didn’t want anything to do with me—she kept working. Dad had gone to his boss to ask to work from home, but he was given paid time off instead. I was put into daycare when I turned two so dad could return to work and he felt like he owed his boss for the year he got off and that’s why he worked so hard for the rest of his life. She didn’t want anything to do with me.”

Takeru bit his lip, looking at his feet. He knew his mother had taken care of him, working from home and even taking some unpaid days off, just to care for Takeru. It had never crossed his mind that his elder brother never gotten the same treatment.

“Come on.” Yamato’s tone returned to neutral. “Let’s go before you worry her.”

Takeru hung his head, dragging his feet as he followed his brother. He didn’t know what to say or do; he hadn’t known what to say since seeing Yamato after so long. Now he just didn’t know what to do with the information he had received.

“Here.”

Takeru started at Yamato’s voice. They were at a bus stop. He looked at his brother, who refused to look back.

A minute later, Takeru boarded a bus without saying a word.

Yamato watched the bus leave, standing on the curb well after it was out of sight.

“Who was that?”

The voice startled Yamato so badly he actually jumped a few inches, then turned sharply, eyes narrow.

Yamato worked his face and tone into neutral: “Taichi.”

Taichi cocked his head, inspecting the blond. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you by just appearing... Who was that kid?”

Yamato’s eyes shifted quickly from the road the bus had been on, back to Taichi. He frowned. “No one.” He shoved his hands into his pockets again, much like he had not an hour ago when he had ignored Takeru.

He started walking off, still not moving towards his current home—their home.

Taichi caught up, casually putting his hands into his pockets. “Looked a bit like you. Brother? Cousin?”

“I said: no one.”

“Most people are someone.” Taichi didn’t seem deterred by Yamato’s rudeness and clear avoidance of the subject. “I bet it was your brother wanting you to go back home.”

Yamato made a sharp right turn, not speaking.

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

Still Yamato didn’t speak, marching ahead.

“Why not just admit that I’m right?”

“…shut up.”

Taichi followed as Yamato made another turn—this time left—into a more crowded street.

“Do you miss home?”

“Just shut up.”

“It’s okay if you do.”

“Shut. Up.”

Taichi quirked an eyebrow at Yamato, but then his face relaxed again as his eyes returned to the street and people ahead.

“I would miss Hikari if we were separated. That’s why I was adamant about us being adopted together or not at all. Ended up being ‘not at all’ what with Koushiro. Would have been nice, though, if even one of us had gotten a loving family. Maybe it was selfish of me to want to stick together, but what’s done is done. None of the three of us can go back.” Taichi paused. “You could.”

Yamato picked up his pace, shoulders moving closer to his ears.

“I know you hate your mother, but your brother seems to at least care about you. I mean, he did come out of his way to find you and you two don’t seem to go to the same school, so it must have taken a lot of effort to meet you. I’d understand if you want to go back with him.”

Yamato stopped moving. A few passersby bumped into him, mumbling something that sounded like apologies.

“What?” Taichi asked. He, too, stopped a few paces in front of Yamato. “Do you want to?” Taichi’s tone held some sadness, but then he worked his mouth into a smile. “I’ll miss you, but you probably miss your brother, so if you want to go back to take care of him, then you should.” Taichi dropped his gaze to the ground, his tone sombre: “You don’t owe us anything, if that’s what’s keeping you from going back…”

“I don’t—” Yamato started saying before he burst into a sprint.

Taichi’s head snapped up and he stood stunned for a few seconds, but then he rushed into the crowd in the same direction Yamato had run off. It shouldn’t be hard to spot a blond in the mass of dark-haired people, right?

Right…?

After half an hour of searching, Taichi had to admit that he had been wrong. He had no idea where Yamato had gone or how he had managed to disappear like that.

#fic #fic update #seven plus one #own fic

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