Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Absolutions ❯ Friendship Sucks ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: I don't own digimon.

Author's notes: Believe it or not…I have not died…I've just been taking an extended holiday…yeah.

And I've gone over and over the whole Yamato and Daisuke scene a hundred and one times. I still don't really like it…but it's as good as I'm going to get it, and I can live with that. ^_^

Absolutions

Friendship Sucks!!

"If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?"

~ Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. " ~ Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Now this was familiar. He had definitely been here before. But when? And where was here? He felt as if all he had to do was close his eyes and it would come to him, but failed each time he tried. Maybe he only believed he had been here before. "No, no, I remember it all too well," he thought, kneeling down to run his hand along the pebbles and through the still wet grass. It had rained recently, or…

"That's it!" he thought, standing back up to look around him. He had been here before, but it had been so very misty he could barely see. But that had been a dream, right? Did that mean that this too was a dream? How could a dream seem so real? This had to be some reality remembered in a dream.

This place was beautiful, truly, but there was something odd about it. Something he could not place his fingers on just yet. Perhaps there were some small differences in the trees, or was it the flowers? Something was telling him this was not Japan, or the digital world for that matter. He started up the narrow pathway, having remembered the way he traveled before.

It did not take long for him to reach the crest of the hill. He listened carefully, trying to hear the waves from his dreams. Sure enough, there they were. His eyes followed the path all the way down to the point where it was abruptly cut off by the cliff. "Yes, I remember," he thought to himself, "I couldn't see. I couldn't see through all the fog. But maybe now that the fog is gone…" He could not deny the way his pulse quickened at the thought. Now he had a chance. It was foolish to have tried before. Who could have seen all the way down the face of a cliff when they could not even see their own hand in front of their face?

It was only as he began to hurry towards the edge of the cliff that he noticed the man. This man stood a few paces to the left of the path, wearing could best be described as a brown derby, the rest of his clothes matching the distinctive style, to give a picture not unlike what could be found in any classic story book. He briefly wondered if the man had been there before, then decided that that was most likely true. After all, he had walked much closer to that tree the last time, failing to notice it in the heavy fog. He stepped closer to the man, calling out greetings in as many ways as he knew how, all failing to elicit a response.

"Are you real?" he asked, coming close enough to poke at the man's arm, "Or are you just another figment of my imagination. Come on; let me have a look-see. Perhaps I know you." He pulled on the man's arm, trying to get him to turn and look towards him but failing to produce any results. The man just continued to stare out over the cliff.

"Fine you stay there and I'll move," he joked, moving to stand in front of the man, "Don't mind me. I'll only be blocking your view for a second, promise." He gasped, shocked at the strange form before him.

He could see nothing of the face, no expression, but he could feel the man's unhappiness. It seemed to come at him full force, as if everything that could hide it had been removed. He continued to stare at the blank face trying to draw something, anything into focus. But it was not out of focus; it simply was not there. He turned his own eyes away, back towards the cliff, nearly missing the flash of color that appeared momentarily on the man's face.

"What was that? Do you have blue eyes?" he thought, just before voicing the same questions aloud. "What a silly idea," he mocked himself when the man offered no reply. How could a man with no eyes have an eye color? For that matter, how could a man with no mouth reply?

He stepped away from the man and back onto the path, refusing to admit even to himself that the image frightened him. He scurried the few feet remaining to his original destination. The path did indeed end sharply. He looked around for something he could cling to, his eyes landing on the knotted tree with a dirty look. "I definitely remember you." Maybe that's what the dream was--a warning. Don't trust trees.

Deciding to forgo the tree, he got down on his knees, carefully leaning out over the face of the cliff before giving a disappointed groan. The mist may have receded from the top of the cliff but it still clung tightly down below. He hung one arm down; swiping at the fog as if the slight breeze he created would cause it to dissolve. Childish to be sure, but something his was willing to try. Not surprisingly, it did not work. He sighed, pulling back for a second to sit on his heels and think. He failed to notice the little sounds of the cliff crumbling until they became a roar, muting the crash of the waves, as the ground supporting him caved forward and he began to fall.

He was surprised to see that the man had rushed to the side of the cliff, holding out a hand that he had no hope of reaching as he continued to fall further and further away. He gave a bitter little chuckle. Sure now, he won't come when I call, only when I don't. But still…

Give the man an A for effort.

He followed the man's movements until the mist obliterated his view.

No, on second thought, screw it. Failure is failure.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Daisuke jumped, impulsively slapping at the top of his alarm as it jerked him out of his sleep, before scrambling to find his class schedule. Today is…today is… He grabbed his watch from the bedside table to check the date…Sunday. Today is Sunday. Then why did I set my alarm? Daisuke fell back on to his bed with a thump.

"Daisuke? Are you awake?" Takeru's voice chased away the hopes for any more sleep on this particular morning. He walked in a second later with out so much as a knock. "Daisuke? I heard you alarm go off…"

"I'm awake," Daisuke grunted, not failing to pick up the worried tone in Takeru's voice, "What's going on?"

"Nothing." The veracity of Takeru's short statement was belied not a full second later by a deep sigh. "Yamato didn't come home last night."

"He made up with Taichi," Daisuke shrugged, "He's probably at their place."

"I know. I just worry. The least he could do is call."

"So you can give him a hard time?" Daisuke flinched at Takeru's hurt look, sitting up give his friend a light hug. "Look. It's only…" Daisuke glanced towards his alarm, "9:03. He probably isn't even awake yet."

"Yeah…" Takeru still did not seem satisfied with that answer. It was difficult seeing the normally bright eyed and bushy tailed Takeru so down. Daisuke smiled, swinging his legs out of bed as he had a second thought. There was one thing he knew that would always cheer Takeru up.

"Come on. Since I'm awake, I might as well fix a real breakfast. All that cereal you eat can't be healthy." Food. The common cure-all. Daisuke laughed a bit at the way Takeru's face instantly brightened.

"Thanks, Daisuke."

"No problem. But next time? Knock. For all you knew, I could have been having mind-blowing sex."

"Nah," Takeru brushed off his statement with little concern, "Yamato never puts out on the first date."

+++++++++++

Daisuke was proud of himself. He only burnt Takeru's eggs a little for that Yamato remark, and completely by accident, of course. Meanwhile Takeru had filled his time by setting the table and pouring them both some apple juice. Daisuke was just beginning to scrape the first set of eggs on a plate as the phone rang.

"Moshimoshi," Takeru answered with out giving either of their names. At least it wasn't that horrible pun. "Oh hi Yamato. No we weren't worried. You're a big boy after all." Daisuke had to fight to hold back his snort, focusing instead on cracking the next set of eggs into the waiting pan.

"Sure. When? This afternoon?" Takeru continued, "No…It's okay. I just won't be here. … Yeah, I could have sworn I told you. … Must have been Daisuke. … Okay. … No, of course I'm not upset. I trust you to make your own decisions. … No. I am being serious. Daisuke--" Takeru kicked the cabinet door to draw his attention. "Daisuke. Tell Yamato how happy I am that he and Taichi have worked things out," he asked, far to pleasantly and with a sort of do-it-or-die grimace on his face. Takeru held the phone out towards Daisuke so that Yamato could hear his answer.

"Yeah, happy," Daisuke agreed, then shooting a smirk in Takeru's direction, "Your grin has just about split both your faces." Takeru snatched the phone back, burying the receiver in his chest, but not before Yamato heard it all.

"Daisuke!" he hissed. Daisuke was not bothered. He shrugged before returning to his scrambled eggs. After another minute of mundane conversation that mostly consisted of Takeru going, "Sure," and "Yeah," the brothers said their good byes and hung up.

"My brother the slut," Takeru sighed, sitting down at the kitchen table, "He'd do anything to get some from his precious Taichi."

"Not over breakfast, if you don't mind," Daisuke chided setting Takeru's plate in front of him before turning back to the stove to fix his own.

"Mmm, black and crispy. Just how I like 'em."

Daisuke did his best to ignore the sarcastic remark saying instead, "I can do better with some incentive. And before you ask--being picked on before I'm even fully awake does not count." He set a plate full of perfectly fluffy, creamy yellow eggs before his chair.

"The Yamato/sex remark?" Takeru questioned, giving his eggs a poke and shooting the cabinet that contained the cereal a wistful look. "Sorry about that Daisuke. It's just…well…you two really would make a cute couple," he disregarded the dark look Daisuke sent in his direction, "I know that Yamato can be a little hardheaded when it comes to this kind of thing. But don't worry. I won't give up, and I won't let you. We'll bring him around."

"Oh, thanks," Daisuke rolled his eyes, "I'm just worried he'll hate me before you're through."

"Ah-HAH!" Takeru exclaimed suddenly, pointing a finger in Daisuke's direction, "I knew it! You really do like him." Daisuke ground his teeth at his friend's excitement.

"Old news."

"Yeah, maybe so, but two days ago you wouldn't have cared if he hated you."

"Of course I would have. He's my friend too, you know."

"Yeah, okay. You might have cared a little before, but nothing like you do now," Takeru flashed him a self assured smile that slowly began to morph into something akin to shock. "You wanted to go out with him last night. Admit it! You were going to put your moves on."

"Shut up TK."

"Oh my god, this is just great," Takeru giggled, "I'll help. I can tell you all about him…where he likes to go, his favorite color--its blue. No. Wait, that's mine. His is green. He's not really into cutesy stuff, but he is a real romantic deep down. Flowers, that sort of thing. I'm sure you follow."

Actually, he didn't. Daisuke had started blocking out Takeru's fangirlish gushing somewhere around the favorite color debate and was now focusing his entire attention on putting just the right amount of ketchup on his eggs. With that task finished he ate, still focusing on anything other than Takeru's inane chatter. Scoop and bite and chew and chew. Scoop and bite and chew and chew. My, what lovely linoleum we have. I wonder when they put that down. I wonder just how many people have eaten eggs in this very kitchen. Hmmm. Scoop and bite and chew and chew. Oops! All done.

"I'm going to run over to Miya's and then the grocery store," Daisuke interrupted Takeru's still continuing monologue, "Is there anything you want me to pick up?"

"Were you even listening to a word I was saying?"

"No. I have better things to do than listen you talk about your brother. Is there anything you need?" Daisuke repeated himself.

Takeru gave Daisuke his version of the knowing-eyebrow-lift, "I don't know whom you think you are fooling," he said haughtily. Daisuke could not help himself. He laughed out loud.

"Don't do that. You look like a chipmunk," he teased, immediately regretting it when he saw the hurt look on Takeru's face. "I didn't mean it like that Takeru. … Um, I really need to go. See you this afternoon?"

"Yeah, okay," Takeru answered, though Daisuke could easily see he was still hurt, "But don't forget I have that seminar for my writing course this afternoon. We'll probably go out afterwards so I'll be late getting home. I did tell you about that, didn't I?" he questioned, obviously trying to work something out.

"That's right. Yeah," Daisuke was willing to lie for Yamato, "I'll see you tonight then," he promised, rinsing his plate before depositing it in the sink, "And Takeru? That eyebrow thing--it's cute. In fact, when you do it, you're almost as cute as Yamato." After all if he could lie for one brother, he could do it for the other. This seemed to brighten up Takeru somewhat, so much so that he started that god-awful knowing wiggle again. Daisuke was wise enough to know that he had just bought himself no end to his torment, but at least Takeru was feeling better.

"Okay. We can talk more about how you're going to seduce Yamato."

"Shut up TK."

+++++++++++

Daisuke thought about what Takeru had said as he walked to Miyako and Hikari's apartment. They lived only six blocks away, a pretty good distance, but not far enough that he could justify taking the bus. At least it gave him time to think. As absolutely horrifying as the thought sounded, Takeru really was right. He had been looking forward to going out with Yamato, even if it wasn't a real date. It would have been nice to have someone with him. There's just something about going to the opera, all by yourself, on Valentine's Day that made you feel pathetic. That, and Takeru's "strings" had been the music program dean, a man much too interested in Takeru and his latest goings-on. Daisuke had been half tempted to let it drop that Takeru was seeing someone already--a girl. He hadn't, but he had listened to the man gush about Takeru's novel at all three intermissions.

Daisuke was all to well aquatinted with Takeru's novel (Takeru was actually in the middle of negotiations with a local network to have it made into a children's television show). All it consisted of was a collection of stories that he claimed were loosely based on their adventures in the digital world.

Loosely my ass, Daisuke thought with a sarcastic little grin. Takeru was ripping off all of his best lines. Of course when Daisuke had pointed that fact out, Takeru answered him with his faulty memory line.

He was still laughing softly to himself when Hikari opened their door.

"Morning Daisuke."

"Hey Hikari," he grinned back, "Is Miya home?"

"Yeah, hang on a second." She called over her shoulder for Miyako before moving aside so that Daisuke could step into the apartment. "By the way Daisuke, thanks for letting Takeru and I have the place to ourselves last night. That was really nice."

"Not a problem," he answered genially.

"So where'd you end up going?" Daisuke smiled again at her question. Apparently Takeru had left out the part where he all but physically threw Daisuke and Yamato out of the apartment.

"I--"

"He was picked by the military for a secrete mission to mars," Miyako cut in with a grin, still towel drying her hair after her morning shower.

"Used that one too much, have I?"

"Maybe once or twice. What brings you to my doorstep this early Sunday morn?"

"I came to return your kind gift," Daisuke held out a zip-lock baggy into which he had crammed the horse head and all the stuffing he could find. The image was, at best, grotesque, "I simply can not accept."

"See if I ever buy you anything ever again," Miyako groused, the sparkle in her eyes voiding her dark tone.

"So…What did you and Takeru end up doing for dinner?" Daisuke turned his attention back to Hikari, but not before sticking out his tongue in Miyako's direction.

"He ordered a pizza."

"How romantic," Miyako teased.

"Well, he did let me pick the toppings."

"You let Takeru get away with too much. You really need to keep that boy on a shorter leash," Miyako joked, hurling the horse head in Daisuke's direction when he rolled his eyes.

"Not everyone likes to keep their boyfriend in chains Miya," Daisuke snatched the flying baggie in mid air, sending it back at her almost immediately.

"I only do it 'cause Ken likes it so much."

"Ew! Stop it. He's my best friend. I can live with out those kinds of mental images!"

"Hush Daisuke, you brought it up," Miyako brushed off his distaste, "Speaking of…I really liked what you picked out."

"Argh!" Daisuke plugged his ears with his fingers and began to hum loudly.

"Be nice Miya," Hikari admonished.

"You said you were going to work with him about that," Daisuke accused, removing his fingers only when he had decided it was safe.

"I have been! At least he doesn't call them the untouchables anymore."

Daisuke let out a snort. "Well, sure. That helps you, but I fail to see how it helps me."

"These things take time, Daisuke," Miyako soothed. She waited until he was nodding calmly again before adding, "But next time, get something green or blue. I'm sick to death of red."

"ARGH!"

+++++++++++

I wish I had a car. It was a fantasy Daisuke often let himself enjoy, especially at times like these, when he had two arms full of groceries and no hope of reaching his keys with out dropping at least half of them. Oh to be able to grocery shop like a normal person, then carry his goods up to his apartment a bag or two at a time while the rest waited patiently in his back seat for their turn.

"Need a hand?" The sudden offer nearly startled Daisuke out of his wits.

"Oh, it's you Yama," Daisuke let out a relieved sigh, "Yeah, here. Hold these for a second while I get my keys." He allowed the bags on his left arm to slide off and into Yamato's waiting hands.

"Yama?"

Daisuke nearly choked when he realized his slip. "Sorry. I didn't mean to call you that," he mumbled, doing his best to force the door open as quickly as possible so he could stumble inside and hide under his bed. Finally it opened and he hurried indoors.

"Daisuke, it's okay. It's just that no one really calls me that, well, except for Taichi," Yamato explained, following him inside, "And even he never calls me that in public." Daisuke blushed even more as he picked up on the deeper implications.

"I came to pick up my stuff," Yamato explained when it became obvious that Daisuke was not going to respond. Daisuke nodded and began emptying the grocery bags that now sat in the middle of the kitchen table before remembering Takeru's last words to him that morning.

"Takeru's not here. He won't be back 'till tonight." The words were out of his mouth before Daisuke even had a chance to think about them. He was not surprised when Yamato began to smirk. Maybe he doesn't know that I know that he knows. Maybe…

"Yeah, I was kind of counting on that."

…And Yamato is clueless. There is a god.

"But you knew that didn't you."

And he hates me. God hates Me. Daisuke shrugged, not wanting to open his mouth again lest he make another stupid remark--something that was made very difficult since Yamato kept pick up groceries and asking where they went.

"I can handle this," Daisuke finally risked speaking, "You can go get your stuff."

"Ready to get rid of me?"

"I didn't mean it like that." Frustration did not begin to describe what Daisuke felt at the moment. Yamato, however, was having much more fun.

"I know. I just like watching you get so flustered."

Daisuke mumbled something under his breath that Yamato did not ask him to clarify. It probably wasn't very flattering anyway.

"You're cute when you're angry," Yamato smiled. Daisuke tossed the Tylenol above the sink with a grunt.

"Oh Daisuke. Don't be mad at me. I promise I won't pick on you any more," Yamato finally conceded; earning him a true, if small, smile.

"You learn so much quicker than your brother," Daisuke complemented, making Yamato chuckle.

"Did you go to the opera last night like Takeru wanted?"

"Yeah. It was actually pretty good. Kind of corny in places, but pretty good. I think the Dean of music has a thing for your brother though."

"It's the blue eyes. They're irresistible," Yamato admitted, batting his eyes in Daisuke's direction like some schoolgirl. Daisuke chuckled, not wanting to admit how much he agreed.

"So Irresistible, what did you and Taichi do?"

"Went out to eat. Went to a movie. Walked home. And, well, you're too young for the rest." Daisuke just rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm sure. You're wild cats, you two. Painted the town red," Daisuke mocked.

"Hey, at least I wasn't listening to a fat lady sing."

"She wasn't fat. Well, not very, anyway." He looked up as he felt Yamato's arms circle around his waist.

"Um, Yamato?"

"Sorry Daisuke," Yamato dropped his arms and took a step back. "I guess I feel kind of bad about running out on you last night.

"And I told you last night. It's okay. I understand. Really. You and Taichi are…well…you and Taichi. It's like peanut butter and jelly. Yin and yang. Sonny and Cher. You were meant to spend Valentine's together. Who am I to stand in the way of that?" Daisuke joked.

"I sincerely hope I'm Sonny."

"Oh, I don't know. You are the tall singing one. Besides, Taichi's really more of the dopey cornball that's always there--" Daisuke cut his explanation short when he caught Yamato's eyes.

"Takeru's right you know. You really are kind of cute." Yamato smiled softly. Daisuke let out an uncommitted grunt, quickly turning to hide his blush.

"Did you ever stop to consider that Taichi and I might not be so perfect for each other?" Yamato pressed when Daisuke failed to respond.

"You got back together didn't you?" Daisuke questioned softly, his eyes never leaving the can of soup, that he, unfortunately, could not remember where to place.

"Yeah. But who's to say that wasn't a mistake?"

"It wasn't a mistake." Daisuke quietly reassured him. Yamato let out a growl.

"That's not really your call is it?" He replied shortly, "Despite what Takeru may have led you to believe, I am capable of making my own decisions."

Daisuke was still trying to realign himself with the abrupt change in topics, much less Yamato's sudden ire. He was, in fact, having the utmost difficulty trying to grasp what Yamato seemed to be suggesting, and upon reaching the obvious conclusions, could not help the small flutter of excitement that passed through him. Still, it was not enough to over come the growing sense of wrongness this situation gave him. Daisuke turned his back on Yamato, silently willing his thoughts to come back under his control.

"I know that. So am I." He finally answered back, shocking himself with what he already knew to be his decision. Daisuke took another few seconds to steel his resolve before continuing, "And right now, I think you should probably leave."

"Well, I disagree," Yamato countered. Daisuke set the still yet to be placed soup can on the table with a bit more force than was absolutely necessary, causing both men to jump.

"Fine then," Daisuke breathed a moment later, the words sounding much to calm to offer any real comfort, "You can stay, but I'm leaving. Lock up when you're through."

"You're just going to walk away?"

Daisuke turned to face Yamato for the first time in several long minutes, making Yamato cringe with the pain in his eyes, "Damn it Yamato! What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to consider this for a second," Yamato implored him softly.

"I can't do that," Daisuke answered before he lost his nerve, "You're my friend. Taichi's my friend. If you think the two of you are a mistake, then you're right. That's your decision and, I can't change that. But please, don't drag me into it." Daisuke turned to leave for the second time, only to be pulled back again, this time by Yamato's hand on his shoulder.

"Coward. What are you so afraid of?" The anger had returned to Yamato's voice, making Daisuke shake his head. "Do you think that I'm not for real? That this is some sick joke? I'm not joking Daisuke." Yamato jerked him the few inches closer into a kiss.

For the shortest of moments, it did seem as if Daisuke had been merely over reacting as he found himself forgetting his complaint and almost enjoying this thing that he had wondered about so many times. It did not take long, however, for the true reality of the situation to come crashing down, and in what most closely resembled a blind panic, Daisuke shoved Yamato away, slapping him hard across the face.

The room instantly descended into an eerie silence, both men watching the other in an almost frightened, feral manner. Daisuke took an extra step backwards, just for good measure, and tried focusing on taking deeper or at the very least more calming breaths, but couldn't help watching as Yamato lifted a hand to lightly probe his cheek.

"I'm not the coward Yamato," he said quietly, hoping for some response, something other than that deeply wounded look, "I'm not the one using my friends as the excuse for my imperfect life." It did not take much for Daisuke to get the response for which he had been looking. Yamato's eyes almost immediately went from hurt to just plain pissed.

"Hn," Yamato gave a disbelieving sort of grunt, "Don't pretend you know so much about me," he instructed, his hand dropping from where it had been rubbing the side of his face, "And you hit like a girl." The only warning Daisuke received was a slight curling of the fingers just before Yamato's fist connected soundly with his jaw.

+++++++++++

Daisuke knocked on the door in front of him for the second time, hopping from foot to foot in a poor attempt to keep warm. In his hurry to get out of his apartment he had forgotten to put on a coat.

Where was he? It was a Sunday afternoon for crying out loud! Ken was always home on Sundays. Daisuke was just about to knock for the third time when the door finally opened.

"Daisuke?" Miyako. It had to be Miyako. "Are you following me?" she asked when he failed to respond.

"Quit stalking Ken," he grumbled back, his heart obviously far from into it, just as Miyako finally gave up on him walking himself indoors and grabbed his arm and pulled.

"Daisuke?" she asked again. Miyako was concerned. It was not like Daisuke to pass up the chance to offer a scathing remark. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw Ken coming down the hall. He always knew how to handle Daisuke.

"I think something's happened…" Miyako trailed off, realizing just how obvious her statement was. Ken fingered still red mark on Daisuke's chin for a second, not failing to notice Daisuke's wince.

"Come on. We had better put some ice on that." Ken walked towards his kitchen, Miyako and Daisuke trailing a little ways behind.

Daisuke plopped down miserably on the bench by the table. He did smile a bit, however, when Miyako sat down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist. Ken, meanwhile, had busied himself with forming a makeshift ­­­­cold compress out of a washcloth and a couple of ice cubes. He handed it off to Miyako, who, after twisting the top of the cloth a few times, pressed it lightly to Daisuke's jaw.

"Well?" Ken leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms as he waited for Daisuke's response.

"I don't want to talk about it," Daisuke mumbled painfully, grimacing as Ken lifted one eyebrow in question, calmly plucking a Valentine's candy from a nearby dish before continuing.

"I must be loosing my touch," Ken replied with a soft smirk in Miyako's direction, then, focusing his attentions back on Daisuke, "That wasn't really a request." He popped the candy into his mouth, giving it a thoughtful chew or two while he waited for Daisuke's response.

"Miya," Daisuke begged softly, flashing her his most pitiful puppy dog eyes.

"Ken?" she passed the request on. For a moment it did not seem as if Ken was going to give in. But, he finally did, grabbing another candy with a sigh.

"Okay. Fine. One hour. But then we're going to talk."

Daisuke smiled at this small victory, even finding the courage to get a little cocky. "Or?" There went that damned eyebrow again. Daisuke squirmed miserably in his seat. Damn the people who could cock their eyebrows! They were going to be his downfall.

"One hour, Daisuke."

+++++++++++

Daisuke sat down on the couch, pulling open the side table drawer and taking out some chocolates just as Miyako flipped on the television. He unwrapped one and popped it in his mouth before holding out a second for Miyako.

"No thanks," she smiled before pulling out the drawer on her end table and fetching a baggie full of gummy bears. She also took the lid off of a nearby dish to reveal a stash of after-dinner mints.

Daisuke just shook his head. "Man, he has candy hidden everywhere."

"Wait. That's nothing. Look over here," Miyako asked, standing to lead Daisuke over to the roll-top computer desk and pulling out one of the medium sized drawers closest to the keyboard.

"Oh, jackpot! I wondered where he was hiding those," Daisuke fingered the crinkly Smarties® wrappers. Ken's never ending supply had disappeared not long after Daisuke had discovered them the last time.

"I know it. The little miser thinks he can keep the best for himself. But I--EEP!" Miyako jumped back as Ken reached between her and Daisuke, sliding the drawer shut and nearly catching two sets of fingers in the process.

"I can see some extra locks will be necessary," Ken answered drolly.

"You would keep something like that from me?"

"Yes," Ken and Daisuke gave each other speculative looks as the realized they both answered Miyako at the same time.

"Are you ready to tell me what happened yet?" Ken asked.

"You said I had an hour!"

"Yes, but that was before you decided you were well enough to snoop."

"There's a difference between being well enough to snoop and being well enough to be snooped."

"I agree," Ken gave a thoughtful nod before crushing Daisuke's hopes. "But it's minor at best."

"Keeeeeeen!"

"No. Now I want to know why you came over."

"What? I have to have an excuse to come visit you now?" Daisuke asked, his tone expressing the utmost outrage. Ken was not impressed.

"That's one, Daisuke."

"Ugh." Daisuke folded his arms over his chest before flopping down on the couch where he had been sitting before.

"Did you and Takeru get into a fight?"

"No. But he will kill me if I ever go back. Can I stay here with you?" Daisuke asked hopefully.

"No."

Daisuke began to pout even more than before. "No offence Ken, but you're a really sucky friend."

"Two." This time Ken flicked his fingers in a peace-like sign, just to make sure Daisuke understood. "Start talking." Ken had yet to take a seat and the way he kept staring down at Daisuke was beginning to get unnerving. Daisuke was just opening his mouth to speak when the phone rang. … And rang. … And rang.

"Miya! Can you get that?" Ken called after the third ring. "Miya?" No answer. Ken let out a frustrated grumble. "Don't move," he pointed at Daisuke before hurrying over to snatch at the phone just as it rang for the fifth time. Daisuke could not help sending the tiniest of smirks in his direction.

"Moshimoshi, Ichijouji speaking. … Yamato?" It was clearly not who Ken was expecting to phone. Daisuke jumped up from the couch, quickly forgetting his order to stay put, and hurried over to stand where Ken could see him. Ken gave him a narrowed look but immediately went back to listening to what Yamato was saying.

"Yeah, sorry to call," Yamato replied, "But I'm looking for Daisuke."

"Daisuke?" Ken asked this time, giving said person a once over with his eyes as he spoke. Daisuke instantly began motioning with his hands for Ken not to say anything more. Ken rolled his eyes before continuing into the phone, "Sorry. Haven't seen him." Daisuke let his pent up breath out in a whoosh.

"I know he's there," Yamato growled, "Takeru says he always runs to your place."

"Takeru?" Ken did not fail to note Daisuke's flinch.

"Would you quit repeating every name I say!?!"

"Mmm, sorry. Just trying to get a grasp on the situation," Ken replied soothingly.

"I really need to talk to him. It's very important," Yamato requested, not sounding the least bit soothed.

"Well I am sorry. But like I said, I haven't seen him. Maybe you should call Jun and ask if she's heard from him," Ken suggested far too calmly.

"Fine," Yamato knew when to give in, "I'll ask someone else."

"Okay then, good luck. See you."

"Yeah. Bye."

"Thanks Ken," Daisuke sighed as Ken replaced the phone on its receiver.

"You were going to tell me what happened?" was all he got back by way of a 'you're welcome'. Daisuke sighed again. Ken was like a dog after a bone. A very persistent, all or nothing, grab on to your throat and hold until you relent or die-dog.

"Is it too much to ask for you to let me destroy my life in peace?"

Ken's face seemed to soften a bit at Daisuke's question. He even reached out and gave Daisuke's arm a light squeeze. "Look, you show up on my door step claiming you need a place to live because Takeru, of all people, is going to kill you. You've obviously been in some sort of scuffle and when Yamato calls, you nearly have a panic attack. Now what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't at least concerned?" He gave Daisuke a weepy-eyed look and a sort of wistful smile that wouldn't melt butter. This time it was Daisuke's turn not to be impressed.

"Scuffle? Who uses the word scuffle anymore?" He barely had time to register the dangerous flash through Ken's eyes before he was shoved rather forcefully into the nearest closet, which just happened to be the one where Ken stored his extra coats, all ten of them. He had a thing about coats. Thankfully, said coats absorbed most of Daisuke's momentum. Unfortunately, they also made it much more difficult for him to scurry back up and so Ken was able to get the door shut and blockaded before Daisuke could escape.

"Three," Daisuke announced in a wretched little mumble, then speaking up, "Ken. Let me out of here!"

"No. I'm tired of playing games with you Daisuke. You know the rules. When you tell me what happened--then you can come out, but not before."

"Can I at least have a light?" Daisuke moaned. Ken flicked the nearby switch on for a second before turning it right back off.

"Oh that's nice," came Daisuke's sarcastic reply. "I can hold out just as long as you can."

"Yes, but I've got food, water and a bathroom. You do not."

"You do not," Daisuke parroted back.

"In the closet again, eh?" Miyako must have returned.

"Where did you go?" Ken asked, obviously wondering the same thing as Daisuke.

"Ice-cream craving." She held up the half empty carton as proof.

"So you just left to go get ice-cream?"

"Yeah. I figured the two of you would be banging heads for a while anyway," she shrugged, "Speaking of, how long has he been in there."

"Only about a minute so far."

"I want some ice-cream," Daisuke begged in a pitiful little voice.

"Tell me what happened and I'll buy a whole carton, just for you," Ken promised.

Daisuke sat back on his haunches in the dark closet, surprised. What? A bribe instead of a threat? Ken must really be cracking, he thought.

"You're bribing him now?" Miyako asked incredulously. Daisuke rolled his eyes, Sure Miya, point it out.

"Hmm, you're right," Ken concurred, then, "Tell me what happened or I'll toss Miya in there too."

"What'd I do?" she asked, trying her best to scramble away before Ken caught her wrist. No such luck was to be had.

"One more chance, Daisuke." When Daisuke didn't answer, Ken unblocked the door and opening only as much as was absolutely necessary, slung Miyako inside. He had the door shut and blocked again before either of them had a chance to do much of anything. Miyako started beating on the door as soon as she could get on to her knees.

"Ken? Ken! The least you could do is turn on a light," Miyako complained.

"Don't," Daisuke stopped short as the overhead light flipped on and then off, "bother asking," he finished, banging his own fist against the door.

"Oh, look, Miya left me her ice-cream. Mmmm," Ken teased from the other side.

"I will kill you Ichijouji," Miyako growled.

"If I were you, I'd find a way to make Daisuke talk before my ice-cream was all gone," Ken suggested.

"And how do you suppose I do that?"

"I would tickle him. Daisuke absolutely hates to be tickled."

"Ken!" Daisuke gasped, "You promised you would never tell her that!"

"I lied."

Daisuke could almost feel Miyako's evil smirk as she zoned in on his whereabouts. "Fine! Fine. I'll talk," he promised before trailing off again. Ken gave him a full minute before pushing.

"We're waiting."

"In the dark," Miyako felt the need to remind him. Daisuke slapped away the hand reaching for his midsection.

"Yamato kissed me."

"What!?"

"Miya, be quite," Ken admonished, "Go on Daisuke."

"He came over to pick up his stuff this morning and we were talking. And then he kissed me. And then we got into a big fight and I slapped him and he punched me. So I left and came here."

"And Takeru going to kill you because…"

"This is Yamato we're talking about," the way Daisuke said it made it sound like it should be common knowledge, "And when Takeru finds out how much I upset Yamato…he's going to kill me."

"It's okay. Takeru's not going to kill you. He's your friend. I'm sure you can explain it to him," Miyako soothed, patting Daisuke's hand. It only took three tries for her to find it in the dark. He sent a grateful smile in what he hoped was her direction.

"I know there's more," Ken chided when Daisuke failed to continue.

"Well, not really…" Daisuke hedged momentarily before continuing, "It's just--he's dating Taichi and for a second I didn't think that mattered. I didn't care. But Taichi's my friend too. I couldn't do it."

"No," Ken quietly agreed.

"Yamato thinks I'm a coward," Daisuke whispered, "And part of me almost has to agree…" his voice trailed off for a second before regaining it's strength, "Maybe that's the real reason I turned down the one person I really, really like. Maybe I'm just too stupid to know when I've got a good thing going."

"No." This time Ken's voice had taken on the steely edge of disagreement. "Daisuke, listen to me. Daisuke?"

"I'm listening," Daisuke sighed. Ken always required verbal affirmation when he was in these moods.

"What Yamato did was wrong and completely out of line. You would be well within your rights never to see or speak to him again. And as to Takeru, I'm sure if you're honest about what happened then he'll understand."

"But I did like it."

It took Ken a moment to realize what Daisuke was referring to--ah yes, Ishida's inability to keep his lips to himself. "Of course you did. Yamato's hot," Ken paused for Miyako's outraged gasp, but none was forthcoming. Apparently she agreed. "But that's no excuse for what he did. If anything he should have practiced even more self-control if he knew about your feelings."

"It's okay Daisuke," Miyako spoke up, "If Yamato ever tries anything like this again, you just tell us and Ken and I will take care of it." Daisuke couldn't help being uplifted just a little by the spunk in her voice.

"Takeru would definitely kill me if I let you murder Yamato," he teased.

"Oh, there are plenty of ways to make a person wish they were dead with out actually killing them," Ken interjected, "Trust me."

"Guys…" Daisuke warned, though he couldn't help smiling at the mental images their fierce protection evoked. "You're going to feel really bad if something does happen to him."

"Nah…Ouch!" Miyako cried as Daisuke slapped her hand away from his belly again. Ken sat outside the door shaking his head. It was only a matter of time before they killed each other.

"Are you two ready to come out?"

"No, I think we want to stay a bit longer," Daisuke scoffed, sarcastically answering for them both. It did not matter, however, because Ken opened the door anyway. He almost laughed out loud at the sight of them, blinking up at him with light sensitive eyes like a couple of moles.

"What are you going to do Daisuke?" Ken asked, holding out his hands to help both of them up off the floor. "You know Miya and I will stand by you no matter what." Daisuke just shrugged.

"Yeah. And I don't know," Daisuke did his best to offer up a relieving smile. It must not have worked, because the concerned look never left Ken's eyes. Daisuke sighed again before continuing. "Nothing, I guess. I mean, I'll get over it someday, right?"

+++++++++++

to be continued…