Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Dizzy with Vertigo ❯ Ring Around the Rosie ( Chapter 1 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: RunningRebel#4 
Takeru cheats on Hikari.
What Takeru doesn't know is that Hikari has eyes everywhere.....eyes that like to go shopping.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.31.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 727 | Status: Completed
Takeru cheats on Hikari.
What Takeru doesn't know is that Hikari has eyes everywhere.....eyes that like to go shopping.
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.31.2003 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 727 | Status: Completed
Dizzy with Vertigo
by the Queen of Diamonds
A/N: This is very very dark. IÕve never written anything so negative before. ItÕs about cheating hearts and how they never quite heal. ItÕs about the mistakes we make and being tangled and dizzy from the vertigo of the situation. So read on and please review. This is a very depressing Takari. It may or may not end up Takari in the end. You will see!
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Chapter 1: Ring Around the Rosie
They had been married two years ago in France. ÒThere are two things that are important to a Frenchman!Ó Takeru TakaishiÕs grandfather had said. ÒZe bakery and Versailles Palace! Zo, Tak-aeroo, you must be married at Versailles Palace!Ó And it was decided. Takeru and Hikari would be wedded at Versailles Palace in the warm summer weather. It had been a beautiful day.
The marriage had started out well. They had experienced money troubles early on, like most marriages. Hikari had a job as a Kindergarten teacher, but that money could only pay for the bills and meager supplies of food each month. Takeru was trying hard to become a writer, and most of their friends called them the ÒStarving Artist and his little Wife.Ó It was funny at first, but then things started going downhill.
Takeru had been very stressed out. They lived in a tiny apartment in Odaiba. Everyone in the DigiDestined had all stayed in Odaiba, and Mimi had moved back when she had married Koushiro. They had a son named Teddy. Taichi and Sora were married and had three kids already, two boys and a girl, Yamato remained single, being a rockstar, and basically dating whoever wandered backstage, if you could call it dating. Jyou had married a nice med. school girl and they lived happily ever after with their two little girls. Daisuke was recently divorced and had no kids. He liked it that way, he said. Miyako and Ken had recently divorced, luckily there were no kids involved. Iori was recently engaged as well. Takeru was stressed because Hikari was barely around the house anymore. She always had to work, and what she didnÕt realize was that he had needs. But what he didnÕt realize was that she wanted to keep them from starving.
ÒHikari,Ó he complained from the couch, watching TV. She was home on her lunchbreak.
ÒWhat?Ó she asked, in that Teacher tone that TK hated. It was a real turn off. He slumped back down in his seat. ÒYouÕre never home anymore.Ó
ÒI know.Ó she said, not looking up from the sandwich she was making. ÒBut if I donÕt work, we wonÕt get to eat.Ó
ÒOne day my book will be famous.Ó Takeru informed her.
ÒUh huh.Ó she said.
ÒWeÕll have lots of money. Then you wonÕt have to work. You can stay home with me.Ó
Hikari sighed inside. Takeru always spoke like this. Positively. He constantly spoke about being rich and always said things like this because he wanted to have sex. Well, he was in for a rude awakening, because at the moment, she only had a half an hour before heading back and she was hungry.
He got up and walked towards the kitchen and put his arms around her small frame. He always liked hugging her, because she was so small. He kissed her neck lightly. ÒCome on, you can take the day off, canÕt you?Ó he asked, his eyes begging.
ÒTK..Ó Kari said, pulling herself out of his grip. ÒI canÕt right now. Tonight, okay?Ó
TK slumped. ÒFine.Ó He said, coldly. She knew he couldnÕt stand being rejected, but there was no choice.
Two years later, TakeruÕs book actually sold well. In one day, they became millionares. That one book, about their adventures in the Digital World, had made four million dollars alone.
Hikari stopped teaching and stayed home, just as Takeru wanted. It seemed like their marriage was saved and that they loved each other again. Then Takeru had to start going to publishing companies and traveling without her. She was left at home by herself pretty much all the time. Her internal clock was ticking, and driving her nuts.
One night, she finally got it out. She was lying next to Takeru with her head on his chest. ÒTK?Ó she asked.
ÒHmm?Ó he asked.
ÒI want to have a baby.Ó
She could feel TK take in a sharp breath. He was silent for a long time. She had asked for a baby a long time ago, but they couldnÕt because they had been so financially unstable. Now they were stable, rich, even, and Takeru didnÕt have any excuse for it now. He didnÕt want kids. They were too much responsibility.
ÒHikari...Ó he started, not sure of what to say. ÒI...Ó He thought about it for a moment. She really wanted a family.... ÒOkay.Ó he said.
They tried and tried again and again to get a baby, but they hadnÕt had any success.
Please please please please please! Hikari thought desperately. Turn blue turn blue... But it never did. She was so frustrated that she had tears in her eyes. Is it me? Am I infertile? She wondered.
ÒTakeru?Ó she asked later that night. ÒHow long has it been since youÕve been tested for.. you know...?Ó
ÒI just got a test two months ago. My sperm is fine.Ó Takeru informed her, sounding cold.
ÒOh.Ó She said, turning her back towards him and hugging her pillow tightly. ItÕs my fault.
ÒMaybe this is a sign.Ó Takeru said.
She just rolled over and tried to stiffle her painful sobs. Oh how Takeru had changed!
In the morning, Takeru had gotten up to go to a publishing company in Tokyo to see if he wanted to have his novels published there.
He walked through the building. It was large and spacious with loads of people walking by. ÒExcuse me,Ó Takeru said to the woman at the front desk.
She turned to face him. She was a gorgeous blonde with bright blue eyes. ÒBon Jour!Ó she exclaimed. Then she squinted her eyes. ÒDo I know you?Ó She asked.
ÒAh....Ó Takeru looked closer at her. French. ÒCatherine?!Ó He exclaimed.
ÒAH! TAK-AEROO!Ó She exlciamed, jumping up from the desk and hugging him tightly. ÒIt is so good to see you!Ó
ÒYou too!Ó Takeru said. ÒDo you live here now?Ó
ÒYes yes! I moved here from Paris!Ó she said. ÒI have landed a job here! ItÕs difficult to speak Japanese.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru said. ÒI think itÕs harder to learn French, however.Ó
She giggled lightly. He had forgotten how pretty she was. She wasnÕt as pretty as Hikari, but she was pretty in a different way, maybe a mischevious way.
ÒWhat do you need help with?Ó she asked.
ÒWell...IÕm looking for the Executive Board DirectorÕs office, but... maybe IÕll skip out on this company. Do you want to go have a burger or something?Ó
ÒOh, silly Tak-aeroo! Zer arenÕt any bur-gaers out here! Mostlee noodles.Ó She said.
ÒRight.Ó Takeru turned red. ÒWould you care for some noodles, then?Ó
ÒSure! It is almost my lunch break anyway.Ó she said.
They headed downtown to a local place where they served noodles and they had some Chinese food. They sat at the table next to the window and talked for awhile.
ÒSo, how are you doing?Ó Catherine asked Takeru, batting her long eyelashes at him.
ÒIÕm okay.Ó He said.
ÒJust O.K.Ó she said. ÒNot zuper?Ó
ÒProblems at home.Ó Takeru said. ÒHikari wants a baby... but I donÕt. I feel like sheÕs not very happy. And I feel like IÕm not very happy.Ó
ÒAh. Hikar-ee.Ó Catherine said. ÒYou..married her, yes?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru said. ÒIÕm just so stressed out. I...IÕm sorry. I shouldnÕt throw my problems at you...but...I donÕt know who I can talk to. All my other friends, the DigiDestined, have perfect lives and perfect marriages with perfect children. ItÕs disgusting!Ó
ÒAh. I see.Ó Catherine said. ÒDo you still love Hikar-ee?Ó
ÒYes..well...I....I think I do. I really donÕt know if she loves me. I just.. I donÕt know. I just feel horrible.Ó
ÒCome. ZetÕs go for walk.Ó Catherine said. They got up and walked for awhile, chattering on and on about things.
They were sitting on a bench, watching the pidgeons walk around, hoping for a free handout. ThatÕs how Takeru felt around Hikari. She seemed all depressed and pissed off all the time, he had to beg for affection from her. But then again, he rarely showered her with love.
He looked over to Catherine suddenly, who was looking into his eyes. He didnÕt know what suddenly overcame him, but he leaned closer to her and his lips met with hers. He suddenly jerked away. ÒI-IÕm sorry..I-Ó
ÒDonÕt be zorry!Ó she exclaimed. ÒNobody has to know.Ó Takeru looked at her for a moment. She was so beautiful. Hikari would never have to know... He then kissed her again, licking her lips with his tongue and she opened her mouth to him. They made out on the bench for awhile, when Catherine jumped up, grabbing his hand. ÒI know where we can go.Ó she said, a mischevious glint in her eyes.
They grabbed a taxi and soon Takeru found himself in CatherineÕs house on her bed, kissing and touching and slowly removing clothes.
Nobody has to know......
That night, Hikari called Takeru at his hotel. Catherine was there. Takeru motioned for her to be quiet. ÒHello?Ó he asked.
ÒHi TK, itÕs me.Ó she said.
ÒHi, Kar!Ó He said, too loud. ÒHow are you, baby?Ó
ÒIÕm fine.Ó Hikari said. ÒLook, IÕve been talking to Sora, and I just wanted to say IÕm really sorry for being such a bitch. I guess IÕm just mad that I canÕt make a baby and..well...IÕm really sorry.Ó
Takeru felt like heÕd been shot in the heart with an arrow of guilt. ÒItÕs okay, babe. ItÕs not your fault. Look, weÕll work something out, okay?Ó
ÒAll right. When are you coming home?Ó
ÒWell..IÕm still debating whether or not I want Tokyo Publishers to take in Volume IV. It could be a week at the most.Ó Takeru said.
ÒReally? A whole week?Ó Hikari asked, her voice sounding disapointed.
ÒYeah. IÕm sorry, sweetheart. IÕll make it up to you when I get back. IÕll bring you a present.Ó he said. He knew she liked presents.
ÒThat would be nice..Ó Hikari said, twirling the phone chord around her finger. ÒOkay, IÕve got to go. IÕll talk to you later, okay? I love you.Ó
ÒLove you, too. Bye baby.Ó TK said, then hung up the phone. ÒMaybe this is a bad idea, Cat.Ó He said.
ÒNonsense!Ó Catherine said. ÒSheÕs probably just feeling guilty for treating you bad.Ó She crawled on top of him, purposely dragging a leg across his groin, making him groan as the errotic tingling shot through his body. She leaned in a kissed him deeply, exploring every inch of his mouth with her tongue. She planted butterfly kisses down his neck and across his chest. Takeru groaned as the kisses got lower and lower. ÒI know the proper way to treat a man.Ó she kissed him again. ÒAnd you know you canÕt resist me.Ó Takeru grinned at her and kissed her back.
In the morning, Takeru placed a phone call.
That afternoon, Hikari recieved flowers from Takeru, saying that he would be late getting back, that it would be three more days than he expected.
She wondered why.
The next morning, Takeru and Catherine went to the mall. It was an enormous mall, and Takeru figured it would be safe. None of his friends shopped here, besides Mimi, but she rarely went anymore. She prefered flying to the States three times a year for some serious shopping in L.A.
They held hands like high-schoolers and went from store to store. Takeru laughed at how Catherine squealed over each item of clothing. They went to the Orange Julius next and to TakeruÕs horror, he bumped right into the woman in front of him. She turned around as she growled, ÒWatch it, asshole!Ó And then, in shock, she cried, ÒTK?Ó
Takeru froze. Pink hair. High pitched voice. Frequent swearing. Mimi Izumi. ÒHi Mimi!Ó He cried, dropping CatherineÕs hand immediatly. Shit! He thought. She never comes here anymore!!! WhatÕs she doing here?!!
ÒArenÕt you at that conference?Ó Mimi asked. ÒThatÕs what Hikari told me.Ó She then noticed Catherine standing there.
ÒBon Jour, Mrs. Izumi!Ó Catherine exclaimed. ÒCongratulations! By the way!Ó
ÒIÕm sorry...do I know you?Ó Mimi asked, glaring suspiciously.
ÒNo actually, this is Marie, my co-worker. SheÕs showing me around Tokyo.Ó
ÒOh!Ó Mimi said, laughing. ÒI thought she was your hooker or something! IÕm so stupid!!Ó
Catherine growled angrilly.
ÒWeÕll be seeing you later, Mimi. WeÕve got a conference to attend.Ó Takeru said as they left. ÒBye.Ó
ÒBye.Ó Mimi said. Then, so nobody could hear her, ÒNice to meet you, too, Catherine.Ó
ÒIt is a good thing thatat woman is stupid.Ó Catherine said. ÒOr else I think you would be in deep shit.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru agreed. He was starting to have his doubts, however. IÕm a lousy husband... he thought. What do I think IÕm doing? ÒCatherine...Ó He started.
ÒYes?Ó she asked, her blue eyes so striking to him.
He thought about it for a moment. ÒNever mind.Ó He said. ÒDo you want to go somewhere?Ó
Catherine grinned at him.
Hikari felt dizzy. This canÕt be true! Her mind screamed. Takeru wouldnÕt-couldnÕt- ever cheat on her! And with Catherine! She felt sick to her stomach. ÒAre y-you s-sure?Ó she stammered.
Sora sighed. She hated to be the bringer of bad news-the Voice of Doom, but she couldnÕt stand seeing her sister-in-law being led on. It angered her that Takeru was taking advantage of her and cheating with another woman! ÒIÕm really sorry, Kari. But...Mimi called and said that she ran in to them at the mall...and...Ó
ÒItÕs okay. DonÕt tell me anything else.Ó Hikari said, her eyes filling with tears as she stared at the wooden table between them in shame. She felt very used. And extremely hostile. She wanted to turn around, fling her head out the widow and scream bloody murder until somebody destroyed Catherine. Of all people! ÒThatÕs why he sent me flowers...Ó she mumbled, in shock. ÒHe felt guilty...Ó
ÒWhat?Ó Sora asked, confused.
ÒH-He s-sent me fl-flowers....yesterday... He never used to do things like that... Then all of a sudden-there they were!Ó She burst into tears and slammed her small fist on the table and sobbed her heart out.
ÒHika..Ó Sora started, unsure of what to do. Tai wouldnÕt even consider doing something like this to her. If he did, Sora would have his testicles ripped off before noon that very day.
ÒJesus Christ, Sora...Ó Hikari sobbed. ÒWhat do I do?! I canÕt get a divorce! ItÕll shame my family forever!!!Ó
Sora shook her head. ÒNo you wonÕt. Your family would understand.Ó
Hikari shook her head, almost violently. ÒI wonÕt.Ó
ÒI donÕt know what to tell you.Ó Sora said, patting her on the shoulder lightly. ÒFollow your heart?Ó
ÒMy heart tells me to burn down the apartment, move away and become a homeless bum rather than face him when he gets home. I canÕt even look at his picture!Ó Hikari wailed.
Sora sweatdropped. ÒEr...maybe donÕt follow your heart. Follow whatÕs reasonable. I need to get going, Takuya is waiting for me to take him to the park.Ó
Hikari sniffled and nodded. ÒIÕll see you later.Ó
ÒBye.Ó
Once Sora was gone, Hikari went through the house and knocked over all the pictures of Takeru that she could see. She was so blind with rage and hurt that she didnÕt realize what she was doing. I HATE HIM!!! Her mind screamed. He hurts me! I HATE HIM! How could he do this to me?! But her heart shrieked, You love him! You canÕt leave him!
She collapsed on the couch and sobbed into the blue pillow. She didnÕt know what to do. She moved to sit out the window and watch the rain pelt the window pane. She loved the smell of rain, so she opened the window a small crack and breathed in the smell. Mmmm. she thought. I love that smell. She listened to the sounds of the street people, wondering what their lives were like as they walked by. At the moment, she wished she was anybody but herself. Now she couldnÕt have a baby, knowing that Takeru had been with someone else. Their relationship might not even survive.
ÒNoodles Noodles! Come get your Noodles!Ó
Hikari perked up at the sound. She smiled. Daisuke Motimiya was pushing his noodle cart down the street in the rain.
Grabbing her raincoat, Hikari raced out the door and down the apartment steps. She kept running until she got to the noodle cart.
ÒHello, MaÕam, would you like some noodles- Hikari? HI!!Ó Daisuke exclaimed. ÒHowÕs everything going?Ó
Hikari shrugged. ÒI just heard your noodle call and I thought IÕd come down and say hello.Ó
ÒWell then, Hello!Ó Daisuke said cheerfully. He looked around. ÒWhereÕs TS?Ó
ÒHeÕs at a conference in Tokyo.Ó
ÒWow. Getting another book published, eh? You guys must be reelinÕ in the dough.Ó
ÒYou, too. Mr. Time Magazine.Ó Hikari smiled. Daisuke blushed. The guy was obnoxious when they were younger, but he was so modest now that it amazed the small woman!
ÒWell...that was...well....you know...Ó he was still blushing. He then noticed that she was getting soaked. ÒHere,Ó he said, handing her an umbrella. ÒCanÕt have Mrs. Takaishi catching pneumonia. YouÕre prone to that, or so I hear.Ó
Hikari shrugged. ÒI donÕt really care.Ó Daisuke noticed that she had a sad look in her eyes. Usually he couldnÕt read her, that was TakeruÕs job, but today he could for the first time since they met.
ÒDid something happen?Ó Daisuke asked curiously.
Hikari nodded, tears welling up in her gorgeous brown eyes.
ÒWanna go get something to eat and talk about it?Ó He asked.
ÒIf-If you w-want t-to.Ó she said sadly. ÒD-donÕt you have w-work?Ó
ÒYeah, but IÕm about done anyway. Nobody wants noodles in the rain.Ó he chuckled. ÒBesides, I donÕt want to eat these things for dinner, I eat too many of them anyway. IÕm gonna get fat.Ó
She giggled. ÒYou never get fat.Ó
ÒYes, but I can get high cholesteral levels. Want to go to Outback?Ó
ÒSure.Ó
ÒMmmm! Prime ribs! Sounds good, huh?Ó Daisuke said, trying to cheer his friend up. She seemed so...lost.
They were sitting at a nice table, warm and dry. ÒWhat do you want?Ó Daisuke asked her, nodding towards the menu.
Hikari looked over it. ÒMaybe a chef salad.Ó
Daisuke rolled his eyes. ÒJesus Christ, woman. You get a chef salad at McDonalds. This is OUTBACK. Here, you get a steak or prime ribs or those onion things!Ó
ÒOkay, IÕll have some ribs.Ó she said, smiling lightly at DaisukeÕs attempt at humor. She knew he was trying to make her feel better.
ÒAnd?Ó he asked.
ÒAnd what?Ó
ÒArenÕt you going to drink anything?Ó
ÒIÕll just have water.Ó
Daisuke rolled his eyes again. ÒThis is OUTBACK.Ó He informed her.
ÒI know.Ó she said.
ÒWeÕll have two beers.Ó Daisuke told the waitress, who giggled. ÒCause she needs one.Ó he pointed a thumb in HikariÕs direction.
They sat and talked, and Hikari spilled her guts to Daisuke. As she told him everything, DaisukeÕs eyes got bigger and bigger.
ÒOh my God.Ó he mumbled. ÒAre you serious? Takeru? TX Takaishi? With...HER?!Ó
Hikari nodded through tears. ÒI feel totally used.Ó
ÒWhat a bastard!Ó Daisuke raged. ÒWhen does the dickface get home? IÕll kick his ass.Ó
ÒNo, I donÕt want him to know that I know.Ó Hikari said desperately.
ÒYouÕre just gonna sit back and let this happen?Ó Daisuke demanded hotly. ÒYouÕre gonna let TS wipe his ass with you like toilet paper and then flush you?Ó
ÒThat was...a disturbing comparison.Ó Hikari said. ÒBut...yes. I donÕt know what else I can do!Ó
ÒWhen does he get back?Ó Davis demanded.
ÒNext week.Ó she said.
Daisuke sat there for a moment, kind of drifting off.
ÒPenny for your thoughts?Ó Hikari asked.
ÒItÕs just that....when we were kids....TK didnÕt seem like the type that would do this. Especially not to you. I knew that World Tour was a stupid idea.Ó
ÒI should just call up the Poi brothers and have a foursome.Ó Hikari snarled bitterly. Daisuke was taken aback by her snap of frustration. She had always been the calm one when he and Iori and Miyako freaked out.
He paused again for a moment, thinking. ÒYou know, IÕm really sorry that I annoyed you.Ó
ÒHuh?Ó she asked, in a nicer tone. ÒAnnoyed me?Ó
ÒWhen we were younger. I shouldnÕt have ever interfered with you and TKÕs relationship.Ó Daisuke said honestly. ÒThings might be different now.Ó
ÒYeah, I might have ended up with you instead.Ó Hikari said.
Daisuke turned to look at her strangely. ÒReally?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó she said, her eyes showing deep thought. ÒI think it was your nagging that really attracted me towards Takeru. He was the strong, silent type. You were...well...you were Tai.Ó she gave him an honest weak smile. ÒAnd Takeru and I had so much history...people just figured weÕd end up together. We were kind of pressured into it. Everyone said we were Ôperfect.Õ Hah.Ó She laughed scornfully. ÒIf this is perfection, please shoot me now.Ó
Daisuke slumped back in his chair. ÒMan, I had no idea...Ó he said. ÒTo be honest, your guysÕs wedding was the worst day of my life.Ó She nodded in understanding. ÒNow, whenever I hear about Versailles Palace, I think of it as a symbol. It stands for the day that I lost you forever to HIM. And now heÕs taking advantage of you and it damn well pisses me off!Ó He growled. ÒHow did you find out, anyway?Ó
ÒMimi was in Tokyo, shopping. Mimi told Sora, naturally, and Sora told me. It was all a big chain of humiliation. It seems that everybody knows now.Ó Hikari sighed. She realized that it hadnÕt taken her that long to finish her beer. She hadnÕt had any in a long time, because she had still been trying to have the baby. It actually tasted good. ÒWaitress,Ó Daisuke said. ÒIÕll have another beer, please.Ó
ÒMe too.Ó Hikari added. She felt the need for more alcohol.
ÒDo you remember the Digital World?Ó Daisuke asked, after his fourth beer. He seemed a little tipsy.
Hikari nodded. She was seeing double DaisukeÕs. She wasnÕt all that sure which one she was supposed to be looking at. She had been seeing two DaisukeÕs since the third beer. She had known that because she wasnÕt a very big person, she got drunk faster, but at this moment, she really didnÕt care. All thoughts had left her. ÒHow could I ferget?Ó she asked one of the DaisukeÕs.
ÒThose were good times.Ó
ÒYep.Ó
ÒI had lotsa fun there.Ó
ÒYep.Ó
The food had long been gone. The rain could still be heard pelting the windows. Daisuke and Hikari had sat there and talked for a long time.
ÒUm..sorry guys, but itÕs closing time.Ó The waitress said kindly.
ÒOh..what time is it?Ó
ÒTen.Ó the woman said.
ÒOh my gosh.Ó Davis said. ÒHereÕs yer tip.Ó He handed the woman a twenty and stumbled over to pay the bill. The woman stared after Daisuke in amazement, and got out of there quickly so she could keep her twenty.
Hikari and Daisuke waved down a cab. ÒWhere dÕya wanna go?Ó he asked her. ÒYer house?Ó
ÒNo,Ó she said. ÒDonÕt wanna go home.Ó
ÒUh...wanna go ta my place?Ó he asked. ÒYou could spend da night. Like a sleepover.Ó
Ò ÔKay.Ó
They stumbled up the stairs to DaisukeÕs apartment, laughing about stupid things. Daisuke struggled to open the door with his key and finally managed to do so. They went inside and Daisuke locked the door behind him. ÒNeighborhoodÕs real scary.Ó he slurred.
Hikari nodded in understanding.
ÒYou wanna sleep on da couch?Ó he asked.
She shook her head.
ÒWhere dÕya wanna sleep?Ó he asked.
Hikari shrugged. She felt really dizzy, suddenly. Then she swayed and fell down on the soft carpet.
ÒOh crap.Ó Daisuke mumbled. He knelt down beside her. ÒI fergot you canÕt have too much beers.Ó
Hikari looked up and saw five DaisukeÕs. She didnÕt know which one to look at. ÒHi.Ó she said.
Daisuke continued to just look at her. ÒMan, yer purty.Ó
ÒYer perty, too.Ó she giggled.
Daisuke then leaned down and she leaned up and their lips met in a drunken kiss. Daisuke licked her lips and she opened her mouth, exploring his with her tongue. He kissed her neck and she groaned. The kisses started creeping lower and lower. Hikari ran her hands up and down DaisukeÕs smooth chest and kissing him deeper. Their body heat intensified and clothing started being removed and tossed about the room.
In the morning, Hikari awoke with a huge headache. She opened her eyes and the light that blasted in through the window blinded her and made her want to scream in pain. ÒOh God..Ó she muttered and reached a hand up to rub her aching temples. She stared down at the ground. Soft white carpet.
Do I have white carpet?
She thought about this for a moment. No, no I donÕt. I have blue carpet to match my pillows on my couch. Where am I?
Then she realized that the white carpet was touching her bare skin, and not just her arms and legs.
Everything.
She then looked at herself. Wholy shit! IÕm naked!!! OH MY GOD!
She looked around. Her rain coat and her jeans and shirt and undergarmets were strewn about. Someone elseÕs clothing was thrown about as well.
ÒOh...my....God....Ó Hikari said. She then turned to the warm body laying beside her. Dark olive skin. Spikey maroonish brown hair. ÒDaisuke?Ó she asked nervously.
She heard him mumbled something about ÒFive more minutes.Ó
OH NO! OH NO! OH NO NO NO! NONONONONONONONO!!!!! Her brain screamed This is a dream...this is not real. IÕm gonna pinch myself and I will be back in my own house on my couch. TK will be there and heÕll only love me and not Catherine and weÕll start a family and they will grow up and none of us will be cheaters! She pinched her arm as hard as she could. ÒOw!Ó she cried. FUCK! IÕM A HORRIBLE WIFE!! NO NO NO NONONONONONONONONONO!!!!!
ÒDAISUKE!Ó she shrieked.
ÒAH!! My head!Ó he cried in alarm. ÒWhat?! WhatÕs-OH MY GOD!Ó he cried and backed away from her. ÒOH NO!Ó
They were staring at each other, wide-eyed in horror. ÒDid we... have sex?Ó Daisuke asked slowly.
Hikari stared at him. She was trying to remember.... but she couldnÕt! ÒLook at our clothes! I think thatÕs proof enough.Ó Then she started crying her eyes out.
ÒOh Kari..Ó Daisuke cried, crawling towards her slowly, as if she were an animal that would run away if he moved too fast. He wrapped his arms around her bare body, forgetting that he was buck naked as well. ÒShit. DonÕt cry. ItÕs OK.Ó he whispered. ÒItÕs OK. Nobody has to know. ItÕs OK. It wasnÕt your fault. ItÕs OK.Ó
ÒNO!Ó she screamed, ripping herself out of his grasp and pulling on her shirt. ÒNO ITÕS NOT OKAY! STOP SAYING THAT!!!! IÕm..IÕm j-just like... HIM!!! IÕm a...a...a...horrible person!Ó
ÒSTOP!Ó Daisuke shouted. ÒYouÕre not a horrible person! YouÕre just confused and hurt because of what TakeruÕs done to you! You didnÕt do anything wrong! If anything itÕs my fault because I let you come back with me to my house!Ó
They both stared at each other for a moment. ÒDaisuke, IÕm sorry.Ó Hikari said. ÒI..I feel like I took advantage of you.Ó
ÒYou didnÕt.Ó Daisuke assured her. ÒIf anything I took advantage of you.Ó
ÒNo you didnÕt!Ó Hikari exclaimed. ÒI didnÕt want to go home!Ó
ÒWe were drunk.Ó Daisuke shrugged. ÒIf anything it was fun, right?Ó
ÒI...think so.Ó Hikari said, not really remembering. ÒDo you remember anything?Ó
Ò....not really.Ó Daisuke said.
They both started laughing really hard.
*********
Takeru continued to see Catherine, even after he came back from his ÒConference.Ó It was strange, but Hikari also continued to see Daisuke even after Takeru came back. It was a strange tangled relationship, but somehow it continued to work. Nobody found anything out, and both Hikari and Takeru at least pretended to be happy. Hikari could smell CatherineÕs perfume whenever Takeru came home from his ÒmeetingsÓ with the publishers. Hikari left no trails to reveal that she was with Daisuke as well. She was more careful than Takeru was.
One day, Hikari knocked on TakeruÕs door to his office. ÒTakeru?Ó she asked. She smelled smoke coming from inside the office, and it concerned her, because it didnÕt smell like cigarette smoke. She pushed open the door to see Takeru typing away, smoke puffing out his nose and from the strange cigarette that was in his mouth.
ÒTAKERU!Ó she cried. ÒAre you SMOKING?!Ó
ÒAh..well...Ó he started.
Hikari picked up the cigarette, only to find that it wasnÕt a cigarette at all. ÒThis is a Doobie*.Ó she said, shocked.
ÒMost authors use it to be more creative in their stories.Ó Takeru informed her. ÒLike the guy who wrote Alice in Wonderland.Ó
ÒA JOINT?!Ó she scraemed in anger. ÒTakeru! WeÕre trying to have a baby!!! Marijuanna reduces your sperm count!Ó
Takeru leaned back in his chair. He was obviously stoned.
ÒYou fucking asshole!Ó Hikari screamed. ÒHow could you?!Ó
ÒHow could I what?Ó he snarled. ÒDo what, Hikari? I never do
anything right anyway! So why should I give a flying fuck anymore?!Ó
ÒBECAUSE THIS IS A MARRIAGE YOU SELFISH PRICK!Ó she screamed
in anger. She felt guilty when she said that, however, because she
wasnÕt the best wife that ever walked, but Takeru did the same to her.
She was angry. She wanted a baby more than anything. TK didnÕt.
____________________________________________________
*Doobie- a joint, marijuanna cigarette, pot, etc.
____________________________________________________
ÒY ou did this on purpose!Ó she accused. ÒYou donÕt want a baby, so thatÕs why you smoked! So I canÕt have a baby!!!Ó
ÒThatÕs not true!Ó Takeru shouted. ÒItÕs because I want to write more creatively!Ó
ÒBULLSHIT!Ó Hikari cried. ÒYou only care about what you want! Well, I have needs too!Ó
ÒYeah, and so do I!Ó Takeru barked. ÒAll you care about is that fucking baby! You donÕt give a shit about me!Ó
ÒBECAUSE YOUÕRE A POTHEAD!Ó Hikari shrieked. ÒAnd youÕre too high to talk to right now. Come back and bitch at me when youÕre normal, you big stupid dick.Ó
ÒSame to you, bitch !Ó
Later that night, Takeru told Hikari how sorry he was and that he wouldnÕt smoke marijuanna anymore. He told her that he really did want a baby and that he was extremely sorry for what he had said to make her feel horrible. He told her that he cared about her and would go get a fertility test and said he loved her. Then he kissed her and they made love.
Afterwards, Hikari lay, hugging her pillow, thinking.
IÕm so confused.
ÒTwirl me about, Twirl me around. Let me grow dizzy and fall to the ground. And when I look up, at you looking down, say it was only a dream.Ó -Mary Chapen Carpenter
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Wow...IÕve never written anything so...sad and negative before. IÕm so against cheating on a marriage you have no idea. My parents had a divorce so it kind of hit me hard where it hurts. My father was a dick and he took off when I was 5 because he got caught cheating. It just makes me seethe with anger whenever I hear about cheating adults. It makes me so mad!
Please R&R! This fic means a lot to me.
by the Queen of Diamonds
A/N: This is very very dark. IÕve never written anything so negative before. ItÕs about cheating hearts and how they never quite heal. ItÕs about the mistakes we make and being tangled and dizzy from the vertigo of the situation. So read on and please review. This is a very depressing Takari. It may or may not end up Takari in the end. You will see!
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Chapter 1: Ring Around the Rosie
They had been married two years ago in France. ÒThere are two things that are important to a Frenchman!Ó Takeru TakaishiÕs grandfather had said. ÒZe bakery and Versailles Palace! Zo, Tak-aeroo, you must be married at Versailles Palace!Ó And it was decided. Takeru and Hikari would be wedded at Versailles Palace in the warm summer weather. It had been a beautiful day.
The marriage had started out well. They had experienced money troubles early on, like most marriages. Hikari had a job as a Kindergarten teacher, but that money could only pay for the bills and meager supplies of food each month. Takeru was trying hard to become a writer, and most of their friends called them the ÒStarving Artist and his little Wife.Ó It was funny at first, but then things started going downhill.
Takeru had been very stressed out. They lived in a tiny apartment in Odaiba. Everyone in the DigiDestined had all stayed in Odaiba, and Mimi had moved back when she had married Koushiro. They had a son named Teddy. Taichi and Sora were married and had three kids already, two boys and a girl, Yamato remained single, being a rockstar, and basically dating whoever wandered backstage, if you could call it dating. Jyou had married a nice med. school girl and they lived happily ever after with their two little girls. Daisuke was recently divorced and had no kids. He liked it that way, he said. Miyako and Ken had recently divorced, luckily there were no kids involved. Iori was recently engaged as well. Takeru was stressed because Hikari was barely around the house anymore. She always had to work, and what she didnÕt realize was that he had needs. But what he didnÕt realize was that she wanted to keep them from starving.
ÒHikari,Ó he complained from the couch, watching TV. She was home on her lunchbreak.
ÒWhat?Ó she asked, in that Teacher tone that TK hated. It was a real turn off. He slumped back down in his seat. ÒYouÕre never home anymore.Ó
ÒI know.Ó she said, not looking up from the sandwich she was making. ÒBut if I donÕt work, we wonÕt get to eat.Ó
ÒOne day my book will be famous.Ó Takeru informed her.
ÒUh huh.Ó she said.
ÒWeÕll have lots of money. Then you wonÕt have to work. You can stay home with me.Ó
Hikari sighed inside. Takeru always spoke like this. Positively. He constantly spoke about being rich and always said things like this because he wanted to have sex. Well, he was in for a rude awakening, because at the moment, she only had a half an hour before heading back and she was hungry.
He got up and walked towards the kitchen and put his arms around her small frame. He always liked hugging her, because she was so small. He kissed her neck lightly. ÒCome on, you can take the day off, canÕt you?Ó he asked, his eyes begging.
ÒTK..Ó Kari said, pulling herself out of his grip. ÒI canÕt right now. Tonight, okay?Ó
TK slumped. ÒFine.Ó He said, coldly. She knew he couldnÕt stand being rejected, but there was no choice.
Two years later, TakeruÕs book actually sold well. In one day, they became millionares. That one book, about their adventures in the Digital World, had made four million dollars alone.
Hikari stopped teaching and stayed home, just as Takeru wanted. It seemed like their marriage was saved and that they loved each other again. Then Takeru had to start going to publishing companies and traveling without her. She was left at home by herself pretty much all the time. Her internal clock was ticking, and driving her nuts.
One night, she finally got it out. She was lying next to Takeru with her head on his chest. ÒTK?Ó she asked.
ÒHmm?Ó he asked.
ÒI want to have a baby.Ó
She could feel TK take in a sharp breath. He was silent for a long time. She had asked for a baby a long time ago, but they couldnÕt because they had been so financially unstable. Now they were stable, rich, even, and Takeru didnÕt have any excuse for it now. He didnÕt want kids. They were too much responsibility.
ÒHikari...Ó he started, not sure of what to say. ÒI...Ó He thought about it for a moment. She really wanted a family.... ÒOkay.Ó he said.
They tried and tried again and again to get a baby, but they hadnÕt had any success.
Please please please please please! Hikari thought desperately. Turn blue turn blue... But it never did. She was so frustrated that she had tears in her eyes. Is it me? Am I infertile? She wondered.
ÒTakeru?Ó she asked later that night. ÒHow long has it been since youÕve been tested for.. you know...?Ó
ÒI just got a test two months ago. My sperm is fine.Ó Takeru informed her, sounding cold.
ÒOh.Ó She said, turning her back towards him and hugging her pillow tightly. ItÕs my fault.
ÒMaybe this is a sign.Ó Takeru said.
She just rolled over and tried to stiffle her painful sobs. Oh how Takeru had changed!
In the morning, Takeru had gotten up to go to a publishing company in Tokyo to see if he wanted to have his novels published there.
He walked through the building. It was large and spacious with loads of people walking by. ÒExcuse me,Ó Takeru said to the woman at the front desk.
She turned to face him. She was a gorgeous blonde with bright blue eyes. ÒBon Jour!Ó she exclaimed. Then she squinted her eyes. ÒDo I know you?Ó She asked.
ÒAh....Ó Takeru looked closer at her. French. ÒCatherine?!Ó He exclaimed.
ÒAH! TAK-AEROO!Ó She exlciamed, jumping up from the desk and hugging him tightly. ÒIt is so good to see you!Ó
ÒYou too!Ó Takeru said. ÒDo you live here now?Ó
ÒYes yes! I moved here from Paris!Ó she said. ÒI have landed a job here! ItÕs difficult to speak Japanese.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru said. ÒI think itÕs harder to learn French, however.Ó
She giggled lightly. He had forgotten how pretty she was. She wasnÕt as pretty as Hikari, but she was pretty in a different way, maybe a mischevious way.
ÒWhat do you need help with?Ó she asked.
ÒWell...IÕm looking for the Executive Board DirectorÕs office, but... maybe IÕll skip out on this company. Do you want to go have a burger or something?Ó
ÒOh, silly Tak-aeroo! Zer arenÕt any bur-gaers out here! Mostlee noodles.Ó She said.
ÒRight.Ó Takeru turned red. ÒWould you care for some noodles, then?Ó
ÒSure! It is almost my lunch break anyway.Ó she said.
They headed downtown to a local place where they served noodles and they had some Chinese food. They sat at the table next to the window and talked for awhile.
ÒSo, how are you doing?Ó Catherine asked Takeru, batting her long eyelashes at him.
ÒIÕm okay.Ó He said.
ÒJust O.K.Ó she said. ÒNot zuper?Ó
ÒProblems at home.Ó Takeru said. ÒHikari wants a baby... but I donÕt. I feel like sheÕs not very happy. And I feel like IÕm not very happy.Ó
ÒAh. Hikar-ee.Ó Catherine said. ÒYou..married her, yes?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru said. ÒIÕm just so stressed out. I...IÕm sorry. I shouldnÕt throw my problems at you...but...I donÕt know who I can talk to. All my other friends, the DigiDestined, have perfect lives and perfect marriages with perfect children. ItÕs disgusting!Ó
ÒAh. I see.Ó Catherine said. ÒDo you still love Hikar-ee?Ó
ÒYes..well...I....I think I do. I really donÕt know if she loves me. I just.. I donÕt know. I just feel horrible.Ó
ÒCome. ZetÕs go for walk.Ó Catherine said. They got up and walked for awhile, chattering on and on about things.
They were sitting on a bench, watching the pidgeons walk around, hoping for a free handout. ThatÕs how Takeru felt around Hikari. She seemed all depressed and pissed off all the time, he had to beg for affection from her. But then again, he rarely showered her with love.
He looked over to Catherine suddenly, who was looking into his eyes. He didnÕt know what suddenly overcame him, but he leaned closer to her and his lips met with hers. He suddenly jerked away. ÒI-IÕm sorry..I-Ó
ÒDonÕt be zorry!Ó she exclaimed. ÒNobody has to know.Ó Takeru looked at her for a moment. She was so beautiful. Hikari would never have to know... He then kissed her again, licking her lips with his tongue and she opened her mouth to him. They made out on the bench for awhile, when Catherine jumped up, grabbing his hand. ÒI know where we can go.Ó she said, a mischevious glint in her eyes.
They grabbed a taxi and soon Takeru found himself in CatherineÕs house on her bed, kissing and touching and slowly removing clothes.
Nobody has to know......
That night, Hikari called Takeru at his hotel. Catherine was there. Takeru motioned for her to be quiet. ÒHello?Ó he asked.
ÒHi TK, itÕs me.Ó she said.
ÒHi, Kar!Ó He said, too loud. ÒHow are you, baby?Ó
ÒIÕm fine.Ó Hikari said. ÒLook, IÕve been talking to Sora, and I just wanted to say IÕm really sorry for being such a bitch. I guess IÕm just mad that I canÕt make a baby and..well...IÕm really sorry.Ó
Takeru felt like heÕd been shot in the heart with an arrow of guilt. ÒItÕs okay, babe. ItÕs not your fault. Look, weÕll work something out, okay?Ó
ÒAll right. When are you coming home?Ó
ÒWell..IÕm still debating whether or not I want Tokyo Publishers to take in Volume IV. It could be a week at the most.Ó Takeru said.
ÒReally? A whole week?Ó Hikari asked, her voice sounding disapointed.
ÒYeah. IÕm sorry, sweetheart. IÕll make it up to you when I get back. IÕll bring you a present.Ó he said. He knew she liked presents.
ÒThat would be nice..Ó Hikari said, twirling the phone chord around her finger. ÒOkay, IÕve got to go. IÕll talk to you later, okay? I love you.Ó
ÒLove you, too. Bye baby.Ó TK said, then hung up the phone. ÒMaybe this is a bad idea, Cat.Ó He said.
ÒNonsense!Ó Catherine said. ÒSheÕs probably just feeling guilty for treating you bad.Ó She crawled on top of him, purposely dragging a leg across his groin, making him groan as the errotic tingling shot through his body. She leaned in a kissed him deeply, exploring every inch of his mouth with her tongue. She planted butterfly kisses down his neck and across his chest. Takeru groaned as the kisses got lower and lower. ÒI know the proper way to treat a man.Ó she kissed him again. ÒAnd you know you canÕt resist me.Ó Takeru grinned at her and kissed her back.
In the morning, Takeru placed a phone call.
That afternoon, Hikari recieved flowers from Takeru, saying that he would be late getting back, that it would be three more days than he expected.
She wondered why.
The next morning, Takeru and Catherine went to the mall. It was an enormous mall, and Takeru figured it would be safe. None of his friends shopped here, besides Mimi, but she rarely went anymore. She prefered flying to the States three times a year for some serious shopping in L.A.
They held hands like high-schoolers and went from store to store. Takeru laughed at how Catherine squealed over each item of clothing. They went to the Orange Julius next and to TakeruÕs horror, he bumped right into the woman in front of him. She turned around as she growled, ÒWatch it, asshole!Ó And then, in shock, she cried, ÒTK?Ó
Takeru froze. Pink hair. High pitched voice. Frequent swearing. Mimi Izumi. ÒHi Mimi!Ó He cried, dropping CatherineÕs hand immediatly. Shit! He thought. She never comes here anymore!!! WhatÕs she doing here?!!
ÒArenÕt you at that conference?Ó Mimi asked. ÒThatÕs what Hikari told me.Ó She then noticed Catherine standing there.
ÒBon Jour, Mrs. Izumi!Ó Catherine exclaimed. ÒCongratulations! By the way!Ó
ÒIÕm sorry...do I know you?Ó Mimi asked, glaring suspiciously.
ÒNo actually, this is Marie, my co-worker. SheÕs showing me around Tokyo.Ó
ÒOh!Ó Mimi said, laughing. ÒI thought she was your hooker or something! IÕm so stupid!!Ó
Catherine growled angrilly.
ÒWeÕll be seeing you later, Mimi. WeÕve got a conference to attend.Ó Takeru said as they left. ÒBye.Ó
ÒBye.Ó Mimi said. Then, so nobody could hear her, ÒNice to meet you, too, Catherine.Ó
ÒIt is a good thing thatat woman is stupid.Ó Catherine said. ÒOr else I think you would be in deep shit.Ó
ÒYeah.Ó Takeru agreed. He was starting to have his doubts, however. IÕm a lousy husband... he thought. What do I think IÕm doing? ÒCatherine...Ó He started.
ÒYes?Ó she asked, her blue eyes so striking to him.
He thought about it for a moment. ÒNever mind.Ó He said. ÒDo you want to go somewhere?Ó
Catherine grinned at him.
Hikari felt dizzy. This canÕt be true! Her mind screamed. Takeru wouldnÕt-couldnÕt- ever cheat on her! And with Catherine! She felt sick to her stomach. ÒAre y-you s-sure?Ó she stammered.
Sora sighed. She hated to be the bringer of bad news-the Voice of Doom, but she couldnÕt stand seeing her sister-in-law being led on. It angered her that Takeru was taking advantage of her and cheating with another woman! ÒIÕm really sorry, Kari. But...Mimi called and said that she ran in to them at the mall...and...Ó
ÒItÕs okay. DonÕt tell me anything else.Ó Hikari said, her eyes filling with tears as she stared at the wooden table between them in shame. She felt very used. And extremely hostile. She wanted to turn around, fling her head out the widow and scream bloody murder until somebody destroyed Catherine. Of all people! ÒThatÕs why he sent me flowers...Ó she mumbled, in shock. ÒHe felt guilty...Ó
ÒWhat?Ó Sora asked, confused.
ÒH-He s-sent me fl-flowers....yesterday... He never used to do things like that... Then all of a sudden-there they were!Ó She burst into tears and slammed her small fist on the table and sobbed her heart out.
ÒHika..Ó Sora started, unsure of what to do. Tai wouldnÕt even consider doing something like this to her. If he did, Sora would have his testicles ripped off before noon that very day.
ÒJesus Christ, Sora...Ó Hikari sobbed. ÒWhat do I do?! I canÕt get a divorce! ItÕll shame my family forever!!!Ó
Sora shook her head. ÒNo you wonÕt. Your family would understand.Ó
Hikari shook her head, almost violently. ÒI wonÕt.Ó
ÒI donÕt know what to tell you.Ó Sora said, patting her on the shoulder lightly. ÒFollow your heart?Ó
ÒMy heart tells me to burn down the apartment, move away and become a homeless bum rather than face him when he gets home. I canÕt even look at his picture!Ó Hikari wailed.
Sora sweatdropped. ÒEr...maybe donÕt follow your heart. Follow whatÕs reasonable. I need to get going, Takuya is waiting for me to take him to the park.Ó
Hikari sniffled and nodded. ÒIÕll see you later.Ó
ÒBye.Ó
Once Sora was gone, Hikari went through the house and knocked over all the pictures of Takeru that she could see. She was so blind with rage and hurt that she didnÕt realize what she was doing. I HATE HIM!!! Her mind screamed. He hurts me! I HATE HIM! How could he do this to me?! But her heart shrieked, You love him! You canÕt leave him!
She collapsed on the couch and sobbed into the blue pillow. She didnÕt know what to do. She moved to sit out the window and watch the rain pelt the window pane. She loved the smell of rain, so she opened the window a small crack and breathed in the smell. Mmmm. she thought. I love that smell. She listened to the sounds of the street people, wondering what their lives were like as they walked by. At the moment, she wished she was anybody but herself. Now she couldnÕt have a baby, knowing that Takeru had been with someone else. Their relationship might not even survive.
ÒNoodles Noodles! Come get your Noodles!Ó
Hikari perked up at the sound. She smiled. Daisuke Motimiya was pushing his noodle cart down the street in the rain.
Grabbing her raincoat, Hikari raced out the door and down the apartment steps. She kept running until she got to the noodle cart.
ÒHello, MaÕam, would you like some noodles- Hikari? HI!!Ó Daisuke exclaimed. ÒHowÕs everything going?Ó
Hikari shrugged. ÒI just heard your noodle call and I thought IÕd come down and say hello.Ó
ÒWell then, Hello!Ó Daisuke said cheerfully. He looked around. ÒWhereÕs TS?Ó
ÒHeÕs at a conference in Tokyo.Ó
ÒWow. Getting another book published, eh? You guys must be reelinÕ in the dough.Ó
ÒYou, too. Mr. Time Magazine.Ó Hikari smiled. Daisuke blushed. The guy was obnoxious when they were younger, but he was so modest now that it amazed the small woman!
ÒWell...that was...well....you know...Ó he was still blushing. He then noticed that she was getting soaked. ÒHere,Ó he said, handing her an umbrella. ÒCanÕt have Mrs. Takaishi catching pneumonia. YouÕre prone to that, or so I hear.Ó
Hikari shrugged. ÒI donÕt really care.Ó Daisuke noticed that she had a sad look in her eyes. Usually he couldnÕt read her, that was TakeruÕs job, but today he could for the first time since they met.
ÒDid something happen?Ó Daisuke asked curiously.
Hikari nodded, tears welling up in her gorgeous brown eyes.
ÒWanna go get something to eat and talk about it?Ó He asked.
ÒIf-If you w-want t-to.Ó she said sadly. ÒD-donÕt you have w-work?Ó
ÒYeah, but IÕm about done anyway. Nobody wants noodles in the rain.Ó he chuckled. ÒBesides, I donÕt want to eat these things for dinner, I eat too many of them anyway. IÕm gonna get fat.Ó
She giggled. ÒYou never get fat.Ó
ÒYes, but I can get high cholesteral levels. Want to go to Outback?Ó
ÒSure.Ó
ÒMmmm! Prime ribs! Sounds good, huh?Ó Daisuke said, trying to cheer his friend up. She seemed so...lost.
They were sitting at a nice table, warm and dry. ÒWhat do you want?Ó Daisuke asked her, nodding towards the menu.
Hikari looked over it. ÒMaybe a chef salad.Ó
Daisuke rolled his eyes. ÒJesus Christ, woman. You get a chef salad at McDonalds. This is OUTBACK. Here, you get a steak or prime ribs or those onion things!Ó
ÒOkay, IÕll have some ribs.Ó she said, smiling lightly at DaisukeÕs attempt at humor. She knew he was trying to make her feel better.
ÒAnd?Ó he asked.
ÒAnd what?Ó
ÒArenÕt you going to drink anything?Ó
ÒIÕll just have water.Ó
Daisuke rolled his eyes again. ÒThis is OUTBACK.Ó He informed her.
ÒI know.Ó she said.
ÒWeÕll have two beers.Ó Daisuke told the waitress, who giggled. ÒCause she needs one.Ó he pointed a thumb in HikariÕs direction.
They sat and talked, and Hikari spilled her guts to Daisuke. As she told him everything, DaisukeÕs eyes got bigger and bigger.
ÒOh my God.Ó he mumbled. ÒAre you serious? Takeru? TX Takaishi? With...HER?!Ó
Hikari nodded through tears. ÒI feel totally used.Ó
ÒWhat a bastard!Ó Daisuke raged. ÒWhen does the dickface get home? IÕll kick his ass.Ó
ÒNo, I donÕt want him to know that I know.Ó Hikari said desperately.
ÒYouÕre just gonna sit back and let this happen?Ó Daisuke demanded hotly. ÒYouÕre gonna let TS wipe his ass with you like toilet paper and then flush you?Ó
ÒThat was...a disturbing comparison.Ó Hikari said. ÒBut...yes. I donÕt know what else I can do!Ó
ÒWhen does he get back?Ó Davis demanded.
ÒNext week.Ó she said.
Daisuke sat there for a moment, kind of drifting off.
ÒPenny for your thoughts?Ó Hikari asked.
ÒItÕs just that....when we were kids....TK didnÕt seem like the type that would do this. Especially not to you. I knew that World Tour was a stupid idea.Ó
ÒI should just call up the Poi brothers and have a foursome.Ó Hikari snarled bitterly. Daisuke was taken aback by her snap of frustration. She had always been the calm one when he and Iori and Miyako freaked out.
He paused again for a moment, thinking. ÒYou know, IÕm really sorry that I annoyed you.Ó
ÒHuh?Ó she asked, in a nicer tone. ÒAnnoyed me?Ó
ÒWhen we were younger. I shouldnÕt have ever interfered with you and TKÕs relationship.Ó Daisuke said honestly. ÒThings might be different now.Ó
ÒYeah, I might have ended up with you instead.Ó Hikari said.
Daisuke turned to look at her strangely. ÒReally?Ó
ÒYeah.Ó she said, her eyes showing deep thought. ÒI think it was your nagging that really attracted me towards Takeru. He was the strong, silent type. You were...well...you were Tai.Ó she gave him an honest weak smile. ÒAnd Takeru and I had so much history...people just figured weÕd end up together. We were kind of pressured into it. Everyone said we were Ôperfect.Õ Hah.Ó She laughed scornfully. ÒIf this is perfection, please shoot me now.Ó
Daisuke slumped back in his chair. ÒMan, I had no idea...Ó he said. ÒTo be honest, your guysÕs wedding was the worst day of my life.Ó She nodded in understanding. ÒNow, whenever I hear about Versailles Palace, I think of it as a symbol. It stands for the day that I lost you forever to HIM. And now heÕs taking advantage of you and it damn well pisses me off!Ó He growled. ÒHow did you find out, anyway?Ó
ÒMimi was in Tokyo, shopping. Mimi told Sora, naturally, and Sora told me. It was all a big chain of humiliation. It seems that everybody knows now.Ó Hikari sighed. She realized that it hadnÕt taken her that long to finish her beer. She hadnÕt had any in a long time, because she had still been trying to have the baby. It actually tasted good. ÒWaitress,Ó Daisuke said. ÒIÕll have another beer, please.Ó
ÒMe too.Ó Hikari added. She felt the need for more alcohol.
ÒDo you remember the Digital World?Ó Daisuke asked, after his fourth beer. He seemed a little tipsy.
Hikari nodded. She was seeing double DaisukeÕs. She wasnÕt all that sure which one she was supposed to be looking at. She had been seeing two DaisukeÕs since the third beer. She had known that because she wasnÕt a very big person, she got drunk faster, but at this moment, she really didnÕt care. All thoughts had left her. ÒHow could I ferget?Ó she asked one of the DaisukeÕs.
ÒThose were good times.Ó
ÒYep.Ó
ÒI had lotsa fun there.Ó
ÒYep.Ó
The food had long been gone. The rain could still be heard pelting the windows. Daisuke and Hikari had sat there and talked for a long time.
ÒUm..sorry guys, but itÕs closing time.Ó The waitress said kindly.
ÒOh..what time is it?Ó
ÒTen.Ó the woman said.
ÒOh my gosh.Ó Davis said. ÒHereÕs yer tip.Ó He handed the woman a twenty and stumbled over to pay the bill. The woman stared after Daisuke in amazement, and got out of there quickly so she could keep her twenty.
Hikari and Daisuke waved down a cab. ÒWhere dÕya wanna go?Ó he asked her. ÒYer house?Ó
ÒNo,Ó she said. ÒDonÕt wanna go home.Ó
ÒUh...wanna go ta my place?Ó he asked. ÒYou could spend da night. Like a sleepover.Ó
Ò ÔKay.Ó
They stumbled up the stairs to DaisukeÕs apartment, laughing about stupid things. Daisuke struggled to open the door with his key and finally managed to do so. They went inside and Daisuke locked the door behind him. ÒNeighborhoodÕs real scary.Ó he slurred.
Hikari nodded in understanding.
ÒYou wanna sleep on da couch?Ó he asked.
She shook her head.
ÒWhere dÕya wanna sleep?Ó he asked.
Hikari shrugged. She felt really dizzy, suddenly. Then she swayed and fell down on the soft carpet.
ÒOh crap.Ó Daisuke mumbled. He knelt down beside her. ÒI fergot you canÕt have too much beers.Ó
Hikari looked up and saw five DaisukeÕs. She didnÕt know which one to look at. ÒHi.Ó she said.
Daisuke continued to just look at her. ÒMan, yer purty.Ó
ÒYer perty, too.Ó she giggled.
Daisuke then leaned down and she leaned up and their lips met in a drunken kiss. Daisuke licked her lips and she opened her mouth, exploring his with her tongue. He kissed her neck and she groaned. The kisses started creeping lower and lower. Hikari ran her hands up and down DaisukeÕs smooth chest and kissing him deeper. Their body heat intensified and clothing started being removed and tossed about the room.
In the morning, Hikari awoke with a huge headache. She opened her eyes and the light that blasted in through the window blinded her and made her want to scream in pain. ÒOh God..Ó she muttered and reached a hand up to rub her aching temples. She stared down at the ground. Soft white carpet.
Do I have white carpet?
She thought about this for a moment. No, no I donÕt. I have blue carpet to match my pillows on my couch. Where am I?
Then she realized that the white carpet was touching her bare skin, and not just her arms and legs.
Everything.
She then looked at herself. Wholy shit! IÕm naked!!! OH MY GOD!
She looked around. Her rain coat and her jeans and shirt and undergarmets were strewn about. Someone elseÕs clothing was thrown about as well.
ÒOh...my....God....Ó Hikari said. She then turned to the warm body laying beside her. Dark olive skin. Spikey maroonish brown hair. ÒDaisuke?Ó she asked nervously.
She heard him mumbled something about ÒFive more minutes.Ó
OH NO! OH NO! OH NO NO NO! NONONONONONONONO!!!!! Her brain screamed This is a dream...this is not real. IÕm gonna pinch myself and I will be back in my own house on my couch. TK will be there and heÕll only love me and not Catherine and weÕll start a family and they will grow up and none of us will be cheaters! She pinched her arm as hard as she could. ÒOw!Ó she cried. FUCK! IÕM A HORRIBLE WIFE!! NO NO NO NONONONONONONONONONO!!!!!
ÒDAISUKE!Ó she shrieked.
ÒAH!! My head!Ó he cried in alarm. ÒWhat?! WhatÕs-OH MY GOD!Ó he cried and backed away from her. ÒOH NO!Ó
They were staring at each other, wide-eyed in horror. ÒDid we... have sex?Ó Daisuke asked slowly.
Hikari stared at him. She was trying to remember.... but she couldnÕt! ÒLook at our clothes! I think thatÕs proof enough.Ó Then she started crying her eyes out.
ÒOh Kari..Ó Daisuke cried, crawling towards her slowly, as if she were an animal that would run away if he moved too fast. He wrapped his arms around her bare body, forgetting that he was buck naked as well. ÒShit. DonÕt cry. ItÕs OK.Ó he whispered. ÒItÕs OK. Nobody has to know. ItÕs OK. It wasnÕt your fault. ItÕs OK.Ó
ÒNO!Ó she screamed, ripping herself out of his grasp and pulling on her shirt. ÒNO ITÕS NOT OKAY! STOP SAYING THAT!!!! IÕm..IÕm j-just like... HIM!!! IÕm a...a...a...horrible person!Ó
ÒSTOP!Ó Daisuke shouted. ÒYouÕre not a horrible person! YouÕre just confused and hurt because of what TakeruÕs done to you! You didnÕt do anything wrong! If anything itÕs my fault because I let you come back with me to my house!Ó
They both stared at each other for a moment. ÒDaisuke, IÕm sorry.Ó Hikari said. ÒI..I feel like I took advantage of you.Ó
ÒYou didnÕt.Ó Daisuke assured her. ÒIf anything I took advantage of you.Ó
ÒNo you didnÕt!Ó Hikari exclaimed. ÒI didnÕt want to go home!Ó
ÒWe were drunk.Ó Daisuke shrugged. ÒIf anything it was fun, right?Ó
ÒI...think so.Ó Hikari said, not really remembering. ÒDo you remember anything?Ó
Ò....not really.Ó Daisuke said.
They both started laughing really hard.
*********
Takeru continued to see Catherine, even after he came back from his ÒConference.Ó It was strange, but Hikari also continued to see Daisuke even after Takeru came back. It was a strange tangled relationship, but somehow it continued to work. Nobody found anything out, and both Hikari and Takeru at least pretended to be happy. Hikari could smell CatherineÕs perfume whenever Takeru came home from his ÒmeetingsÓ with the publishers. Hikari left no trails to reveal that she was with Daisuke as well. She was more careful than Takeru was.
One day, Hikari knocked on TakeruÕs door to his office. ÒTakeru?Ó she asked. She smelled smoke coming from inside the office, and it concerned her, because it didnÕt smell like cigarette smoke. She pushed open the door to see Takeru typing away, smoke puffing out his nose and from the strange cigarette that was in his mouth.
ÒTAKERU!Ó she cried. ÒAre you SMOKING?!Ó
ÒAh..well...Ó he started.
Hikari picked up the cigarette, only to find that it wasnÕt a cigarette at all. ÒThis is a Doobie*.Ó she said, shocked.
ÒMost authors use it to be more creative in their stories.Ó Takeru informed her. ÒLike the guy who wrote Alice in Wonderland.Ó
ÒA JOINT?!Ó she scraemed in anger. ÒTakeru! WeÕre trying to have a baby!!! Marijuanna reduces your sperm count!Ó
Takeru leaned back in his chair. He was obviously stoned.
ÒYou fucking asshole!Ó Hikari screamed. ÒHow could you?!Ó
ÒHow could I what?Ó he snarled. ÒDo what, Hikari? I never do
anything right anyway! So why should I give a flying fuck anymore?!Ó
ÒBECAUSE THIS IS A MARRIAGE YOU SELFISH PRICK!Ó she screamed
in anger. She felt guilty when she said that, however, because she
wasnÕt the best wife that ever walked, but Takeru did the same to her.
She was angry. She wanted a baby more than anything. TK didnÕt.
____________________________________________________
*Doobie- a joint, marijuanna cigarette, pot, etc.
____________________________________________________
ÒY ou did this on purpose!Ó she accused. ÒYou donÕt want a baby, so thatÕs why you smoked! So I canÕt have a baby!!!Ó
ÒThatÕs not true!Ó Takeru shouted. ÒItÕs because I want to write more creatively!Ó
ÒBULLSHIT!Ó Hikari cried. ÒYou only care about what you want! Well, I have needs too!Ó
ÒYeah, and so do I!Ó Takeru barked. ÒAll you care about is that fucking baby! You donÕt give a shit about me!Ó
ÒBECAUSE YOUÕRE A POTHEAD!Ó Hikari shrieked. ÒAnd youÕre too high to talk to right now. Come back and bitch at me when youÕre normal, you big stupid dick.Ó
ÒSame to you, bitch !Ó
Later that night, Takeru told Hikari how sorry he was and that he wouldnÕt smoke marijuanna anymore. He told her that he really did want a baby and that he was extremely sorry for what he had said to make her feel horrible. He told her that he cared about her and would go get a fertility test and said he loved her. Then he kissed her and they made love.
Afterwards, Hikari lay, hugging her pillow, thinking.
IÕm so confused.
ÒTwirl me about, Twirl me around. Let me grow dizzy and fall to the ground. And when I look up, at you looking down, say it was only a dream.Ó -Mary Chapen Carpenter
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Wow...IÕve never written anything so...sad and negative before. IÕm so against cheating on a marriage you have no idea. My parents had a divorce so it kind of hit me hard where it hurts. My father was a dick and he took off when I was 5 because he got caught cheating. It just makes me seethe with anger whenever I hear about cheating adults. It makes me so mad!
Please R&R! This fic means a lot to me.