Disclaimer: The muses would like to remind everyone that Angel Spirit doesn’t own Digimon, just the plot of the fic…and Raiden of course.

Author’s Notes: Yes, your eyes do not deceive you...it IS an update! And wow…everyone wanted me to update Confessions first…((gets stars in her eyes)) I forgot how popular this fic was….heh…((grins sheepishly)) I apologize so much for how long I’ve been gone, I only meant to take a short hiatus from writing…and it only got longer. It wasn’t until recently when several readers pointed out to me how long it’s been since I’ve updated any of my fics that I went to go and check the dates for myself and I nearly fell over in my chair at how long it had been! So my deepest apologies, and I hope that this chapter makes up for it a bit. One of the several reasons why I took a hiatus as well is because I had somehow managed to capture the attention of several yaoi bashers, and was being bogged down by a few e-mails regarding the fact that yaoi was wrong, blah, blah, blah…so I was spending some of that time defending myself… ((Grins)) I hope I chased them all away, but one can never be too positive...Heh.

One more thing I want to quickly address is yes, I do know that my characters are a bit OOC here. Think about all I’m putting them through…that, and it’s four years after season 04, it gives me a bit of room to play around with the Digi Destined a bit because a lot can change in four years too. And yes, this fic does have drama in it…come on now, how else am I supposed to torture my favorite, wonderful bishies if there wasn’t any drama involved?! ((Watches as author gasps and looks astonished that anyone can think of her writing a fic with no drama…actually I think my recent one shot “Keep Away” probably has the least drama out of any of my fics…LOL!)) Anyway now that I’m done ranting (if that’s what it’s called…hehe) I think I’ll let you wonderful readers who have been poking and prodding me forever in a year to finally update my fics to enjoy the new chapter…and I promise that I’ll try to update more often and not disappear as long as I did this last time around, ne??

Rating: PG13

Warning: This fic contains slash/yaoi. If you’re not a fan of that or any of the pairings listed below this warning feel free to hit the wonderful back button to the top left of your page and run far, far away. Please don’t say that you were never for warned…flames will just make me laugh and roll my eyes and be saved for a cold winter’s day.

Pairings: Takuya/Kouji, a Junpei/Kouichi/Izumi triangle, and some Shinya/Tomoki hints throughout the fic too

Time Setting: Four years after season 04

Summary: See earlier chapters

Confessions

Author: Angel Spirit

Chapter 13: By Your Side

Takuya sighed wearily as he sat further back so that he was leaning against the coffee table in the living room, and rubbed a hand across his face, determined to stay awake until Kouji woke up.

It had only been a couple of hours since the incident, and at the current moment Kouji was sleeping as peacefully as he could on the couch in the living room, none of them had dared tried to move him up to the bedroom in the state that he was in…and Tomoko hadn’t wanted to upset the stitches that she had had to do. Takuya shook his head as he reached over and took his koi’s limp hand into his own, caressing it slowly. They had the worst luck…this afternoon wasn’t supposed to have been this way at all. Kouichi, Junpei, and Izumi were supposed to have been gone by the time they had gotten there, and then they would’ve been able to…to…

All the brunette could do was close his dark brown eyes and try not to think of what they could’ve done. Because that was all in the past now…and now, Takuya knew that he would have to watch over Kouji like a hawk…no one knew how Kouji would react to what had happened this afternoon…and Takuya wanted to curse the gods above and below because Kouji had finally just started to heal his emotional wounds after the car accident. It was going slow, but even Izumi had noticed that Kouji was starting to regain a part of himself that he had lost when the accident had happened.

Now Takuya was worried that with everything that had happened that afternoon that all the small progress that Kouji had been making would be lost again. And then they’d be back down to square one…

And Takuya was determined to make sure that Kouji wouldn’t fall again.

He felt a gentle poke at his backside and turned his head enough to see who had done it…to find Kouichi standing behind him with two cups of steaming tea in his hands. Takuya sighed quietly and accepted one of the cups, smelling it as he took it…and then glanced over at Kouichi with a raised eyebrow.

Kouichi only shrugged tiredly and sat down on the coffee table that Takuya was leaning against, reaching over to gently brush a strand of fallen hair out of his twin brother’s eyes.

“Mom said that it was supposed to help calm and relax us…she even made Junpei and Izumi some…” The older twin murmured, and Takuya snorted softly as he blew on his tea to help cool it down a bit before he drank it. He didn’t want to scald his tongue…

“I hope that your mom made some for herself as well.” Takuya commented, raising his other eyebrow as Kouichi nodded and took a sip of his with no hesitation…Takuya followed shortly after, amazed at the quality of the tea with all the different flavors in it. He had thought for sure that it would’ve been chamomile…but it wasn’t.

“This is good.” The brunette murmured, taking another sip and Kouichi nodded.

The two friends were silent for awhile after that, both watching over Kouji while he continued to sleep on.

“At least at the moment, he’s not in any pain.” Kouichi murmured, and Takuya nodded as he continued to hold Kouji’s hand with his free one, while he drank the tea Kouichi had given him with the other.

“Hai…I know that your mom was worried about having to take care of the…the wound that Junpei’s father had given him when he was conscious. I guess it was lucky that he passed out on us before we even reached the apartment.” Takuya responded lightly, and Kouichi found himself nodding in agreement. He had been right behind Takuya and Tomoko as they’d made their mad dash up to the apartment so that way the twins’ mother could look after Kouji…and both Takuya and Kouichi had cried out when Kouji had slipped into unconsciousness…though Tomoko had assured them that at the moment that that was a good thing.

“Evil bastard.” Kouichi finally said, slamming his now half empty tea-cup onto the coffee table, causing Takuya to jump at the sudden motion. His dark brown eyes opened wide as he glanced up to see a mixed look of anger and rage slowly building in Kouichi’s dark blue-gray eyes.

“I can’t believe that he thought he could get away with this…I hope the sadistic brute rots in jail and that Junpei won’t have to deal with him anymore!” The dark haired twin was slightly surprised when Takuya’s arms suddenly snaked around him, holding him in a tightly protective hug. It only took a few minutes before Kouichi broke down completely and was soon sobbing in the brunette’s arms.

“I don’t want to see anyone else I love get hurt, Takuya, I don’t think I can handle it anymore…first the car accident with Kouji and then Junpei’s father beating him…and then Junpei’s father once again getting the upper hand as he hurts Kouji and nearly forces Junpei to go with him out of sheer spite and hatred. I can’t…I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it if something like this happens again…gods, Takuya…” Kouichi ranted, letting it all out as he continued to sob…and Takuya just let him.

Kouichi didn’t notice when Junpei came into the room, looking almost as tired as Takuya and Kouichi both felt, and he looked questioningly at Takuya as he made his way over to them. Takuya found himself staring into Junpei’s hazelnut colored orbs as though he were trying to read Junpei’s mind…and when Junpei opened up his arms to take Kouichi from him, all Takuya did was sigh and slowly shake his head. Junpei looked crestfallen to say the least.

“He’s too worked up right now Junpei…leave him with me for awhile, I’ll get him calmed down before he does or says anything stupid, okay? This is taking a toll on all of us…I-I’m sure that he’ll let you and Izumi use his room to sleep in until he can come and join you if you guys want a rest, I’m sure that you probably want one.” Takuya finally murmured, quietly enough so that Junpei could hear him…and Takuya knew that if Kouichi were really listening, that the older twin would hear him as well…or choose not too, it was all up to Kouichi.

Junpei only nodded as he glanced to the doorway where Izumi was padding silently through, still looking a little shell shocked herself. It didn’t take her too long to assess the situation, and when she did she only took Junpei by the arm and started to gently lead him out of the room.

“I’m sure he’ll come to us when he wants too Junpei…give him some time okay? Takuya’s right, it’s hard on all of us and I’m sure some sleep will help clear our minds a bit.” The blonde whispered, and Junpei finally gave in as he nodded, sending one last look at Kouichi who had finally started to quite down a bit, still in Takuya’s arms.

“I…I’m just not sure if I’m welcome here Izumi…I mean, look at all the trouble I’ve caused…if I went back now-“ Junpei started to say, but was cut off as both Takuya and Izumi fiercely shook their heads, denying him of his current thoughts.

“No…hell no…I doubt that Kouichi, Kouji, or Tomoko would let you go back now Junpei, so don’t even start going there! Of course you’re welcomed here, you’re our friend! It’s not your fault that your father is a bastard who takes pleasure out of hurting other people…you are nothing like him, understood?!” Izumi hissed out, her anger evident and all Takuya could do was nod in agreement with her words while Junpei nodded silently.

Before anyone could say anything else, another voice from the kitchen doorway interrupted them.

“Izumi is right, Junpei; you are not going anywhere, especially now that I know what kind of a man your father really is. You are staying here, I promise you that you are more than welcome here and I know that the twins would want you here…give them a little time Junpei, it’s a lot to process for them.” Tomoko said as she entered the room, her own cup of tea in her hands as she stared at Kouji’s sleeping form and Kouichi, still huddled in Takuya’s embrace…not saying or doing anything at the moment and Takuya had the nasty feeling that Kouichi was trying to block everything out at the moment, trying to hide from reality.

“I guess…I just…I don’t know.” Junpei said with a small, suffering sigh as Izumi started to tug him towards the direction of the staircase once more.

“C’mon Junpei, let’s get some sleep I promise you that you’ll feel better, we all will.” She murmured, coaxing him to continue moving with her. Eventually Junpei gave in, with one last look at the others as she guided him up the stairs towards Kouichi’s bedroom.

Tomoko sighed as she sat on the coffee table where Kouichi had once sat before he’d slid down to be in Takuya’s hug, and she reached out to touch her oldest sons shoulder. Kouichi tensed at the touch for a moment, and then relaxed as he slowly lifted his tear stained face from Takuya’s shoulder.

“I-I’m sorry…I…I didn’t mean too…” He stammered, and Tomoko only shushed him and gently brushed his bangs away from his forehead in a motherly gesture.

“It’s alright, Kouichi…why don’t you use my bed to sleep in for awhile, hmm…? It’ll give you a bit of time to yourself, and I think you might need that right now. Come on…” Takuya watched as Tomoko used her words to help Kouichi stand, and continued to watch as she wrapped an arm around her oldest son’s shoulders, and with the same gentleness that he’d seen Izumi use with Junpei, guided him towards her bedroom down the hallway. The twins bedrooms were upstairs, Tomoko’s bedroom was downstairs it was just the way the apartment had been designed.

“Takuya, you’ll be alright with Kouji for a minute? I’ll be right back.” Takuya nodded at Tomoko’s question, and resumed the hand holding with Kouji that he’d been doing before Kouichi had broken down on him. Not like he’d minded…it was kind of nice to comfort the older twin, something that Takuya normally didn’t get to do…and he found himself wishing that he could get more chances to get to know Kouichi on that kind of level. Sure he knew Kouichi…but he didn’t really know him. A part of Takuya had always thought that Kouji was the strongest one of the two twins, the overprotective one and the one with the most courage. And maybe in the beginning, especially during their adventure into the Digital World that had been true.

But as Takuya found himself getting to know both twins better, especially his koi, he found that on some level he couldn’t have been more wrong. Kouichi-though he hid it well-was truly overprotective of both his friends, family, and other loved ones. Listening to him rant about how Junpei should never be allowed near his father again, made Takuya realize just how strongly Kouichi’s feelings were for the taller brunette. If that was one thing that the twins had in common, it was that they usually tended to keep things bottled inside of them until it was ready to burst…like with what had just happened this afternoon for example. And while Takuya knew that it was something that Kouji was constantly working on, he hadn’t noticed too often that Kouichi tended to have the same problem…and vowed to start helping him out with it…just like how he’d started helping Kouji out with it. Eventually Takuya had the feeling that Junpei and Izumi would catch onto what was going on, and he would let them take over…but until then…

Takuya found himself clutching a little tighter to Kouji’s hand. Until then, Takuya promised himself that he’d watch over both twins…and he hoped to god that Tomoko’s new friend Raiden was able to put Junpei’s father in jail and that that would be the last that they’d see of the sadistic brute. Because once that was out of the way, Takuya had the feeling that everyone would be able to start healing a bit more.

Once again Takuya was startled from his thoughts, but not by Tomoko coming back from her room but by the front door opening and the sound of paws and claws scampering across the tile in the entryway. Takuya allowed a smile to briefly shine as he watched while Wolf all but slid into the room, managing to gracefully leap onto the carpet as he made a beeline for Takuya. It was almost as though the lovable Shepherd knew that something wasn’t quite right though, because he seemed to slow before he got there and he reached over and used his nose to gently nuzzle Takuya’s neck.

Takuya let out a soft laugh as he reached over and gave the dog a gentle pet on the head, and Wolf seemed to relish in the attention that he was getting as he sat and suddenly leaned up against the brunette, nearly causing Takuya to lose his balance. Takuya only chuckled as he continued to pet Wolf, looking him straight in the eye as he let Wolf lean on him a bit further.

“You wonderful mutt…you’re a hero, you know that…? Thank you for listening to us and obeying us…I know that Kouji’s your master and that you could’ve made a choice not to listen but I’m glad you did, and I’m equally glad that you’re as overprotective of Kouji as I am at the moment. So thank you.” Takuya knew that he was talking to a dog, but damn it…at the moment, said dog had his utmost respect.

And speaking of respect…

Takuya looked up to see Tomoko’s new friend Raiden coming into the room, looking tired as well and a bit irked about something. The ex-goggle head suddenly felt a big ball of dread settle in his stomach and his mouth went dry as he made himself look straight into Raiden’s eyes, suddenly knowing the truth of what happened out there…and not liking it one little bit.

“He got away, didn’t he…?” While Takuya’s words were quietly spoken, to Raiden they were very sharp and loud…and the detective caught the meaning behind him as he winced and looked away…and that was the only answer that Takuya needed as he fought to keep his anger down. There would be no use in getting upset until he knew the full story and he was determined not to let loose on his emotions yet. He didn’t want Kouji to see him upset if he suddenly woke up, knowing that that probably wouldn’t help things much.

“Tell me what happened…now.” It was a soft demand, and yet very powerful and Raiden found himself answering the question before anything else was said or done.

“The bastard threatened to slice and dice Wolf if I didn’t let him go…and as you know, Wolf was still on top of him…I had a hard time getting him off him to let him go. I’ve known Tomoko for only a short while now, but she’s told me so much about Kouichi and Kouji that I know how much she adores her twins…and I know how attached Kouji is to Wolf through some of Tomoko’s stories that she’s already told me. I figured that Kouji has lost enough in his life already and if he lost Wolf…it would just be adding to the emotional weight that I’m sure that Kouji’s already got. Besides, I’ve put out an alert on Junouichi, he won’t get far…he’s not allowed to leave the country, least of all Shibuya. If he’s seen at an airport or even a private runway he’s to be detained until further notice. Trust me on this Takuya, when I say that I’ll get him…I promise. That man is bad news…and that’s all I can tell you right now.” The two stared at each other for a few minutes, and finally Takuya slowly nodded, accepting it. He wasn’t sure if the same would go for Kouichi or Tomoko…or even if Junpei or Izumi would believe that letting Junouichi go was the right thing to do.

But the one thing that got to Takuya was that Raiden had thought of Kouji first…and in Takuya’s book, that was a big plus…and he had the feeling that Tomoko would feel the same way. They’d have to wait and find out…

And find out they did, as she came back from her room a few minutes later, looking a little relieved…and her dark eyes brightened slightly when she saw Raiden. Takuya watched as she went over to give him a hug…one that the officer greatly accepted and Takuya found himself thinking that maybe it was time to move to another room, and give the two adults their space.

But before he could stand though, Tomoko gestured for him to stay.

“It’s alright Takuya; you’re fine there…I thank you for the consideration though. But I know you wouldn’t want to be anywhere but at Kouji’s side…so there you’ll stay. Raiden, what happened…please? I have to know…I have to know if the kids are safe again…or if we need to take measures to keep them safe.” Tomoko murmured and Takuya sighed, wondering how Tomoko would react to what Raiden had to tell her.

It only took a few minutes, and Takuya found himself keeping quiet as Raiden relayed the same story that he’d told him to Tomoko. At first Tomoko’s expression was unreadable, and Takuya could sense that Raiden was getting a bit uneasy as she stepped out of his embrace.

“I’m…I’m glad that you thought of Kouji first in that sense Raiden, really I am. Wolf is like a best friend to Kouji, and I know that he’s helped Kouji out through some tough times. To loose him now…I’m not sure what it would do to him…but I don’t think that Kouji can take much more…so thank you. I know it was probably tough letting a man like Junouichi go, but I accept your promise that you’ll bring him down no matter what. Until then though…what do we do? He was after Kouji this afternoon almost as much as he was after Junpei it looked like, and while I’d like to hear the whole story from the kids, I just don’t think that at the moment either one of them are up to it.” She declared, and after a wayward glance in Takuya’s direction, her words were confirmed.

For try as he might Takuya wasn’t being very successful in keeping his eyes open, and they were slowly slipping shut. He was the only teen to have yet to fall asleep, and Tomoko had the feeling that he’d be joining the others in the realm of dreams very quickly. She smiled as she walked away from Raiden for a minute and went to go and make Takuya as comfortable as she could so that he wouldn’t wake up with any aches or pains and placed a light quilt over him.

After checking on Kouji, she headed back to Raiden who raised a questioning eyebrow at her, and she laughed softly.

“Takuya’s practically becoming one of my own kids, Raiden…he’s been around so much, and he’s helped Kouji a lot. Let’s go into the kitchen and talk for a bit, hmm…? I just made some tea, and I think that I can scrounge up some scones or something if you’re hungry for a snack…?” Raiden found him self nodding, and followed Tomoko to the kitchen. He and Tomoko were supposed to have gone out to a late lunch, and when he’d stopped by to pick Tomoko up from her job at the hospital she said that she’d accidentally left her purse at home since she’d been in a bit of a hurry that morning. So he’d told her that they could stop by her apartment so that she could pick it up before they went, and Tomoko had been grateful.

But they hadn’t expected the scene that they’d saw once they’d arrived…and their lunch date had been pretty much cancelled.

“You know Tomoko, I’d really like to try to take you out to lunch again, but I understand if you say no…you seem to have a lot on your plate right now, and I-“ Raiden found himself saying, but he was cut off as Tomoko suddenly whirled around and gently placed an index finger against his lips, successfully silencing him.

“Nope. Don’t go any further there, pal…I don’t think I’ve fallen this hard for a man in a very long time, not since Kousei…and even then, well…you don’t know the whole story and I’m not ready to tell you it. Maybe one of these days…but let’s just say that even then I still got a happy ending, I got Kouji back…and he reminds me so much of Kousei, that in a way it’s like I got Kousei back too. I don’t want you going anywhere Raiden…true, I’m going through a lot right now…but with you…with you, I feel safe. And besides, you just scored some major bonus points with me for putting my kid’s safety first against the job. And I think that deserves a thank you…” With that said and done, Tomoko stood on her tip toes…and a very surprised Raiden found himself accepting his first kiss from the dark haired woman whom he’d come to grow very interested in. He found himself kissing her back and heard Tomoko moan softly…and it made Raiden wonder when Tomoko’s last kiss had been.

All too soon though, Tomoko broke it off, and Raiden found himself disappointed that it couldn’t have lasted any longer. Almost as though she could read his mind, Tomoko glanced slyly at him before she turned to see if she could find anything to eat for the two of them…believing that some comfort food was on the menu.

“If you keep on playing hero like you just did this afternoon, there might be more of those to come, mister.” Tomoko found herself saying, a small, silly grin working her way on her lips as she heard Raiden grunt softly behind her while he came to help her get some things out of the fridge.

“I don’t think I’d mind another thank you like that one…” Raiden said, allowing his voice to trail off as they teased each other for the rest of their time in the kitchen. While a part of Tomoko felt a little guilty about her current love interest with everything going on at the moment, another part of her told her that this might very well be the one.

And she was determined to not let him go if he was…she only prayed that the twins would accept Raiden…that would be the biggest feat that Raiden would have to cover if he wanted to remain in her life, and somehow in someway Tomoko believed that Raiden would gain the twins’ respect.

BREAK

Kouichi woke to the sound of nothingness…and he sighed as he brought a hand to his forehead, feeling the headache that was starting to form there. He wondered how long he had been asleep, and one look at the clock on the bedside table next to him told him that it had only been a few hours.

Remembering that he’d fallen asleep in his mother’s bed, Kouichi grumbled something incoherent as he managed to detach himself from the sheets and slowly stand. Making sure he had his balance, the dark haired twin made his way to the door…opening it slightly and listened for any noises within the apartment. There were none…and Kouichi frowned, wondering how in the world it could be so quiet.

His dark blue-gray orbs opened wide suddenly, as he remembered the events that had happened earlier in the day and he sprinted down the stairs as he made his way over to the living room where he knew he’d left Takuya with Kouji after their mother had guided him upstairs to rest. And Kouichi had to grudgingly admit that the nap had helped him a little bit, and he felt a bit more refreshed after sleeping. Not like he didn’t like the situation that they were all currently in any better though.

Deciding to check on Kouji before he went in search of the others, Kouichi paused at what he saw when he entered the living room, a small smile on his face. Takuya was fast asleep…Tomoko had obviously put a blanket around his shoulders as he slept, partially sitting up with his head on the couch and his hand still clasped around Kouji’s. And Kouji…

Kouichi found himself gasping slightly as he noticed that his twin’s own dark blue orbs were open slightly, and staring dazedly at Takuya’s sleeping form. A small smile crossed Kouichi’s features as he headed towards his twin, his soft footsteps on the carpet causing Kouji to look from Takuya over to him.

“Hey.” Kouichi murmured, sitting on the edge of the coffee table, determined not to wake Takuya just yet.

“Hey…how…long…?” Kouji asked in a hoarse voice and Kouichi seemed to know exactly what he was asking without all the words having to necessarily be spoken.

“Most of the day…I think that it’s about six p.m.-ish now…Takuya brought you back into the apartment, with mom and me right on his heels. Mom thought the couch would be better for you and she fixed you up so that you wouldn’t have to go back to the hospital again so soon…their file on you is probably big enough as it is, brother.” Kouichi teased lightly, trying to lighten the situation a bit and was delighted when he got a small smile out of his twin.

“Thirsty?” He asked, and Kouji nodded as Kouichi stood and gently reached over to brush some hair that had fallen once again into his eyes and Kouji closed his dark orbs for a minute, savoring the brotherly touch.

“Is everyone else okay?” Kouji finally managed to ask, and Kouichi stepped back for a minute, letting his hand fall away as he sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, hugging himself lightly…really wishing that he suddenly had Junpei or Izumi with him right then and there. In all honesty Kouichi wasn’t sure if everyone was okay or even how to answer his brother’s question. He didn’t even really know what had happened after everything had taken place…surely Junouichi was in jail now…?

“I-I’m not sure, Kouichi. I think for the most part that everyone is okay…let me go get you some water all right? You sound like you need it.” Kouichi murmured softly as he headed off to the kitchen, leaving behind a still half-asleep and slightly groggy Kouji in his wake…

BREAK

Kouichi was surprised when he entered the kitchen to see his mother sitting with the man she had been with in the parking lot in the bar stool area that he and the others often ate their meals in these days when they were all over. For the life of him Kouichi couldn’t remember the man’s name, but nodded politely at him as he went to get a glass of water for his brother.

“Feeling a little better, Kouichi?” The older twin paused for a moment at his mother’s words and he found himself nodding as he finished filling the glass for Kouji.

“Hai…a bit…” Kouichi let his voice trail off as he let his dark blue-gray eyes travel from his mother over to the stranger, wondering just who he was. The man, he decided, looked rather uncomfortable underneath his scrutinizing gaze and it took Tomoko clearing her throat slightly to get Kouichi to stop looking at the guy as though he were some kind of escaped convict or something.

“Kouichi, I don’t know if you remember, but this is Raiden…he’s a new friend of mine and the one who arrived with me. He helped you guys out of the bind you were in…he’s a detective with the Shibuya Police Department Kouichi, and he’s promised to help us.” Tomoko murmured, watching Kouichi for any reaction at all.

The reaction from Kouichi, needless to say, wasn’t one that Tomoko had been hoping for as his dark eyes hardened and he became completely unreadable.

“I guess I should thank him for helping us, then…mom…Kouji’s awake in the other room, I was going to take some water to him. But…I want to know something before I go.” Kouichi declared, his eyes staring straight into Raiden’s dark brown orbs.

“Did you manage to lock up Junouichi Shibuya for good?” The older twin’s voice was in a deadly whisper, and it sent shivers down Raiden’s back…he wasn’t quite sure of what to make of the twin he had just met. It was almost like there was this dark side to Kouichi that no one ever wanted to meet, though Raiden had heard from Tomoko that he was a rather sweet boy most times and Raiden didn’t doubt that for a second. But at the moment, Kouichi was feeling rather overprotective of his lover and his twin brother so it would of course; bring out a side that only a handful of people would usually see.

Kouichi watched as Raiden lowered his head and his hand tightened around the glass of water that he’d just gotten for his brother, feeling a heated anger start building within him. Somehow he knew that what Raiden was about to tell him wasn’t good news…or at least, news that he wanted to hear anyway.

And sure enough, when Raiden spoke next, his words caused a shiver to run down Kouichi’s spine and for a few seconds afterwards he knew he saw red…and nothing else until Tomoko called his name.

“I’m sorry Kouichi…I’ll tell you what I told Takuya and your mother, I ended up having to let Junouichi go. I didn’t have the backup nor would backup come in time to help me out. He was threatening to kill Wolf, and from what your mother has told me I knew that Wolf was too important to Kouji to let anything happen to him. So Junouichi bargained…Wolf’s life for his freedom…and I think I selfishly gave him his freedom. But I know what your twin has been through, Kouichi and I didn’t think that he could go through anymore losses even if it meant throwing the madman who had attacked him and tried to take Junpei away in jail if it meant Kouji losing something more while he’s still healing.” Raiden murmured, and something he had said caused Kouichi to snap as he found himself dropping the glass causing it to break on the floor and water to go everywhere. Tomoko gasped and went to help Kouichi step away from the glass and clean it up, but Raiden stopped her for a moment as he noticed that something wasn’t quite right.

“You let him go?! You just let him go…just like that…and now he’s probably at home planning what he’s going to do to torture us all next! And you have no idea what my brother is going through, none once so ever! You’re not a part of this family, Raiden, I don’t even know you and Kouji sure as hell doesn’t know you either! I don’t understand how you think that you can suddenly understand our family just like that; you’ve known my mother for what…a few days? And you’ve just met me and my twin…how dare you…!?” Kouichi was angry…he didn’t think he could remember being this angry before, except for maybe in the Digital World when his mind had been completely messed with, turning his thoughts against his brother. But that was a long time ago now.

Now…now Kouichi knew that he was in control…and while a tiny voice whispered inside of him that Raiden had put Kouji’s well being and emotions first, a stronger part of him wished that he’d chosen to put Junouichi behind bars already. There was no telling what else the son of a bitch was capable of and Kouichi just had the damndest feeling that he wasn’t quite done with his lover or his twin yet. And Kouichi wanted to so desperately know what it was that Junouichi wanted with his brother…he knew what he wanted with Junpei, since Junpei was his only child, his only son. But Kouji…Kouji had done absolutely nothing to Junouichi Shibayama…right…?

Kouichi hadn’t noticed that he’d still been shouting at Raiden through his thoughts, and it took Tomoko’s sharp voice to get him to snap out of it.

“KOUICHI…THAT’S ENOUGH!” Her furious yell caused Kouichi to phase back into reality, and he suddenly realized the kind of situation that he’d gotten himself into.

He noticed how close that his mother was standing next to Raiden close enough so that their hands were almost touching. And Kouichi wasn’t sure why, but he just couldn’t…wouldn’t…accept the two of them together. Not when Raiden had done something so stupid as to let Junouichi go…what kind of a detective was he for not having called for backup as soon as he and his mother had pulled into the driveway of the apartments and had seen what was going on?

“I…I…” Kouichi found that his mouth was suddenly dry and he didn’t know what else to say…he felt trapped…like there was no way out…and a small part of him started to panic, though he tried to keep it down and unnoticeable. He wanted out of the kitchen just then, he needed out!

“Kouichi…Niichan…?” The familiar, soothing voice filtered through his angry thoughts and Kouichi spun around-not wanting to believe that Kouji was standing somewhere behind him.

The older twin’s dark blue-gray eyes opened wide as he saw that Takuya heavily supported Kouji, that Kouji was all but leaning completely and totally against him and it was evident that Takuya had gently carried Kouji into the kitchen area. They’d heard Kouichi’s shouting and Kouji had instantly grown worried, grasping his boyfriend’s hand and telling him that it hurt too much…that he had to get to Kouichi. So even though Takuya knew that it was probably a bad idea to move Kouji in the condition that he was in, he did so anyway…knowing that if he hadn’t, Kouji would’ve probably moved on his own.

“Kouji…?” Kouichi’s dark eyes stared at him as though he didn’t believe what he was seeing, as Takuya helped Kouji slowly limp forward. It was clear that Kouji was still in pain though he tried his best to hide it…but the pain was still evident in his eyes, and he had a hard time hiding it completely. Yes, his physical wounds hurt…but he knew that Kouichi was hurting far more at the moment.

“Kouichi…shh…it’ll be alright…calm down, there’s no reason to get upset.” Kouji said soothingly, letting Takuya help him in an awkward kneeling position, so that he was as close to his twin as he could get. Right now, both Kouji and Takuya knew that Kouji was the only one who could get Kouichi to calm down…and then after that they were going to need Junpei and Izumi’s help.

The long haired twin glanced up at Takuya with a look in his eyes that clearly said that he would be okay for where he was right then, and Takuya nodded. He and Kouji had agreed before coming into the kitchen that as soon as Kouji was with Kouichi that he’d go upstairs and get Izumi and Junpei. Takuya was surprised that the noise hadn’t woken either of their friends…

Or that neither of Kouichi’s two lovers had sensed that Kouichi was in emotional trouble. Takuya shook his head as he headed out of the room, staring into Kouji’s eyes for one quick second before leaving the kitchen completely. Both Takuya and Kouji knew that they held a special bond now…for example, if it had been Kouji in Kouichi’s place just then and Takuya would’ve been as close by as Izumi or Junpei were, Takuya would’ve been next to Kouji’s side in a matter of minutes.

Kouji sighed as he watched Takuya go, and just wrapped an arm around his twin, allowing him to lean up against him as he buried his face against his chest. All Kouji did in turn was turn his eyes in the direction of their mother and the newcomer, wondering who he was…and why he looked slightly familiar to him for some odd reason.

Raiden shifted, looking even more uncomfortable underneath the other twin’s eyes and Tomoko stopped as she stepped slightly in front of Raiden, causing Kouji to blink for a minute…and Raiden to relax a little bit now that he wasn’t underneath his penetrating gaze.

“Stop it, Kouji…Kouichi’s already put Raiden through the ringer, leave him be; he’s done nothing but try to help since the beginning!” The dark haired mother snapped and Kouji found himself recoiling suddenly, wondering why Tomoko seemed so angry and wondering just what it was that Kouichi had said. He and Takuya had only heard shouting, not the whole argument…Kouichi must’ve said something to really get their mother upset.

“It’s alright, Tomoko…” Kouji heard Raiden murmur, and at the sound of Raiden’s voice, Kouji’s heart seemed to skip a beat as his breathing suddenly faltered as he had a flashback to the accident that had now been several weeks ago…

Kouji had heard that voice before. He’d heard Raiden’s voice at the car accident…

Once again his dark blue-gray eyes locked onto Raiden’s dark brown ones as though he was searching for something, and Raiden found himself nodding.

“Yes Kouji, I think you’ve figured it out…I was one of the people at the scene of your accident that night…I was one of the men who helped pry you out of the car…” Raiden allowed his voice to trail off, and Kouji found himself faltering, unsure of what to say at meeting one of his rescuers. He really hadn’t met anyone from that night, had never gotten a chance to thank anyone who had helped him out.

And yet now, there was one standing right in front of him…and Kouji for once had absolutely nothing to say.

Instead, he felt his eyes start to water…and he squeezed them shut as he willed the tears away, suddenly feeling frustrated.

Underneath his half-embrace, Kouichi grew still; his anger slowly starting to cool off as he realized that now it was Kouji who needed his help. Just who was this Raiden guy and why was he causing such havoc between the two of them…? Kouichi hadn’t really heard the small conversation that had taken place between Kouji and Raiden; he’d been too caught up in trying to get himself to calm down, using Kouj’s soothing presence to help him. But the soothing presence was slowly disappearing, being replaced by sheer confusion, frustration and a bit of sadness. It caused Kouichi to reach out and grasp Kouji’s hand, and Kouji found himself grasping it back with equal tightness.

“Kouji, Raiden was one of the one’s who also helped bring you to the hospital. He’d helped pry you out of the car and was so worried about you that he demanded he ride with you to the hospital, knowing that the rest of the officer’s at the scene could finish up with everything there. That was how I met Raiden…I met him that night at the hospital, it was very brief and Raiden gave me his number so that I could call him with information on your health and let him know when you woke up, because he wanted to make sure that you made it through, because he cared. Kouji, he cared about you and he’d just met you that night…and maybe it was because he cared about you that allowed me to care for him.” Tomoko murmured softly, and Kouji suddenly understood completely. His mother was dating Raiden…and Kouji didn’t even know his rescuer’s full name…just that Raiden was slowly capturing his mother’s heart…

“T-thank you.” Kouji’s voice was so low that both Raiden and Tomoko almost missed it, but Tomoko allowed a small smile as Raiden nodded in acceptance at Kouji’s sincere thanks…Raiden had the feeling that maybe, just maybe he’d gained one of the twin’s respect.

One down, one more to go…Raiden found himself thinking as he watched while Kouji tried to calm Kouichi down even further, whispering something to him that neither of the two adults could hear.

In all reality, Kouji was telling Kouichi exactly what Raiden had just told him…that he’d been one of the people to save his life, that without him he wouldn’t be here right now…and for that Raiden at least deserved their gratitude. Kouji then whispered into his twin’s ear, that who better for their mother to fall in love with then the man who rescued him…? It was a little ironic, ne? And their mother looked happy; you could see it in her eyes if you looked close enough, especially now.

Kouichi finally sighed and allowed him self to glance at Raiden and Tomoko once more. He had to admit that Kouji was right…even though he still didn’t want to fully believe it. He knew that Raiden had been right in his decision to rescue Wolf from Junouichi…he knew that Raiden had the hero-complex within him and that something about him caused their mother to slowly start falling for him.

He wanted their mother to be happy, right?

Minutes passed by and there was nothing but a semi-comfortable silence in the kitchen as Tomoko and Raiden continued to quietly observe the twins comforting one another both mentally and physically. It was when the clock chimed seven in the evening that Takuya came back with Junpei and a still sleepy Izumi in tow, the three of them heading to where the twins were on the floor.

A part of Kouji sighed in relief…the pain had numbed somewhat for having been in the same position for that short while, but Kouji knew that it would be back…and come back with twice the force. Being injured in the Digital World had taught him that much…at least here in the human world he had his mother to help him treat his injuries.

“Kouichi…come on…come with us…please…” Izumi whispered, and Kouichi found himself nodding as he let her and Junpei pull him up, savoring their embraces and Raiden found that he had to look away suddenly. It wasn’t like he didn’t mind things like trio relationships or even the fact that Takuya and Kouji were together. Tomoko had warned him early on that if he didn’t accept relationships like that then they shouldn’t even start one. Raiden had told her that his brother was gay, and he fully accepted that…he just thought that the teens might want a little apology.

Kouichi seemed to understand this, and cleared his throat, getting Raiden to look at him once again…and the detective was surprised to see the slightly older twin looking a bit embarrassed.

“Raiden…I-I’m sorry…I…lost it back there and I apologize. I also wanted to thank you for helping rescue my twin that night…and for staying with him afterwards, it really does mean a great deal to me. It might take me awhile to get used to you dating my mom…but…I think I…might be able to accept it…if…you give me some time.” At Kouichi’s apology, Tomoko seemed to let out a breath that she didn’t know she was holding, and Junpei grinned slightly as Raiden nodded.

“It’s alright, Kouichi, I know that you and your family are going through a lot that it’s probably a strange time for your mom to start seeing someone. I completely understand if you and your twin need some time, it only makes sense. But I’ll make the same promise to you that I did to your mother and Takuya Kouichi, and I’ll make the same promise to Kouji, Junpei, and Izumi too now that you’re all here. I will catch Junouichi Shibayama…I’ve got some people working on it right now, Junouichi isn’t allowed to leave Shibuya once so ever and once he makes a move we’ll be on top of him. What he did this afternoon is unforgivable…you have my word on that.” The teens seemed to accept Raiden’s words, and they nodded and Raiden’s dark eyes held a look of relief in them.

“Kouji, let’s check on your wounds and get you something to drink…and then I think I’ll make a nice hot, comforting meal for everyone, does that sound alright?” Tomoko asked softly, and the teens all nodded as they helped the twins untangle themselves, and Kouji hissed in pain for a moment as he let Takuya take on his full weight once more. Kouji wasn’t surprised when Takuya gently lifted him up, carrying him in the bridal position once more; being extra careful so he didn’t jar his knee or his current wound either.

They weren’t fully out of the kitchen when they heard Raiden declare that he should take his leave, and Kouji made Takuya turn around so that way he could have a say in it. But before Kouji could say anything, everyone was surprised when it was Kouichi who was the one to speak up.

“No…please stay, Raiden. I want you to stay…how else are Kouji and I supposed to get to know you if you don’t hang around long enough for us to get to say more than apologies to one another?” The older twin declared, a small, mischievous smile playing on his lips as he glanced over at Kouji and the younger twin nodded in agreement…a similar smile appearing on his own face.

“Hai, Kouichi’s right…please stay for awhile Raiden? Besides, you’re the first person I’ve met who rescued me from the accident…don’t you think you owe me that much too at least stay for dinner?” Kouji asked, and Raiden suddenly found himself assaulted by a pair of pouting, pleading twins. He laughed, and Tomoko grinned and shook her head. It seemed like for now things were going to be okay…she knew it might take Kouichi awhile to get used to the fact that she was in the dating pool again, especially with it being such an awkward time…but Tomoko had the feeling that love didn’t really wait for time. Or anything else for that matter…and a glance at Kouji snuggled in Takuya’s arms despite the pain she knew he must be in told her that much. She also knew that Kouji would help Kouichi accept Raiden-the fact that he’d helped rescue him had helped Kouji’s opinion of the detective.

“Come on Kouji, let’s get something in you to help the pain and get you comfortable, okay…? If you want to stay on the couch for the moment you should, but before you fall asleep again, I’m going to probably have Takuya take you up to your room, okay?” Tomoko asked gesturing for Takuya to continue on into the living room and Kouji nodded.

He didn’t want to admit that he was still feeling a bit groggy and hoped to the gods that his mother had something stronger than just Advil for the pain he was feeling.

As soon as Takuya got back to the couch, he gently lowered Kouji down onto it, and Kouji fought the whimper of pain that threatened to escape as he only clutched tightly onto Takuya’s arm instead. The brunette managed to dislodge himself from Kouji’s tightened grip, and once he made sure that Kouji was as comfortable as he was going to get, grabbed Kouji’s hands with his own. The two were like that while Tomoko checked up on Kouji making sure that he hadn’t torn out any of his stitches and breathed out a sigh of relief when he hadn’t. Takuya kept Kouji distracted by playing with his hands and forcing his dark eyes to look into his own…and soon they were both just lost in the depths of each other’s orbs.

Quite suddenly, Takuya found himself wanting to kiss Kouji…and he could tell from the look in Kouji’s eyes, that Kouji very much felt the same way. As though she felt the small, rising tension Tomoko chuckled softly as she stood and headed in the direction of her bedroom, telling the two that she’d be back with some of Kouji’s pain medication. The moment Tomoko was out of sight, Takuya found his lips capturing Kouji’s, and Kouji eagerly responding.

“Nnnn…” Kouji murmured, as he reached up and wrapped an arm around Takuya’s neck, bringing his head down a little more so that he wouldn’t have to make such an effort to reach the brunette’s kisses.

They were interrupted when Tomoko returned, looking a bit smug as the two teens before her looked a little out of breath, and Kouji a bit on the flushed side as she only chuckled and set the pill bottle on the table, winking at Takuya as she wondered back into the kitchen.

“I’m sure that you can give Kouji his pain meds without a problem, Takuya; if you need me I’ll be in the kitchen with Raiden and the others.” Tomoko said cheerfully as Takuya blushed and Kouji laughed softly as he directed Takuya’s face so that he was looking into his eyes once more.

“Now…where were we…?” The long haired twin asked mischievously, and Takuya grinned as he leaned down and stole another kiss from his koi.

“Right about here, I think…hmm…how long do you think before we’re interrupted by one of the others?” Takuya asked, and Kouji chuckled as he shook his head and kissed Takuya back with equal fierceness.

“I don’t want to think about that right now…right now I believe we only have a few precious minutes to ourselves, and we haven’t had that all day, I believe…so let’s make the most of it, ne?? Besides, I think at the moment you’re the best pain reliever I know…better than any pill I could ever take.” Kouji murmured, and Takuya grinned into the kiss that they were suddenly sharing, determined to make Kouji’s pain go away just then…no matter what.

Nothing’s gonna stop me now; I’ll make it come what may. My never ending love for you will guide me all along the way.

TBC

End Note: And yesh, I had to be mean and leave it there…LOL. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t leave you guys hanging this time, I’m in quite the Takouji mood for some odd reason and will hopefully have a new chapter up soon! At least this time I didn’t leave you guys with such a cliff hanger, ne?? ((Looks incredibly guilty for the ending of the last chapter)) Anyway, kudo’s to those of you who can figure out where the last, bold line I put there came from…major kudo’s since I don’t think that I made it easy for you guys to figure it out ((winks)) and please don't hesitate to leave a review...((gives readers puppy dog eyes here))