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redthreadoffate · 3 years

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the four times takeru takaishi confessed his feelings (and the one time he did not)

this is my gift for @ri-ships-takari! yup, i’m <prev. @/theevetoyouradam> your secret santa and i was so excited when i found out that you're my baby. i do hope you enjoy this one!

this is my first digimon fic in a long time. like, i don’t even remember anymore when was the last time i wrote for this fandom (my fourth year in high school maybe...which would be a decade ago?). but it was so refreshing to be able to write again, and with my otp, too!

i apologize if this is a little too early (though it’s 12am here i know it isn’t yet in your timezone), i’m just really excited!

just a few notes in case you want to run ; editing mistakes here or there [there better not be...] / more of au than fix-it / side ships: mimato [one mention & scene] and taiora [one mention] — though you can skip the mimato scene [it’s with takeru, but it’s up to you] / divorce and death of a parent / i used leaves because i have no idea what they are even if i zoom in / i think i did well with the names

[self-promo] i also have after the canon epilogue headcanons

let’s pretend tri does not exist...

i tried my best to give the digimon feel and i think I achieved it, so...

...without further ado, i present to you this little fic. enjoy! especially you, ri! have a merry christmas and a happy new year! 🥰

the four times takeru takaishi confessed his feelings (and the one time he did not) | main characters ; takeru takaishi, hikari yagami | pairings ; takeru x hikari, yamato x mimi, taichi x sora, slight takeru x oc, oc x hikari | genre ; fluff, tiny bit of slight angst | word count ; 6,000 | rating ; g

I. After the fall and separation of the children in season 1, episode 48 (“Bombing Mission! Mugendramon”), before the opening scene of episode 49 (“Farewell, Numemon”).

Takeru could not remember what had happened when he woke up. He did recall falling but not what took place once they hit the ground. Aside from the exhaustion, he did not feel any aches or breaks in his body much to his relief. But what about the others? Were any of them hurt?

He immediately tried to rise from the floor but could not find the strength to stand on his feet. Looking at his knees as he was sitting down, he patted the dirt off of them and then tried to bring himself up one more time. He frowned at the failed attempt but decided to rest for a while before making another effort.

“Takeru.” The familiar voice made his head tilt up. Patamon was flying above him with a very worried look on his face. “Takeru. Are you okay?”

He paused before nodding. “I’m okay, Patamon. Where are Sora-san and Hikari-chan?”

Patamon twisted and Takeru’s eyes followed in the same direction. He saw Tailmon gently picking up an unconscious Hikari. Mustering up the power to stand, he started with one knee and then the other. After wobbling a little, he walked to the other side as quickly and carefully as he could. “Tailmon, are you okay?”

She simply nodded without looking up at him. “Hikari seems to be in deep sleep.” She wiped a few strands of hair from her partner’s forehead.

He frowned.

“Takeru-kun!” He heard Sora call him. He looked to the side and locked eyes with the older girl. “Are you okay?”

He nodded. “But Hikari-chan doesn’t seem to be doing well.”

Sora sprinted to them, passing by him as she inspected Hikari’s fever. “It’s gone down,” she said with a sigh of relief. “With the fall and her illness, she could be sleeping for a while. We have to find a way to get her to be more comfortable.”

Piyomon suggested that they gather the leaves that were scattered around, pile them together, and make a blanket. The others agreed and they began collecting as much as they could. Luckily, there were more than enough. Though Takeru wondered if the leaves would make Hikari itch, he stayed quiet when he saw that she was not in any state of discomfort. He thanked Piyomon for the idea.

“Will Hikari-chan be okay, Sora-san?” Takeru asked. He had been standing behind the group as she and Tailmon continued to fix the makeshift bed for the young girl. He, Patamon, and Piyomon were on the lookout. “She’ll make it, won’t she?”

Sora looked back at him with a reassuring smile. “Of course. Hikari-chan’s strong, she wouldn’t go down without a fight.”

“That’s right!” Tailmon supplied as she supported Hikari’s head. “She’ll be fine.” But he could not help but hear just a tinge of sadness? Guilt? Doubt? He was not sure, but what he was sure about was that he needed Tailmon to believe that her partner would be okay.

But then he sighed. “I’m just worried about her,” he continued and looked down at the ground. Then he had an idea. “Why don’t you use my backpack as a pillow?” he suggested. “It’s not bumpy, and it’s quite light. Hikari-chan wouldn’t be able to sleep well if her head was lying on the cold floor.”

Tailmon smiled. “That’s very kind of you, Takeru,” she said as she took the small bag from him. “Could you lift her up a little, please?” Takeru did as he was told while Tailmon laid the bag on the cement. Gently, he let her head rest on the soft makeshift cushion. “Thank you.”

That made Takeru grin.

Sora succumbed to her fatigue and asked for their permission to rest a little. Takeru and the digimons did not hesitate and they all sat down, sighed, and leaned against the wall. As soon as they were settled Sora exhaled and placed a hand above Takeru’s. He looked up and smiled back at her.

When he had looked back in front of him, he noticed that Tailmon was looking at the sleeping girl intensely. “It’s alright, Tailmon,” he started. “I agree with Sora-san. Hikari-chan’s strong, she’ll be okay.” He smiled. “I promise.”

Tailmon looked at him and smiled. “Thank you, Takeru.” That was the second time she had thanked him, and he was happy that he had made her smile, and hopefully raise her spirits.

Once everyone had felt a little more relaxed, Hikari was still not awake. Takeru was getting very worried now. But he did not show how scared he was – he could not. He had to be strong. It would not help if they were worried about him, too.

“We have to look for Taichi and Koushiro-kun. They have to be here somewhere. I’m sure Taichi’s really worried about Hikari-chan.” Sora frowned. She looked at Hikari then back at the rest of them. “So here’s the plan.”

Takeru listened carefully as Sora gave them instructions. He and Tailmon were tasked to look after Hikari as she, Piyomon, and Patamon would look for Taichi, Koushiro, Agumon, and Tentomon. He wanted to help the three track down the rest but he knew protecting Hikari would be the best option for him to do.

“Can you do that for us, Takeru-kun?”

Takeru nodded, determined. “Yes! I’ll protect her!”

Sora smiled. “I believe in you.” And with that, she nodded at him and Tailmon then called Piyomon and Patamon. “Let’s go. If we can also find some medicine, that would really help,” her voice echoed while they walked away. After a while, Takeru could not see their figures as they slowly disappeared into the dark.

Once they were gone he turned back to see Tailmon leaning down, her paw on her partner’s forehead. “It looks like her fever’s going up again,” she said.

Takeru gasped. “What should we do?”

She turned to him, sadness and guilt can definitely be seen in her eyes. “I don’t know. Nothing for now.” She looked back at Hikari. “I’m sorry.”

But Takeru would not have it. He tried to think of something – anything – to help Tailmon see that they were able to care for the girl. He looked around but found nothing more than leaves. He thought very hard for any idea that he could think of and when one finally stuck with him, he was not hesitant to inform the digimon beside him. It was very simple, but it might be something.

“Tailmon,” he called her. “Maybe if we put more leaves as her blanket, she wouldn’t be so cold.”

She looked at him, blinked, and smiled. “Would you watch over her for a while? I’ll gather the leaves.”

He grinned. “Of course.” He walked the short distance and crouched down. He studied her face. “You’ll be okay, Hikari-chan. We won’t let anything get you.” He saw Tailmon jump around then focused his attention on the girl once again.

After a few seconds, he had the sudden urge to smile. He was not sure why especially given the situation but he did so anyway. And without much thought, he said softly, “I really like you, Hikari-chan.”

“Did you say something, Takeru?” Tailmon asked, surprising him.

He realized what he had just said and blushed. “Uh, nothing, Tailmon. I was just telling Hikari-chan to get well soon.” His voice softened, “I don’t like seeing her like this.” His eyes drifted down. “I’m scared, Tailmon. I’m scared.”

Tailmon laid the leaves down and took his hand. This time it was her who comforted him, “She’ll be okay. She’s strong. She won’t go down with a fight.”

He shook his head and a smile that would light up the room appeared on his face. “That’s right. She won’t.”

II. When Takeru and Natsuko leave for Setagaya, in between the end of the first season and the start of the second.

Yamato was doing his very best to calm down his sobbing little brother. The two were in the Ishida household; Hiroaki had asked Natsuko if he and Yamato could have a day with the younger child before they head off to Setagaya again.

“I don’t want to go!” Takeru cried. “I want to stay here!”

“We’ll see each other again, don’t worry,” Yamato promised. “During summer camp again next year, for sure. And I didn’t want to tell you this but I was planning on surprising you a few times.” He gave him an encouraging smile. “Don’t be too sad about it.”

“But—but…,” he cried once again. “What about Taichi-san? And Sora-san? And—and—and Hikari-chan!” He rubbed his eyes and inhaled. “I don’t want to leave them, too, Onii-chan!”

Yamato looked at Hiroaki. “Mm...well.” He paused, then grinned as if he had thought of an idea. “I can call them! And ask if they’re free! If they are, we can spend the rest of the day with them!”

Takeru stopped sobbing and blew his nose. “Really?” he asked. “Do you think they’ll want to see me?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t they want to see you?” He smiled. “I’ll go call them right now. Stay here.”

Takeru began to smile. “Do you think they’ll come and see me, Papa?”

Hiroaki bent down to his level. “I’m sure. Yamato’s right, why wouldn’t they want to see you?” He grinned. “I know that if they could, they wouldn’t think twice about seeing you today once your Onii-chan calls them.”

The young child grinned.

A few moments later Yamato arrived and was all smiles. “Good news! Taichi and Hikari-chan will be able to join us. The others already had plans, but they promise to see you off tomorrow!”

Takeru grinned. “Thank you, Onii-chan!”

Once the two had finished preparing, they bid their father goodbye and walked to the burger joint that Yamato and Taichi agreed to meet in. Takeru was smiling all the way, trying to think of the conversations they would have when they saw each other. He was very excited.

Finally, he saw them. He waved frantically as he and his brother approached them. Hikari was waving, too, and Takeru could see that she was just as excited.

“Takeru-kun!” she called out.

He giggled and stopped in front of her. “Thank you for coming to see me, Hikari-chan.”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t want to miss hanging out with you.”

He then looked at Taichi. “Thank you, too, Taichi-san. This is going to be a great afternoon!”

“Have you had your lunch?” Taichi asked. “I was kinda hoping you haven’t when you called and asked to meet up, I’ve been craving and would really like to eat at McRonald’s.” He grinned and pointed his thumb to the door of the establishment. “But of course that’s up to you, Takeru.” He looked down at him. “Whatever you want to do, we’re ready.”

Yamato smiled and Hikari nodded.

“We haven’t eaten,” he said. “And I want a toy from McRonald’s!”

“Me, too, Onii-chan!” Hikari joined in.

Yamato chuckled. “Alright, let’s go.”

As soon as their orders were placed and they were seated at a booth, the four immediately dug in, moaning in delight as soon as their food touched their tongues. Takeru started the conversation about meeting again during summer camp the next year. Hikari agreed and told him that she would make sure she could make it for the whole camp. Takeru really liked that idea. Taichi and Yamato had joined in on the conversation when they talked about surprise visits. The young boy was certainly ecstatic about that.

“But don’t get your hopes up too much on us, Takeru,” Taichi said, his voice low and apologizing. “We’ll come to see you when we can, but I don’t think we can go all the time.” They heard Hikari whimper. “Don’t worry, we’ll see him from time to time. I promise.” He grinned at her then at Takeru. “We promise.”

Yamato and Taichi encouraged their younger siblings to head to the play area to enjoy the rest of their free time. The two did not hesitate to run and make a bet as to who would reach the entrance first. It was a big play area and they chased each other around the different stations. When they were tired they decided to rest in the ball pit, bodies covered with plastic balls. They both stared at the ceiling.

“Takeru-kun,” Hikari said softly.

“Yes, Hikari-chan?” he replied in the same tone.

“Do you think you’ll ever come back here?”

He did not respond for a few seconds. Finally, he answered, “Yes. Yes, I know I will. Odaiba is my home. I don’t belong in Setagaya.” He sighed. “I want to stay here, Hikari-chan. I want to stay here.” He then began to cry. “I want to stay here.”

Hikari moved closer to him. “Don’t cry, Takeru-kun. I know you’ll come back here, too.” She smiled. “I’ll wait for you. I promise.”

Takeru stopped crying, wiping his tears with his index finger. “You will?”

Hikari wiped a tear that had escaped her eye and smiled. “I promise. I’ll wait for you.”

Takeru hugged and cried on her shoulder. “I’ll wait for you, too, Hikari-chan. I’ll wait for you to visit me in Setagaya.”

Hikari wrapped her arms around him. “I’ll see you there, Takeru-kun.”

They stayed there until their brothers called them. This made Takeru want to cry again. He knew that meant that they would have to part ways soon. Just as they were about to step out of the pit, Takeru pulled Hikari back and said, “I really like you, Hikari-chan.” Her eyes widened a little before smiling.

The next day, Hiroaki and Yamato were the first to meet with Natsuko and Takeru. He was more than glad to see his brother and father with them, it had been a long time since they were all together. Takeru hugged his brother and made him promise to see him soon.

“You don’t have to tell me twice, Takeru,” Yamato said, smiling down at him.

“Takeru-kun! Yamato-san!”

He knew that voice all too well. He spent so long with her, and yesterday, too, that he was sure it was none other than her. He grinned. “Hikari-chan!” He saw her running towards him, the other Chosen Children behind her, and he could not help but feel fluttery and excited. “Hikari-chan!” he called again.

Once she had reached him, she was out of breath. Immediately after she had regained her composure, she gave him a tight embrace. “I told you, I promise to visit you when I can,” she started. Takeru squeezed her tight. Then she whispered, “As long as you promise to come back.”

Surprised at first, he was not sure he heard right. He knew she had told him something like that the day before, but he was a little doubtful. Maybe she had just said that to make him feel better. But when the young girl held onto him tighter, he knew she was sincere. “I promise. I promise.” And he knew then that he would do everything he could to make sure he would keep his promise.

“And Takeru-kun.” She paused. Before he could ask her what was wrong she continued, “I really like you, too.”

III. Scene when Takeru gets home after he saves Hikari from the Dark Ocean in season 2, episode 13 (“The Call of Dagomon”).

Takeru sighed once he reached his room. He flopped down on his bed and looked up at the ceiling, shielding his eyes with his arm from the bright light. “What a day, huh, Patamon,” he said. Patamon flew above him, a worried look on his face. “What’s the matter?”

“You’re okay, right, Takeru?”

“Of course I am,” he answered. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Patamon landed on his stomach. “You were so worried about Hikari-chan earlier. I was worried about her, but I was worried about you, too.”

He smiled. “You don’t have to worry about me, Patamon. I’m fine. We should hope that Hikari-chan’s doing better now. Maybe we should call her.” He grinned but it faded right away. “She’s probably resting. Let’s give her some time.”

There was a knock on his bedroom window and he was surprised to see Tailmon outside. “Tailmon!” He jumped up, making Patamon slide down, and slid the window open, allowing the feline digimon to enter his room. “What are you doing here? Is Hikari-chan okay?”

“She’s doing better,” she replied, a grateful smile on her face. “She’s with Taichi right now, resting. She’s alright, Takeru. Thanks to you.”

“Anyone would have done the same thing,” Takeru replied. He sat back down on his bed and patted the space next to him. Tailmon jumped and sat. “Is there anything I can do to help her? Just say it.”

“There’s no need. She’s doing fine already. But we’ll tell you if there is something we can do for her.” But she was frowning. She was looking down at the ground, her eyes narrowed. Then, “You were able to protect her, you know. You were able to...connect with her in a way I couldn’t connect with her.”

“Huh?” Takeru asked, shocked. “No way! You and Hikari-chan are partners, there’s no bond stronger than that.”

She sighed. “But with what happened earlier today, I...I couldn’t save her.”

Takeru looked down. “You did. I just helped.”

“Maybe you did, and I was the one who just helped.”

He shook his head. “No. Don’t say things like that. I’m sure she wouldn’t want to hear this conversation we’re having.”

“That’s why we’re not going to tell her. Right, Patamon?” Tailmon looked up at him.

Patamon, who had been listening from above, flew a little higher in surprise. “Yes, don’t worry, Tailmon, we’re not going to tell her.”

“There’s really nothing to worry about, Tailmon…. Wait, why are you worried in the first place? You know she wouldn’t think bad about you just because of what happened. I’m sure she still loves you.”

“It’s not that,” she said softly. “It’s more like I’m angry at myself.” Her voice cracked. “I’m supposed to protect her and I didn’t get to. I didn’t even know where she was when she disappeared. I...I didn’t know what to do.”

Patamon began to sniffle.

Takeru placed his hand on Tailmon’s head. “She won’t think any less of you, Tailmon. You did what you thought was right. You did what you thought could help her. And it paid off, didn’t it? Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Tailmon cast her eyes down. “I can’t thank you enough, Takeru.”

“Just being here, confiding in me and Patamon, I’m grateful already.”

“Takeru,” Natsuko called, knocking on his door. “Takeru, Hikari-chan’s on the phone.”

The three looked at each other. “Uh...coming, Mama.” He stood up and signaled for the two digimons to stay. He opened the door and was just about to step out when Natsuko held up the phone. “Oh, uh...thanks. I’ll come back out once I’m done.”

Natsuko smiled. “It’s been a while since Hikari-chan called our house.” Takeru could not help but remember fondly how he and Hikari would constantly call each other back when he was still in Setagaya, even when she was not able to meet up with him anymore after two years of visiting. “It’s nice to know that you see each other every day now. Take care of her.”

Takeru blushed as Natsuko walked away. He placed the phone by his ear. “Hikari-chan?”

“Takeru-kun!” she called. Takeru could not help but smile. “Thank you, Takeru-kun. Tailmon told me everything.” She sighed. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

“What!?” He gasped. “There’s no need to repay me, Hikari-chan. I was just looking out for you like every friend would.”

“But you’re not just my friend, Takeru-kun.” This made his heart pound. “You’re my best friend.”

“And that’s exactly why there’s no need to repay me.” He chuckled. “If you had saved me, would you take something from me in return?”

“Of course not!”

“Then there you have it.” He chuckled. “Really, Hikari-chan. Even if we weren’t best friends, you know I wouldn’t take anything from you as payment. I wouldn’t take anything from anyone as payment, that’s that. What I did for you...it’s because I really care about you. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

She was silent for a moment.

“Hikari-chan?”

“Thank you, Takeru-kun,” she finally said. “I couldn’t...I wouldn’t be at home, talking to you on the phone, with Onii-chan leaning against the wall and waiting for me so that I could rest again.” She giggled, as did he. “None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you.”

“I’m glad you’re safe, Hikari-chan.” Through the phone, he already could tell she was giving him a grateful smile.

“Oh, by the way. Is Tailmon there? She said she was going out but she didn’t tell me where. I was thinking maybe she was with you.”

Takeru looked over at the digimon sitting on his bed. “She’s here, don’t worry.”

“I’m glad. Tell her to come home soon, dinner’s almost ready.”

“I will.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Takeru-kun,” she said.

“It’s a weekend tomorrow,” he said, looking at the calendar. “Did we have anything planned?”

“No. I just want to see you again. McRonald’s?”

He smiled. “McRonald’s it is then.”

“See you.”

“See you.” And with that, they disconnect the phone. He looked at the instrument for a few more seconds before placing it on his dresser and walking back towards the bed. “Dinner’s almost ready, Tailmon.”

“I should get going,” she said. “Thank you again, Takeru.” Much to Takeru’s surprise, she hugged him. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye, Tailmon,” Patamon called. “See you tomorrow!”

Tailmon exited the room and leaped away.

“Takeru,” Patamon started. Takeru looked up at him. “Are you okay?”

Takeru looked to the side and stared at the telephone. “Yeah, I’m okay.” He sighed. “I really like you, Hikari-chan.”

IV. Hikari meets her husband after the events of season 2.

Time flies by so quickly. Before Takeru knew it, they had all finished college and were now working, being able to graduate with the degree they had dreamed of having. But his feelings never changed. In fact, it grew. He knew he did not just have a simple crush on her, he knew he was in love.

In fact, he was just about to admit his feelings for her when they bumped into one of her old friends. A friend she had met when he was in Setagaya, his name was Ryonusuke. They talked and reminisced about old times. Takeru felt like an outsider but he still was able to chat with the two when he felt he could butt in.

When they had parted ways with Ryonuske, Takeru asked, “It seemed like you had a crush on him.” He did not want to know the answer but he knew that even if did not ask, the answer would be “yes”. “I can see why,” he said as they walked around Shibuya. “He seems like a nice guy.”

“He is!” Hikari exclaimed. “Oh, Takeru, he’s the best. He was bullied back then, and I was the only one who defended him. After that, he learned how to defend himself. We were a good team.” She smiled. Takeru could feel his heart breaking into a few pieces. “But he was only with us for more than half the school year. His father got into an accident so he had to move back.” She sighed. “I can’t believe it’s been years since we saw each other.”

He cleared his throat. “You...uh, never mentioned him before.”

She cocked her head. “I guess I didn’t think much of him...then.”

“Mhm. So you’re planning on meeting him again next weekend,” he said casually.

“You can come, too, Takeru. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

‘But I would,’ he thought bitterly. “No, it’s okay. You two need to catch up without a third wheel.”

Hikari frowned. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

They did not notice Patamon and Tailmon looking at each other as they continued to walk.

Later that day, Takeru called his brother. “Onii-san,” he greeted once Yamato had picked up his phone.

“Mm, Takeru, what’s up?”

“You know how I was going to confess to Hikari about...you know, my feelings?”

“Yeah, you said something about that a few days ago.” Then he paused. “Wait, you told her today?” He sounded excited. “Well? How’d it go? Is Taichi going to be my new brother-in-law now? Is that how it works?”

Takeru sighed.

“Oh.” Yamato paused. “Didn’t go well, I presume.”

“I wouldn’t know now. I was about to tell her but she saw someone familiar and called him over.”

“Oh? Who is it?”

“Some guy named Ryonosuke,” he answered.

“Ryonosuke...Ryono—Ryonosuke Riika?”

“Probably, I wouldn’t know, we never talked about last names.” ‘Or maybe I just didn’t care.’ He tried his best not to sound so down but he knew that his brother would see through his facade. “I was so close, Onii-san. So close. This close!” He held up his hand and put his thumb and index finger close to each other. He knew his brother could not see it but he did so anyway.

Yamato sighed. “I’m sorry, Takeru. But there’s always next time!”

“Yeah, if she doesn’t fall for him first.” He glared at the ground.

“Then make her fall for you first. Tell her how you feel.”

“I can’t just do that anymore, Onii-san.” He sighed.

“And why the hell not?”

“I...I...oh I don’t know! I just don’t think it’s the right time anymore. Maybe when I’m sure Ryonosuke is out of the picture. I don’t think I can compete with him.”

“And again, why the hell not?”

“Because...I saw the way Hikari looked at him. It’s the same way you look at Mimi-san.”

Yamato was silent.

“Anyway, I’ll talk to you soon, Onii-san. I’ve still got stuff to write.”

“Take a break,” his brother ordered. “You won’t be able to write your next bestseller like this.”

He nodded. “You’re right. I’ll talk to you soon, Onii-san,” he repeated. And with that, he put down the phone and walked to his room, a sad Patamon flying next to him.

But soon was just the next day. Yamato and Mimi, along with their two-year-old son, Satoshi, knocked on his door. The first to come in was Satoshi, followed by Palmon and Gabumon, and then the pregnant Mimi, and finally Yamato. Takeru immediately prepared the dining table and then picked up Satoshi. “What do you want to do today?”

Satoshi had his own Punimon and Patamon flew down to carry him. “Eat!” Satoshi exclaimed.

“Eat?” Yamato laughed. “You just ate before we left.”

“That’s what you get for having a wife who cooks and bakes,” Takeru said, laughing.

Mimi laughed along. “Palmon, why don’t you make some cookies? I’ll follow you in a bit.”

Palmon nodded. “Okay, Mimi.”

“I’ll help!” Gabumon said, walking behind the green digimon.

Mimi sat down on the chair beside Takeru and asked how he was doing. “I heard from Yamato about what had happened.”

Takeru nodded. “I guess it’s just...I don’t think it’s meant to be.”

“I’ve known you and Hikari-chan for a really long time,” she said. “I think it’s meant to be.”

“But I’m not like you and Onii-san, Onii-chan. I don’t...I’m not meant to have my happily ever after.”

“Don’t say that!” Mimi nearly shouted. This surprised him. “Okay, so maybe you’re not meant to be with Hikari-chan, but you will have your happily ever after.”

Takeru sighed. “Maybe I will get an ever after...maybe just not a happily ever after.”

Mimi frowned and looked at her husband. Yamato looked at his brother with sadness in his eyes. “It’ll be okay, Takeru,” he said. “It’ll be okay.”

Mimi wrapped her arms around him from behind. “It’ll be okay.”

But.

Some few years later, the marriage ceremony was not that grand, it was simple and intimate, just as Hikari had requested. Even during the reception, Takeru refused to interact with her. So when she asked him for a dance he was hesitant but obliged. How could he say no to the bride? How could he say no to her?

“You’ve been avoiding me,” she said.

Takeru cocked his head. “Am I?”

She nodded. “Don’t play dumb.”

“Uh...sorry.” He licked his upper lip. “I just...I...well….”

“Well?”

“I don’t know, Hikari,” he admitted. “I don’t know.” And he knew that he had hurt her.

Hikari dropped her hands. “Okay. Okay.” And she left.

He watched her go, his mouth opening a little. But when he saw her so happy with Ryonuske, he stopped. Some things were just not meant to be said.

IV. Happily Ever After

He never did get his happily ever after. Not until all the incidents at least. He had married a woman named Akane. She was beautiful and was a very big fan of his works. She was everything he needed, and for a while, he loved her with all his heart.

But then came the fights.

Takeru knew that their son, Tenma, was very much affected. At an early age, Tenma knew about his grandparents and what children would want the same for their parents. Takeru would assure his son that whatever was going on, it was not and never will be his fault. But Tenma continued to blame himself, thinking that maybe if he was a good son, his parents would not separate. It broke Takeru’s heart knowing that even though his son did nothing wrong he accused himself of causing all the trouble. Sure, they may have had an argument or two about him, but whatever happened between him and Akane was not and never will be his doing.

“Papa,” Tenma called out to him one night. Takeru was writing furiously while Akane slept. “Papa.”

He twisted. “Tenma! What are you doing up? It’s past your bedtime.” Although his son had his own Tokomon, he would allow Patamon to sleep in his room, too. “Where’re Patamon and Tokomon?”

“Papa….” His lips began to quiver.

Takeru could not stand his son crying. “Come here.” He opened his arms wide for his son. Tenma ran to him, hugged his stomach, and broke down. He soothed the young boy. “Shh, what’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?”

“N-no,” he replied, sniffling. “I don’t want you and Mama to separate. I’ll be a good boy, I promise!”

Takeru closed his eyes and began to tremble. “This isn’t your fault, Tenma. What your Mama and I are...talking about. It has nothing to do with you being a bad boy. You are the best son in the world! Don’t worry, you shouldn’t be scared.”

Tenma continued to sniffle. “But—”

“Tenma?” They heard Akane’s voice. “Tenma, it’s time to go to bed. Come on.”

Tenma looked at his Papa one more time before following his Mama’s instructions.

When he had closed his door, Akane turned to him. “Why was he up?”

Takeru closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “He thinks that what we’re fighting about is because he’s been a bad boy.”

Akane sighed. “He really believes that, doesn’t he?” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Takeru...I….” She paused. “I think it’s time that we should be true to ourselves.”

He knew this was coming. He knew that at some point, he and Akane would part ways. He only held strong for Tenma, and he knew she did, too. But it was too much. They were hurting their son even more. “What about him?”

“He’ll understand when he’s older,” she said, biting her bottom lip. “I don’t want this, Takeru. I don��t want to be in a household where I can’t even look my husband in the eye and tell him I love him.”

It did not hurt him. Maybe because it has been a while since she said it to him. And it had been a while since he said it to her, too.

“I will always love you, Takeru. But, this...this isn’t right anymore.”

“I know, I know.”

And it was finalized a year later.

Tenma resented his parents.

There was a joint custody agreement, and since they both continued to live in Odaiba, their son had nothing to worry about when it came to school and friends. But he did not like being with his parents and other children.

But he did find refuge in Akihito, his best friend, and Hikari’s son. The two boys were the same age since Hikari and Ryonuske had decided to have a child a little later.

Tenma was jealous of the happy family Akihito had even though he would often say that it was not always perfect.

But then came the accident.

Takeru knew that Hikari only had her son left. She may have Tailmon, she may have Taichi, Sora, and her nephew, she may have her parents whom she still visits on a regular basis. But she did not have Ryonuske. And she never will again.

A few months after, Takeru finally had the heart to pay her a visit. He brought Tenma with him so that he could talk to his friend while the two boys played. Patamon was flying above them while Tenma held up his Tokomon.

What surprised him was Tenma asking if he was okay. “I know...how much Akihito’s mama means to you.”

Takeru’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”

“I see the way you look at her, Papa. I always have. Is that why you and Mama were fighting all the time?”

Takeru sighed. “You’re too young to know these things, Tenma.” He patted the top of his son’s head. “But no, it’s not that. Well, it could have been one reason but...it wasn’t the only.”

Tenma nodded slowly. “You’ll tell me when I’m older, right?”

“Of course, Tenma.” He bent down to kiss the top of his head. “Here it goes.” He rang the bell.

Hikari had been the one to open it and she gave him a smile. “Takeru.”

“Hikari.”

“Tenma-kun. Akihito’s in his room. Go on ahead, just remember to knock.” She giggled.

“Thank you, Oba-san.” He bowed before taking off his shoes and then rushed to Akihito’s room with Tokomon.

The remaining three watched him enter the room before looking at each other. “Tea?” she asked. “Or maybe juice?”

He smiled. “Orange juice.” Then he took off his shoes and followed her into the kitchen.

“Oh, Takeru.” Tailmon had appeared. “Why don’t we go to the kids, Patamon.”

Patamon descended a little as he and Tailmon entered the boys’ room.

And so Takeru and Hikari were alone. “It...uh...it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He cleared his throat. “I don’t think we’ve had a heart-to-heart talk in a while.”

“It has, hasn’t it?” She put down two glasses of orange juice on the table. She smiled at him. “How have you been?”

‘I love you, Hikari. Always have, always will.’

And those few words, those eight words, when he finally said it out loud some time later, he could not believe how his life had drastically changed.

And after a few years, he was at a park with Hikari, his son Tenma, his step-son Akihito, and his and Hikari’s child, Nozomi. And of course, Patamon, Tailmon, Tokomon, Plotmon, and baby Nyaamon were with them.

Tenma and Akihito were helping their younger sister make castles in the sandbox, their digimons bouncing around them. Takeru was leaning on the bench that he was sitting on while Hikari had her arm hooked around his and her head had rested on his shoulder.

“She’s growing up so fast,” she murmured.

He smiled. “Next thing you know, she’ll be graduating high school while the boys are off finding jobs.”

They heard Patamon and Tailmon, who were up on a tree, whimper.

She groaned. “That’s too much thinking, Takeru. Let’s not go that far yet.” She laughed, as did he. She shifted and let her chin rest on his shoulder instead. “I love you, Takeru.” And she sat up straight, lacing her fingers around his.

He kissed her temple and whispered, “I really love you, Hikari.”

tagging (because i love you guys): @tangledupblue @vanillabullets

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