#mr motomiya

[digimoninteractions]

[ID: Screenshots from Digimon Adventure Zero Two episode 35 showing Daisuke's parents. (1) Mr. Motomiya stands with his hands spread as Mrs. Motomiya sits and smiles beside him. (2) They both stand and cheer excitedly. End ID]

[idontthinkimokaymentally]

Hello there Mr. Motomiya fans.

[firedragon1321]

I was looking up names for a Digimon/Pokemon fandom swap. Since Ash and Gary are named after real people in Japan, I wanted to incorporate that element. And while I was looking up anime staff-

"Daisuke". Hey, where have I heard that name before? Oh. Yeah.

Interestingly, Daisuke Kawakami only did planning on 02, and wasn't a producer. Not sure how much of a demotion this is in the anime industry, or if it is one at all. But he was definitely still working on the show. Not sure if Motomiya was actually named after Kawakami but it seems likely.

@seventeenlovesthree @shihalyfie Was this officially confirmed anywhere, or is this just a Game Theory?

(Also bonus- "Taichiro Fujiyama" might have funneled into the teacher character Mr. Fujiyama. I know his name wasn't the inspiration for Tai's though- that's the V-Tamer manga.)

[reliablejoukido]

"Bar-Crossed Lovers" Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Mr. Anonymous Drink-Buyer

Summary: Miyako laughed out loud when she saw him on the other side of the bar. Out of everyone who could’ve bought her a drink tonight, it had to be the one person in the world who wouldn’t mean anything romantic by it.

Pairing: Daisuke Motomiya/Miyako Inoue

Rating: Mature

Tags: comedy, romantic comedy, romance, texting, brief sexual content

Notes: Here we goooooo it's Daiyako time baybeee! I love this ship SO SO much, and I had some NaNo to kill, so I thought-- why not? Heads up, there's a lot of texting in this story. And the texting "direction" changes with the POV, if that makes sense. Hopefully it's not too confusing to pick up on.

Dedicated to @sloanerisette for always believing in me, my Daiyako headcanons, and my constant project-hopping.

[oflowtides]

⸻  SEN MITSUJI. HE/HIM / have you ever heard of FRESH by artist vs poet, well, it describes DAVIS MOTOMIYA to a tee! the thirty two year old, and DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER was spotted browsing through the stalls at portobello road market last sunday, do you know them? would you say HE is more arrogant or more PURPOSFUL instead? anyway, they remind me of an array of travel sized bottles, red eye flights, a deep set fear of missing out and the refusal to dwell on mistakes, maybe you’ll bump into them soon! time in notting hill: five years

The only boy of the family, it was unspoken knowledge since the day Davis was born that he would inherit the family business.  Whether or not the boy wanted it was irrelevant; it was ultimately up to his father and what he wanted.  That's not to say it wasn't an impressive business - documentaries garnered a lot of attention, no matter what the topic was, and Davis could think of worse things to be forced into.

That’s not to say Davis didn’t get to do whatever he wanted growing up, however.  Despite it being well known what he was going to take over, Davis was encouraged to explore other avenues, other interests he might have.  He loved cooking with his grandmother, and he also experimented a little with painting and drawing - not enough to be featured in an art gallery, but enough that he had been commissioned a few times by friends of the family or business associates.

However, he was expected to go and get his degree in both film and business, and while he wasn’t exactly keen on it, as long as he kept up with his studies, he could continue to do whatever he liked in his free time.  His grades remained in the B average, though he took an extreme liking to film making classes and tended to exert himself more in them, and even had time left over to indulge in the party scene.

While there were never any serious relationships, he’d had his fair share of hookups and causal girlfriends, when he was told upon graduation that their family was planning on merging with another business, and the only way to ensure things went smoothly was to orchestrate a marriage between Davis and their daughter, Lila.

While the marriage didn’t happen right away, Davis already felt trapped.  Lila was a sweet girl, and she was very pretty, but being forced together just for the sake of their parents business felt wrong.  Davis wanted to protest, but he was reminded that he had been allowed to do whatever he wanted, and sacrificed had to be made eventually for the good of the family and the company.

They had time to get to know each other, and while there were definitely worse people to get married to, it was obvious that there just wasn’t the right spark or chemistry between them.  Despite this, however, they still had to go through with it all.

Around the time they were arranged to be wed, Davis' father told him that as a wedding gift, he had gotten them a place in Notting Hill; a place that Mr Motomiya had decided would be a great place for the new headquarters of the business.  It was understood that Davis was still free to do whatever he wanted to make a living and he wasn’t going to be taking things over entirely quite yet - however he threw himself into it wholeheartedly, eager to start traveling and piecing together his own documentaries.

For the last five years, Davis has done his best to make Notting Hill the best home he could for him and his wife, though it’s almost unspoken that they’re just friends who happened to be forced into this situation.  He operates on a don’t ask, don’t tell situation, and it’s not unlikely to find his wedding band absent, not even a tan line to give it away.  Going against their parents wishes is completely out of the question, however there’s no reason that Davis shouldn’t be able to live his own life while having a wife on paper, especially if neither of them really want to be married. (that’s what he tells himself anyway)

[detectiveichijouji]

Case 36 - The Boy Who Once Existed

[AO3 version]

Miyako-san has one of those fake wicked shards. This is no good.

Ken felt like the entire universe had been shattered into tiny pieces: One of his friends was attacked by an unknown digimon and now her life was at risk.

“What should we do?” Hikari asked, while everyone kept in silence.

“I will go,” Ken sighed, but Daisuke knew that targeting Miyako or all of the people was more effective than anyone else in that room.

“Ken, are you su--” Daisuke started, but the other left with Wormmon in a rush.

“Ichijouji-kun we shouldn’t--” Takeru also tried to call Ken, but no success.

“...” Hawkmon glanced at them, “Hikari-san, Tailmon… Please stay here and help me protect her,” he said with a serious tone, “If she turns into an unstable digimon, we will have to stop her from going amok.”

Hikari and Tailmon nodded. Daisuke looked at them, “So, we should go after Ken, right?”

“Are you going to be okay alone?” Takeru asked Hikari, frowning.

“Don’t worry,” Tailmon responded, “We’re the only ones who can protect and stop Miyako. You guys go after Ken and Wormmon, don’t let them do anything reckless.”

“Alright!” V-mon nodded, “You two do your best and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help!”

The boys left the room, with Hikari and Tailmon checking on mrs. Yagami, to make sure she was fine or if she needed first aid.

“Ken-chan, are you sure we should go there all alone?!” Wormmon said, on Ken’s shoulder. The boy was running upstairs to reach the building’s rooftop. 

“I’m not sure, but I can’t do anything other than face that person right now. He hurt Miyako-san and I will, I will… --”

Suddenly, he was stopped by someone holding his arm. Ken and Wormmon looked back and saw Daisuke and the other two boys plus their digimon.

“Daisuke…?”

“I know you want to do somethin’ right now, but… You have to chill and think calmly. Miyako’s with Hikari-chan, and she will be fine.”

“I have to go, you stay here and--”

“Ichijouji-kun, this is stupid. You have to calm down” Takeru argued back, “This is what the imposter wants you to do.”

“I think we can set a trap for him,” Iori mused, “Ichijouji-san and Daisuke-san go meet him, while Takeru-san and I go from the other side and then ambush him with Dominimon.”

“Yeah! That’s a good idea--” V-mon commented, but!!

“What makes you think something like that would work?!” Ken snapped angrily, “This person… Has been playing with our lives and so many other ones with no mercy! We can’t think like they’re just like the original Digimon Kaiser was!!”

“Then, what’s your plan?” Daisuke stared at him, “Go there and then what? Kill him? Can you really kill a human being, Ken??”

“...”

I was lost. Miyako-san was hurt because of me. And now… I’m refusing the help from the same people who had come to save me from my own madness and loneliness in the past.

“We have time to waste,” Ken said, pouting, “He will attack again if we don’t hurry right now…”

“He can’t attack us if we’re together!” Patamon smiled, from the top of Takeru’s head, “So we will protect you!!”

They kept going upstairs. 

“Are you saying that we should still help them?” Lune was staring at Noel, indignantly. She couldn’t believe the other was telling her and Soleil that, “They snapped at us, and then said we couldn’t work together anymore, and now you’re suggesting to just… Keep helping them?!”

“...” Soleil was also not happy with that idea, but he kept quiet instead of facing the phantom thief.

“I know, they said that but… But you two… We are part of this too” Noel frowned, “Because there’s… Something that led me to you two. Something… That might be the link between us and Motomiya-san’s friends.”

“What?” Lunamon gasped, “Are we connected to them?! But how??”

“That sounds ridiculous--” Lune was ready to lose her good patience until…

“No, let him talk.”

Soleil interrupted her.

“... I’m sorry, but…” Noel sighed, “You two are involved in this because… Of Ichijouji-san’s original group.”

“Huh, ‘original’ group you mean?” Lune raised an eyebrow, “Isn't Motomiya-kun's group the only one that the prince detective was a part of?”

“Non, not in the current reality,” he answered.

“Current reality?” Sunmon asked, in Soleil’s arms. The baby Digimon was finally awake, but he was still recovering his strength.

“Oui. Another reality existed, one where the story went a little different from what was presented now. A story I remember because… I wasn’t affected by Quantumon’s powers.”

“So, you mean… Lune and I were part of Ichijouji’s group before… Or is it something else?”

“...”

As the group of boys and digimon was on the way, something passed quickly through them and hit Iori. The group looked back and then… Armadimon gasped.

“Iori!”

“Kh… I’m… I’m fine…”

“No you’re not,” Armadimon points at the shiny object that was attached to the boy’s hand.

“Another fake shard!?” Patamon, V-mon and Wormmon gasped.

“... I’ll be fine,” Iori sat on the floor, “Takeru-san can deal with me for now… Please keep going without us.”

“But--” V-mon frowned, and then Takeru glanced at Daisuke and him:

“We’re leaving Ichijouji-kun in your hands, Daisuke-kun.”

Daisuke nodded, though he didn’t notice Ken was completely enraged by another of his friends turning into victims of those awful faux shards. He turned back to the boys and said with a serious tone:

“Daisuke, let’s go. If anyone else gets hurt by this insect, I will not hesitate.”

“... Right.”

They left Takeru and Iori behind and ran to the next floor.

“Why don’t we Jogress evolve V-mon and Wormmon into Paildramon and fly straight to the rooftop?”

Daisuke asked, innocently.

“Why were you taking the stairs?”

And he kept asking. But Ken was still angry, desperate and seeking revenge.

“Hey, Ken…”

But Ichijouji Ken was consumed by anger that the next words coming from Daisuke’s mouth…

“If… If the fake Kaiser gets all of us… Will you… kill him?”

… completely caught him off guard.

?!?!??!

“I don’t want you to do something that might make you regret it for the rest of your life, so…”

Stop. Don’t say. It--

“Please, don’t kill him. None of us would want you to do that.”

“What the hell is wrong with you, Daisuke?!” Ken turned back and snapped. Daisuke was definitely frowning, “He got Miyako-san and now Iori-kun! And you want ME to not make that faker pay for it?! Don’t you care about them?! Don’t you feel angry about this?!”

“I do, man. Of course I want to make him pay for every single person and digimon they toyed with! But… I don’t want to be worse than him, or be lumped in with him.”

“...”

“Maybe… He’s been controlled by an evil digimon and might not even be able to stop himself. You used to be like this before, right?”

“...”

“You wouldn’t have tried to kill the others and me if you did know that the Digital World wasn’t a game. I know you’re a good person, you always were.”

“If he’s Ryo-san, you wouldn’t want to do that right?” Wormmon asked Ken, with a frown in his face, “Ryo-san was your only friend until you met Daisuke-san and the others.”

“You don’t need to worry about the others,” V-mon added, calmly “They can take care of themselves. We’re a team right?”

“Yeah!” / “Yes!” Daisuke and Wormmon replied with a nod and a smile.

“... Just evolve to XV-mon and cut it out about this talk of kindness,” Ken turned his face away from Daisuke and V-mon, blushing.

I couldn’t tell Daisuke that he was right. I was too infuriated to say it.Yes, I couldn’t kill a human being.

But I could make them pay for it. Make them beg for pardon, for messing with my friends and me. And for hurting everyone else.

I was blinded by my own anger.

The Faux Kaiser was indeed waiting for Ken at the rooftop from the building where the Yagami family lived. He was patiently waiting for his beloved (?) detective to arrive at the scene. But deep down he hated Ken. He loathed Ichijouji Ken. And he enjoyed every single moment of Ken's descent into despair.

A memory came into the boy’s mind.

“Hey, Ichijouji-kun… Do you think Akiyama-san is right to be fighting those digimon? They said this digimon menace we’re fighting right now to save this world… I  don’t think that digimon is evil.” The young Ken looked at the other boy, “Why do you say that? That digimon is making everyone suffer!! You can’t be serious!” “All the bad digimon we met… Weren’t totally bad, right? Like, the Gazimon who attacked you when you first met Wormmon and Akiyama-san… You said she apologized later. And Digitamamon, Vademon and so many other digimon we fought before… They apologized too. They were just misunderstood.” “But this one is different…!” Ken insisted, pouting, “Ryo-san and Babamon said they’re the source of all the bad things happening here! We have to fight with all of our strength!! We’re heroes!” “Ichijouji-kun… Would you kill someone without letting them have a chance to talk first?” “H-huh?!” Ken gasped, “I… I wouldn’t! But… Ryo-san wouldn’t lie to us. Neither Akari-san, she’s the oldest and was the one who Ryo-san, Osamu and I saw fighting a digimon before. The reason Ryo-san and I are here now… It’s because of her.” “I know that! But, Hino-san never killed a digimon before! She’s different from Akiyama-san! I think… I think Akiyama-san might do something stupid soon.” “W-what do you mean?!” Ken babbled, “You can’t be serious, can you? What kind of stupid thing Ryo-san is supposed to do? I think you need to relax and don’t worry about him. My late brother and I knew him very well, he won’t do anything bad.”  Ken smiled at the other boy, who said: “... You promise to talk with Akiyama-san for me? He’s kinda… intimidating when he’s fighting the digimon. I don’t want him to hurt anyone or get hurt…” “Oh course! You’re my best friend too… Right?”

…

That memory made him relieve a very painful feeling. The reason he was erased from that world’s reality…

He was betrayed by those people and critters.

“I won’t kill him,” Ken said to Daisuke, while Paildramon carried them to the rooftop area. He was definitely saying that in order to make the other assured that he wouldn’t do anything reckless, “We’re going to stop him and find a way to discover why he is so obsessed with me.”

“I know that,” Daisuke nodded, and with a firm tone he continued, “We were worried about you doing something reckless and then regretting it later. But deep down, the cool headed Ichijouji Ken would find another solution to that.”

“...”

“Because you’re not like your old self anymore and the real Ken would prefer to solve it peacefully instead.”

“I’m only able to do those things because of you, though.”

“Makes sense, we’re partners right? No, even more than that, we’re friends. And friends help each other.”

They reached the top of the building, and Paildramon landed on the floor.

“Your evil schemes will end today, you punk!” Daisuke shouted. Paildramon has put the boys on the floor and stood in position for any surprises coming from the faux Kaiser.

“Why did you have to bring this simpleton with you, Ichijouji-kun?” The Kaiser said with a sad and monotone voice. He was completely disappointed that he couldn’t have his particular talk with Ken thanks to Daisuke’s presence.

“W-WHAT DID YOU SAY--”

“Daisuke,” Ken called him out. Daisuke stopped but kept pouting. Then, Ken continued, now looking at the faux Kaiser, “What do you want with me? Why are you doing those things?”

“Because of the Chosen Children, of course. Why would the Chosen Children exist if there’s no digimon crisis? After all… It’s what you wanted before, right?”

“What?” Ken frowned, “You mean… I wanted that? It makes no sense I never--”

“Yes, it was because of you that this all happened. A ten year old boy, coming to cope with the loss of a brother in another world…  You wanted to keep living that life of a hero, to feel better. To feel you existed, right?”

“Ken, he’s trying to mess with your mind!” Daisuke interrupted the other.

“... I’ve been living under my brother’s shadow, Daisuke. But… This makes no sense to me. This person is…”

“You don’t remember because the world suffered a reset, if it makes you feel better.”

“A reset??”

“Oh uh… Ah, that’s what Noel meant before…” Daisuke commented, “That something happened and everyone forgot about this kiddo here.”

“Can you shut up, or will I have to silence you?!” the faux Kaiser clenched his fist. Daisuke’s presence there was insufferable right now.

“Sorry pal, you can’t do anything to me because Paildramon is right her--”

The enemy snapped his fingers and something faster than the naked eye hit Daisuke, who fell on the floor abruptly.

“GAH!”

“Daisuke!” Ken and Paildramon said together.

“Ack… What the…?!” Daisuke got up with some difficulty, “W-what did you do to me??”

“If you don’t stay quiet… I will activate all shards attached to you and your friends. Let me talk with my former friend, you pathetic being.”

“... I’m Sorry Ken, I… I messed things up and now… I… Ugh.”

“Daisuke, what are you talking about?!” Ken panicked, he knew touching Daisuke would be no good, if those shards were activated he would end up absorbed like happened with other victims and their digimon partners, “You’re not… I won’t… I won’t let you--”

“Isn’t it fun, Ichijouji-kun? Have your friends taken away?”

“You maniac, why are you doing that to Ken-chan?!” Paildramon (Stingmon side) shouted, ready to attack at any instant.

“I’m doing to him what he had done to me. You’re the reason I cannot exist anymore, after all.”

“What… What have I done to you, I’m clueless. Enlighten me about this, but spare my friends. They haven’t done anything to you, have they?”

“... You and Akiyama Ryo betrayed me. Hino Akari-san also betrayed me. I said we could get a chance to solve things peacefully, BUT you decided to listen to Akiyama. You said you were living in the shadow of your brother before he died, but you kept listening to Akiyama with no hesitation!”

“... What… What have Ryo-san done to you, if you’re not him?”

“You three tried to destroy my partner… When you learned he was tied to the legendary Millenniummon.”

“Mi… MIllenniummon?!” That name mentioned hit Ken harder, enough to have him relieve what he believed to be the truth until now -- the memories of him shoving Ryo out of the way and the strange spore entering his body… -- Suddenly that name he couldn’t mention before to the others came in his mind, and the information about said digimon became clearer.

The enemy he and Ryo were facing when he was ten years old was called Millenniummon.

“Didn’t you know, Ichijouji-kun? Millenniummon is a Jogress of two digimon: Chimeramon, who you claimed to be your creation in this reality… And my Mugendramon.”

“He was partnered with a Millenniummon component??” Ken was devastated, this person…!?

“Because of those panicked digimon having wrong judgment about my partner… You three betrayed me, and tried to kill my partner just for the fear of me evolving him into one of the components for that Jogress. You all wanted to be the ‘heroes’ of the Digital World, so…”

“... But Millenniummon was a real menac--”

“LIAR! You were supposed to be my friend! You all went to Larc in order to destroy me and my partner! You reseted the world, and they erased me from existence!”

“If you… If you don’t exist anymore…” Daisuke said, with some difficulty though, “Then… How can you be here instead?”

“I’m not a living being anymore, I’m an anomaly. But I came here by a miracle after all. Maybe… A certain naive child managed to… Take my role, and throw tantrums on a wicked object?”

“This all goes back to the stupid Digimental of Desire…” Ken sighed.

“T-Taking… your role…?” Daisuke asked.

“Ah yes, the Digimon Kaiser? I was the original one. You couldn’t get rid of me that easily before, Sadly… When you used that same Digimental you destroyed to evolve your digimon into Quantumon, in a city of Larc… You ended up taking my role as the villain.”

“So… Ken turning the Digimon Kaiser in this new reality…” Paildramon (XV-mon side) said, as they and Daisuke looked at Ken, who was too petrified by those details.

“Isn't it fun, Ichijouji-kun? You wanted so badly to keep being like a hero and in the end you became the new reality’s villain.”

“Y-you’re lying…!!” Daisuke yelled, but then the shard attached to his hand glowed, “Kh…!!”

“Daisuke, stop…!” Ken babbled, “If you keep interfering, he will… He will turn you into an unstable digimon and I… I don’t want to fight you ok??”

“Tsc, your pathetic new friend is so… Obnoxious. Should I activate it now and make him shut up, and then I post a request on the BBS? I said someday I would need your services as a private detective after all.”

“... I know it was you,” Ken said in a disgruntled tone. He glanced at the masked Kaiser, “The only person to have been this close to me from time to time, to know about the BBS and all of those cases with the shards…”

And Ken made his accusation in a firm voice:

“The faux Digimon Kaiser is…!!”

[koushirouizumi]

{Index} KoushirouIzumi's DigiAdvs Things

(Img's in general, extra not-O.T.P A.M.V.s, etc. KouTai O.T.P stuff etc....!)

{Note: I am always adding to this. New works may be added sporadically. If you Interact on any of my works, please read my F.A.Q to see if I've already answered a question.}

{+on taggings methods: What’s the deal with the variations in spellings for Ko[u]shiro[u]’s [+Jo{u}’s] Japanese names?} [x]

(for conveniences’ sake, I use the US version, “Koushiro” which has also been used in some official merch/usages on the J.P.N side. (Most obvious example being Tri {Saikai}) Please respect my choice and understand instead of bothering me to or demanding I change it, because I won't, thank you) {As I have made close to 50+ postings (likely now 100+) about Koushiro it would be difficult to go back and edit any particular posting with any particular spelling, and I’m most used to the US version’s way from his full name; “Koushiro ‘Izzy’ Izumi”.} (I do leave out ‘Izzy’ when I’m indicating the J.P.N version specifically. I note it can be ‘Koushiro[u]’ when listing out characters included/etc.)

{Taishiro / KouTai OTP}

My A.O.3 : Hikari @ A.O.3 {"Novel/Story Route"} Fic Index: [x] Other KouTai A.M.V.s Index: [x] (Any other tagged charas/ship's may also appear if briefly)

KouTai A.M.V.s - REPEAT?_Verse [x] {"Music Route"} KouTai F.S.Ts (Fan Sound-tracks) F.S.T #1 - READY?_ [x] F.S.T #2 - BEGIN [x] (To be Completed)

Main Index: “izzyizumi taishiro gifs” tag (Chronological Postings) [x]

KouTai{/shiro} O.T.P of O.T.Ps Compilation (with Moments across all medias) [x] Our War Game {/“Children’s War Game”} [x] 02!Taishiro [x] [x] Tri!Taishiro [x] [x] [x] 2020!Taishiro [x] [x] [x] [x] {This section to be Completed} (Very out-dated Index, check chronological postings above!)

JouxMi / JouMimi {Jou & Mimi} {JouMi Challenge} [x] [x] [x] (etc) [x] Michi / TaiMimi {Taichi & Mimi} [x] [x] [x] Soraxto / YamaSora {Yamato & Sora} [x] [x] [x] KouxMi / KouMimi {Koushiro & Mimi} [x] [x] Mimaxto / YamaMimi {Yamato & Mimi} [x] [x] [x] So{ra}Mi{Mi} / MimiSora {Sora & Mimi} [x] [x] [x] [x] Joushiro / Jyoushiro {Jou & Koushiro} [x] Taixora / TaiSora {Taichi & Sora} [x]

{Familial & Etc. Friendships} Yagami{s} (Duo) [x] Yagami Family [x] [x] Sora & Mrs. Toshiko Takenouchi [x] Koushiro’s "American" Friend? Info + {Lore/Tri musings/refs} [x]* [*Note: Planning to revise/Update]

Adventure 02 Daisuke Motomiya [x] Daixkari / DaiHika {Daisuke & Hikari} [x] [x] [x] [x] Kenxyako / KenMiya {Ken & Miyako} [x] Kensuke / KenDai {Ken & Daisuke} [x] [x] Miyaxkari / MiyaHika {Miyako & Hikari} [x] [x] [x] Miyakeru / TakeMiya {Miyako & Takeru} [x] [x] Kou+Miya Friendship {Miyako & Koushiro} [x] Bi!Miyako [x]

Tri Meixchi / TaiMei {Taichi & Meiko} [x] [x] [x] [x] [x] MiMei {Mimi & Meiko} [x] [x] [x] [x] SoMiMei {Sora & Mimi & Meiko} [x] [x] SoMei {Sora & Meiko} [x] [x] [x] Tri!Hikari’s Storyline Explanation / Parallels with 02!Hikari’s Storyline [x]

Kizuna Kizuna!Koushiro & Novels Kizuna!Koushiro {+Taichi; Tentomon; Menoa} [x] KouMeno {Koushiro & Menoa} [x] KouTaiMeno {Koushiro & Taichi & Menoa} [x] [x] (Note: TaiMeno in general may appear as an aside to anything listed above.) Adventure: (2020) 2020!Soraxto / YamaSora {Yamato & Sora} [x]

Poly-ships:

Ship Compilations: - MxF [x] - MxM & FxF [x] (+2020)!TaiKouMi [x] [x] YamaKouTai [x] TaiJouMi [x] YamaxJouMi [x] YamaxJouraMi [x] {Tri/BNM spoilers} KenDaiHika [x]

Other A.M.Vs: Older A.M.Vs (Made during my childhood/pre-tumblr days) I’ll Turn My Courage Into Wings {Adv-02 Taichi-centric/Taichi & Friends} [x] Walk on the Edge {Adv-02 Yamato/Yamato & Friends [+bonus YamaxJou} [x]

Newer A.M.Vs: Ashita wa Motto [Tomorrow I’ll Be] {Adv-02 Sora-centric & Soraxto} [x] She Said {So[ra]Mi} [x] Numb {Meiko & BNM!/Tri!Taichi} [x] Encore (Adv+Tri!Chosen & Meiko Positive) {Gen} [x]

Warriors {Frontier} [x] A.M.Vs Index for the Rest: [x]

[earlgreymon]

happy father's day!

[digitalgate02]

In case you need proof that Daisuke’s parents/family are supportive over his dummy simple-minded cute boi.

(in order: ep 38-50-49)

[digitalmonsterconfessions]

In my headcannon, Ash Ketchum’s mom and Davis’ mom are twins. I like to think that Davis would be really close to his Aunt Delia and would often visit her to keep her company while her husband and Ash is away. She also helps him out setting up his noodle business.

[izzyizumi]

Digimon Adventure 02 ~ Episode 50 (Japanese version) + Chosen Children families + Supporting their children and relatives

Noriko’s father: “Noriko? Where’s Noriko?” Hiroaki Ishida: “Don’t worry. Let’s leave it to them.” Noriko’s father: “But...” Natsuko Takaishi: “All we can do now is believe in them.” Mrs. Motomiya: “Believe in Daisuke and the rest...” Yuuko Yagami: “They will come back. Just like they did three years ago.” Miyako’s sister: “Three years ago?” Masami Izumi: “YES, and THEY will THIS time, as well.” (Indicating/including Koushiro, Masami’s Adopted child) Haruhiko Takenouchi: “They can do things we’d {adults/Not-Chosen} would never be able to.” {Eventually, even this statement of Haruhiko’s is proven False by the later narratives} Toshiko Takenouchi: “Good luck, Sora...” “Everyone.”

.....

“ I… want to be stronger.”

“I would have stopped {those} tears!...”

- younger Daisuke; Vamdemon arc; 02 drama CD track

“Huh? I have an e-mail from Daisuke-kun.

...Eh?! Daisuke-kun’s older sibling got a partner Digimon?!”

“Ah! It looks like something terrible’s happened to our four new comrades {nakama}!” “Let’s go, Tailmon! Digital Gate Open!”

- Hikari in Spring of 2003; 02 drama CD tracks

[tomorrows2top]

Daisuke has a secret Chocolate stash that he hides from Vmon

Daisuke: V-mon knows where i put the chocolate! Trust me, I've tried countless times to hide it, he's able to sense the chocolate aroma from many kilometers away!

Despite Daisuke's complaints, V-mon was already searching for said secret stash. His mom won't like it...

Plot twist: Mrs. Motomiya is the one to own a secret candy stash.

[idontthinkimokaymentally]

Hello there Mrs. Motomiya fans.

[owarinaki]

Yamato and Takeru ‘s parents

-Ishida Hiroaki -Takaishi Natsuko

Yamato ‘s father is the most involved parents in the series, as he is fully aware of his sons' activities in the Digital World, and often lends precious help to the DigiDestined

Motomiya Daisuke ‘s parent + Jun (older sister)

Yagami Taichi & Hikai ‘s parents

 Koushiro ‘s parents

Joe ‘s older brother Shin +Shuu (Right side)

Kido Shin , Joe ‘s oldest brother : Doctor

Kido Shuu ,Joe ‘s second older brother : Director

Yamato & Takeru ‘s Dad 

Yamato & Takeru ‘s  Mom

Ken ‘s Dad

Shuu (๋Joe’s older brother) + Sora ‘s Dad &Mom

Koushiro ‘s mom

Sora ‘s Mom + Yamato & Takeru ‘s Dad&Mom

Mimi ‘s Parents

Yamato & Takeru ‘s Dad

Ken & Daisuke ‘s family

Miwako ‘s family

Iori  and Kouishiro ‘s family

-Iori ‘s Grandad & Mom

Mr&Mrs.Ichijouji  (Ken’s parents) & Mr.&Mrs.Takenouchi( Sora ‘s parents)

Shin ,Joe ‘s oldest brother

Sora’s mom

Taichi & Hikari ‘s parents

Mimi ‘s Parents

Yamato & Takeru ‘s Parents

Koushiro ‘s parents

The Parents of DigiDestined (Digimon adventure 1 &2)

[razeluxe]

Razeluxe’s Top Ten Male Characters

So I’ve been thinking about doing a particular list for my favorite characters across anime and games for quite a while and with some advice I decided to break it into my favorite male and favorite female characters. Most people that know me can probably guess at my top three favorites but if you don’t know me... well you ‘bout to learn lol. This was harder than I thought to compile...enjoy my fanboying of the boys lol.

By the by, I’ll do my best to keep spoilers to a minimum.

10) Apollo Justice (Phoenix Wright Series)

I’ve played only two games that this character was in (Apollo Justice and Dual Destinies, slowly working through Spirit of Justice) and this character particularly in Dual Destinies struck me even more than Edgeworth who is another amazing character. Apollo has an amazing spirit and it was only through playing Dual Destinies that I really got to understand Mr. ‘I’m Fine’ and his stupid ‘Here comes Justice’ puns. I feel his original game didn’t allow him to shine (still a great entry in the Ace Attorney series I don’t care what anyone says) and Dual Destinies allows him the development he deserves. He gets hurt during a trial and it allows a deep dive of his character even if his personality shifts for a while. Damn he’s savage. He’s considered the underdog in the Wright Anything Agency but he’s to me the hardest working person there who is also the most factual in court.

9) Gokudera (Katekyo Hitman Reborn)

Or as I like to call him, Scowludera since he’s scowling like 90% of the time. This Ichigo ripoff’s character development is insane. And I think that trend follows most if not all the characters in this list. His relationship with his sister is interesting and he’s pretty explosive in terms of personality and intelligence. His fights are all really interesting too, he has some of my favorite interactions in the series thus far (haven’t read the post anime manga chapters yet sadly, but he’s more than earned this spot on this list). He butts heads with people a lot and he can be ignorant but he grows from his experience and you get to see it bit by bit. This dude is loyal to the bone. RIP if you aren’t Tsuna or Reborn. Also, I’d like to shout out this anime as one of the few to do the shounen genre proper justice. Go watch it. Also his sister Bianchi is <3. Oh wait. Male list. Oops. Can we also talk about his weapon? Not gonna say spoilers but that thing is dope and probably one of the best ever designed weapons. And his kitty Uri <3

8) Joshua Bright (Trails in the Sky)

This will be short as I don’t want to spoil anything, but Joshua is a very easy character for me to connect to personally. His feelings, actions, development probably relates more to me than a lot of characters on this list. He’s got good people around him...I’m very happy for his ship and support it 120%. Also the Trails Series, both Sky and Cold Steel are probably my favorite series of anything period. Go play it. There is more to this character that meets the eye and has broken my heart more than once ;_;

7) Neku Sakuraba (The World Ends With You)

Neku Neku Neku. Another very relatable character for me (see the theme here? lol) He initially shuts out people and over time, through his experience in the Reapers Game, he starts to open up and bring people into his circle. He goes through some crap, like a lot of trauma. When you learn of him it’s no wonder he wound up disliking people and society. He’s extremely creative and that creativity manifests itself in different ways. Kinda like me. It’s worth mentioning I used to roleplay this character back in the day, the very first canon character I used to write for. 

6) Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)

One of the only blonde’s on this list. Shulk is a character that is driven by revenge but eventually changes. He goes through some pretty traumatic stuff that I absolutely will not spoil. His personality when he encounters a certain characters shifts big time and it’s kind of scary considering how early you see this. Also he gets points for being a notably intelligent character. I mean, the dude has his own lab...and is able to fix and adjust stuff. He’s really a great and well balanced character despite all the crap he goes through. Also I used to make fun of this character and dislike him a little bit, but then I grew up. 

         The list gets real starting...now. Not that it was fake before. :o

5) Jaden Yuki (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX)

Anyone who has actually watched the entirety of GX might know why he’s here. His character development in the latter seasons so unreal and interesting. I’m not spoiling crap but there is a lot more to the character than meets the eye. Like a lot lot. Over the course of the series he loses his innocent eyes and his personality changes a lot...His character is probably one I can relate to in terms of the reasons for his actions, the way he gets down about himself, the way he acts in the final season...it hits me hard...he’s too dang relatable...just like..

4) Rean Schwarzer (Trails of Cold Steel)

Surprise surprise. Rean is here. -hears crickets- Guess you’re not surprised. I wonder why. I think I relate to this character more than anyone else on this list. Except number one. Number one is in his own league. Rean is a character who generally carries a happy disposition...he has a unique power but you can see he is actively scared of it. It’s something I actively deal with...he’s so scared of himself that he puts distance between family and friends. He never feels he’s good enough. He’s made headway through this, but...

One thing that’s extremely interesting about this character is his selflessness. You may think this is driven to the ground in character stereotypes but for Rean it’s different...his selfless has been described as abnormal by characters in game, and it’s not for positive reasons...Rean deals with some real unhealthy stuff. This is getting long.

As of this post Cold Steel 4 comes out in one month and I’m extremely worried for his character. If you’ve played 3 then you’ll know why. Also if you haven’t played the Trails series, go play it. No buts. Heck I’ll even buy the game(s) for you if I can.

--

Oh look we’re at the top three. I want to say that while numbers two and three here are pretty interchangeable, these characters have been in my top three for over a decade and a half and I don’t see this changing anytime soon. Rean I love you but you have your work cut out if you ever want to breach the top 3. I wanna post a few honorable mentions here. They didn’t get into Smash but they do get Mii Costumes at least! -shot-

Davis Motomiya (Digimon Adventure 02) 

This character was everything I was when I was a kid. The way he tries everything to woo Kari is too cute. Also his unwavering faith in Ken. Also Davis Cries Veemon.

9S (Nier Automata)

Not mentioning any spoilers. Just watch this character and see how his vision of the world changes over time.

Okabe Rintaro (Steins; Gate) 

Okabe’s shift from his ‘persona’ as things get real and his efforts to fix everything is too relatable for me ;_;

Yosuke Hanamura (Persona 4) 

No, I do not ship him with Yu. They’re great buddies for sure, and he’s pretty cool. Really likable character for me personally save for a few moments in the game...he’s also the main in the Arena games. “Let’s do this, Jiraiya!” He’s so cool lol.

                    Top 3 time. Fiercely dedicated to these guys.

3) Robin (Teen Titans Go! 2003)

Robin is such a raw character that carries his past and tries so hard to move from it yet it embodies him to his core. He has since gained a softer side from forming a team, and has been doing normal teenager stuff...which is good for him. However at times that Batman side impacts him so hard that he can only concentrate on his mission, and starts shutting out everyone and everything to do things himself. It actively gets in the way of his interactions. He deals a lot with moving on from failure and acknowledging his friends more, which he does get better at over time. He is also represented by the color red. My favorite color. He’s badass and yet carries so much crap. I connect to this character a lot even now. Third canon character I ever wrote for.

2 Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia)

I love Lloyd. I love his voice, I love his attacks, I love his stupid double sword logic. He says wielding two swords makes him twice as powerful lol. I love his development. I love his idealism and how it matures over time. I love everything about Lloyd. It was legit love at first sight. I remember being 15-16 and seeing him on that Gamecube boxart and saying “I wanna play that guy” Most people I feel (guys in particular) probably looked up to certain characters growing up as a child/teen. Lloyd was mine.

1. Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy IX)

While it was love at first sight for Lloyd, that was not the case for number one on this list. I was 13 when I first played FFIX. Zidane upon encountering him, I always thought he was a cool character, but he was nothing special.  Even at Zidane’s lowest point I thought he was an okay character at best. I had not finished the game.

Fast forward a few years and I decide to play FFIX again, this time determined to finish it. I had went through some things, grew up a bit before turning this game on. This damn bandit...I remember writing this bit years ago: “His infamous mantra labeled above describes him well, but under his ability to console others with a smile, to cheer people up and meet them at their point of need with his abundant optimism lies a blonde who masks his pain and keeps his issues to himself. Despite his many friends and buddies he harbors a deep loneliness that, like his problems, he keeps to himself. One would have to look carefully to notice his character flaws for Zidane does an impressive job of hiding these problems. Whether it be through his energy, his theatrics, or focusing on other people, Zidane can cover things up quite well.”

Zidane has an absurd amount of depth to his character that I was never able to comprehend as a kid, beneath his flirting, his playful attitude, he hides a lot of feelings, a lot of anger, a lot of sadness. It used to boggle me how he’s able to uphold his sense of virtue despite what goes on in his life and the end of disc 3 answers this for me. It goes without mentioning that this was the second canon character I’ve ever written for, and I still love writing him. I could and write walls of text about how Zidane is so amazing, a chivalrous thief, a lover and a flirt but I think I can let you go lol. Hit me up if you really want to hear me ramble about any these characters, also play FF9.

...So I wrote all of that and forgot to write about Zidane’s ship...have to give it its own paragraph because I love these two together and she does wonders for Zidane as a whole as does he to her. She’s a princess and he’s a thief, they take their time to show them together through different things, different ordeals...particularly the ordeals. Its interesting seeing them both at their worst moments and the many funny moments..Man, that boat scene gets me every time...If I ever write a top ten couples list this couple would no doubt be in the top two if not number one. And I’d probably write way more than this about them because they’re great. Also they’re canon. A healthy canon. Also Dagger’s hot. Oh wait wrong list.

Okay finally done. Not editing this anymore :P

[sluggybasson107]

The Christmas Gift

Digimon

Pairing: (Gen) Ken and Yamato

8041 Words

Warnings: None

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. All Digimon related content belongs to Akiyoshi Hongo and Toei Animation

Summary: As Christmas comes closer, the Chosen Children decide to do Secret Santa this year. Both Yamato and Ken learn two things. One, there’s always more to a gift than it seems. And two, friends can come from places you least expect it.

A/N: Wow, this is my first Digimon fanfic! I was a little uncertain about posting it, but I thought it would be a fun read! It was written for NaNoWriMo2020. The only thing I want to mention is that I did not use honorifics only to make it easier for me.

Hope you enjoy it!

Part One

Ken

Winter was here. The cool breeze was soft and cold, carrying fluffy snowflakes to the ground. The sunset creates an atmosphere of a warm, fuzzy evening. The sidewalk is moist with the snow on the ground. Parts were a mixture of snow and water. Mush? It sure feels like it. Kids were outside together, building snowmen and snow angels. Adults chatted, holding containers of lattes and coffee which gave them warmth. I thought that I could enjoy a silent, peaceful walk. And it was for the most part, except for-

“Ken, are you even listening?” Daisuke asked, with annoyance in his tone. He looked at me with a glare, waiting for an answer that he knew well.

“Um, I’m sorry Daisuke, I zoned out.” A blush crept on my face. “I want to hear what you said. Do you mind if you repeat it?” Daisuke’s face became soft, forgetting about the little incident. He started to repeat what he said.

“Well, I was thinking that all the Chosen Children should do a Secret Santa this year. December is starting in a few days. And this way, we don’t need to worry about getting everyone a gift.” He paused, then he frowned. “I thought it was a good idea, but apparently to you, it wasn’t that important for you to listen to!”

“Look, I didn’t mean too! It happens sometimes!” I proclaimed. Daisuke grinned at my response.

We stopped in front of his apartment building. I pushed open the lobby door. “What do you think about it? You feel like it’ll be fun?” I felt his eyes on me, waiting for an answer. 

Is Secret Santa a good idea? There is so much that I don’t know about the other Chosen Children. Even after we defeated BelialVamdemon, I felt distant with some of the Chosen Children, especially the older six. What if I got one of them? This whole thing could end up embarrassing me in front of everyone.

“Earth to Ken! Are you there?” Daisuke was waving his hand in front of my face. “You’re daydreaming again. If you are going to do this all night, then what’s the point of you coming over?” Daisuke’s teasing tone said otherwise.

“I need to think.” A grin grew on my face as we entered the elevator. “Besides, who’s going to help you with your homework?”

Daisuke pressed his floor number. Then he started to tap his head with one hand and put the other on his chin, exaggerating a thinking expression. “I could ask my sister. She loves to help me!” Daisuke deadpanned. We both looked at each other, then burst out laughing as we left the elevator. “Seriously though, what do you think about it?” He opened the door to his apartment for me.

“We’ll worry about that later. We need to focus on your homework for now.” Daisuke groaned in response. After a quick hello from his parents, we walked inside his room. Daisuke dropped his bag on the ground, and we sat down to work.

Daisuke was looking down at the math problem, his face covered with concentration. He was struggling with finding the median and interquartile range. I’ve been helping him understand how to figure it out. I agreed that if he got this problem correct, we could take a break.

“Daisuke, it’s been five minutes. I need an answer.” I poked him with a pencil. Daisuke sighed, then repositioned himself. He continued to stare at the piece of paper with concentration, not giving me an answer.

Suddenly, his eyes widened and he snapped his head up. “Thirty-four! Both are thirty-four!” A grin grew on his face as he saw my nod of approval. “I did it, Ken!” He got up and did a little dance, pointing to the sky. I couldn't help but feel happy for him too. I neatened up his papers as Daisuke headed for the door. “Come on, Mom should be done with dinner.” As we walked out of the room, the smell of soba hit me in the face. My stomach made quiet grumbling noises in response. I glanced at the clock. It’s already six? That explains a lot.

I pulled out a chair next to Daisuke as his mother came over with dinner. Soon after, Jun and her father joined us at the table. Everyone started to dig in after they were ready. I brought my chopsticks holding soba to my mouth. Once I had one bite, I wanted more. I looked around and saw that everyone thought the same. Except for an exchange or two, everyone was too busy stuffing food in their mouth.

Daisuke took a break from slurping his noodles. “Wow, this is great Mom! Those cooking lessons are paying off, aren't they?” Jun nodded in agreement.

I stopped eating, resting my chopsticks on the bowl. “It was delicious, Mrs. Motomiya. I’m impressed.”

His mother beamed from all the compliments. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it! It took a lot of work to put the right amount of salt and flour in it.”

Everyone seemed to finish up their soba because Daisuke’s family left the table. Daisuke turned to me. “Did you make up your mind? About my idea?”

Great. I sighed as I was bracing myself for backlash because of my answer. “I’m too scared,” I stated. Daisuke’s face filled with confusion. He waited for me to expand more. He must have thought that it was a dumb response. I don’t blame him.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine Ken. You won’t be the only one who gets assigned someone that they are not close to.” Daisuke’s face went dark and he started to shudder. “What if I get Mimi? Or worse, Jyou?” I laughed in response, feeling better about the idea. I suddenly felt Daisuke’s hand on my shoulder. “You can be honest with me Ken. If you don’t want to, I’ll drop the subject.” Daisuke gave me his famous smile as he spoke.

“No. I'll do it. I want to get to know everyone better.” I said with a burst of courage. “Besides, I’m dying to see what you get for your person.” I grinned. But secretly, I felt that this will go bad.

Yamato

Taichi is always happy after school. Always. But Taichi was way too cheerful today. The way he bounced over and sat next to me on the bench was a dead giveaway. He must have been holding in some ‘exciting’ news. He kept on glancing at me as we waited for Sora. It was starting to annoy me.

It was one of those rare days where Sora, Taichi, and I had no activities after school. I ignored Taichi as I watched the school entrance. Well, I tried.

“Can you please stop staring at me like a weirdo?” I snapped at Taichi. A smile grew on his face because he had my attention.

“What do you mean? I’m not staring at you!” He put on an innocent face. “It’s only in your imagination Yamato!” I tried moving away from him, but he leaned on me in such an exaggerated way. He had all of his weight resting on the left part of my body. Most people passing by were probably thinking that he was trying to snuggle with me, which was not the case.

As Sora walked out of the school entrance and headed towards us, I slipped off of the bench, making Taichi fall off the bench and yelled a high pitch scream.

“Yamato! I’m gonna get you back for that!” Taichi got up from the ground and headed towards me, with revenge in his eyes. Before I could react, he grabbed the collar of my shirt and pulled his hand back for a punch.

Smack!

I suddenly saw Taichi fly from my vision, and Sora replaced him. “What are you doing!” Sora yelled.

“What am I doing? You should ask your boyfriend! He made me fall on the ground!” Taichi countered, having an over dramatic look on his face.

“It was probably for a good reason!” Sora glared at Taichi, and he returned it. Sora offered her hand to Taichi and he took it. She then pulled him up. Her attention shifted to me. “Yamato, are you okay? Did Taichi hurt you anywhere?” She looked me over.

“Sora, this is only Taichi we’re talking about. He’s as dangerous as a puppy.” I said with a smirk. Taichi was about to retort, but Sora stood between us.

“Okay boys, settle down. We need to start heading home.” Sora walked away from us, and not wanting to get on Sora’s bad side, Taichi and I followed quietly.

After some awkward silence between us as we headed to our homes, Taichi suddenly lit up with the same energy as before.

“I forgot! Did any of you guys hear from Daisuke recently?” Taichi’s face was etched. Sora was baffled as she glanced at me. We both shook our head no. His smile grew. “Well, Daisuke came up with the spectacular idea of doing Secret Santa! Doesn’t that sound fun!” Taichi ran ahead as he turned our way, walking backwards. “The anticipation of figuring out who your Secret Santa is! Getting the perfect gift for your assigned person!” Taichi added many hand movements along with his reasoning. “I thought it was a great idea. What do you guys think?”

Sora had a soft smile on her face. “That sounds wonderful. I’m sure everyone will agree. Right, Yamato?” Both of them stared at me, waiting for me to agree. But I didn’t feel like this was a good idea.

“Uh, maybe I’ll sit out.” frowns immediately replaced their smiles. “You guys can do it though!”

Taichi went up to me and hugged my arm. “Come on Yamato! What’s the worst that can happen? It’s just for fun!” Taichi’s face was pleading. I shook him off of my arm.

“No Taichi.” Both of them looked at me, waiting for me to break and say yes. Both plodded and frowned.

“Yamato, I want to participate. You can’t expect me to do it alone, without my boyfriend?” Sora complained, with a pout.

“I’m sorry, but it’s no. And that’s final.” Taichi and Sora stopped walking and looked at me, giving me puppy eyes. I wanted them to be happy, but I do not want to participate in Secret Santa. No way.

But the way they looked at me in such a sad way. This was one of my closest friend and girlfriend crying out loud. I can’t say no.

Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say-

“I’ll do it.” 

They both cheered and did a high five.

Date: December 3rd, 2004

From: Miyako

To: Taichi, Yamato, Sora, Koshirou, Mimi, Jyou, Takeru, Hikari, Daisuke, Iori, Ken

Subject: Secret Santa

Hello everyone!

I don’t know if all of you heard, but Daisuke came up with the idea yesterday of doing Secret Santa this year! I asked my siblings to mix up all of your names and send you an email of your assigned person. You should get them tomorrow if everything goes right!

We’re planning on exchanging gifts on the 23rd of December, so be ready then!

Please email me today if you do not want to participle (but please take part in it!)

See you later~

Miyako ♡

Ken

“What are you doing with your friends Ken?” Mom asked as she turned off the television. 

“We’re doing a Secret Santa this year.” I informed her while I helped her collect the dishes from the dinner table, “They’re announcing the person we got tonight.” Mom grabbed the plates out of my hand and placed them in the sink.

“That sounds fun! Who’s announcing the names?” I grabbed my schoolbag, checking through all my homework to see if I completed it all.

“The Inoue siblings are!” Wormmon announced, waddling towards us. “Not including Miyako of course.”

Mom glanced at a nearby clock and frowned. “You would think that they would have told you already. It’s getting late.”

Right as she said that, I received an email on my D-Terminal. Both Wormmon and Mom walked over, wanting to know who it’s from. I grabbed it and saw the messenger.

“They announced it.” I looked away, not wanting to see who I got. What if it was someone bad? Even if I know the person well, what if they don’t like what I get them? I should have never agreed to this. 

I shoved the D-Terminal to my mother. “You read it.” 

She grabbed the D-Terminal, and she let Wormmon see. 

“‘Congratulations! You got Ishida Yamato as your assigned person! Hopefully, he’ll like your gift!’ Signed, Chizuru, Momoe, and Mantarou.” Mom read out loud. She furrowed her eyebrows. “Who’s that?”

“He’s part of the older Chosen Children. He was the one who helped out in Mexico with me, Ken, and Gabumon!” Wormmon elucidated. Then they started to go back and forth, talking about Yamato.

I headed into the bathroom and took out my toothbrush and toothpaste. Is he a good person or a bad person to get? I know he’s into music. I could ask Takeru or Sora his favorite band of his at the moment and get him some merchandise for them, but would that seem too generic? His first reaction to that would be that I put little thought into it. He’s just too hard to read. I guess it could be worse. Maybe I can get him some cooking utensils, or a new guitar strap. I spat out the remaining toothpaste in my mouth. Wouldn’t he want something that he can be emotionally attached to, instead of some gear?

“Ken?” Wormmon grabbed onto my leg. “You okay, you’ve left the water running for a while.” I snapped back into reality and turned the faucet off. There was suddenly a knock on the door frame. I glanced over to see Mom with her hand extended out towards me with the D-Terminal.

A soft smile grew on her face. “Here,” I took the D-Terminal. I realized that there was some money with it. “you can use this to get him something.”

“You don’t need to do that! Mom, I have some money.” I tried to hand her back the bills, but she shook her head.

“It’s fine. I want you to use it all. Goodnight Ken.” Before I could protest, she headed out of the bathroom. Wormmon headed for my room and motioned to follow.

“Are you glad you got Yamato?” Wormmon climbed up the ladder leading to my bed.

I shut the door and took off my shirt and pants. “I don’t know,” I responded. I slid on my pajamas.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Wormmon looked down at me, leaning on the pole surrounding the bed.

I sighed while climbing up the ladder. “I don’t know how he’ll react to my gift.”

“He’ll love it Ken, no matter how bad it is.” I pulled the covers over us.

“I hope so Wormmon.”

Yamato

Since when did it get this cold? I know it’s past dinner time, but the temperature dropped tremendously. There was barely anyone on the sidewalks. Not that I thought there would be.

I crossed the last road as I approached the apartments. Walking inside the lobby was like being in summer. I took off my guitar case and jacket as I nodded to the attendant and headed towards my room.

I unlocked and opened the door. “Dad, I’m home!” I announced. I flicked on the lights. Was he home? I dropped my stuff inside my room. “Dad?”

I guess he was working overnight again. Then I’ll have to prepare his lunch tomorrow. What’s something that we haven't had in a while?

My phone starts to ring. 

“Hello?” I spoke into the receiver.

“Hi, Yamato! Have you checked your inbox lately?” Sora’s voice came from the phone.

“No, I haven't. Did they announce the names?” I wedged my phone between my shoulder and neck as I started to gather ingredients to make yakiniku. 

“They did!” Sora informed me. I pulled up my recent emails. “Who’d you get?”

“I’m not going to tell you Sora!” A laugh was heard from the other side. “I’m checking right no-”

Congrats! You have been chosen to be Ichijouji Ken’s Secret Santa! Have fun getting him a gift!

From, Chizuru, Momoe, and Mantarou

Ken was my person.

I dropped my soy sauce on the floor.

Part Two

Ken

I faced the entrance to a clothing store. Yes, the boy genius Ichijouji Ken can’t seem to figure out what Yamato would like for Christmas, so he resorted to clothes. You might think that he knows exactly what he’s looking for, but he doesn't have a clue.

I took a deep breath as I entered the store with the sixty dollars that my mother gave me.

“Welcome! Do you need help finding anything?” A store employee said, greeting me as I walked into the clothes store.

“No, I’m fine.” I walked away before they could ask me anything more. What does Yamato wear? Every single time I’ve seen him, he’s wearing black. I guess I can get him some black clothes, but wouldn’t that seem like a plain gift? Are there black clothes that pop out more? 

I walked up to the cashier who was folding some clothes. “Hello. Do you have any clothes for men that are black?” 

The woman looked up with a smile. “Can you get a little more descriptive? There are too many clothes that are black here.”

“Uh, shirts or jackets for men that are edgy?” Is that what Yamato’s into?

The store clerk smirked at me. “I see. You’re into that style of clothing.”

My face went red as a cut watermelon. “No, it’s for a friend. He seems to wear clothes that are black a lot,” I sighed. “But I can’t tell what he exactly wants.”

Her face turned sympathetic as she put away the clothes that she folded. “Maybe you try looking at this.” She went in the back and came out with a bunch of coats.

I picked up the top one. It was a dark grey leather jacket with a fuzzy inside. It seemed decent, but would Yamato like it? I looked at the next few, but none of them stuck out to me.

“Do none of them seem good?” The clerk started to grab the clothes that I set aside.

“I don’t think he’ll like any of them.” I glanced around the store, but nothing seemed good enough for him.

“Well, I can look at more dark colored shirts and jackets if you give me his shirt size.” She stood there, waiting for an answer. I didn’t know his shirt size! I felt my face go back to a dark red.

“Um, well…” I trailed off. She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know his size. For anything.”

The store clerk broke out in a laugh. I couldn’t help but laugh along at my ignorance. “I’m afraid I can’t help you much then. Maybe you could visit later.” 

“I’ll do that. Thank you.” She gave me a friendly wave and smiled as she went in the other direction. 

I felt that I failed as I walked out of the store. What was I thinking, going to a clothing store unprepared like that? All I learned from that was that this was going to be arduous.

Yamato

“Yamato? What’s the matter?” Takeru’s voice came through the phone.

I sat on the couch. “What’s been popular with boys your age.”

“Um, what do you mean by that?”

I thought about my word choice. I can’t give away that I want ideas for Secret Santa. “What new games or toys or whatever has been popular with the kids in your grade?” Why do I have to sound so obvious?

Takeru’s side went silent. Did he make the connection that I have Ken?

“Well, there is something.” I heard Takeru boot up his computer.

“I’ve-I mean, other boys have been wanting this new game that came out a week ago.” My phone got a notification. “I sent you the name by email. You can look at that. I gotta go, bye!” He hung up before I could respond.

I checked the game’s name and I typed it into our computer. The game seemed to be different from your average game. It at least seemed interesting. Maybe Ken would like it. I decided to look into it more. I read the description of the game.

And saw what this particular game contained.

Let’s just say, I yelped as I closed the tab as quickly as possible.

“You know, you used to complain about me leaving piles of stuff out in the open. Now, look at you.” Dad came inside the apartment to me being surrounded by magazines.

“This is a one-time thing, Dad.” I flipped the page of the magazine I had in my hand to see some soccer gear that was being advertised.

He walked over and peered at my magazines. “What are these for anyway?”

“I’m looking for a gift for Ken. We’re doing a Secret Santa this year.”

“Is Ken that intelligent kid? Wouldn’t he want something that has to do with school?” He headed for the fridge and took out last night’s meal.

I shut the magazine and sighed. “Dad, no kid wants a textbook for Christmas. Even smart ones.” I started to think of the possibility of getting Ken a textbook for Secret Santa. If I did that, everyone would laugh at me. And Ken would be there disappointed in me. I can’t do that.

“Well, what does he like to do in his free time? You can’t think too much about it.” Dad patted my shoulder. “You’re his friend. You can do this.”

“We haven't talked much since we went to Mexico. I don’t know if I can say I’m his friend.”

“Then use this opportunity to become his friend.” Dad headed into his room, leaving me at the table alone. I started to clean up my pile of magazines until I saw one contain news about the new manga that got released, and that’s when it hit me. A book! How come I didn’t think of that? I darted to the computer as I looked up new books for adolescents.

I finally felt like I was on to something.

Ken

I sat in front of my computer, typing all sorts of things in the search engine. From ‘best gifts to give to teens 2004’ to ‘mom Christmas ideas for boys’

If anyone saw me do this, I would be dead.

“Ken, you’ve been typing for more than an hour, you must have found something for him.” Wormmon hunched over the computer top, blocking my view of the screen.

“Nothing seems to be good enough.” I pushed myself away from my desk and crossed my arms. “What would Yamato like?

“Well, Yamato loves to perform. He spends loads of time on gigs. What’s something that you can get him for that?” Wormmon crawled off of the computer and jumped on my lap.

“It’s not like I could buy him a new guitar.”

“Then get him something he can have while performing.” Something while performing? I can’t get him a new outfit for concerts, I learned that the hard way. I can’t get him any gear because that could be way too expensive. What could he use on stage? It can’t be too noticeable. Then an idea came to me. I scooted my chair to the computer then searched up ‘Teen-Age Wolves Japanese band concert’ and images of Yamato’s band came up. It took a glance at Yamato’s hand for me to realize that my new idea can work.

Yamato

Deep breaths Yamato, deep breaths. You’re just going to go inside a school. You do this every day, what’s the worst that could happen? I pushed open the school doors. It’s not like you are going to be arrested. Hopefully.

The male at the window looked at me and motioned me to come over. “Hello! What are you here for?”

“I was wondering if I could look at the books Ichijouji Ken checked out recently.” I felt my cheeks turn into a cherry as I spoke. “I need him to get a gift for Christmas, and I thought he would like a book. But I don’t know what he reads.” I knew this was a horrible idea. I don't know how I’m going to live with this.

Everyone in the room stared at me. “You’re kidding me, right?” The male started to laugh, and everyone joined in. “You don’t even go here!”

“I know it’s such a weird request, but if you could at least have the librarian say what types of books he enjoys, I’ll leave without any trouble.” The people in the office shared a look, and one of them shrugged. The man turned around to face me.

“If the librarian allows it and you give me your name, then we could.” The man smirked at me. “The story behind this is way too absurd to ignore.”

Relief flooded through me. “Thank you so much. I’m Ishida Yamato. I attend Odaiba Middle School.”

“Ishida Yamato? The singer from ‘Teen-Age Wolves’?” A woman in the office spoke.

I nodded. “Yes. You know us?”

“Yes, my daughter loves your band! Do you mind if you...” The woman held out a piece of paper with a faint blush. I grabbed it and looked at her with an eyebrow raised. “To Yutsuko.” I finished the message and gave it back. “Thank you, she’ll love it.”

“Ichijouji Ken? Let me see.” The librarian typed in his name into the computer. “Oh! I know exactly what he loves to read!” The librarian got up from her desk and grabbed two books. She placed them in front of me. I’ve never heard of these titles before.

“He loves these books?” I asked, examining the top book.

“He does! He’s already read those two though.” The librarian paused, thinking. “The third and final book comes out in a week. He’s super excited about it. The school is going to get a copy, but I don’t know when we can because the books are flying off the shelves. The series is popular at the moment. If you want me to, I can find different books that he likes.”

“No, this is perfect!” I blurted. People in the library stared at me with disapproval. “Thank you so much,” I whispered.

The librarian nodded. “He’ll love it.”

Ken

I gripped my piece of paper with vice as the car pulled to a stop. My mother in the driver seat unbuckled her seatbelt and I followed.

“You ready?” She gave me a reassuring smile. I nodded as I opened the car door.

We walked into the jewelry store and the cashier greeted us. I felt the weight of the sixty dollars in my pocket as I walked up to him.

“Hello! Do you need help with anything?” The employee asked with a smile.

“Could I make an order for a custom necklace?” I passed the piece of paper to him, and he nodded.

“It could be done.” He grabbed some sheets of paper. “Here are your options.” There were different designs on the paper for custom necklaces. They all looked great, but the one on the third row stood out to me the most. 

I looked at Mom. “You think the third one looks good?” She nodded. I looked back at the employee. “The third one please.”

We gave him the information that was required. At the end of the transaction, he told us the price. “Okay, that’ll be eighty-five dollars and sixty cents.” I froze. That’s more than what I had!

“Here.” My mother pulled out some bills and the man accepted. Before I could protest, she took the receipt and dragged me out of there. What was she doing?

Right when we entered the car, I shouted at her. “Mom! Why’d you paid for that? Eighty dollars is way too much!”

She smiled at me. “Yamato will love it.”

“I know that! But that’s going too far!” I put the sixty dollars I was planning on spending in her purse. “Nobody pays that much for Secret Santa. Let’s go back and cancel the order.” Before I could leave, she spoke.

“It’s just that,” she sighed. “I’ve never seen you so excited.” My face turned red. “You’ve been trying so hard to get a gift for him. You don’t want that to be wasted, do you?”

I shook my head.

“I’m glad that’s settled then.” She pulled out of our parking spot before I could stop her.

Yamato

Right when I went home, I went to the author’s website. She’s doing a signing near here. It also comes with her new book for free. If I could get her to sign a copy to Ken, he’ll love it! I clicked on the signing information page and was greeted with a disheartening sight.

Seventy dollars? Seventy dollars is the price to go and meet her? I know the librarian said that the series was super popular, but really? That’s when I checked the book preordering, and there was none left to preorder! I felt the opportunity for a good gift slip from my hands. There were only twelve more days to get Ken a gift. The signing was in five days. I groaned as I put in the information to pay for signing. 

This better be worth it.

Taichi

“Hey, Sora! Yamato!” I ran up to the couple, who were walking to a lunch table with food. I was also holding a tray of food that seemed indigestible.

“Hey, Taichi!” Sora gave me her smile as we sat down at a table. “What’s up?” I had to ask the question that has been burning in my mind.

“How are you guys doing with Secret Santa? There are only ten days until the twenty-fourth.” I asked. I stabbed my fork into the mystery meat. I didn’t know who Sora and Yamato got, but I bet they’re easier than Mimi.

“Great! I got everything I needed, and all I need is to package it up!” Sora said. She looked at her boyfriend. “How about you Yamato?”

All Yamato did was stare in the distance with his facing giving off an I want to murder look. You could feel the negative energy coming from him. He didn’t respond to her.

“Hey Yamato, you doin’ okay?” I poked him with the bottom of my fork.  

He didn’t budge.

All I and Sora could do was look away awkwardly and continue eating.

Yamato

I handed my ticket to the employee at the door. They looked at it and handed it back to me, giving me a nod of approval. I walked inside to see a crowd of people waiting in a line. I joined in. It felt like the line moved every ten minutes. It must have been two hours until I was able to see the author at her table signing books. I impatiently tapped my foot as each person got their book signed.

When it was my turn, an employee had me go up to the author.

She gave me a friendly smile as she got a copy of her new book and opened it. “Hello! Who’s the book for?” She asked.

“Ichijouji Ken,” I answered. I suddenly felt many eyes in the room look at me. Maybe I should have just said Ken instead of his full name.

Her eyes narrowed. “You sure don’t look like him. You related?”

A blush formed on my face. “No, I’m his friend. We’re doing a Secret Santa, and I wanted to get him a copy of your book.”

Everyone in the room seemed to stop staring. The author gave me a grin. “This seems to be a little overboard for a Secret Santa.” She joked.

I did an awkward laugh. “I know he would like it. He talks about your books all the time.” The author finished her message in the book, then she handed it to me.

“That makes me so happy to hear that. Tell him I appreciate it.” I nodded as I was ushered out of the way for the next person. I left the building and headed home in the cold. I only checked the message that the author left after I stepped foot into our apartment. As I read it, a grin grew on my face.

He’ll love it.

Part Three

Ken

I walked up to the Inoue’s door and knocked. I felt the weight of the box inside the paper bag that I held. I kept on reassuring myself that he would like it. I took a deep breath as the door to the apartment was opened.

“Ken!” Miyako hugged me by the neck. “So glad you came!” She moved away and held open the door for me. “Taichi and Daisuke were just about to see who could stuff the most marshmallows in their mouths!” She ran ahead, taking my hidden gift with her. I looked under the tree to see a bunch of trashy bags. It seemed that everyone followed the rule of keeping your gift a secret by hiding it inside a bag.

I took in the surroundings as I wandered inside the Inoue apartment. Taichi and Daisuke were both stuffing marshmallows in their mouths, Jyou was trying to prevent them from choking, Koshirou and Iori were playing cards, Miyako and Mimi were admiring the Christmas tree while gossiping, Takeru and Hikari were frosting cookies, and Sora and Yamato were watching the current events unfold on the couch.

I felt my cheeks go pink as I saw Yamato. What if he doesn’t like it? Is it as good as I thought it was? I thought of the many ways this could go wrong. I shuddered. He’ll never like it. He’s not gonna like-

“Uwwaagghh!” I suddenly saw Daisuke, teary-eyed, spit out all the marshmallows in his mouth. “I give up!” Daisuke dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

Taichi spat out the marshmallows in his mouth into the trash. He pumped his fist upward. “Aw yeah! What did you expect was going to win?”

Hikari spoke up. “Not going to lie, but I thought Daisuke was going to win big brother.” 

“Same here,” Koshirou added. Everyone nodded in agreement. Taichi faked a look of betrayal.

Then Chizuru entered the room. “Well, are we going to start or what?” Chizuru asked. Momoe and Mantarou with a camera followed. “You all go into Miyako’s room, and we’ll remove the gifts out of their bags. We’ll call you in when we’re ready.” We all went into Miayko’s room. It was awkward as everyone sat around waiting for the Miyako’s siblings to prepare the gifts

“Mimi, do you think your assigned person will like their gift?” Sora asked.

Mimi winked at her. “I’m sure they’ll love it.” Everyone laughed in response and I chuckled. How can she be so confident?

Miyako turned to me. “Ken, do you think the person you were assigned will like your gift?”

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. Will Yamato like it? I felt my whole body go red and my eyes start to water. “I don’t know,” I whispered. I gripped my pants.

I felt someone’s hand go on mine. I looked up to see Sora in front of me. “I’m sure they’ll like it, Ken. Just have faith in yourself.” Everyone was staring, so I only nodded in response.

“Everyone come out! We’re ready!” Momoe hollered. Everyone got up and headed back. Mantarou started to record us walking inside. All the gifts, from big to small, were laid out under the tree.

We all sat in a circle as Chizuru and Momoe handed out our gifts for everyone.

“I think Daisuke should go first since he came up with the idea. Then, everyone to his left can go after.” Iori proclaimed. Everyone agreed. That’s when I noticed that I was on Daisuke’s right. I was going to go last! I couldn’t help but wonder what my gift held.

Daisuke ripped open his wrapping paper and took a look at the gift. “Oh my gosh! I love love love love love love it!” Daisuke turned it around, revealing a few soccer posters with his favorite players on it. “Thank you Secret Santa!” He called out, holding his posters in the air.

Next was Koshirou. He took a long, good stare at his wrapped box, then he unwrapped it. His face filled with delight as he saw what it was. “A computer cleaning kit! Thank you so much!” Everyone shared an of course he would love that look.

Then, it was Yamato.

I felt my body heat up as he picked it up. Then, he slowly unwrapped the gift. Everyone shared a glance when Yamato revealed a jewelry-like box. He slowly lifted the cover of the box.

His face was covered with awe as he gently held the necklace in his hand. His mouth was left open. Everyone ‘oohed’ and ‘awed’ as they looked at his gift. It was a necklace that was Yamato’s name. If you turned it around, it had a song lyric inscribed on the back. “Yamato Ishida. ‘I’ll even walk on the edge of a knife’” Yamato read. He gently touched the inscribed words before putting it around his neck. A smile formed on his face. “I love it so much. I don’t even know what to say.” His face went pink with embarrassment. “Thank you so much.” The way he reacted was better than I imagined. I couldn’t help but grin. He loved it!

After that, everyone went through the gifts. After Yamato, Jyou got a mug that read ‘World's Best Dad’, Miyako got a shirt that read ‘Bingo’ on it, Takeru also got a shirt that read ‘I Love Hats’, Iori got a new kendo bag, Mimi got high-quality makeup pallets, Taichi got some deodorant (everyone laughed at that one), Sora got a flower show ticket that started in February, and Hikari got a brand new collar for Miko.

It was finally my turn.

Everyone’s eyes were on me as I took my gift out of a Christmas themed bag. Right when I saw it, I almost dropped it. “No. Way.” My excitement grew so much. It was a book from my favorite author! I wanted to get a copy, but it was sold out! “I don’t know what to say! I love it! Thank you” I traced the spine with my finger. I wanted to head home and start to read it right away!

“There’s a note!” Koshirou pointed out. I looked at the piece of paper lying on the ground.

“It says ‘Look inside, there’s a surprise!’ on it.” I read out to the group. I put down the note as I opened the cover of the book.

I gasped as I saw what was on the page. A signed copy! “This can’t be real! Those signings were super expensive!” I exclaimed.

“Read it out loud!” Sora requested. I then started to read the message.

“‘To Ken Ichijouji. I feel honored to be writing to one of the smartest kids in Japan! Your friend went all the way to Tokyo and waited in line for three hours just for me to say Merry Christmas to you. That’s when you know you have a true friend standing by you. They told me how much you love to read my series, which makes me so happy! I hope you have an amazing Christmas and an amazing time reading this!’ Then her signature follows.” I almost went to tears. I couldn’t believe they went through all this effort for a silly game! “Thank you to whoever is my Secret Santa.”

“Okay, now that’s done, we revealed who was your Secret Santa. When we say go, point to the person who you were assigned.” Mantarou announced. Who did mine? Who would have gone through the effort to get me a signed copy of my favorite book series? Daisuke? No, he wouldn’t get me a book. Koshirou? I don’t think he would have had the courage to talk to the author and get the book signed. “Three,” I turned to Yamato, who made eye contact with me and looked away in a bashful way. That’s when it clicked. “Two,” I looked down at my book and smiled to myself. “One...”

“Go!”

I pointed to Yamato, who had a surprised face as he saw me pointing at him. I gave him a shy smile, and I returned it. The room suddenly was filled with laughter as I looked around and saw…

Everyone got each other? Mimi and Taichi, Jyou and Daisuke, Iori and Sora, Koshirou and Hikari, and Takeru and Miyako were pointing to each other.

“Was this done on purpose? Why’d you guys do that?” Miyako asked. Everyone quieted down to hear the answer.

“We thought it would be fun if everyone got each other. That way, it felt like more of an exchange.” Momoe explained. Miyako just huffed in response.

Everyone started to mingle then, talking about their gifts to their Secret Santas.

I grabbed my present and admired it. I couldn’t believe that Yamato, a Chosen Child that I don’t have the best relationship with, gave me this. I stood up. I wanted to find Yamato, but he wasn’t in the room. Where was he? I asked around, but it seemed like nobody knew.

“I saw him exit the apartment. At the moment, I didn’t think much about it.” Chizuru informed me. “I don’t know where he would have gone, though.”

Why’d he leave? I opened their door and walked into the hallway with my book. That’s when I saw the floor number for the elevator go upwards. The roof? I clicked the up arrow and waited for the elevator to go on my floor. When it did, I entered it and sent it upwards.

The doors shuffled open as I walked onto the roof. The cool breeze felt nice as it hit my face. That’s when I saw Yamato leaning on the fence surrounding the edge. He was facing the other way.

“Yamato?”

He didn’t answer.

I walked up to him and leaned on the fence next to him. He turned to face me with a soft smile. “I love the view up here. With the stars and the city lights.” He said. He then pulled out the necklace. “This is the best gift I’ve ever received Ken.” We both blushed. “Besides my harmonica and guitar.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

The breeze picked up, grabbing onto my sweater. You could hear people below talk and sing about Christmas. Snow fell from the sky, covering the city with white. I was tempted to stick my tongue out and catch one. It was a beautiful sight.

“Uh, thank you so much, Yamato.” I sputtered out. “I didn’t expect you to get me this book.” He gave me a confused look. I realized what I said then. He must have taken it the wrong way. “Not that I didn’t like it! I love it!” Somehow, my blush became a darker shade. “I’m sorry.”

That’s when Yamato turned and faced the city. “To be honest, I freaked out when I saw your name. I didn’t know what you liked.” A smile formed on his face. “Because I’m so smart,” he said with sarcasm. “I went to your school to see what books you read in the library.”

What? My eyebrows raised with shock. “You’re serious? They must have rejected you!”

“No, they actually let me ask your librarian what you love to read! I was thinking I was going to get rejected.” He threw his hands up. “But school, out of all the places, let me in!”

I grinned. “I had a similar experience! I also panicked. I went to a store to get you black leather clothes.” He whipped his head around to face me with shock on his face. “The thing is that I didn’t know your clothing size! You could tell that employee thought I was so dumb.” We both laughed.

“I’m glad you didn’t do that.” He grinned. “Sora always teased me that I wore ‘edgy’ and ‘emo’ clothes. If you gave me those, she would never let me alone.” His face suddenly lit up. “I also forgot. At the signing of the book, the author wanted to let you know that she was extremely grateful that you support her.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say.” Did she really think that? That’s when I remembered that I was still known in Japan. I’ve tried to disappear from the news and the internet, but it seems like people recognize me.

“Yet again, she also said that the Secret Santa gift was super dumb. You could hear it in her voice.” Yamato joked, imitating her voice. It was really impressive, especially since he has such a low voice.

Then, he laughed. I couldn’t help but join in. I never knew how fun it could be to talk with Yamato. I looked down at my book. I finally understood why he was well-liked.

“Thank you. For everything.” Yamato said, gripping onto his necklace. “But I think we should head inside.” I forget that there was a party going on. How much time has passed? We both headed into the elevator and headed into Miyako’s apartment.

When we opened the door, everyone was hanging out.

“Where did you two run off to?” Taichi asked, who was playing cards with Jyou, Miyako, Koshioru, and Takeru. “We’ve been waiting for you two.”

Yamato shrugged. “The roof.”

Well, I’m glad that you two came down now. We’re about to start caroling!” Daisuke announced, holding bells. He passed them to me. He went around, giving the Chosen Children bells and sheets of paper with song lyrics.

“We’re now able to see if the famous Ichijouji can sing!” Mimi exclaimed, doing over dramatic gestures. “He’s going to start us off doing a solo in Jingle Bells!”

“I didn’t know about this! I’m not ready!” I protested. “I’m a horrible singer!” Nobody was buying it. I don’t want to sing! Especially in front of everyone.

That’s when Yamato spoke up. “Ken and I will both sing.” He smiled at me. “Besides, what’s the point of caroling if you’re doing it alone!” He grabbed the paper handed out to everyone.

That’s when I realized that I was going to be leaving tonight with something that I never knew I had.

Something that I never knew I needed.

Epilogue

Yamato

The crowd screamed as I went on stage. The flashing lights blinded me, but I was used to it. I looked at Takashi, Yutaka, and Akira. They nodded at me, saying that they were ready.

I grabbed the microphone. “You ready?” I asked. The crowd responded in screams. I waved, telling them to quiet down. “We have a treat for you all. For the first time, we’re going to be performing our two new songs. The first is Tobira (Door), then after Hitoribocchi no Seesaw (Alone On The Seesaw)!” They got louder as I positioned myself and my guitar.

I looked out into the crowd. I found the Chosen Children sitting in front of the stage. I gave Sora a smile, which she returned. I looked at Gabumon, who did a thumbs up.

Then, there was Ken, sitting by all the Chosen Children and their partners. He was bookmarking his new book. He already got through a fourth of the book. He peered at my neck and saw the necklace that he gave me. I grabbed onto it, made eye contact with him, and smiled at him. I gave the signal to my bandmates to start up the music. I didn’t know how everyone would react to the two new songs, but I decided to perform it.

Besides, it’s not fun to restrain yourself. It’s better to take the risk and walk on the edge of a knife.