TAKUYA'S POV

"You know," JP started, "I can't help but point out that it's almost summer and we're at a beach!" Zoe giggled. Any hope I had that Zoe had outgrown that since the start of our adventure disintegrated into sand. Does time even pass the same way in the digital world?

"It's like summer vacation!" Tommy cheered, distracting me from my thoughts. "Waves!" He said, wobbling his arms out like he was trying to balance on a surfboard.

"Shell hunting!" Zoe daydreamed.

"Lots of sunshine!" JP took a stretch, letting the sun wash upon his skin. Kouji didn't say anything. He just kept walking, hands in his pockets and looking just as moody as he always did.

"Put it all together, and you've got the beach, baby!" I joined in, resting my foot on a rock and overlooking the ocean. With the heat, it would be nice to take a quick swim. My outburst got Kouji's attention though.

"Takuya, aren't you forgetting something. We're supposed to be on a mission." He scowled. "We'd be stupid to let our guard down now."

"Hey, it's not my fault your pale skin would get burnt in seconds." I teased, "Just cause you'd look like a crab doesn't mean you have to be so crabby. Just enjoy it Kouji." I saw something in his expression change. His eyes widened a little as his shoulders went limp. He didn't say anything though, just stood there as Zoe pointed out we earned a little break, and JP told him to stop being a party pooper. Tommy, spouting one of his annoying pouts, seemed to agree.

"Fine," I heard Kouji breathe, "I'm obviously outnumbered." He muttered, as Bokomon pointed out a sea shack a little ways in the distance. It seemed like the perfect place to relax, get some food and maybe some beach equipment.

The shack was called Toucan Paradise. Like usual, Kouji was skeptical. While Tommy thought the vibe was very homey and comfortable, Kouji suggested there was something suspicious about it. Too convenient, he said.

We were greeted shortly after by four small Toucanmon, Bokomon giving us a brief overview of their stats, mocking their attack and appearance. It seemed they didn't hear, because they still welcomed us with open arms.

"Honored guests," the one in the front said, "we welcome you to Toucan Paradise."

"Thank you Mr. Toucanmon," Tommy said, "we're honored you're honored."

"Ya, we're honored, but we're broke." Kouji announced. Always one to point out the good.

"Oh please, what's a few digi-shackles amongst friends?" Friends? We never even met you before. "And it just so happens," The toucanmon continued, "today, everything is on the house, by which I mean free, not served on the roof." As our future waiter, he took a bow, hand across his apron. His friend wearing a chef hat apologized for his dumb joke, but still, I thought it was better than one of JP's. I'll admit, Kouji had a point about everything being a bit too convenient, but I didn't give it another thought once the set the food out.

We each had our own variation of ramen noodles, with beef, chicken and vegetables. The spread looked amazing. Even Kouji didn't hesitate to take a bite.

Was it cooked to perfection? No way, but it was the best meal we've had since arriving in the digital world.

"Oh man," I laughed, rubbing a hand along my stomach. "I'm so enjoying the taste of these overcooked ramen noodles with rubbery egg." I did another maneuver with my chopsticks to get as many noodles as I could in one go.

Zoe giggled again, "this is the best lumpy curry I've ever had!"

"You're weird," Kouji declared, looking between the two of us confused. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?:"

"Dude, don't you get it!" JP chimed in, "It's real food like home, not some kinda crazy meat-tasting rabbit food." Should I be surprised that JP is the best at playing food critic? I couldn't have explained it better myself. Nor would I have. After taking our first few bites, it had become obvious just how hungry we all were. None of us were even chewing our food anymore, just slurping and swallowing in a rush to devour more. I noticed a speckle of sauce jump onto Kouji's face, and without thinking of it, I reached my napkin up to wipe it away. He didn't push me away from him like I was expecting, but he didn't look like he approved of the action either. The next time it happened, he made sure to wipe the broth on the back of his hand before anyone else had the chance to take action.

Once we finished eating, we thanked the crew. Three of them took our plates and dishes and went back into the kitchen, while the other one revealed to us their summer special. Swimsuits, beach towels, rafts, boogie boards. Everything we needed to complete our relaxing day at the beach.

Since we are all, (other than Kouji and I), different sizes, it was easy to pick out a swim suit that would fit. I thought I felt eyes on me while I was changing, but when I turned to look at Kouji, he was no longer in the changing room. Neither was Tommy. JP was struggling a little bit to pull up the rest of his spandex, but I didn't wait around. He'd have no problem finding his way to the water by himself. He followed a couple seconds after, but there was still no sign of Zoe.

No one else, even JP, seemed to notice, as we splashed at each other. Something came over me, and I dove under the water, running my hands along Kouji's back and pulling him under with me. When we emerged he looked sort of angry, but it faded quickly as he grabbed my shoulders and tackled me into the water as well. From his position, the only way to dunk me in the water was to dive in himself. And he did. The water pressed between our chests before his skin reached mine. The feeling was unrecognizable, like one of MetalKabuterimon's electric shocks, as his chest rubbed along mine. Feeling brave and concealed under the water, I flicked my hand against one of his nipples. I hear the shock as a gasp escaped his lips, bubbles floating up as he pushed off the ocean floor to regain his breath. If he asked me about it, I could always blame him for tackling me in the first place.

Once I returned to the surface, I realized he wasn't as close to me as he was before. His hair was even longer than it normally seemed, as it clung to his neck and back. It was beautiful. So beautiful it may have even compelled me to say something stupid if it wasn't for Zoe's scream. We all raced out of the water. Without a thought, JP and I barged into the girl's dressing room. It was not our best idea, as she was still naked. She was clutching a swimsuit against her chest as she noticed them enter, but it barely covered her legs and the area between. I looked away instantly, turning in JP's direction, who was too stupid or too over-heels to even react. A blush just painted his features before she yelled "GET OUT", and his trance was finally broken. She still managed to hit us with a few picnic baskets and hangers from around the room before we exited.

Tommy looked ready to laugh, and Kouji had his hands protectively across his chest. Maybe he knew my touch was on purpose. Once Zoe returned, she apologized for throwing things at us, but that didn't stop her from accusing one of us of being a peeping tom. Apparently, that's why she screamed in the first place. All our eyes steadily found JP, looking at him curiously.

"What're you all looking at me for, huh?" He questioned, raising a fist in his defense. Bokomon deadpanned.

"You must admit, it looks suspicious," Bokomon begins, "After-all, you are the most likely culprit."

"Come one guys," Tommy reasoned from between his floaty, "it couldn't have been JP. He was swimming with us, remember?" Obviously we forgot, Tommy.

"We all have the same alibi," Kouji pointed out, bringing a finger to his cheek in though. The same cheek I had touched earlier with my napkin.

"Then by the process of elimination, it was no one?" Was that really the best verdict Bokomon could come up with.

"Are you calling Zoe a liar?" JP's defense stance was back in a flash.

"Of course not JP," I tried to calm him down, "It's obvious we're not alone here."

"Of course we're not alone, Einstein," Kouji spat, "did you forget the Toucanmon?" Eh… Would faking amnesia work in this Kouji situation as well? It only took two seconds of us returning to an empty Toucan Paradise before Kouji ran out of the shack beating himself up about something. We followed him into the men's changing room, only to find him searching through his clothes. He had his underwear in his hands, and I'm fairly certain my cheeks got hot as I imagined him wearing only those… or, slowly taking them off in preparation of other things. My mind came out of the gutter when he revealed to us what the hell he was doing. He wasn't trying to seduce my hormones with a hint at a strip tease… the toucanmon had stolen his D-tector. All of our D-tectors.

"This is aweful," I said, after riffling through my clothes. I knew it didn't have to be said, but sometimes saying it out-loud helps me calm down a bit inside.

"This goes beyond aweful, young man," Bokomon scolded me, "How could you let those Toucanmon trick you like that." I noticeably flinched. I'm not one that's always good with confrontation… and when someone is flat out blaming me, I internalize it I guess. Kouji told Bokomon to shut up though, and that it wasn't just my fault. They had tricked all of us. Including Mr. Never Put Your Guard Down.

We found the Toucanmon without much trouble, but without our D-tectors, retrieval was left up to a game of tag. They had stolen the D-tectors in hopes of pleasing Ranamon, and had no intention to give them up. They're delusions of going on a date with her was even more depressing than JP's constant attempts to win Zoe's heart.

When Ranamon chose then to appear, it was up to Zoe to stop her. Since she never made it out onto the beach, she was the only one that still had her D-tector, JP stayed behind for moral support, but Tommy, Kouji and I continued to chase the Toucanmon. We thought we had them cornered before they took flight, and with Zoe occupied, there wasn't anything we could do to follow them.

By the time we returned, Zoe was back to human form. JP filled us in about her epic battle, and how Ranamon wasn't any better at controlling her beast spirit than any of us were, but his enthusiasm died down when he realized none of us had the D-tectors.

"Let's set up camp." Kouji decided with defeat, as the sun began to set. I was surprised he was the one to suggest it, since I imagined him pushing for us to go after the Toucanmon immediately. "We had a long day, and could all use a rest." He reasoned.

"I suppose we could still use the shack as a place to rest." JP offered.

"And maybe enjoy a little bit more of the beach before we have to relocate again. Anyone up for a walk?"

"Ya, I'll go," I volunteered. I felt eyes on me again, and this time I caught Kouji staring at me before he whipped his head in the other direction. JP looked like he wanted to tag along, but the fact we'd be participating in a form of physical exercise put him off.

For the most part, Zoe and I walked in silence. Every now and then she'd find a shell she thought was pretty and add it to her collection, but my mind was on other things. Her hair was lightly blowing in the breeze, and it reminded me of someone else. What is it that made me turn into this coward. The idea that my friends won't be my friends? The idea that he will grow to hate me if anything ever becomes of us. I know I'm not imagining the looks he sends my way. For fuck's sake, he kissed me, and all I've wanted to do since then was kiss him again. But instead, I pretended to forget. And he played along, whether he believed me or not.

That thought hurt. What if he knew I was faking. What if he went along with it because he regretted it. What if he wanted to forget me, and that's why, even as the most observant of the group, he had yet to figure out my charade.

"Does it hurt?" Zoe asked me suddenly. It completely caught me off guard, and I tripped on a mound of sand landing on my hands and knees. I looked up at her sheepishly before asking what she meant. Had she heard my thoughts? Did I say something out-loud? "Does it hurt," she began, "thinking so hard? With your limited brain cells I bet it could kill you." She giggled.

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." I told her as I stood up, shaking the sand off of my hands and pants.

"What'cha thinking bout?" She pressed, sticking her lips out playfully.

"You're expression when we ran into the dressing rooms." I lied. I thought she'd get angry, but she just blushed.

"You want a repeat show?" She winked, and it was the scariest thing I think I've ever seen in my life. She took a confident stride in my direction before breaking out in laughter at her joke.

"Bitch," I called her instinctively. She looked angry now. I just hate it when people play with my emotions like that. Man, now I sound like a teenage girl. Maybe things would be easier if you were a teenage girl, a voice inside my head teased.

"Like anyone would even want to be with you, Takuya. You're so stupid and immature." She rolled her eyes. "I don't know why I agreed to go on this walk with you anyway. Just a waste of my time." With one more furious glare, she turned on her heel and began walking back down the beach.

I kept going forward, curious what was right around the bend. I heard bubbles, and there was a mist I didn't understand. Steam… Hot Springs!

I looked down the beach again. Zoe was a good distance away, not to mention that her body language, hunches over and stomping like an ogre, made it safe to assume she wasn't planning on coming back.

I took off my clothes, keeping it by the edge of the springs before all but jumping in. The water and natural bubbles felt good against my shoulder and lower back. I've been so sore from all of our walking and fighting. I tried to keep my mind off of Kouji, and the way his body had shined from the droplets of the water, but it was no use. Checking again to make sure no one was around, I reached into the water and gripped myself. I started out with just gentle squeezes, but eventually I was rubbing my hand up and down, playing my thumb across the head as I submerged myself deeper in the springs. I couldn't stop the moan from escaping my lips as I closed my eyes. The gasp from behind me, all too familiar, broke my relaxing with a jolt.

"Kouji?!" I turned around, making sure my lower body was still hidden in the water. "What are you doing here?" He said nothing… just opened and closed his mouth like a fish, which didn't help the situation since with one hand on my dick I obviously imagined him doing something more useful with those lips. With shaky breathing, he turned around, obviously heading back to the shack.

"Kouji, wait." I demanded. To my surprise, he complied. Nervously, he turned back towards me with fear written on his face. He made sure to keep his eyes glued to mine, so I couldn't even accuse him of trying to look lower. What did I want to say to him? Join me? Whatever it was I desired, it wasn't the look of pain that flashed across his face when I asked him the stupidest question on the planet. There was no way Kouji couldn't tell what I had been doing when he showed up, so I put up my mask. I don't like you like that.

"What a view in the dressing room today?" I asked him, "Zoe's pretty hot, huh?" He tensed, opening and closing his mouth again and I grew to hate myself even more.

"Sure," his voice was barely above a whisper, "I guess." With that, he was gone. I'd never seen him run off faster than that, even when we were pursuing the Toucanmon. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Out of all the stupid things I could've said, why that?

I wasn't in the mood anymore, so I hopped out of the springs. I didn't bother to dry myself off, just pulled the clothes on and tried to ignore the way it clung to my skin the way Kouji's hair clung to his. It was uncomfortable, and cold. But I figured running would warm me up.

There was no sign of Kouji until I made it all the way back to the shack. Zoe and Tommy had made make-shift sleeping bags out of the raft and blankets, but JP and Kouji were no where to be found. I went out to the back of the shack, an area we didn't explore, and heard it then. Sobs. Loud sobs. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Never did I even consider it possible for Kouji to cry. I hid behind one of the walls until I couldn't take it anymore. Right when I was about to step forward and try to comfort him, I heard JP's voice.

"Hey, you ok, bud?" He asked. Kouji's breathing changed as he tried to calm himself down.

"It's nothing," he lied through hiccuped tears.

"I know we aren't always on the best terms," JP started, "but you know, if you ever need to talk, we're here for you." There was a long silence, and then the sound of shuffling. His shadow got smaller, and I think he was sitting down next to Kouji now.

"Sometimes," Kouji's voice was so fragile, I couldn't even believe it was him speaking. "I feel worthless." The words knocked the wind out of me.

"Don't say that," JP prodded, "We'll get your D-tectors back just like how we got Zoe's. You'll be back to super hero status in no time." I could hear Kouji's smile as he thanked JP for the support, but I know that what Kouji was talking about wasn't his D-tectors. I'm a horrible person. Immature and stupid. Who would want to be with me anyway? Kouji deserves better.