Title: Of Consciences and a Colleague
Chapter: 1 » Wrath of a Friend
By: Authorless

Author's notes: All right. This is my first fanfic in… About 8 months? Also my first Digimon fanfic so don't kill me if it sucks. And a warning to all that this would be Taito/Yamachi. [Whichever, because I haven't decided yet? Or maybe you could vote in the reviews.] And for those who don't know what I mean, I mean this is going to be guy/guy relationship thing as in yaoi, so don't come whining to me about not warning you. There isn't any Taito/Yamachi in here yet but wait till the next few chapters.

Disclaimer: Is this necessary? ::groans:: I do not own Digimon. You'd think I'd be writing this if I did?

"Yagami. Yagami. Yagami. YAGAMI TAICHI."

I jerked in my seat as I finally broke out of my stupor and blinked dumbly at my colleague, who didn't look too please with me right now. Oh yeah. She's definitely pissed off now. I wonder why.

Maybe its because she's been trying to get your attention for the past 15 minutes and you're doing a pretty good job at staring into space or more like a certain someone in the framed picture, thinking of God knows what. Oh wait. I do know what.

Great… My conscience is being sarcastic today. What next?

How about extremely annoyed and dangerous Natsumi ready to pour the water out of that flower vase onto your lap after you've been ignoring her all this while, hmm?

Yeah. That would definitely do the trick. Wait a minute. Flower vase? She's going to pour that icy water onto me?!?!

"Ack! All right! All right, Natsumi! I'm listening now! Don't do that!! Just… Put that thing down! The water in there is probably freezing cold!"

Natsumi narrowed her eyes at me and returned the vase of fresh yellow roses to its rightful position on the tabletop next to the few picture frames I had in my office. At first glance, no one would believe that she was a 21-year-old working as an English teacher for the Odaiba High School. She's a good 5 feet, [never point out how short she is, or she'll have your head on a silver platter], thin, pale skin, jet black hair that went to mid-back and all she ever wears consist of black or white t-shirts and jeans. And she wears these half-framed glasses that seems to always fall down the bridge of her nose. It would be strange to have a teacher like that but I guess its better than teachers who dress like some old lady ready to bore you to death with her 'special' educational lesson.

"Taichi! Why is it that every single time I'm in here, you have your head promptly stuck in the clouds, and nothing seems to make you come crashing back down to earth?"

Oh, she's definitely not happy. Wonder what she'd think if she knew what I was thinking about.

Why, she'd be just absolutely mortified by the fact that you, Yagami Taichi, were thinking of someone in such a romantic and passionate way. Especially when that someone happens to be your bestfriend? And is of the same gender?

Must I have a conscience? A very mocking one at that? And it doesn't ever know when to shut up.

…… I hate you.

Thank you so much. That is so much better. No more nagging voice at the back of my head. Now we come back to the teacher tapping her high-heel black boot with her arms crossed over her chest and staring at me in annoyance.

"Ano… Something wrong, Tadahiro-san?"

She just cocked an eyebrow at me thoughtfully and began to stare hard at my face. I'll bet she's trying to figure out why I have that innocent smile plastered onto my face and why I addressed her so formally. That or she thinks I lost my mind and need to get professional help. In other words, see a shrink. I mean. Since when did Yagami Taichi look innocent?

"You're probably expecting me to start bombarding you with all sorts of questions about what's going on in that head of yours but right now, I'm just here to inform you that…"

I looked up at her from my seat in anticipation at what was so important, that my dear colleague and friend would give up such a wonderful opportunity to give me a good questioning. That's when she placed her hands to lean on my desk and gave me a sour look when I didn't seem to know what she was talking about at all.

"That you're nearly 22 minutes late for your PE class. And the students are already waiting impatiently in the gym. Possibly wondering what ever happened to their dear, dear Yagami-sensei."

Right after the last word rolled off her tongue, it took awhile to let the words sink in before I bolted out the door at top speed, nearly knocking down a few unsuspecting teachers whilst mumbling a few uttered apologies and headed for the gym like a mad man. I can almost hear Natsumi chuckling in my office, shaking her head with her eyes closed and muttering something like "That's our Taichi and we wouldn't have it any other way".

I skidded to a halt as I came to the doors of the all too familiar gym and stepped inside. There they were. Natsumi must be joking when she said 'waiting impatiently'. More like 'jumping with joy to have a free period to laze around or gossip'. They didn't even notice me. Wonder what those girls are crowding around over there. It must be something because all they can do is giggle insanely while some of the boys seem to be rolling their eyes as they watched.

Tiptoeing quietly, I stepped behind the group of shorter girls and peered at a poster a girl was holding. Is that all? A poster?

"What, make I ask, are you doing?"

I spoke loud and clear, making a few of the students jump and giving me their undivided attention. The group of girls just continued giggling mirthfully and the one with the poster walked up to me and gave me the 'innocent angelic' look. I would have snorted if the poster she held up hadn't caught my eye.

"Nothing, Yagami-sensei! We were just looking at the poster of one of the cutest guys ever, Teenage Wolves."

She piped up in a sickeningly sweet voice, showing the poster to me. I had to hold my breath, considering I had the all too familiar faces on the poster staring back at me. Especially the pair of icy-blue eyes boring into me. I can feel a pit form in my stomach right about now.

Just admit it, Taichi. You just don't want to take your eyes off the 'blonde, blue-eyed and utterly gorgeous' one.

I thought I told you to keep quiet. And who said I liked Yamato anyway? I'd like to wipe that smirk off your face if you have a face at all.

Touchy Taichi. And I didn't say you liked him. Oh, no no no. Would never ever think that. I say you love him.

…… I hate you.

Thank you. Thank you. Yagami Taichi admits to himself that he's over the fence, head over heels in love with Ishida Yamato, wonderful star of the Teenage Wolves, no?

…… I really hate you. But I'll admit. I do love Yamato. You happy? I haven't seen him in nearly four years and I think about him more everyday. Sometimes I think about him so much that its driving me insane. Its not like I haven't heard of him lately. I see his face everywhere I go. His posters would be stuck all over the place and the band would always be heard on the radio. And Hikari always gives me a call from time to time to tell me where Yamato and the band would be since she got together with Takeru and all. Wonder why she always sounds so anxious for my reaction though…

Still… I miss my Yama-chan. I miss hanging out with him, talking about anything and nothing, have sleepovers and stuff. What I wouldn't give to be in his presence again and be given a chance to tell him how I feel. Yeah right. Like he's ever going to accept me. He's probably got tons of fan-girls out there just waiting to pounce on him and he's going to give that up for me? Fat chance.

Ah, yes. Taichi is ever loyal and devoted to his Yama-chan and hasn't even been kissed. Saving the first one for Yamato. Isn't that just sweet?

Shut up already.

All right. All right. I'll shut up already and leave you to your thoughts of your sweet Yama-chan.

I pushed all thoughts of Yamato to the back of my head momentarily and made a mental note to shut out the stupid voice at the back of my head. I pushed the hand that held the poster gently away from my face and motioned all the students to line up in single files.

"Class. Today, we will learn the right ways to play soccer. And yes, this includes the girls."

Grins were instantly plastered onto the boys' faces, however most of the girls' faces had gone white with a look of absolute horror. Especially the ones who are vain about their looks. Some of them even looked faint. This day could prove quite interesting after all.

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As I trudged happily back to my office after school, to grab my stuff and head home after a tiring day of work, Natsumi poked her head through the door with a questioning look on her face.

"Had a good day, Taichi?"

"Yep. Got a bunch of good laughs after watching some of the girls play soccer. They either shrieked horribly and ran away from the ball or they just simply kicked the ball away as if it were going to eat them or something. The boys and I were trying really hard to not die laughing."

I beamed at her as she met me with a comical face, pushing her glasses back up her nose as they slid down. Then a low growl was heard coming from somewhere in the pit of my stomach and my cheeks warmed as Natsumi burst into a fit of hysterics and hugging the book she was carrying tightly to her chest to try to stop herself from laughing so hard.

"Someone's hungry." She said in between chortles, walking in and giving me a friendly pat on the back. You can tell that she's trying really hard not to double over in laughter. Well, this is embarrassing.

Oops. I nearly forgot! Natsumi was going to be popping all sorts of questions soon so, quickly, I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door… To find myself being held back by my collar. For someone who's 2 years younger than me and inches shorter, she sure has a strong grip.

"And where do you think you're going? Hmm?"

"Natsumi! Let me go! Please? Pretty please?" I gave her my best puppy-dog-eyed look and clasped my hands together in a begging motion for emphasis. I really really don't want her to know about my screwed up love life. And the fact I don't like girls in that way. Hopefully, she'll forget all about it and let me off for today.

Not in this lifetime, buddy. When will you learn that Tadahiro Natsumi never ever forgets?

"Nah uh. Ramen. My treat. You're driving. Plus, I have a bad urge to interrogate you and no way in hell are you getting away until I do just that. And I'm pretty sure you know all that already."

"But-"

"No buts, Yagami. Now let's get going before the evening crowd gets there and we won't get a place to sit."

Damn. I swear she can read minds by just looking at you. She ushered me out and made sure I locked my door before leaving while she gets her backpack. And we're off with Natsumi practically dragging me by my arm.

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"Taichi?"

I looked up from my bowl of ramen across the table where Natsumi sat. She was giving me this questioning look that said 'Something's wrong, isn't it? So spit it out already or I'll make you!'.

"Nothing's wrong, Natsumi."

"Liar. Then why are you picking at your food when most of the time, you stuff your face with food as if there was no tomorrow?"

She made it sound more like a statement than a question. And giving her a fake smile with a 'Really, there's nothing wrong. I just lost appetite.', would sound really stupid and fooling Natsumi is like trying to fool yourself to think that cows can jump over the moon.

"I just… Can we not talk about it?" I silently pleaded and she promptly took a sip of her o-cha and I took that as a sign that she'd let me off. For now. The next question however, would have sent me keeling over had I not been holding a tight grip onto the table. Even my knuckles were turning a snowy white.

"You sweet on someone?"

"I… Uh… When… How…"

"Oh! I just saw you staring at some picture when you zone out on me and took the liberty of taking a look at that picture myself when you forgot to lock your door the other day."

"You went into my office?!" I nearly choked and took a big sip of tea to calm my nerves down. Why should I be nervous? Because… Because…

Because you have so many pictures of Yamato all over the place?

For once you're good for something.

Thanks for the compliment.

"Uh… Sorta? You were always so nervous and reluctant about showing anyone a particular picture on your tabletop and you always brought it down to face the table whenever someone went in. So can you blame me for being curious?"

She gave me a satisfied smirk after she finished her ramen and took a sip of her tea. How can someone so devious, look so innocent at the same time? That, I tell you, is a talent worth keeping. Even though I wish Natsumi didn't have this talent.

You and the rest of the world.

"I guess I can't blame you after all. But must you go through my personal belongings?" I muttered in an exasperation. Though… I should know the answer to that.

"All right. All right. I promise I won't go through your things in the office ever again. So wipe that sad look off your face. It doesn't make you look nice. And finish up your ramen! I'm paying and you are definitely not going to waste a good bowl of ramen, even if I have to shove it down your throat myself."

I couldn't help but flash her a grin. She has a funny way of showing that she cares. Yet, I don't really trust her upon her little promise to never go through my stuff again. I dipped my head and began to eat up the remainder of my food when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Ne, Taichi?"

"What?"

"I was asked to help organize this charity thing to raise funds for a new shelter for homeless children."

I would have snorted if my mouth wasn't so full of ramen. Knowing Natsumi, the principal must have asked Natsumi to help, considering he would do anything to keep her happy. Though no one seems to know the reason to it. He used to treat her rather coldly like he treated all the other teachers until one day, he was all-out trying his best to please her. I asked Natsumi about it once and she only winked and said "I'm sworn to secrecy." Strange though. Why would she be telling me about some boring fundraiser anyway? Not like I'll have anything to do with it but donate a bit. Unless there was more to this fundraiser than the eye can see.

"The only thing is…"

"The only thing is?"

She made a sideways glance, as if to make sure no one was listening and leaned across the table, whispering silently into my ear. I nearly choked to death, trying to yell in shock at what she had just uttered.

"What!?!"

"Shhh… People are staring." She hissed, sitting back in her seat across from me. I was quite well aware that all eyes in the restaurant were staring at me but right now, I couldn't care less.

"I know that! But seriously. A slave auction? Has the school board gone mad?!" I visibly flinched at the sound of the two words, 'slave auction', as it came out of my own mouth. Natsumi only sat back in her seat and smiled sheepishly back at me as I tried to regain my composure.

"It's only for 24 hours? Plus, it wouldn't be illegal if the 'slaves' volunteered willingly."

"And who would volunteer to be 'slaves' for a day?" I added sarcastically and was a little surprised when she didn't react much except greet me with a placid smile and a sarcastic tone that matched my own.

"The students and teachers, of course."

My jaw was left hanging and I'll bet that I look like a goldfish that went brain dead. Selling the students and teachers as slaves for a day? That could have proved interesting, only I didn't fail to notice the pleading look on Natsumi's face in my moment of stupor and it was directed right at me. That pleading look is almost identical to the ones I make when I wanted her to do me a really big favor. The kind of big favors that anyone would think twice about agreeing to. That was when things began to sink in. I gave her my best-attempted look of utmost horror. She couldn't possibly mean…

I think that's exactly what she means.

"You'd do anything for a friend in need, won't you, Taichi?"

"Anything but that. No way! I am not going to do it."

"Please? Pretty please with chocolate chip ice-cream, sprinkles, sugar, spice, everything nice and a big cherry on top?"

Oh God. Don't make the big glassy eyes. Just don't look at the big pitiful puppy-dog-eyes that no one can resist and push whatever she said out of my head. And I'll be fine. I won't get pushed into doing it. Just resist. Can't lose now… Stay firm… Don't give in…

"Oh, no. No way. Forget it, Natsumi. I am not doing it! You hear me? No. No. No. You can't make me. Nothing you do will make me change my mind. I am not doing it!"

Tsuzuku… [To be continued…]

Well, that wraps up chapter one. It's 12:37AM and I'm going to bed. Hope you readers liked this. Ohya. Do me a favor, would ya? ^^' Vote for Taito or Yamachi if you'd consider writing a review.