Searching For Inspiration
By Carter Quetzi Tachikawa
If you don't already know, I'm finishing up as many fics as I possibly can. I'm taking the summer off from fanfic writing. This is the LAST TAKARI...for the moment. I'll be brainstorming for you Takari fans out there as well as for everyone else. Anyways, I don't own Digimon...oh, how I wish I did but don't. Again, this is my last Takari for a while. There's two parts to this baby. The next one will be up very soon. I promise. Let's begin
The TV was still on, but Kari Kamiya could care less. She was going to be late for school if she didn't leave right away. Someone else in the family would have to turn it off. She dared not to wake up Gatomon. Hopefully, she'd make it in time.
"This is the last time I EVER stay up late to watch a three-hour "Dawson's Creek" marathon!" She said out loud as she ran to school.
On her way, she saw TK Takaishi. He had his nose buried in a magazine. Slowing for a minute, Kari turned around to the blond boy.
"Hey TK! You late too?"
TK, still reading the magazine, didn't respond.
"I made a big mistake for watching "Dawson's Creek". Blame Yolei...she begged me to keep track of what happened!"
"That's nice", TK finally replied. He didn't appear to be listening.
"TK! Listen to me! What are you reading anyway?" Kari stopped in front of him. TK pulled away from the book and gave her a grin of embarrassment.
"Sorry, Kari. I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just...I've got so many ideas..."
"Ideas? About what?"
"Oh! I guess I didn't tell you. Here, read this." TK showed her the magazine. Kari looked at what he was pointing to.
"Romance story contest? I didn't know you were into romance", Kari said sounding a bit sly.
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." TK returned the smile.
"You're right. I didn't know you were a writer either...or that you had interest in writing."
"Well, when your mom's a journalist, you tend to pick up a lot. I've always wanted to write and I think I'm ready to tackle a contest. Ever since this came out, I've been flooded with ideas! I don't know which to choose."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out."
"There are first, second, and third place cash prizes as well as honorable mentions. All winners get published in this magazine and their corresponding short story anthology. But I got to hurry...the deadline's coming up. It's an annual contest but I'd hate to miss it now."
"Good luck then. I'll have a feeling you'll write an awesome yet romantic story", Kari said with confidence.
"Thanks. You have no idea how much that means."
"I can take a hint", Kari sighed the moment they arrived at school. They made it with five minutes to spare. Davis Motomiya came running up the other way.
"Hey Kari! Hi TJ! What's up?" He asked.
"Nothing much", Kari answered. "Where are Yolei and Cody?"
"I think they're already here."
"We better go in too before we're punished", Kari and Davis started to head into the building but TK stood still. Davis turned around.
"TS! Didn't you hear what Kari just said?! Get going!"
"Huh?! Oh sorry, Davis! I just found the setting to my story."
"Setting? Story? What are you talking about?"
"I'll explain everything on the way", Kari grabbed them both and lead them inside.
* * *
"TK's a writer? Oh wow!" Yolei Inoue said dreamily. It was lunchtime and the Digidestined were eating together with a few of their Digimon. "I guess talent runs in their family."
"Yeah. Matt's an awesome musician and TK's a writer." Cody Hida said.
"I think their mom's a journalist too, isn't she?" Davis asked.
"That's right. And their dad..."
"My dad's talent is forgetting the true definition of hygiene", TK said jokingly, coming in with Kari. (Davis was about to complain but didn't) "But he's a good guy overall."
"So have you decided on the plot to your story?" Cody asked.
"Not quite. All these great ideas are going through my head but...I can't even decide whether I want a serious romance story or a tragedy or a humorous story or what. I have something for them all." TK looked a little depressed.
"You'll think of something soon. I know you will", Yolei encouraged.
"Hey, TG! You need some brain food to get that creativity going! Want my sushi? Jun made it", Davis shoved something that remotely resembled food in front of TK's face. Forcing a smile, TK shook his head.
"Thanks but I'll pass. Besides I have my own lunch."
"What's that book under your arm, TK?" Cody asked.
"What, this? It's a thesaurus", TK said.
"What do you need a thesaurus for?" Yolei questioned curiously.
"I want to try to use some new vocabulary in my story. I feel like commonly used words won't impress anyone", TK said. "I know I'll sound like Izzy but it's better."
"TK, I'm sure if your story had simple words, people would still like it", Kari said.
"I'd like to experiment. I kind of like how some of these words sound too: complacency...that sounds like a good title for a story."
"Yeah, that is a cool title and thing. I like complacency", Davis agreed. "Man, if I could have every single complacency, I'd be the happiest guy in the world!"
The others looked at him strangely.
"You have no clue what that word means, do you?" Yolei took a stab.
"None whatsoever!" Davis cheerfully chirped. The rest sighed.
"Complacency is a synonym for satisfaction. Am I right?" Cody pointed out.
"Correct! And there's other words I like too: laceration, repent, lucrative, prerogative, chagrin, commiserate, hiatus, and...well, there's a lot."
"TR, you sounded like Izzy when you rattled off all those words", Davis said.
"You're jealous cause you don't know what any of them mean", Kari teased.
"I know what they mean!"
"What does prerogative mean then?" Cody quizzed.
Silence. Cody crossed his arms and leaned back.
"I rest my case. Prerogative means a privilege or right."
"Whatever."
"Well, I'd love to chat with you longer but I got to go. I need get these things organized", TK got up and took the thesaurus with him. "See you tomorrow."
"Not tomorrow. We're meeting today, remember?" Kari reminded him.
"I didn't forget. But I can't go...I need to begin working on this right away."
"So you're not coming?" Yolei became curious.
"Not this time. Go without Patamon and me. I'll catch you guys later."
TK walked away from the group, thesaurus under his arm. Kari watched him. She never saw this side of him before. He obviously took his writing very seriously. She knew he'd give this contest everything he had. She read a few of his stories and they were some of the best she'd ever seen. Yolei was right...their family was talented. Matt had the musical ability and TK was an author.
She only hoped that TK wouldn't go over his head with this whole contest thing.
* * *
For the next few days, the gang watched as TK wrote page after page...whenever they did see him. TK stopped spending time with them. When he was there, he wrote. He never let anyone see what he was doing...maybe because he was self-conscious and embarrassed. TK also crumpled up pieces of paper and throw them away. Everyone got worried.
"It's not working!" he complained. "Every idea I have is terrible!"
"TK, don't give up hope", Ken Ichijouji said. He too knew about TK's determination to write the romance story. "I'm sure they're not that bad."
"Ken's right", Patamon said. "You're a great writer."
"Thanks but...nothing I write is worthy. Maybe...maybe I haven't found the inspiration yet."
"We'll help you!" Davis offered.
"I need to find it on my own", TK refused politely. "I have no idea where to look...but it's out there."
"I like this one was going", Yolei said reading a crumpled sheet. "Why'd you throw it?"
"I didn't like the plot."
"And what about this one?" Cody pulled out another.
"The characters weren't developing well."
"Geez, TJ! Mother Nature's gonna hate you for wasting all these trees!" Davis complained.
"Those papers...are...recyclable", TK said with gritted teeth.
"Are you okay?" Kari asked softly. She put a hand on TK's shoulder but he gently brushed it away.
"Yeah. Can you all leave? I need some time alone."
"Are you sure?" Ken asked.
"Yes. Please leave me alone."
"Come on", Yolei whispered to the others. They followed her out of the room. Kari took one glance at TK before she went home. Hopefully, he'd find his inspiration and all this would be over with.
But in the next two weeks, TK still was complaining. His wastebasket was overfilled with crumpled sheets. Now he refused to let anyone come to his room. He also cut off all meetings with the Digidestined. When they saw him at school, he didn't talk as much. Davis had jokingly called him "socially inept" (after he looked up the word of course) but TK simply ignored him. Even Patamon couldn't lift him out of the blue. That wasn't the only problem. Kari had noticed TK's grades dropping slightly. They weren't in danger...but they weren't up to TK's standards. He seemed to be more engrossed with the story than with anything else. Finally, Kari decided to confront him.
"TK, this has got to stop", She pointed out. "You're getting way over your head with this story."
"Can I help it, Kari? I'm searching for inspiration and still haven't found it."
"I know you want to write this story but there are important things right now. What about school? And your friends? What about me?" Kari said the last little question in a very soft voice.
"I'm not trying to ignore you."
"But that is exactly what you're doing! Don't you see? Put the story on hold for a while."
"I don't even have a story to put on hold! I wish I did! Nothing I write is up to par! I wish I could stop but I haven't found the perfect idea!"
"TK, it's there. You're not looking hard enough..."
"Where is it, Kari? You tell me."
Kari was stumped. TK obviously wanted an answer but she had no idea what to say. He looked at her questioningly but she averted her gaze from him.
"You have to find it yourself", Kari finally replied.
"Precisely. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to searching."
"Go ahead", Kari murmured.
TK ran off in the other direction. Kari had never felt so miserable in her life. As she walked towards home, she thought about what was happening. TK had completely turned away from them all. A part of her was happy that he was pursuing his interests but another part of her was hurting. She adored TK like crazy and she only wanted what was best for him.
He's forgotten everything, she thought. He seems to be more interested in this story than he is about everyone else. Oh, if I could only show him how much this affected me.
Kari was trying hard not to cry about TK but ultimately she couldn't keep it in. Sitting down next to a building, she began to cry. She knew it was kind of stupid to do so...but she had to let it out somehow.
* * *
"Matt! I hear someone crying!"
"Very funny! Last time you said someone was dying and it turned out to be some girl screaming to get my autograph!"
"I'm serious, man! Listen!"
They heard someone sobbing on the other side.
"Okay, we can take a break this time. I'll go check out what's happening."
Matt Ishida opened the door and walked out of the building. Why was it that something happened in the middle of band practice? The sobbing was getting louder...and it sounded very familiar. He looked at the side. To his surprise, it was Kari.
"Kari?" he asked. Kari looked up with her tear filled eyes and threw her arms around Matt. She hugged him tightly and sobbed even louder.
"Hey, Matt! Who is it?"
"Uh...don't worry, guys! I'll take care of this!" Turning back to Kari, he fished out his handkerchief and handed it to her. Kari blew her nose with it.
"Thank you", she whispered.
"What happened? Are you hurt?"
"Only my feelings", Kari sniffled.
"Start from the top. Maybe I can sort this out."
"I don't know..."
"Well, if you can't tell me, I think TK would understand..."
"But TK is the problem! That's why I'm crying."
"Does it have to do with his writing?"
Kari nodded.
"I knew it."
"He's ignoring everything. It's just not like him."
"Yeah. Ever since TK got into writing, he gets a little crazy."
"This is more than crazy, Matt. He's obsessed! It's as if that's the most important thing in the world for him!"
"I know what you mean. Once TK has an idea in his head, he won't stop 'til it's out on paper."
"But TK doesn't have an idea. He spent these two weeks looking for one."
"Hmmm", Matt sat down next to her. "That is unusual."
"That's not all. He's ignoring everyone. He stopped talking to us. He hasn't done quite as well in school. I mean, he's not failing but it's not his best either. I'm getting worried, Matt. I don't like this new TK." She began to cry again.
Matt put his arm around her. "TK will go back to normal after he finds his inspiration. But I'll talk to him tonight. I think he'll understand once I get it through."
"Okay. Thank you." Kari threw her arms around him one more time.
"You must really care about my brother."
"Don't you? He's special..."
"Oh yeah. But I think there's something more..."
"We're just friends, Matt."
"I beg to differ."
"Excuse me?"
"Hey Matt! Are you almost done?"
Matt turned back to Kari who nodded. "Yeah. I'll be there in a second."
"Talk to him for me", Kari whispered.
"I will. And just got another idea. You should enter the contest!"
"Me?!" Kari was taken aback. "But I'm not a writer. I don't know romance that well."
"Well, you love TK, don't you? Use that as your inspiration."
"I thought I..."
"Kari, just do it. I think it'll work."
Kari thought hard. Maybe she should enter the contest too. The way she was feeling was a good inspiration for angst filled romance. Suddenly the ideas flew into her mind and she smiled.
"You're right. It'll work. Thanks, Matt. I'm sorry to pull you from practice."
"That's nothing new. I've been pulled out by Cody, TK, Jun, Yolei, Davis, Ken, Jun, you, screaming girls, Sora, Mimi, Jun, little kids, Tai, Joe, Izzy, and...I did say Jun, right? Anyway, good luck."
Kari was about to walk away but turned around. "I have a feeling all your fans are going to kill me for doing this but I always wanted to know how it felt." She leaned over and kissed Matt on the cheek. Naturally, he was shocked. (THIS IS NOT YAKARI! Who wouldn't want to kiss Matt?)
"Don't think we have anything going because I did that", Kari said. "You and I are only friends just like TK and I are."
Matt smiled. "Whatever."
* * *
Kari took Matt's advice and began to write a story. It took her the whole night and an episode of "Charmed" before she finished. She took her feelings for TK as the inspiration and before she knew it, she was done.
Tomorrow, she'd send the story to the judges.
If you think this ends right here, you are SO WRONG! One more chapter...bear with me. No, this wasn't a Yakari. She only kissed Matt as many girls would do...or wish they could do. Anyway, don't snap at me cause of that. What is Kari's story about? Will TK understand? Find out on chapter 2!
Raven_DeLuca@excite.com
By Carter Quetzi Tachikawa
If you don't already know, I'm finishing up as many fics as I possibly can. I'm taking the summer off from fanfic writing. This is the LAST TAKARI...for the moment. I'll be brainstorming for you Takari fans out there as well as for everyone else. Anyways, I don't own Digimon...oh, how I wish I did but don't. Again, this is my last Takari for a while. There's two parts to this baby. The next one will be up very soon. I promise. Let's begin
The TV was still on, but Kari Kamiya could care less. She was going to be late for school if she didn't leave right away. Someone else in the family would have to turn it off. She dared not to wake up Gatomon. Hopefully, she'd make it in time.
"This is the last time I EVER stay up late to watch a three-hour "Dawson's Creek" marathon!" She said out loud as she ran to school.
On her way, she saw TK Takaishi. He had his nose buried in a magazine. Slowing for a minute, Kari turned around to the blond boy.
"Hey TK! You late too?"
TK, still reading the magazine, didn't respond.
"I made a big mistake for watching "Dawson's Creek". Blame Yolei...she begged me to keep track of what happened!"
"That's nice", TK finally replied. He didn't appear to be listening.
"TK! Listen to me! What are you reading anyway?" Kari stopped in front of him. TK pulled away from the book and gave her a grin of embarrassment.
"Sorry, Kari. I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just...I've got so many ideas..."
"Ideas? About what?"
"Oh! I guess I didn't tell you. Here, read this." TK showed her the magazine. Kari looked at what he was pointing to.
"Romance story contest? I didn't know you were into romance", Kari said sounding a bit sly.
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." TK returned the smile.
"You're right. I didn't know you were a writer either...or that you had interest in writing."
"Well, when your mom's a journalist, you tend to pick up a lot. I've always wanted to write and I think I'm ready to tackle a contest. Ever since this came out, I've been flooded with ideas! I don't know which to choose."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out."
"There are first, second, and third place cash prizes as well as honorable mentions. All winners get published in this magazine and their corresponding short story anthology. But I got to hurry...the deadline's coming up. It's an annual contest but I'd hate to miss it now."
"Good luck then. I'll have a feeling you'll write an awesome yet romantic story", Kari said with confidence.
"Thanks. You have no idea how much that means."
"I can take a hint", Kari sighed the moment they arrived at school. They made it with five minutes to spare. Davis Motomiya came running up the other way.
"Hey Kari! Hi TJ! What's up?" He asked.
"Nothing much", Kari answered. "Where are Yolei and Cody?"
"I think they're already here."
"We better go in too before we're punished", Kari and Davis started to head into the building but TK stood still. Davis turned around.
"TS! Didn't you hear what Kari just said?! Get going!"
"Huh?! Oh sorry, Davis! I just found the setting to my story."
"Setting? Story? What are you talking about?"
"I'll explain everything on the way", Kari grabbed them both and lead them inside.
* * *
"TK's a writer? Oh wow!" Yolei Inoue said dreamily. It was lunchtime and the Digidestined were eating together with a few of their Digimon. "I guess talent runs in their family."
"Yeah. Matt's an awesome musician and TK's a writer." Cody Hida said.
"I think their mom's a journalist too, isn't she?" Davis asked.
"That's right. And their dad..."
"My dad's talent is forgetting the true definition of hygiene", TK said jokingly, coming in with Kari. (Davis was about to complain but didn't) "But he's a good guy overall."
"So have you decided on the plot to your story?" Cody asked.
"Not quite. All these great ideas are going through my head but...I can't even decide whether I want a serious romance story or a tragedy or a humorous story or what. I have something for them all." TK looked a little depressed.
"You'll think of something soon. I know you will", Yolei encouraged.
"Hey, TG! You need some brain food to get that creativity going! Want my sushi? Jun made it", Davis shoved something that remotely resembled food in front of TK's face. Forcing a smile, TK shook his head.
"Thanks but I'll pass. Besides I have my own lunch."
"What's that book under your arm, TK?" Cody asked.
"What, this? It's a thesaurus", TK said.
"What do you need a thesaurus for?" Yolei questioned curiously.
"I want to try to use some new vocabulary in my story. I feel like commonly used words won't impress anyone", TK said. "I know I'll sound like Izzy but it's better."
"TK, I'm sure if your story had simple words, people would still like it", Kari said.
"I'd like to experiment. I kind of like how some of these words sound too: complacency...that sounds like a good title for a story."
"Yeah, that is a cool title and thing. I like complacency", Davis agreed. "Man, if I could have every single complacency, I'd be the happiest guy in the world!"
The others looked at him strangely.
"You have no clue what that word means, do you?" Yolei took a stab.
"None whatsoever!" Davis cheerfully chirped. The rest sighed.
"Complacency is a synonym for satisfaction. Am I right?" Cody pointed out.
"Correct! And there's other words I like too: laceration, repent, lucrative, prerogative, chagrin, commiserate, hiatus, and...well, there's a lot."
"TR, you sounded like Izzy when you rattled off all those words", Davis said.
"You're jealous cause you don't know what any of them mean", Kari teased.
"I know what they mean!"
"What does prerogative mean then?" Cody quizzed.
Silence. Cody crossed his arms and leaned back.
"I rest my case. Prerogative means a privilege or right."
"Whatever."
"Well, I'd love to chat with you longer but I got to go. I need get these things organized", TK got up and took the thesaurus with him. "See you tomorrow."
"Not tomorrow. We're meeting today, remember?" Kari reminded him.
"I didn't forget. But I can't go...I need to begin working on this right away."
"So you're not coming?" Yolei became curious.
"Not this time. Go without Patamon and me. I'll catch you guys later."
TK walked away from the group, thesaurus under his arm. Kari watched him. She never saw this side of him before. He obviously took his writing very seriously. She knew he'd give this contest everything he had. She read a few of his stories and they were some of the best she'd ever seen. Yolei was right...their family was talented. Matt had the musical ability and TK was an author.
She only hoped that TK wouldn't go over his head with this whole contest thing.
* * *
For the next few days, the gang watched as TK wrote page after page...whenever they did see him. TK stopped spending time with them. When he was there, he wrote. He never let anyone see what he was doing...maybe because he was self-conscious and embarrassed. TK also crumpled up pieces of paper and throw them away. Everyone got worried.
"It's not working!" he complained. "Every idea I have is terrible!"
"TK, don't give up hope", Ken Ichijouji said. He too knew about TK's determination to write the romance story. "I'm sure they're not that bad."
"Ken's right", Patamon said. "You're a great writer."
"Thanks but...nothing I write is worthy. Maybe...maybe I haven't found the inspiration yet."
"We'll help you!" Davis offered.
"I need to find it on my own", TK refused politely. "I have no idea where to look...but it's out there."
"I like this one was going", Yolei said reading a crumpled sheet. "Why'd you throw it?"
"I didn't like the plot."
"And what about this one?" Cody pulled out another.
"The characters weren't developing well."
"Geez, TJ! Mother Nature's gonna hate you for wasting all these trees!" Davis complained.
"Those papers...are...recyclable", TK said with gritted teeth.
"Are you okay?" Kari asked softly. She put a hand on TK's shoulder but he gently brushed it away.
"Yeah. Can you all leave? I need some time alone."
"Are you sure?" Ken asked.
"Yes. Please leave me alone."
"Come on", Yolei whispered to the others. They followed her out of the room. Kari took one glance at TK before she went home. Hopefully, he'd find his inspiration and all this would be over with.
But in the next two weeks, TK still was complaining. His wastebasket was overfilled with crumpled sheets. Now he refused to let anyone come to his room. He also cut off all meetings with the Digidestined. When they saw him at school, he didn't talk as much. Davis had jokingly called him "socially inept" (after he looked up the word of course) but TK simply ignored him. Even Patamon couldn't lift him out of the blue. That wasn't the only problem. Kari had noticed TK's grades dropping slightly. They weren't in danger...but they weren't up to TK's standards. He seemed to be more engrossed with the story than with anything else. Finally, Kari decided to confront him.
"TK, this has got to stop", She pointed out. "You're getting way over your head with this story."
"Can I help it, Kari? I'm searching for inspiration and still haven't found it."
"I know you want to write this story but there are important things right now. What about school? And your friends? What about me?" Kari said the last little question in a very soft voice.
"I'm not trying to ignore you."
"But that is exactly what you're doing! Don't you see? Put the story on hold for a while."
"I don't even have a story to put on hold! I wish I did! Nothing I write is up to par! I wish I could stop but I haven't found the perfect idea!"
"TK, it's there. You're not looking hard enough..."
"Where is it, Kari? You tell me."
Kari was stumped. TK obviously wanted an answer but she had no idea what to say. He looked at her questioningly but she averted her gaze from him.
"You have to find it yourself", Kari finally replied.
"Precisely. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to searching."
"Go ahead", Kari murmured.
TK ran off in the other direction. Kari had never felt so miserable in her life. As she walked towards home, she thought about what was happening. TK had completely turned away from them all. A part of her was happy that he was pursuing his interests but another part of her was hurting. She adored TK like crazy and she only wanted what was best for him.
He's forgotten everything, she thought. He seems to be more interested in this story than he is about everyone else. Oh, if I could only show him how much this affected me.
Kari was trying hard not to cry about TK but ultimately she couldn't keep it in. Sitting down next to a building, she began to cry. She knew it was kind of stupid to do so...but she had to let it out somehow.
* * *
"Matt! I hear someone crying!"
"Very funny! Last time you said someone was dying and it turned out to be some girl screaming to get my autograph!"
"I'm serious, man! Listen!"
They heard someone sobbing on the other side.
"Okay, we can take a break this time. I'll go check out what's happening."
Matt Ishida opened the door and walked out of the building. Why was it that something happened in the middle of band practice? The sobbing was getting louder...and it sounded very familiar. He looked at the side. To his surprise, it was Kari.
"Kari?" he asked. Kari looked up with her tear filled eyes and threw her arms around Matt. She hugged him tightly and sobbed even louder.
"Hey, Matt! Who is it?"
"Uh...don't worry, guys! I'll take care of this!" Turning back to Kari, he fished out his handkerchief and handed it to her. Kari blew her nose with it.
"Thank you", she whispered.
"What happened? Are you hurt?"
"Only my feelings", Kari sniffled.
"Start from the top. Maybe I can sort this out."
"I don't know..."
"Well, if you can't tell me, I think TK would understand..."
"But TK is the problem! That's why I'm crying."
"Does it have to do with his writing?"
Kari nodded.
"I knew it."
"He's ignoring everything. It's just not like him."
"Yeah. Ever since TK got into writing, he gets a little crazy."
"This is more than crazy, Matt. He's obsessed! It's as if that's the most important thing in the world for him!"
"I know what you mean. Once TK has an idea in his head, he won't stop 'til it's out on paper."
"But TK doesn't have an idea. He spent these two weeks looking for one."
"Hmmm", Matt sat down next to her. "That is unusual."
"That's not all. He's ignoring everyone. He stopped talking to us. He hasn't done quite as well in school. I mean, he's not failing but it's not his best either. I'm getting worried, Matt. I don't like this new TK." She began to cry again.
Matt put his arm around her. "TK will go back to normal after he finds his inspiration. But I'll talk to him tonight. I think he'll understand once I get it through."
"Okay. Thank you." Kari threw her arms around him one more time.
"You must really care about my brother."
"Don't you? He's special..."
"Oh yeah. But I think there's something more..."
"We're just friends, Matt."
"I beg to differ."
"Excuse me?"
"Hey Matt! Are you almost done?"
Matt turned back to Kari who nodded. "Yeah. I'll be there in a second."
"Talk to him for me", Kari whispered.
"I will. And just got another idea. You should enter the contest!"
"Me?!" Kari was taken aback. "But I'm not a writer. I don't know romance that well."
"Well, you love TK, don't you? Use that as your inspiration."
"I thought I..."
"Kari, just do it. I think it'll work."
Kari thought hard. Maybe she should enter the contest too. The way she was feeling was a good inspiration for angst filled romance. Suddenly the ideas flew into her mind and she smiled.
"You're right. It'll work. Thanks, Matt. I'm sorry to pull you from practice."
"That's nothing new. I've been pulled out by Cody, TK, Jun, Yolei, Davis, Ken, Jun, you, screaming girls, Sora, Mimi, Jun, little kids, Tai, Joe, Izzy, and...I did say Jun, right? Anyway, good luck."
Kari was about to walk away but turned around. "I have a feeling all your fans are going to kill me for doing this but I always wanted to know how it felt." She leaned over and kissed Matt on the cheek. Naturally, he was shocked. (THIS IS NOT YAKARI! Who wouldn't want to kiss Matt?)
"Don't think we have anything going because I did that", Kari said. "You and I are only friends just like TK and I are."
Matt smiled. "Whatever."
* * *
Kari took Matt's advice and began to write a story. It took her the whole night and an episode of "Charmed" before she finished. She took her feelings for TK as the inspiration and before she knew it, she was done.
Tomorrow, she'd send the story to the judges.
If you think this ends right here, you are SO WRONG! One more chapter...bear with me. No, this wasn't a Yakari. She only kissed Matt as many girls would do...or wish they could do. Anyway, don't snap at me cause of that. What is Kari's story about? Will TK understand? Find out on chapter 2!
Raven_DeLuca@excite.com