Oh my god, I'm back again! Sorry, I couldn't resist. The reason my fics are popping up like toast is that I have them already saved on text file for sending them to Digimon websites. Before going on, I wanna thank all you folks who gave me so many good reviews on my first few fics posted. Special thanks to Hikari Takaishi and Pally Mon who asked for more stuff by me. -Robster80
PROM NIGHT
Notice: This is a Takari Fic, so if you do not support it, then please leave now. Early warning, there will be Davis/Daisuke bashing here. It's set ten years after the end of Season 1 of "Digimon," but Season 2 never happened although the new kids are in here as well as some guest-appearances. All characters are copyright and trademark of Toei Animation, Viz Communications, etc.
TK launched his fist, connecting with the practice dummy. He had been practicing his punches at the local dojo for twenty minutes now, and he still couldn't focus. A face kept appearing on the dummy that he had been using, making him hesitant. A kind and sweet face he never wanted to forget except when practicing his martial arts. The face of the girl he loves. Kari Kamiya.
They had met almost ten years ago, when they, their brothers, and four others met special creatures named Digimon and fought armies of evil Digimon bent on ruling not just the Digital World, but the Real World as well. They had won, and TK and Kari became good friends even when TK returned home outside Odaiba, the city Kari lived. They wrote each other constantly, and saw each other whenever TK visited his brother and father.
Then, four years after they first met, TK and his mother moved to Odaiba, and he was now closer to Kari. Four years later he realized he was in love with her, and wondered if she felt the same towards him. He had come so close to telling her on several occasions, even after their last five dates. However, something would happen and ruin the moment, like their brothers spying on them.
"That's enough for today, TK."
TK spun around to see his sensei behind him. He bowed, then turned to put away the dummy only to have his sensei stop him.
"I'll get it later. Come over here, son. I want to talk with you."
TK cringed a little at this, but left the dummy where it was and joined his instructor. They sat on the floor, facing each other. The sensei flung his small pigtail behind his head before speaking.
"I was watching you practice, and noticed you were having difficulties keeping focus. Care to talk about it?"
"Gomen, Mr. Saotome. You're right. I've been thinking about something lately. Actually, it's someone I've been thinking about."
Mr. Saotome's expression didn't change. "I think I see where this is going. Who is she?"
"Kari Kamiya. We've been friends for almost ten years, and for some time I've felt what I thought was a crush towards her. Now... now I'm sure I'm in love with her."
"Have you told her?"
"How can I? Every time I've tried to tell her, something or somebody comes up and ruins the moment. Both our brothers have been spying on us for the past two years or so. It's like they're deciding our lives for us."
"I can relate to that. My father and my wife's father did the same thing back when we we're both engaged and at each other's throats. Just be thankful you didn't have my fiancee problems. But, that's not all, is it?"
TK sighed heavily. "No, it isn't. Our school prom's coming up in two weeks, and I'm so nervous to ask her to be my date for it. I'm also worried that someone else has asked her, especially Davis Motomiya."
"Ah," Mr. Saotome said. "You have a rival for this girl. I know how you feel. I had lots of rivals for my wife, even after we married. The most persistent of them was your principal, Tatewaki Kuno. He claimed Akane was his and his alone. He even convinced the boys at school that they had to beat Akane in a fight so they could be allowed to date her. Fortunately, she always beat them, even though they kept trying until I came along. Then it was just Kuno and some others."
"No wonder he has a grudge against me. But Davis is worse, sensei. He's the top soccer player at school and has a major crush on Kari since six years ago. He's so full of himself, he believes that it's his way or the highway. My brother Matt told me that Davis' last few girlfriends said he was a hentai that constantly tries to make out every chance he gets on a date."
"Sounds like Kuno," another voice said from behind the two men. A woman in a training gi stepped in and sat beside Mr. Saotome. "He always grabbed onto me like I was his property. Still, we're talking about your problems, TK. My advice is to just talk to Kari. Don't tell her how you feel just yet, but ask her about the prom. The worst she could do is say that she already has a date, right?"
Mr. Saotome nodded and said, "Akane's right. If you don't talk things out, you're in for a world of hurt. We've been there before, and never want to go back. Why don't you call Kari right now? You can use our phone."
TK absorbed what the Saotomes had said, got up, and left for the nearest phone.
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Kari lay outstretched on the couch, miserable. She had been avoiding Davis all day as she had been for the past few weeks, since she knew what he'd ask her. He wants me to be his date for the prom, like last year. Never again! I only went with him because he paid that Miranda to ask TK to the prom last year before I could. Speaking of TK, why hasn't he asked me, yet?! He's been avoiding all the girls these past two weeks. If that's not a sign that he wants to ask me, I don't know what is!
The phone suddenly rang, but Kari didn't budge. Knowing this, Tai answered the phone. After five seconds, he placed his hand over the receiver and faced Kari.
"I'm not here," she immediately said, not looking up or letting Tai get a word in. "I don't give a damn who it is!" Take that, Davis Motomiya!
Tai sighed and returned to the phone. "Sorry, she's not in. May I ask who's calling?" A smile soon appeared on Tai's face as he replied, "Hey, TK! It's been a while."
Kari looked up at the mention of the name. TK?!
Tai was still talking, but he knew Kari was interested now that she knew who was calling. "Okay, kiddo. As soon as she gets in-."
"I'M IN!" she shouted as she immediately leaped from the couch and bumped Tai aside in a flash, taking the phone from him. "Hello, TK!"
There was a hint of surprise in the cheerful voice on the phone. "Hi, Kari! I thought Tai said you were out."
"I just walked in the door. I'm glad you called, I've been trying to talk with you."
"Same here. I... have some thing to ask you, Kari."
"Go ahead, TK. I'm listening." He's going to ask me! He's finally going to ask me! Kari held her breath.
There was a brief silence before TK spoke again. "Actually, could I come over real quick?"
Kari almost did a facefault. Well, maybe he wants to ask me in person. "No good. Mom and Dad aren't in and we're not to have anyone over while they're gone, no exceptions. Why don't I come over to your place?"
"I'm not home. I'm at the Saotome School of Martial Arts. My sensei let me use the phone to call you. I'll ask him." There was more silence until TK replied. "Mrs. Saotome will be there to pick you up in three minutes."
Kari felt her heart skip three beats. "Great! See you soon, Takeru."
Tai smiled at his sister as she said the name before hanging up the phone. Picking himself of the floor, he said, "So, you have a little rendezvous with TK at his place, hm? I'll drive-."
Kari glared at Tai and said, "You will not! Every time I get close to telling TK I love him, you and Matt or someone else shows up and ruin the moment. Well, not this time! Someone's coming to pick me up in two minutes, and I'm meeting TK in private. You. Stay. Here!"
Kari then stomped towards the door when there was a knock from outside the door. She looked through the hole to see a teenager with spiky brown hair, wearing a jacket and goggles. Oh no! Not now!
Tai saw Kari begin to sweat, and immediately knew who was at the door. Quietly pushing his sister aside to hide her, he opened the door to see Davis. "Hello, Davis. What brings you here?"
Davis bowed. "Hello, Tai. Is Kari home? I'd like to talk to her."
"As a matter of fact, she's hiding behind the door while we speak." He added a laugh, even though he knew Kari would murder him afterwards for this. "Actually, she's gone to visit our grandparents, and I don't know when she'll be back. Is there a message I could give her for you?"
Davis blushed and said, "No, nothing important. I'll, uh, try calling her later. Bye!"
Tai watched as Davis ran down the hall and went in the elevator. After closing the door, he received a good punch in the shoulder from an angry Kari.
"What the hell were you thinking?" she cried. "He's trying to ask me to go with him to the prom, and I don't want to ever go through that again! Besides, aren't you the one who agreed with Matt when he said that TK and I are 'Digi-Destined' to be together, hm?"
Tai raised his hands in defense. "Hey, it threw Davis off the trail, didn't it? And what happened last year that was so bad?"
"You mean besides the fact that he did 70 in a 55 speed limit zone and got both me and himself arrested before we even reached the prom? And because of that, TK had to dump his date just to make sure I was okay and nearly got in trouble with his date's father?"
"Oh, yeah. Lucky for him, Miranda accidentally let it out that Davis bribed her to take TK out for the prom. Well, TK's probably gonna ask you when you go see him, right?"
There was another knock on the door. Kari looked to see a woman with short dark hair and then opened the door. "I'm Akane Saotome," the woman said. "Let's go, Kari."
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TK tried to meditate after Mrs. Saotome had gone to get Kari, but he was still nervous. After a minute, he pulled out his earphones and listened to his Phil Collins CD to help him relax. He even quietly sang along to "You Can't Hurry Love," which helped a little. Just as he finished the second verse, he felt someone's lips on his now still lips. He opened his eyes to see Kari kissing him before she broke off. "You sing better than your brother, " she said with a smile.
Getting to his feet, TK smiled back and said, "Thanks for coming, Kari. I felt this talk had to be in person rather than over the phone."
Kari replied, "I understand. So, what's up?" She held her breath a second time.
TK blushed and shook as he said, "Kari... will you... be my date for the prom this year?" The next thing TK knew, he was knocked to the floor of the dojo as a bundle of pink and brown energy rushed at him and hugged him tight.
"YES!" Kari screamed. "YES I'LL GO WITH YOU! I THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER ASK ME!"
TK was shocked and happy all at once. "Y-you will? You mean it?"
"Hell yes! I wanted to go with you last year, but that Davis ruined everything. This year, I didn't want to take any chances so I've been avoiding him. I can't tell you how much I have you on my mind, but I can finally tell you this: I love you, Takeru Takaishi!"
TK was taken aback, but smiled. Now he could tell her his feelings for her. "And I love you, Hikari Kamiya. God knows how long I have, but I do." He then kissed Kari, who returned it with passion.
"Okay, kids," Mr. Saotome said as he entered the room. "That's far enough. This is my home after all, not a motel. Besides, I promised TK's mother he'd be home at four and that's in fifteen minutes. Why don't you continue this discussion on the way home?"
Reluctantly, the two teens nodded, got up, then exited hand-in-hand. Mr. Saotome watched them go and smiled when his wife called, "Ranma, could you help me with dinner?" This made Mr. Saotome smile even more. "Coming, dear!"
********************************************************************************
Kari waltzed into the apartment as her mother set dinner on the table. Tai and their father were already seated. "My, you're very happy this evening," Mrs. Kamiya said. "Come sit down and eat."
"Not hungry, mom," Kari said as she headed for her room. "I'll eat later."
Tai smiled at his retreating sister and said, "Looks like it finally happened."
Mr. Kamiya looked at him. "Okay, Tai. What's going on?"
Mrs. Kamiya also looked at Tai. "Yes, Tai. Why is she acting like this?"
Tai beamed. "If she's acting like that, it means TK asked her to go with him to the prom. And if I'm right, he and she also admitted they love each other."
"Is that all?" Mr. Kamiya said, then returned to his meal. "I thought it was something serious. TK is a fine young man."
Mrs. Kamiya grabbed a napkin as tears came to her eyes. "My little girl's growing up so fast. Wait a minute! Are you sure it's TK, and not Davis?"
"Davis was up earlier, but..."
A shout came from Kari's bedroom. "I'd sooner drop dead than even speak his name, let alone go anywhere with him!"
As if on cue, the phone rang. Tai picked it up. "Hello? Yes, Davis, she is in-." Tai was cut off as Kari took the receiver from him. He was mostly surprised she did.
I'll handle this," she mouthed before she put the phone to her ear. "Hello, Davis. I figured you'd call me. The answer is no, Davis. You heard me. Why? Because I already have a date for the prom. It's TK." Kari yanked her ear away as screaming came from the phone. She shouted into the mouth piece, "Life's full of disappointments, Davis, so deal with it! And stop calling me!!" With that, she slammed the receiver back onto the phone. "I think I will have dinner now, mom." As she sat down, Kari looked at Tai and said, "Tai, when you call Sora tonight, I'd like to talk to her."
Tai nodded. "Sure thing, kid. I'm sure she and Mimi can help you get ready for the big night."
"And one more thing..." Kari said, pointing her spoon at him. "IF YOU OR MATT BOTHER TK AT ALL OR MESS THIS ALL UP, I'LL CARVE OUT YOUR HEARTS WITH THIS SPOON!"
Tai fell backwards out of his chair from Kari's outburst. Mr. Kamiya saw this as an opportunity to lighten the mood with his favorite movie quote. "'Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an ax?'"
Kari looked at her father, then, getting the joke, replied, "'Because it's dull, you twit! It'll hurt more!'"
Father and daughter then laughed their heads off. Tai picked himself off the floor and said to his mother, "I think they've seen 'Prince of Thieves' one too many times."
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TK barely ate his dinner, his mind concentrating on the day's earlier events. It was practically a dream come true, at least now he hoped it wasn't a dream. He had pinched himself about twenty times after he walked Kari home just to be sure. Kari's display of affection at the dojo replayed in his mind.
Mrs. Takaishi looked at her son with worry. "TK, why haven't you eaten? I know it's another TV dinner, but I didn't have time to stop by the store for ingredients to make anything else."
TK looked up at his mother in surprise, coming out of his thoughts. "Sorry, Mom. It's not the dinner. You know I like the chicken ones. I just... lost my appetite tonight."
Before Mrs. Takaishi could ask why, the door to their apartment opened and in came Matt. Both looked to see him enter. "Matt!" TK said in surprise. "What's up?"
Matt waved at the two. "Hey Mom, TK! The band just finished practicing and I thought I'd stop by on my way home. I got a call from Mimi concerning you, little brother."
Mrs. Takaishi looked at TK and crossed her arms. "TK, have you been fighting with Davis again?"
Matt put his hand on his mom's shoulder and said, "Nope. Mimi heard that TK's going with Kari to the prom."
TK blushed as his mother stared at him in shock. Grinning sheepishly, he said, "Did I forget to tell you that? I asked her today after my martial arts class was finished."
Matt grinned as he continued. "That's not all, though. You told Kari you're in love with her, didn't you? Tell us the truth!"
Now TK was sweating bullets. "Uh... that is... er... She actually told me her feelings first after she agreed to be my prom date. Only then did I tell her." He hated being put on the spot like this. Matt always wanted the details about him and Kari, about their dates or on school assignments they worked together on.
Fortunately, his mother sympathized with him and said, "Matt, that's enough! Can't you see you're making TK uncomfortable? Don't worry, sweetie. I saw this coming ever since ten years ago. I think you and Kari are a very good couple."
TK relaxed at this. Mom approves, he thought. And she'll help keep Matt in check. I'll ask Mimi to watch him just to be safe. As for Tai, Kari and Sora will have him eating out of their hands. At least Sora will... Uh-oh! "Has Davis found out, yet?"
Matt laughed and said, "Oh yes he did! He called Kari to ask her to the prom and when she said she was going with you, he totally blew his top through the roof. I'd stay clear of him if I were you, bro."
"It would be my pleasure, but he won't stay clear of me. He always believes that his way's the right way and nothing else."
"Then go see the school principal about this," Mrs. Takaishi said as she picked up her empty plate.
TK looked at her and said, "Oh sure, mom! He'll just lecture on about how my martial arts teacher is a foul enslaver of women and take his anger out on me."
Matt sat down at the table. "Why not ask Miss Hinako to help? She has zero tolerance for delinquents, and Davis is at the top of her list."
"What about outside of school? I don't think Miss Hinako could help me unless I take her out for ice cream. And I am not the kind of guy to two-time anybody!"
********************************************************************************
Monday came too fast for most of the students of Odaiba High School, but for TK, it couldn't have come sooner. He was going to meet with Kari and they were going to register together for the prom. Matt had agreed to take him shopping for a tuxedo and would speak with Sora about making Kari's corset.
TK met with Kari before their morning classes and agreed to register after school. Classes that day seemed to drag on for them, especially the ones where Davis was in with them. TK dashed out once the bell rang to avoid him, and Kari repeatedly gave him the cold shoulder every time he tried to talk to her.
Finally, three o'clock came and TK waited outside the school office for Kari. He sneaked into the boys room when he saw Davis among a crowd coming from down the hall, and didn't come out until he was sure Davis was gone. Peeking out the door, he saw Yolei waiting outside the office door.
"Hi, TK!" she said as she saw him come out. "Don't worry about Davis. He's long gone."
TK replied, "Thanks, Yolei. Uh, how'd you know I was hiding from him?"
"Ken, Cody, and I saw him trying to talk to Kari today, and she gave him a 100% brush-off each time. I take it you and Kari are going to the prom together?"
"Well, they say good news travels fast. The night I asked Kari, my brother came over to my apartment and congratulated me. He heard it from his girlfriend, and how she learned it I don't know."
Yolei looked at him slyly. "Did you also tell Kari you love her? Well?"
"As a matter of fact," someone behind Yolei said. She and TK looked to see Kari, with her arms crossed, and Ken behind her. Kari continued, "I told him I love him after he asked me to be his date, and then he told me. Further more, it's no one's business but mine and TK's!"
"Easy, Kari," Ken said as he walked up to Yolei and put his arm around her. "Everyone in school except Davis knows you two are close. How close, however, is still in the rumor mill, and no one believes that. Frankly, I'm glad you two finally told each other after all the interruptions from Davis and your brothers."
"Tell me about it," TK said. "Matt always wants the details whenever we were together, even after he and Tai spy on us. Hopefully, Mimi will keep him occupied for a while."
Kari then took TK's hand and asked, "Has Davis said anything to you?"
TK shook his head. "I've been avoiding him like the plague. I don't want to start a fight here and get expelled from the prom."
Ken laughed and said, "Oh come now! Surely the principal wouldn't do that!"
"Oh, yes he would. On account that my martial arts teacher is his longtime rival."
"Hey, gang!" Yolei said. "Are we here to talk or are we gonna sign up for the prom? Come on!" With that, she dragged Ken into the office by the arm.
Kari held out her hand for TK, who gladly took it, and they followed their friends. After signing up, TK and Kari walked out into the streets, now arm in arm. Kari rested her head on TK's shoulder and sighed. "We're going to the prom together and we're finally an official couple," she cooed. "I'm so happy, Takeru."
"That makes two of us, Kari," TK said. "I wanted to tell you sooner. I really did."
"I know. I tried to tell you, too. But our brothers and Davis just had to get in our way. Now, we don't have to worry that much. Sora said she'd keep Tai in line. And we both know Matt will have his hands full with Mimi."
They continued to walk in silence until they came to Kari's apartment building. Once there, they stared at each other for five seconds, kissed, and said their good-byes before TK walked off down the street and Kari into the building.
TK had not gone far when he felt someone following him. Thankful that his sensei had taught him to feel these sort of things, he turned quickly and blocked an incoming punch. He followed the arm to see... "Davis! What's this all about?"
It was indeed Davis, and his face was red with rage. "You know what it's about, TJ!" he cried as he threw another punch, which was also blocked. "I'M taking Kari to the prom, on account that she's MY girl! And you're not getting in my way!"
TK blocked several more attacks. "She'll go with whoever she wants to! If she doesn't want to go with me, then I'll walk away, but I refuse to let anyone make her decisions for her!" With that, TK delivered a sweep kick that knocked Davis to the sidewalk. Seeing the opportunity, he jumped away into the street but was unaware of the incoming car until it was near too late...
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Joe sighed happily as he sat down in a chair for the first time that day. He had been on his feet at the hospital since seven that morning and had to rush through his last two meals, and now he caught a break.
Not ten seconds had passed when a fellow medical student rushed in and said, "Joe! There was an accident just a few minutes ago, some kid leaped into the street and got hit by a car. He's up in room 203. You'd better look at him, I think he's a friend of yours."
Joe grunted and said, "Okay, I'll look. But if it isn't someone I know, Paul, you're the next one to get hit by a car after I throw you into the street!"
The two walked to 203 at a good pace. When Joe saw the patient, his face paled and his jaw dropped. It was TK, with a cast on his left foot and bandages around his head. Joe faced his friend. "Details!" he demanded. "Full details!"
The other student said, "A few witnesses said he got jumped by some other teen with spiky hair, but gave him a sweeping kick and leaped backwards into the street. He didn't see the car coming until a split second before it hit him. He managed to escape, but his foot got run over and he hit his head. Luckily he's just unconscious. The other kid ran off right afterwards."
Davis! Joe thought coldly. That's the only explanation! "Watch him, Paul! I have to phone his family." And Kari... Sometimes this career really sucks at moments like these!
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's note(s): This was running a little too long. The grand total of the finished product was over twenty pages, so I cut it down to two parts. TK fans, don't kill me! I assure you he'll be okay for the finale. Also we'll have more guest-shots and a special cameo. ^_^
PROM NIGHT
Notice: This is a Takari Fic, so if you do not support it, then please leave now. Early warning, there will be Davis/Daisuke bashing here. It's set ten years after the end of Season 1 of "Digimon," but Season 2 never happened although the new kids are in here as well as some guest-appearances. All characters are copyright and trademark of Toei Animation, Viz Communications, etc.
TK launched his fist, connecting with the practice dummy. He had been practicing his punches at the local dojo for twenty minutes now, and he still couldn't focus. A face kept appearing on the dummy that he had been using, making him hesitant. A kind and sweet face he never wanted to forget except when practicing his martial arts. The face of the girl he loves. Kari Kamiya.
They had met almost ten years ago, when they, their brothers, and four others met special creatures named Digimon and fought armies of evil Digimon bent on ruling not just the Digital World, but the Real World as well. They had won, and TK and Kari became good friends even when TK returned home outside Odaiba, the city Kari lived. They wrote each other constantly, and saw each other whenever TK visited his brother and father.
Then, four years after they first met, TK and his mother moved to Odaiba, and he was now closer to Kari. Four years later he realized he was in love with her, and wondered if she felt the same towards him. He had come so close to telling her on several occasions, even after their last five dates. However, something would happen and ruin the moment, like their brothers spying on them.
"That's enough for today, TK."
TK spun around to see his sensei behind him. He bowed, then turned to put away the dummy only to have his sensei stop him.
"I'll get it later. Come over here, son. I want to talk with you."
TK cringed a little at this, but left the dummy where it was and joined his instructor. They sat on the floor, facing each other. The sensei flung his small pigtail behind his head before speaking.
"I was watching you practice, and noticed you were having difficulties keeping focus. Care to talk about it?"
"Gomen, Mr. Saotome. You're right. I've been thinking about something lately. Actually, it's someone I've been thinking about."
Mr. Saotome's expression didn't change. "I think I see where this is going. Who is she?"
"Kari Kamiya. We've been friends for almost ten years, and for some time I've felt what I thought was a crush towards her. Now... now I'm sure I'm in love with her."
"Have you told her?"
"How can I? Every time I've tried to tell her, something or somebody comes up and ruins the moment. Both our brothers have been spying on us for the past two years or so. It's like they're deciding our lives for us."
"I can relate to that. My father and my wife's father did the same thing back when we we're both engaged and at each other's throats. Just be thankful you didn't have my fiancee problems. But, that's not all, is it?"
TK sighed heavily. "No, it isn't. Our school prom's coming up in two weeks, and I'm so nervous to ask her to be my date for it. I'm also worried that someone else has asked her, especially Davis Motomiya."
"Ah," Mr. Saotome said. "You have a rival for this girl. I know how you feel. I had lots of rivals for my wife, even after we married. The most persistent of them was your principal, Tatewaki Kuno. He claimed Akane was his and his alone. He even convinced the boys at school that they had to beat Akane in a fight so they could be allowed to date her. Fortunately, she always beat them, even though they kept trying until I came along. Then it was just Kuno and some others."
"No wonder he has a grudge against me. But Davis is worse, sensei. He's the top soccer player at school and has a major crush on Kari since six years ago. He's so full of himself, he believes that it's his way or the highway. My brother Matt told me that Davis' last few girlfriends said he was a hentai that constantly tries to make out every chance he gets on a date."
"Sounds like Kuno," another voice said from behind the two men. A woman in a training gi stepped in and sat beside Mr. Saotome. "He always grabbed onto me like I was his property. Still, we're talking about your problems, TK. My advice is to just talk to Kari. Don't tell her how you feel just yet, but ask her about the prom. The worst she could do is say that she already has a date, right?"
Mr. Saotome nodded and said, "Akane's right. If you don't talk things out, you're in for a world of hurt. We've been there before, and never want to go back. Why don't you call Kari right now? You can use our phone."
TK absorbed what the Saotomes had said, got up, and left for the nearest phone.
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Kari lay outstretched on the couch, miserable. She had been avoiding Davis all day as she had been for the past few weeks, since she knew what he'd ask her. He wants me to be his date for the prom, like last year. Never again! I only went with him because he paid that Miranda to ask TK to the prom last year before I could. Speaking of TK, why hasn't he asked me, yet?! He's been avoiding all the girls these past two weeks. If that's not a sign that he wants to ask me, I don't know what is!
The phone suddenly rang, but Kari didn't budge. Knowing this, Tai answered the phone. After five seconds, he placed his hand over the receiver and faced Kari.
"I'm not here," she immediately said, not looking up or letting Tai get a word in. "I don't give a damn who it is!" Take that, Davis Motomiya!
Tai sighed and returned to the phone. "Sorry, she's not in. May I ask who's calling?" A smile soon appeared on Tai's face as he replied, "Hey, TK! It's been a while."
Kari looked up at the mention of the name. TK?!
Tai was still talking, but he knew Kari was interested now that she knew who was calling. "Okay, kiddo. As soon as she gets in-."
"I'M IN!" she shouted as she immediately leaped from the couch and bumped Tai aside in a flash, taking the phone from him. "Hello, TK!"
There was a hint of surprise in the cheerful voice on the phone. "Hi, Kari! I thought Tai said you were out."
"I just walked in the door. I'm glad you called, I've been trying to talk with you."
"Same here. I... have some thing to ask you, Kari."
"Go ahead, TK. I'm listening." He's going to ask me! He's finally going to ask me! Kari held her breath.
There was a brief silence before TK spoke again. "Actually, could I come over real quick?"
Kari almost did a facefault. Well, maybe he wants to ask me in person. "No good. Mom and Dad aren't in and we're not to have anyone over while they're gone, no exceptions. Why don't I come over to your place?"
"I'm not home. I'm at the Saotome School of Martial Arts. My sensei let me use the phone to call you. I'll ask him." There was more silence until TK replied. "Mrs. Saotome will be there to pick you up in three minutes."
Kari felt her heart skip three beats. "Great! See you soon, Takeru."
Tai smiled at his sister as she said the name before hanging up the phone. Picking himself of the floor, he said, "So, you have a little rendezvous with TK at his place, hm? I'll drive-."
Kari glared at Tai and said, "You will not! Every time I get close to telling TK I love him, you and Matt or someone else shows up and ruin the moment. Well, not this time! Someone's coming to pick me up in two minutes, and I'm meeting TK in private. You. Stay. Here!"
Kari then stomped towards the door when there was a knock from outside the door. She looked through the hole to see a teenager with spiky brown hair, wearing a jacket and goggles. Oh no! Not now!
Tai saw Kari begin to sweat, and immediately knew who was at the door. Quietly pushing his sister aside to hide her, he opened the door to see Davis. "Hello, Davis. What brings you here?"
Davis bowed. "Hello, Tai. Is Kari home? I'd like to talk to her."
"As a matter of fact, she's hiding behind the door while we speak." He added a laugh, even though he knew Kari would murder him afterwards for this. "Actually, she's gone to visit our grandparents, and I don't know when she'll be back. Is there a message I could give her for you?"
Davis blushed and said, "No, nothing important. I'll, uh, try calling her later. Bye!"
Tai watched as Davis ran down the hall and went in the elevator. After closing the door, he received a good punch in the shoulder from an angry Kari.
"What the hell were you thinking?" she cried. "He's trying to ask me to go with him to the prom, and I don't want to ever go through that again! Besides, aren't you the one who agreed with Matt when he said that TK and I are 'Digi-Destined' to be together, hm?"
Tai raised his hands in defense. "Hey, it threw Davis off the trail, didn't it? And what happened last year that was so bad?"
"You mean besides the fact that he did 70 in a 55 speed limit zone and got both me and himself arrested before we even reached the prom? And because of that, TK had to dump his date just to make sure I was okay and nearly got in trouble with his date's father?"
"Oh, yeah. Lucky for him, Miranda accidentally let it out that Davis bribed her to take TK out for the prom. Well, TK's probably gonna ask you when you go see him, right?"
There was another knock on the door. Kari looked to see a woman with short dark hair and then opened the door. "I'm Akane Saotome," the woman said. "Let's go, Kari."
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TK tried to meditate after Mrs. Saotome had gone to get Kari, but he was still nervous. After a minute, he pulled out his earphones and listened to his Phil Collins CD to help him relax. He even quietly sang along to "You Can't Hurry Love," which helped a little. Just as he finished the second verse, he felt someone's lips on his now still lips. He opened his eyes to see Kari kissing him before she broke off. "You sing better than your brother, " she said with a smile.
Getting to his feet, TK smiled back and said, "Thanks for coming, Kari. I felt this talk had to be in person rather than over the phone."
Kari replied, "I understand. So, what's up?" She held her breath a second time.
TK blushed and shook as he said, "Kari... will you... be my date for the prom this year?" The next thing TK knew, he was knocked to the floor of the dojo as a bundle of pink and brown energy rushed at him and hugged him tight.
"YES!" Kari screamed. "YES I'LL GO WITH YOU! I THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER ASK ME!"
TK was shocked and happy all at once. "Y-you will? You mean it?"
"Hell yes! I wanted to go with you last year, but that Davis ruined everything. This year, I didn't want to take any chances so I've been avoiding him. I can't tell you how much I have you on my mind, but I can finally tell you this: I love you, Takeru Takaishi!"
TK was taken aback, but smiled. Now he could tell her his feelings for her. "And I love you, Hikari Kamiya. God knows how long I have, but I do." He then kissed Kari, who returned it with passion.
"Okay, kids," Mr. Saotome said as he entered the room. "That's far enough. This is my home after all, not a motel. Besides, I promised TK's mother he'd be home at four and that's in fifteen minutes. Why don't you continue this discussion on the way home?"
Reluctantly, the two teens nodded, got up, then exited hand-in-hand. Mr. Saotome watched them go and smiled when his wife called, "Ranma, could you help me with dinner?" This made Mr. Saotome smile even more. "Coming, dear!"
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Kari waltzed into the apartment as her mother set dinner on the table. Tai and their father were already seated. "My, you're very happy this evening," Mrs. Kamiya said. "Come sit down and eat."
"Not hungry, mom," Kari said as she headed for her room. "I'll eat later."
Tai smiled at his retreating sister and said, "Looks like it finally happened."
Mr. Kamiya looked at him. "Okay, Tai. What's going on?"
Mrs. Kamiya also looked at Tai. "Yes, Tai. Why is she acting like this?"
Tai beamed. "If she's acting like that, it means TK asked her to go with him to the prom. And if I'm right, he and she also admitted they love each other."
"Is that all?" Mr. Kamiya said, then returned to his meal. "I thought it was something serious. TK is a fine young man."
Mrs. Kamiya grabbed a napkin as tears came to her eyes. "My little girl's growing up so fast. Wait a minute! Are you sure it's TK, and not Davis?"
"Davis was up earlier, but..."
A shout came from Kari's bedroom. "I'd sooner drop dead than even speak his name, let alone go anywhere with him!"
As if on cue, the phone rang. Tai picked it up. "Hello? Yes, Davis, she is in-." Tai was cut off as Kari took the receiver from him. He was mostly surprised she did.
I'll handle this," she mouthed before she put the phone to her ear. "Hello, Davis. I figured you'd call me. The answer is no, Davis. You heard me. Why? Because I already have a date for the prom. It's TK." Kari yanked her ear away as screaming came from the phone. She shouted into the mouth piece, "Life's full of disappointments, Davis, so deal with it! And stop calling me!!" With that, she slammed the receiver back onto the phone. "I think I will have dinner now, mom." As she sat down, Kari looked at Tai and said, "Tai, when you call Sora tonight, I'd like to talk to her."
Tai nodded. "Sure thing, kid. I'm sure she and Mimi can help you get ready for the big night."
"And one more thing..." Kari said, pointing her spoon at him. "IF YOU OR MATT BOTHER TK AT ALL OR MESS THIS ALL UP, I'LL CARVE OUT YOUR HEARTS WITH THIS SPOON!"
Tai fell backwards out of his chair from Kari's outburst. Mr. Kamiya saw this as an opportunity to lighten the mood with his favorite movie quote. "'Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an ax?'"
Kari looked at her father, then, getting the joke, replied, "'Because it's dull, you twit! It'll hurt more!'"
Father and daughter then laughed their heads off. Tai picked himself off the floor and said to his mother, "I think they've seen 'Prince of Thieves' one too many times."
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TK barely ate his dinner, his mind concentrating on the day's earlier events. It was practically a dream come true, at least now he hoped it wasn't a dream. He had pinched himself about twenty times after he walked Kari home just to be sure. Kari's display of affection at the dojo replayed in his mind.
Mrs. Takaishi looked at her son with worry. "TK, why haven't you eaten? I know it's another TV dinner, but I didn't have time to stop by the store for ingredients to make anything else."
TK looked up at his mother in surprise, coming out of his thoughts. "Sorry, Mom. It's not the dinner. You know I like the chicken ones. I just... lost my appetite tonight."
Before Mrs. Takaishi could ask why, the door to their apartment opened and in came Matt. Both looked to see him enter. "Matt!" TK said in surprise. "What's up?"
Matt waved at the two. "Hey Mom, TK! The band just finished practicing and I thought I'd stop by on my way home. I got a call from Mimi concerning you, little brother."
Mrs. Takaishi looked at TK and crossed her arms. "TK, have you been fighting with Davis again?"
Matt put his hand on his mom's shoulder and said, "Nope. Mimi heard that TK's going with Kari to the prom."
TK blushed as his mother stared at him in shock. Grinning sheepishly, he said, "Did I forget to tell you that? I asked her today after my martial arts class was finished."
Matt grinned as he continued. "That's not all, though. You told Kari you're in love with her, didn't you? Tell us the truth!"
Now TK was sweating bullets. "Uh... that is... er... She actually told me her feelings first after she agreed to be my prom date. Only then did I tell her." He hated being put on the spot like this. Matt always wanted the details about him and Kari, about their dates or on school assignments they worked together on.
Fortunately, his mother sympathized with him and said, "Matt, that's enough! Can't you see you're making TK uncomfortable? Don't worry, sweetie. I saw this coming ever since ten years ago. I think you and Kari are a very good couple."
TK relaxed at this. Mom approves, he thought. And she'll help keep Matt in check. I'll ask Mimi to watch him just to be safe. As for Tai, Kari and Sora will have him eating out of their hands. At least Sora will... Uh-oh! "Has Davis found out, yet?"
Matt laughed and said, "Oh yes he did! He called Kari to ask her to the prom and when she said she was going with you, he totally blew his top through the roof. I'd stay clear of him if I were you, bro."
"It would be my pleasure, but he won't stay clear of me. He always believes that his way's the right way and nothing else."
"Then go see the school principal about this," Mrs. Takaishi said as she picked up her empty plate.
TK looked at her and said, "Oh sure, mom! He'll just lecture on about how my martial arts teacher is a foul enslaver of women and take his anger out on me."
Matt sat down at the table. "Why not ask Miss Hinako to help? She has zero tolerance for delinquents, and Davis is at the top of her list."
"What about outside of school? I don't think Miss Hinako could help me unless I take her out for ice cream. And I am not the kind of guy to two-time anybody!"
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Monday came too fast for most of the students of Odaiba High School, but for TK, it couldn't have come sooner. He was going to meet with Kari and they were going to register together for the prom. Matt had agreed to take him shopping for a tuxedo and would speak with Sora about making Kari's corset.
TK met with Kari before their morning classes and agreed to register after school. Classes that day seemed to drag on for them, especially the ones where Davis was in with them. TK dashed out once the bell rang to avoid him, and Kari repeatedly gave him the cold shoulder every time he tried to talk to her.
Finally, three o'clock came and TK waited outside the school office for Kari. He sneaked into the boys room when he saw Davis among a crowd coming from down the hall, and didn't come out until he was sure Davis was gone. Peeking out the door, he saw Yolei waiting outside the office door.
"Hi, TK!" she said as she saw him come out. "Don't worry about Davis. He's long gone."
TK replied, "Thanks, Yolei. Uh, how'd you know I was hiding from him?"
"Ken, Cody, and I saw him trying to talk to Kari today, and she gave him a 100% brush-off each time. I take it you and Kari are going to the prom together?"
"Well, they say good news travels fast. The night I asked Kari, my brother came over to my apartment and congratulated me. He heard it from his girlfriend, and how she learned it I don't know."
Yolei looked at him slyly. "Did you also tell Kari you love her? Well?"
"As a matter of fact," someone behind Yolei said. She and TK looked to see Kari, with her arms crossed, and Ken behind her. Kari continued, "I told him I love him after he asked me to be his date, and then he told me. Further more, it's no one's business but mine and TK's!"
"Easy, Kari," Ken said as he walked up to Yolei and put his arm around her. "Everyone in school except Davis knows you two are close. How close, however, is still in the rumor mill, and no one believes that. Frankly, I'm glad you two finally told each other after all the interruptions from Davis and your brothers."
"Tell me about it," TK said. "Matt always wants the details whenever we were together, even after he and Tai spy on us. Hopefully, Mimi will keep him occupied for a while."
Kari then took TK's hand and asked, "Has Davis said anything to you?"
TK shook his head. "I've been avoiding him like the plague. I don't want to start a fight here and get expelled from the prom."
Ken laughed and said, "Oh come now! Surely the principal wouldn't do that!"
"Oh, yes he would. On account that my martial arts teacher is his longtime rival."
"Hey, gang!" Yolei said. "Are we here to talk or are we gonna sign up for the prom? Come on!" With that, she dragged Ken into the office by the arm.
Kari held out her hand for TK, who gladly took it, and they followed their friends. After signing up, TK and Kari walked out into the streets, now arm in arm. Kari rested her head on TK's shoulder and sighed. "We're going to the prom together and we're finally an official couple," she cooed. "I'm so happy, Takeru."
"That makes two of us, Kari," TK said. "I wanted to tell you sooner. I really did."
"I know. I tried to tell you, too. But our brothers and Davis just had to get in our way. Now, we don't have to worry that much. Sora said she'd keep Tai in line. And we both know Matt will have his hands full with Mimi."
They continued to walk in silence until they came to Kari's apartment building. Once there, they stared at each other for five seconds, kissed, and said their good-byes before TK walked off down the street and Kari into the building.
TK had not gone far when he felt someone following him. Thankful that his sensei had taught him to feel these sort of things, he turned quickly and blocked an incoming punch. He followed the arm to see... "Davis! What's this all about?"
It was indeed Davis, and his face was red with rage. "You know what it's about, TJ!" he cried as he threw another punch, which was also blocked. "I'M taking Kari to the prom, on account that she's MY girl! And you're not getting in my way!"
TK blocked several more attacks. "She'll go with whoever she wants to! If she doesn't want to go with me, then I'll walk away, but I refuse to let anyone make her decisions for her!" With that, TK delivered a sweep kick that knocked Davis to the sidewalk. Seeing the opportunity, he jumped away into the street but was unaware of the incoming car until it was near too late...
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Joe sighed happily as he sat down in a chair for the first time that day. He had been on his feet at the hospital since seven that morning and had to rush through his last two meals, and now he caught a break.
Not ten seconds had passed when a fellow medical student rushed in and said, "Joe! There was an accident just a few minutes ago, some kid leaped into the street and got hit by a car. He's up in room 203. You'd better look at him, I think he's a friend of yours."
Joe grunted and said, "Okay, I'll look. But if it isn't someone I know, Paul, you're the next one to get hit by a car after I throw you into the street!"
The two walked to 203 at a good pace. When Joe saw the patient, his face paled and his jaw dropped. It was TK, with a cast on his left foot and bandages around his head. Joe faced his friend. "Details!" he demanded. "Full details!"
The other student said, "A few witnesses said he got jumped by some other teen with spiky hair, but gave him a sweeping kick and leaped backwards into the street. He didn't see the car coming until a split second before it hit him. He managed to escape, but his foot got run over and he hit his head. Luckily he's just unconscious. The other kid ran off right afterwards."
Davis! Joe thought coldly. That's the only explanation! "Watch him, Paul! I have to phone his family." And Kari... Sometimes this career really sucks at moments like these!
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's note(s): This was running a little too long. The grand total of the finished product was over twenty pages, so I cut it down to two parts. TK fans, don't kill me! I assure you he'll be okay for the finale. Also we'll have more guest-shots and a special cameo. ^_^