Disclaimer: I don't own the Digimanz. They are not mine. If they were, that epilogue would have NEVER happened. ;)

Note: This story popped into my head while I was listening to an Avril Lavigne song, What The Hell.
I'm a big proponent of pushing the boundaries and trying to go new places with characters, so I was really geared up to write this. I find that most Takari stories are either about A) their super cutesy relationship or B) some dramatic tale of light and hope and darkness, and while they're still really really enjoyable, I really wanted to try something different.
So here you go, I hope you enjoy it!

"'Kari, I'm worried about you."

Hikari rolled her eyes. Honestly, what was with everyone lately? It seemed to her that she was getting called on daily out of concern for her well being. Even Iori had paid her a visit the other week. Of course, the drunken kiss she had shared with her junior probably had something to do with that. What was wrong with a girl trying to have a little fun?

"This just isn't like you, acting like this. Is something wrong, 'Kari?"

Hikari threw her hands up, "How many times do I have to tell you, Takeru? I'm fine. I'm a big girl. I can do what I want."

Takeru frowned, "I'm just confused. I know we broke up a while ago, but I still feel like it came out of the blue."

He was steering the conversation into dangerous waters, and he knew it; that was something she could see in his clear blue eyes. It's not like she had ditched him outright, they still had their fun together. Or at least, she tried to have her fun, but he was determined to be a prude about it.

"Look TK," she cooed, deliberately using her old pet name for her former other half, "I just need to live the single life for a while. Have some fun on my own."

His frown never faded, turning into a wince at the sound of the nickname he used to cherish. Takeru was honestly baffled at Hikari's drastic change in behavior. One day they were cuddling in front of the TV and sharing a picnic in the park, and the next she dumps him and proceeds to jump Daisuke's bones, just as a start. He couldn't deny that he was hurt, and more than a little broken up, but the following week she had come 'round to his apartment, looking for a little "pick-me up" as she called it. As much as he always wanted to turn her away when she called on him, he always let her in, kissing her with frustrated passion until she huffed out looking wild and frustrated. He always kept a little something from this stranger in his darling's body, and she hated it.

The first time she had argued, tried to coerce him into giving her what she wanted, whispering his name in his ear while taking little nips, something she knew he went crazy for. Still, Takeru was not one with poor restraint, and she reeled out the door, muttering something about paying a visit to a friend. From what he gathered, she immediately swung 'round to Daisuke's apartment and coerced someone with lesser self-discipline to give her the fun she was looking for. He had wanted to beat the living crap out of his friend, but he knew it wasn't Daisuke's fault, and that technically, the two of them were no longer an item.

"TK," she sighed. "I gotta go. But I'll see you around, okay?"

She smiled at Takeru, who just sighed in return, "Fine. See you around."

Hikari waited until she heard the door slam shut and went to her closet to slip into something more alluring for her Friday night. Before she and Takeru split, she used to go out with the girls on Fridays and dance while sipping light cocktails. These days, however, she rarely saw anyone in a friendly scenario. Sora could barely stand to look at her, being the mother figure she was, to both herself and Takeru. Hikari rolled her eyes, wondering why everyone was seemingly choosing his side. Even her own beloved brother looked at her differently now.

Usually, she would go out on her own and dance with all the attractive men in the clubs. But sometimes Miyako would plead to go with her. The only reason Hikari could see for why she would want to join her was that she wanted to keep an eye on her friend, as well as potentially try and talk her out of her "rebellious phase".

Not long after Takeru had taken his leave, she heard the doorbell. Miyako must have decided she wanted to tag along, after all. She hastily lined her lips with bubblegum pink lip gloss and went to greet her guest. As expected, it was Miyako on the other side.

"Hey, Hikari!" she greeted with a smile. Of all the friends she was close to, Miyako was the only one who hadn't looked at her with disgust at one point or another. Something told Hikari that despite not really agreeing with Hikari's actions, she could understand them from some level. Hikari was at least grateful for that. It still didn't mean that her attempts to reform Hikari weren't annoying, at best.

Hikari smiled back, pink lips shining over her pearly teeth as she invited her friend inside, "I see you wanted to come along after all. What happened, Sora and Mimi took a pass this weekend?"

Miyako shrugged, "I felt like partying it up with you tonight. Besides, and don't tell anyone I said this, but I'm sick of hearing about the wedding plans. All of it just makes me so jealous. I mean, really, Hikari, how many hints do I have to drop before Ken gets the idea? I'm not getting any younger!"

That's right, Hikari thought to herself, I almost forgot about the wedding. I'm supposed to be a bridesmaid. Takeru, also a groomsman, was supposed to be my date. Hikari paused at the doorway, a small pang of sadness washing over her. Just as soon as it came, however, it left, and she was soon kicking her slippers off and changing into her trusty mini-skirt and low-cut, spaghetti-strap slinky top. She grabbed her silver heels from underneath her bed and strapped them on like a pro, leaving her bedroom to prepare to leave. Miyako saw her outfit and frowned.

"If we get separated tonight, and I know we will," she began with a stern look, "please be careful."

Hikari brushed her off with a wave and began to fill her tiny clutch with her necessities; ID, credit card, lip gloss, and beckoned Miyako out the door.

"Are you going to lecture me all night, or are we going to dance?" she asked, waiting for her now only friend.

Sighing, Miyako followed Hikari out the door and down to the sidewalk to catch a taxi. This whole situation had Miyako sad and confused, even if she wouldn't show it to her younger girlfriend. She piled into the taxi after Hikari and linked her arm in her own, hoping that maybe if she wished it hard enough, it would keep Hikari safe from trouble.