Chapter Two: Genuine Surprise

The tapping sound was fast and doubled. Tonight, mother and son were both at their computers, writing. At least, they were trying to.

Ms. Takaishi was busy with a conference call from her boss. Apparently, she needed to get her article in as soon as possible. However, the time wasted with him yelling at her prevented her from writing anything for her column!

Her son Takeruwas at the desk on the opposite wall, reading an e-mail he had gotten from his best friend Hikari. True, it was distracting him from a short story he was writing, but he felt that Hikari was the priority.

Dear Takeru,

Hey! I really wish that you were there Friday! Davis and I had loads of fun and I actually learned that he's more than just an arrogant, obnoxious leader! I hope you'll be at school tomorrow, because we didn't visit each other the whole weekend. I believe that's a record for us. Besides, I have to show you some new dance moves I learned.

I have to go, now, though. I know you wished that I'd write longer e-mails, but I can't this time. Gatomon's getting antsy and I have to go get her some milk!

Yours Truly,

Hikari

Takeru smiled. He really did wish she'd write longer letters, but just hearing from her at all made him pleased. Thinking it best to sit on her letter, he began to work on his freelance writing. He would reply a little bit later, when his head was clearer.

Behind him, Nancy's boss was still yelling.

"Mom, why don't you just hang up on the guy and tell him you lost internet connection?"

"Because I don't want to get fired," she muttered from the side of her mouth. "Sorry, sir-Yes, I'm still listening. Yes, listening very intently."

Shaking his head with laughter, Takeru turned back to his own work.

It was amazing how engrossed Takeru could get in his work. It was now eleven o'clock and he had written over ten pages to his story. He hadn't even noticed when his mother's boss had hung up on the videoconference.

Closing his document, he stifled a yawn. It was probably best if he went to bed now, considering he had school the next day. But as soon as the window had closed, the e-mail from Hikari popped up. He read over it again and began to type furiously.

Hey, Hikari,

You were alone with Davis at that party? I would have come if you had just told me that! But from what I hear it wasn't too terrible.

The curser pulsed after the period. He soaked in what he had just written. Hikari had fun at Davis' house. With just Davis.

Without him.

In his mind, Takeru was the only one Hikari could hang out with for hours on end without feeling awkward. Yolei talked far too much and Hikari often said it made her feel overwhelmed. The fact that the only thing Ken and Hikari shared was the darkness always made Hikari afraid to strike up a conversation. Cody was too serious and made Hikari feel immature, despite her older age. Finally, there was Davis. He liked her and was more obnoxious than her brother! Though he was a good guy, Takeru had always felt that Hikari was embarrassed to be around Davis for too long. Apparently, he had misinterpreted this.

Clearing his throat, Takeru continued the e-mail.

I can't wait to see your new dance! You're so graceful, I'm sure it will be beautiful. I'll see you at school!

Dutifully Yours,
Takeru

The formal adjectives were not new to Takeru's vocabulary. Having the heart of a writer, he was always the best at giving elegant compliments. The "dutifully yours" written in his signature was an inside joke between him and Hikari. That's why she put "yours truly."

When they were younger, Takeru was much like her guardian, especially when Tai was not present. Hikari would never feel safe unless she could be with Takeru, too. They had such a strong bond for eight year olds. Though Hikari was perfectly capable of fending and defending, it was still cute to give themselves to each other in this protective way. After all, they were best friends.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, warm and soft. "Yeah, mom?"

"Nothing. Just go to bed soon, okay, Takeru?" she asked in her soft voice.

"Of course! Just finishing my e-mail to—"

"Hikari. I know. Christ, since we moved to Odaiba, you two have been inseparable."

After quitting his applications, Takeru stood up and hugged his mom. "You say that like it's something new! It's been this way for nearly four years!"

She blushed. "I know, but now I see you're really growing up. Though you two are just as close, it doesn't mean you're relationship is the same."

"It's matured?"

"That's what I've always thought," Nancy said quietly, her eyes on the floor.

Takeru hugged his mother tighter. He was a good four inches taller than her, standing at 5"8 (and still growing). Maybe he was maturing himself. His mother kissed his cheek and patted his shoulder before heading to her bedroom.

His mother was right. There was something different about his relationship with Hikari. It had a deeper meaning now. They had cultivated it and now they could sit back and watch it bloom.

At least, that's what his fantasy told him. But it seemed that a new obstacle had entered the field, and Takeru now had some competition.

"Favorite… game?" Hikari asked tentatively. For good measure, she added, "besides soccer."

Davis pouted, causing her to laugh. "I guess I'd have to say stri—"

They answer was never finished. She never got to comment on his favorite game because Takeru had tapped her shoulder and she whirled around to hug him.

"Hey! How have you been?"

"Good, good. Just did a lot of writing this weekend," commented the blonde lightly.

He walked easily next to her, trapping her in between the two boys. Davis seemed upset, but Takeru was oblivious to this. He was just happy to see his best friend again after three days.

"Good for you, Takeru You love writing."

They just smiled at each other, while Davis "hmphed" next to them.

Finally, they paid the be-goggled boy heed. "Sorry, Davis, what were you saying about strippers?"

Hikari frowned. "I thought it was striped something."

Takeru shook his head. "I don't think so. It was definitely something about naked dancing women."

"If they are strippers, they technically aren't naked yet, then," Hikari said.

Their conversation seemed serious, but of course the two were joking. They laughed, only causing Davis to fume more.

"I was saying 'strip poker!'" Davis yelled.

Hikari was blushing, afraid someone would associate her with that mature game. Embarrassed, Hikari adjusted her uniform's skirt so that it would look longer. Takeru rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.

"Davis, try and be a bit more tactful?" Takeru asked in his gentle voice. Given, it still sounded defensive.

"Shove off, T-time."

Hikari whipped her head around to glare at Davis, but Takeru's hand prevented her from yelling at the disrespectful leader.

"It's fine, Hikari! I have to go anyway. We have morning practice for basketball and we're scrimmaging the Junior Varsity team!" Even though he was just a sophomore, Takeru was already on the Varsity basketball team.

"Good luck, then!" said Hikari in bright reply.

Takeru gave his final wave before setting off towards the gym. He ran, considering how big the high school campus was. It was much larger than their junior high school. She smiled after him and hugged her books tighter to her chest.

"What's so great about him anyway?" muttered Davis bitterly.

Hikari ignored his inquiry with a question of her own. "Did you notice how only half of his mouth is grinning? It's like a half smile, but wide. Like the Cheshire cat."

"Maybe he has brain damage. Yeah, he has a brain defect so only one half of his face works!"

She scowled, but didn't respond to Davis' childish accusations.

To save himself, Davis changed the subject. "So, strip poker!

Hikari almost started laughing at once. She didn't like to be mad, so it made it that much easier to cheer her up. "You're silly. Um, what's your favorite subject?"

"Geometry," said Davis easily. Of course it was because it was their only class together.

Hikari blushed.

"That's one of mine, too."

Both Davis and Takeru were in that class.

The geometry classroom was set up in three columns. The two end columns could fit two students per desk, while the center columns could fit three. Hikari usually sat in the center, on the right end with Takeru next to her in the middle. On the other side of him was a quiet boy who was actually a freshman. His name was Jake, but he really didn't speak much. Still, Takeru and Hikari liked to be friendly to him.

Jake was sick today, as Mr. Fujiyama explained. With a bright face, Davis took Hikari's usual seat leaving Hikari to choose between the other end and the middle. Would it be rude to keep a whole space in between them just to save Takeru his usual spot? Or should she just let Takeru have Jake's seat?

She decided on the latter, and once they had all their books out, Davis and Hikari began to speak again.

"Five questions left, Kamiya. What's it going to be?"

"You aren't going to use any of yours?" she asked, curious. "That didn't count, by the way."

"Nah. I want to save them for when I come up with really insightful ones."

"I won't hold my breath," she teased.

Davis barely heard her so he just stared goofily at her as an alternative. They fell into a silence again as they waited for the fifth period bell to ring.

Takeru arrived precisely thirty-five seconds before the official bell rang and he paused only for a second to take in the new seating arrangement. After a few blinks, he sat beside Hikari and smiled easily, as if nothing was different.

"Hey, Hikari. Davis!" he greeted amiably.

Rather than reply, Hikari smiled warmly in return as the bell began to ring. He wouldn't have heard her reply anyhow. Davis grunted and began doodling in his notebook to distract himself.

Class went by as slowly as usual. Hikari and Takeru took their notes, while Davis continued his doodling. They also passed notes, which wasn't new for Takeru and Hikari. However, for the first time Hikari was passing notes with Davis as well. It irritated Takeru to a slight extent, considering it delayed Hikari's replies.

The bell rang and every child in the classroom began to pack swiftly. No one wanted to stay in that hellhole longer than necessary. Hikari, who liked to stay organized, took longer to pack than everyone else. Davis waved goodbye to her, eager to get to his next class, which was gym. He had chosen to take physical education as an elective, despite the credits he received from playing soccer.

"You coming?" asked Takeru

They had the same class next. It was their Literature class; Takeru's favorite subject, save for his elective of Creative Writing.

Hikari nodded. "Let's go!"

Together they headed for the adjacent building where they would sit at the same desk again. The two shared almost all of the same classes, except for their electives (Hikari took photography) and their sciences (they were in the same level, just separate classes).

"What's with you and Davis lately?" asked Takeru in an attempt of a nonchalant voice. Hikari, who always believed the best in people, believed his indifference.

"Nothing! We're just better friends now," replied she, half laughing. "Why do you ask?"

To avert her eyes he looked up at the ceiling. "No reason."

Finally Hikari caught on. Was her best friend actually hiding something from her? It pained her to know he couldn't quite trust her. Still, she decided not to press the issue so as not to stress Takeru further.

With this final morning class left before winter break, Tai waited impatiently for his World Literatures teacher to finish lecturing. College students were promised an earlier break than the high school children and he had big plans. Sure, he had to pick up Hikari from school but that was five hours away. Tai planned on visiting the Takenouchi flower shop to have a talk with Sora.

What exactly is going on between those two? He asked himself. In his stress, Tai began to chew on the eraser of his pencil. Get a grip, it's no big deal. She's just a girl! And you're happy for them anyway, right?

"Wrong!" snapped their professor at a timid student.

Tai snapped from his daydreams to find Dr. Brown fuming at the student who had given the incorrect answer. He rolled his eyes; this happened at every class!

"It's a metaphor, not a simile!" expelled Tai. Really, how could that kid get it wrong?

Dr. Brown glared at Tai before nodding his head approvingly. "Good job, Mr. Kamiya." He had barely begun to sing his praise when the bell rang. "Get a move on kids! You don't want to be late for your break!"

The class, as usual, had no reply for their teacher for they had begun to chat wildly about their plans. Many kids asked Tai what he would be up to, but he told them quite honestly he didn't know yet. Besides meeting up with a few old friends, there really was nothing planned.

Several girls were disappointed when he didn't take up their offers for dinner. He was well liked, as the only sophomore starting for their soccer team. It hardly bothered him though. None of them were right for him. Hikari reminded him of this constantly; still, she may be biased.

Tai's dorm was two buildings away and he thanked the Gods that he did soccer because his trained legs got him to his room in a flash. Everyone must have thought he was rude, considering he never stopped to talk. He yelled apologies after them and made sure to smile, but that was it.

He had made some very good friends in the last year and a half of college, but none seemed to compare to his bond with the Digidestined. There was something strong in their relationship, something that couldn't be broken. When meeting new friends, Tai couldn't help but compare them to his oldest, best friends.

Sitting on his bed were his already-packed bags. All his homework for the break was already stowed into his backpack. He took out the last of his unneeded books and bolted back out towards the parking lot. His school was only ten or so miles from home. Tai would be able to travel by bike.

The ride took him nearly an hour; his legs were tired from the previous night of practice. By the time he was on familiar streets, he was sweaty and his uniform shirt was damp.

Appearance did not matter at the moment, though. His curiosity was burning. The Takenouchi Flower Shoppe was not very far anymore. Just approximately fifty-seven yards and he'd see her…

She was wearing her yellow cardigan. Her tanned and slim fingers were turning the keys to the flower shoppe, which always opened at eleven. Sora hadn't had classes at all today because she had chosen to take her sophomore literature course over the summer. So in exchange for class, her mother set her to work.

As she entered the shop, the bells jingled softly. The sweet sound was mangled by the turn of a bicycle chain. Sora heard several bags clunk to the floor and in entered Tai Kamiya.

His blazer was lying next to his bike outside. Now he stood clad in his dress pants and shirt. The button up was almost soaked through. She could practically see the crevices in his arms where muscle had formed. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He was still scrawny, but some the bone was replaced with buff. Even his chest had the faintest outline of tone.

Tai was grinning at her. Rather than flatten his hair, the moisture from his sweat had just made it bigger. It made her giggle.

"Hi, Tai!"

"Sora," he replied with his huge smile.

"Did you really bike here? From university?"

"Just for you!" said Tai, bounding towards her for a hug.

She smiled and blushed a little bit. It was sweet of him. But still, there could only be two reasons for his being here and each option would make her uncomfortable.

Tai might be here to exclaim his love for her. He might ask her to leave Matt and just try to have a relationship with him. However, He might be here to find out what was really going on with her and his best friend. Granted, this later option is more realistic.

"How have you been? Since Friday, I mean."

"I've been just brilliant!" His smile was dazzling. He looked genuinely happy. Sora tried to perk up.

"That's great, Tai. Would you mind helping me around the store for a bit?"

"Of course not. That's why I'm here…" he scoped the room. "What do you need me to do?"

"Move the potted lilies to the store window and take the roses to the back so I can water them. And then could you transfer the large vases so the line the east wall?" Sora rattled off as she looked at the checklist on her clipboard.

"Holy Gennai, Sora, why don't you just have me redo the entire store!"

"'Holy Gennai'? Really, Tai?" she asked quizzically.

"Feeling nostalgic."

"'Nostalgic'? Well, at least your vocabulary has improved."

He glared playfully at her. "I resent that, Ms. Takenouchi."

The two laughed before Sora snapped out of it and began barking orders again.

Tai set to work. The vases were very heavy and fragile, which made him extra cautious. The roses were very light, but water dripped through the bottom so Tai had to be careful not to slip. The lilies were a cinch to move.

In the end, the store looked just how Sora pictured it. "Good job, Mr. Kamiya. We're up for hire, you could come help out if you like!"

"That was nearly two hours of labor! I demand at least 16 dollars," he replied, huffing.

"But you did it just for me, right?" she asked, her eyes shining.

His face softened. It nearly made her melt, the way he looked at her. Tai smiled softly. "Yeah… I suppose I did."

Shamelessly, he stared at her. He really did look good, Sora noted. Unfortunately, she had no choice but to stare back. His warm brown eyes bore into hers and she shivered.

"Er, so… Lunch?" asked Tai, finally looking away.

"I have to wait for Matt. He usually comes to pick me up, so we can have lunch together."

Much to Sora's surprise, Tai didn't flinch. He leaned casually against the counter and began a conversation. "What's going on between you two, anyway?"

"Well… We're in a relationship, I suppose. He really takes care of me, even though he's so busy. Somehow he always finds the time."

"When were you two going to go public with it?"

"Well, we don't want the paparazzi to know. They already have two pictures of us."

Tai rolled his eyes. "Sora, I meant public as in your friends."

She reddened. "Of course… Well, we were hoping everyone would just sort of… figure it out?"

"Because that worked out so well," he muttered under his breath. Sora heard it, though she wasn't supposed to, and she flinched.

"Don't be angry with me, Tai."

He snapped his head up and there was another smile on it again. "I'm not mad at you, Sora. I don't think I could be." While the statement was true, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. It was the first false grin she had ever seen on Tai's face.

But oh, how Sora wished she could believe it.

The breeze was light and for once Takeru had taken off his hat. It blew through his light, blonde locks. He was sitting on the hill behind Hikari's dance class building, waiting for her as he did every Monday and Thursday. Tai would have picked her up, but he had forgotten his sister's dance lessons all together. He called Takeru and asked him to go in his stead, so that the older boy could hang out with Sora. Ever the gentleman, Takeru agreed.

Typically, he would just listen to the birds above him and fiddled with the grass. Currently, he was unable to do these things. Davis Motomiya had decided to accompany him. Right now, Davis was in the process of learning how Takeru got his hair to flow so well with the wind.

"They're like… feathers! Not even Matt's hair does that!"

Takeru rolled his eyes. He was slightly annoyed with the begoggled boy. Waiting for Hikari was something he usually did alone. Was Davis trying to undermine his whole routine?

"My hair's just a giant ball of bleh… Tai's is even better than mine!"

"Everyone likes Tai's hair," pointed out Takeru

"Yeah, and no one likes mine."

Takeru said nothing. Davis did have cool hair, but it was more entertaining to tease him about it.

"So, what's the deal with you and Hikari?" asked Davis. He had this air of arrogance that made Takeru want to punch him.

"Me and Hikari?" Oh, nothing, we've just been best friends since we were eight. No big deal. While you've been chasing her around, her and I have had real conversations. Don't sweat it. "We're friends. Best friends."

"Just friends?"

"I said best," he snapped.

Davis lied down and looked up at the clouds. "Well, she and I are really hitting it off."

"That's what Willis said," said Takeru darkly.

Still, the other boy seemed oblivious to anything negative. It was as if he was floating on his own cloud of hair and goggles.

And Hikari. He has Hikari on his cloud now, too.

"So, Takeru, since you and Hikari are best friends, you suppose could give me a view pointers?"

Takeru turned to look at Davis, bemused. Was he really asking him for help? Did he really just use his full name? He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn't dead.

Davis frowned. "Fine, T.N. Don't share."

"Look, it's not like I'm being selfish," he began to explain.

"Then what is it? You like her too? That's not surprising. Nearly everyone does."

That was true. Hikari was like a love at first sight for most boys. She was sweet, and quiet, and gentle, and really cute to boot. It was a wonder how anyone could hang out with her for so long and not feel anything…

"But you and I, T.S., have the upper hand. We're her friends!" Davis slung an arm around Takeru and began to paint the scene. "She gets to know us the best! And after all those adventures in the Digiworld, she knows how brave and strong we can be! It's just a battle of who she likes better now."

Takeru had the upper hand in that battle, too. Or, he did. Today it seemed that He and Davis were equals.

"I don't…" Takeru began, but then he decided it was best not to tell, so he continued with, "Davis, if you want to woo Hikari, stop hanging all over her."

"You hang around her all the time," said Davis, his face pouting at Takeru's unfairness.

"Well, that's because she allows me to. You just show up and then flirt mercilessly."

"I have mercy! Remember when I didn't beat up those kids who made fun of my goggles?"

"Davis, calm down. It's just an expression."

Frustrated, Takeru stood up and began to walk. He was heading for the entrance of the dance studio; Hikari's class was almost finished.

But like a dog to a treat, Davis followed. "Wait up, Takeru!"

Hearing his name used properly by Davis would take some getting used to. Begrudgingly, he slowed his pace. Davis caught up quickly and began to chatter away again.

He filled Takeru in with the events of Friday night. Apparently, Davis had five more questions to ask Hikari. Hikari only had four left for him.

Takeru was hardly listening. Upon hearing about their game of twenty questions, he began to remember his own experience with that game.

When he and Hikari were eight years old, they traveled the digital world together. The older children were always getting into fights, so the two only had the company of each other.

Hikari had suggested the two play a game to get to know each other better. It spanned for over a week, each child taking care not to waste a question on anything stupid.

Hikari burned through her questions much more quickly. She had a greater curiosity, just like her brother. Takeru had more discipline, like his sibling, and was able to spread his questions out for a longer length of time.

It seemed that Davis and Hikari are similar. It really was a surprise to find that Hikari was more curious than Davis, though. Always impulsive, Takeru had figured that all of Davis' questions would be gone by now.

"We should play a game that's similar, Takeru," Davis offered. He seemed to be really trying to make amends. "Except not with as many questions. I hardly had the attention span to play with Hikari."

Much to his chagrin, Takeru found himself laughing. "Okay, then, Davis. Sounds good to me,"

"You first. Ask away!"

Takeru was suddenly serious. "Why do you like Hikari?"

"Well, uh, she's cute, and she cares about people, and she loves her family, which is always a good sign… She can take care of herself, and hates being taken care of…I learned that the hard way. And she dances and likes soccer… I don't know! Why do you like Hikari?"

He was completely taken off guard by that question. Was it that obvious that he liked Hikari, or was Davis just fishing for answers? Takeru had barely realized he had feelings for Hikari until now, but had the whole world already known?

Davis' answers to the question were, surprisingly, not superficial. For some reason, Takeru had wanted Davis to say something meaningless, thus affirming the fact that Takeru loved her more.

Was love the right word? Possibly. But not everyone had to know that.

"Davis," he began with a sigh. "I don't like Hikari. She's my best friend and the closest person I have, but I don't like her in that way."

It wasn't a complete lie. Takeru Takaishi does not lie. It was only a little, white lie. He didn't like Hikari. He loved her. On a much deeper level than Davis could understand. It made Takeru want to protect her and always make sure she was safe and happy. That was all he could do.

"Well, good. Because if you did, you'd have some hard competition. And that's me."

They had only asked each other one question each when Hikari finally arrived in front of them. She was still in her dance clothes and she looked slim and tall. Though she was only 5"5, the leotard amplified her body.

Takeru was used to this and just smiled at her. Davis, however, was gaping. It made Takeru angry that he looked at her in that way, but let the boy drool anyhow. After all, he did the same thing the first time he saw her at dance class.

"Ready to go home?"

"Definitely. I'm tired," she said, indicating her sore feet.

"Piggy-back?"

"Please?"

Easily, Takeru lifted her and began to carry her home. She sat around his shoulders. They did this often. In truth, Takeru had a slim build. From the outside, he would look scrawny, but four years of basketball had gone a long way and he was now able to carry Hikari for a good three miles to her house.

Davis watched the two with a slightly jealous eye. But Takeru had convinced him that he had no romantic feelings for Hikari, so the be-goggled boy looked comfortable enough. They traveled in amiable company.

But just because Davis thought nothing of it, that didn't mean Takeru had to, too. Admittedly, warmth was spreading throughout the blonde boy that he had never felt before. It must have been because he finally realized his feelings for Hikari.

The nylon of her leggings grazed Takeru's neck and her skirt fluttered around his head. He chuckled. Hikari was hunched over, trying to hug his neck so she wouldn't fall. He shifted so that she slid down his back and he could hold her in a true piggy-back position.

Her head lolled onto his left shoulder and she could have fallen asleep right there.

By turning his head in the slightest degree he was able to see her face. "Tired, Hikari?"

"Mhmm," was her only response. Her innocent, amber eyes were fluttering closed.

"Why don't cha sleep then? Me and Takeru can wake you up then you can show us some of your fancy-dancy moves!"

"Yeah, that's a good idea. I'd love to see your new dance, Hikari," he said, smiling softly at her.

She smiled, and then sleepily said, "Takeru, he said your name properly."

Gently he stroked her hair with his free hand.

"I know… It's weird. Just sleep."

She obeyed and the two boys walked home, playing their little game and thinking their own thoughts.