When Yamato stood in front of Koshiro's front door, he did not hesitate. He was ready to face whatever was waiting for him on the other side. Briefly, he looked down at Gabumon and nodded. In one swift motion, Yamato turned the knob and opened the door to the party.

The loud sounds of music and happy cheers quickly filled his ears. Gabumon wasn't kidding though – there were a ton of balloons. It was hard to make out anyone through the endless streamers and seemingly never-ending cascade of colorful latex balls. Yamato cursed under his breath as he walked into a giant balloon for the third time.

"Seriously, Gabumon," Yamato said looking at the decorations around them, "just how many balloons does one party need?"

"Beat's me," Gabumon shrugged.

Pushing his way past more streamers and balloons, Yamato was able to identify his brother's hat in the corner. He paused as he looked on at his brother playfully laughing and tossing Patomon in the air. Yamato started to smile. He always found Takeru's happiness to be comforting. He began making his way over to him. Easy conversations first, Yamato thought. First, he'd talk to Takeru and then he'd go and look for Taichi.

"Yamato!" Takeru called out as he spotted him.

"Hey, Takeru," Yamato replied as him and Gabumon made their way over to him.

"How are you?" Takeru paused to survey him. "How... is everything?"

Yamato sighed as he looked at his brother's concerned face. It was time this expression went away. If not for good, then definitely for today. He smiled as he reached out and put his hand on Takeru's shoulder. "Good, everything's good."

Takeru nodded and smiled back and Yamato knew that they understood each other. He removed his hand once he saw Patomon fly up and land on Takeru's head.

"Gabumon, you found him!" Patomon said excitedly, "great job!"

Yamato raised an eyebrow at his brother's Digimon.

"Thank you, thank you! As you know my senses are impeccable." Gabumon replied.

"Uh huh!" Patomon laughed in a teasing fashion that reminded Yamato just how perfectly the Digimon had been matched up with his brother. "I'm sure those directions Taichi gave you didn't help at all!"

Wait - what? Yamato's eyes widened as he immediately turned to Gabumon.

"Ah, sorry Yamato!" Gabumon scratched his head, "I figured it was best not to say anything."

Yamato just stood there blinking at him. So, it had been Taichi who had sent Gabumon to find him. Yamato shook his head. Of course. It had all made sense. He should've known that Taichi would try to find a way to save the day. That was so him. How could Yamato have thought that he was impossible to be with? Taichi had him figured out from the start.

"Don't be mad at him," Takeru spoke, interrupting his thoughts.

Yamato looked confused. "I'm not," he answered.

"Ok good. Because if you ask me..." Takeru motioned to the party around them, "this is pretty impressive."

Yamato nodded. Taichi was very impressive... in more ways than one. Suddenly, Yamato felt himself blush and quickly shook his head hoping Takeru wouldn't notice. Thankfully, he didn't seem to.

"Honestly, Yamato... I'm a little jealous," Takeru continued.

"What?" Yamato looked at him, even more confused. "Of Taichi?"

"Yeah, well..." Takeru paused. "You're here... at this party. I don't know if I could've done that."

Yamato rolled his eyes. "Takeru..."

"I don't want any apologies. I've already accepted it!" Takeru laughed as he held Patomon in his arms.

Yamato continued with another eye roll. "You know you're wrong, right? You're literally the first person I came up to."

"Yeah... maybe," Takeru grinned.

Yamato just shook his head. His brother knew exactly how to deal with him and push his buttons. Taichi just had... a different kind of hold on him. Yamato let out a sigh as he gave in and cracked a smile.

"Alright," he said looking at his brother's teasing face. "Where is he?"

Takeru laughed and then stopped to think. "Uh, hmm... the kitchen? Yeah, I think I saw him headed in there not too long ago."

"Thanks," Yamato made a motion to leave but stopped once he heard Takeru snickering.

"What is it now?" Yamato asked defeatedly.

"Oh, nothing..." Takeru responded with a sly smile. "Was just going to say... try and keep it PG in there alright?"

"Oh yeah?" Yamato let out a laugh as he punched Takeru's arm, causing Patomon to fly in the air.

"Hey watch it!" Patomon yelled. Takeru continued chuckling as he rubbed his arm and then reached up to catch his Digimon.

Yamato turned around before his brother could say anything else. He looked across the room and found the entrance to the kitchen hidden behind – surprise – some more balloons. He took a deep breath in and looked down at his trusted companion. "Come on, Gabumon," he said, and they were off.


Takeru smiled as he watched Yamato and Gabumon walk to the other side of the room. He felt so happy to see Yamato back to normal. Takeru looked around. This was happiness he had to share. Now, where was Hikari?

Unfortunately, Daisuke was playing the music so loud that Takeru could barely hear himself think, let alone hear anyone else's voices. He decided to make his way back over to the couch where he had been before. Bingo. Takeru could make out the tips of Gatomon's ears in the distance. He walked towards them.

"Look who's back," Miyako called out.

Takeru waved to her and then finally seeing Hikari, took a seat next to her. Patomon resting on top of his head.

"Hikari," Takeru whispered, "I just spoke to Yamato."

Hikari had to catch herself from gasping. "He-he's here?"

"Mhmm," Takeru nodded. "With Gabumon. He's on his way to find your brother."

Hikari sighed in relief, "That's awesome. Taichi's going to be so happy."

"Mhmm. Hey," Takeru paused, "did you know your brother sent Gabumon to find him and bring him here?"

"Yeah," Hikari nodded, smiling, "he didn't tell me, but I figured it out."

"That was genius," Takeru responded. "Man, Taichi continues to surprise me."

"Agreed," Hikari chuckled and then stopped as she noticed Takeru's hand rubbing his arm. "Uh... should I ask?" She said pointing to his arm.

"Oh..." Takeru laughed as he looked at where she was pointing. "I can't seem to stop making jokes about Yamato and Taichi... I guess it's how I'm coping with this."

"Right..." Hikari raised an eyebrow at him.

"Anyway," Takeru continued. "We should probably tell people to stay out of the kitchen for a while."

Hikari laughed once she caught on. "That shouldn't be too hard."

"Oh yeah?" Takeru surveyed her, "what are you thinking?"


As Yamato walked into the kitchen, he immediately spotted Taichi and felt immobile. Taichi was on the other side of the kitchen by the refrigerator with Agumon by his side. Yamato couldn't help but stare at the familiar mess of brown hair and strong lean physique in front of him. Damn, he thought. At this moment, Yamato realized that he never looked at anyone the way he looked at Taichi… and now it was ok for him to check him out like this. In fact, it was ok for him to do more than just look. Yamato blushed hard as he stood in the kitchen entryway, patiently waiting for Taichi to notice him.

"Taichi, this isn't enough ice cream!" Agumon cried out. "I need more!"

"Alright, Alright!" Taichi responded and he stood hunched over an enormous tub of ice cream. "You could help too, you know!"

"But who would hold the bowl?" Agumon answered innocently.

Yamato resisted the urge to laugh. The site in front of him was too pure for him to interrupt. He looked down at Gabumon who was rolling his eyes at Agumon's behavior. Yamato smiled. This felt just like old times.

"This is supposed to be for Sora, you know," Taichi said as he scooped yet another serving of ice cream into Agumon's bowl.

"I know, Taichi! She said I could help myself!"

"No... she said she didn't mind if you had some. There's a difference!"

Taichi laughed and the sound made Yamato's heart throb even more. The sound was like music... and way better music than whatever Daisuke was playing. Yamato resolved that Taichi should be happy forever. It suited him.

"Alright, that should be enough," Taichi said as he picked up the lid and placed it on the tub. "Help me put this back in the freezer, will you?"

"And put down my bowl?! No way!" Agumon laughed. "Ask Yamato or Gabumon to help you."

Yamato froze as he noticed Taichi do the same. He swallowed hard as his eyes narrowed in on Agumon.

"Why would you say that?" Taichi asked.

Soon enough, Agumon was turning around and pointing at the kitchen entryway where Yamato and Gabumon were standing in plain view. "Well, they're right there!"

Yamato gulped as Taichi turned around.

"Yama…" Taichi spoke and the ice cream scooper that was in his hand fell to the floor.

"Uhh, here let me!" Gabumon hurried over to where Taichi and Agumon were standing and picked the scooper up off the ground. Yamato then watched on as Gabumon proceeded to lift the ice cream tub, very impressively, and shove it back in the freezer.

"...there! Now that that's all set..." Gabumon said once he finished, "Agumon, why don't we go in the other room and eat this ice cream?"

Yamato watched Agumon look up at Taichi. When Taichi nodded, Agumon proceeded to follow Gabumon out of the doorway, leaving Yamato and Taichi alone in the kitchen.

Once their Digimon were out of sight, Yamato turned his attention back towards Taichi. Taichi's hands were by his side and the look on his face told Yamato that he was waiting for him to speak first. Yamato took a deep breath in and let it out.

"Hey," Yamato said.

"Hey," Taichi answered.

Yamato proceeded to rub the back of his neck a bit nervously. "Thanks for uh... sending Gabumon to find me."

"Yeah, well..." Taichi paused to survey the sight in front of him, "I figured I needed the big guns on this one." He cracked a smile and that was all Yamato needed.

"Taichi, I'm sorry... about before."

"Yamato…"

"No, I really need to say this." Yamato took another breath in as Taichi nodded for him to continue. "I'm not afraid to be with you or people knowing… about us. But I am afraid… of losing you."

Taichi's expression softened as he watched Yamato speak.

"…it was unbearable," Yamato continued, "… when I thought you were gone for good. It's a pain I never want to feel again. And I know you're here and you said that you weren't going anywhere… but I don't know. I know that anything can happen. I couldn't make a relationship with Sora work so I just thought I'd ruin this one too."

Taichi sighed and then crossed his arms over his chest. "Yamato… just because you don't think a relationship will work out… doesn't mean that you should try and sabotage it just so you can be right."

Yamato put his hands in his pocket as he looked to the floor, "I know, Taichi. I told you I was no good at this. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"It's ok," Taichi smiled, "I already forgave you."

Once again, Yamato found himself looking at his best friend in awe. "Taichi…" he began, "If there's any relationship that I know I can make work… it's one with you. I mean you even knew to send Gabumon after me. Face it, Tai… you're pretty perfect."

Taichi smiled but shook his head. "I'll take that compliment," he answered, "but, no one's perfect Yamato. And hey… it's not like I'm some expert at relationships either, ok? But… we can figure this out together. That is…" he paused, "if you still want to."

Yamato nodded as his heart began to beat faster. "I do, Taichi. I'm sorry if you thought otherwise."

"It's ok," Taichi grinned as he leaned back against the refrigerator.

Yamato eyed Taichi's expression that suddenly looked a lot like Takeru's teasing face. "What?" Yamato asked a bit nervously.

"Nothing…" Taichi smirked, "I'm just wondering how much longer you're going to stand all the way over there."

Suddenly, Yamato blushed harder, if that was possible. He eyed the distance between them. He was still standing in the entryway, while Taichi was in fact, on the other side of the kitchen. Yamato smiled as he shook his head. He felt warmth in his chest and joy in his heart. Thank God.

Yamato took a step forward and smiled slyly. "I promised Takeru we'd keep it PG," he responded.

Taichi looked around and took a step forward. "Weird…" he answered, "I don't see him in here."

Yamato laughed as he took another step forward and shook his head, "Taichi…" he spoke cautiously.

"Fine," Taichi smiled as he stopped walking, "later then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yamato nodded as his heart proceeded to beat faster. He eyed his best friend again. He knew they only just made up, but damn Taichi looked so good right now. Without thinking any further, he replied, "We can go to my place. My Dad will be home late again."

Taichi stared at him blankly, clearly processing his words. Yamato gulped. Was that too forward? They did only just make up.

"Yamato…" Taichi answered, "I will leave right now."

Yamato laughed as his blush deepened. Finally, he walked the remaining distance over to him. He placed both his hands on Taichi's shoulders and looked into his gorgeous face. "I know it's tempting," Yamato said, "but… I can't yet. There's a party I need to enjoy first."

Taichi grinned as he put his hands around Yamato's waist, "You know…" he began, "I heard it was thrown by some stud."

"Oh yeah?" Yamato moved a little closer towards him until their bodies were finally touching. "is he single?"

Taichi shook his head as he tightened his grip around Yamato's waist and whispered in his ear, "Not anymore."

And just like that, Yamato's lips found Taichi's and they were kissing. Yamato's hands on Taichi's face. Taichi's hands wrapped around Yamato's waist. Open mouths, wrestling tongues, hearts beating fast, energy and love surging through them. They stayed like this for a while - kissing over and over again until the two of them, so giddy with happiness, started laughing and pulled apart.

"Later should be fun," Taichi said in a bit of seductive voice.

Yamato nodded, but then turned around as he noticed two pairs of furry eyes peering out from the kitchen entryway.

Taichi laughed, "You guys can come out now."

"Who… us?" answered Agumon.

"I told you not to stand so close!" Gabumon said, nudging him.

Yamato smiled as he turned back towards Taichi. "How do you explain a relationship to Digimon?"

"No idea," Taichi replied. "Maybe we just tell them that they'll be spending a lot more time together." With that, Taichi leaned in and planted a kiss on Yamato's cheek.

Yamato smiled as he shook his head in disbelief. He then watched as Taichi turned around and exited the kitchen. Yamato took a second to look up to the universe in silent gratitude. A few moments later, he walked out of the kitchen, following his boyfriend to the party.


Takeru looked up when he saw it. Exiting the kitchen were the smiling faces of his big brother and Taichi. He assumed their talk had gone pretty well because the two of them seemed to be walking pretty close together. They stood side by side, arms brushing up against each other as they walked.

Takeru chuckled as he turned to his right and nudged Hikari. She looked up and started giggling.

"Think we can stop worrying, now?" Hikari asked.

"With the two of them?" Takeru smiled as he shook his head. "Not a chance."

Just then, Gatomon jumped on Hikari's lap.

"Thanks for keeping watch, Gatomon," Hikari said as she stroked her fur.

"My pleasure," Gatomon beamed. "No one came in or out of the kitchen besides Gabumon and Agumon."

Takeru brought his hands over his eyes, "them two alone… great."

Hikari laughed as she continued petting Gatomon.

"Have you had enough time with your brother?" Hikari asked after a few moments. "Think you'll be back to staying with your mom?"

Takeru paused to think that over. It had seemed like so long ago that he had initially asked his brother if he could stay over for a few days. Even though it had only been a weekend, Takeru knew it had been enough time. He accomplished his goal of feeling closer to his brother. He even got to witness the monumental moment of him and Taichi finally getting together. Takeru smiled. His relationship with his brother was stronger than ever, but now Yamato needed to concentrate on strengthening his newest relationship, and if he ever needed any help or advice… Takeru would be only a call away.

"Yeah," he answered. "Depending on what time this party ends… I may stay over again tonight, or I might just grab my stuff and go home."

Hikari nodded as she looked up at Patomon who was still resting on Takeru's head. "Sounds like a plan."

All of a sudden, Daisuke broke out in a fit of laughter, causing Hikari and Takeru to forget their conversation and stare at him.

"Lori, my dude, that impression of Miayko is hilarious. You have to do it again so everyone can see!" Dasiuke laughed as he motioned towards Miyako and Ken who were sitting on the couch across from Takeru and Hikari.

Lori seemed to blush in embarrassment as everyone's eyes fell on him.

"I can't, Daisuke! Not with everyone watching." Lori spoke sheepishly as Miyako narrowed her eyes in on him.

"Oh, come on, Lori! You can do it!" Daisuke urged.

Just then, Yamato and Taichi appeared behind them, watching intently, as everyone was, at Daisuke and Lori.

"It's too hard, Daisuke!" Lori said.

Daisuke laughed harder. "That's what she said!" He then turned behind him to look at Taichi, "Am I right, Taichi?"

Taichi seemed to cough uncomfortably and shake his head. "Uh yeah... whatever you say Daisuke."

Takeru's eyes widened. Hikari lowered her head. Yamato starting laughing out loud.

"Thank you, Yamato!" Daisuke responded. "At least someone finds me funny."

"Sure, man." Yamato nodded as he placed his hand on Taichi's back. Taichi looked up at him and shook his head.

Takeru and Hikari watched them with anticipation until Daisuke spoke again.

"Fine, Lori you don't have to do it. I can do an excellent impression of Miyako for everyone."

"Hey!" Miyako called out and everyone proceeded to laugh.

Takeru watched as Yamato and Taichi walked passed everyone, still walking very closely side by side, and moved to the other side of the room by the windows. He turned back to everyone and wondered if anyone had noticed. Like he suspected, no one had. He shook his head as a realization came to him. No one noticed their closeness because they had always been close. The two of them together was so normal that no one would've thought seeing them like that was out of the ordinary. It had only been Takeru who had noticed the increased closeness and choose to say something about it.

He turned around to see Taichi and Yamato drinking sodas staring out the window. He smiled at them and then looked over at Hikari.

"What is it?" She asked him.

Takeru shook his head, "nothing," he answered. With that, he turned his head back towards Daisuke to watch this highly anticipated impression of Miyako.


Taichi smiled as he watched Yamato look intently at the soda can in his hand. "You're supposed to open it, you know." He laughed.

Yamato continued studying the can. "I just can't believe Koshiro has these. You know how hard it is to find this soda in stores?"

Taichi nodded as he took a sip of his drink and turned to look back out the window. He did know, in fact, just how hard it was to track down Yamato's favorite discontinued brand of soda.

"Seriously, Taichi," Yamato said as he finally opened the can. "This brand is near impossible to find. Leave it to Koshiro."

With that, he raised the can and took a sip. Taichi watched on as Yamato's face contorted in beautiful ways as he relived the taste of his favorite soda.

"Yeah," Taichi smirked. "Koshiro… totally."

Yamato lowered his soda as he stared at Taichi. "No. Way."

Taichi laughed. "Yes - way."

"Taichi!" Yamato hit his arm. "This was you?"

Taichi nodded. He quite enjoyed this reaction he was getting. Seeing Yamato like this was definitely worth the minor inconvenience of going to over 20 stores.

Yamato shook his head as he smiled wide. "I should've known…"

Taichi shrugged as he smiled back. "Anything for you, babe."

Yamato laughed. "Babe? Is that what we're doing now?"

Taichi opened his mouth to respond, but something out the window caught his attention. He turned to see the blond figure he had spotted earlier back outside walking to their car.

"Well, what do you know…" Taichi said.

Yamato turned his head to look out the window. "What am I looking at?"

Taichi took a deep breath and let it out. "Earlier… I had been looking out of this window to see if you left." He paused to look at Yamato. "Well, I saw that person with blond hair and thought it was you."

Yamato looked closer out the window. "Taichi… that's an old woman."

"Yeah," Taichi laughed. "I guess my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be."

"Probably from years of wearing goggles," Yamato answered. "Or…"

"Or, what?"

"Or…" Yamato took another sip of his soda, "or you think I look like an old woman."

Taichi laughed as he shook his head. "I probably wouldn't like you then."

Yamato threw him a smile that made Taichi's heart race. "No," Yamato shook his head, "you definitely wouldn't… babe."

Taichi looked around. No one seemed to be looking so he took a step closer towards Yamato. He raised his soda in the air. "To us, Yamato."

Yamato raised his can next to Taichi's, "To us."