Author's Notes:

Here is the second chapter of STA. I would like to say that I deeply appreciate the kind and thoughtful comments from everyone that took the time to email and/or review. It is because of this that I am going to continue, so gives yourself a round of applause. I have to apologize for the lateness of this chapter, but when you have about eight other plot bunnies hopping around in your head, it can get a bit chaotic @_@ Anyway, I just want to say once again thanx for the reviews and if you have any suggestions for this story I would love to hear them!!! ^_-



WARNING: Some of the characters will appear a bit OCC, so if this is gonna bother you, you might not want to read, but if you do anyway, don't flame me for it! ^_^ BTW, this hasn't been proofread, so any spelling/grammar mistakes are my fault, but I will revise later.^_^





Disclaimer: Digimon isn't mine. Nuff said!!!



"blah"-dialogue

Second Time Around

by Dream-chan

Rating: PG-13 (an extremely pissed Dai-chan upped the rating ^_^)

Email: dream_chan@hotmail.com



Isn't It Ironic...



Hikari's POV



"D-D-Daisuke?!??!" was the only word I could get out, shock running electric through my system.



Ohmigod Ohmigod Ohmigod...I don't believe this!!! Daisuke is back, and not only is he back he is going to school here?

"In the flesh" was his flippant reply, giving me that easy smile I missed so much. Lord, have I missed it...and him.



My mouth moved before my brain could stop it. "Where in HELL have you been? What happened? Why did you leave without saying goodbye to anyone?" I asked heatedly, wanting to know everything right there and then. My hand was itching to slap him for his little disappearing act.

"Whoa, slow down," he said, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture. "I would be happy to go through this interrogation at a later time, but right now we have to get to class, don't you think?" he said causally, brushing off my reaction as if it mattered not a wit to him.



Maybe it no longer does.



(Flashback)

It was on a warm sunny afternoon that Takeru and Hikari were walking to Motomiyas to see what was wrong with Daisuke. They had tried calling, but would just get the machine and just yesterday a recorded message said the number had been disconnected, which really caused alarm bells to start ringing.

"Hey, what do you think of our brothers dating?" the blonde asked the girl walking beside him, hoping to distract her from worrying over their friend. For the last few days, it seemed that a sadness had descended on his best friend and he didn't like it. Not one bit. Hoping to bring her out of her funk, he broached a topic that made them both feel good. He was not disappointed when he received a small smile for his efforts.



"I'm happy that they've finally admitted it. It was getting pretty hard seeing Tai mope around the house all the time." she told him, knowing that he went through the same thing with Matt.



" I know what you mean. Matt was more moody than usual, and let me tell you that was no picnic to deal with. So, with all that out the way, when are you going to tell Daisuke that you like him?" he asked me, eyes twinkling mischieviously.



"Don't start..." was the only warning she gave him. She didn't mind helping others, but her love life was hers and hers alone.

Raising an eyebrow at her tone, he quipped, "Well someone has too, because you sure won't do it. I mean, why are you waiting to tell him. You know that he likes you. Everyone knows that he likes you. So, what is the problem?" he asked as if it there wasn't one.

"He just wants to date me because I'm his idol's sister. Besides, I'm nothing special," she sighed, not really wanting to talk about it.

"Hikari, since I'm your best friend, I want you to know that I say all this in complete honesty." Takeru paused, so that his next words would have more effect.



"You're afraid."



"N-nani?" she stuttered, thrown off by his quietly spoken comment.



"You heard me. You're afraid. I don't understand why though..." He added on as an afterthought.



"'Keru, you just don't understand..." she muttered darkly, desperately wanting him to drop the subject. Sometimes, it sucks to have a best friend that is always right.



"Then tell me so I can help," he told her, concern radiating from his azure gaze.



"No. I have to do this on my own, so please promise me that you'll drop this?" she pleaded, hoping that Takeru would grant her this favor.



"Alright Hi-chan" he agreed, slinging a comforting hug across her shoulders. "But do the rest of us a favor, and tell him soon, because I really don't know how much longer I can take him glaring at me, " he said with a smile to soften his words a bit.



Hearing the underlying reprimand, she nodded gratefully. "I promise. Now let's go see what's going on," and together they made their way to the Motomiya apartment complex. Fifteen minutes later, the duo found themselves in front of the Motomiya's door.



Knocking on the door, it seemed as if there was an echo, as if the apartment beyond it was completely empty. As we were about to knock again, an old woman opened her door and asked us why we were knocking on the door. When they told her that they were looking for their friend that lived here.



"I'm sorry kids, but the Motomiyas no longer live there. They moved just yesterday" she said kindly, feeling a twinge of sympathy for the two children in front of her.

"Do you know where?" Hikari asked, her heart beginning to race. She had a feeling that this was bigger than just moving across town.



"I do believe the husband was offered a job in London. I will miss them, especially the little boy. Now I have to find someone else to make chocolate chip cookies for," she said sweetly, smiling at the prospect.

"England?" the brunette choked out, praying that she was making a big mistake.



"That's the only London I know. Well dears, I have to feed my bunnies. Don't be strangers and be sure to stop by for some cookies. Have a good day" and with a gentle click, she closed the door.

Once the pair had reached the street, Takeru pulled the shocked girl into empty alleyway and just held her, knowing that the dam was about to break. Together they silently stood there, leaning on another for comfort. Takeru for a lost of a possible friend, and Hikari for the possibility of something special with someone

~I know I promised 'Keru, but I never got the chance...~ was her last thought, before completely breaking down.

(End Flashback)



The next few months, were hard for me. In front of everyone, I kept up the façade, appearing as my normal happy self. Thankfully Takeru understood and helped me a through it, especially since I was a witness to the budding relationship between my brother and Yamato. I'll admit that I felt a twinge of envy when I saw them together, but I was happy for them. After all the adversity that they faced together, they certainly deserved it.



Now to concentrate on the present.

The young energetic goggle boy that I remember has now been transformed into this self-confident young man standing before me. If he was cute then, he was damn near gorgeous now. His cinnamon mahogany hair was less spiky than what it was in his youth. Instead, it was cut into a more fashionable style, bangs skimming his warm chocolate eyes. He had grown a bit taller, his caramel skin stretched over lean muscles that had developed over the years



Soccer sure does a body good.



However, that still doesn't mean I'm going to forgive him right away. He has some serious explaining to do.

"You're right. I'm sorry about that." I mumbled, feeling a bit raw by this sudden reunion.

Smirking a bit, he nodded and said, "It's fine. Are you going to show me around now?" he asked, looking at me with those adorable eyes of his.

Smiling a bit, I agreed and began to walk alongside him. "Sure. Let's go."



A couple of minutes went by as we walked towards the south wing of the school, and I must admit that I was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the tension between us. The only time we spoke to each other was if I pointed out something that he might want to remember or something along those lines.



"So how is everyone?" he asked causally as we walked to our first block of classes.



"Well, Taichi is at university now on a soccer scholarship and is doing very well. Yamato is his roommate and it seems that their relationship is going well."



"What do you mean by 'relationship'?" he asked, a small frown appearing on his tanned face.



Knowing that he was going to find out sooner or later, I spilled the beans. At least this would give us something to talk about other than where the cafeteria or library was.

"That they are a couple." I said evenly, waiting for his reaction. Nothing was said for a solid minute, and I when I turned to look at him, I could see his narrowed eyes and the downturn of his mouth. I was a little disappointed that he would take the news this way. After his immediate forgiveness of Ken, I thought that he would be able to accept anyone.



"Do you have a problem with homosexuals, because if you do..." I said, instantly on the defensive. No matter how much I loved him in the past, my family came first.



"No...no problem. I was just shocked is all. So, I guess this means that everyone supports their decision" he said, with that familiar grin I missed so much.



"Pretty much. There were some that were uncomfortable at first, but if you ever see those two together, you can see that it's a beautiful thing." I know that I sounded a little wistful, it's just that I can't help to feel a bit envious of the love between Yamato and my 'nii-chan. That is something I that I always wanted.



Something that I could have had if I wasn't such a silly twit.



"Yeah...so what about the others?"



"Takeru and Iori should be in class right now, you'll see them a bit later. Miyako and Koushiro are dating as well as Mimi and Jyou. The real surprise relationship is Ken and Sora. No one saw that coming, but for some strange reason, it works out. I think we were more shocked over them, than over Yamato and Oniichan."

"Yeah I know the feeling..." he smiled, before he realized that he had said more than he wanted to.

Knowing that he was holding something back, I pressed on. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that Ken told me about his relationship with Sora" he muttered, quickening his pace.

Hurrying to catch up with him, I grip his arm, stopping him. I wanted answers and I wanted them now.

"So you could keep in contact with Ken, but not us?" I asked, stunned that he would just cut us out of his life like that.



"He was my friend...a real friend," he replied, looking at me as if I wasn't even there.



"We were your friends too...you have to know that..." I pleaded, not wanting to believe that this was the same boy that I had loved so long ago. It seemed that all his fire had been replaced with cold searing ice.

"Look Hikari, I really don't want to get into this now, so can we just drop it" he said coldly, turning away and walking from me.

It took all I had not to let the tears fall. I never thought that he would turn away from me.

The rest of the way was walked in silence, both of us at a loss of what to say.



Daisuke's POV



Hearing the bell, I got up quickly as possible and headed for the nearest exit, not wanting to bump into any of my former 'friends'. After the little scene this morning with Hikari, I was not ready to go through that again. So far, I had been successful in dodging them using it as an opportunity to familiarize myself with the school. Besides, there was no way I was going to be attached to Hikari for a week.

Seeing the exit in sight, I breathed a sigh of relief. Just a few more seconds and I would be free.

"DAI-KUN! DAISUKE!!"

Damn! Damn! Damn! I was so close! Maybe if I turn around slowly she'll disappear.

No such luck, as I saw her grow closer and closer. Seeing no way out of this, I waited until she was right in front of me. Leaning back against a wall, I waited for her to say something. I know if I did, I wouldn't be able to hold back.

"I just wanted to know how you've been. We haven't seen or heard from you in five years. Why did you leave without saying goodbye?"



"I really didn't think that you all would care," I replied casually, ignoring the pain that her questions brought up.

"Why would you say something like that? Of course I cared. Everyone cared. I just don't understand why you would leave like that..." she muttered, more to herself than me.

"Look Yagami-san," I said, trying to ignore the hurt evident on her face. Couldn't she understand that I needed some space? "I don't want to go through all that right now, especially since I have come to terms with it. I don't owe anyone an explanation. Now if you'll excuse me..." I said moving towards the exit, until I was suddenly blocked.

"We can't even be friends anymore?" she asked, her voice wavering a bit. It's funny that five years ago I would have killed for this. Now all I want to do is get as far way as possible. I don't want to hurt her anymore than I have.

"I-I don't know..." I stuttered, before stepping around her into the overcast Odaiba afternoon. Willing myself not to look back, I hurried over to the soccer field where I could see practice starting. After recieving my uniform, schedule, and a warning not to be late tomorrow, I was on my way home.



"Tadaima!" I yelled, not really expecting a response, seeing how my sister should still be on campus and my parents were out of town.



"DAI-CHAN!!!" was all I heard, before being attacked by a small blue ball of fur. Chuckling, I hugged the small body close to me and asked, "How was your day Chibi?"



"Great! When I woke up, Jun-chan was back and she gave me something to eat, and then I played video games and I also found your Pocky stash!" he said excitedly, chocolate smudges evident on his too-cute face.

"I thought I hid it better this time", I groaned thinking that this would be a long night with a hyper digimon around the place.

"So, how was school? Meet any new friends?" the young digimon asked, as he climbed to sit in his favorite perch. My head.



"I guess you can say that..." I said tiredly, feeling Chibi tugging on my hair for support.



"What you mean?" he asked me as we made our way to my room.



"Well, since I'm a new student, they gave me a student guide to show me around for my first week. Just my luck that it's the one person I wanted to avoid. Guess who?"



"'Kari-chan!" Chibimon yelled, jumping down from my head to start on a new box of chocolate Pocky.

"Yeah" was all I said, not trusting myself to say anymore. It got so quiet that Chibimon stopped eating chocolate long enough to dawdle over to me on his tiny legs, tugging on my pants leg to get on my attention.

Smiling, I picked him up, scratching the little dragon behind his ears in appreciation for the warm gesture. He giggled a bit when I subjected him to the tickle monster. After a few minutes of rough housing, I laid back on my bed, placing Chibi on my chest.

"So what are you going to do now? What about the others?" he asked, looking at me with all the seriousness he could put on his face. Sometimes it's hard to take someone serious that has such an adorable face.



Feeling him begin to tap a paw impatiently on my chest, I sigh and give him the explanation that he's waiting for. "I'm not going to do anything, and as for that I not going to change things. If they didn't like me then, I'm pretty sure that they don't like me now, but I do know one thing. I messed up Chibi. Big time."



"How?" he asked, opening another packet of Pocky. I guess that I have to break the piggy bank again.



"Well remember when I told you that Hikari and Yamato were dating..." I said, lying back on my bed, trying to make my brain shut off. Where's a good math lecture when you need one?



"Uh-huh" was all he said since his mouth was full of chocolate.



"Well, I think I might have jumped the gun a little. It seems that Yamato and Taichi are dating..."



"Really? For how long?" Chibimon asked, sort of surprised. It wasn't the fact that they were two guys, since I had explained to him the different versions for human relationships. Believe me that was one long difficult conversation.



"Five years." I answered quietly, reaching for some Pocky myself. If I ever needed comfort, I

figured chocolate was a good start, or that is what 'Neechan says.



"Five years. That would mean..." he trailed off, trying to figure out what exactly I was trying to tell him. I swear, he is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

"Yep. Yamato and Hikari never dated, and once again I jumped without a parachute..." was all I said, before I was interrupted by someone knocking at the door. Getting up I placed Chibi on the floor. If it was who I thought it was on the other side of the door, they had a lot of explaining to do.



Ken's POV

Being able to visit my best friend is something that I've been waiting to do for five years. Skipping a day full of lectures was worth it.

Knocking on the apartment door, I waited patiently to hear the sound of running feet and various other noises, a clear indication that Jun or Dais were making their mad dash to get the door.



Instead, all I got was, "Be right there" There it was. The voice I had only heard through a telephone. He was really back! Before I knew it, the door was opening, and there stood the one person besides my family, Sora, and Minomon who held a piece of my heart.

"Hey Dais-" was all I got out before I was roughly pulled inside, the door slamming behind me.



"Why in hell didn't you tell me Taichi and Yamato dating?!!?!!?" he exploded, totally catching me off guard.



Wait a minute...that's not how it was supposed to go.



"Um..." I stalled, trying to come up with something that would get me out of this mess.



"That's not a good explanation Ken. I want a better one. NOW!" he growled, looking as if he wanted to punch my lights out. The last time I seen Dais this angry was during that final battle with BelialVamdemon, and look what he did to him, a Mega digimon.

I was in deep shit.

"I won't tell you until you calm down first." I told him, as I watched him pace up and down the living room carpet. I should have known that would set him off.



"Calm down?!? CALM DOWN?!?! How the fuck you expect me to calm down when I have just realized that I've lost five goddamn years for nothing?!?!?" he screamed, stomping his foot down for emphasis.



"DAMMIT DAISUKE! STOP BITCHIN ALREADY!" I yelled back, fed up with all the accusations. I mean, I can understand why he's upset, but can I at least get a 'hello' ?

That did the trick, because for the first time since I knocked on the door, his mouth actually closed. Giving me an apologetic look, he muttered "Sorry Ken."

Giving him one of my own, I walked up to him and gave him a slap on the back. "S'ok. Well first things first. Welcome home." I say jovially, hoping to dispel the tension between us.

"Thanks, smart-ass. Now, tell me why you thought it was good to keep something like that secret from me," he said forcefully, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I just didn't know if I should have or not. C'mon Dai, if I had told you that Taichi and Yamato were together instead of what you thought was the truth, you would have been in England brooding like you are now. I just didn't see the point in doing that when you seemed so happy and fulfilled." I told him truthfully, hoping that he would understand my motivation.



"So, you were looking out for me, huh?" he asked me, giving me a leveling look. He did this whenever he felt that I was holding back from him. Well, maybe I was a little, but what I said was the truth. I was only looking out for my best friend.



"Of course I was. I wouldn't be your best friend if I did otherwise. Am I forgiven?" I asked, puppy eyes going full blast.



"You already were." He said cheekily, giving me a small grin. "It's just that all this is kind of mind blowing, ya know?"



"I understand. Still, I'm sorry for not telling you." I said, grateful that he was going to let this drop.



"It's over and done with now. So, how are things with you, Genius?" he grinned

"Great actually. Lectures can be a bore, but other than that terrific, then again, I have the greatest girlfriend in the world..." I trailed off, getting that familiar warm feeling whenever I thought of Sora. Who would have known that I would be such a sap when I got older.



"That's good...." he smiled slightly. " Are you thirsty?" he asked, making gestures down the hall.

"No, but I have one question for you," I say, both of us knowing that this was a main reason for the visit as well. What are you going to do about Hikari?"

"Nothing" he stated firmly, walking into the kitchen.

Waiting to hear more, I followed him. "What do mean 'nothing'? I mean, she's single. You're single. What's stopping you?" I pointed out, getting annoyed with this standoff-ish approach. It seems that all the changes in my friend haven't been physical. Even though he had a spark, it seemed...muted somehow.



"I don't think that it would be a good idea. People change within five years. Besides, I'm sure her and Takeru have become closer..." he said, taking a sip from the soda he just opened.



"Motomiya Daisuke. You are so full of shit." I said, knowing it was high time that my friend heard some home truths. He did it for me when I needed it, so now is the time to return the favor.



I could see the instant reaction that got. "What did you just say?" he asked me, his anger once again rising to the surface.



"You heard me. You. Are. Full. Of. Shit." I repeated, breaking up the statement, so there wouldn't be a question of what I said. "Since when has her relationship with Takeru ever bothered you? You never had a problem butting in on them before..." I pointed out, leaning back into the couch, knowing that I was going to be here for awhile.



"Well, I do now," he huffed, making his way to the remodeled kitchen. "Look Ken, I know you mean all well and good, but this is not your business," he yelled back, intent on getting his point across.



"You know, for someone that always stuck their nose where it wasn't wanted, you sure have a lot of nerve." I said, feeling it kind of ironic that he would say something like.



"Ken..." he said, agitation clear in his voice.



Ignoring the tone, I continued to get my point across. "No, just listen for a minute first. I'm not going to tell you what to do, because you have always followed your own drummer. However, I think that you would be an ass to pass up this opportunity." I said forcefully, wanting to make my message loud and clear.



"Ken, listen..." he began, pausing to get his thoughts in order. " I don't want to get into all that right now. I went through all that shit before and I'm not going through it again. Look how I jumped off the deep end. If I get in a relationship with her, it will just make things worse. Besides, what makes you think that she has changed her mind about me?" he said sadly, drinking the soda in one gulp, tossing the can in the trashcan.

Meeting his steady gaze with one of my own, I tried to figure out when Daisuke had gained so much insight. This was definitely a change from the happy-go-lucky boy that I used to know. When we were younger, it seemed nothing short of an atomic blast for Dai to realize that there was a problem beyond the surface.



"You've matured Dais" I replied awkwardly, still reeling from the changes in my best friend or maybe just seeing more of the inner Daisuke. I always felt there was more to him than he let on.



"Well, thanks. I think," he says grudgingly, running a hand through his unruly cinnamon hair, making it spike up like when we were younger.



"However, you can't let that stand in your way. I can see how you would think that, but you should sell yourself or Hikari short. If you don't at least try, you'll never know." I say consolingly, wanting him to snap out of it. A depressed Daisuke is something that I never want to see. It would be like having the world flat.

Looking resigned, he gave me small smile, an indication that he was at least considering it. "I guess you're right, but if this doesn't work out, I am going to hold you solely responsible." he chuckled slightly, the light returning in his eyes.

"Anyway, I just wanted to see how you are and to also invite you to a party that is taking place on campus this weekend."

"I'm not sure...who else is going to be there?" he asks cautiously, already suspicious



"Everyone..." I say glibly, knowing that I didn't have to elaborate.

"That really helps Ichijouji" he jeered, slouching even more into the worn recliner. Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I get up and kneel in front of him, not giving time to sink back into the sadness that seems to cling to him like a second skin.

"You're going to have to face them sometime. Better sooner than later." I remind him gently, not wanting to incite another temper tantrum.

For five minutes, we sat in silence, the only noise being the wind chime tinkling outside the window.

"I hurt her Ken. I never wanted to do that. Ever." he finally whispered, letting me know real reason behind his reluctance.

"I know Dais, but-" was all I said, before I heard a squeaky voice yell, "KEN-CHAN!!!!!" Seconds later, my arms were full of a warm, blue, chocolate smudged bundle.



"It's great seeing you Chibimon!" I laughed, snuggling the digimon close. When Dai and I became Jogress partners, I not only gained a great friend, but another Digimon partner. I feel as close to Chibimon as I do with Mino. The same holds true with Daisuke.



"Wheresh Minomon?" he asked in that cute voice that all in-training Digimon have.



Sensing that Dais wanted to be alone for a moment, I got up and walked to the otherside of the room. "Sorry Chibi. He wanted to come today, but he was feeling a little out of it. Don't worry though, you'll see him soon," I promised.

Scrambling up to my shoulder, he whispered in my ear, " Are you going to help Dai-chan?"



Looking at the morose young man in question, I whispered back," Of course Chibi, and I know the perfect way of making him happy..."



"What ish it?" he whispered excitedly, his eyes falling on his partner.

"Let's just say a secret weapon..." I smiled, not wanting to say anymore. Even though Chibi and I were close, he was extremely loyal to Daisuke. If Daisuke asked, he would tell.



Besides, if I know anything Daisuke would figure it out quickly.

The secret weapon is none other than my wonderful girlfriend, Takenouchi Sora.



Also known as the Chosen Child of Love.



tbc.........



I think that this is far enough, don't you? Now I know that this chapter is a little slow, but I had to have a setup chapter for the next one, and believe me...it's going to be something else. Daisuke will confront the other Chosen, and it's not going to be hugs all around. Now do a nice deed, and please review....does a fic reader good!!!