Author's Notes:

Honestly I can't believe the response that this fic is getting!!!! However, I want to apologize for the situation with the last chapter. It seems that FFN.net only wants to partially upload my chapters (this has happened with another story of mine) and that was the reason for the reupload of the whole story (i lost a lot of reviews doing this too, dammit!).

BIG SHOUTS goes out to my faithful reviewers:

Anthony, John Yagami, gia-x,Davis4ever,Kwijobe,sem115, RookRaven,Skywkr666, and the Daikari ML! Without you guys, this chapter wouldn't have made it.



By the way, I wanted to bring up the concern that was brought to my attention. I really don't hope that people think that I re-POSTED (thanks Sky for the difference ^_~) just to get more reviews. It's just that I would rather take the whole thing down rather for people to read only part of it.

Sorry about any spelling/grammar errors, but I didn't want to wait!

Now with all that out the way, let's get down to business...



Disclaimer: Digimon isn't mine nor will it ever be. So if you are a lawyer reading this, NA NA BOO BOO, STICK YOUR HEAD IN...well you know! ^_^



"blah"-dialogue

character-POV



Second Time Around

by Dream-chan

Rating: PG-13 (Dai-chan is in a better mood *s*)

Editor: me, cause I already have my beta backed up!!

Email: dream_chan@hotmail.com



Get The Party Started





Daisuke

TGIF. I should be happy that I have a relaxing weekend to look forward to. However, I have to attend a party with people that I've been trying to avoid all week.

Damn Ken.

Huffing, I sift through boxes, trying to find something to wear to this thing. This is what I hate about moving. I remember that it took almost a month for me to unpack when we moved to London.



"Something wrong?" Chibimon asks, not taking his eyes away from the screen on my GameBoy Advanced.

"I can't find anything to wear..." I mutter, becoming annoyed digging through boxes. Note to self: put clothes in closet..soon.



"Do you want me to help?" he says, the furious tapping of buttons filling the air.

"Uhh...that's okay. I'm sure I'll find something soon." I reassure him, trying to hold in the laughter that wanted to come out. I mean, my partner has many great qualities but I don't think that fashion sense is one of them.

" 'Ke-chan! Ken is here!" Jun yells from the living room, as I decide once and for all that I am not going to this party.

Moments later, I hear a knock followed by the door being opened. In comes Ken with a wiggling backpack which could only mean one thing.

I guess that even got Chibimon's attention, cause the next thing I know, the little bleeps stop and at the top of his little lungs he yells, "MINOMON!!"

The wiggling in the backpack intensifies, as Ken barely unzips the the bag before a green and brown blur comes flying out with a yell of it's own.

"CHIBIMON!!" it squeals, bowling Chibs over with his excitement.



Next thing I know, I have two deliriously happy In-Training Digimon dancing and singing like someone told them they could have free ice cream for life. After a couple of seconds, the noise dies down as they start to talk in coherent sentences. Once they calm down a bit, Minomon flies over to me and hovers in front of my face with a bright smile.



"Hi Daisuke!" he chirps happily, moving into the arms I held out for him. Everytime I see him like this, it makes me glad of everything that happened. I remember how I would feel so sorry for him when Ken was the Digimon Kaiser. Through all that mistreatment that Ken inflicted on him, he still stood loyally by his side...even giving up his life in order to save Ken's. Though it was Magnamon that destroyed Kimeramon, it was Wormmon that gave him the strength, and it was Wormmon's death which made Ken realize that Digimon were real. It was hard for Ken to accept all the wrongs that he done, but with the rebirth of his partner and his friendship with us, he began to heal.



"Hey Mino..." I say affectionately, rubbing him between his little antennae.

"Dais, why aren't you dressed yet?" Ken asked, sounding a bit irritated at me state of undress.

You know, for him to be such a genius, he really can't figure out simple things.

"I'm not going." I declare stubbornly, crossing my arms for effect.

Waving my attitude off, he simply says, "Yes you are. Now hurry up or else we're going to be late."

"Did you just hear what I said? I'm not going..." I declared with finality. There was nothing on Earth that could make me go.

However, I didn't take into account of Jun wanting to play dress up.

Fifteen minutes later I was what Jun called 'dressed to impress'. Somehow I had been stuffed into black shirt unbuttoned a bit to show off the silver chain I was given a few years ago, a new pair of khakis, and some black loafers. When she was done, I felt like a life-sized Barbie doll.

"You look good 'Ke-chan. You almost meet my standards..." my sister says thoughtfully, giving me a look of approval.



"Thanks... I think..." I say, taking another glance in the mirror. While I'm looking I notice that Ken is standing on the otherside of the room with this self-satisfied look on his face. That is when I get the distinct impression that he had planned this all along.



"Ken , I'm going to kill you for dragging me to this party," I mutter darkly, letting him know that

I was not happy, despite the fact that Jun had turned me into what she dubbed a 'hottie'.

"I don't think that Sora would appreaciate that, but thanks for the warning. Now let's go before Sora kills me..." he smiles, completely oblivious to the death glare I was trying to burn in the back of his head.

"Jun, why aren't you going to this party? Why don't I just stay home and hang out with you?" I suggest, using the 'puppy-eye' technique she taught me. I mean, she was a college student and all. Plus, I didn't want to suffer alone, since Ken would be playing kissy-face with Sora for most of the night. This just has to work.



"Not really up to it." she explains nonchantly, walking behind me. " I have had a hellish week to be honest. Besides, someone has to protect the fridge from two rampaging Digimon..." my sister chuckles, gathering up both Mino and Chibi.

"Hey!" came the collective shout, a bit muffled from the way she was holding them against her.

Leaving Jun in charge of our partners, we hotfoot it over to the subway station. Running, we just make the train, sliding inside as the train doors begin to close. After about twenty minutes, we get off for our stop. As we walk to the building where the party is, we really don't say much. I can't believe that after being apart for five years, we are still able to have comfortable silences. Especailly after the unconventional reunion we had. We had talked about it and it seemed that he understood, but there is something telling me that he had something up his sleeve. I guess I should be grateful that he has decided to drop the Hikari issue for now.

Walking into the room, all I hear is a heavy bassline and lights pulsing in time with the beat. I try to blend into the crowd, thinking that in a party this big, there is a small chance that I might come out of thing unscathed. Fat chance of that happening, because five minutes later, I was face to face with my childhood and possibly present rival, Takaishi Takeru.

Contrary to popular belief, I can say his name perfectly fine.



"So, you really are back, " he says cheerfully, with the same carefree smile I remember. I guess you can be happy and carefree when you have the greatest girl in the whole world. No matter what Ken says, I know that there is something between him and Hikari. Their closeness is something no one can fake.

Realizing that I've been standing there like an idiot for the past few seconds, I reply, "Yep, the Taichi-clone is back." My sarcasm has definitely gotten better over the years.



Choosing to ignore my barb, he continues, "Anyways, it's good to see you again, even though Hikari had to point you out..." he says, the reproach evident in his voice. This kind of threw me because I don't see why he should be upset. It's not like we were close or anything.



However that was not my main concern right now. Hikari was here. It was by sheer force of will that my head didn't start swiveling off my shoulders in a desperate attempt to see her. Putting on a disinterested air, I began methodically searching the room, hoping the boy in front of me wouldn't notice.

"Who are you looking for?" he snickers, letting me know that he has already knows.

Prick.

"No one. I just thought I saw someone from the soccer team, excuse me..." That had to the be the most transparent excuse ever used. I really don't think that he would appreciate me wanting to ogle his psedo-girlfriend. At least in front of him.

Before I could walk off, I'm stopped abruptly with a firm hand on my arm. "Wait Daisuke. I just have one more thing to say..."

"What is it Takaishi?" I sigh, wishing that I was somewhere else.

"A lot of things have changed since you've been gone. I hope you notice..." and with that cryptic statement, he blended with the crowd, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Stupid prick.

It seemed that throughout the night, each Chosen was taking their turn to approach me. After the mixture of big hugs, stern lectures, life threats, and slap upside the head (courtesy of Miyako), I was puckered out. Slowly I made my way to a table that had some drinks and other party food laid out. As I was about ot reach out for a cup of punch when I hear a familiar voice tell me, " I wouldn't do that if I were you, unless you want a massive headache the next morning."

Knowing that I didn't have a choice, I turned around to see a living contradiction.

Yagami Taichi and Ishida Yamato.

Crestholders of Courage and Friendship.

Childhood idol and General Pain in the Ass.

Boyfriend and Boyfriend.

The funny thing is, I don't know why I didn't see it sooner.



"I don't know whether to punch your lights out or wrap you up in a bear hug..." Taichi says in that easy going manner I tried to emulate when I was younger. If he was willing to meet me halfway, I would as well.



"Can I pick the most painless option?" I smile slightly, trying to ignore the cold stare that Yamato was leveling at me. I don't understand why he's angry. If anything, I thought he would be the first one happy when I left. Then again, Yamato is known to be a drama queen...king...whatever you want to call it.

"How about we compromise?" Taichi asks mischieviously and before I know it I am pulled into a tight headlock, getting noogies by the truckload.

Just like old times. However all good things have to come to an end. With our laughter fading, I stand up straight and look into eyes that would be perfectly at home in the Artic Circle.



"Motomiya-san" was all I got in greeting from the standoff-ish blonde. Fine, I can be that way too.



"Ishida-san." I replied, hoping my eyes told him what I really wanted to say. I could see him trying to fight for patience. Good to see that things never change.



"Daisuke-san," he says unemotionally, meeting my cold stare with one of his own. "It's great seeing you again..."



"Same here." I answer mechanically, wondering why he is even trying to be nice.

"So, why did you leave?" he asks bluntly, his blue eyes narrowing a bit. Should've known that 'nic' bit wouldn't last for long.



"I really don't think that is any of your business..." I snap at him, not wanting to discuss this with the person I had blamed partly for my leaving.

"Look everyone else might walk over eggshells for you or act like nothings happened, but I won't. So, stop acting like a little brat and tell us why you left the way you did." he snaps, obviously tired of the little game we were playing.



"I guess it has something to do with having the Crest of Friendship..." I shoot back, instantly regretting the words coming out of my mouth. I remember Taichi telling me about the adventures of the first group of Chosen and the ordeal they all went through, the worst being Yamato's betrayal and defection. The only difference was that he was finally accepted among the group.

Unlike me.



No matter all the displays of affection I was getting now, back then I don't think that no one really cared. To them, I was Daisuke. Braggart and all-round doofus. The only person that I felt comfortable around was Ken, who had been our enemy. Even after all that commotion wit BelialVandemon, I was still treated like the village idiot.



I knew that this was a bad idea coming here.



Focusing back on Yamato, I could see that he was pissed and hurt, before it all disappeared behind a stony mask. I think that if Tai-kun hadn't been standing there, I would have been in deep shit.



"Direct hit. Well done Daisuke." Ignoring me, he turns and says, "Tai, you can stay here if you want but I'm leaving." and with that he stalked off. Taichi made to follow before he looked back and said, "Dais, it's good to have you home, but if you ever hurt Yamato or my sister again, I will crush your skull in." and with that, he leaves to follow his boyfriend out the door.



Hearing that I made Hikari made me feel worse than what I already was. See, I told Ken. This just proves that I need to stay away from her. I can see now that all we'll do is hurt each other. Taichi's statement just proves my point.

Walking over to the wall, I slump down in a chair, wanting this night to end. Well, I guess it was better than expected. I mean, everyone pretty much forgiven me and I haven't run into Hikari all night. Looking up, I can see that I spoke too soon, because I can see the beautiful brunette headed my way.

Cursing my luck, I sit knowing that I was going have to face her again. I thought that after our last 'conversation', she would want to stay far away from me. I don't think that I will ever understand girls.

Seconds later, she is standing in front of me, looking at me with those glorious hazel eyes. I don't know how long we stand there, just looking at each other, but I didn't care, because I already knew that I couldn't push her away.

To hell with Takaishi.

However just as she is about she is about to say something, I hear someone shout, "DAVIS!!! OHMIGOODNESS!!! IT REALLY IS YOU!!!!"

Who in the hell could that be...and screaming in ENGLISH?!?!?

Instantly, my head snapped to the blur that was running at me full speed. I only had seconds to open my arms to catch the excited person. Pulling them away a bit, I take in the ebony hair, pale skin, and deep amber eyes.

It takes a moment, but then everything comes together as I recognize the girl that is once again squeezing the life out of me.



Mori Kirei.



Daughter of the Japanese ambassador to Great Britain and world reknown Japanese author. Geneal nutcase and more importantly, one of the first friends that I made after moving to London.

Finally squeezing her back, I look over her shoulder and see Hikari standing a little off to the side, her expression displaying something I never would have thought I would have seen.

Shaking my head a little, I decide it's just the dim lighting of the room we're in, because there is no way in hell that Yagami Hikari was jealous and shooting daggers at Kirei.

Releasing Kirei, I motion for Hikari to come closer. "Hikari-san, I would like introduce you to Mori Kirei, a close friend from the UK. Kiki, this is Yagami Hikari..." I trail off, Kirei knowing the past that was between us.

You see, my very first day of school, I met the ever popular Kirei. I was surprised that she seemed interested in me, but I rebuffed all her advances, not really being over the hurt from Kari. Needless to say, she became pissed and in her straight-forward way asked me what the hell was wrong with me. Not seeing how it would hurt, I told her my sad story and we've been great friends ever since. She even knows about Chibimon and the Digital World, but that is another story all together.

Bowing, Kirei says, "It's nice to meet you Yagami-san. Dai-kun has told me so much about you..." she says demurely, her embassy training kicking in.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mori-san. I'm sorry to say that Daisuke hasn't told me much about you though..." she replies, giving me a pointed look.

Looks like Hikari has been taking classes from Gatomon. I never knew she had the ablilty to be so catty.

"Kiki, What in the world are you doing here?" I ask a little too brightly, hoping to dispel the tension that was surrounding us.

"Remember when I said that I might be seeing you sooner than you think?" I nodded and she continued, "I had signed up for an exchange program and seeing how I haven't seen my mom's family in ages, I figured that I would kill two birds with one stone."

"So, where are you staying?"

"In Odaiba with my aunt." she gushed in true KiKi fashion. Being born in the UK, Kirei has only visited Japan a few times, even though she is full- blooded Japanese. However, that didn't stop her parents making sure she was fluent in her homeland language.



"I thought she lived in Sapporo-" I began, before she cut me off in a hurry to finish the rest of her story. "She did, but she just moved recently. Matter of fact, I'll be attending Odaiba High starting next week."

"Yosh! That means we'll be at the same school. Even though I just started this past week, I can show you what I know and take you on a tour of the neighboorhood. Us newbies gotta stick together, ne?" I say, excited about showing Kiki where I grew up. This could be the distraction that I've been looking for.



"That would be great Davis...I mean, Daisuke-kun." she replies, reverting to my Japanese name.



"If you want Mori-san, I would be happy to show you around as well." Hikari pipes up, switching back to the sweet personality that fits so well. I guess she's been taking lessons from Yamato in mood swings.



"I appreciate that. Oh and by the way, please call me Kirei or Kiki. Either one works for me." she tells her, holding out her hand in a Western greeting."Will do. Please call me Hikari or 'Kari... " she smiles, shaking her hand.

I'm glad to see Hikari and Kirei warm up to each other. I was a bit worried there, but I think I just have a overactive imagination. What would Hikari be jealous of? Anyway we were standing there just talking and everything was going good until Hikari says, "We have some other friends here. Would you like to meet them as well?"

"Sure," she cheerfully agreed and within minutes all the Japanese Chosen (with the exception of Jyou, Taichi and Yamato) were getting to know Kirei. I simply stood back and watched the reaction of the group. Not surprisingly, she hit it off with each and everyone of them, already making plans to go shopping with Mimi, Sora, and Miyako soon. The strangest thing though was the look on Takeru's face. It was a look that I knew very well, since I've worn it so often staring at Hikari.

Sick Love Puppy.

Confused, I looked over at Hikari to see what she thought about this, and was shocked to see that she looked completely unaffected by it...maybe even happy for him.

Could Ken have been telling the truth? Takeru and Kari are NOT an item? Could I be the BIGGEST BAKA to ever walk the Earth?



Unfortunately, I was hearing an affirmative for all those questions.



I was brought out of my self-induced daze by Kiki poking me. "Now that you're back with the rest of us, I just wanted to let you know that I have to be leaving now." she said, gesturing to someone that was waving their hand near the door. She pulled out a scrap of paper and handed it to me. "Give me a call and we can set up that tour and stuff, k?" she says hurriedly, giving me a quick hug.

"No problem. Ja ne Kiki." I laughed, quite use to her overzealous nature. I think that is one of the reasons we got along so well. Kindred spirits and all that jazz.

"Ja Dai-kun...ja ne minna-san" she waves back, her constant smile firmly in place. I could already tell that she had been accepted into the group. If she was a Chosen, she would have been a perfect match for the Crest of Friendship.

A chorus of byes came from our group. Still watching the disappearing back of my friend, I feel someone tap me on the shoulder, and I am not surprised to see Hikari standing behind me.

"Daisuke...I really need to speak to you..." she begins, her gaze darting about nervously.

"Do you want to talk in private?" I asked, feeling that this was something that shouldn't be discussed in the middle of a party. Besides, I'll be damned if I'll provide fodder for the Chosen gossip mill. I swear its more effecient than the internet.

"Sure" she agreed, and as I turned to look at Takeru's reaction to all this, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. A huge smile and a thumbs-up sign.

What in hell is going on?!?! Is he encouraging her?!?

But before I could ponder that thought any further, Hikari had grabbed my hand and led me outside. Once we were a reasonable distance away, she stopped and turned to look at me. I could do nothiung but stare back since all my attention ws focused on the warmth that was enclosing my hand and have yet to let go.

" I just wanted to say that I'm sorry...." she said, looking at me with remorse and something else that I quite understand.

" 'Kari." I stopped her, not wanting to hear those words cross her lips. This mess was all my fault. "You don't have to apologize, but I do. I know that I've been a major jerk ever since I got back. It's just that I didn't want to assume that we were friends, especially seeing how I left things."



"Dais, I accept your apology and I'm sure everyone else does too, however that is not the reason for my apology..." she says softly, stepping closer. By now my mind has turned to mush, this being the usual reaction whenever Kari is too close.

Placing a warm hand on my cheek, she whispers, "I'm apologizing because this is something that I should have done a week ago...", and that was the only warning I got before her lips and body were pressed against mine.

Like I said before. I'm definitely gonna thank Ken-kun for dragging me to this party.



tbc.....

I'm just gonna stop it there. It's great that Hikari finally was brave enough, but does that mean Daisuke is ready to take that step as well? Plus, what does everyone else think of this? Stayed tuned to find out minna!!!!!



Thanx for reading and please review!!!! Does wonders for writer's block!! ^_~

Ja ne!