A/N: For Holy and kellyQ, my first-ever reviewers as a thank-you present- the sequel to "Thinking of You Again". Still Ken's POV.



"Because I Loved You Better"



Your eyes are large and solemn; all your pain hidden by the sweet lies you tell to pass the time. You are so very strong, my Daisuke, but you need to learn how to mourn openly.

You feel badly for me though; I can tell. If you watch someone for long enough, you can always tell. And I have been watching you for a very, very long time.

But you, it seems, have not watched me half so closely. You think my heart is broken by this divorce. It was finalized today, and I cried from the sheer, precious relief that moment brought my soul. Now, I can say the words to you without betraying the so-sacred bond I share with her.

She really is a wonderful woman, Daisuke. I don't know what business a woman like that has letting herself be cooped up as a housewife.

"Daisuke, I . . ." I begin.

You respond instantly, spilling over with concern for me, fussing like some bizarre version of a mother hen, and I cannot get a word in edgewise, not even to tell you that you are about to drive the car into a ditch. In the backseat, your son tightens his seatbelt resignedly, and I get the suspicious feeling that this is a more common occurrence than one might hope.

"Hikari," I say simply, and you snap out of it, slamming on the brakes in a knee-jerk reaction. Like I said, I know you. Even after all these years, just the mention of that lovely, soothing light calms your passionate soul, because you still love her as deeply as ever.

This word worked for Miyako as well, but now is not the time to think of what that may imply.

And your heart is endless; you love Hikari as deeply and truly as you love your dear wife's memory, and yet you betray neither with your affections. You care for many people, and it never occurs to you that there could or even should ever be any limit to how much you love them.

You are so sudden, Daisuke, always as alive as possible and acting before you think; but still naïve and oftentimes playing the fool.

I believe . . .

Perhaps . . .

Yes, I know the best way to tell you what I think of you.

You park in front of my new apartment and give me a concerned look, inquiring if I will be all right alone. Of course I wouldn't; no one is ever really okay when they are alone. Certainly not anyone who understands what it is to have a digimon partner or to Jogress with the one you love best. But Wormmon is waiting for me, and I can call you any time I want- you said it yourself, after all.

I pause before I get out of the car, turning to you and asking, "Do you know why Miyako and I were divorced?" You shake your head, your eyes curious.

Perfect.

I dart forward, my lips almost brushing against your ear, and whisper, "Because I loved you better." And then I kiss you.

I pull back and smile slightly when I see you staring at me, your beautiful eyes as wide as your face is red.

"Is this okay?" I ask you quietly, bringing a hand up to cup your cheek.

"Uh-huh," you reply, your voice just as quiet as your blush darkens.

In the backseat, your son's own face is buried in his hands. "Ah, cripes," he mutters. "Um, Ichijouji-san, does this mean I have to break up with your son now?"



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