So. Y'all ready to settle down and get with this?
FLF: such a scary long time has gone by since I've done anything here. I know that everyone who threatened to kill me over my procrastination has either dropped off ff.net or just plain forgotten. But recently I've had the insane urge to finish what I'd started.
The voices: Normal people call that determination.
FLF: I call it creepy. Anyway. Please remember as you read this, and I want you to, that this story was originally written when season 02 was in full swing. This fic came into being right when Takari was booming like crazy.
The voices: Ah, the good ol' days.
FLF: Yes. Good times. People were much more giving with their reviews and story ideas were just beginning to enter the dreaded clichés that become harder and harder to avoid. This story wasn't trite when I wrote it. I hope it hasn't become so now. The voices: If it is a cliché, you deserve it.
FLF: Shut up. Nothing's a cliché when you've had this much coffee, so I think I'll be alright.
Last admonition: I mixed up some of the English and Japanese names. Sometimes this is for my own reasons and sometimes because it's been a year and a half. My memory's not that good.
Here I am!
Back at it! Shazam!
For real you see it.
With your own 2 eyes.
FLF, better recognize!
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, or any of its characters. All I've got is the flu, the urge to write and an English paper to put off.
Anyway, here's my revision and repost..
Enjoy it, honey.
~*~
Kari's POV
"Yes. I'll have her portfolio in by Thursday Mr. Jones." Mrs. Kamiya said hanging up the phone. "Seriously Kari, is this school what you really want? It's been so much work."
"Mom, we've been through this, and I know what I want." I replied. She gave me a sideways look, "I'm sure mom." She sighed because she knew that that ended the debate.
"So have you picked a main stream yet?" Sora asked. Sora was at our house often now. She and Tai always did "projects" together... well so they said... at first I thought it was because Sora got in a fight with her mom. Then I saw them kissing... Tai's lucky I'm a better with secrets than he is...
"Well... I know I got into the dance program...but I'll wait and see if I get into the art one. I mean, if I get into art I think I'll go for it. So many more careers stem from art than dance." I replied "But I'm not limiting myself, I'll still take some dance classes if I can. I always saw it as more of a hobby, though."
"That sounds great, Kari! I mean you may love to dance, but haven't you seen those documentaries on TV where the dancer girls starve themselves? I'd never like to see you like that Kar. Never."
"Well thanks Tai, same to you." I replied with a giggle.
All this excitement and anticipation had led to some humor. I still wondered whether or not I should have applied to HSA, a private high school for the arts. I knew it had a great curriculum for people like me and I wouldn't even have been the first Digidestined who went there. Izzy took technology courses, so I could see him any time I liked. On top of this, HSA shined on a college application. True, my grades were pretty good as it was, but I wanted to go to the best college I could, and so I needed arts... And HSA was the best place to get those arts.
It all sounded so win/win. I mean, why shouldn't I have gone? Nothing was holding me back.
Except for the fact that it was a boarding school. I wasn't really sure if I was ready to not see all my friends for that long a period of time. Not see my family. Tai. He'd taken the news of my going surprisingly well for the overbearing older brother that he was. He'd been so supportive all through the application process, when I'd needed him most. I smiled, he'd always be there for me, and so would all the other Digidestined no matter whether I was with them or not. In the end I stuck by the choice I'd made. Sighing thoughtfully, I picked up the requirement sheet.
HSA Visual Arts- Year one
2 fruit still lives, check.
1 chair still life, check.
2 still lives with more than five objects, check.
3 landscapes of choice, check.
1 painting of a house, check.
1 seascape, check
4 portraits check
3 animals.
"Meko! C'mere kitty, kitty, kitty!"
~*~
"Wow Kari I think that's your best yet!" Mimi squealed, "If you don't get in I'll... I'll... wear baggy jeans and a Korn T-shirt!" Matt gave a quiet "heh" at the thought. All the Digidestined had gathered in front of the HSA conference room to wish me luck. I had brought my final picture of Meko, and they were admiring it.
"I have to say... and I'm not being partial, that's better than most of the student art I've seen in the hallways." Izzy admired.
"Thanks, Izz. You best be watching those hallways soon, you know." I spoke nervously back to him and he flashed me a grin.
"Miss Kamiya? Mr. Jones will see you now." The receptionist said "You may take a friend with you if you'd like." she said smiling to me
"Umm... Who wants to come?"
"Why doesn't TK go?" Sora suggested, nodding at the boy who'd been quiet all morning. That would be perfect. He always had a way of calming me down when I was anxious or upset. And god was I anxious right now.
"That okay?" I asked quietly, giving him an innocent grin.
"Sure." he said sounding very unlike himself. We walked into the room. I was shaking. My stomach was hardly there. TK flashed me a quick smile. It was a fake, but any comfort was good.
"Miss Kamiya, after reviewing your portfolio we have decided to let you go." Mr. Jones. I couldn't believe it. My eyes welled up. I grabbed TK's arm and clung to him tightly.
"From the dance program." he continued
"Huh?" I said looking up through bleary eyes
"Your work is fabulous." Mr. Jones said "and we would like you to focus all your talent into your art. You're going to go places. Your dancing is nice, but there are several out there with equal talent. Where as I haven't seen such talent in the visual for many years."
"So she's in?" TK asked
"Most certainly"
I was in heaven. I hugged TK. I hugged Mr. Jones. This was just a dream come true. "Wait." I laughed, "Isn't there supposed to be a ton of confetti and balloons falling on me?"
"Wait until we get home." TK smiled at me mischievously "Now can you let go of my arm? I can't feel it."
"Sorry." We walked out to where all my other friends sat waiting for the verdict.
"It's a shame." I said in a mournful tone, which was followed by a long pause.
"Oh Kari I'm sorry! It's their loss!" Sora said in a pitiful voice.
"It's a shame" I said again "It would have been quite a laugh to see Mimi in a Korn T-shirt!"
"Not funny!" Tai screamed as he gave me a big bear hug.
"Actually." TK began, smiling.
~*~
TK's POV
"Enough confetti?" I asked her as she walked in the door of her apartment to meet a frenzy of rainbow dots and silly string so thick that you couldn't see the hand in front of your face.
"No really." She said rolling her eyes, "Oh and TK, thanks for being there." She called as she made her way through the crowd.
"Sure," I called after her, my voice trailing off. Matt turned on the music. I looked around. Wow, I had never realized just how popular Kari was. Most of the grade was crammed into this tiny space; all here to celebrate Kari's going away. Wait a minute. That's what we're celebrating? It just hit me like a rock: I wasn't going to see my best friend for a really long time.
"What's eating you?" Davis asked in a rather rude tone.
"She's going... somewhere far away, Davis, gone... only audible by phone. Only visible by photo. Gone."
"Whoa... wait a sec, TY, Use normal peoples' language..."
"Oh never mind." I said joining the dancing crowd. My eye caught Kari dancing with some kid who was on the soccer team. Not close dancing, but I still felt a ripple up my spine. Damn if I didn't want to punch that little punk. Jealousy was such a killer. Then it occurred to me that a best friend doesn't get jealous over a silly dance.
Suddenly, and much to my relief, a line dance came over the speakers. The room was way too crowded for this sort of thing of course, and by the time the song was over I'd gotten my toe stepped on at least 20 times, but at least nobody was getting to close to Kari.
After all the panting soon-to-be-high-schoolers finished the dance, a slow song came on. The crowd broke up into pairs. Davis asked Kari who looked around desperately to find someone else, but she didn't catch my eye. Girls from my "fan club" crowded around me, but I sat it out. The room was devoid of voices, just music, and the occasional wince of Kari when Davis stepped on her toes. After it ended they turned on something swing. I moved toward Kari, but she already had a swing ensemble planned out with Tai. I was bummed, but it was okay just watching. Kari was a good dancer... a really good dancer... her feet hardly touched the floor. Tai threw her up in the air she had perfect balance. Much to my embarrassment, I found myself unable to keep my eyes off of her.
~*~
Kari's POV
"Whew! I'm exhausted! Dancing takes a lot out of you. I'm gonna take a break." I called to Tai. Man TK hadn't lightened up a bit. So I thought maybe a little dancing would lift those spirits...
"Hey you." I said waving a hand in front of his face, "There's a call on line one."
"Huh?" he asked snapping back to earth
"How about a dance?" I asked him
"I... I... I'd love that."
"C'mon then!" I said pulling him onto the dance floor just as the song ended. Matt grinned as he saw us on the floor. It was going to be the last dance of the evening. Then everyone would say goodbye. Goodbye would be hard. I suddenly wished that this last dance with my best friend would go on forever.
"Okay for the last dance we're going to go back in time." Matt said, "The year is 1969. The month is October. The raging war is ending in Vietnam. The world is on a search for peace. meanwhile, the Beatles have two new singles out. One of goes something like this..."
TK looked at me and gestured for me to dance with him. I accepted. I knew Matt must be going somewhere with this, but didn't think much of it. I sighed as TK put his hands around my waist and I placed my arms around his neck. Nearby I saw Tai and Sora dancing closely. The music hadn't even started yet... I guess they didn't need it. I smiled thinking of that. Would I ever be like that with some boy? So in love that I didn't need any music?
I looked up at TK who watched me thoughtfully. Then the music began, but soon faded away. The only things visible to me were TK's sapphire eyes. Then I just sort of fell into his arms. He held me closer... and I started to tear. "I'll miss you."
"You too... more than you can know." His voice in my ear seemed distant somehow.
"How?" I said giving him a mild quizzical look
"Nothing." He blushed and looked down at me smiling. That was the first time I ever realized that something more than friendship radiated from his eyes. I looked down blushing. I lay my head back on his shoulder. Does he care for me like that? It seemed like it... the question was did I care for him like that?
~*~
TK's POV
We just danced, and for a short while that was our existence; two beings melting for each other, moving to the beat of some song that had long ended. Clearly Kari had asked herself an important question in this time, and answered it too. I just wondered what that answer was. Neither of us aware that a large group had just sat and watched our dance for over an hour smiling (Or in certain cases scowling).
"Um. guys? Do you think we could say goodbye to the guests and THEN you can hold the dance marathon?" Tai teased.
"Oh my god! What time is it?" Kari whispered immediately pulling away.
"11:30" Jyou piped up
"We danced for an hour and a half." I marveled, catching her eye; clearly she was still in shock. Kari said goodbye to everyone. each person individually. until only Sora, Matt, Mimi, Izzy, Jyou and I were left, all the original Digidestined.
"Well goodbye everybody! I've got a HUGE test tomorrow.It's been so good to see you! Goodbye Kari! You'll do great! You've really got some talent, kid." Jyou said
"Bye Jyou! Oh. and you can email me here!" Kari said handing him a piece of paper, "Keep in touch!"
"Bye Kari! See ya tomorrow!" Izzy said walking out the door
"Oh my gosh Kari email me everyday, I wanna hear everything, and I mean everything! Boys too!" Mimi squealed
"You know I tell you everything anyway Mimi! Ooo I miss you already!" Kari replied giving her a hug. Mimi grinned and walked out the door.
"I'll be there to see you off tomorrow Kari, but my mom is gonna want me home now. Love you girl!" Sora called
"Bye Sora!"
"Well this is bye then? I'll see ya over winter break! Bring home some of your work for us" Matt said smiling
"Sure!" Kari replied.
"I mean artwork, not math and stuff."
"I figured." Kari replied faking disappointment as Matt walked away.
"Want a moment alone?" Tai asked Kari and I
"Thanks" I responded.
Kari and I walked into her bedroom and sat down on a beanbag together, she looked at me, "TK, I'll miss you. You're the best friend I've ever had! I'll email you each night!" Kari said trying desperately to keep that perfect composure, but she snapped. She started to cry and I held her close.
"Shhh, don't cry." I cooed starting to well up a bit myself "Kari?"
"Hmmm?" she asked looking up at me. Visions of our childhood days clouded my mind. I realized I'd never have a friendship like that again. And I knew that what I was about to do would jeopardize all of that completely. It suddenly occurred to me that I'd been bottling again. Feelings for Kari- God I must have had them since I met her. Was I nervous? Of course, but this is what I knew I had to do to. If I didn't do this now I might not get another chance, so I had to overcome my fears.
I leaned down and planted a gentle kiss onto her forehead. Then she caressed my cheek with her hand. I was surprised, but she was clearly beckoning me to do what I'd wanted so badly. I lifted her chin with my cupped hand. I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
~*~ Kari's POV
Wow. There was my first kiss. For some reason I'd always thought Davis would be the one I'd share this with. Not because I'd want to, but he seemed so much more likely to act on his feelings than TK. But oh, when TK acted on his feelings! Then, part of this moment's wonder resounded from my own bottled feelings, not just the actions of my best friend. Like now, in this kiss, I felt ideas. energy, feelings. Love, passion, love contentment- but still desire. I felt things. a field of wildflowers, a bed of roses, a tropical island, a soft puppy dog, and hot cocoa on a winter's night, I felt love. Love. I felt LOVE. But I couldn't even describe it more than that.
It was new, it was deep. And I was going away tomorrow.
~*~
"Goodbye Kari!" Tai, Sora and TK called to me the next day "Goodbye Izzy!"
"Bye everybody!" I called as the bus drove away.
The bus ride was long, over five hours. But I had a good time. I sat next to Izzy, and he's the best conversationalist you could ever meet. We talked and laughed the whole bus ride. When we arrived at school they told me to go into a huge art room. Izzy and I said goodbye.
"Hi!" said a short, white- blonde girl with a high-pitched voice. "My name's Hanae! I'm a freshman here! Who're you?"
"Hi, my name is Kari! I'm a freshman too." I replied, glad to not be alone.
"Would it be okay if I walked around with you? It'll be good for me to look like I have a friend. I don't know anybody here! Do you? You have to make a good first impression here, so I've heard. It'll be good for me to walk in with someone like you, I mean; you don't need to look like you have friends. You're wearing 'Tachikawa' clothes!"
"Sure... That's great! And if you want any 'Tachikawa' clothes you can borrow them anytime! I have plenty!" I said using my polished social skills. I never knew Mimi's clothing line was so "in"... Makes sense... my friends were always borrowing my clothes... and I got them dirt cheap from Mimi... well I *was* her Guinea Pig...
"Really? My parents could never afford them! Thank you!"
"Really, it's nothing." But it was something. I noticed all the sophomores looking at me approvingly.
"So... Do you know anybody here?" she asked
"Yeah."
"Name. Grade. Gender. Subject."
"Why?"
"Just tell me. My cousin once went here. I can tell you if your friend can help you socially." She said
"Um... I don't really care about popularity... "
"C'mon Name. Grade. Gender. Subject."
I sighed "Koushiro Izumi, Junior, Male, Computer Technology."
"Lucky!"
"Why do you care so much?" I asked, "In 20 years you won't look back and see who wore name brand clothes, or who had the most followers. The only thing that will matter is how talented you were."
"No, in twenty years there will be a reunion, and people will look at you and say "Oh look there's that hot girl who was so cool she dated a Junior as a freshman." And they'll look at me and say "Who's that scrawny little pipsqueak over there?" She said
"Whoa. Hold it there, partner! DATE? I don't DATE him! I have a boyfriend back home!" my mind fuzzed at the thought of TK.
"Sorry... I'm not normally like this it's just the. everything. excitement?" she apologized
"Okay."
Mr. Jones walked into the room and we all found seats. I ended up sitting next to some guy that Hanae said was "Totally hot" and "Totally checking me out" on one side, and Hanae on the other. "Welcome all! This year we have the honor to welcome in one of the most talented classes we've ever had the pleasure to work with."
"How much ya want to bet he says that every year." the boy sitting next to me whispered. I let out a silent chuckle in reply. Hanae eyed me encouragingly. "We have divided up our freshmen class by strengths and by talent. While some classes might be at a higher level, they also might have different fortes. Do not make assumptions about others' capabilities. Everyone here is talented, of every ten who tried out for this program only one made it. Be proud."
"Wow." I breathed
"Today we will divide you up and give you your schedules, dorms, and roommates."
~*~
It had been a long day. I collapsed into my top-bunk retreat. Beneath me I heard Kaori chatting on the phone with her sister. Kaori was my roommate. I'm sure somebody had gotten a real kick out of that, Kari and Kaori, rooming together. but I didn't have any complaints. Kaori was a nice girl, a bundle of positive energy, but hardly in the same way Hanae was. Anyway, she was one more friend, and we'd hit it off immediately. Plus we were in all the same classes and we both were pretty happy with our schedules.
9:50- 10:40 ~ Landscape 9A: Impressionism in earth
10:45- 11:35 ~ Math in art 9A: Cubism and tessellation
11:40- 12:40 ~ Lunch
12:45- 1:35 ~ Literature 9A: Poetry inspired by art
1:40 -2:30 ~ Still life 9A: Such things have never moved before
2:35- 3:25 ~ Portraits 9A: Capturing the life behind the eyes
3:30- 4:20 ~ Freedom of the brush 9A: Dances with canvas
This year already looked like it would be one of the best yet, even if my whole crew wasn't with me, I had Izzy and two new friends.. I was sure I would make more. I just wished that TK were here too. A long distance relationship was going to be hard, but I knew I could trust TK. I also knew that I was in control, no matter how cute that Ben was. Ben, yeah, he was the one at the assembly, but I didn't think too much of the American. Sure he was nice to look at and to talk to, but I was very happy with what I had.
~*~
Dear Mimi,
Life is beautiful... I miss you though. My friends started to scream when I showed them the last letter you sent me. Do you think you could include more than one signature in the next letter? Jeez Mimi... how do you own a successful clothing line and still do all that schoolwork? It's unbelievable. Hanae's made some new friends, and she fainted when she found out that you asked about her. Kaori's doing great, she thanks you for asking. And for the last time NO I DO *NOT* LIKE BEN!!! Got it? Good. So how's your life been? Write back soon!
Luv ya-
Kari Kamiya
P.S. Did you ever notice that if you scrambled my last name you get "IM A YAK"?
Dear Davis,
I'm doing fine. No I don't feel like coming home each night when I go to 'bed'. I do miss you all though. It's nice to hear from you. You asked about the friends I made? Um... well I'm friends w/ everybody I guess.but uh... well there's Hanae, she's a little hyper, and she's a social climber but she's really nice. And there's Kaori, she's in a lot of my classes, and she's an amazing artist! She's also my roommate. She's cool. And there's Ben. He's really talented too. He is also in a lot of my classes. He has a GREAT sense of humor. He could make you laugh ALL night long! Well um... that covers it! See ya soon!
Smiles,
Kari Kamiya
P.S. Thanks for telling me the last name scramble thing! You must have spent hours on
~*~
TK's POV
"Hi Davis." I said tonelessly as I saw who was at the door.
"Tiki! .I just got a letter. from Kari!" Davis panted after running all the way to my house.
"So..."
"She's cheating on you!" he said
"Right." I replied sarcastically.
"Right." His eyes were serious.
"No way. Not Kari."
"Oh yeah? Here's a piece of her letter! I was gonna grab the whole thing, but it ripped! I got over here in a rush!"
"Lemme see." I said ripping the piece of paper from his hand. He's pulling something to break us up but why not look? He handed me a scrap of paper. On it, in Kari's perfect handwriting in her favorite pink ink was written:
_________________________________________________
And there's Ben. He's really talented too. He is also in a lot of my classes. He has a GREAT sense of humor. He could make you laugh ALL night long! Well um... that covers it! See ya soon.
Smiles,
Kari Kamiya
___________________________________________________________________
"No..." I said weakly
"Yes... Now I do wonder what type talent she was speaking of..." Davis prodded
"What was the rest of the letter about?" I asked anger burned inside me.
"Now do you REALLY wanna know?" he asked
"No, not really."
"Well are you glad I shared this with you?"
"Glad you showed me? Not really, but I needed to know. Now leave before I take my anger out on you!" I looked down at the note in my hand. I crumpled it and flushed it down the toilet. How could Kari do this to me? I thought we were for real.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Anyway, there's chapter one, remixed. Like it or leave it. Just please give me some feedback!
FLF: such a scary long time has gone by since I've done anything here. I know that everyone who threatened to kill me over my procrastination has either dropped off ff.net or just plain forgotten. But recently I've had the insane urge to finish what I'd started.
The voices: Normal people call that determination.
FLF: I call it creepy. Anyway. Please remember as you read this, and I want you to, that this story was originally written when season 02 was in full swing. This fic came into being right when Takari was booming like crazy.
The voices: Ah, the good ol' days.
FLF: Yes. Good times. People were much more giving with their reviews and story ideas were just beginning to enter the dreaded clichés that become harder and harder to avoid. This story wasn't trite when I wrote it. I hope it hasn't become so now. The voices: If it is a cliché, you deserve it.
FLF: Shut up. Nothing's a cliché when you've had this much coffee, so I think I'll be alright.
Last admonition: I mixed up some of the English and Japanese names. Sometimes this is for my own reasons and sometimes because it's been a year and a half. My memory's not that good.
Here I am!
Back at it! Shazam!
For real you see it.
With your own 2 eyes.
FLF, better recognize!
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, or any of its characters. All I've got is the flu, the urge to write and an English paper to put off.
Anyway, here's my revision and repost..
Enjoy it, honey.
~*~
Kari's POV
"Yes. I'll have her portfolio in by Thursday Mr. Jones." Mrs. Kamiya said hanging up the phone. "Seriously Kari, is this school what you really want? It's been so much work."
"Mom, we've been through this, and I know what I want." I replied. She gave me a sideways look, "I'm sure mom." She sighed because she knew that that ended the debate.
"So have you picked a main stream yet?" Sora asked. Sora was at our house often now. She and Tai always did "projects" together... well so they said... at first I thought it was because Sora got in a fight with her mom. Then I saw them kissing... Tai's lucky I'm a better with secrets than he is...
"Well... I know I got into the dance program...but I'll wait and see if I get into the art one. I mean, if I get into art I think I'll go for it. So many more careers stem from art than dance." I replied "But I'm not limiting myself, I'll still take some dance classes if I can. I always saw it as more of a hobby, though."
"That sounds great, Kari! I mean you may love to dance, but haven't you seen those documentaries on TV where the dancer girls starve themselves? I'd never like to see you like that Kar. Never."
"Well thanks Tai, same to you." I replied with a giggle.
All this excitement and anticipation had led to some humor. I still wondered whether or not I should have applied to HSA, a private high school for the arts. I knew it had a great curriculum for people like me and I wouldn't even have been the first Digidestined who went there. Izzy took technology courses, so I could see him any time I liked. On top of this, HSA shined on a college application. True, my grades were pretty good as it was, but I wanted to go to the best college I could, and so I needed arts... And HSA was the best place to get those arts.
It all sounded so win/win. I mean, why shouldn't I have gone? Nothing was holding me back.
Except for the fact that it was a boarding school. I wasn't really sure if I was ready to not see all my friends for that long a period of time. Not see my family. Tai. He'd taken the news of my going surprisingly well for the overbearing older brother that he was. He'd been so supportive all through the application process, when I'd needed him most. I smiled, he'd always be there for me, and so would all the other Digidestined no matter whether I was with them or not. In the end I stuck by the choice I'd made. Sighing thoughtfully, I picked up the requirement sheet.
HSA Visual Arts- Year one
2 fruit still lives, check.
1 chair still life, check.
2 still lives with more than five objects, check.
3 landscapes of choice, check.
1 painting of a house, check.
1 seascape, check
4 portraits check
3 animals.
"Meko! C'mere kitty, kitty, kitty!"
~*~
"Wow Kari I think that's your best yet!" Mimi squealed, "If you don't get in I'll... I'll... wear baggy jeans and a Korn T-shirt!" Matt gave a quiet "heh" at the thought. All the Digidestined had gathered in front of the HSA conference room to wish me luck. I had brought my final picture of Meko, and they were admiring it.
"I have to say... and I'm not being partial, that's better than most of the student art I've seen in the hallways." Izzy admired.
"Thanks, Izz. You best be watching those hallways soon, you know." I spoke nervously back to him and he flashed me a grin.
"Miss Kamiya? Mr. Jones will see you now." The receptionist said "You may take a friend with you if you'd like." she said smiling to me
"Umm... Who wants to come?"
"Why doesn't TK go?" Sora suggested, nodding at the boy who'd been quiet all morning. That would be perfect. He always had a way of calming me down when I was anxious or upset. And god was I anxious right now.
"That okay?" I asked quietly, giving him an innocent grin.
"Sure." he said sounding very unlike himself. We walked into the room. I was shaking. My stomach was hardly there. TK flashed me a quick smile. It was a fake, but any comfort was good.
"Miss Kamiya, after reviewing your portfolio we have decided to let you go." Mr. Jones. I couldn't believe it. My eyes welled up. I grabbed TK's arm and clung to him tightly.
"From the dance program." he continued
"Huh?" I said looking up through bleary eyes
"Your work is fabulous." Mr. Jones said "and we would like you to focus all your talent into your art. You're going to go places. Your dancing is nice, but there are several out there with equal talent. Where as I haven't seen such talent in the visual for many years."
"So she's in?" TK asked
"Most certainly"
I was in heaven. I hugged TK. I hugged Mr. Jones. This was just a dream come true. "Wait." I laughed, "Isn't there supposed to be a ton of confetti and balloons falling on me?"
"Wait until we get home." TK smiled at me mischievously "Now can you let go of my arm? I can't feel it."
"Sorry." We walked out to where all my other friends sat waiting for the verdict.
"It's a shame." I said in a mournful tone, which was followed by a long pause.
"Oh Kari I'm sorry! It's their loss!" Sora said in a pitiful voice.
"It's a shame" I said again "It would have been quite a laugh to see Mimi in a Korn T-shirt!"
"Not funny!" Tai screamed as he gave me a big bear hug.
"Actually." TK began, smiling.
~*~
TK's POV
"Enough confetti?" I asked her as she walked in the door of her apartment to meet a frenzy of rainbow dots and silly string so thick that you couldn't see the hand in front of your face.
"No really." She said rolling her eyes, "Oh and TK, thanks for being there." She called as she made her way through the crowd.
"Sure," I called after her, my voice trailing off. Matt turned on the music. I looked around. Wow, I had never realized just how popular Kari was. Most of the grade was crammed into this tiny space; all here to celebrate Kari's going away. Wait a minute. That's what we're celebrating? It just hit me like a rock: I wasn't going to see my best friend for a really long time.
"What's eating you?" Davis asked in a rather rude tone.
"She's going... somewhere far away, Davis, gone... only audible by phone. Only visible by photo. Gone."
"Whoa... wait a sec, TY, Use normal peoples' language..."
"Oh never mind." I said joining the dancing crowd. My eye caught Kari dancing with some kid who was on the soccer team. Not close dancing, but I still felt a ripple up my spine. Damn if I didn't want to punch that little punk. Jealousy was such a killer. Then it occurred to me that a best friend doesn't get jealous over a silly dance.
Suddenly, and much to my relief, a line dance came over the speakers. The room was way too crowded for this sort of thing of course, and by the time the song was over I'd gotten my toe stepped on at least 20 times, but at least nobody was getting to close to Kari.
After all the panting soon-to-be-high-schoolers finished the dance, a slow song came on. The crowd broke up into pairs. Davis asked Kari who looked around desperately to find someone else, but she didn't catch my eye. Girls from my "fan club" crowded around me, but I sat it out. The room was devoid of voices, just music, and the occasional wince of Kari when Davis stepped on her toes. After it ended they turned on something swing. I moved toward Kari, but she already had a swing ensemble planned out with Tai. I was bummed, but it was okay just watching. Kari was a good dancer... a really good dancer... her feet hardly touched the floor. Tai threw her up in the air she had perfect balance. Much to my embarrassment, I found myself unable to keep my eyes off of her.
~*~
Kari's POV
"Whew! I'm exhausted! Dancing takes a lot out of you. I'm gonna take a break." I called to Tai. Man TK hadn't lightened up a bit. So I thought maybe a little dancing would lift those spirits...
"Hey you." I said waving a hand in front of his face, "There's a call on line one."
"Huh?" he asked snapping back to earth
"How about a dance?" I asked him
"I... I... I'd love that."
"C'mon then!" I said pulling him onto the dance floor just as the song ended. Matt grinned as he saw us on the floor. It was going to be the last dance of the evening. Then everyone would say goodbye. Goodbye would be hard. I suddenly wished that this last dance with my best friend would go on forever.
"Okay for the last dance we're going to go back in time." Matt said, "The year is 1969. The month is October. The raging war is ending in Vietnam. The world is on a search for peace. meanwhile, the Beatles have two new singles out. One of goes something like this..."
TK looked at me and gestured for me to dance with him. I accepted. I knew Matt must be going somewhere with this, but didn't think much of it. I sighed as TK put his hands around my waist and I placed my arms around his neck. Nearby I saw Tai and Sora dancing closely. The music hadn't even started yet... I guess they didn't need it. I smiled thinking of that. Would I ever be like that with some boy? So in love that I didn't need any music?
I looked up at TK who watched me thoughtfully. Then the music began, but soon faded away. The only things visible to me were TK's sapphire eyes. Then I just sort of fell into his arms. He held me closer... and I started to tear. "I'll miss you."
"You too... more than you can know." His voice in my ear seemed distant somehow.
"How?" I said giving him a mild quizzical look
"Nothing." He blushed and looked down at me smiling. That was the first time I ever realized that something more than friendship radiated from his eyes. I looked down blushing. I lay my head back on his shoulder. Does he care for me like that? It seemed like it... the question was did I care for him like that?
~*~
TK's POV
We just danced, and for a short while that was our existence; two beings melting for each other, moving to the beat of some song that had long ended. Clearly Kari had asked herself an important question in this time, and answered it too. I just wondered what that answer was. Neither of us aware that a large group had just sat and watched our dance for over an hour smiling (Or in certain cases scowling).
"Um. guys? Do you think we could say goodbye to the guests and THEN you can hold the dance marathon?" Tai teased.
"Oh my god! What time is it?" Kari whispered immediately pulling away.
"11:30" Jyou piped up
"We danced for an hour and a half." I marveled, catching her eye; clearly she was still in shock. Kari said goodbye to everyone. each person individually. until only Sora, Matt, Mimi, Izzy, Jyou and I were left, all the original Digidestined.
"Well goodbye everybody! I've got a HUGE test tomorrow.It's been so good to see you! Goodbye Kari! You'll do great! You've really got some talent, kid." Jyou said
"Bye Jyou! Oh. and you can email me here!" Kari said handing him a piece of paper, "Keep in touch!"
"Bye Kari! See ya tomorrow!" Izzy said walking out the door
"Oh my gosh Kari email me everyday, I wanna hear everything, and I mean everything! Boys too!" Mimi squealed
"You know I tell you everything anyway Mimi! Ooo I miss you already!" Kari replied giving her a hug. Mimi grinned and walked out the door.
"I'll be there to see you off tomorrow Kari, but my mom is gonna want me home now. Love you girl!" Sora called
"Bye Sora!"
"Well this is bye then? I'll see ya over winter break! Bring home some of your work for us" Matt said smiling
"Sure!" Kari replied.
"I mean artwork, not math and stuff."
"I figured." Kari replied faking disappointment as Matt walked away.
"Want a moment alone?" Tai asked Kari and I
"Thanks" I responded.
Kari and I walked into her bedroom and sat down on a beanbag together, she looked at me, "TK, I'll miss you. You're the best friend I've ever had! I'll email you each night!" Kari said trying desperately to keep that perfect composure, but she snapped. She started to cry and I held her close.
"Shhh, don't cry." I cooed starting to well up a bit myself "Kari?"
"Hmmm?" she asked looking up at me. Visions of our childhood days clouded my mind. I realized I'd never have a friendship like that again. And I knew that what I was about to do would jeopardize all of that completely. It suddenly occurred to me that I'd been bottling again. Feelings for Kari- God I must have had them since I met her. Was I nervous? Of course, but this is what I knew I had to do to. If I didn't do this now I might not get another chance, so I had to overcome my fears.
I leaned down and planted a gentle kiss onto her forehead. Then she caressed my cheek with her hand. I was surprised, but she was clearly beckoning me to do what I'd wanted so badly. I lifted her chin with my cupped hand. I leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
~*~ Kari's POV
Wow. There was my first kiss. For some reason I'd always thought Davis would be the one I'd share this with. Not because I'd want to, but he seemed so much more likely to act on his feelings than TK. But oh, when TK acted on his feelings! Then, part of this moment's wonder resounded from my own bottled feelings, not just the actions of my best friend. Like now, in this kiss, I felt ideas. energy, feelings. Love, passion, love contentment- but still desire. I felt things. a field of wildflowers, a bed of roses, a tropical island, a soft puppy dog, and hot cocoa on a winter's night, I felt love. Love. I felt LOVE. But I couldn't even describe it more than that.
It was new, it was deep. And I was going away tomorrow.
~*~
"Goodbye Kari!" Tai, Sora and TK called to me the next day "Goodbye Izzy!"
"Bye everybody!" I called as the bus drove away.
The bus ride was long, over five hours. But I had a good time. I sat next to Izzy, and he's the best conversationalist you could ever meet. We talked and laughed the whole bus ride. When we arrived at school they told me to go into a huge art room. Izzy and I said goodbye.
"Hi!" said a short, white- blonde girl with a high-pitched voice. "My name's Hanae! I'm a freshman here! Who're you?"
"Hi, my name is Kari! I'm a freshman too." I replied, glad to not be alone.
"Would it be okay if I walked around with you? It'll be good for me to look like I have a friend. I don't know anybody here! Do you? You have to make a good first impression here, so I've heard. It'll be good for me to walk in with someone like you, I mean; you don't need to look like you have friends. You're wearing 'Tachikawa' clothes!"
"Sure... That's great! And if you want any 'Tachikawa' clothes you can borrow them anytime! I have plenty!" I said using my polished social skills. I never knew Mimi's clothing line was so "in"... Makes sense... my friends were always borrowing my clothes... and I got them dirt cheap from Mimi... well I *was* her Guinea Pig...
"Really? My parents could never afford them! Thank you!"
"Really, it's nothing." But it was something. I noticed all the sophomores looking at me approvingly.
"So... Do you know anybody here?" she asked
"Yeah."
"Name. Grade. Gender. Subject."
"Why?"
"Just tell me. My cousin once went here. I can tell you if your friend can help you socially." She said
"Um... I don't really care about popularity... "
"C'mon Name. Grade. Gender. Subject."
I sighed "Koushiro Izumi, Junior, Male, Computer Technology."
"Lucky!"
"Why do you care so much?" I asked, "In 20 years you won't look back and see who wore name brand clothes, or who had the most followers. The only thing that will matter is how talented you were."
"No, in twenty years there will be a reunion, and people will look at you and say "Oh look there's that hot girl who was so cool she dated a Junior as a freshman." And they'll look at me and say "Who's that scrawny little pipsqueak over there?" She said
"Whoa. Hold it there, partner! DATE? I don't DATE him! I have a boyfriend back home!" my mind fuzzed at the thought of TK.
"Sorry... I'm not normally like this it's just the. everything. excitement?" she apologized
"Okay."
Mr. Jones walked into the room and we all found seats. I ended up sitting next to some guy that Hanae said was "Totally hot" and "Totally checking me out" on one side, and Hanae on the other. "Welcome all! This year we have the honor to welcome in one of the most talented classes we've ever had the pleasure to work with."
"How much ya want to bet he says that every year." the boy sitting next to me whispered. I let out a silent chuckle in reply. Hanae eyed me encouragingly. "We have divided up our freshmen class by strengths and by talent. While some classes might be at a higher level, they also might have different fortes. Do not make assumptions about others' capabilities. Everyone here is talented, of every ten who tried out for this program only one made it. Be proud."
"Wow." I breathed
"Today we will divide you up and give you your schedules, dorms, and roommates."
~*~
It had been a long day. I collapsed into my top-bunk retreat. Beneath me I heard Kaori chatting on the phone with her sister. Kaori was my roommate. I'm sure somebody had gotten a real kick out of that, Kari and Kaori, rooming together. but I didn't have any complaints. Kaori was a nice girl, a bundle of positive energy, but hardly in the same way Hanae was. Anyway, she was one more friend, and we'd hit it off immediately. Plus we were in all the same classes and we both were pretty happy with our schedules.
9:50- 10:40 ~ Landscape 9A: Impressionism in earth
10:45- 11:35 ~ Math in art 9A: Cubism and tessellation
11:40- 12:40 ~ Lunch
12:45- 1:35 ~ Literature 9A: Poetry inspired by art
1:40 -2:30 ~ Still life 9A: Such things have never moved before
2:35- 3:25 ~ Portraits 9A: Capturing the life behind the eyes
3:30- 4:20 ~ Freedom of the brush 9A: Dances with canvas
This year already looked like it would be one of the best yet, even if my whole crew wasn't with me, I had Izzy and two new friends.. I was sure I would make more. I just wished that TK were here too. A long distance relationship was going to be hard, but I knew I could trust TK. I also knew that I was in control, no matter how cute that Ben was. Ben, yeah, he was the one at the assembly, but I didn't think too much of the American. Sure he was nice to look at and to talk to, but I was very happy with what I had.
~*~
Dear Mimi,
Life is beautiful... I miss you though. My friends started to scream when I showed them the last letter you sent me. Do you think you could include more than one signature in the next letter? Jeez Mimi... how do you own a successful clothing line and still do all that schoolwork? It's unbelievable. Hanae's made some new friends, and she fainted when she found out that you asked about her. Kaori's doing great, she thanks you for asking. And for the last time NO I DO *NOT* LIKE BEN!!! Got it? Good. So how's your life been? Write back soon!
Luv ya-
Kari Kamiya
P.S. Did you ever notice that if you scrambled my last name you get "IM A YAK"?
Dear Davis,
I'm doing fine. No I don't feel like coming home each night when I go to 'bed'. I do miss you all though. It's nice to hear from you. You asked about the friends I made? Um... well I'm friends w/ everybody I guess.but uh... well there's Hanae, she's a little hyper, and she's a social climber but she's really nice. And there's Kaori, she's in a lot of my classes, and she's an amazing artist! She's also my roommate. She's cool. And there's Ben. He's really talented too. He is also in a lot of my classes. He has a GREAT sense of humor. He could make you laugh ALL night long! Well um... that covers it! See ya soon!
Smiles,
Kari Kamiya
P.S. Thanks for telling me the last name scramble thing! You must have spent hours on
~*~
TK's POV
"Hi Davis." I said tonelessly as I saw who was at the door.
"Tiki! .I just got a letter. from Kari!" Davis panted after running all the way to my house.
"So..."
"She's cheating on you!" he said
"Right." I replied sarcastically.
"Right." His eyes were serious.
"No way. Not Kari."
"Oh yeah? Here's a piece of her letter! I was gonna grab the whole thing, but it ripped! I got over here in a rush!"
"Lemme see." I said ripping the piece of paper from his hand. He's pulling something to break us up but why not look? He handed me a scrap of paper. On it, in Kari's perfect handwriting in her favorite pink ink was written:
_________________________________________________
And there's Ben. He's really talented too. He is also in a lot of my classes. He has a GREAT sense of humor. He could make you laugh ALL night long! Well um... that covers it! See ya soon.
Smiles,
Kari Kamiya
___________________________________________________________________
"No..." I said weakly
"Yes... Now I do wonder what type talent she was speaking of..." Davis prodded
"What was the rest of the letter about?" I asked anger burned inside me.
"Now do you REALLY wanna know?" he asked
"No, not really."
"Well are you glad I shared this with you?"
"Glad you showed me? Not really, but I needed to know. Now leave before I take my anger out on you!" I looked down at the note in my hand. I crumpled it and flushed it down the toilet. How could Kari do this to me? I thought we were for real.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Anyway, there's chapter one, remixed. Like it or leave it. Just please give me some feedback!