Disclaimer:

I do not, nor will I ever own Digimon. Yes.

Just because I put these flaws (prostitution, self-mutilation, rape, drugs, alcohol, etc.) in my story, doesn't mean I'm condoning them. But I do enjoy reading and writing about them. So feel free to criticize me all you want. Especially if I have some details wrong. But that's because I don't have any personal experience in these things, and I really don't wish to. Enjoy your reading!

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"One hundred and twenty five bucks. You are paying, aren't you?" Those startling blue eyes were focused on the girl lying on the bed, half covered in the motel sheets. With a final yank, he pulled his pants up and finished buttoning them. Shirtless, he walked over to the girl, now lying with a rapt expression on her face, eyes closed. "If you don't give it to me yourself, I'll take it." When the girl didn't move, he reached into her purse, grabbed the wallet, and took the wad of money.

He slammed the door to the motel, not caring if he interrupted her slumber. He buttoned up his light blue and white striped shirt as he stepped away. He took a quick glance around to check if anyone he knew was watching before he flattened his dirty blond hair and melting into the crowds on the sidewalk.

The strip mall lay to his left, boasting its supply of department and retail stores, each filled with its own supply of poorly made merchandise. As he passed, a girl his age sidled up next to him, her auburn eyes trying to catch his. "Hey there, handsome. You're looking tired today. It's three o'clock on a Saturday. You should be wide awake by now!" He smiled, assuming his "normal" expression.

"Just thinking about stuff, Kari." He smiled down at her. Ah, the smile. It was one of his best weapons. With one flash of it, he could make a girl melt in her shoes, and agree to whatever he suggested. Fun to use at school, a helpful business tool afterwards. "What brings you here?"

She grinned. "Just shopping for some family birthdays." She lifted a hand to brush her mahogany hair from her face. "I just couldn't stay in on a day like this. I had to do something," she added with mock drama.

"Yeah, me too," T.K. added. "Just had to get out and do something."

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"Stop!" A grunt, and he fell to the floor. A steel-toed construction boot hit him in the middle, stopping his talk. As he struggled to regain breath, more blows pummeled his bruised body.

"Shut your face." Another kick.

Soon the larger figure lumbered back into the living room with a large belch, leaving Davis shaking on the ground. Pushing himself up, he grabbed his coat and scurried into the bathroom to check on his injuries before slipping out the front door unnoticed, heading for the park.

Once he reached the park, he felt better. His dad never left the house, except to visit the convenience store for booze or cigarettes, or if he felt like going to his construction job. A park bench, slightly separated from the rest of the hubbub of the park. Here he headed, pulling his coat up a little farther, partly against the chill breeze, and partly to hide the fresh bruise on his neck. He sighed, squinting up at the foliage above him.

His brown eyes scanned the park. There were small families walking, children playing, couples holding hands, and ... Sora? The girl had glanced his way, and he gave a recognizing smile. Though a few years older than he was, they still exchanged words every so often.

"Hey Davis." She smiled.

"Hey." He attempted a smile back. The normal Davis wasn't sad. He'd have to play it up as if he were happy.

"I talked to Kari the other day"

"Oh?"

"Yeah, she mentioned you."

"What'd she say?" He really didn't care, anyways. He'd long since moved on from the girls of his age. Now it was the girls in Sora's age group that were interesting him. Namely, Mimi.

"Just that she had been thinking about you lately. But don't tell her I told you that." She giggled and blushed. Just like the rest of the group to still think he had interest in Kari. Hadn't it become painfully obvious how he had been blowing her off? But he put on a silly grin. Let them think what they wanted. And right now, they wanted to think that he had interest in Kari.

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Mr. Domochai walked in, calling the class to order in his feeble voice. He really was an unimposing figure, shorter than many of the students when standing straight up, but even shorter when he was in his usual hunch. "Come on class, settle down, the bell's already rung," he pleaded in his wavering voice. The class ignored him. With more bursts of laughter, they continued, until slowly dissipating and spreading back to their respective seats.

Silently, the old man took attendance, and wrote the assignment on the board. Having finished his work for the day, he shuffled over to his desk to continue whatever it was that he seemed to do every day. Once out of the way, the class separated and continued their discussions. To them, this was like a free hour. Mr. D. didn't really care what they did in here. In fact, they all passed the class with flying colors for just simply showing up.

Yolei was furiously scribbling on a piece of paper, her concentration completely focused.

"Yolei, calm down. You'll strain something working that hard." Kari grinned devilishly at the purple-topped girl.

"I know, but, it's just that it's due in fifth hour, and I still have three paragraphs."

"Yolei. It's first hour. Don't worry. You still have lunch, and anyways, who cares?" Davis piped up.

Yolei frowned. "I care." She continued the hurried scribbling.

"What a bitch," commented Davis, as the rest of them scooted into a corner farther away, so as they wouldn't 'disturb' her.

"Yeah, she's really been acting different lately," said T.K.

In a change of topic, Davis started babbling on about some soccer game that had been on television last night. Apparently some famous player made a big important play, winning the team the championship from the jaws of defeat. On and on he rambled, accentuating the high points of the game with wild hand and arm gestures.

Of course, T.K. and Kari weren't listening. Rather than pretending to be interested in what Davis was chattering about, T.K. was hurriedly reading an email he had just received on his pager. Kari perched behind him, reading over his shoulder. Davis continued on about the soccer game.

Hey guys.

I know we haven't seen each other in a couple years, but I wanted to give you the heads up. After 'touring' my colleges, I was repeatedly expelled. Apparently I'm having trouble connecting with the others in my class. So I'm going to try going to high school, where I should be. Of course, it made perfect sense to attend your school! I'll be coming in three days.

-Ken

"Ken... is coming to our high school?" uttered Kari.

"Cool," added T.K.

"Wonder what he's been up to?"

Davis continued on, oblivious.