Last Edited - 15.12.o5
·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·
OFFICIALLY MISSING YOU
Chapter Ten
(By Flipstahhz)
·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·
She'd never come to see the day that she'd ever date Takeru.
Kari grinned secretly to herself as she observed the dazzling lilac gown that fitted her honestly fitted her well. She clipped on silver dangling earrings, which sparkled in the dim light. She felt her feet nervously throb in a fast pace. She also wore high black pointy heels that made her even more nervous, nervous that she would fall face first onto the ground. The brunette gave a nod to the woman, behind her, to place a white gold necklace around her.
Her friend smiled, obeying what Kari had just gestured to her.
"Thanks for the dress, Yolei," Kari spoke with appreciation as she gazed at the girl behind her, whom was struggling with the necklace, through the reflection in the mirror.
"You know, he won't really mind of how you look." Yolei spoke back with a smile. " Takeru is one of the rare guys who will like you for you are, not how you look. But don't worry, he'll probably think you appear magnificent no matter how good or bad you look. Sorry if I'm blabbing on too much, I probably don't even make sense."
"Nah, it's okay Yolei. Just thanks for always being there for me and giving me the advice." Kari beamed back. " If I hadn't listened to you earlier -."
Yolei interested herself back to the precious item she was hooking onto Kari. " Is this from Takeru?"
"Yeah," she shyly answered as a soft blush appeared on her delicate cheeks.
The older girl with glasses examined the gemstone's reflection through the mirror.
"It's a diamond," she stated with another smile. " Did you know diamonds give courage, protection and strength and actually help cause true love to bloom? Something tells me he didn't chose this necklace by mistake."
"Yolei, it's a wonder where you get all these crazy ideas from," Kari giggled with a glimmer in her chocolate eyes. She felt Yolei let go of the jewelry then instantly straightened her back to stare more deeply at the mirror. Her hair caused her appearance to look completes different, for a few hours before she had curled her brown shiny hair.
"So...is it the night?"
"Huh?"
"Is it the night for Takeru to finally ask you to marry him? I've never seen you so dressed up before…well besides the time when you had your wedding with Daisuke," Yolei said.
"Takeru?" queried Kari in disbelief, stuttering, " Ask me to marry me…tonight? I don't...I don't think so."
Almost half a year had passed for both Takeru Takaishi and Hikari Kamiya, and they were almost certain that it was nearly time. Those months they spent together had made their relationship stronger and they found out that deep inside they still shared the same characteristics that they had once learned to love. They became closer, much closer..and kisses had already been done, even though they still had times when they couldn't forget about their pasts.
Sora Takenouchi and her husband Yamato Ishida would come once a while to visit Takeru occasionally, and Kari would be at Takeru's house most of the time. Matt's relationship with his brother wasn't as strong as it had been since Takeru married Catherine and whenever he stared at the younger image of himself, regret and pain would fill his deep blue eyes for he knew he could have been there to support him. The same surge of pain would fall upon him whenever he saw Kari. How many times Hikari had tried to tell Yamato that Taichi had gotten over Sora and him getting together, but still the blond couldn't help but feel a knife of guilt stab into his stomach.
But to ease the guilty anguish, Leah would say something to make them crack up laughing or make them fill with happiness, for she had started learning to talk. The first thing that little Leah had said was 'ukle.' This made Takeru give one of his charming smiles and he would tickle the girl until tears of laughter would fill her eyes, begging her uncle to stop.
Even Daisuke, Cody, Yolei and Ken would come and visit Takeru once in a while. TK and Kari still found it hard to look at Yolei and Ken and think that they were already married and that Yolei was pregnant. Because no matter if they were married or not, Yolei would still be her childish self with a beaming smile. Cody looked rather older too. He was currently studying to be a lawyer at one of the best universities in Tokyo, which was why he would occasionally visit Takeru. He was an inch smaller than TK and was still dating the pretty brunette - Elsa.
On the other hand, Jyou and Izzy was another story. Jyou had moved to Tokyo as well, and worked at a hospital nearby. He sometimes shared some lunch breaks with Takeru, and he would usually bring Hikari along. Izzy was rather busy most of the time, he'd contact Takeru and Hikari by email and whenever he had interview at Tokyo, he'd once in a while drop bye to say his hellos and good-byes. The group that used to be a close knit still kept contact.
Kari had also seen Catherine a couple of times, but she would always be eager to leave cause she still felt uncomfortable even after she had apologized to Takeru. But was apologizing enough to forgive the biggest mortal sin of all time?
The only person who didn't visit Takeru, was Tai.
Kari had even told him that her brother had stopped seeing her as well as the other Digidestined. Takeru knew it wasn't a good subject to bring up, so he never mentioned him to her.
"Eh...Kari?"
Kari spun around to see Yolei gazing at her with a worried expression written all over her face.
"Sorry Yolei…must have spaced out again."
"Yeah, you spaced out pretty far away from here!" commented Yolei. The lilac haired girl handed her friend a matching dark purple handbag and gave her a quick hug. " I think it's time."
"Think it's time?" questioned Kari with suspicion." For what?"
"I know it's time," Yolei nodded. " He's so going to ask you to marry him tonight."
"Please Yolei...I don't think…I'm not ready. I don't even think he's ready yet. I'm not even sure!"
"Stop doubting yourselves. It's about darn tine already. You're more than ready...this may be your last time out for dinner without being engaged, make the most of it."
As Kari was about to reply back, the doorbell rang and Yolei hurried out of the room to answer it.
Kari's eyes swept over the room that she had accustomed herself for almost six months she had started seeing Takeru. It was like a home to her, with the pale pink colour flourished on the walls and the fragrance of roses was to smelt in every part of the room. She was glad she had managed to get an apartment at Tokyo, since it was closer to TK.
She gave a nervous sigh as she placed a strand of hair away from her face.
Maybe Yolei's right…maybe he's really going to ask me to be his wife…but I don't know if I'm ready for this….I don't know if I can do this all over again. Like with Daisuke…will TK and I separate?
She choked back the urge to scream as hands covered her awed eyes, seeing nothing but darkness.
"Hey Kari," his soothing voice spoke.
Hikari fought the urge to grin hysterically. Takeru was finally himself, the guy she used to know. His cheeriness was back in his tone. The man she fell in love with.
She swiftly elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to let go.
"Ow! That really hurts," teased the man whom was looking at her with an acting expression of pain as his hand traveled back to where he had been elbowed. He held his arm for her to take. " Why Ms. Kamiya, you look rather ravishing tonight."
"You look good too," she eyed him up and down with a wink. She accepted his hand, as they walked together towards the lounge room where Yolei was, gazing at them starry eyed.
Kari leered at the gentleman next to her. He was fitted in a gray, but in some sense stylish, suit with a silver-like shirt under the blazer. His dirty blond hair stood out from the dark clothes he was wearing, and his blue ocean glassy eyes were dancing back at her.
"These are for you, my lady," he smiled slyly as he gave her a heart shaped box of chocolates and a bunch of roses. Kari kindly accepted the gifts from Takeru and placed the chocolate in the bag.
"Thanks," she smiled giving him a sweet cheeky kiss on the cheek, then pulled one of the roses from the bunch, putting it into his blazer's pocket. " Now, that looks better."
"So that's what I was missing," he smirked as he tilted his head cockily, flirtatiously.
"You're more romantic than Ken and I!" sighed Yolei whom was still in her starry-eyed state then urged the pair. "Don't just stand there! Go and have the night of your lives..go on!"
They didn't have a choice for Yolei was already pushing them out of Kari's apartment.
·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·
Kari felt like yelping in joy but at the same time wanting to hit Takeru, when she had noticed that he had brought her to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.
The venue was beautiful.
They pair were seated next to a rather large window, which overviewed a lake, not to mention the large expensive chandeliers, which hung from the ceiling, sending sparkles throughout the place. Soft music played and the aroma of floral essences filled the restaurant. Hikari's eyes traveled back to her partner.
Takeru looked across the table and met her eyes. She looked gorgeous that night, he couldn't believe after all he had gone through he would even be talking to this woman out on a date. He noticed her appearance flicker in the candlelight, even though the restaurant was expensive and stupendous..she would be worth more than he had ever dreamed of.
Kari gave a weak grin back at the blond man.
"If there's something you feel uncomfortable about, just tell me, Hikari," he whispered quietly." Secrets just cause trouble, you should know that by now.."
"I'm fine," she stated as she identified the unsatisfied gesture on Takeru's face. " Really."
"You haven't touched your dinner."
The brunette glanced downwards at the delicious food before her. She felt a bit guilty know that Takeru had informed that he was paying for the bill.
"Kari..eat."
Sighing, she let her delicate finger wrap around a fork as she scooped some fried rice into her mouth. Takeru wondered what could ever make her feel so uncomfortable; it was rarely that she acted like so and why did it have to be tonight?
Moments passed by.
They were moments that would be stored in their minds for the rest of their lives, as they were both in a sort of trance.staring at each other.
Suddenly, the brightness in the restaurant dimmed. The two were suddenly aware that there was no one left at the dine, they were the only couple left.
"Umm…Kari," Takeru started as he took a small wrapped package from his blazer's side pocket. "Here, take this."
Kari timidly accepted it, face turning red. Her eyes darkened, so this was it.she wasn't ready…not yet.
"TK. I'm not sur-"
"Just open it Kari. It's not a hard thing to do."
She gave in a sigh and let her fiddling fingers untie the bow that held the package, unwrapped the paper which then depicted a box that laid in her trembling hands.
"TK, I-I'm not ready for this," she said in a soft voice.
"Not ready for what?" Takeru gave a encouraging smile. "You haven't seen it yet...you can't talk negatively about it when you haven't even seen it!"
Kari knew he was right, but she knew that it was a ring that Yolei and herself had come to believe. Her right hand went over and pulled the top part of the box up to reveal…
"TK you idiot!"
"You like it?" smirked Takeru, " Do you want it?"
"I thought…I thought," she began to stutter, " It was an engagement ring!"
This time, it was TK's turn to blush. Who…what made her think that!
"I wouldn't have given it to you until I knew you were ready. Catherine gave me the item on your hand the night that I had caught her with Taichi…and I thought it was time to take a step...not a huge step!"
"I'm sorry for taking you for granted," laughed Kari as her hand was over her throbbing cheeks with embarrassment.
She gazed at the apartment keys, which mockingly glittered at her.
How naïve am I? He was only offering me to stay in the same apartment as him!
The kind of awkward moment was broken by soft music that floated in the air like a graceful swan, capturing the two unguarded.
I swear
By the moon and the stars in the skies
And I swear
Like the shadow that's by your side
I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my part
Cuz I stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
"That song, " Kari whispered her face glimmering with realiziation, " Used to be Daisuke's and mywedding song."
Takeru couldn't help but crack a smile as he noticed a person behind the brunette.
"Yeah, it was."
Kari immediately turned around in surprise as she noticed Daisuke Motomiya giving a toothy grin at the two. He wore a specific uniform that suited him well, his once messy hair was jelled back neatly, and one of his eyebrows were raised.
"Daisuke." Kari couldn't take it.
How many surprises could she take this night?
"Why are you here Mr. Motomiya?"
And I swear
By the moon and the stars in the skies
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse 'till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
I'll give you every thing I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls
And when (and when)
Just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
Cuz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
"I am here," jeered Daisuke, " Because I work here, stupid."
Takeru shook his head, " No matter how you are Daisuke, you still act like young kid at heart, don't you?"
"Maybe," Daisuke shrugged as he eyed the still confused Kari Kamiya. " Man...Kari, you haven't changed one bit. I thought it would be good for TK, to take you here since he told me about the moving in the apartment thing. And since you two haven't got a song…I thought I'd play this for you guys.but this song is on loan."
Kari gave a simper, laughing delightfully.
And I swear ( I swear)
By the moon and the stars in the skies
I'll be there (I'll be there)
I swear (And I swear) like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there (I'll be there)
For better or worse
'Till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear
I swear (I swear)
By the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there (I'll be there)
(I swear)
Like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there (oh I'll be there)
For better or worse (better or worse) 'till death do us part (oh no)
I'll love you with every beat of my heart (every single beat of my heart)
I swear (I swear oh III... swear)
The song ended.
"Thanks Daisuke, by the way...I like your tie," Kari complimented.
"No problem, even though it cost me dearly to ask my boss for all the people to be out early this night, or actually this morning, to be precise. It's almost one in the morning! Thanks a lot, Takeru, for making me do this for the sake of our friendship…more like your own benefit with your girl! But…I guess I owe you! I think I'd better leave you two alone for now."
The brunette haired man casually walked away, whistling the tune as he walked out of the room.
"So," Kari giggled like a high school girl, " You had this all planned out TK, didn't you? All behind my back...and you talk about honesty."
"Well," shrugged Takeru casually as he gave a smile, " I am honest, you found out anyway. It was a simple white lie. A white lie to tell Yolei to trick you that it was something else so that I could see how you reacted. But you still haven't really answered my question…"
"Which is?"
"Will you move in with me?"
" And I thought you would say marry. Haha."
Kari cocked back her head cockily as a couple of strands fell loose onto her face, in a cascading position. She replied,"Yeah.it would be an honor. A true 'honestly' honour.."
" That doesn't even make sense! "
Takeru leaned closer and pushed the wavy brown hair away from her face and placed a quick kiss on her lips, before he withdrew.
"Who said you could get away that easily. I owe you," Kari spoke cheekily for this time she leaned over and pulled Takeru's collar. Before they knew it, they found their selves drawn into a passionate kiss.
Their figures flickered by the candlelight, then music began to play once again.
I swear (I swear)
By the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there (I'll be there)
(I swear)
Like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there (oh I'll be there)
For better or worse (better or worse) 'till death do us part (oh no)
I'll love you with every beat of my heart (every single beat of my heart)
I swear (I swear oh I... swear)
They stopped and observed the music.
"Stupid Daisuke," Hikari giggled." He just had to play the music when we kissed.."
·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·°××°·
Song used: I Swear by All-4-One
NEXT CHAPTER: the summary is shown on the previous chapter, as I have mentioned above.