Author's Notes: This is a general challenge from QueenGatomon. I personally like Takari more than Daikari, but what the heck; a story is a story. Hope you enjoy!

Title: Time Apart Changes things
Main characters: Davis and Kari
Summary: Davis and Kari were best friends but then Davis moved away. They meet again but things have changed a lot. Kari is different Davis is different and they are always arguing. Is their friendship still there?
Pairings: Daikari
Quotes to include: "I'm sorry it has to be this way"

And, obviously, Digimon does not belong to me, nor do I get anything out of writing this. (except pure enjoyment)

Time Apart Changes Things

Chapter 1: The Return of the Davis

August, 2004

"Well," began Tai, "we hope you have fun in New York. I know we'll see each other again, but in the meantime stay safe, don't do anything stupid, and say 'hi' to Mimi for me."

"And Michael and Willis too," added Kari.

"No problemo!" declared Davis. "I'll be back before you notice!"

Before either of the boys could register it, Kari had leapt forward and wrapped Davis in a fierce hug. Davis took a step back to steady himself, surprised by the sudden gesture. "It's ok, Kari," he said. "We'll see each other again, just like Tai said."

"I know," sobbed Kari. "It's just going to be…different without you around."

"You've got TP there," Davis pointed out.

"It's just not the same," said Kari. Releasing the boy, Kari took a step back. "Hurry, or else you'll miss your plane."

Davis nodded once at his friends, assembled in front of him. He turned around, and with one last wave, disappeared.

September, 2008: 4 years later

"Hey, Kari!" shouted Tai. "Davis just sent an e-mail saying he's moving back here!"

"I know!" Kari shouted back. "I got it too!"

In the four years since Davis moved to New York, everyone had changed. Tai was, of all things studying to be a diplomat. His first year at Tokyo University studying Law, was hectic, but Tai still had time for the love of his life: soccer. Also studying at Tokyo University were his long-time friends Sora Takenouchi, Matt Ishida, Joe Kido, and Izzy Izumi. Many of the "second generation digidestined" were about to join them there; in fact, everyone (except for Cody, because of age and Mimi, because of location) would be reunited at Tokyo University. Most surprising of all however, was Davis' return and enrolment in the University.

Kari in particular was especially excited. She had not seen her best friend in over four years, and while TK existed, and was more than an adequate friend, he was…TK. He just didn't have the spontaneity Davis had. Even Tai grew out of it. And the mischievous side to Kari's life was just begging for something exciting. She scanned the e-mail through once again. March 22, 7:00pm at Narita International Airport, Terminal 2. Kari quickly memorized the details, then shut off her computer.

Time for a snack, she thought, and went off to satisfy her stomach, Tai following close behind.

March 22, 2009 7:11pm

The digidestined gathered in Terminal 2, eagerly anticipating Davis' arrival.

"Yo! Miss me?" came a voice.

The group turned as one to behold their returning hero. Davis suddenly found himself crushed underneath the weight of ten other teenagers (and one twenty year-old), arms and legs flailing everywhere. After several minutes of hugs, kisses, handshakes, friendly punches (courtesy of Tai), and general hellos, the Motomiyas and their entourage got underway.

He hasn't aged a day, thought Kari. His hair was as reddish-brown as ever, adorned with his trademark – Tai's trademark – goggles. He had gotten bigger, but apart from that, he was the same old Davis they knew, loved, and blamed for everything. Heck, the air of cockiness and childish energy he carried about him was still there, Kari observed, watching Davis do what looked like juggling DemiVeemon, his suitcases, and a giant burger all at the same time. Patamon cleverly snuck up behind Davis and "helped" by taking the burger. Laughing, Kari and the rest of the group watched an indignant Davis barrel after Patamon, screaming curses at the flying guinea pig.

Yep, Kari thought, he hasn't aged a day. Make that an hour.

April 1, 2009 8:32am

"Hey!" shouted Davis as he sauntered into the classroom, fashionably late. The teacher glared at him.

"Motomiya, please make some effort to come on time, especially on the first day," she lectured.

"Ah, sorry," apologized Davis, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He then walked over to the nearest empty desk – which conveniently was located beside Kari's. Kari smirked.

"What?" Davis whispered. "I slept in, ok?" Kari's smirk turned into giggles, which was cut short by a loud slap as the teacher's meter stick met their desks, shattering in a hail of wood chips. Both teens (and the entire class) straightened up and became silent, more than slightly scared of their new teacher.

Glaring at the pair, the teacher said nothing, turning back to her lesson. Nobody dared to say a single word for the rest of the period.

When the teacher finished her lesson, she looked back at the guilty duo and calmly announced that they would have detention at the end of the day, and walked out of the classroom.

Crap, Davis and Kari thought. TK, sitting behind the two, smiled wickedly.

3:10pm

"The two of you will write an apology letter each," began the teacher, "and will explain to me the importance of education, and how you fail to grasp that notion. In case either of you are not aware, this is your last year, and if you want to get into a prestigious school, you will need to work for it."

"Yes, sensei," the teens said.

"Damn," complained Davis as soon as the teacher was out of earshot. "Writing? This is cruel and unusual punishment!"

"Be glad they banned the cane," remarked Kari, beginning her letter.

"I think I'd prefer that," replied Davis. "After all, compared to facing the Emperor, Daemon, and MaloMyotismon, a little bit of pain would be a piece of cake!"

"Why don't you write that, then?" suggested Kari.

"…but that means I still have to write."

"Of course."

…

…

…

"So, Kari, know any cute girls I can hook up with?" asked Davis.

"What?"

"You know, cute girls? Hm?"

"How would I know?" asked Kari, temper rising. For one, she was not happy being here in the first place, and two, something - possibly Davis' blatant flirtatious attitude - was ticking her off in ways she never thought possible.

"Well, you have been here for the last four years, while I've been missing out on all the action," continued Davis, oblivious to Kari's rising temper. "So if…"

"Motomiya! Kamiya! Are you finished yet?" asked the teacher. Both of them shook their heads. The teacher glared.

"Since you fail to see the importance of discipline, I will have the two you stay after school for the enitre week. Shameful! In our day, kids like you would get the cane! Consider yourselves lucky the government banned it!" said the teacher.

Kari giggled slightly, remembering that she had told Davis the same thing not half an hour ago. The teacher however, misinterpreted it as disrespect, and treated it as such by giving her an additional week of detention, as well as the promise to see her parents. Davis, of course, being oblivious, added insult to the injury by teasing Kari after the teacher left once more.

By the time Kari did manage to get out of the school, she was fuming. Mostly at Davis, whom she blamed the bulk of her unfortunate events on. Damn him and his blasted childishness, she thought.

Author's Notes: In case anyone's wondering, TK's not evil. I mean, who wouldn't laugh at a friend who just got in trouble?

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