Disclaimer: This just in. CaramelAriana has just acquired the rights to Digimon and all its characters. Yep, and the sky is falling and the first space colony was finished this morning.

Continuing Existence
By CaramelAriana
Chapter Two: Dinner and Best Friends

Ken forced a smile as the others laughed at Daisuke's joke. Takeru, Hikari, Daisuke and he had made a ritual of eating dinner together every Thursday. Now that school had started back up everyone was busy, and this was a way of staying in touch with each other. While that was the excuse, Ken wondered if it wasn't just Takeru and he trying to hang on to their best friends as they became more involved with each other.

He felt someone kick his leg and looked up at Takeru. 'You okay,' the blonde mouthed. Ken glanced at Daisuke and Hikari, both distracted with ordering.

'Fine,' he mouthed back.

Takeru gave him a disbelieving look, but before he could respond the waiter asked Ken what he wanted to order.

After placing his order he collected the menus and handed them to the waiter. "So," he said, looking at everyone. "How are everyone's classes?"

Daisuke groaned. "Is it always school with you?" Ken glared at him.

Hikari rolled her eyes and kicked her boyfriend's leg.

"Ow!" he whined, sending a hurt look her way.

Hikari wasn't impressed. "School is important Daisuke."

"It was a joke," he muttered.

Ken shook his head and Takeru chuckled. "I'm actually excited about this semester," Takeru stated. "So far all my classes are interesting and my professors are really nice."

"Lucky," said Daisuke. "My business law professor is evil. And I have to take math."

Hikari made a face. "Yeah, so do I. I hate math! And the professor is so mean."

"Who is it?" asked Takeru. They attended the same school.

"Fujitsu."

Takeru cringed. "Yeah, I had him first semester. He's an ass, but if you take good notes in class you shouldn't have a problem."

Hikari nodded. "Thanks for the advice."

"What about you Ken?" asked Daisuke.

He shrugged. "I can't complain too much. My classes aren't great but they're not that bad."

Daisuke made a face. "Ew, a mediocre semester. That sucks."

Ken looked at him strangely. "And having horrible professors is better?"

He nodded. "Makes things more interesting."

Conversation stopped as their food was brought out. They all ate their meals in a comfortable silence, content on just enjoying the food. Daisuke sighed happily as they finished. "This will always be one of my favorite restaurants," he said.

Ken rolled his eyes. "You always say that," he reminded him. "You just like food, it doesn't matter what it is."

"That's not true!" Daisuke protested. "I've eaten some awful food."

"That's not nice," Hikari reprimanded.

"What?" Daisuke asked defensively. "I made it."

They all groaned. "Daisuke, you're a great cook," said Takeru, looking directly at him.

Daisuke had the decency to look embarrassed. "Okay, sure now I can cook, but I couldn't always."

Ken snorted. "That's for damn sure." He felt an elbow in his ribs. "Hey!" he exclaimed, rubbing his affronted side. "Why are you so violent?"

"Why are you so mean?"

"Ah yes," said Takeru, leaning back and examining the other two. "I can see you both are the best of friends."

"I don't know him," said Daisuke, turning away.

Ken glared at him. "Why do I hang out with you?"

"He pays you," Takeru answered.

Ken laughed and Daisuke protested.

Hikari looked at her watch. "Hey Dais, we better get going if we're going to catch that movie."

Daisuke looked at his watch and nodded. "You're right. How much were our meals again?"

"We got you," said Takeru. Ken nodded.

Daisuke was about to protest but Hikari pulled at his arm. "We can make it up to them. Let's go or we're going to be late." They waved goodbye and left the restaurant.

Takeru turned to Ken. "Dessert?"

Ken shook his head. "I'm full."

Takeru nodded in agreement and asked the waitress for their check. After paying they left the restaurant and crossed the street to the park.

Takeru was the first to break the silence. "That's the only thing about these dinners. If Hikari and Daisuke have plans it cuts the evening short."

Ken shrugged, not letting on that he had been thinking the exact same thing. "At least they make sure they can meet us for dinner."

The blonde hummed. "That's true."

"Does it bother you?" asked Ken.

Takeru gave him a questioning look. "Daisuke and Hikari, you mean?" Ken nodded. "No, I'm happy for them both. Sure I get to spend less time with Hikari, but she's happier now, and that's all that really matters."

"I know what you mean?" Ken said. "Did you and Hikari…were you two ever together?"

Takeru laughed. "No way. Hikari and I have always just been really good friends. She's more like a sister to me really."

Ken studied him. "But when we were younger?"

The blonde shook his head. "I never really liked Hikari. Maybe I had a tiny crush on her, but that's typical between best friends. I exaggerated because Hikari asked me to. She thought it would get Daisuke off of her. Ironic huh?" he asked with a smile. "But we never pursued anything. In all honesty, she's not really my type."

Ken chuckled. "I told Daisuke, but he never believed me."

"Did you ever like Hikari?" asked Takeru with a raised eyebrow.

The question caught him so off guard that he nearly trip. Takeru caught his arm to help steady him. "Thanks," said Ken when the surprise had worn off. He laughed. "No, I have never liked Hikari—not like that. She's a very pretty girl and she's nice but…yeah, she's really not my type either."

"And what is your type Ken?" asked Takeru.

He looked at the blonde strangely. "You're not trying to set me up with someone?"

This time Takeru was taken by surprise. "No way, I wouldn't do that to you!

Ken studied his companion. It was kind of a strange reaction, but he let it go. He looked up at the sky and hummed to himself. "If everything works out, I guess I should get used to seeing less of him."

He felt hands at his shoulders and lowered his head to find a pair of blue eyes. "I know it's hard Ken," said Takeru, a strange emotion coloring his eyes. "I'm losing my best friend too. But if we really are their closest friends, then it should only matter that they're happy."

"It does," said Ken.

Takeru sighed and dropped his hands. "How did you survive when Daisuke was away at college?" he asked jokingly.

Ken shrugged. "That was different," he mumbled. "Besides, I was busy with school."

Takeru clicked his tongue and Ken turned to see him shaking his head. "What you need my friend is a hobby. You used to like playing soccer. Why don't you try out for the team?"

Ken shook his head. "I gave up soccer. It brings back too many memories."

The blonde's lips formed an 'oh' in sudden understanding. "Well, still you should do something. Expand your circle of friends. I know we digidestined went through a lot together, but everyone won't always be here."

Ken didn't respond. They continued walking in silence until they reached the other end of the park. This was where they split up. "I guess I'll see you later," he said. He turned away, aware of the blonde's gaze against his back.

"Hey Ken," Takeru called. He turned. "Why don't we hang out more often, get you out of the house? I'm afraid that now Daisuke's distracted we're going to lose you to your books."

It was a joke and Ken rolled his eyes. "Sounds good," he said. He didn't dislike Takeru, they just never clicked like he did with Daisuke. Perhaps now was his chance to get to know the blonde a little better.

Takeru grinned. "I'll call you some time." Ken nodded.

They waved goodbye and turned away from each other, both continuing the walk home alone.

I'm so sorry! This took a lot longer to update than I had planned. Thanks to all you who reviewed: angel of friendship, NiennaAngel, Broken Angel01, and JyouraKoumi. Digimon plushie of your choice to all of you! n.n As always, please review!