A/N: Okaaaayyyyyy…So yeah this took a while but it's up a whole lot sooner than the last chapter! And the fact that this chapter is up so quickly is completely due to my new co-author: Mie Ame! So please give her a warm welcome! (Cheers and applause)

Mie Ame: Thank you! I would like to say that I'm fascinated working with the awesome CaramelAriana! And that I had so much fun co-writing this chapter. Truly amazed with the results! =D

Thanks Mie Ame! And now (dun, dun, dun) onto the story!

Continuing Existence
Chapter 9
Normality's Evasions

Despite the screams of protest going through his head, Ken attended school that Monday. For the first time in his life he was not early to class. He sneaked in just as the professor began his lecture. He snagged a chair in the back and quickly looked around the room. He saw the back of Satomi's head in the middle of the room. He pulled the hood of his sweater tighter around and his face, and hoped Satomi would slip into slumber like he did for every class.

Ken's anxiety made the class seem even longer. Finally the professor excused the class and Ken rushed out of the classroom before Satomi could see him.

He walked swiftly toward the entrance to the school and pulled out his cell phone. Noticing he had a missed call, he dialed his voicemail, expecting the message to be from Takeru. Instead another familiar voice came on. "Ken. I know you were in class today. I saw you run out. I'm hurt that you're avoiding me. Yes, I'm still mad that you ran to that blonde, but I'm willing to forgive you. Call me when you get this, and I'll let you make it up to me."

Ken blanched as a click sounded, indicating Satomi had hung up. Looking worriedly around Ken picked up his pace. He was extremely relieved to see a familiar blonde standing on the sidewalk.

"Hey Ken!" Takeru said brightly as he waved the raven-haired man over. "Did you decide what you want for lunch?"

Ken shook his head. "I'm not hungry. I think I just want to go home."

Takeru took in Ken's unusually pale face. "Are you okay?"

Ken took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I'll be fine. I just need a nap."

Takeru frowned in concern as Ken walked past him. "Where are you going?"

"To the subway?" The answer was a question in itself. He had to take the subway to get home, he figured Takeru knew that.

Takeru smiled. "I made Yamato drive me here. He can drop you off at home."

Ken's eyes widened in surprise. "Your brother shouldn't have driven here just for me."

The blonde rolled his eyes. "Please. I love making Yamato do mundane tasks for me. It keeps his fame from going to his head."

Ken shook his head and chuckled, but followed his friend to a nice looking car with a slightly irritated, older blonde leaning against the hood.

"It's about damn time," said Yamato irritably. "I'm not your personal chauffer."

Ken looked at Takeru in concern.

Takeru glared at his brother. "You are so rude, you know that?" He turned to Ken. "Ignore him. He's hung over. He tried to out-drink Taichi."

Ken glanced at Yamato and noticed the baseball cap and unnecessarily dark sunglasses. He grinned. "I thought no one could out-drink Taichi?"

Yamato glared, although the effect was lost due to the heavy sunglasses. Takeru laughed. "Haven't heard of anyone doing it yet, though Yamato still tries."

The older blonde mumbled something unintelligently and crossed the car to driver's side. "Hurry up and get in or your ass can walk home."

Takeru chuckled and opened the back door for Ken. After Ken got in Takeru climbed in behind him. "What am I? Driving Miss Daisy?" Yamato growled.

Takeru rolled his eyes. "Yes, we are all impressed of your knowledge of American movies." He turned to Ken. "It was American Movie Sunday on some obscure channel on the TV yesterday."

Ken shrugged as he had never heard of the film. He spent the drive in silence, letting the blondes' bickering distract him from his anxiety.

In what seemed like far too short a drive, they reached Ken's apartment complex. "Can you wait for a minute Yamato?" Takeru asked. "I'm gonna walk Ken up."

Yamato looked to his brother through the rearview mirror. "Are you serious?"

"Please?"

"That puppy dog look doesn't work for me."

"I'm really okay," said Ken meekly.

Yamato's gaze shifted to him. He sighed. "Don't worry about it Ken. I'm a bastard when I have a headache."

Takeru snorted, but managed a "thank you" before he closed the car door. The two friends walked silently together as they approached the elevator.

Once the elevator doors shut and they moved upward, Takeru asked, "Are you sure you're okay?"

Ken smiled. "I'm fine."

Takeru waited beside Ken as he searched his bag for his key. Just as Ken found it, the door opened. Both boys jumped in surprise, but calmed when they saw the face of Mr. Ichijouji.

"What are you doing here?" Ken asked, still a little breathless from the surprise.

His father raised an eyebrow. "I live here."

Ken rolled his eyes. "I know that! Why aren't you at work?"

"So sorry, sir. I'll try to remember to check in with you before I decide how to spend my day."

Ken blushed and Takeru hid a chuckle behind his hand. Few people knew that Mr. Ichijouji had an incredible sense of humor.

Mr. Ichijouji nodded at the blonde. "Hi Takeru. We haven't seen you in a while?"

Takeru nodded. "Life can get pretty busy sometimes," he said evasively. If the older man picked up on any discomfort from the two boys he didn't show it. "Well, I better get going. Bye Ken, bye Mr. Ichijouji."

"Bye Takeru," they responded, almost in unison. Takeru smiled and left.

Hitoshi tapped softly on his son's door. When there was no answer he cracked the door open. Ken was sleeping on the bed with his arms around a picture of him with Wormmon. With a sigh, Hitoshi softly closed the door. As he suspected, something was bothering his son.

"Are you sure you're okay going out to dinner? We could always stay indoors and have Yamato cook for us."

Ken shook his head as he responded. "I'm sure. I need to get out. I'm sick of staying at home, dodging phone calls. Besides," he said with a frown, "I don't want to risk bumping into Daisuke just yet."

There was a slight hesitance on the other end of the phone call. "Okay, if you're sure…"

"I'm sure Takeru. I'll meet you at the Odaibakaihinkōen Station in a little bit."

"All right. See you soon."

"Bye." Ken hung up the phone and pulled on his shoes. He walked out to the living room and told his parents where he was going.

"Be safe," his mom cautioned.

"Have fun," his father said with a smile.

Ken smiled back and assured that he would—to both—and walked out the door. As he walked to the elevator he wondered about his father's recent demeanor. He had almost been…gentle with his son. As if he was fragile. The last time he had been treated like that was after he ran away so many years ago. Granted, this wasn't nearly as severe, but still it was unsettling. He briefly wondered if Takeru had said something to him, but quickly dismissed the idea. It was an unspoken rule among the digidestined that they didn't bring in parents unless absolutely necessary.

He allowed himself to forget about his dad's behavior, and took a deep breath of fresh air. It was Friday evening, and it was the first time that week he was able to relax a little. He had managed to avoid Satomi and his many phone calls. He had even managed to avoid Satomi's friends. Takeru had told him that they had ditched Satomi, but he couldn't be sure it was true. They had been Satomi's friends first.

With the cool of the evening and the "success" of the week, Ken let his guard down just a little bit. Just as he was about to turn into the Shibaura Futou Station, a hand grabbed his wrist. In a panic Ken whirled on his attacker and froze in fear as he came face to face with Satomi.

"Ken." His heart beat rapidly at the tone of Satomi's voice. "Well, you've been a bit difficult to get in touch with. You never answer my calls, never respond to my messages, and avoid me at school. You know that isn't nice baby. It really hurts my feelings. I thought you loved me."

Ken's eyes darted around, hoping to find someone to call out to. But the station was strangely empty for a Friday afternoon.

"Don't be worried, baby. I told you I'd forgive you. I told you that you could make it up to me."

Ken shook his head in shock. "Don't—don't call me that," was all he could get out.

Satomi looked at him in confusion. "Call you what, baby?"

"That!" Ken sputtered. "I don't want you to call me that. I'm NOT your baby. And I don't want—don't NEED your forgiveness." His protests seemed to spur him on and he began to struggle to get out of Satomi's hold.

"There you go playing hard to get, again," said Satomi. "You know how that makes me feel." He pulled Ken closer to him. Ken tried to push him away, but Satomi forced an aggressive kiss.

Ken pushed even harder, but it only upset Satomi further, who growled and twisted Ken's fist back.

"Listen you ungrateful bitch! You sent that stupid blonde to my house and he nearly broke my nose! I saw you with him every day this week. You think I don't see? Don't see that you tried to replace me with that gaijin? You're lucky I'm willing to take you back!"

Ken finally got his other hand up in Satomi's face and forced his palm up against his aggressor's nose. With a howl Satomi let go of him and covered his still frail nose. Ken took advantage and ran straight for the station entrance. Adrenaline pumped through his body and he managed to vault over the station's security gate, not wanting to take the time to scan his card through. A security guard yelled after him but he continued running and got onto the train just as the doors closed. He collapsed against the opposite wall with a hand over his chest, trying to catch his breath.

His phone signaled a text message. When he looked at it Satomi's words glared menacingly: This isn't over. You belong to me!

Ken shut his eyes against the tears forming. He vaguely wondered if perhaps the gods were punishing him for something. He thought back to how he used Satomi to get back at Daisuke and grimaced. He was certainly getting his just rewards now. He opened his eyes to notice every eye in the compartment staring questionably at him. He blushed and found an empty seat with no neighbors to hide in.

After what seemed like hours, but was really only a few minutes, the speakers announced Odaibakaihinkōen Station. With a sigh of relief he rushed off the train and looked around carefully. Once he was convinced that he was safe, he walked toward the sculptures he promised to meet Takeru near.

He spotted the blonde first and quickly walked up to him.

"Oh! Hi Ken!" the blonde said enthusiastically. His smile faded as he observed Ken's face more closely. "Are you okay?"

Ken looked over his shoulder and back to the blonde with a shiver. He knew by now that there was no way he would trick the blonde into believing nothing happened, but he felt exposed standing outside. "Let's figure out where to eat first."

Takeru looked at Ken in concern. "Well, Palette Town is close by. We can see what's open there?"

Ken nodded and let Takeru lead the way to the mall.

Once seated with food in front of them Takeru approached the subject again. "What happened?"

Ken sighed. "I think Satomi's been watching me."

"What?" asked Takeru furiously. "What do you mean?"

Ken shivered and rubbed his wrist. "He found me at the station. I didn't even see him. I shouldn't have let my guard down."

Takeru closed his eyes and ran a hand through his blonde hair, calming himself. He opened his eyes to look at Ken seriously. "Did he hurt you?"

Ken shrugged and looked down. "Not really," he mumbled.

Takeru held out a hand. "Let me see."

With a sigh Ken showed Takeru his wrist. The entire area was red and bruises the size of fingertips were forming. Takeru gasped as he saw the marks. "That bastard!" he growled. Luckily the restaurant was busy enough that no one paid them any attention.

Ken pulled his wrist back. "I really just want to forget about it," he whispered.

Takeru sighed and nodded. "Okay." He kept his murderous plans to himself and took it upon himself to distract Ken over the meal.

After dinner they tried to walk through the mall, but Ken was too jumpy to be around so many people. So Takeru led them outside to walk along the water. They were on the wrong side of Odaiba to see the rainbow bridge, but the giant Ferris Wheel was a nice sight in itself, and its lights reflected beautifully off the water.

"Did you hear about Jou and Miyako?" asked Takeru with a grin.

Ken shook his head. "No. What happened?"

"They're dating!" the blonde answered with the triumph a person has when sharing an unknown piece of gossip.

"What?" asked Ken in surprise. "I always thought he liked Mimi?"

Takeru shook his head. "So did I. But I guess Miyako's a lot like Mimi after being taken under her wing, and she's smarter." They both chuckled, silently hoping they'd be forgiven for it.

"I guess I could see them together," said Ken. He chuckled. "First Hikari and Daisuke. Now Jou and Mimi. Who's next?"

"I'm placing bets on Yamato and Taichi," said Takeru mischievously.

Ken stared in shock. "Really?"

Takeru laughed. "Definitely. But don't tell Yama I said so."

Ken shook his head. "But they fight all the time!"

"Yeah, well neither one of the them has really dated since the Sora drama. And they're always together. And Yama is such a girl!"

Ken laughed loudly. "I'm so going to tell Yamato you said that!"

"Don't you dare," Takeru warned jokingly.

Ken sniffed the air and frowned, looking up at the sky.

"What are you doing?" asked Takeru.

"It smells like rain."

As if they were the magic words, the two friends suddenly found themselves in the downpour. Takeru looked at Ken with new admiration.

"What?" asked Ken self-consciously.

"You're psychic."

Ken laughed. "Better than psycho. Which you have to be to become a psychiatrist."

Takeru playfully pushed Ken. "You're such a brat."

The two friends laughed and played in the rain like they were kids again. The play stopped when Ken sneezed and Takeru shook his head. "We should probably get inside before you get sick."

Ken was about to respond when he sneezed again. Takeru laughed and looked around. They had wandered into a neighborhood during their game of tag. Takeru tried to blow his wet hair out of his eyes to no avail. He impatiently pushed his hair back. Ken started laughing uncontrollably. "What?" asked Takeru indignantly.

"You look like a wet puppy!" Ken gasped between breaths.

Takeru tried to glare at his friend, but the laughter was contagious and he started chuckling. "Whatever. I think we're pretty close to my place. So let's head over there and dry off."

The friends were greeted by a concerned mother. "What on earth did you boys do? Play around in the rain?" They laughed. "A shower for both of you!" she said with a frown. "You're going to catch a cold!"

The two friends laughed as they walked down the hall to Takeru's bedroom. Takeru grabbed a towel and some dry clothes for Ken. He carried them to bathroom and started the water. "Here you are sir," he said with a bow. "Just leave your wet clothes on the bathroom floor, and I shall make sure to throw them in the dryer. Shall I inform Mr. and Mrs. Ichijouji that you will be staying here tonight?"

Ken shook his head in amusement. "No really Takeru. It's not that late. I can catch the train."

"Nonsense," he said, keeping up the charade. He laughed and dropped the act. "My mother would never let you walk all the way to the train station when you could easily stay here." As if to close the argument, Takeru spun on his heel and closed the door as he left the bathroom.

Ken laughed to himself. It had been such a relief to have Takeru by his side all week. He knew just how to make him laugh and forget about the things that worried him. He noticed small things, like when he was upset. He wasn't used to having such a friend. Daisuke would always be his first best friend, but Ken often felt like he gave more than he received in that friendship. Daisuke just wasn't this observant.

He stepped into the shower and sighed in relief as the hot water flowed over his back. He hadn't realized how much tension he had been carrying in his shoulders. Keeping in mind that Takeru would also need hot water, he showered quickly and stepped into the clothes Takeru had given him. They were a little large, but the pants luckily had a drawstring.

Ken called to Takeru to let him know the shower was ready before he walked into the living room to prove to Ms. Takaishi that he was properly cleaned and dried. This proved insufficient as she forced him into a seat at the kitchen table and brought him a cup of hot chocolate. She had put whipped cream on the top without being asked, and Ken briefly wondered if this was where Matt got his obsession with hospitality and food.

He was still sipping his hot chocolate when Takeru walked into the dining room. The blonde had a pair of sweatpants low on his hips, and was shirtless. He had a towel around his neck which he had apparently used to dry his hair, as the blonde strands were haphazardly laying around his head. A single drop fell from his hair and dripped down his back. Ken followed the drop with his eyes and blushed.

Ms. Takaishi walked out of the kitchen with another mug of hot chocolate as she heard her son enter the room. She set the mug down and looked at the blonde with disapproval. "How many times do I have to tell you? Wear a shirt at the table!"

Takeru looked at himself and glanced at Ken. He blushed. "Sorry," he mumbled, heading back to his room. "Habit." He hurried down the hall.

Ms. Takaishi shook her head. "Boys!" She turned to Ken. "I'm sure you have better manners at home Ken."

Ken smiled. "Of course. My mother would have a fit."

Ms. Takaishi sighed as she turned back to the kitchen. "I keep hoping someday that you will rub off on him."

Ken chuckled to himself. Takeru came back in with a t-shirt on. "I'm appropriate now Mom!" he called as he sat down at the table. He looked at Ken and rolled his eyes. "Parents," he muttered.

The woman came back out of the kitchen with a spoon. "I called Mrs. Ichijouji. She said it was fine for Ken to stay over. And she wanted to tell you boys to act more responsibly." Both shared meaningful looks. She ignored them and continued. "I'm going to bed. I got called to Yamaguchi and have to leave early in the morning."

"Okay Mom," Takeru said. "Are you gonna put the spoon back first?"

Ms. Takaishi looked confused. Then she looked at the spoon and laughed. "I supposed so." She put the spoon in the sink and started toward her bedroom. "Goodnight boys."

"Goodnight."

"Oh and Takeru? Can you give your brother my blessings when you see him tomorrow?"

"Sure thing mom." Ken raised an eyebrow in question. "We're having a party to send off Yamato on The Wolves' tour," explained Takeru. "Hey!" exclaimed Takeru, suddenly getting an idea. "Why don't you come to the party tomorrow?"

"Um…" Ken said slowly. "I don't know. If it's at Yamato's place, Daisuke will be there."

Takeru shook his head. "You can't avoid him forever, Ken. And I'm sure he'll want to make amends. You're his best friend." Ken snorted. "I mean it, Ken. Yeah things have been rocky, and he's a little dense, but he's not going to purposely throw away your friendship." Ken sighed. "Besides, Hikari will keep him in check. And we could always lock him out on the balcony if he acts like an idiot."

Ken laughed. "All right, you've convinced me. I just hope we don't fight and ruin Yamato's party."

"Oh, please," said Takeru. "Taichi will be there, and he's always grumpy when Yamato leaves on tour. I'm sure they'll be throwing punches, so no one will pay attention to you and Daisuke."

Ken hoped Takeru was right.

Phew! What a chapter! And things aren't settled yet! Thanks to Mie Ame the next chapters will be up a hell of a lot sooner. If you haven't read any of her stories check out her page. She has written Ben 10 stories in English and Digimon fics in Spanish. (Tell me you're impressed that she's bilingual!)

As always, reviews are appreciated. And flames will not be tolerated. It is way too hot for that kind of thing. (Wait til winter when I will need some warmth.)