Mie Ame: Well, we're reaching the end of this story... I think I'm going to cry with all these mixed feelings! (Don't want it to end! ;_;) But, good things have to end some time to let ground for other things to come. And this fic left me with a bunch of good things (like a new friend in my incredible co-writer! =D), so I'm not sad, just emotional. We still have a couple of things to settle before we say "The End" though... ^.~

Ari (otherwise known as CaramelAriana): That's right, it ain't over yet. And even more good news. Thanks to Mie Ame's help, you won't have to wait so long for the final chapters. I get distracted, but she keeps me in check! ;] Well enough of my jabbering, on to the fic!

Continuing Existence

Chapter 10

Party at a Band Dude's House

Ken fidgeted nervously as Takeru knocked on the door. The blonde looked at his friend. "Calm down, Ken. It's not going to be that bad."

"Easy for you to say," Ken muttered.

Takeru sighed and then frowned when no one came to the door. He knocked more loudly.

Finally the door swung open. "Hey guys!" said Yamato looking a little frazzled. Takeru raised an eyebrow. Yamato laughed. "Sorry, we just dragged Akira off the table."

Ken looked at Takeru questioningly, but Takeru shook his head as if to say "don't ask".

Yamato moved away from the door and left it open for the two friends to walk in. "Make yourselves at home," he said over the slightly too loud music. "There's beer in the fridge, other drinks on the counter, and...well, Akira took all the jello shots."

"Hence the standing on the table," said Takeru.

"Yes," Yamato answered with a frown as Akira draped himself over Yamato's shoulders.

"Hey Takeru!" he slurred. He looked at Ken. "You're girlfriend is very pretty." He then turned and stumbled after another band member. Yamato sighed and followed him.

Ken was still blushing. "That's the first time someone mistook me as a girl."

Takeru laughed. "I wouldn't take it personally. Akira would probably try to flirt with a lampshade right about now."

Ken chuckled. "That's going to be one hell of a hangover."

"Did you just swear?" asked Takeru amused.

Ken rolled his eyes. "It's really not that surprising," he said as he followed Takeru into the kitchen.

"Do you want a Coke?" asked Takeru holding up a bottle.

Ken nodded. "With rum please."

Takeru looked at Ken in shock. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

Ken shrugged. "It's been an interesting year."

"Indeed."

At that moment Sora leaned over the kitchen bar. "Hey you two!" she said cheerfully. "Takeru can you mix me a drink while you're at it?"

"Sure thing. Rum and Coke okay?"

"Perfect," she said with a smile.

"I like your new haircut," said Ken, taking his drink from Takeru.

Sora smiled in delighted surprise. "You noticed?" She patted her hair. It had been cut to just below her ears and fell in layers. Streaks of dark blonde highlighted her hair. "Are you drinking?" she asked in surprise.

"Why does everyone react like that?" Ken asked, slightly irritated.

Sora shrugged and took her own drink. "I just always thought you were pretty straight-laced."

Takeru chuckled. "Well, he's not really that strai—" He was cut short as Ken elbowed him in the ribs.

Sora just looked at them as Takeru doubled over in laughter. "Right... Well, don't hide out in the kitchen. Come join the fun. Jou brought Miyako along and Hikari's here, of course. Daisuke's trying to beat Koushiro at some video game." She rolled her eyes and wandered off.

"Shall we?" Takeru asked. Ken shrugged and motioned for Takeru to lead the way.

As they emerged from the kitchen they got a new appreciation for how many people were at the party. The living room was packed as people stood and talked. Akiru was dancing in the hallway as Yamato and Yutaka tried to convince him that the shot glasses of water were actually vodka. Ken didn't see very many people he knew.

"Most of these are friends of the band members." Ken nodded. He sometimes forgot that Yamato had a very wide circle of friends. And he knew that Yamato was not as close to the second generation digidestined.

Hikari greeted them as they moved their way to the couch. "How are you guys?" she asked.

"Great!" said Takeru, smiling at his best friend. Ken felt a little anxiety that had nothing to do with the crowded room. The blonde looked at the video game engrossed Daisuke. "Did you talk to him?"

Hikari sighed. "I did. He promised to behave but that was before the jello shots."

"I thought Akira took all the jello shots?" asked Ken in confusion.

Hikari shook her head. "He finished the jello shots. There were a few rounds before that."

"You seem pretty sober," Ken pointed out.

She shrugged. "I know how to pace myself."

Takeru chuckled. "I can't believe Akira got drunk off jello shots. He will never live this down."

"You should have seen how much he had." The three jumped as Koushiro entered the conversation. He was predictably drinking a very innocent glass of Sprite.

"I didn't notice you guys finished," said Hikari as Daisuke hugged her from behind. "Daisuke!" she chastised as she pried off his arms. "No PDA!"

Daisuke pouted but then turned to the younger men. "Hey guys! How are you?"

"Good," said Takeru with barely concealed amusedment.

"Hi," mumbled Ken. Daisuke looked at his best (?) friend. "Hey, you wanna help me look for something in my room?"

Ken secretly smiled at Daisuke's attempt at subtlety. He nodded and followed Daisuke down the hall.

"Look Daisuke—" Ken started.

Daisuke held up a hand. "Don't worry, I'm not as drunk as Hikari thinks I am. I just get away with more if I act like it." He smiled. "Ken, I'm sorry. I know overreacted that night. And after talking to Hikari she pointed out how much each of us is ignoring you and Takeru." He sighed. "I guess I got all caught up. You know, she was the girl I could never have, and now we're dating." He smiled sheepishly. "I know I've put you through a lot over the past couple of years, and I haven't exactly shown any gratitude." He ended in a shrug. He watched Ken and fidgeted uncomfortably.

There was a lot that Ken wanted to say, but he didn't say any of it. He knew that what Daisuke said took a lot. Daisuke was not one to openly express his feelings, or apologize. So Ken bottled down all of his tears and harsh words and looked at his friend in false shock. "Wow," he said, pretending to be speechless.

"What?" asked Daisuke nervously.

"That was really mature," said Ken with a smirk.

Daisuke sighed in relief and lightly punched Ken. "You jerk!" he laughed. "So we're okay?" he asked seriously.

Ken nodded. "We're okay."

Daisuke grinned and wrapped his arm around Ken's shoulders. "Good. Now let's go enjoy the party!"

The party eventually dwindled down until only the digidestined were left. Even Yamato's band members had left, Takashi and Yutaka nearly carrying Akira out to the car.

Ken smiled to himself as the group of close friends relaxed around the living room. He was just buzzed enough to be inexplicably happy. He had his best friend back and a new friend in Takeru. He thought of something and turned to Daisuke. "What are you gonna do since Yamato's leaving?" Daisuke looked at him in confusion. "I mean, is Yamato still going to pay rent?"

Daisuke's eyes lightened in comprehension. "Oh that. Taichi's gonna move in!" He and Taichi high-fived.

Hikari rolled her eyes and Takeru groaned. "Oh no. I am never coming over. This apartment is going to be a mess!"

"That's what Hikari's for," said Taichi cheerfully. "Ow!" The cheerfulness faded as Hikari pinched him.

Ken shook his head. "This is not one of your better ideas."

Daisuke pushed his friend with his shoulder. "Oh, and you would be a better choice? Well, Yamato already offered the room to Taichi. I mean, you could share my room, but that might be awkward if your boyfriend came over."

All conversation stopped abruptly. Ken's heart thrummed against his chest violently as every eye turned to him.

"Boyfriend?" squeaked Miyako.

"You're gay!" asked Taichi tactlessly.

Daisuke's eyes had that deer-in-a-headlight look. As if to make up for his slip he placed his arm around Ken and drew him close. "Yes, he is. Does anyone have a problem with that?" He glared at the room, daring anyone to answer.

Sora broke the uncomfortable silence. "Of course not," she answered with a smile. "Ken, we love you no matter what."

Yamato nodded. "I mean, I eventually got over your evil genius phase," he said playfully. "Being gay is nothing compared to that."

Ken grimaced. "Thanks, I think."

Everyone laughed.

"So you mean I never even had a chance?" Miyako finally asked in frustration.

"What do you mean by that?" Jou asked.

Miyako grinned at her boyfriend. "Nothing..." The others just shook their heads.

"So who's the special guy?" asked Taichi.

"Uh..." Ken hesitated. "There is no special guy."

"What about that Satomi guy?" asked Daisuke in confusion.

Takeru watched as Ken paled and a barely perceivable look of fear entered his eyes. "That's done," said the blonde, saving his friend from answering. "They broke up about a week ago." Ken sent the blonde a look of thanks.

Daisuke turned to his friend. "What happened?" he asked. "It wasn't me was it?" He suddenly looked concerned.

As Ken flinched Takeru was about to answer again, but Yamato gently took him by the wrist and motioned for Takeru to follow him to his room.

Ken sighed as he watched the brothers leave the room. "I really don't want to talk about it," he mumbled. Everyone in the group took the hint and started up their previous conversations. Hikari moved over to the two best friends as Daisuke looked at Ken with hurt in his eyes. "It's not you," Ken hurriedly reassured his friend. "It was just...messy. And I'd rather not think about it."

Daisuke's eyes narrowed. "Did he hurt you?"

Ken swallowed down the panic that was building. "I...just...don't worry about it Daisuke."

The redhead was about to protest when Hikari placed a hand on his shoulder. "We understand Ken. You can tell us when you're ready to talk about it."

Ken gave the woman a small smile. He would have to do something for Hikari. He had spent the past year being jealous of her, and here she was fixing his friendship with Daisuke and pretty much telling Daisuke to change the subject.

"So how about those Dodgers?" said Ken playfully.

Both his friends looked confused. "What are dodgers?" Daisuke asked.

Ken sighed. "Never mind. It's a phrase my American friend uses." He stopped and felt sick to his stomach. He had no idea if he was still his friend. Satomi had probably gotten to all of his friends from school.

At that moment Takeru walked out looking slightly embarrassed. Yamato followed with a humorous smirk on his face. Ken looked at Takeru questioningly, but the blonde just shook his head. "Are you ready to go Ken? I can't imagine you're parents being happy at spending two nights out of the house."

Daisuke looked between the two with a little jealousy. "Have you been hanging out together a lot?"

Ken shrugged, shoving away the reason he had been spending so much time with Takeru. "A bit. His mom made me stay the night yesterday after we got caught outside in that storm."

Takeru realized Ken was oblivious to the concealed anger behind the question. He looked at Daisuke with a grin. "Don't worry, Daisuke," he said. "I'm not replacing you. I could never be that bone-headed!" Takeru dodged the fork that Daisuke had mysteriously found and laughed.

Ken shook his head at his friends' antics and waved Yamato over. "Do you have any mouthwash?" The entire room looked at Ken in confusion. "What?" he said. "My father probably won't mind but mother will have a heart attack if she smells alcohol."

His friends laughed. "Do you party regularly?" asked Yamato in amused approval.

Ken blushed. "Just a little..."

Yamato shook his head and showed Ken where the mouthwash was in the bathroom.

After both Ken and Takeru had fresh smelling breath, they said goodbye to their friends and left. As they walked to Ken's house they laughed about the events of the party, especially Akira's drunken antics. They both made sure not to mention Satomi.

They were still laughing at one of the night's stories when they arrived at Ken's door. The front door opened and Mr. Ichijouji looked at them. "You do realize most people quiet down at this time of night?"

"Sorry," they both mumbled.

"It's good to see you again Takeru. Why don't you come in?"

Takeru bowed his thanks and walked into the Ichijouji apartment. He and Ken both took off their shoes as Mrs. Ichijouji came into the room.

"I really hope you don't make a habit of this," Ken's mother said. "It's disrespectful to come home at such an hour."

"It's my fault Mrs. Ichijouji," said Takeru respectfully. "I invited him to my brother's going away party and we lost track of time."

The woman's face softened at Takeru's words. She always had the idea that Takeru was a very responsible young man. "Where is your brother going?"

"He and his band are about to go on tour."

Mrs. Ichijouji nodded. "Well I do hope they are safe. I hear stories about rock bands."

"Mom!" exclaimed Ken, embarrassed.

Takeru smiled sweetly. "My brother's band is very responsible." Both boys had to hide their amusement at the white lie.

The woman nodded. "That is good to hear." She turned to Ken. "I suppose you've already eaten then?"

At that moment Takeru's stomach growled. Ken looked at the blonde in shock and then bent over laughing.

Ken's father looked at the friends, pleased. Takeru obviously brought out a side of Ken that Mr. Ichijouji had not seen in a while. He hoped that he was reading the connection between the boys correctly. "Why don't you boys order a pizza? Your mother and I were on our way to bed anyway. Just keep it down."

The friends nodded their agreement and Ken's father left some money on the table.

After dinner the Ken and Takeru retreated to Ken's room. The blonde raised an eyebrow when he entered. "You still have bunk beds?"

Ken blushed. "I never really had a reason to change them."

Takeru chuckled. "Well, that's lucky for me. Now I don't have to sleep on the floor!"

"I would never make you sleep on the floor," Ken said seriously.

Takeru smiled. "Your mom is still a little overprotective, isn't she?"

Ken sighed. "It's hard for her, I think. She's afraid if I grow up I'll pull away from her again."

Takeru grimaced in response to the old memories.

"On the bright side I think she wants you as her son."

Takeru laughed. "I'm just that amazing."

Ken playfully shoved his friend. "You are so humble," he said sarcastically. He pulled some fresh sheets over the top bunk. "I'd rather not have you as a brother though."

"Why not?" asked Takeru, pretending to be hurt.

Ken paused as he realized what he just said. Why didn't he want Takeru as a brother? He was a lot of fun to be around. He was always very caring. He had helped him come to terms with Daisuke and Hikari's relationship. He was there for him when the...incident...had happened. He was even being protective as he made sure Ken never walked home alone.

Then Ken remembered how safe he felt when he was with Takeru. And how he felt when Takeru had gotten angry about Ken's bruise. He remembered how the blonde looked after the rain had forced all his hair into his eyes. He remembered the small knot in his stomach when Takeru smiled at Hikari and the butterflies when Akira mistook Ken as Takeru's girlfriend. The way he felt about Takeru was like...like...like the way he used to feel about Daisuke.

He almost groaned out loud as the realization hit him. Why was he always getting himself into hopeless situations?

"Ken, are you okay?" The question shook Ken out of his thoughts and he realized had stopped making the bed as he stared into space.

"I'm fine," Ken said with a forced smile. "I'm just tired. It's been a long day."

Takeru looked at him strangely, but dropped the subject.

Ken restarted his attempt at making the bed as thoughts raced through his mind. He could not do this to himself again. He was not going to fall in love with another straight guy! But other thoughts came forward. Takeru had said before that Hikari wasn't his type. Hikari was a very kind and pretty girl, exactly what Ken would picture Takeru to like. Could that possibly mean that Takeru liked...boys?

Ken had once again failed to pay attention to his surroundings. As he turned from tucking in a corner he quickly realized his knee had met air and he went sprawling of the bed. Right on top of the blonde.

Takeru groaned in pain and Ken jumped up with a yelp. With a mumbled apology he raced out of the room and into the bathroom.

Still lying on the floor Takeru looked at the door in confusion with a slight blush on his cheeks. That was a really strange reaction for the raven-haired man. Takeru shook his head and picked himself off the ground as Ken's phone started vibrating on the desk. Takeru ignored it until it stopped. Then the phone started vibrating again. And again. After the fourth time Takeru finally picked up the phone, annoyed. He was about to say Ken would be right there when a familiar voice started speaking.

"Ken? Ken are you there? I know you're confused, but we can work it out. I need to see you. That blonde has you all confused. Let's just talk." There was a strange sound in the other man's voice. "Fine, don't talk to me right now. But at least let me see you. I'll meet you tomorrow night. We can meet behind the school's auditorium." There was a pause as the other man waited for a response. "I'll take that as a yes. I'll see you tomorrow. Don't make me come look for you." Takeru had heard enough and ended the call.

Ken re-entered the room, seemingly recovered from his fall. "Is something wrong, Takeru?"

The blonde shook his head. "No, no." He searched his mind for an excuse. "I was just remembering that Daisuke and Taichi will be living together."

Ken frowned. "Don't remind me. I am not going to be visiting if it smells like sweat, leftovers, and air freshener."

Takeru raised an eyebrow. "You think they'd actually use an air freshener."

They laughed. "Let's get to bed," said Takeru. "Like you said, it's been a long day."

Ken nodded in agreement and waited until Takeru had climbed onto the top bunk to turn off the light.

It was a while before either man fell asleep, both plagued by their own thoughts.

Ari: Well, it seems like everything is falling into place. Or is it? *evilgrin* What else do these authors have in store for our heroes? Find out next time on-

Daisuke: Cut the drama.

Ari: How did you get out of your box? You're not even a major character in this fic!

Daisuke: About that...anyway ignore Ari's antics, grovel at Mie Ame's feet, and please review. The next chapter will be up soon, after Ari takes a little trip.

Ari: Where am I going?

Daisuke: *smirk*