A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Digimon Data Squad Redux (rewrite)! I know, I know, it's been WAY too long since the last update! Well, in my defense, I've had a lot of other stories that kept grabbing my attention (and frankly my desire to update) and it's only now that I can finally clear the way for another update. So yeah. As a note, in addition to the several other stories I've updated since the last chapter of this fic, I've also posted two new stories, one of which is a Mario story and the other is a Bakugan story (specifically the re-write of my old Pyrus Chronicles story that I'd been putting off for awhile). But I doubt you came to this story to read a long-ass A/N where i go off on tangents for a long time. No, you came here for some Digimon! And I can oblige! But first, let me just say real quick that there will probably be some stuff to look at in the end-chapter A/N, so be on the lookout for that! And NOW on to chapter 3!

Chapter 3- The New Teams of DATS!

(with Thomas and Marcus)

"Remind me again why I put up with you and your uppity attitude, Nerdstein?" Marcus snapped at Thomas with an annoyed eye roll as they drove towards a group of Numemon that had been sighted in the city, Agumon and Gaomon ready to go inside the duo's Digivices. Thomas facepalmed.

"First of all, STOP calling me Nerdstein! That's just rude. Secondly, you know just as well as I do that the Commander ordered us to be a team, and we can't go against an order from the Commander. Otherwise believe you me, I wouldn't even go anywhere NEAR being the partner of a brain-dead neophyte like you, Marcus. How we manage to get so much done despite your impulsive tendencies astounds and baffles me.

At least with Kyori, his impulsivity is somewhat tempered by a sense of self-restraint and common sense, neither of which YOU seem to have. So until you can prove you have more brains than a caveman and more tactical skills than a two year old, we're stuck on a team together, whether we like it or not. So quit your whining and suck it up! Jeez!" Thomas snarked at Marcus, resisting the urge to make a comment about how Marcus almost acts more childish than his 8 year old sister, figuring that was not only uncalled for, but actually insulting to Kristy and he had no issue with her. Marcus frowned, but sighed.

"Fine, that's a good point, Thomas. However, I reserve the right to keep using the nickname I've given you from time to time since I like that it annoys you. After all, is it or is it not one of the traits of a genius that they can keep their cool in stressful situations? And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you yourself say that you find working with me stressful?" Marcus said to Thomas, trying not to smirk as he actually made a good point, to Thomas' shock AND frustration.

"That's...actually pretty intelligent of you, Marcus. Well played. Maybe there's hope for you yet." Thomas said to Marcus, only just keeping the mocking tone out of his voice as he spoke. Marcus grinned even as he rolled his eyes at Thomas.

"Always the tone of surprise with you, eh Thomas? Anyways, I think those are the Numemon we were told to round up right over THERE!" Marcus said, pointing out his window towards a group of six Numemon running around through the city. Thomas nodded, driving faster to cut off the Numemon before leaping out of the car with Marcus, both pulling out their Digivices and pointing them in front of them.

"AGUMON/GAOMON, REALIZE!" Marcus and Thomas called out as their respective Digimon materialized from inside their Digivices. Marcus than ran forward and full-on decked one of the Numemon across the face, leaping back to stand next to Thomas, the fist that struck the Numemon glowing orange, even as Thomas flicked a hand to summon the usual blue energy around it. Both turned to their Digimon.

"Ready Agumon? IT'S FIGHTIN' TIME!" Marcus called out excitedly, Agumon swinging his arms around like a windmill in his excitement.

"Yeah! Let's get 'em Boss!" Agumon said, ignoring Marcus' near-facefault behind him at Agumon's use of 'Boss'. Thomas chuckled at this before looking at Gaomon.

"Gaomon, execute plan A-3." Thomas said authoratively to Gaomon who nodded.

"Sir, yes Sir!" Gaomon said with a salute. The screen then cut to a split-screen shot of Marcus and Thomas holding their Digivices with their non-charged hands.

"DNA! CHARGE!/DNA! CHARGE! YAHHH!" Thomas and Marcus called as they slapped their hands onto their Digivices, causing beams of blue and orange light to hit Gaomon and Agumon respectively.

"GAOMON/AGUMON, DIGIVOLVE TO! GAOGAMON/GEOGREYMON!" Gaomon and Agumon called out as they Digivolved into Gaogamon and GeoGreymon respectively.

"Gaoga Hound!" Gaogamon called as he charged several of the Numemon, pushing them backwards slightly, a couple managing to slam into GeoGreymon as he lined up to do his attack, prompting GeoGreymon to glare at Gaogamon.

"MEGA BURST!" GeoGreymon called out, shooting off a fireball towards the Numemon (and unfortunately for him, Gaogamon because he was still charging at the Numemon), hitting everyone in the area, managing to destroy two or three of the Numemon and turn them to DigiEggs, while Gaogamon slid backwards, singed slightly but otherwise unharmed save for his pride. Gaogamon glared at GeoGreymon.

"What was THAT? Did you really need to hit me along with the Numemon, you absolute buffoon?" Gaogamon snapped at GeoGreymon who glared at Gaogamon.

"Blame yourself for charging at the Numemon when I was attacking them. There wasn't time to adjust the shot to not hit you. And DON'T CALL ME A BUFFOON! Do I look like Marcus to you?" GeoGreymon snapped, ignoring the indignant 'HEY!' from Marcus behind him at the latter part of his reply. Thomas however chuckled at GeoGreymon's remark.

"Huh, who knew your Digimon was so witty, Marcus?" Thomas joked, unable to resist making a quip. Marcus frowned at Thomas.

"Oh yeah? Would you still be laughing if they'd said that about you instead?" Marcus said to Thomas with a grin.

"Hmph! My Digimon knows better than to badmouth me, even in jest. Or at least I hope he does." Thomas replied.

"JUNK ATTACK!" The remaining Numemon called out in unison, pelting the bickering GeoGreymon and Gaogamon with their droppings, eventually slamming both into a wall where they reverted back to Agumon and Gaomon, to Thomas and Marcus' shock.

"Now look what you've done, Marcus! Because your idiotic Digimon was too busy bickering with Gaogamon, they both got blasted by the Numemon! I blame you for this!" Thomas snapped at Marcus who glared.

"Oh yeah? Wanna go, smart guy? Screw the Numemon, I wouldn't mind smacking the uppity out of you. Or are you too good to battle a brain-dead neophyte like me?" Marcus razzed Thomas whose eye twitched, and next thing either knew, they were rolling around on the ground in a flurry of fists and indecipherable swearing, causing the Numemon to collectively sweatdrop at what they were watching before turning their attention to Agumon and Gaomon who were still down on the ground struggling to get up. However, just before the Numemon could finish off the two Digimon, help arrived in an unlikely source.

"METAL ARMOR BLADE!" came a familiar shout as an equally familiar spear flew towards the Numemon, managing to impale each of the remaining Numemon on it in turn before both the spear AND the Numemons exploded into data, leaving only a half-dozen DigiEggs as evidence they'd been there at all. Because Thomas and Marcus were too busy exchanging fisticuffs, neither one saw Ginryumon fly in and help Gaomon and Agumon to their feet while Kyori carefully scooped the DigiEggs into a box.

After Kyori did that, he loaded the box into the car he'd shown up in, with a worried Yoshino sitting behind the driver's seat watching Marcus and Thomas roll around on the ground. Kyori rolled his eyes at how childish Marcus and Thomas were being before sighing and using his fingers to give a loud whistle that made the Digimon cover their ears (except Lalamon who was still safely inside Yoshino's Digivice) and caused Marcus and Thomas to spring apart to look for the source, both gaping as they saw it was Kyori.

"OI! Are you two children done with your unprofessional display, or should we take Agumon and Gaomon with us so you can get a room?" Kyori said, only half-joking as he glared at Thomas and Marcus who both gave Kyori sheepish looks.

"This isn't as bad as it looks like, I assure you." Thomas said after he recovered from his shock. Marcus rolled his eyes.

"Uh-huh, and it didn't totally look like Kyori got to see me smack your stupid face all over the pavement AND beat the uppity out of you!" Marcus replied with a smirk, making Thomas growl under his breath. Kyori facepalmed.

"Enough, you two. How is it neither of you can get along? Thomas, I know Marcus can try the patience of a saint when he wants to, but I wouldn't think you'd have stooped to fighting him in public. And Marcus, wouldn't it be classier to just let Thomas hang himself without using your fists to do it? Or do you not want to be able to say you were the bigger man if it comes to it? Because right now you both look really immature and childish. And quite frankly, I'm inclined to wonder if somehow all the maturity got sapped out of the two of you and transferred into Kristy. Because right now, she's more mature than either one of you.

Now if you two can get along long enough, maybe you can drag your sorry selves back to your car and follow us back to DATS so the Commander can give his two cents. Or would you rather I have Yoshino get out and lay into you both? Because I know for a FACT she'd love nothing more than to lay into you both and get some of that pent-up anger she has taken out on you two.

Granted, I don't deny that I share a small bit of deserving that anger too given I didn't stand up for her when she got stuck watching your family, Marcus. So stop throwing yourselves at each other for five minutes and grow up! And also, make sure your Digimon are all right since they look like they got rocked pretty good by those Numemon!" Kyori ranted at Marcus and Thomas who were too busy gaping to defend themselves as Kyori turned around and went back to the car, carefully closing the door so he wouldn't have to look at the two before it pulled away with Kyori and Yoshino inside. The two then scooped up their beaten Digimon and returned them to their Digivices for the time being before heading back to DATS.

(Meanwhile, with Yoshino and Kyori)

"Wow, Kyo, didn't think you had it in you to lay into them like you did. Though I would've appreciated you letting me get a chance at it too. But I can forgive that since you did such a good job lecturing them. Honestly! How is it that Commander Sampson gives those two ONE simple task, and they can't even do THAT right without getting into an ugly brawl in public? I hope they learn to work together soon, otherwise I get the feeling one of them is gonna end up in trouble for savagely beating/harming the other." Yoshino said irritably as she vented her opinion of what she'd seen. Kyori smiled at Yoshino.

"Relax, Yoshi. At least you and I work well together, mostly. So don't be so upset over those two twats. If they can't get along, that's their problem. Or perhaps we should go out for a drink or something after we drop the DigiEggs off at HQ so you can de-stress a bit. And for what it's worth, I really am sorry for not sticking up for you more when you got left watching the Damons the other day. But given they wanted to initiate me and Marcus, I couldn't really do much to help you unfortunately. So I hope you aren't gonna stay mad at me for that for TOO long." Kyori said to Yoshino, giving her a winsome smile, hoping to soothe her, which partially worked in so far as she relaxed a bit. After a bit of hesitation, Yoshino sighed slightly before smiling at Kyori.

"I'm really not that mad at you, Kyo. Disappointed maybe, but not mad. As for your offer, as generous as it is and as much as I'd love to take you up on it, I somehow the Commander would give us that much downtime. But thank you for the offer." Yoshino said with a smile, as the two continued the drive back to DATS HQ in silence, Marcus and Thomas also silently making the drive back in the car behind them.

(At DATS HQ...)

"Why can't those two get along? Yoshino and Kyori get along as a team, and both of you get along as a team, so why can't Norstein and Damon?" Sampson growled under his breath, massaging his forehead to try and prevent a migraine as he vented a bit to a quietly contemplative Miki and Megumi. Miki then chuckled as she turned to face Megumi.

"Can you still defend Marcus after this? Pretty sure he instigated that brawl." Miki asked Megumi as she giggled at the glare on Megumi's face.

"Oh hush up, Miki. Thomas wasn't exactly innocent in that. I saw him instigating a bit near the end there. So they were both to blame." Megumi pointed out calmly. Miki shrugged.

"Never said Thomas was innocent in all that, Megumi." Miki replied. Before their back-and-forth could persist for much longer, the doors opened to admit, to Sampson's surprise, Yoshino and Kyori carrying a good-sized box between them, that they set down to reveal a half-dozen DigiEggs. Sampson blinked at the two before turning to Kyori.

"Are those the Numemon I told Damon and Norstein to deal with?" Sampson asked Kyori in confusion. Kyori nodded.

"Indeed they are, Commander. I had to step in and clean up a mess because Thomas and Marcus decided they'd rather get into a fist-fight in the middle of the street rather than finish off the Numemon. Granted, GeoGreymon DID eliminate two of them beforehand, to Marcus' credit. But he did kinda squander that credit when he decided to pick a fight with Thomas. I swear, both Yoshino and I were ready to tear into them. As is, I gave them a pretty good scolding. Though I won't deny Yoshino was pretty pissed at them. Luckily I was somewhat able to calm her down. However, with your permission Commander, I may need to take Yoshino out to de-stress so we don't have to worry about her snapping and trying to either kill or severely injure one or both of them for their stupidity. So yeah, I guess it is what it is?" Kyori explained to Sampson, who stroked his chin in thought. He eventually nodded.

"I see. If it comes to that, then consider that permission granted Kusanagi. Not only is Yoshino one of our best agents, but Thomas at the least is really too good to replace so I'd rather not have to replace one or both of them if Yoshino snaps. And I DID put you on a team with her as her partner so I admire and applaud you looking out for her. But let's hope it doesn't come to that." Sampson told Kyori who somehow managed not to let the slight dusting of red on his cheeks be visible to the Commander at his praise, or the implication of him caring for Yoshino.

"Not a problem Commander. I'm happy to be her partner. I don't think you realize this, but she and I have actually been friends since we were both little. So I'm definitely willing to do whatever I have to in order to not only keep her safe, but make her happy if I can. I frankly don't care to see her sad or upset." Kyori admitted, turning away from the Commander so Sampson wouldn't see the blush on his face at his admission. Sampson smirked.

"You don't have to hide it from me Kusanagi, I know you have feelings for her. I'm not dumb, or blind, even if those two over there seem to think so." Sampson replied, jerking an amused thumb in the direction of Miki and Megumi who blinked at beiing called out by Sampson. Kyori, for his part, blinked at Sampson's words and turned to face the Commander in shock.

"How did you figure it out, if I can ask that Commander?" Kyori asked Sampson who smirked.

"You forget Kusanagi, I was once young like you. And despite what not only you, but the gossips over there might think, I have actually had crushes before, even if they never ended up panning out for various reasons, but that's neither here nor there right now. What IS important is the fact that you have a chance to actually succeed with your love life, that and the fact that you might be one of the most promising recruits I've seen since Thomas, and given how well he aced HIS initiation, that's saying something." Sampson said to Kyori, giving him a rare proud smile to Kyori's surprise.

"Th-thank you, Commander. That's some high praise coming from you." Kyori said humbly, resisting the urge to bow in respect at that moment. Luckily for him, Thomas and Marcus chose that moment to walk in, both looking pretty banged up from their scuffle earlier. Sampson's eyes narrowed at the two before he wordlessly gestured for Miki, Kyori and Megumi to leave the room, which the three did eagerly, none of them wanting ANY part of the likely screaming that was about to ensue. And sure enough, no sooner than they'd left than Sampson tore into the two.

"WHAT WERE YOU TWO THINKING? I gave the two of you ONE simple task! ONE! And you two couldn't even do THAT right without fighting! If not for the fact I thought to ask Kusanagi and Fujieda to look in on the two of you, you two might've created an unmitigated disaster. The only reason I'm NOT dismissing the BOTH of you here and now is I can appreciate that some partnerships are rough to get used to, so I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourselves. But I'm serious here! If you mess up one more time, the BOTH of you are out of DATS! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR, DAMON AND NORSTEIN?" Sampson said to a wide-eyed Marcus and Thomas who gulped fearfully as they looked at Sampson.

"Crystal, Commander! I apologize for not behaving up to DATS standards today. I will endeavor to do better, sir." Thomas said contritely.

"I don't know how you expect us to get along, Commander. We have virtually nothing in common, and we're basically polar opposites. He's all brains and strategy, where I'm more brawn and integrity, as a man of the house SHOULD be. So I apologize if I don't manage to get along with Thomas." Marcus said to Sampson, ignoring Thomas' smirk at Marcus basically insulting himself. Sampson then turned back to the door.

"All right, you can come back in now!" Sampson said as the doors opened and Kyori, Megumi and Miki walked back in.

"I agree with you, Marcus. You and Thomas are gonna be lucky in the extreme if you two EVER get along. But I think if you two tried you could manage it." Kyori told Marcus.

"I like how you're not too busy trying to pick up Yoshino to help lay into us, Kyori." Thomas said with a smirk, ignoring the indignant huff on Kyori's face.

"Shut up, Thomas! Just because I find Yoshi really really cute doesn't automatically mean I'm trying to pick up on her. I respect her too much to do that without her consent. Besides, if you want to play like that, I'm sure these ladies here next to me are only TOO willing to help make you regret it if you try to poke fun at me." Kyori said crossing his arms. Unfortunately for Kyori, Miki and Megumi both giggled at his indignant expression.

"Aww, how cute. Kyori's totally hot for Yoshino. And he doesn't even realize it." Miki said with a grin.

"You realize of course you cannot mock me any longer for being interested in Marcus now that we know this, right Kyori?" Megumi said giggling. Kyori rolled his eyes.

"No, I'm pretty sure I can STILL mock you for that. Besides, unlike you, at least I like someone who might actually somewhat reciprocate that interest, whereas I don't see Marcus being able to appreciate a girl that way anytime soon, if ever. No offense Marcus." Kyori replied. Marcus shrugged, waving the comment off.

"None taken. You're not wrong. With all respect to Megumi, I don't know that I can think of her as anymore than a friend. At least not at this time. But that's not on her so much as on me since I'm not sure I can manage to give you what you want given my lack of experience with dating as a whole. But that doesn't mean that it's an impossibility. All I can honestly say for now is give me time to figure out where I stand on that. Can you do that, Megumi?" Marcus asked Megumi, who flushed in embarrassment at being caught out on her feelings, but nodded.

"I can be patient, Marcus. Unlike Thomas, I realize that thinking isn't necessarily your strong suit, so I can wait as long as is needed. But you know, you'd be surprised how often knowing strategy can make you a better fighter when all is said and done." Megumi pointed out to Marcus. Before Marcus could reply to that comment, the door opened once again, admitting a surprised Yoshino, who'd gotten there in time to hear Kyori be called out on being hot for her, and Kyori himself admitting he liked her. She got the flush on her cheeks under control before looking at Sampson.

"Commander, did I miss you laying into Marcus and Thomas?" Yoshino asked. Kyori nodded.

"Unfortunately so, yes you did Yoshi. He gave them a glorious scolding and made them feel like little kids. But, at least you got here in time to give a few digs of your own at them if you so choose, with the Commander's permission of course. Sorry we didn't wait for you for that, Yoshi." Kyori said to Yoshino who smiled at Kyori's considerate gesture.

"Oh, well okay then." Yoshino replied shyly before turning to Marcus and Thomas after Sampsson subtly nodded to her as if to give his consent.

"WHAT! WERE! YOU TWO! THINKING? Do you have ANY idea how many people saw that disgraceful display you two put on back there? As it is, had Kyori and I not been there to bail your worthless backsides out of that situation, BOTH of you might have lost your Digimon! TO NUMEMON! NUMEMON! How disgraceful can you get, being bested by Numemon of all Digimon? The only thing worse would've been if you'd been beaten by a Fresh or In-Training Digimon! Also, you two both behaved in a manner that was arguably even less mature than what Kristy would've done, and she's eight! So both of you get your acts in gear and grow up! And count yourselves lucky the Commander let the two of you off lightly! If it were up to me, I'd have barred BOTH of you from fieldwork until you can learn to work as a team! Because lord knows DATS doesn't need a pair of loose cannons wrecking things for us! So be glad that I don't get to decide your punishment! And be equally glad it was Kyori who jumped out to save you two! If it'd been me, we'd probably STILL be over there with me yelling at the both of you until I turn blue in the face! Are we clear?" Yoshino snapped at Thomas and Marcus who turned their gazes towards their feet in a mix of shame and regret. Kyori smirked, crossing his arms with an amused look.

"Dang, Yoshi, you really let those two have it. I'm proud of you. Remind me not to get on your bad side, EVER." Kyori said to Yoshino with a smirk. Miki and Megumi giggled.

"Aww, how sweet. You two are acting like a couple already! Now if you two would just wise up and ask each other out so you can quit dancing around the topic." Miki said, giving a teasing grin to Kyori and Yoshino, who both flushed at being called out.

"Is it not enough that he and I are already partnered up for cases? Do we HAVE to ask each other out? Not that I'd mind if that happened, admittedly. But he doesn't really much give any signal that he likes me as more than a friend, or at least that he has romantic feelings for me." Yoshino replied with an embarrassed look on her face. Kyori rolled his eyes.

"First of all, BOTH OF YOU SHUT IT. That said, you're actually wrong, Yoshi. I guess I can't exactly avoid the topic since I'm being ganged up by everyone about it. The truth is, I actually do quite care a great deal for you. And in all honesty, I've actually had a crush on you for some time. But is now REALLY the time for us to get together? I mean I don't mind, but are we going too fast if we do get together this soon after reuniting with each other after so long?" Kyori said, his face red from embarrassment as he looked at a gaping Yoshino who was struck speechless by Kyori's confession. And the same could be said for Marcus and Thomas. Sampson merely nodded in approval at Kyori's reply.

"K-Kyo, I didn't think you felt that way about me. But you do make a good point. I do though have a crush on you as well. But if we're being honest, I agree. I do want to be with you, but we can wait a bit to do so if that'd make you more comfortable, Kyo. And both of you quit gawking at us! Just because you two likely won't get a girl to even look sideways at you much less have a crush on you, doesn't mean that the rest of us can't find love! And before she butts in, I'm not counting Megumi's crush on Marcus when I say that." Yoshino replied, smiling at Kyori before frowning at Marcus and Thomas.

"Honestly? I do think we shouldn't rush into things, but if you want to be with me that badly, I don't see why we can't give it a try but take our time progressing things. But at the same time, I'm apt to agree with whatever decision you make on that subject, Yoshi. And somehow, I wonder if us deciding this with an audience is really the wisest thing, especially since some of said audience is quite gossip-prone as we both know." Kyori said to Yoshino, ignoring the frowns from Miki and Megumi who knew he meant them with his 'gossips' comment.

"Good decision, Kyori. I like seeing my agents getting along, but I think you two can have some downtime to figure that out. And as for what Yoshino suggested regarding Norstein and Damon, I'm inclined to agree with her. Until you two can finally work as a team, I'm barring you both from going on missions until you can get along so as not to jeopardize what DATS stands for more than you already have. So all four of you get out of here. If you have to, go finish your discussions at the Damons' house or something." Sampson said, ignoring the twin groans that came from Marcus and Thomas at his decision. Kyori nodded at Sampson, offering a hand to Yoshino.

"So, shall we adjourn to the car to go find a more private location to discuss what happens with us, Yoshi?" Kyori asked Yoshi with a smile. Despite herself, Yoshino couldn't help but blush prettily at the smile Kyori gave her.

"Yes, yes we shall, Kyo." Yoshino said, smiling as she took Kyori's hand and the two exited the room, leaving a gaping room behind, excluding Sampson who simply nodded at the leaving duo. Thomas and Marcus huffed before leaving the room without a word, not even bothering to look at Sampson or the smirking Miki and Megumi. After the departing quartet left, Miki and Megumi helped Sampson send the DigiEggs back to the Digital World.

(Over with Yoshino and Kyori)

"So, when you said 'private place', what did you have in mind, Kyo?" Yoshino asked Kyori, who smiled at her.

"First of all, keep focused on the road please Yoshi. Secondly, I was thinking we could either go get a drink together or if you don't mind we can go back to your place so you can relax while we figure out exactly what WE are. Because clearly with both of us crushing on each other, I doubt it's as simple as us just being friends still. But that's just my opinion." Kyori said to Yoshino, smiling at her as they kept driving. If he saw the tinges of pink on Yoshino's face at his words, he chose not to comment on it. After a bit, Yoshino spoke again.

"I don't mind taking you back to my place, but I don't think we were strictly speaking relieved of the duty of watching the Damons and somehow I doubt the other two are gonna think to go back to Marcus' house to take over for us. So I'm thinking we can head back to my house to figure our stuff out, then after a while, we can go back to the Damons' house to finish our task of making sure they're safe. Does this work for you, Kyo?" Yoshino asked Kyori, who nodded.

"Sounds like a plan to me, Yoshi. And quite honestly, could you see us trying not to get caught possibly sneaking kisses while keeping an eye on Marcus' family? As much fun as that could possibly be, I get a feeling Marcus would be pissed at the both of us, but probably moreso me, if we got caught doing that where Kristy can see. But that's my opinion." Kyori said to Yoshino, who actually giggled at Kyori's comment.

"That's a good point, Kyo. Even though I get a feeling Sarah would be pretty understanding about it, Kristy IS a tad young to be seeing anything like us getting together I think." Yoshino replied with a smile. Kyori nodded. After that, the drive continued in silence for awhile, each of them sneaking appraising glances at the other until the car finally pulled into Yoshino's driveway. Getting an idea, Kyo smiled, opening his own door and getting out before walking around and opening up the driver's door, holding it open for Yoshino.

"After you, milady." Kyori said to Yoshino, doing a bad job of sounding like a butler or a sophisticated type of person, though it did the intended job of making Yoshino giggle as she got out while Kyori held the door for her, making sure to close it after she got out. She then walked over to her front door, and unlocked it. After that, the two went inside before Yoshino gestured to the couch.

"Feel free to have a seat while I get us some drinks for this discussion." Yoshino said, which Kyori did with a smile.

"As the lady wishes. Do try not to take TOO long in there, Yoshi. Wouldn't want the lady playing hard-to-get after all." Kyori said with a playful wink to Yoshino, who disappeared red-faced into the kitchen as Kyori relaxed on the couch. As he waited for Yoshino to return, Kyo grabbed a magazine, idly flipping through it out of boredom, but quickly setting it down when he realized it was a girly fashion magazine (though he did admit some of the swimsuit models shown were cute, granted none of them had anything on Yoshiino, at least not in Kyo's mind), looking for another magazine to read, eventually finding an entertainment magazine, which for some reason was opened up to an article on famous up and coming singers.

After flipping through the article for a bit, Kyo tossed it aside gently, eventually deciding to turn on the TV to see what was on. To his complete shock, the first thing that came up was the news, and more surprising was that the featured story was in fact the brawl that Thomas and Marcus had gotten into earlier, though luckily it didn't feature any shots of any of their Digimon battling the Numemon, just the shot of Marcus and Thomas rolling around on the ground cussing and swearing at each other as they kept throwing punches at each other. Kyori sweatdropped at this, knowing that this wouldn't end well for either Marcus OR Thomas if the Commander had seen this. Luckily for him, he didn't have to ponder it long, because Yoshino chose that moment to walk in, carrying a tray with two glasses and for some reason a small bottle of sake. Kyori raised an eyebrow at this.

"Yoshi, since when do you keep that sort of stuff in your house? Are either of us even old enough for that?" Kyori asked Yoshino with a frown. Yoshino giggled.

"Silly Kyo, did you forget that the drinking age here is 18 and not 21? So yes we're both old enough. Now have a glass." Yoshino said, pouring them each a glass of sake. Kyori shrugged, taking a glass of sake for himself. He and Yoshino then smiled, clinking their glasses back together before both taking large drinks from their glasses. After a couple glasses, Kyo set his down.

"As much as these drinks are good, I don't know if us getting tanked is the best way to preface us discussing what we exactly are at this point." Kyori remarked to Yoshino who giggled.

"Perhaps not, but I thought it might make it more fun. And honestly, I don't see why we can't get together, at least in private. But then we keep what we have a secret from everyone else, save MAYBE for our DATS co-workers. And even then that's a BIG maybe. But nevermind that, Kyo, do you find me attractive?" Yoshino asked Kyori, scooting a bit closer to him as she spoke, making him flush a bit in surprise and possible excitement. After getting his flush under control, Kyori looked Yoshino in the eyes.

"Honestly? Yes, Yoshi. I find you VERY attractive. I think even since we were little, I've always had strong feelings for you. Like I've always felt we go well together. If I'm being honest, you were one of the biggest reasons I resented my mom sending me away the last four years without giving me a chance to say anything to you. I don't think she approved of the idea of you and I being boyfriend and girlfriend potentially. That or she's just too overprotective to want her son growing up, either or. But never mind her. You asked if I find you attractive, and the answer as I said before is YES.

You're very pretty, Yoshi. You're pretty, kind, selfless, and dare I say amazing? I know you doubt yourself on occasion, but you really shouldn't. Your only real flaw as I can see it is that you don't have enough faith in yourself at times." Kyori said, before feeling a bit bold and deciding to gently wrap an arm around Yoshino, gently pulling her into his lap where he stared into her eyes for a moment lovingly before leaning in and pressing his lips gently to hers before he could talk himself out of it. If he heard the muted squeak of shock and surprise Yoshino gave at his actions, he ignored it. But as quickly as the squeak came, it died down as Yoshino found herself returning Kyo's affections eagerly. She actually stared into his eyes with an almost predatory gaze, her eyes shining with the desire she likely felt for Kyori. As the camera cut away to check on the others, Yoshino could be seen gently pushing Kyo down into a laying-down position before straddling him as she kissed him passionately...

(Back over with Marcus and Thomas while this was happening)

"Well, that was certainly a verbal bashing we both got from not only Commander Sampson but even Yoshino. But you know? Maybe they're right. Maybe we do need to try harder to get along. I know you're not big on acting on instincts, and I'm not the best at strategy, but maybe we can try learning from each other's strengths to better the other at that particular field? I dunno, just a thought I had. What do you think, Thomas?" Marcus asked Thomas, who blinked at how surprisingly intelligent Marcus' suggestion sounded.

"Wow, I didn't think you had such an intelligent response in you, Marcus. But I concur. We could stand to learn from each other's strengths. I will in turn endeavor as best I can to try and be more patient with you, but I'll be honest that it'll be tough since again I'm not used to having to work with a less brainy type of person. But that's hardly your fault, I suppose. And you know something? You were wrong earlier when you said we have nothing hardly in common. I can think of a couple of things we have in common." Thomas told Marcus, who looked intrigued.

"Oh yeah? Do tell, Thomas. I'm actually curious to hear what you think we have in common." Marcus replied, making Thomas blink at the fact that Marcus hadn't called him 'Nerdstein' yet.

"Well, for starters we both have a younger sister. I just hadn't mentioned mine as yet. Unless Yoshino and Kyori were lying about you having a younger sister?" Thomas replied, and Marcus glared slightly.

"Do you HONESTLY believe either Kyori OR Yoshino would EVER knowingly lie, to EITHER of us? If so then you're not as smart as I thought!" Marcus replied with a huff.

"But yes, they were correct. I do have a younger sister named Kristy. But she's only 8, soon to be 9. Next week, in fact. If I'm honest, she's the reason I take such a 'man of the house' stance on everything. With our father not around due to having vanished when we were both younger, I've had to really step up to keep my mom and sister safe. I admit I'm not the smartest person nor the most intelligent, but I'd like to think I make up for that to some extent with my heart and conviction." Marcus added after a brief pause, ignoring the surprised expression on Thomas' face at his admission.

"Wow. I'm not gonna lie. I didn't expect that from you, Marcus. As for my sister, her name is Relena. She's probably I'd guess a year or two older than Kristy. *1* However, I've not seen her in some time since my parents split up when I was younger, and I was left with my mother while my father took up raising my sister, who has a rare illness that's very difficult to treat. *2* So as such, you can imagine the kinds of regrets I'm left with as a result of that estrangement. And this is probably the main reason I tend to favor calculated strategies and plans like I do. Though why am I telling you all this? I doubt you even care at all about what I'm telling you!" Thomas said in irritation, but to his surprise Marcus glared at him which stopped him short.

"First of all, do NOT presume things about me! Secondly, you're wrong. I actually feel rather bad for you after hearing that. And if I'm being honest, I actually quite respect your dedication to your family. I actually feel bad giving you as much grief as I have now. However, the fact remains our teamwork DOES leave much to be desired. So maybe we can at least TRY to coexist, if not get along, for the sake of everyone else? I won't promise that I'll make some miracle turnaround or anything, but I will at least try harder to learn what you try to teach me. It's just tough for me to sit and learn things when I see things I can do as a man and feel the need to do them." Marcus replied, smiling at Thomas while offering a hand to him.

"So, what do you say? Can we put our differences aside to some degree for DATS?" Marcus said to Thomas, who frowned at the turnaround but sighed, nodding as he shook Marcus' hand.

"Very well, I agree to try and get along with you. But can you at least TRY not to go off on impulse as much and stick to plans when we make them? I know your family was in trouble that last time, so I apologize for calling you half-cocked and unpredictable on that occasion as that was unfair of me, but my point about you needing to learn a bit of patience and timing does stand. Can you accept this?" Thomas asked Marcus, who frowned but nodded.

"I guess so." Marcus replied before wincing suddenly.

"Oof, I just remembered. How're we supposed to get Agumon and Gaomon to work together after that last battle? That WAS actually GeoGreymon's fault that Gaogamon got hurt because he could've probably waited until Gaogamon was out of the way or told him to move." Marcus said to Thomas as he had that thought occur to him. Thomas nodded in recognition of Marcus' point.

"That's a good question. Luckily we're on relative downtime now so we have a chance to figure that out with some luck." Thomas replied, but almost as if to disprove his thinking, the TV chose that moment to flare to life with a breaking news report.

"This just in! A monster has been seen terrorizing people all over the downtown area!" A reporter said, as the screen cut to a shot of what was obviously a Digimon rampaging across the downtown area, making Thomas and Marcus exchange uneasy looks as they realized they might have to sort out their Digimon's issues sooner than later. Marcus then fixed Thomas with an apprehensive look.

"I know we should probably go stop that thing, but didn't the Commander say we're barred from action until we learn to work together?" Marcus asked Thomas, who frowned but nodded.

"Unfortunately, that's the case. I suppose our best move is to contact Yoshino and Kyori and let them know so they can deal with it." Thomas said, getting his phone out and dialing Yoshino's number, waiting as it rang and hoping that one of them answered.

(Back over at Yoshino's house with Kyori and Yoshino)

As the phone rang to signal an incoming call on the table, it was barely audible over the two sounds of pleasure from the couch next to it, though the sounds did stop long enough for a singular bared arm to reach over for the phone, blindly grabbing for it, only for the hand to accidentally knock the phone off the table trying to grab it, leaving the phone to hit the ground as it stopped ringing, prompting the two on the couch to frown at each other, but then shrug and go back to making out, enjoying being in each others' arms for that moment...

(Back with Thomas and Marcus)

"Crap! Why aren't they answering!" Thomas said as he hung up after not getting an answer after several rings. He frowned at Marcus.

"Did Kyori happen to give you a way to contact him by chance?" Thomas asked Marcus. Marcus frowned but shrugged.

"I don't think he did since he and I haven't really talked much, but maybe he left my mom and sister a way to contact him in an emergency?" Marcus suggested after a moment. As he'd told Thomas, thinking tacticically (but also in general at times) really wasn't his strong point. Thomas smiled at the idea.

"Sounds reasonable to me. Would you be upset if we drove to your house to ask your mom about that? That way I also get a chance to meet this sister of yours, unless she's as socially inept as you can be at times, no offense." Thomas said to Marcus who shrugged, not being able to argue that point.

"You're not wrong, Thomas. I can be hard to deal with at time, and I make no apologies for that. After all, a man has to be able to stand up for what he believes in or for those he cares about. Otherwise, he's not much of a man!" Marcus said passionately, and Thomas actually gave an approving nod at this comment. The car then turned around, pulling out of the DATS parking lot to drive towards Marcus' house.

(meanwhile at the Damon household)

"Odd. Isn't one of them supposed to be back by now?" Sarah asked Kristy, frowning at the lack of contact from Marcus or his friends. Kristy shrugged.

"Heck if I know, mom. I'm only eight, remember? I don't usually keep track of these sorts of things." Kristy remarked conversationally, making her mom shake her head fondly at Kristy's response. Just then, a car pulled into their driveway, followed by the front door swinging open (Sarah had left it unlocked for whoever came to watch them) and a familiar (at least to Sarah and Kristy) voice to shout out, "Mom? Kristy? Either of you home?", leaving both females to rush to the living room (they'd been in the kitchen) where they saw who the new arrivals were, Kristy literally darting forward to throw herself at one of them.

"MARCUS! You're home, big brother!" Kristy said happily, launching at Marcus and throwing her arms around him as she hugged him. Marcus chuckled at Kristy's antics and ruffled her hair fondly.

"Sorry I haven't been home much recently. I've been busy getting initiated as a Digimon Tamer. But I can't say much more than that for now. But where are my manners? Thomas, this is my mother Sarah, and my sister Kristy. Mom, Kristy, meet my co-worker/partner, Thomas Norstein." Marcus said as he introduced Thomas to his family. However, what neither Marcus or Sarah (much less Thomas!) didn't anticipate was for Kristy to just shyly wave at Thomas before finally managing to get out an almost muted "Hello." before turning away from him. What made Marcus really frown was the fact that he could clearly see tinges of red on his sister's face after she spoke to Thomas. This made Marcus swear under his breath while rolling his eyes. 'Why me? And better question, why out of EVERYONE she could've picked, why did her first crush have to be Nerdstein, who is likely too old for her?' Marcus thought to himself, annoyed at this development, while Sarah just fixed Kristy with an understanding smile and Thomas looked politely confused at Kristy's reaction to him. He then remembered why they were there and turned to Marcus' mom.

"Umm, Mrs. Damon? Did Kyori or Yoshino happen to leave a way to contact them in an emergency, preferably Kyori? We tried calling Yoshino before but got no reply. And we were hoping you might've been given a number or something for Kyori." Thomas asked Sarah who smiled at how polite Thomas was. She then frowned at his question.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you Thomas, but he didn't. And Marcus, I'm surprised you don't remember him showing Yoshino his broken phone since he did that here. And I doubt he'd have had a chance to get a new one in the time since then." Sarah replied to Thomas while chastising Marcus with the other half of her response, making Marcus swear again under his breath.

"I see. Well, thanks for your information, Mrs. Damon. I suppose it'll be up to Marcus and I to stop the Digimon rampaging throughout downtown if we can't reach Kyori and Yoshino for backup. Sorry to waste your time." Thomas said to Sarah, who smiled.

"It's quite all right, Thomas. You're not wasting our time at all. And you can call me Sarah if you like. I'm not going to insist you be formal in this house. Besides, if Kristy here has her way, we could be family somewhere down the line." Sarah told Thomas, a smirking grin on her face as she looked at the now-blanching Thomas and unamused Marcus.

"Not fuhny, Mom! That's my sister AND my partner you're talking about you know! And I'm pretty sure Thomas is my age, making him just a tad old for Kristy!" Marcus said petulantly, ignoring the amused grin Thomas sent Marcus at his protest. Kristy frowned at Marcus.

"Shut up Marcus! I'm almost nine! And looking at Thomas, he doesn't look older than tops 13, MAYBE 14. That's not THAT big of an age gap. Plus who said anything about either of us pursuing anything right away? You said yourself I'm a bit young for him. And while yes, I won't deny he's really handsome, which was why I reacted the way I did, I'm not in a rush to make a move or anything. I just happen to appreciate that he's handsome is all." Kristy snapped at Marcus, flushing in embarrassment as she felt Thomas glancing at her in uncertainty. Thomas smiled gently at Kristy as she looked at him.

"I appreciate that you feel that way, little one. But I think perhaps for the sake of your brother not killing me or possibly going back to hating me, perhaps for now we can just be friends? I am flattered though that you think me handsome. But the fact is you're just a tad young for me. But maybe when you're a bit older if you still feel that way, who knows? Anything can happen." Thomas said to Kristy in what he hoped was a placating tone. Kristy frowned slightly at Thomas' words, but sighed and nodded, realizing he wasn't outright rejecting her.

"That makes sense. I won't deny that hurts to hear, but you are right even if I don't care to admit as much. But thank you for at least caring enough to let me down gently." Kristy said, walking over and hugging Thomas in a friendly manner. Marcus nodded in approval at how Thomas handled things with Kristy.

"Sorry to cut and run like this, but the city's not gonna defend itself! We'll try to swing back by later to check on you two, okay? Stay in here and stay safe until either the two of us or possibly Kyori or Yoshino get back here to look after you guys. Methinks they're too busy finally sealing the deal, so to speak, with each other. Or at least one can hope so." Marcus said with a smirk, making Sarah and Kristy both give a squeal of excitement for Yoshino. Unable to listen to anymore, Marcus left without a word. Thomas at least bowed to the girls.

"I apologize for him. I think he's just eager to stop that Digimon. Do excuse us while we take our leave, ladies." Thomas said politely while exiting the house to join Marcus in the car as they drove off towards the Digimon now terrorizing downtown. Even though he doubted they'd pick up, Thomas tried dialing Yoshino's number one more time.

(Back at Yoshino's house)

As the phone rang once more from the ground, the two currently locked in a tender but passionate embrace on the couch frowned at the persistent ringing. Kyori in particular grumbled as he got up.

"Sheesh, what's so important that they had to interrupt our fun? I quite found that enjoyable, Yoshi." Kyori said, getting up from the couch to grab the phone, unfazed by his currently shirtless appearance, to Yoshino's approval as she took in the site of his chiseled physique. As he looked at the caller ID, Kyori suddenly swore violently as he answered it.

"Hello?" Kyori answered the phone sounding a bit irritated.

"Oh finally! Kyori, there's a Digimon terrorizing the downtown area! We tried to contact you earlier to get you to look into it, but you didn't answer. I'm guessing you two are busy?" Thomas asked, feeling a bit bad for interrupting Kyori and Yoshino.

"Oh, of course not. Yoshi and I were only just letting ourselves get used to our new relationship, is all. So YES we're busy!" Kyori snapped before sighing as he remembered who he was talking to.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't take it out on you that a Digimon has possibly the shittiest timing ever. Give me and Yoshi about 20 minutes or so to finish up here and we'll meet you downtown to take out the Digimon. Sound good?" Kyori asked Thomas.

"Yeah, sounds good to me. Now go on and get back to sealing the deal with Yoshino. Just don't get her pregnant since you two still have jobs to do with DATS." Thomas said bluntly, ignoring the indignant sputtering from Kyori on the phone and the shocked 'WHAAAA?' from Marcus who was driving.

"Th-that's none of YOUR business, Thomas! And frankly, I'm insulted you think I would be that careless not to think of that sort of thing. Nevermind the fact you think Yoshi would be that careless. So I don't snap at you or say something I regret, I'm gonna hang up now and go back to loving on my girlfriend a bit more before we meet up with you. Goodbye, Thomas." Kyori said irritably before the line disconnected. He then walked back over to Yoshino, gently setting the phone on the table and looking back at her lovingly. "Now then, where were we, Yoshi?" Kyori asked, gently wrapping his arms around Yoshino who smiled, kissing Kyori again...

(Back in the car with Thomas and Marcus)

Thomas chuckled at Kyori's reaction. He then turned to Marcus after putting his phone away.

"Well, I'm glad we didn't bet on why they were busy. I'd have probably owed you money, Marcus." Thomas said laughing.

"Oh? Was I right?" Marcus asked, suddenly grinning madly.

"If by were you right, you mean you called them hooking up, then yeah you were totally correct. They finally hooked up. I think I might've accidentally interrupted their consummation when I called the first time, which is why Kyori answered the phone when I called just now instead of Yoshino. Odds are he was further dressed than she was if I had to guess. Which begs the question, did he already get to base?" Thomas asked, making Marcus blink.

"I'll be honest. I don't know which shocks me more: Kyori scoring that fast, or you knowing that metaphor. No offense." Marcus said. Thomas chuckled.

"None taken, I'm surprised I know it too. But I suppose we can thank you for that since I had to listen to you and Megumi toss it around several times. So I guess all that inane blathering you two did had its uses. Who knew?" Thomas said shrugging as Marcus actually laughed at this.

"I knew I'd manage to teach you something eventually, Thomas. I didn't think it'd be a basic metaphor like that though. You'll understand it a bit better once you look it up. Or, if you ever manage to land a girl who can actually find you attractive, and who ISNT MY SISTER, maybe you'll learn it better then." Marcus said, glaring slightly as he made the 'NOT MY SISTER' part of his comment. Thomas shrugged.

"Stop worrying, Marcus. I don't see your sister that way. If anything, I see her as a friend, and maybe a younger sister, which isn't hard to do given I actually have a younger sister. So you don't have to worry about me making a move on Kristy. And besides, you're a hypocrite to yell at me about that, much less be mad at your sister, since don't you yourself techincally have an older person interested in you? *3* Or do you not feel the same way about Megumi that she feels about you?" Thomas said calmly to Marcus, who facepalmed and his eye twitched at the reminder of the complex relationship he and Megumi apparently had.

"All right, fair point. I'll quit grilling you about her." Marcus said, conceding that point to Thomas. At that point, they found the Digimon. Thomas swore under his breath.

"Of course it's a Drimogemon!" Thomas said to Marcus who was still intrigued but surprised at Thomas swearing. The two then got out of the car and made to stop Drimogemon in its tracks, their Digivices outstretched.

"AGUMON/GAOMON, REALIZE!" Marcus and Thomas said, as they once again summoned their partners from the Digivices. The second they got out, they glared at each other.

"Oh great, are you gonna get in my way again, Gaomon? You're the reason we got beat by those Numemon!" Agumon snapped at Gaomon, looking ready to fight him instead of the Drimogemon.

"That's rich, coming from the one who hit me along with the Numemon. WITHOUT WARNING ME, I might add. Had you done that, I'd have at least had a chance to dodge." Gaomon scoffed at Agumon. Agumon glared at Gaomon.

"Oh shut up! I don't need YOUR help to defeat this Digimon! Boss, Digivolve me so I can spank this Digimon and show Gaomon he's not all that!" Agumon said, aiming the first part of his statement at a now-upset Gaomon, before turning to a shocked Marcus with the second half of his comment. Thomas and Marcus exchanged annoyed glances at their Digimon's antics.

"Uh, okay." Marcus said to Agumon before punching Drimogemon in the stomach. He then landed next to Agumon.

"DNA CHARGE! YAHHH!" Marcus said as orange light surrounded Agumon.

"AGUMON DIGIVOLVE TO...GEOGREYMON!" Agumon said as he became GeoGreymon. Thomas shrugged, snapping his fingers as blue energy surrounded one hand.

"DNA CHARGE!" Thomas said as he slammed his palm onto his Digivice bathing Gaomon in blue light.

"GAOMON DIGIVOLVE TO! GAOGAMON!" Gaomon said as he Digivolved into Gaogamon. Gaogamon and GeoGreymon glared at each other rather than at Drimogemon, prompting a unified facepalm from their partners.

"MEGA BURST!" GeoGreymon snapped as he shot off a fireball, hitting Drimogemon by chance.

"GAOGA HOUND!" Gaogamon said as he charged at Drimogemon, right as GeoGreymon fired a second Mega Burst, hitting both Drimogemon AND Gaogamon, blasting the latter backwards onto his butt while only slightly damaging the former, who glared at GeoGreymon before digging its way underground to escape the two other Digimon, much to their partners' annoyance. Right after Drimogemon got away, Kyori and Yoshino's car pulled up and the two got out, frowning in confusion as the only Digimon the two saw were GeoGreymon and Gaogamon staring each other down. Kyori crossed his arms and frowned at Thomas.

"Did you SERIOUSLY make up a Digimon attack to interrupt Yoshino and I when there wasn't a Digimon? How rude!" Kyori growled at Thomas.

"There WAS a Digimon here, but it got away because our Digimon couldn't get along long enough to defeat it. It just escaped before you two showed up." Marcus spoke up, coming to Thomas' defense, to Thomas' surprise. Kyori huffed.

"Be that as it may, next time there's a Digimon attack make sure it can't escape BEFORE you contact us for backup! Now unless there's something else, the two of us would like to go have a bit more alone time before we go back to watching over Marcus' family. Is that all right with you, Thomas?" Kyori huffed, to which a hurt and confused Thomas nodded before Kyori nodded to Yoshino and the two climbed back into the car and left. After they'd left, Thomas turned to Marcus.

"I can't believe he didn't believe me AND implied I lied about the whole thing. I get he's angry about me unintentionally interrupting him and Yoshino making out but still he could get less out of shape." Thomas huffed in frustration. Surprisingly, Marcus laughed at this comment.

"I think he'll be fine once he and Yoshino finish their booty call that you accidentally disrupted. But let this be advice for the future: NEVER call someone who's trying to score with a girl. It never ends well for you. Hopefully you learn from this." Marcus said with a smile as he gave Thomas a friendly clap on the shoulder after he spoke. Thomas smiled.

"Yeah, you're probably right. How ironic is it that now it's not us, but our Digimon who are the ones too busy bickering to get the job done? This isn't gonna earn us any favors with the Commander if he finds out about it." Thomas said with an amused grin. Marcus chuckled.

"Nah, probably not. But you do know what we have to do now, right?" Marcus asked.

"Get our Digimon to get along, then track down Drimogemon and defeat him once and for all?" Thomas guessed. Marcus nodded.

"Good guess, Thomas. And this time, let's do it without interrupting Yoshino and Kyori, yeah? I'm sure they'd appreciate it at the least." Marcus said with a smirk, as a sheepish Thomas nodded in agreement. The two then hopped into their car and sped off after Drimogemon, both thinking the same thing.

'Can our Digimon get along long enough to clean up this mess, or did we finally make our last mistake?'

To be continued

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And there's chapter! Who knew this chapter would be a two-parter? And to those who try to say I rushed Yoshino and Kyori, let me just say in response that I never said that the relationships in this story would necessarily be the smoothest in execution, so it's not impossible that break-ups and reconciliations/reunions could happen. So keep that in mind before you try to say I'm rushing them. It's not like I had them hitting a home run together, after all. So yeah. As for the shift in the Marcus/Thomas dynamic here, I'd like to think that what I did is a plausible way to approach these two. Plus the way I ended the chapter negated the whole need for the 'escape to the Digital World' that the actual episode utilizes for the ending. And yes I skipped the next time bit, but way I see it that makes it more interesting, if for no other reason than you have no idea what will happen next chapter! Though those who've seen episodes 4 and 5 of Data Squad can probably guess at what happens. However, remember that the show didn't have Kyori in it, so things ARE subject to change. So what WILL happen next chapter? You'll have to wait for it to go up to find out! That being said, I'm sorry again that this story took so long to update! I hope the larger than normal chapter size makes up for the wait! And if you read this and happen to read Shuffled Journeys, don't forget to vote on my poll that's up if you haven't already! It closes on Sunday so you have roughly 3 to 3 and a half days left to vote! So please vote!

Anyways, until next update, sithlorde1988 out!

Notes

*1*- The wikis I checked for Digimon Data Squad had virtually no information about most characters' ages, so I used my best judgement to guess at Relena's age here. I had Kristy pegged at 8 (almost 9) and as far as I know, Relena isn't that much younger than Thomas, though it's been awhile since I saw the episode she first appeared in so I could be wrong. But I'm pretty sure she's not older than 12 either way. But if someone knows of an actual wiki that lists Relena's age, feel free to share it with me and I will credit you for finding that info.

*2*- Similar to *1*, the wiki also doesn't go into much detail about the specifics of Relena's illness past that it was rare and that Thomas in the show goes on to get a Nobel Prize in the epilogue for curing it. So given that I recall her first appearance involves her being confined to a wheelchair, I'm guessing it's some form of either polio or possibly some form of nervous disorder. But again, anyone who can find a wiki with detailed information on this so I can be able to adjust my chapter notes accordingly will get credited with the discovery when edits are made.

*3*- Like *1* and *2*, I'm going off of lack of information here. But given that Megumi and Miki both look older than Marcus in the show and have jobs at DATS, I'm inclined to say they're close to Yoshino's age if not older, thus further reinforcing my idea for Megumi/Marcus being one-sided on Megumi's side. But as with *1* and *2*, if anyone can find a wiki with information on Megumi's and Relena's ages, as well as the specifics of the latter's rare illness, I will credit you for finding the information when I make edits.