Tk's POV



"So Dai." I smiled happily. "I saw your game yesterday."

"Wow! I'm honored!" Daisuke said rolling his eyes. "You watch every game I play!" he said laughing.

"I don't see you at any of my basketball games!" I joked defensively.

"I go to all your games. I haven't missed a single one all season." Daisuke said knowingly.

"Really?" I asked amazed. "But how come I've never seen you in the crowds?"

"Because I'm too busy being swamped with gorgeous girls." he said smiling triumphantly.

"Right. And I'm a tap dancing penguin." I grinned, passing a hand through my thick blond hair.

"How come you never told me before!" Dai said in a mock serious tone. I laughed, as he shook his head.

"Listen. I have to get to my class now. I'll see you after that." I told him. "Bye Dai."

"Bye Tk." he said punching my arm lightly. I waved before rushing off very fast, trying to hide the crimson blush that had spread across my face.

Thank God he didn't seem to notice it. When I was a reasonable pace away from him, I stopped, and leaned against the rigid brick wall. I smiled immensely as I closed my eyes. For the longest time, I could always remember Daisuke and I being friends. But now, I wanted it too much more. Much, much more.

Seeing his smiling face every day, was just another reason to keep coming back to school. I mean every little thing he did, just appealed to me. "Hey Tk. What girl put that smile on your face?" Tai asked, as he smiled slyly at me. "Was it Kari?"

"No!" I exploded, drawing more attention than I had wanted. "It's not Kari." I told him truthfully.

"Then it must be that cute cheerleader that keeps staring at you." he said casting a glance over at the cheerleaders.

"No. It was no one." I said, really wanting to get off the topic. "Did you want something?" I said casually.

"Yeah in fact. I wanted to know if you had seen Daisuke." Daisuke. The mention of his name sent shivers up my spine. I almost let out a huge sigh, but stopped myself before the air left my mouth.

"Yeah. He's over there." I said pointing at him. He had begun talking to Kari, and she was obviously saying something that was embarrassing him greatly, because his tanned cheeks had turned completely red, and he was shifting uncomfortably in his place.

At that moment, I wanted to explode. I just wanted her to get away from him. Get very, very far away from him. I was positive it was my jealously speaking, but I didn't care.

But I also knew that Kari had a better shot of getting him than I did. Hell, I was probably the last person in the world that had a chance with him. A million to one. And the only thing that kept my belief alive, was that there was always that chance.

"Thanks Tk." Tai said as he walked away. He passed a hand through his unmanageable brown hair, and approached Dai. Daisuke. The name brought shivers up my spine. It was unbelievable really. Every single thing about him, just made me go dizzy.

I wanted to know more than anything, what it would feel like to have him in my arms. Just be able to hold him close to me. I would do anything for that feeling.

"Hey Tk!" Kari smiled, as she surprised me from behind. I jumped up, dropping all the books I was holding in my hands.

"Kari!" I shouted, as my heart began to slow down, back to its normal pace.

"Jumpy today aren't we?" she joked, as she picked up my Biology book, hand placed it in my lap.

"Only when girls approach me from out of nowhere, and scare the hell outta me." I smiled

"Shut up." she said giggling, as she tossed my pencil case at my head.

"Hey watch it! You could have taken my eye out!" I said as I blocked the deadly pencil holder.

"Right." she said rolling her eyes. "So, did you hear about the party going on tomorrow night?"

"Party?" I said dumbfounded.

"I'll take that as a no." he laughed. "So I guess you don't have a date for it."

"Obviously not. But I think I can get that cute cheerleader to... hey!" I joked, as Kari hit me with her hand.

"Not funny Takeru!" she said offended.

"But you have a date, don't you? I saw you talking to Dai." I almost swooned, but restrained myself. Barely.

"No. Dai isn't taking me. He didn't even ask. Weird no?" Kari said scratching her cheek.

"Yeah. Weird." I muttered, as I looked over at Dai and Tai. I was hardly listening to Kari, but I put the occasional, yeah, and I nodded a lot. She didn't seem to notice, so I was fine. I would have paid attention to her, but there was something about the conversation between Dai and Tai, that seemed to captivate my attention.

It was the way Tai was talking to him. I mean. It was something else. I squinted my eyes, just so I could make them out.

Tai was acting kinda weird. No wait a minute, is he... is Tai flirting with Daisuke? No, no, no.

Not Tai. I mean, Tai has Sora and Mimi! Why would he want Dai? Well, to me the answer is why wouldn't he want Dai, but this is Tai we're talking about!

There was no way in hell Tai would be after Dai! I was just working myself up over nothing. Absolutely nothing. I guess Kari figured out I hadn't been paying attention to her, and she slapped my arm. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Not listening to me!" she laughed. "So, do you wanna go with me?"

"To the party?" I said wincing, bracing myself for another slap. When it didn't come, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Duh." Kari smiled. "What else would I mean?"

"Sorry. My heads been up in clouds lately." I apologized.

"It's okay. I understand what you're going through." she said sympathetically, as she sat down near a large oak tree.

"I doubt that." I said sitting next to her. I passed my hands through my hair, brushing it away from my face, and put my hat back on my head. Kari looked at me, with a concerned look, etched onto her cute face, but her watch beeped before she could ask me any questions.

"Oh no! I was supposed to be in the ITT room now! Iori's gonna crucify me! I have to go!"

I was so relieved to hear those words escape her mouth. "Go then! Be gone with you!" Kari laughed as she grabbed her bag, and dashed out of sight. Now. What am I supposed to do? Tai passed by me, with a smug little smile on his face, which caught my curiosity. "So Tai?" I smirked. "Which girl put that smile on your face?"

"Cute Tk." Tai laughed as he leaned against the tree. His over sized brown hair gently swaying in the wind. "No girl."

"Oh?" I said baffled.

"It was Daisuke." he smiled coyly.

"What?" I said stunned. There was no way he could mean what I think he did.

"Daisuke." he said coolly. Me smirked at me, almost as if he knew I had feelings for him.

"I heard you, I just don't understand..." I managed to utter. There were way too many things buzzing around my head, and not many of them were making much sense at the moment.

"I said. Daisuke put this smile on my face." he said casually. Meanwhile, my stomach was bunching up into a giant knot, and I was feeling super sick.

"Huh?" I muttered, as my face started to flush bright red. Almost as if all the oxygen was closing in around me, and I was having a hard time breathing.

"Well, I might as well tell someone." Tai started to whisper. "I really like

Daisuke."

"As a friend, right?" I stuttered. God I felt like an idiot, but I just had to make sure.

"More than a friend." he whispered again, this time looking at him. "I mean, there's something about him, that just drives me wild! Hell, I think I'm in love with him..."

"No!" I exploded, suddenly becoming enraged.

"What's wrong?" Tai smirked. He crossed him arms, giving me my brother's trademark pose.

"You can't be in love with Dai."

"And why not?"

"Because." I said angrily. "I saw him first."

Tai's expression didn't change. Hell, he wasn't even shocked to hear this. "I know."

"What!" I shouted.

"I know you like him. I think I always have. Now, you just have a little competition."

"Competition?" I gasped, half confused, half pissed. I wanted to just deck Tai, right there.

"Right. I wouldn't call it that either. You don't have a shot in hell with him."

Tai said confidently.

"Why not?" I said clenching my teeth together.

"Open your eye's Tk! Daisuke worships the very ground I walk on! He idolizes me!"

"And your point is?" I said casually tossing my head back.

"The point is, he'd chose me over you any day. Why not be like me, when he could be with me?" It was true. I knew Dai really well. Tai is his hero. He does everything, just so Tai would notice him. Talk to him. Cheer him on.

And it wasn't fair. It was so unfair, I wanted to cry. I loved him. I mean, I really loved Dai. Then Tai comes along, and just thinks I'll give him up without a fight. Well, I'll tell you something right now Tai Kamiya. I am not giving up. Hell would have to freeze over before I said you can have Dai.

"Tai, think what you want to think, but Daisuke isn't going to chose you."

"Oh really?" Tai said questioningly. "How about this Takeru. The party that Melissa is throwing, is this weekend."

"So I've heard." I snapped bitterly.

"So how about you and me make a little bet?" Tai said smiling as he passed his hand through his hair.

"What are you saying?" I asked, as I sat up, staring at him in the eye.

"Isn't it simple Tk? A little challenge." I had absolutely no clue what the hell he was talking about, but I held my head up high, and acted as if I understood. "Daisuke. An all-out vie for him. We lay it out, and he chooses whoever he chooses."

"That is if he chooses any of us. Remember he likes your sister." I pointed out.

"No. Trust me on that." Tai said as he began to walk away. "I have to get to my class. I'll see you at the party." Suddenly, time caught up with me, and I realized I was already late for my class. I finally put my speed to the test, and I dashed off to my home-room. I couldn't believe I forgot about everything. I was really going to get it from my teacher now. Perfect...

Dai's POV

It was so weird. I was going to this huge party tonight, with Tk, Kari and, Tai, and they were all acting as if I was poison. Tk, who was usually bursting at the seams with anything, was quiet. He was barely moving, and he occasionally, tossed me a small smile.

It made me feel really weird. I mean, he was my best friend, and he was barely speaking to me. Kari on the other hand, wouldn't shut the hell up. The whole way there, it was just yack, yack, yap. I was going to shave something down her throat if it would shut her up. And it was like, a 20 minute drive!

But, we finally got there, and I practically dove out the window to get away with her. But on the positive side, I knew everything about Kelly and Dave's relationship. Like that would ever be a question on final Jeopardy... "Finally here." Tai sighed, as he got out of the car, and stretched. The hint of relief in his voice was a huge indication that he was just as happy as I was to get away.

"Yeah." Tk muttered.

"So Takaishi. You finally left the hat at home?" I joked. Kari giggled, and Tai smiled, shaking his head. Tk just looked at me, with a hurt expression on his face.

It was as if he was going to cry, and I knew I was the route of it. I felt horrible with myself, and mentally told myself to not make fun if him tonight. At all.

"Oh look! It's Stacey and Jennifer! Hey guys!" Kari said lightly bouncing over to her friends. They instantly began jabbering on about something, and I really didn't care what it was about.

"Are we gonna go in?" Tai grinned, as he scanned the small area, with the large house.

"Yeah. Sure." Tk said, tossing him a look. He sulked away, not uttering a single word.

"What's up with him?" I asked when he entered the doors of the mansion. Swarms of girls practically dove on him, carting him off to the dance floor. I felt bad for him.

"I have no clue." Tai said softly. "But come on! Might as well have some fun!"

"Yeah. I'm with you!" I said cheerfully, as I walked over to him, and started my journey up the short staircase. Like Tk, as soon as the doors opened, girls encircled me and Tai, begging us for dances.

Tai, just casually brushed them off, and walked over to were the rest of the soccer team was standing. I scanned the room for familiar faces, barely recognizing one. But, Tk stood out in the crowd. I don't know why exactly, but I could always pick him out.

He was dancing with a cheerleader, who had her arms wrapped around him like a life jacket. He was turning blue at the face from lack of oxygen. I laughed silently, as I shook my head. Almost as if he could hear me, he lifted his head. His eyes pleading with me to help him.

I strode over to the unhappy couple, and made up some lame ass excuse about Tk's mom on the phone. The girl bought it, and left him alone, walking off and quickly getting another dance offer. "Thanks man. I owe you one." Tk said blushing.

"No problem." I smiled happily. "Besides. That girl looked as if her intelligence could fit in the eye of a needle!"

"That's an understatement." he sighed, smirking cutely.

"Come on!" I said throwing my arm around his shoulders. "The night s ours! Beautiful girls! Free food! And great music!"

"Whatever you say." Tk said staring at me. For a second, it kinda made me uncomfortable, but after that second, it felt natural. Almost perfect. Like we were supposed to just stare each other in the eyes, for like, ever.

I quickly erased that thought from my mind, deleting it completely. There was no way Tk would ever go for something like that. He didn't like me like that, and he never would. Odd how feelings can change so rapidly. One moment you're on top of the world, the next, down in the gutter.

"Hey." I said suddenly, almost turning red. "Have you seen Tai?"

Tk's face dropped. "No. Sorry man."

"It's okay. I'll just find him myself." I said breaking away from him, and slinking away, to the utmost regions of a house. And to boot, I had no clue where I was going.



Tk's POV



Tai. He was looking for Tai. Could this night get any better? And if you can't already tell, the sarcasm is just dripping from my voice. This blew. I wanted to tell Dai about my feelings so much, that it was killing me. But he would just reject me, and crush my heart.

I just wanted to say, "Daisuke Motomiya, I love you." But Love is a powerful word, and once it's said, you can never take it back. I don't even know why I came to this stupid party. It's not as if it was to meet girls. Oh wait. I remember.

The bet. The bet that Tai was going to win. As much as I hated to admit it, Tai was probably going to get him in the end. He wanted Dai, and Dai wanted him. Simple as that. And I was so disgusted with myself. I was just giving up, because things weren't looking like they were going my way.

I remember my mom always saying that if you wanted something bad enough, you'll fight, and scrap your way to it. Guess I wasn't doing the best job at it now. But what was the use going after someone who didn't want me? It would only end up hurting me in the end.

"What's eating at you Tk?" Kari asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Nothing." I lied, as I tried to ignore her. But, Kari was a very persistent girl, and just wouldn't be brushed aside.

"Its Dai isn't it?"

"What?" I hiss loudly, pulling her away from spying eyes.

"I know about you." she whispered.

"But how?" I gasped, confused beyond my wildest dreams.

"I just saw the way you were looking at him. And I saw the way he was looking at you." she explained calmly.

"What? Kari..." I started, not knowing what to say.

"He told me." she stated. "He told me about you, and his feelings for you. So if you're wondering if he feels the same, he does."

"Really?" I almost exploded happily. A smile broke out on my face, and there was no way it was going away.

"Yeah, really." she said smiling, almost as wide as I was.

"Kari." I said, suddenly a loss of words. "Thank you." I said after a while. I knew it must have sounded pretty stupid coming out of me, but hey, whatever.

"Now. Go get him." she exclaimed, gently slapping me on the back. Before I left, I gave her a huge hug. I owed everything to her. I was just going to give up, and never look back. But she wouldn't let me.

I ran over to one of the fellow soccer members, and asked it he had seen either Tai or Dai. Kevin, the left defense-man said they were outside on the patio, so I quickly rushed over to it.

Like I said. The house was huge. There were at least five patio's, and finding the right one proved to be a problem. But like all good searches, they come to an end, and I found them. Alone. On the patio on the 4^th floor. I didn't want to disturb them, yet, so I crept over to the clear glass, and watched them.

Dai was talking about something. And if I knew him, it was about soccer. There was a cup of something in his hand, and he was waving it around expressively.

Tai stood there, in awe of him, not moving, or speaking. Dai seemed to have finished, and Tai said a few words, which made Dai's face light up. Seeing him so happy, made me feel amazing. I couldn't stand not being able to hear anything now, so I gently slip open the door, which thankfully didn't make a sound.

"Listen Dai. You know me right?" Tai said sipping his drink.

"Yeah, what kind of a question is that?" Dai smiled, sipping from his own cup.

"You know I never sugar coat things, and always say what's on my mind right?" Tai spoke.

"Yeah. Of course." Dai replied, shifting uncomfortably.

"Good." Tai smiled, as he reached down and pulled Dai's face up to his, kissing him. Daisuke dropped the clear liquid, and it splashed everywhere. Tai was totally relaxed into the kiss, and it didn't look as if Dai was going to pull away any time soon.

My heart snapped. Broke. Shattered. Whatever. I was just dead. Mentally, and physically. I couldn't stay there anymore. I quickly ran out of the room, and tore off the 4^th floor.

I just jumped the stairs, and landed on my feet, running faster than ever before. I took off out of the house, ignoring the odd looks people were shooting at me. Tears were just swelling up in my eyes, as I flung open the door, and ran off onto the property.

Much to my luck, nobody was there, and I found a quiet spot were I could just cry. I had made a promise to myself, that as soon as I got out of the Digiworld, I would never cry again.

I guess I broke that. But seriously, how could I help it? My life sucked, and there would be no use holding it all in. I must have been there about five minutes. Just sitting on this grass, crying my eyes out. Real masculine. I know.

"Tk? That you?" I heard Daisuke's voice ring out. It pained my heart to hear him speak. It only reminded me more of what I lost.

"Yeah." I sniffled, as I violently brushed away the tear stains.

"Tk listen. I know you saw..." Dai started.

"You and Tai. Yeah." I interrupted him.

"It's not what you think." he blurted out.

"Really? It's kinda hard to not think of it as anything else." I shouted at him angrily. I really didn't mean to be so bitter, but it just, came out.

"Tk please!" Dai pleaded, as he stared me in the eyes. "Please!"

"No! Don't you go knocking around that bullshit!" I hissed. "Just go be with Tai!"

"But I don't want to be with Tai!" Dai shouted at me. His eyes filled with sorrow and fury.

"What?" I panted idiotically.

"I don't want to be with Tai! I want to be with you!" he cried. "You have to believe me!" his eyes began to swell up, and the tears lightly shimmered in his eyes.

"I want to Dai. I really want to." I sobbed. "But what I saw..."

"Was nothing. Believe me." he reassured me. He reached out, and grabbed my hand.

"Daisuke..." I muttered, barely able to speak. I was just so overwhelmed with emotion, it wasn't even funny. I thought my whole body would just give out on me. I seriously thought I was going to faint.

"Tk." Dai smiled, as he hugged me tightly. I hugged him back, squeezing tighter than ever. I didn't want to ever let him go. He just felt so right in my arms. And the whole moment just seemed perfect. Absolutely amazing.



Tai's POV



Daisuke just up and left. I rushed out after him, but he was too far ahead of

me. I saw the light wave of fudge brown hair bolt out the door. So naturally, I followed. But when I got outside, I wish I hadn't. God I wish I had just stayed inside, the nice, warm house.

Dai and Tk were hugging each other tightly. They were absolutely infatuated with each other. And I knew that Tk had won. There was no way I even had a chance now. I sighed, as I smiled at them. "Congratulations Tk. You won."

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