I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally be getting this story up and running.

I've been working on this one for a long time, and I'm really looking forward to sharing it with you all.

Hopefully, you'll understand why! Hope you enjoy it, and as always, let me know what you think!

The worst part of every story, the disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

Kari Kamiya sat at the computer in her bedroom, staring at her half-finished book report. She reread the same line, describing the main characters motivation for revenge as justifiable despite the extreme measures he took, for the dozenth time before growling in aggravation and closing the program. It was absolutely ridiculous that everyone had to do a report that was worth fifteen percent of their final English grade. It's not like Kari was ever going to get a job where she'd have to describe stories to large groups of people. The only people who would gain any value from examining novels in such an in depth were aspiring writers, or just those people who were weirdly into English.

Someone like TK, Kari thought to herself, smiling.

TK had always been one to enjoy English class. At least, he always enjoyed talking to Kari about English work. He had helped her with her assignments so much over the years that he liked to joke that the only reason Kari would graduate high school was because of him. Kari let him make his jokes because she knew he wasn't serious, and she appreciated all his help. Just when she thought how nice it would be to have TK help him, a notification appeared in the bottom right corner of her computer screen.

HopefulTaka has logged on to messenger.

Kari grinned widely and instantly opened up a chat window with her blonde friend.

HikaKam: TK! Online just when I need you.

HopefulTaka: You know me. I always know when I'm needed. :P English work bugging you?

HikaKam: Smartass. How do you always know what it is?

HopefulTaka: Cause I know you inside and out Kari. ;)

Kari rolled her eyes before responding.

HikaKam: You know, it's a good thing no one can see our private messages. Otherwise there would be a lot of awkward questions. Lol. But seriously, can you lend me a hand?

HopefulTaka: Always. But, can I tell you something first?

HikaKam: TK, you want to talk about your issues before mine? You've never done that before! I don't know if I should allow such an act! ;)

HopefulTaka: I'm serious Kar…

HikaKam: Oh damnit, sorry TK. Of course you can talk to me.

Kari felt a wave of guilt wash over her as she sent that message. She should have known that if TK wanted to talk to her it was something serious. She only remembered one time where he put his own needs before her when she asked for help, and that was because he was about to start writing an exam and she just wanted his opinion on a trivial matter.

Her concern grew quickly the longer she saw that TK was typing his response. TK was often a quick responder. If he was taking his time, that meant he was either picking his words very carefully, or it was a very long response. Or both. Kari knew that whatever the case, she needed to be ready for anything. Finally after a few minutes of waiting, TK's message appeared and Kari quickly began reading it, wanting to know what her friend needed to talk about.

HopefulTaka: I'm sure you've noticed I haven't been online much the past couple of days. Well, my grandfather died on Sunday so…

"Oh no TK…" Kari whispered before she continued reading.

HopefulTaka: …Sunday so I've been going through that the past few days. Trying to give my mom enough support while trying to handle this myself hasn't been easy. The funeral was today and I had to speak at it. It was… well I don't really want to relive it right now. But I wish I could have had your support. Matt knows, obviously. No idea if he told Tai, Sora or any of the others. But it's been kinda tough with this on top of school and everything. But this has been a long time coming. And at least he lived a good long life. And he was happy with his lot in life when he passed.

Kari felt her heart ache, wishing she could give her friend a strong, supportive hug.

HikaKam: Oh TK, I'm so sorry. I wish I could be there for you right now. Please, tell me there's something I can do.

HopefulTaka: There's not a lot you can do. But thanks for the offer, it always means a lot coming from you. There is a small silver lining to all this though.

HikaKam: A silver lining?

HopefulTaka: Yeah. Since Mom and I moved here to look after my grandpa after my grandma died, and well, now we don't have much of a reason to stay…

Kari read these words and her heart started to beat rapidly, not daring to believe what TK might be implicating.

HikaKam: TK… you're not saying what I think you are, are you?

HopefulTaka: Yup. In about two weeks, after I finish my term and all the arrangements are finalised, I'm coming back to Odaiba.

Kari leapt out of her chair and started squealing with joy. TK was finally coming home! After all this time, she would finally get to see him again. She knew she should be upset given the circumstances, but she couldn't contain herself. She finally regained her composure and sat at her chair again.

HikaKam: Oh my god TK! I can't believe it! I know I should be sad about your grandpa, but I can't believe I get to see you again!

HopefulTaka: Yup. In just a few weeks I'll be gone from Paris. And I can assure you the first thing I'm doing is giving you the biggest hug you've ever gotten. ;)

HikaKam: Oh I'm expecting it!

HopefulTaka: I knew you would be. :) Look, I know I said I'd help, but I've got to run to class. Sorry Kar. But soon we won't have to deal with the time difference anymore!

HikaKam: It's okay TK. I really should be able to do this on my own. Just do what you need to. Miss you. Can't WAIT to see you again!

HopefulTaka: You too. Talk to you later.

HopefulTaka has logged off.

Kari closed the chat window and once again started jumping around her room with excitement, her English work now completely forgotten. Just as she jumped off her bed for the third time, the door to her bedroom burst open, revealing a young man the large, bushy brown hair.

"Jesus Kari, what the hell is going on in here?" Tai demanded in an agitated tone, "I wanted my summer break to be relaxing but it's hard with you acting like a maniac!"

Kari flung her arms around her brother, squeezing him tightly.

"I'm sorry Tai," Kari apologised, "But I was just talking to TK, and he told me that he's finally coming back to Odaiba!"

Tai stared at is sister in shock for a moment, before he laughed, and whooped with joy himself.

"Seriously? TK's coming back? Damn this is great news!" Tai exclaimed, hugging his sister back, "I've gotta go call Matt, see if he knows what's up. Then I've got to tell everyone else! There's going to be an awesome party!"

Tai turned around and left the room, flipping open his cell phone as he did so. Kari continued to smile as she heard her brother start talking to his best friend, before throwing herself down on her bed. She rolled on her side to look at the picture she had on her bedside table. It was one of the dozens of pictures of Kari and TK together that could be found throughout Kari's bedroom. However this picture had always been Kari's favourite.

It had been taken the day he left Odaiba and every time Kari looked at it, she could still remember everything about that day perfectly. The pain she felt at losing her best friend, the way she felt when he gave her the last hug they had shared, and the reassurance she felt when TK promised her everything would be alright.

It always stayed so fresh in her memory…

The sun shone brightly on the most beautiful day Tokyo had seen in months. A warm breeze whistled gently through the trees and the sky almost glistened a brilliant blue on the cloudless day. Everything seemed perfect. But for a few friends, they weather was a poor representation of how they all were feeling. Perfect was the last word any of them would ever use to describe this day.

Fourteen people stood in the parking lot of the apartment building that Yolei, Cody and TK lived in. But now it was the apartment building TK used to live in.

The young blonde was doing everything he could to drag out saying his "goodbyes" for as long as possible. He knew that he had to get to the airport with Matt and his parents but that just made everything harder. Especially since Matt and his dad would get to come home in a few days. Back to their normal life. But normal was once again going to change for TK.

"I really can't believe this," he told his friends, "I've only been back in Odaiba a year. Now I have to leave again."

"It's just not fair!" Mimi cried as tears fell from her eyes, "I move back two weeks ago and now TK's leaving! We all deserve to be together, not split up like this."

Sora and Yolei comforted Mimi while she sobbed into her hands. TK looked around to see Tai, Izzy and Joe were all standing awkwardly next to the girls trying to figure out if they should talk to Mimi, or say their last goodbye to TK. Beyond them Ken was trying to console a rather hurt Davis, who was trying to act like this wasn't really happening. Matt and Cody were standing with TK's parents as Cody received last minute instructions for checking in on Matt and his Dad's apartment while they were at the funeral in Paris. Finally, TK found the person he had been searching for.

Kari was standing in the shade of a nearby tree, her body clenched up. TK slowly approached her, not knowing what to say to his best friend. Kari raised her head as TK drew closer and their eyes met. TK instantly felt the pain in them and wished with every fiber of his body he could ease her torment. But he knew that he couldn't. He knew that he had let his best friend down.

"Kari I'm… I'm so sorry about this," TK told her when he reached her. He moved to place his hand on her shoulder but she quickly grabbed it with both of hers. She slipped something into the palm of his hand, but didn't let go as she spoke.

"You have nothing to apologise for TK," she whispered, her voice trembling, "It's not your fault your grandparents were in that accident. It's not your fault your grandma died. And it's not your fault that you need to help your mother take care of your grandpa. So don't apologise for doing the right thing. Because I won't accept it."

She released his hand and he opened it up, revealing a small bracelet, made of white, gold, and pink string. TK turned it over in his hand as he examined it. It felt so soft against his fingers that he was worried it might slip out of his hand. Before he could ask Kari about it, she picked it up and gently tied it around his right wrist.

"I made it last night," she told him, "There wasn't enough time to get you anything substantial but… I didn't want you to forget about me."

She lowered her hands when she finished tying the knot, and TK raised the bracelet to his eye level, wanting a better look. It was odd that a few pieces of string could look so beautiful wrapped around his wrist. It was like his whole arm had been incomplete until just now.

"You didn't need to do this Kari, but thank you," TK said, as he wrapped his arms around her. Kari buried her head into TK's chest as she embraced him as well.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without you here. Having you back in my life has been so amazing. I just didn't imagine it would ever end."

TK's nose brushed through her hair as he shifted his face, kissing her cheek. He strengthened his hold on her, trying to tell her everything that he couldn't say.

"It'll be okay Kar. It won't really end. I'm just leaving for a while. I'll come back. And you'll be the first person I see. Because I promise that I will never, EVER forget about you."

The two friends pulled away from each other, giving one another a small smile. They stared at each other for several seconds before they heard an audible *click* to the side of them. They turned to see Tai holding Kari's camera, grinning at the two friends.

"You did say you wanted a good picture Kari," Tai teased as Kari glared at him for interrupting them, "Besides it's uh… it's time TK. Your mom says you've got to go now."

TK sighed and turned to Kari. The brunette nodded at him and took his hand, leading him back to the others. Mimi and Davis had finally calmed down, but there were still tears leaking down Mimi's cheeks and Davis' eyes looked extremely red. They arrived back at the group just as Matt was releasing Sora from a strong hug.

"I'll call you when I get back next Tuesday," he said as he let go of his girlfriend.

"Okay, you'd better," Sora told him, her voice starting to waver, as she knew what was coming up.

Matt gave her a sad smile, and a kiss on the cheek, before turning to his brother, "Okay buddy, it's time. Better do it quickly."

TK nodded and turned to face Joe. The two smiled at each other for a moment before shaking hands.

"I'm going to miss you TK. Sorry Old Reliable won't be able to help out much anymore," Joe said in a sad voice.

"Don't worry about it," TK chuckled, "I've got to start depending on myself sooner or later."

Joe laughed as he let go of TK's hand, and TK shuffled over to stand in front of Ken. The two smirked at each other before grasping hands and giving each other a one armed embrace.

"Who'd have thought that I'd be sorry to see the guy who kicked my ass move away?" Ken joked.

"Just make sure I don't have to come back and finish the job," TK laughed as he gave the blue haired boy one last squeeze.

TK then turned to Mimi who threw herself on TK as she continued to cry. She tried to choke out a few words but nothing coherent came out. Nevertheless, TK understood the sentiment.

"Thanks Meems. I'll miss you too."

As Ken and Joe supported Mimi as they pried her of him, TK walked up to Cody, grasping his hand. They looked at each other for a few seconds, smiling at one another. After all they had been through, they finally understood one another well enough that no words needed to be said. Finally, Cody gave TK as small nod and released his hand.

Yolei approached TK and before he could say anything, pulled him into a strong hug, pinning his arms to his side.

"I still remember when we met you in the elevator," she said quietly, "Sometimes I think that you're the reason all of this has happened to me. So thank you. For all of this."

TK finally pulled his arms free and hugged Yolei in return, "I don't know if it was my doing, but I'm glad it was you and not someone else."

Yolei tightened her grip on TK for a moment before letting him go, her eyes watering as she did so. TK looked over at Tai, Sora and Izzy and smiled as he approached them. TK reached out and shook Izzy's hand before he could say anything else.

"Thanks for everything Izzy. I don't think I'd be here today if it wasn't for you. If anyone asks me who's done the most for me, I'll have to tell them about the genius friend I have from back home."

"Prodigious," Izzy replied, giving TK a small smile.

As TK let go of Izzy's hand he quickly opened his arms as Sora hugged him.

"Be good. Stay safe. Make plenty of friends. And keep in touch," She whispered in his ear.

"Okay mom," TK joked, while hugging Sora tightly.

Sora smiled and kissed TK on the cheek before letting him go. TK blushed slightly trying to avoid Matt's eyes as he moved in front of his old leader. Tai glared at TK for a moment before speaking.

"You know, I really should hit you for causing my sister so much pain," he told TK in a low voice. TK was nervous and about to defend himself when Tai broke into a smile and continued, "But then I'd be a complete ass for hitting someone who cares about her more than I do."

TK sighed with relief as Tai pulled him into a quick embrace.

"Take care of her?" TK whispered in Tai's ear, quietly enough so that no one else could hear.

Tai smiled as he released TK, "Anything for you buddy."

TK nodded as he turned to face Davis, who was making quite a point of avoiding TK's gaze with his arms across his chest.

"So you're not even going to say anything?" TK asked, trying to provoke Davis.

"Pfft, whatever TJ. I knew you wouldn't be around long, and I'd scare you away," Davis tried to sneer. He begrudgingly held out his hand, "But if you're going, well good luck I guess."

TK grasped Davis' hand and smirked, "You know, I'd be willing to let a coin flip decide if I stay or leave. Heads I go, Tails I stay?"

Davis finally looked at TK and laughed as the two friends embraced each other.

"Bye TK. I'll really miss you buddy," Davis said.

"You too man," TK replied.

Finally TK turned to Kari. The two friends stared at each other for a minute, not knowing what to say. Suddenly in one synchronised movement, they threw their arms around one another. The held each other as tightly as they could, trying to prolong the embrace as long as they could.

"I love you TK," Kari whispered softly in his ear.

"I love you too Kari."

They finally let go of one another and TK looked at all his friends one last time.

"Well, bye guys," he said sadly as he turned away from them.

Matt sighed and nodded at everyone as he placed his arm across his brother's shoulders, guiding him to the car. They got in and TK's father started the car. It backed up and pulled out of the parking lot. No one spoke as the car drove down the street out of sight. Finally, after several minutes, the car turned a corner and disappeared.

"Well, I guess that's it," Tai said.

"Right," Cody agreed, "Guess I better get over to Matt's apartment to make sure everything's in order."

"I still can't believe he asked YOU to look after it," Davis said in disbelief.

"Well he and Yolei do live closer than anyone else," Izzy pointed out.

"And being the child of Knowledge AND Reliability, they probably figure it's a safe bet," Sora joked.

Almost everyone laughed as the group slowly began to break up, as everyone continued on with their day. However even after everyone left, Kari remained where she was standing. She continued to gaze off in the direction that the car had driven holding her arms tightly. A single tear rolled down her cheek as she spoke to the boy who couldn't hear her.

"I'll never forget you either TK. Come back to me soon."

Kari put the picture back on her bedside table and sat up. She looked over at her desk, thinking she should probably continue her book report. She stood up and grabbed her book, trying to flip to a passage she had wanted to cite in her report before she had started talking to TK. However after a minute, she realised she was just flipping through the pages randomly, and was completely unfocused. She dropped the book on her table and turned off her computer.

After quickly changing into her sleepwear and preparing to retire for the night, Kari slipped under the covers of her bed and closed her eyes. She tried to clear her mind and relax, but nothing was working. Nothing she did could contain the excitement she felt. She opened her eyes one more time, once again looking at the picture of her and TK holding each other.

"I knew you'd come back," Kari smiled, as she finally rolled over and drifted off into a blissful sleep.

The arrival gate hummed with activity. Hundreds of people were coming and going, screams of delight constantly overwhelming the buzz of voices. It seemed like the whole world was currently running through Narita Airport.

Kari, Tai, Matt, Sora, Davis, Yolei and Ken stood near the exit where TK and his mother were due to walk through in just a few minutes. There was an incredible air of excitement surrounding the seven friends.

Davis and Yolei both looked as though it was Christmas morning and they were eagerly awaiting to open their presents. Sora was smiling so widely that several passing young men winked at her because she looked so charming. Matt, who was normally calm and relaxed, couldn't help but fidget and kept pulling out his phone and checking the time. He grew more excited with each minute that passed. Ken was trying to keep his composure as best he could, but kept spinning around in excitement each time he saw a flash of blonde hair. Tai was practising his foot work, imagining he had a football between his feet and was kicking it around. Everyone who knew Tai knew that the more intricate he got with his practising, the more excited he was. And he had already accidentally knocked over two people. However it was obvious to anyone observing the group, that no one was more excited than Kari.

The brunette was rapidly pacing back and forth with a little skip in her step. Her hopeful eyes were glued to the door, separating the gate from the rest of the terminal. She held her hands tightly against her chest. Everything about Kari's attitude made it apparent to everyone that this meant more to her than anyone else.

"Oh god, how long can it take to get off a plane and pick up your luggage?" Kari cried out.

"Kari relax," Tai said soothingly, "It's a big airport and the plane only landed five minutes ago. He's probably just getting off now. It won't take a long time!"

"Tai it's been three years since I've seen him!" Kari snapped at her brother, "It's already been a long time."

Tai rolled his eyes and stepped away from his sister. He understood her nerves, they were all excited by TK's return. However Kari had been almost obsessing about this for the past two and a half weeks. He knew that she would likely calm down once she finally saw her old friend, and hugged the life out of him, but he was still concerned that Kari was too emotionally invested in TK's arrival.

But as Tai looked around at all his friends who had gathered, he took note of how excited they all were and realised that maybe he was just being too over protective of Kari. It wouldn't be the first time it had happened. He smiled a little, content in believing that his sister was acting normal enough, and leant on the wall next to Sora, chatting with her about school.

"Hey Matt, where are TK and your mom going to live now?" Yolei asked after a moment, "I'm assuming they aren't coming back to the old building."

"No they have a small house they're moving into," Matt answered, "Mom asked me a few months ago to start looking for a place, because she knew grandpa didn't have long. After several weeks, my dad and I found the place. He bought it, but he and mom are going to go through the process of it being put in her name."

"That's good," Yolei responded, "I would hate for them to be stuck in a hotel for weeks on end."

"It would have been fine," Davis told her, "I just would've let TK crash with me the whole time."

"Davis, are you saying that now that you're done with Kari, you're going to start chasing TK?" Ken joked.

"Ha ha," Davis replied sarcastically while Yolei and Matt laughed.

After a few more intolerably long minutes ticked by, an announcement blared over the PA.

"Baggage from Air France flight 428 is now available for pick-up at carousel three."

"That's TK's flight!" Yolei squealed with barely contained glee. The seven friends now moved closer to the door that separated them from their friend and watched intently, praying that the next person to walk through it would be their friend.

"Gah, I haven't been this anxious since my audition for the music program at school!" Matt said.

"And that's why we broke up," Sora teased the blonde, "Everything always comes back to your music career."

"That and your constant complaining about everything that makes me great," Matt shot back.

"Oh yeah, I was the one who complained about everything. Not the guy who refused to drink his coffee unless it was made perfectly."

"Guys, is this really the time to make jokes about this sort of thing?" Ken asked, in an attempt to stop an argument before it started.

"Don't blame me," Matt told him, "I was just responding to Sora's jab!"

"That's not the point," Ken replied, "It happened two years ago so you should both just stop making jokes about it. Besides we have more important things going on!"

"Exactly," Davis added, "I mean, you guys have to help me get the number of that barista in the café over there. She's been eyeing me since we got here!"

"Davis, that's not what I-"

"THERE HE HIS!" Kari shrieked, ending the conversation.

Everyone spun to face the door and saw him. Tall, well built with toned muscles. A kind face, accented by golden blonde hair that fell carelessly across his forehead, and crystal blue eyes that sparkled with life. He looked around, and his face lit up with excitement as his eyes fell on the group of friends. There was no doubt in anyone's mind. Takeru Takaishi was back.

"GUYS!" he yelled, sprinting towards his friends leaving his suitcase behind.

Before anyone else could react, Kari was charging towards the blonde. When they were a few feet apart from one another, she lunged at him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. TK laughed as he caught her, and spun her around. Her legs flailed wildly for a moment before he set her down, but he didn't release his hold on her. The two friends held on to each other as hard as they could, as though they never wanted to let the other one go.

"I can't believe you're actually here!" Kari whispered into TK's ear.

"I told you I'd be back," TK said softly.

Kari pulled her head back from TK's shoulder to look at him, "I never doubted you for a second."

For what seemed like an eternity, the two friends stood there, with their arms wrapped around one another. However what was an eternity for them, was only mere seconds for all their friends. Before Kari and TK knew what was happening, TK was being pulled away from her and was swarmed by hugs from his other friends.

"TK! Welcome home!" Davis yelled as he released TK from his grasp.

"It's so good to see you!" Yolei added as she squeezed TK tightly.

For a couple confusing minutes, TK was embraced and greeted by everyone assembled. TK finally managed to extract himself from the scrum that had formed, and smiled widely at his friends.

"It is so good to be back! I can't believe how much I mis-"

"TK get over here! You promised to help out, AND you forgot your suitcase."

TK spun around to see his mother glowering at him, standing next to his suitcase. He blushed slightly and jogged back to get his suitcase. He mumbled an apology as he passed his mom, who as walking over to greet everyone herself.

"Oh it's so good to see you!" she said, as she hugged her elder son.

"Good to see you too mom," Matt grumbled, trying to get out of the embrace.

"It's good to see you again Ms. Takaishi," Tai said as he offered his hand.

"Oh Tai, even after all these years you can still call me Nancy," she responded, taking his hand, "That goes for all of you."

"How was the flight," Sora asked while shaking Nancy's hand herself, "Was TK much trouble?"

"Are you kidding? He was completely strung out. I almost asked the flight attendants to restrain him he was bouncing around so much."

Everyone laughed at the idea of TK acting so silly before Nancy continued.

"Honestly, I'm just glad I had help. I honestly have no idea how she puts up with him sometimes."

Kari exchanged confused looks with the others.

"Sorry Ms. Takaishi, but who-"

"Well you can't blame her," TK's voice interrupted, "It's not her fault I'm so charming."

The group, who had been focused on Nancy turned to face TK again and were surprised to see him standing with a beautiful young girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes similar to TK's. She smiled at everyone as TK placed his arm around her shoulders.

"You guys all remember Catherine, right?" TK asked.

"It's good to see you all!" Catherine announced.

Everyone stared for a moment, dumbfounded. Finally Tai regained his composure and laughed. He gently took Catherine's hand and shook it.

"It certainly is a pleasure to see you again," he told her, "I think we're all just surprised. TK didn't tell us that you were going to be coming with him."

"Why wouldn't she come?" TK asked, his eyebrows raised, "I mean, just because I've moved back to Odaiba from Paris doesn't mean I'm going to stop spending time with my girlfriend!"