Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ College Reunion, or Correcting a Past Mistake ❯ Part 10 - Bi Nyte, Restless Heart ( Chapter 10 )

 

 

WARNING: This story is for 18 or older readers! There's foul language, and sexual content. The latter won't be in every chapter, but there will be in a few of them. If you are under 18, PLEASE stop reading right now and turn back!

You have been warned.

 

DISCALIMER: I do NOT, repeat, do NOT own any of the characters in this story! This is FANFICTION, so this is written for fun, not profit! I don't even own the songs or the matching lyrics to said songs used as chapter breaks

 

Previously - TK and Kari continue to rebuild their friendship at a slow pace while Ayaka tries to interact with TK more and Monoma tries and fails to pick a fight with TK thanks to Kou's interference Meanwhile, Shuichi and Mina appear to be getting close through their dance class. After thinking it over, Kari decides to be Kou's partner in the forthcoming bi nyte dance skit at the White Cat Club - one part being she figures other girls would find dancing with Kou difficult on several levels and him wanting a partner he could fully trust, and another part to see a reaction from TK, whom Kari asks to come watch the skit when she does it…

 

“Look what you made me do, I'm with somebody new, oh baby baby, I'm dancing with a stranger.” Lyrics from “Dancing With a Stranger” by Sam Smith and Normani

 

It was the day of the bi nyte dance; Kari had been busy between classes and remedial dancing lessons with Mina and practicing with Kou… but she had made enough time for TK, especially the double date at the movies the previous weekend. She, Mina, TK, and Shuichi had gone to see the remake of Aladdin - which was alright, very enjoyable (Kari and TK held hands during the second half of the movie, though it was semi-consciously). They had fun enough they talked about repeating the double date, though Kari insisted they hold off discussions until after the bi nyte (which she implored that they kept quiet given certain people were trying to cause trouble).

 

At the same time, TK had taken a few lessons from Kou on self-defense; Kou proved to be a good teacher, and TK was a decent learner. Even Kazuma pitched in to help when he wasn't working or spending time with his ward or Cherise.

 

Meanwhile, TK gave the band and their manager good news - Matt and Mimi had agreed to join them for amateaur night at the White Cat Club and they joined practice over the weekend. But the band had gotten a surprise when Hanta Sero stopped by during one practice and revealed he played guitar - after showing his skills and impressing TK, Shuichi, Luffy, and especially Nami, they asked if he could be a back-up player. Sero agreed but on the condition that Mineta and Kaminari didn't find out (“They wouldn't like it if I suddenly went from being their friend to being amongst the `cool folks'” was his reason).

 

TK and the band had finished practice that Saturday afternoon and were cleaning up the practice room they were borrowing at the campus music hall. Checking his watch, TK saw he had plenty of time to get back to the apartment, have dinner, shower, and then walk Kari to the White Cat before opening. Maybe some downtime with Mimi and Matt before they went home if time and the two of them allowed it.

 

“Where did you ever learn to play like that?”

 

Sero had come up to TK, making him turn. “Mom had me take lessons for anger management. My teacher was a big man named Burter B. Driftwood-.”

 

“Dude, him?! Seriously?!”

 

“You heard of him?”

 

“I got a list of videos with his music on my Youtube account. Wish I could play like him, but I was always better with an axe than a piano.”

 

“Why did you, uh, stop playing guitar?”

 

Sero rolled his eyes. “My old man took my guitar and smashed it when I came home with bad grades in two classes during junior high. He told me I needed to focus on my studies. Mom later told me that he really did it because he wasn't a fan of music like she is, but the drop in my grades gave him an excuse.”

 

“What would he say now, if he finds out you're picking it up again?”

 

“Dunno, don't care. He died last year. And honestly he was an asshole.”

 

“My sympathies regardless. Uh, how's it going with the, uh, dry-cleaning bill-?”

 

“Actually that was all on Mineta's bill, not mine or Kaminari's. He tried to get us to help him but I told him `you're the one who goosed her with a hand greased from the damn french fries you ordered - you pay the fine.' But because we're friends if he can't get into the club, I'm not going there until he can.”

 

“Honestly, you can find other friends; friends not lecherous.”

“I know, but… sometimes we weirdos have to stick together, you know. You ever felt that way?”

 

TK thought back… yes, he understood what Sero was saying - after that summer in the DIgital World, he and the rest had never really been the same again. Maybe that was why, out of all the friends TK had back then and from that day on… Kari was the open friend he could really open up to, who understood him. “...Maybe I do.”

 

“Well, anyway, I gotta split. I think when I get back I'm gonna listen to some tunes… suddenly I got the urge to hear some REO Speedwagon.” And with that, he left the room.

 

“Call me nuts, but I'm starting to like him,” Shuichi said aloud after Sero had left.

 

“So he likes REO Speedwagon,” Kakyoin commented, “that gives him one point in my book but still-.”

 

“Baby steps, Kakyoin,” Nami remarked, “baby steps. Besides, at least he respects that I'm a spoken-for woman. Same with Mimi here.”

 

“And it helps that Sero there is a fan of Matt's.”

 

“So what are you two going to do after we leave here?” Fumikage asked.

 

“Catch the next train and head home,” Matt said firmly, “I have homework I need to finish, plus got a big test Monday I should study for.”

 

“Totally understandable, Matt. The guys can practice the other song tomorrow.”

 

“Aren't you going to spend time with TK first?”

 

“We'd love to, but I also need to get back right away - mom and dad invited me to dinner, it's the first time we could get together between our schedules. Us only - they wouldn't even let me bring my boyfriend.” Mimi crossed her arms. “Not thrilled.”

 

TK smirked and blurted out “Probably wanted to make sure the two of you didn't slip off to shag in Mimi's room-.”

 

“TAKERU/BLABBERMOUTH!”

 

“TMI!” Fumikage and Kakyoin cried, while Shuichi and Luffy laughed out loud, and Nami shook her head, smirking.

 

And TK quickly vacated the room before anyone could stop him or catch him.

 

“Your hands are cold, so maybe we could make some heat.” Lyrics from “Dancing in the Sheets” by Shalamar

 

“Welp, almost time, you ready for this?”

 

Looking up from fixing her hair, Kari gave Kou a thin smile. They were in the secondary dancer dressing room in the back of The White Cat, preparing for their dance. “Ready as I'll ever be, fighting a little stage anxiety but I'll be set for the big number.”

 

Nodding, Kou took a moment to admire her outfit. Given the nature of their dance meant stripping, Kari went for a minimalist but still stylish in her attire: a simple white button-down shirt with a burgundy vest with glamour, glitter etched into its fibers; matching short skirt; with black stockings and sparkling red heels. For the final effect, she wore a small fedora of the same color only it was lacking the glitter save around the black strap wrapping around the headpiece.

 

As for Kou himself, he wore a deep blue short-sleeved button-down shirt, a fire-red vest and matching tie also adorned in glamour-glitter. A pair of charcoal trousers, with special`, rip em' release buttons along the sides covered his waist and below, with black loafers on his feet. Like Kari a fedora rested on top of Kou's head, but his hat was the same blue as his shirt with the black wrap covered in glitter.

 

The two looked like quite the pair.

 

“Like all the reds, red~.” He teased with a wink.

 

“Went for Optimus Prime colors huh?” She shot back playfully, giving him a bat or two of her eyelashes in an exaggerated manner.

“Prime fan for life.” Kou smiled as he admitted to her accusation. “It worked especially given we already had this outfit without having to buy a new one and `glitz' it up.”

 

“Same here, I'm just glad Mina and I have similar figures, minus her chest being slightly larger than mine.”

 

Cocking his head, Kou couldn't help himself. “I'd say with your `bust growth spurt' in the last year, the gap has closed some.”

Pushing him slightly, she laughed. “Oh knock it off! Just be grateful you get to peek since we had to share a dressing room!”

 

“I wasn't peeking.” However, he grinned.

“Ha, well jokes on you I peeked plenty as you were dressing!”

 

The two broke out in laughter, sharing humor and a fondness only two good friends could have. It also helped both of them feel at ease with what was to come. Even with a day or two to practice the routine (with Mina's input and help), it was still a bit outside their comfort zones. Especially if a certain somebody was in the audience.

 

“Did you and TK ever… do this before?”

 

“Oh yes. Usually, after we had passionate love-making. I tried it with Miyako, but it kinda creeped her out so I quit it with her. Though looking back, I guess the real reason I did that with TK was… I knew he was all mine.”

 

That made Kou blink as he recalled something. “Uh, did TK say if he was coming after all?”

 

Nodding, Kari fidgeted a bit on her heels. “He's here, he slept on it as he said, and after night two he decided he would.”

 

“Ahh, I see, I see! Well then, at least your ulterior motive won't go to waste.”

 

“Assuming I'm not pushing my luck.” She sighed, as a gnawing pit of doubt crept back up into her stomach. “I mean sure, I just wanna know if I can get a rise out of him, see if there's interest but…”

 

As her pregnant pause filled the room, Kou gently placed both hands on her shoulders. “Hey, easy Hika, don't psyche yourself into an anxiety attack. Yeah this is a bit unorthodox but well, nothing ventured, nothing gained right?”

 

Still dealing with the uneasy feeling, she looked up into his eyes. “Yeah, but still now that we're at the point… urgh maybe I'm just letting my stupid libido get the better of me again. I spent years, repressing it and now since TK came back… arghhh!” She grabs the side of her head, mindful not to knock her hat off.

 

“At least it's still alive.” Mused Kou, as he moved his hands when Kari moved to grasp her head. He then placed his hands right back where they are. “Just try to relax and focus on him when your eyes meet, try and convey this is for him.”

“While I'm sexy dancing with another guy.”

 

“Everybody watches porn for inspiration sometimes, it's the same principle.”

 

Snorting, she shook her head, “You goof, that isn't helping!”

 

“Yet you laugh.”

“I am!” Snickering, she managed a smile. “Thanks, and I mean it. Like I said, before most guys would be put off being part of a slick play for a gal to get another man interested.”

 

“N' like I said before sweetheart, I happily defy what most guys would do.”

 

A warm feeling to watch her smile settled within Kari's heart, and maybe a bit between her legs. A small part of her brain wondered if she was being foolish putting all this effort into trying to re-spark things with TK. After all, she had him back as her friend and was forgiven for the bad blood years ago. Should she really push things, especially when there was someone she could build things with right here? They had chemistry and despite her pushing off anything more than friendship, even Kari had a few, sexy thoughts about Kou Uramecha. A few that required some intense finger work to get out of her system a few nights. Kari might have suppressed her hyper-libida after her break up with TK years ago, but even she still needed to `deal' with the itch when it surfaced from time to time (the very few times as it happened, no thanks to Cherise's meddling). Admittedly since TK came back into her life, said libido was back with a vengeance and keeping it in check had been a must. Which at times had made her question if she was again falling for `lust' instead of love, adding more to her doubts.

 

However despite the doubts… Her heart still yearned to, at least try and see if the romantic spark between her and TK was still alive. A conclusion both heart AND mind seemed to agree in unison. She wanted closure on the topic, to know for sure if it was `just friendship' between them or if they could be more once again. And this time, by the Gods and every deity out there, she'd never stray again from the man who was her best friend and the love of her life.

 

Mimi's voice then spoke in her inner ear - Remember, Kari… the first time was making love with TK. You took your time, both of you. That was not lust, it was love.

 

And remember your final date, Sora's voice quickly followed, no sex but you and TK had a time neither of you forgot, or wanted to forget. The pictures you both kept from that date, the kiss you shared that night… no lust could ever top that.

 

Like Kou had said, she'd gain nothing by not trying at all.

 

The pit in her stomach began to ease, both Kou's encouragement and her own self-affirmation to see this through. Smiling she steps back and held up a hand. “Ready to do it, to it, partner?”

 

“As always partner-in-crime,” Kou replied, reciprocating her high-five before they clasp hands and cap it off with a friendly hug.

 

“Hold on tight. You know she's a little bit dangerous. (Dangerous)” Lyrics from “Dangerous” by Roxette

 

“TK, hello!”

 

Turning as he was about to enter the club, TK saw Ayaka jogging up to him. “Hello. What brings you out here?”

 

Ayaka shrugged. “Oh, I finished my homework, and I was bored, so… I thought about checking out the scene where Kari works. Funny running into here. Are you alone?”

 

“My roommates had other plans, so… yes, I'm alone.”

 

Ayaka then took TK by the arm. “Mind if I join you, then?”

 

“Alright, but if anybody asks-.”

“We're just friends, I understand.” ~For now… but after tonight… hehehehe!~

 

The two entered the club and were taken to a vacant table about three rows from the stage. Soon as they sat down, who should come up to wait on them but Mina. “Hi, Takaishi-. Yukihiro?”

“Hello, Ashido.”

 

~What is wrong with THIS picture?!~ “Uh, any drinks?”

 

Ayaka spoke up before TK could. “Two vodka martinis, please. My treat.” She looked at TK when she said that last part.

 

“Uh, I never-.”

“It'll be alright. Just one drink.”

 

“...Alright but only one.”

 

“Two vodka martinis coming up.” Mina walked away without even writing down the order. ~Why is my spider-sense tingling so bad? I'd better try to warn Kari-. And shoot, too late - the boss is taking the stage for the introduction.~

 

Standing on the stage, Robin was pleased with the turn out to the Bi Nyte party. Naturally more women were in the audience than usual but that was expected. Mic in hand she lifted it close to her mouth and spoke. “I want to thank you all for coming to the revival of the bi-weekly `Bi Nyte' party! I put the lid on this event six months ago due to a low turn out the last two times. However, you all put forth demand and heart-felt pleading, as well as some sniveling and groveling…” She smiled more as her corny joke got some laughs. “Now, as usual, we have a bevy of mixed dancers performing sensual acts of intimacy. Usually a mix of man and woman, or a few interesting threesome pairs. Be it man, woman, woman, or woman, man, man, you get the picture.”

 

Walking the stage she addressed the club, helping to hype as well as lay the low-down to new-comers. “Now unlike our normal dancer routines, the amount of stripping will be... less as this isn't entirely so much titillation, so much as it is an expression and beauty of intimacy between human beings.” At some `aawww's' coming from the crowd, she smirked and wagged a finger. “Now, now... some of our dancing teams will strip, but how much depends on them; I gave each act their own discretion in that department. Our first act I will inform is the tamest of the bunch. So don't be bummed, but if you want more T&A and D it'll come from the later acts. These two, they are the warm-ups and not usually employed as my dancers.”

 

By this time Mina had served TK and Ayaka their drinks. Ayaka took a casual sip while TK was much more cautious. It was a very small sip, enough to get a taste; it was… alright, but he still preferred the lighter alcoholic drinks.

 

 

“BREAK A LEG, HIKA!” Camie yelled from across the club while the rest cheered.

 

After a wave to the DJ, the lights dim even more and the song Dancing in the Sheets began to belt out of the speakers placed throughout the club. Soon the curtain behind the stage begins to rustle as Robin walks off down the steps leading onto the dance floor. First, a female arm slips from behind the curtain, making a `come hither' gesture before Kari saunters out; her other hand holding her hat in place as she began to shake her body to the beat. Her movements were slow, paced and deliberate, saucy but not overtly sexual. Her eyes dart over the crowd, looking for TK, and she managed to spot him. Smiling she sent a wink, whether he saw it or not, she couldn't dwell on it as she had an act to do.

 

 

Turning she then released the hold on her hat and held out her hand towards the curtain as Kou danced out in a nice homage to Michael Jackson's moonwalking, with a bit more hip exaggerating. Soon their hands clasped and he spun her once, before pulling her close, their eyes lock, delivering smoldering looks to help the crowd buy the `fire' between them.

 

“Interesting song they chose,' Ayaka commented.

 

“It's `Dancing in the Sheets,' from the soundtrack to the 80's film Footloose.”

 

“How do you know that?”

 

TK held up his fingers. “One, I've seen the film before; and two, I'm a sucker for 80's music thanks mainly to my mother.” he then returned his focus to the dance.

 

The audience gives a holler, especially when Kou and Kari each grab each other a hearty ass-grab before she lifted a leg to hook around his waist. Their hips gyrating to the music as they sought to invoke the emotions the song belted out, and give the patrons what they came to see.

 

Passion, fire, sexual want, titillation, they'd get it all, even if full-on-sex wasn't on the table.

 

In a matching motion, Kari and Kou each snatch the hat off each other's head, before flipping their wrists, and swapping the hats, so now Kari wore his and Kou, Kari's own. Unhooking her leg, Kari began to dance backward but reached out to grasp Kou's tie and drag him with her as they reach the edge of the stage. Stopping dead on the edge, with her pulling his lips to hers in a steamy kiss.

 

 

The crowd cheered and both Ayaka and TK gawk, not expecting that to happen. Inside TK, a knot was forming in his stomach...

 

From her spot near the entrance to the premier dressing room, both Mina and Camie whistle. “Damn, I didn't know that was in the routine!”

 

Snickering, Mina looked torn between being amused and surprised. “Honestly me too.”

“Huh? Didn't you do the routine with them?”

“This's an ad-lib but dang it's a good one!” ~I just hope it doesn't backfire on em',~ She thought having been aware of some of the ulterior motive on Kari's part.

 

Breaking the kiss, Kari and Kou share a breathless look. Both were surprised at how hot the kiss was, even if they both had planned it. With the spotlight still on them, their bodies managed to get their brains back in the game. Arms moving around his neck, Kari began to undo the buttons for his collar, allowing her to remove his tie in a slow, steamy manner; while he worked her vest down her shoulders. Before the vest could hit the floor, Kari placed a well-timed kick that sent her vest flying, right into TK's lap.

 

TK reacted a little to the action. Kari's vest felt warm to the touch… it was… it brought back memories, both fun, exciting (making him somewhat aroused)...

 

And bad...

 

You and me, we should be dancing in the sheets

 

As the crowd's cheers roared in their ears, they kept undressing the other. After she unbuttoned and pushed his own vest down, they each began to unbutton the other's shirts. Slow, steady, but yet with the quickness of eager lovers. Soon the white shirts were gone. Leaving Kou's muscled and scarred form exposed, and Hikari's aura-blue bra-clad chest exposed for all to witness.

 

At the bar, King continued on with her duty, handing out drinks and tending to the customers. Of course, her ears picked up the chatter all around her.

 

 

 

While some of the comments were irksome, King was glad most of them were polite and well-meaning toward her co-workers. Lifting an eye to the stage as she cleaned a glass, she had to admit if she didn't know them as well as she did, she'd buy they were lovers too. Of course, that was the point of the dance, so they certainly got the act down. An eye strays over at TK and Ayaka, and she raised an eyebrow.

 

Hopefully, not too convincing, especially if from what she gathered, Hikari wanted him to notice her. Well, he sure as hell was now. As she intended, however, had yet to be seen.

 

 

On stage, Kari was gently spun to face the crowd as Kou's arms slid around her waist from behind. His lips touching her shoulder, working up to her neck, which she craned in anticipation for him. Both their bodies moving and shaking with the beat as his hands found the zipper to undo her skirt. Soon the item falls down, pooling at her legs; revealing form-fitting, skimpy but nowhere skimpy-as-a-thong panties the same color of her bra.

 

His hands move down her legs, but never reach between her legs. As he rubbed it was Kari who reached down and ran a single finger along where her slit would be if she was fully exposed. Her gaze lifted, trying to locate TK and hoping he understood her message.

 

To the crowd it was part of the act, but she was trying to tell one man, `this is for you handsome'.

 

But the message wasn't getting across, not if Ayaka had anything to say about it. She moved her chair so she was now asie of TK. “Look at them,” she said in a disapproving tone, “I bet you if there was no one here watching them, they'd quit holding back.”

 

TK didn't reply, but he watched… and yet Ayaka's words and tone were working their way into him.

 

“Forgive me for saying so, but if I were her… with that man there dancing with her like that, with those muscles and scars… why would I want anyone else?”

 

After a bit of touching herself, Kari ceased touching the outside of her panties and spun, now facing Kou again she grabs his trousers and tugged. The many buttons hidden inside the trousers came undone, allowing them to be torn off with ease, without damaging the clothing. Casually she throws them aside, her gaze moving down to eyeball her partner's undergarments.

 

“Good… lord…” Ayaka commented disgustingly at Kou's underwear. ~Kari, your taste has certainly decreased if you agreed to dance with Uramecha dressed like… that…~

 

Normally Kou Uramecha LOATHED the `banana hammock' style of underwear and bathing attire. For the act, he endured it and thus his bulging briefs got plenty of hoots and hollers from the crowd. It was a test of will his face didn't crumple. Luckily between Kari's encouraging gaze masked as lust (he kept gazing at her eyes), and his own steel will. Like with what he did with her, Kari did not touch Kou's package, but her hands roamed his hips and abdomen. Feeling him up, without actually going fully there; which left it up to Kou to make a grab at his own package and gave a `full squeeze' for the patron's enjoyment.

 

Seeing Kari do that to Kou, TK suddenly imagined her doing that, but not to him… but to Iori, whom Kari had been shocked by the younger man's size… and her brother under Sora's watchful gaze… or the two of them alone… Seizing his glass he downed the vodka martini, olive and all in one mighty gulp.

 

Ayaka smiled - she knew TK was close to right where she wanted him. All he'd need is one more little push….

 

“Listen to em', you're hot Mr. Uramecha.” She whispered to him as her hands slid up his muscled form to wrap around his neck.

 

“Thank you kindly, but I hear more cries for you, my also very hot partner.” He joked back, in a low tone as to not be heard by the crowd as they twirled briefly like a couple in love, enjoying a waltz.

 

 

Mina soon began to fan herself, “Geeeeez when did they add those improvs? This's more than we practiced together”

 

“It helps sell the act!” Chuckled Camie, who was quite enjoying the show. “Geez, why's our head bouncer hiding all that from us?”

 

“Cuz he's Kou, and he's….him.” Mina gave a shrug, suddenly wondering WHY Kou was so…. Alone when he certainly had a bod most women would kill to have on a boyfriend. Granted looks aside didn't mean fulfilling personality. Shaking her head, she let out a breathe, “This is good stuff, I just hope they don't overdo it.”

 

With the song close to being over, Kari and Kou began to up the ante. As they moved along the stag, they would grasp and hold the other, their bodies grinding against the other, as if barely holding onto restraint to not strip it all away and fuck on stage.

 

Of course, in Kari's mind, if her partner was a certain blonde in the crowd, yeah that might happen, losing her job and jail for indecency be damned. Turning to face the crowd again, she `mmm'd' as Kou's hands cup her breasts, carefully massaging and moving them while keeping them trapped in her bra. Briefly she considered letting the bra come off and chucking it at TK; after all, while she and Kou originally planned for a no-nudity dance, they did have the option to change it on the fly. The only rule that absolutely applied was no visible fingering/handling of the genitals and NO SEX!

 

She pushed taking the bra off out of her mind; as much as her breasts ached to be freed, it was best they remained clothed as only one person had the right to see them unclad. Spinning, she smirked at Kou, both hands grabbing a handful of his ass and squeeze, as he did the same to her, firing off the same sexy grin. Dancing on, and on with the sensual bump and grind with a flair of `sweet and sexually sensual' to sell their act to the cheering and hooting crowd.

 

And Ayaka seized her chance. She moved her lips close to TK's ear. “I think it's obvious, don't you? It's not you she wants… after all, she cheated on you, didn't she? It's Uramecha that she wants more…”

 

TK began to sweat a bit. Was this really why she wanted him to come tonight, to see this dance? Not for morale support but to be silently told that friendship was all Kari wanted, maybe less? Had she really been sorry for hurting him way back when?

 

 

With the final chorus about to start, the two knew they had to give it the final push, and so, they began to just have fun. After one more kiss, as the final act of sexiness, the two grasp wrists and began to playfully `pull back and forth' kind of high-energy dancing one would do at a club. Before pulling close into an embrace as they nuzzled one another, their motions coming to a crawl as they slow-danced the final chorus away.

 

 

The song began to soften as it reached the end and the crowd exploded with cheers and applause. Robin came out on stage as the lights dimmed and allowed Kou and Kari to slip away after taking a quick bow to the crowd. “Wooo! That was definitely steamier than even I expected! But what a performance! Maybe we'd better let everybody cool down some before we bring out the next act. Don't want to have anybody get too excited and cause trouble, right? I mean, I trust all of you, but I don't trust myself. Er, don't tell my husband that.” The audience laughed at her joke while she pointed to the DJ, who began playing a lighter song.

 

Ayaka casually moved away from TK. “Interesting number, don't you think?” she asked while smirking.

 

“...Thanks for the drink,” TK then said, getting up. He felt hot, but he wasn't sure if it was from the martini, or the dance, or both. “But I think I'd better go.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“Yes. Again, thanks. Please excuse me.” And TK started for the doors.

 

“I'll see you around.” ~...Perfect. Kari, your little dance number worked out better than I dared hope. Monoma will be happy to know there's a firm wedge between you and Takaishi now…~

 

Mina didn't catch TK's exit - she had been busy until she came over to check on him and Ayaka. “Everything-?” Shet stopped, seeing both the empty chair where TK had been, and his empty glass. “Wait, where's Takaishi?”

 

“Oh, he needed to leave.”

 

“Leave?!”

 

“Yes. Right after that rather in-teresting dance of Kari's.” Ayaka then put down some money to cover for the two drinks. “I need to go, too. Keep the change.” ~But first, the ladies' room.~

 

The warning bells went off clearly in Mina's mind. Turning to the main entrance/exit, she moved through the club to get to the doors and went outside, looking around but saw no sign of TK. She went to the bouncer. “Kirishima, did you see Takaishi-, er, a blonde guy come out a few minutes ago?”

 

“You mean the guy the boss knows like family? Yeah, he just left a few ago, kinda in a hurry, too. Did he do something?”

 

“No, he didn't. ...Thanks anyway.” And Mina went back inside and made for the dressing rooms; she had to talk to Kari, fast.

 

“She won't even miss me when she's gone… that's okay with me, I'll cry later on…” Lyrics from “Talk To You Later” by The Tubes

 

Shuichi looked from the couch to see TK walk into the apartment. “Huh, back so soon?”

 

“Yeah, I just… went for Kari's performance, that's it.”

 

“How was it?”

 

“Not what I expected,” TK said hastily. “Do me a favor - if anybody comes looking for me, tell them I don't want to see anybody.”

 

“...That include-?”

 

“Especially Kari and Kou!” And TK went into his room, slamming the door behind him.

 

Shuichi ignored the TV - given TK's tone, request, and the slamming of the door… ~As Miss Clavel famously said in Madeline, `something is not right.'~ He got up and cautiously made for TK's door and knocked twice. “TK… you wanna talk-?”

 

“Leave me alone!” And shortly, Shuichi could hear music from within TK's room… a sad song Shuichi recognized from a CD TK had loaned him once back in their freshman year. It was “Did You Ever Really Love Me” by Nicki French.

 

~Now I KNOW something's not right.~ Nodding to himself, Shuichi moved back into the main apartment and picked up his cell, and he dialed Nami's number. After five rings, he heard her pick up.

 

“Shuichi, give me one good reason why I don't strangle you for interrupting the first night Luffy and I have had together in bed since his cold, and do NOT say it's for the band's sake!”

 

Ignoring the urge to state that Nami was giving too much information, Shuichi went right to the point of his call. “Something's wrong with TK, and I think it has to do with Yagami.”

 

That got Nami's attention. “Tell me what you know.”

 

“Tonight was the White Cat's first bi nyte event in a few months, and Yagami volunteered for it. She asked TK to see her perform and he did… but he came home a few minutes ago and said he only stuck around for Yagami's act.”

 

“And?”

 

“He said he doesn't want to see anybody, slammed himself into his room, and now he's playing a heartbreak song.”

 

“...We're supposed to have practice tomorrow in the afternoon, right?”

 

“Yeah, around 2. But the room we're borrowing at the music hall's free all day-.”

 

“You got a way to contact Sero?”

 

“Yes, we traded cell numbers on the downlow.”

 

“I'll handle Luffy and Kakyoin - you tell Sero, Fumikage and TK we start at 10, sharp.”

 

“I'll let TK know tomorrow; right now is not a good time.”

 

“Yeah, let him get it out of his system as much as possible. And Shuichi? Keep me posted. Via text.”

 

“Got it, boss.” Soon as he hung up, Shuichi went to his contacts list, brought up Sero and texted him the update on practice.

 

Inside his room, TK rested his head in his hands, propped up on his desk while his computer played the music; his cell phone was shut off as soon as he had left the club. Inside his emotions were churning almost violently, torn between his feelings for Kari, the excitement he felt earlier, and what he saw earlier along with Ayaka's words of doubt. Tears leaked between his fingers as he mouthed along with Nicki French at the chorus:

 

 

“Did you ever really love me?”

 

“You said you'd always care… I just turned around, and there's nobody there. Don't leave me like…” Lyrics from “Stranded” by Heart

 

Kari put her phone down and ended the fourth straight call to TK - again it had gone right to voicemail. She'd been calling him ever since Mina had come back to tell her he had left after the opening dance number, but he apparently didn't want anyone calling him.

 

“Any luck?” Kou asked, fully dressed in his normal clothes.

 

“...No. Still getting his voice mail soon as I call him.”

 

“What… the… hell?” Kou said, becoming frustrated.

 

“Kari, any-?”

 

“No,” Kou almost snapped, making Mina jump back.

 

“Sorry.”

“No, Mina… I'm sorry. I had no right to take it out on you.”

 

“Why did he leave like that?” Kari wondered.

 

“...There's something I think you two should know,” Mina finally said, “when he was here, he… wasn't alone, and it wasn't any of his friends.”

 

Kari and Kou looked at her. “Who?”

 

“It was Yukihiro. I wanted to tell you, but by the time I found out it was time for Robin-san to introduce your act.”

 

Kari and Kou looked right at each other, with Kari paling and Kou, alarmed.

 

“She wouldn't-.”

 

“She couldn't have-. ...Oh shit!” Kou facepalmed. “You and Cherise told me Yukihiro's been trying to cozy up to TK all week. Did she know about you dancing tonight-?”

 

“Only enough, I didn't tell her what kind of dance-.”

 

“That bitch must have showed up right when TK did and slyly got him to let her accompany him inside and sat with him! And while we were on stage, she must have put some very bad suggestions in his ear!”

 

“And the drink she ordered for him might have hindered his judgment a bit, too.”

“Drink? What drink?”

 

“Yukihiro ordered two vodka martinis, and paid for both of them. And TK's glass was empty when I came to find him gone.”

 

Kari felt like screaming. ~Oh gods, no!~

 

Mina put her hands to her head. “This is my fault! I should have agreed to be your partner, Kou-.”

 

“Mina, don't blame yourself - Kari had her reasons for dancing with me… and frankly it was my fault for suggesting we go off script-.”

 

“Kou, I agreed to do it because I wanted to get a reaction from TK… I should have known better, between how we danced and Ayaka likely poisoning his mind the signals were lost on him.” ~Oh gods, what if he was thinking of me being like that with Iori… or Tai… or any other guy!~

 

Kou then took a breath. “Hika, I'll go see him tomorrow for you and talk to him. For now, you'd better steer clear of him, at least until I can see about getting him to understand he was played by your roommate. And do NOT confront Ayaka - don't give her the satisfaction of seeing you really worked up over this.”

 

“Kou, I can't let this go-.”

“If I were TK right now, I'd want solitude more than anything. Plus right now, the pain is still fresh for him. Seeing you would only make it worse.”

 

“So I should do nothing?”

“Kou, that didn't exactly work for James Buchannon for his term as the US President right before the US Civil War.”

 

“If you both have better ideas, I'd really love to hear it. ...Kari, I promise you, I'll make TK see the truth. But not now, not tonight… Just pray that after tonight he'll be in a better mood.”

 

“Talk to me, you never talk to me… Ooh, and it seems that I can speak… Well, I can hear my voice shoutin' out… but there's no reply at all.” Lyrics from “No Reply At All” by Genesis

 

TK didn't get out of bed until almost 9:36am that Sunday morning, and he refused breakfast - he wasn't hungry. All he felt was anger, pain, and other mixed emotions that seemed to threaten to burst out of him at any moment.

 

Earlier, Kari had come knocking on his door, but because he had it locked, she couldn't get in. With his back to the door, he ignored her knocking and pleading until he finally just cried out. “Just leave me alone! I don't want to see you!”

 

But the truth was, he wanted to see her… he wanted to hold her, to feel her next to him, smell her sweet scent… but he forced himself from doing so. After last night, he wasn't sure if there was anything left between them at all, romantically. Maybe it would have been better if they had never met again after the original break-up… even if it meant he'd still carry a damn torch for her for the rest of his days…

 

Eventually Kari left, and TK heard a sob as she retreated. Fumikage confirmed it shortly for TK when he said through the door that Kari was gone, adding that the band's practice had been moved up to 10am, and Nami warned that anybody who missed practice or was even late would be “Very, VERY sorry.” TK complied when Fumikage then said he and Shuichi were heading out early and would meet him there. Even through the door, TK could tell… Fumikage seemed disappointed in him. But TK didn't care, it wasn't anyone else's business but his own.

 

After getting ready, TK left his room, gathered his phone and key and wallet, put on his shoes, and left the apartment. However, as soon as he exited the building, he froze as someone was suddenly in front of him. TK frowned heavily. “Get lost.”

 

Kou, though, wasn't deterred. He took a step toward TK. "Look, I just want to talk-."

 

 

Normally, Kou would have ducked, dodged, blocked and/or deflected a punch; but having not expected it from TK, he didn't do any of that. It was a testament to his strength he only skid back and didn't fall flat on his ass by the surprising strength on the punch. With his face stinging he touched his nose and felt blood leaking out; he confirmed it by looking at his fingertips, which were stained red.

 

"And I said leave me alone!" Refuted TK, with fury in his eyes. "I don't like liars who take me for a chump!"

 

Kou didn't reply but gave a very, very dirty look at TK. In response TK threw a bit more at him: "You know what I mean, saying there's nothing between Kari and you, and even offering to teach me some of your martial arts. Real classy, been chumped once, I'll pass on round two-."

TK didn't get to finish as a fist came at him, but instead of his face, or any of him at all, the impact was in the wall right beside his head. Once the shock left him his neck craned as he noticed the fist had gone into the BRICK WALL he was standing beside, nearly to the wrist.

 

"I dunno what the fuck got into you, but lemme give you something straight.... attacking me is not wise." The tone coming from Kou was pure venom, but yet instead of heat there was a coldness to it.

 

TK felt like he was being stared down by a wild animal barely kept in check. At that moment his mind warped back to the fear he felt as an eight and eleven/twelve year old when facing down the baddies of the Digital World. While he wasn't paralyized by the emotion, he was however not exactly willing to move or piss Kou Uramecha off.

Especially given he just punched INTO A FREAKING WALL!! Now, he was starting to see maybe some of the stuff he'd heard about this guy wasn't bullshit.

 

"I dunno half the shit you're going on about, all I know is you got some wrong ideas and I just got off the phone with Kari sobbing beside herself thinking she fucked up after getting you back in her life....." Removing his bloody fist from the wall beside TK, as he stared at the other male. "So… let's start this over… or go ahead, tell me off one more time and I'll vamoosh.... but I will say this - you piss me off.... I'll gladly take Hika hating me forever after I kick your ass, but if you're gonna get pissy over… whatever the fuck this is then maybe she's better off without you."

 

At the moment, Kou's anger erased just about everything that would have reminded him of Ayaka Yukihiro's hand in turning TK. It as an unfortunate side effect that he acknowledged privately.

 

"...So she can be with you?"

 

Kou laughed, bitterly with self-decepreting sentiment. "Fucking wrong, I'm no good for her, or didn't I make that clear before? For fuck's sake we are JUST FRIENDS!!"

“Then what the fuck was last night?!” Demanded TK, a bit of his anger returning, but in a diluted form.

“An ACT!! Or have you never worked in a play before?” Kou shot back with narrowed eyes, still pissed but keeping himself in check amazingly. “That's the entire point of those dances, if you'd stuck around and saw the other acts you'd see the same shit. Hell if that was Mina and I up there we'd have probably done the same thing and we're just friends and co-workers, too. The Club is intended for exotic dancing, be it strip-teases or sensual act dances. Christ, if you had a problem with it why'd you go?”

“Because Kari asked me!”

“Again, I will ask you, why did you go?” Pressed Kou, jabbing a finger into TK's chest.

“Yeah, she asked you, but if this was gonna happen why'd you accept? She'd have understood it wasn't your scene.”

 

“I-I, I didn't think it'd be that intense.” He admitted, a small bit of shame seeping into his tone as he began to accept by honoring Kari's request he opened himself up to what came.

 

Kou gave a little snort. “I admit we went off script some, but if that's `intense' to you, boy howdy you'd have passed out from blood-loss with what Lafter and Shino used to do when they were up there.” Feeling blood still running down his face and neck, Kou took a handkerchief from his jacket and dabbed at his face.

 

Eyeing his face and his bloody knuckles, a pang of guilt flooded through TK, swallowing he spoke up. “Look I-, I shouldn't have punched you.”

“Meh.”

“That's it, just meh? I threw a punch as soon as I saw your face!”

“And? I've been assaulted for more and less.” Mused Kou as if he was literally nothing unusual for him. After cleaning off his knuckles and putting his hanky away, he looked TK over. “You calmer now?”

“I… guess?”

“Good then come with me-.”

 

“Nope, can't. Band practice. I even show up 5 seconds late, the manager will kill me, and then she'll get really nasty.”

 

Nodding, Kou shrugged. “Okay then, fair enough, we can postpone for now.”

 

“You fine with that?”

“Yeah, just… look at least fucking talk to Kari alright? Before you jump the gun...oh and food for thought…” As he began to walk off, Kou looked over his shoulder. “Ask yourself if you can have a calm head… after downing two heavy alcoholic drinks-.”

 

TK held up his index finger. “One drink. That's all.”

 

“You ordered two-.”

 

“Yukihiro ordered two - one for herself and one for me.”

 

“...Okay, but still one drink goes a long fucking way! You usually don't have a collected head after even one hard drink while somebody is throwing suggestive words at'cha…. Think about it.” He added firmly before walking off and leaving TK by himself. But then he stopped and turned. “Oh, and if you were going to have a problem with it, why the fuck did you even agree to being friends with Kari again after all this time, huh? Just what the hell do you want with her at all?” Without waiting for a reply, he moved for the front doors of the building and walked right in.

 

TK watched him go, but then started walking at a very brisk pace for band practice. What did that Kou guy know, anyway? He never had been hurt so bad like TK… maybe physically, given his scars, but the emotional scarring…

 

 

The question seemed to follow TK like an obedient puppy, no matter how hard he tried to shake it off. Kou's words refused to leave his mind.

What the hell do you want with her?

 

 

 

TK had no answer, and that was truly the sad part...

“Where do I go from here? Do I tell you I still love you? And where do I go from here? Do I tell you I still miss you?” Lyrics from “Where Do I Go From Here?” by New Kids on the Block

 

 

 

Hello, everyone.

 

VERY sorry this chapter's release is so late. I had numerous events going on (Vacation, mom getting the flu, seeing the new Doctor Strange movie, and my goddaughter's 8th birthday party to help prepare for AND attend). Also, I have been attempting some other stories

 

Only 3 more chapters to go now. So what happens now? And why is Ayaka trying to drive a big wedge between TK and Kari? You'll have to wait for the next chapters to find out.

Spekaing of the next chapters, I am going to hold off a bit as all 3 chaptrs I wrote mainly, but I wnat my partner-in-ff-crime TheUNB to add his touches to them. And like me, he has real life bothering him. However, if worse comes to worst, I'll post the chapters and then after TheUNB does his updates to the files, I'll update the files.

 

Big thanks to TheUNB for helping rite this multi-part story. He did a fine job with the Bi Nyte dance parts (all I did was fill in bits here and there).

 

Thank you for reading this tale. Please read and review (and be kind in said reviews, even if you didn't like it); I really would like some feedback, even critical criticism.

 

Part 11 will come soon.

 

Ja ne! -Robster80 (R80)