I (re)discovered this unpublished chapter and thought I'd upload it after many years. Perhaps, I'll find some inspiration to continue the story. Enjoy. ~Xanpluto

Kari sat on the toilet watching the timer in a trance. Two minutes and forty-six seconds left. Damn, it was taking forever. Her phone beeped and she looked over. It was Tk.

Want to go to Matt's concert tonight?

Kari supposed her answer depended on this little test's answer. Nonetheless, she thought it was important to talk to Tk tonight independent of the test answer and the concert.

Probably not, but we need to talk. Can you come over now?

Sure? You ok?

Kari wouldn't have an answer for another fifty-three seconds. See you soon.

Kari closed her eyes and waited for the beep. If it was negative, she and Tk needed to talk about being more careful. They'd been using condoms but it was probably best Kari start the pill or get an IUD - condoms weren't full proof. If is was positive, well...then they had a lot of decisions to make about their future.

It'd been ten months since they started dating. Ten wonderful months. Their daily lives hadn't changed much but their sneakiness and ability to avoid certain questions certainly had. Everyone, except Willis who sent them teasing emails weekly, still had no idea they were together.

Their friends made the usual comments about how close the pair was and how they were made for each other, but no one had actually figured out they were dating. Yolei assumed a few months back that Kari had sworn off men, while the guys tended to think Tk was playing the field given the infrequency he slept at his own apartment. Tk and Kari didn't correct them.

Kari's phone beeped. She hit the button on the side and took a deep breath. She was going to open her eyes on three.

One.

Two.

Two and a half.

Two and three quarters.

Three.

How close are you?

A few blocks away.

Ok.

"Kari," Tk called while letting himself into Kari's apartment. He scanned the kitchen and living room and found her absent. He took off his shoes and started walking to the bedroom. "Kari?"

"In here," Kari called faintly and Tk saw the bathroom door open a few inches. He stopped outside the door.

"Are you okay?"

"Come in."

With concern Tk opened to door and saw Kari sitting on top of the closed toilet with her knees pulled to her chest. Her face was etched with worry.

"Kar-"

Tk noticed the box sitting on the counter and his face paled. This wasn't what he was expecting. Kari held the stick out for him and he reached for it. Positive.

"I should call Matt."

"What!" Kari said bolting up. "You can't. He'll tell Tai."

Tk smiled a little and Kari's frenzy dropped. He may have been shocked, but he was happy.

"I need to tell him I won't be there tonight," Tk leaned in and kissed the corner of Kari's mouth. "I'll tell him I need to go shopping for ice cream, pickles, and peanut butter."

Kari playfully shoved him out of the bathroom, "Don't tell him that!"

Kari listened to Tk laugh before throwing away the unmistakable box and washing her face to cool down. She came out as Tk was hanging up the phone.

"What did you tell him?"

Tk grabbed Kari's hips and pulled her close, "That something super important came up." Kari raised her eyebrows, "He asked if anything was wrong and I told him that everything was perfect and that we ought to meet up for dinner tomorrow."

Kari leaned her forehead on his chest. "Tomorrow?"

"What are you afraid of?"

"Tai will kill you. Matt will kill me."

"You know that won't happen," Tk smiled. "They'll be happy for us."

Kari shook her head, "We screwed this up from the beginning. They're going to hate us for keeping it a secret from them. Why did we do that?"

"According to Willis it's because we're rebellious."

Kari snorted, "Yup, super rebellious. I got knocked up before marriage by a secret boyfriend."

"Kari, don't say that."

"I know, I know," Kari sighed, "I'm sorry. It's been a long day."

Tk grabbed both of her hands and squeezed them tight. He looked into her eyes with pure adoration. It was a mystery why their friends hadn't discovered their secret, he was always broadcasting his love. She was no different as her face turned scarlet.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

"I have a surprise."

Kari snorted, "Is it bigger than mine?"

Tk smiled and led her to the living room where he'd dropped his bag. "Not nearly, but I think it will give you some piece of mind." Tk pulled out his computer and set it on the counter. He clicked to his email and turned the screen to face Kari. She read.

Dear Mr. Takaishi,

The manuscript has been approved by an initial screening team. We would like to discuss further details regarding price, editing, and publishing in the upcoming weeks. Please email us your availability within 24hrs so that we may arrange a meeting.

Sincerely,

Acre Publishing

"It was accepted!" Kari squeaked excitedly and kissed Tk on both cheeks and ended with the lips. He gave her a proud and goofy smile.

"Nothing is official, but I have a good feeling about this. It couldn't be better timing either: I hear dippers cost a fortune. And we should probably buy a bigger apartment. Do you want a wedding before or after giving birth?"

"What?" Kari choked.

Tk smirked, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you Kari. As a friend first, lover second, and of course as a father to your child. I figure we ought to make it legal eventually."

Kari's face was red again but she fought through it and punched Tk's arm, "You're supposed to propose, idiot."

"Am I?" Tk quirked one eyebrow upward, "Okay, give me a minute." Tk ran to Kari's bedroom and she followed. He was rummaging around in one of the drawers of the dresser that she'd designated to him. He pulled out a pair of green socks and slipped a hand inside. When he removed his hand he was holding a box.

"Tk?"

"Kari, you're supposed to be waiting in the kitchen. O'well," he shrugged, "it doesn't matter." Tk crossed the room and kneeled in front of Kari. Both of their hearts were pounding.

"Kari, will you -"

"Yes," Kari squealed and reached for the box.

"Let me finish the question," Tk teased. "Kari, will you take this ring as a promise to be my best friend for the rest of my life?"

"Yes!"

Tk stood opened the box and Kari eagerly took out the ring and slid it on her own finger before throwing her hands around Tk's shoulders.

"This is perfect. You're being perfect. Our life is perfect," Kari sighed. "I want to stay in this moment forever."

"Me, too." Tk kissed the top of her head. "But there's something else we need to do."

"Huh?" Tk led Kari to the living room and started putting on his shoes. "Where are you going?"

"Our friends can wait, but there are four people that deserve to know the truth this very instant: our parents."

Kari paled, "My mom is going to freak. My dad might actually kill you."

Tk kissed Kari's head again, "That's why we ought to do this as soon as possible. No waiting this time."

Hope you enjoyed! if so, please review. ~Xanpluto