Author's note: Digimon belongs to Toei and Bandai. Bittersweet shounen ai warning.

You've grown.

It's hard to believe three years have passed since you've been here.

The Digital World looks brighter already.

And it's all you. Blonde hair, ocean-blue eyes... You know, I always thought your brother was overrated. In comparison to you, anyway, even at the age of 8.

The sun shines brighter, gives off even more warmth...

All because of you.

It's little wonder that in your hands, a pudgy swine can turn into a graceful and powerful angel digimon.

Long before we met face to face, do you know how often I watched you?

You cried so much. Why? The only reason I could think of was that it made your moments of happiness all the more precious.

I wished I could have dried your tears and made you laugh. Would you have been my friend?

And as I saw you grow from your experiences, I grew more afraid. I'd never felt this strongly before.

And then that girl came.

I knew I'd lost any chance I might have had.

She had a digimon that could become an angel, too. Destiny, I suppose.

It was then that I realized you'd never play with me.

You inspired these alien feelings I now recognize as love and jealousy and possessiveness.

I though that if I killed you, these feelings would stop. Or at least, that bitch wouldn't get you.

I'm so sorry, Takeru-chan.

I know I don't deserve to call you that, after all I've done.

But you know what?

I don't think that girl does either.

As my pale spectre watches, I whisper out to you.

Do you hear me?

Takeru stopped in his tracks, letting the others keep on going.

"Ai shiteru, Takeru-chan" the apparition whispered.

"Ai shiteru, Pinnochiomon-chan."