My first attempt at Sorato. Hope you like it!
She was sick and tired. Sick of waiting for him all the time and tired of waiting. It was always the same. She'd be sitting on the couch, watching the clock tick, having the moments go past like traffic, just waiting for him to come home. His reasons were basically band practices, concerts, band practices, band gatherings, band celebrations, band this, band that! She tried staying supportive, she did. But having a drunken boyfriend stumbling into the apartment every night was NOT funny. The following morning, she'd be standing next to him while he suffers the effects of a hangover. Raking a hand through her red hair in frustration, Sora grabbed her bags and kicked open the door. She didn't bother leaving a note: she doubted that he'd notice her disappearance; after all, she sometimes smelt the lady's perfume lingering on him. What she did not expect was Matt himself, slumped on the floor outside of the door. Sora screamed and dropped her bags. He blinked; looking up at her blearily.
"Where're you going?" He asked, looking doleful. She nearly fell for it, she nearly did. Grabbing up her bags, she ignored him and headed towards the lift. "Well…?" He called after her. She stopped short, his voice sounded slurred, yet, there was a hint of longing, pain and confusion in it. Sora placed down her bags and turned around to look at the blonde boy on the floor. She wanted to yell and stamp her feet, but she caught that lost look on his face. It was like a small boy in the middle of a crowded shopping mall. Wiping her tears away deftly, she pulled the boy onto his feet and led him into the apartment. He fell onto the leather couch while Sora went into the kitchen to make hot chocolate.
She cursed her soft heart.
Re-entering the living room, she saw Matt lying fully stretched on the couch. Forcing him into a sitting position, Sora offered him the cup of hot chocolate. Groaning, Yamato sipped the hot liquid before pulling Sora closer to him. "It felt like…" His voice was soft and small, just like when he was young. "The day my mom took TK and left," Sora froze. She didn't know much of his past, due to his absence and kept nature. His breath tickled her hair and his arms locked her closer to him. Burying his face into her hair, he left it there. "Remember prom?" Matt smiled. "You looked so beautiful in your dress," His hand slipped down her leg. "That was when I decided that I had to have you and keep you."
Sora and Yamato didn't attend prom together; Sora had in fact, went with Koushiro while Matt went alone. It was the night when Matt confessed his love for Sora and whisked her away before the dance drew to a close. Koushiro understood; he didn't get mad when he found out. After all, Matt and Sora was the obvious couple of the digidestined. Prom was the night Sora finally felt the effects of true love. She looked at the blonde straight in the eye. 'Is he sober?' However, Matt had to destroy that moment by chortling. "What's the matter?" He drawled. "Checking me out?"
'Nope, he's still drunk.' Sora attempted to struggle out of his grip but he held her tight. "Do you remember…?" He started, snuggling onto the crook of her neck.
"I remember everything, Matt," Sora threw him off. "If I didn't, this wouldn't be so hard." He blinked.
"What wouldn't be so hard?" He slurred. Sora took a deep breathe.
"Nevermind, go to sleep, yeah?" She took the cup of hot chocolate.
"Come here," He spread his arms.
"Uh, I'm going to wash the cup." Sora shrank away. His arms fell to his sides.
"Right," He muttered as he sank onto the sofa. Retreating into the kitchen, Sora took her time washing that cup. Wiping her hands, she saw Matt already out like a light on the couch. Dumping the cloth on the table, Sora pulled open the front door and walked out.
Sunlight hit the smooth face of Matt Ishida. He winced and slowly sat up, rubbing his throbbing head. 'Fuck,' He thought darkly. Standing up, a wave of nausea crashed on him and he hurtled towards the bathroom. It was a familiar feeling, so routine, he knew Sora would be by his side by no time. Slumped in front of the toilet, Matt waited. Yet, the apartment seemed eerily quiet. "SORA…?" Matt yelled as he slowly stood up. His throat felt as if sawdust was permanently stuck to the roof of his mouth. 'Where was Sora?' He scowled. Shuffling to the kitchen, he gulped down a bottle of water. Sora was probably out buying him breakfast or something. Shrugging it off, Matt grabbed another bottle of water and went to take a shower.
He pulled open his cupboard and the bottle of water fell to the floor. "No, no, no…" He bit his lip. The next thing Matt did was to dive for the phone and start dialing. The cupboard was left open; Sora's half of it empty and stripped free of her clothes.
"Thanks for letting me stay here, Kou," Sora smiled at the fellow redhead boy who was her prom date. After prom, her friendship with him strengthened and he still teased her about it. Now, she had taken refuge in his apartment.
"Hey, no problem," He grinned. "Anything for an ex-prom date," Sora sighed heavily and sat down on the dining room chair. "But seriously, I don't think running away is the best solution to your relationship problem-"
"I'm not running away," Sora growled. Koushiro quickly changed his words.
"Right, right…shouldn't you talk to him or something?" Koushiro asked, drinking his cup of coffee. Sora laughed dryly.
"Name me ONE time in the day when I can truly, honest to god, have a talk with him." Sora retorted. Koushiro fell silent. "Thought so,"
"Eh Heh, Heh," Koushiro scratched his head. "But it'll all work out, right?" Glancing at the clock, he turned back to Sora. "Better get breakfast huh?"
"I could cook," Sora stood up.
"Ah…I know you can," Koushiro grinned. "Go right ahead, the kitchen's yours," At that moment, the telephone rang. He picked up. "Hello? Oh, Matt…?" Sora immediately started shaking her head. Getting the message, Koushiro acted surprised and concerned. "WHAT?? Sora's missing? Uh huh…ok…ok…relax, Matt…ok, I'll be there." Hanging up, Koushiro spoke fast. "Matt called a search party and the gang's meeting up…you can take care of your own breakfast right?" Sora nodded. "Good, I've got to go. I may be gone all day, because I know Matt won't rest until he finds you, so…take care." With that, Koushiro whipped on his jacket and left the apartment.
Koushiro burst into the usual café where the digidestined would always meet. There, the group was already gathered. Mimi was red-eyed and tearing. Kari and Yolei had worry lines on their foreheads. Tai was looking pissed-off and very angry. Joe had his arms crossed, his brain probably trying to make sense of it all. TK and Davis were arguing. Cody and Ken, in between them, were calming them down. Matt had his head buried in his arms on the table. "Fill me in," Koushiro slid into a seat, making sure he had no sign of guilt on his face.
"Apparently, Matt woke up and found Sora gone." Tai said heatedly. Mimi burst into fresh sobs, while Kari and Yolei tried to assure her.
"She couldn't have gone too far," Joe said slowly. "Knowing Sora, she's probably still in the area. After all, she isn't the type to run away from situations."
"So what are we waiting for?" Davis stood up energetically. "Let's go find Sora!"
"But what are we going to do??" Cody spoke up. "She could be ANYWHERE!"
"Cody's right," Ken agreed. "Besides, if Sora was kidnapped," There was a collective gasp around the group. "We have to be careful."
"Fine," Tai let his leadership instincts take over. "We have to split up the girls; they need a guy with them." Ignoring the girls' protests, he continued. "Okay, Davis, you're going with-"
"Kari!" He finished quickly.
"No way, I'm going with TK!" Kari shot back.
"DAVIS, you're going with Yolei. Ken; you go with Cody. TK; you're with my sister. Joe goes with Koushiro. Matt and Mimi are with me. Any questions…?" A steel glint flickered in Tai's eye, daring anyone to object. Since there was none, Tai continued with the designated places. They were to meet up again at the café at five sharp.
"So what did you do this time?" Tai asked Matt aloud. He was going to wring the truth out of Matt, even if it meant him literally wringing Matt's neck. Mimi hiccupped; she managed to stop herself from crying. Matt ran a hand through his hair. He refused to talk and that just riled Tai up even more. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" Tai snarled as he grabbed Matt by the front of his shirt. Matt glared at him.
"Tai," He started calmly. "I really don't want to take your shit right now. I want to find Sora so let me go." He emphasized the last three words. Tai snarled and drew back his fist.
"Tai, don't!" Mimi squealed as she launched herself onto Tai's arm. "Now's not the time, we need to find Sora!" As Sora's name processed through Tai's head, he let his fist drop. He glared coolly at Matt before letting go of Matt's shirt. Brushing his bangs away from his face, Matt scanned the beach but he was disappointed.
'Where IS she?' He mourned.
"Phew, to think I'd be circling the city to find a friend!" Joe wiped the perspiration off his forehead. "At least I get exercise now, rather than staying shut up in the laboratory!" Koushiro laughed nervously as the two turned the bend. They had searched Sora's favorite CD shop and the park and were making their way to her favorite sports shop. "Where'd you think she is, Koushiro?"
"Huh, huh, what…?" Koushiro sputtered. He was immersed in his own thoughts and failed to hear what Joe said.
"Are you okay? You're acting weird…" Joe peered at his flustered friend.
"UH…!" Koushiro drew back quickly. "I'm f-fine!" Blinking suspiciously, Joe decided to leave him alone. Soon, the two were right in front of Koushiro's block of apartments.
"Hey, mind if I get a drink at your place before we continue our search?" Joe inquired as he turned to Koushiro.
"What?? I-I…um…well…We can't!" Koushiro quickly replied. Joe raised an eyebrow.
"Why? Is there something wrong, Koushiro?"
"My apartment is…is…really dirty!" He spat out, his brain raking for excuses. Joe snorted.
"YOUR apartment is dirty?? I don't think so. I can suffer a few dust bunnies for a while." Joe started towards the lift. Koushiro panicked and ran after him.
"A-as in…it's really, REALLY dirty, you know…it's going to be hazardous to your health!!!" Koushiro blurted out. He had to keep Joe from finding out about Sora! "B-Because I haven't been cleaning for some time and well…I'm really embarrassed about it, actually." Koushiro continued, succeeding in flushing with shame. Joe regarded him thoughtfully.
"I think I can take it," Joe took a deep breath. "Yeah, I think I can." He made his way to the life determinedly. Koushiro gasped: he had to stop Joe NOW!!!!! But it was too late, Joe had just entered the lift and Koushiro had no choice but to get in too. "You're really acting very weird, Kou," Joe frowned at the redhead. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, yeah," Koushiro muttered. He just prayed that Sora wouldn't kill him for this. Unlocking his door, the two stepped into Koushiro's apartment; which was, literally sparkling clean.
"Dirty, huh?" Joe remarked sarcastically. He peered down at the tiled floor. "Good grief, I bet you can eat off it."
"Heh, Heh," Koushiro rubbed his head sheepishly. "I…happen to have very high standards." 'Maybe Sora hears Joe's voice and stays inside!' Koushiro thought.
"Koushiro…?" Sora's voice floated out.
"Ack!!! Yeah…?" Koushiro replied, perspiring profusely. Sora emerged and Joe's jaw dropped.
"S-Sora…?" Joe exclaimed. "W-what's going on here?? You were hiding her here all the while??" Sora intervened.
"Koushiro didn't hide me, Joe; I came here on my own accord. Please, don't tell Matt!" Sora begged. Joe crossed his arms and fell silent. He was overwhelmed. This was WAY too much drama for one day! "Come on, Joe! I just need time away from Matt!"
"I don't think this is the right solution!" Joe argued. "Think, Sora!! Matt will be furious! He'd probably kill Koushiro for keeping you from him!"
"But Koushiro's not keeping me away from Matt! I'm the one who wants to be away from him. Besides, do you think I'd let Matt land a hand on Kou??" Sora defended. Joe scratched his head with frustration.
"Okay, I'll keep this secret…but I still don't think this is right."
"That's what I told her, but she won't listen." Koushiro piped up. Sora threw herself onto the couch, pouting. Joe removed his glasses and polished them.
"Well, it is their affairs and we should just be offering support." Joe concluded. Sora looked up.
"THANK YOU!" She cried.
"But, he really misses you, Sor," Joe said gently. She rolled her eyes.
"Oh sure, after how many hours exactly…?" Sora demanded. "Don't bother, Joe."
"Well, Koushiro and I have to get a move on, it's nearly five and we have to meet up with the rest." Joe sighed. "You sure about what you're doing, Sora?"
"More than ever," The stubborn redhead replied. With that, the two left.
"Any luck?" Tai asked when Koushiro and Joe as they approached the group. They shook their heads. Everyone groaned while Mimi dissolved into renewed sobs. The atmosphere was tense and depressed. Davis, for once, was subdued. Nobody was eating or drinking. They were all thinking.
"Where could she be???" Mimi wailed. "We've searched everywhere!"
"We can't give up yet!" Ken spoke up.
"But what if she's been kidnapped??" Kari gazed up worriedly at Tai.
"I'd doubt she is," Cody replied. "Besides, her clothes are gone right? She couldn't have been kidnapped if they are."
"So you mean…she left by choice?" Tai straightened. His head snapped towards Matt. Before anyone could stop him, Tai seized Matt with both hands. "WHAT DID YOU DO, ISHIDA??" He shook him back and forth, his face twisted with fury.
"Tai, STOP!" Joe stood up. Joe and Davis yanked Tai away while Koushiro and Ken pulled Matt to a safe distance.
"I SWEAR I'LL TEAR YOU FROM LIMB TO LIMB!" Tai howled as Joe and Davis dragged him further away. Shooting an anguished look at Matt, Kari dashed at the direction where Tai went. "LET ME FREAKING GO!!!" They could still hear his voice.
"Are you okay, Matt?" Ken asked. The boy in question brushed them off and made his exit.
"What are we going to do, Koushiro?" Cody looked at the older digidestined.
And for once in a very long time, Koushiro had no idea.
Matt flopped down on the sand. He was at the beach, brooding. Taking out his harmonica, he turned it over several times in his hands. He was sick and tired. He was sick of Tai, tired of searching. It was only one day, but it felt like eternity. 'Where are you?' He thought aloud. Gazing out at the sea, the water surface reflected the orange hue of the sky. The night was falling, and the sky was stained with shades of blue, orange, red and yellow. Matt could make out Sora's features on the sky: her bright amber eyes, her soft lips, her smooth skin, everything. He bit his lip, this was pathetic. He was Yamato Ishida, he could anything. Putting the harmonica to his lips, he played the familiar song he usually played in the Digital World.
'I'll find her, even if I have to search the ends of the world.' Matt vowed.
It was the first night he was stone cold sober.
So what do you think? REVIEW PLEASE.