AU: I would like to thank Porque ella estaba enamorada for reviewing my latest chapter. It truly means a lot. Hope this satisfies people until after finals. I will try to update if I can during finals week but I make no promises.


7.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Digimon. Digimon is a product of the mind of Akiyoshi Hongo.

Tai's POV

The days slowly went by... from one day into the next, on and on. Each morning I would meet her at that same bus stop and pick her up, our conversations would consist of topics like; classes, movies, music, our adventures in the digital world, or whatever we felt like talking about. On the weekends we would pal around, go to the mall, maybe watch a movie, or just hang out. Not once did I try to pursue a relationship with Sora other than being a good friend. For that I could sense her relief, as she slowly dropped her guard around me, becoming comfortable.

Most of our close friends knew that we weren't an item and they were okay with that. She had even confided, that by being with me, less guys tried to hit on her. When I though about it, I realized she was right. The guys stopped approaching her after our Sophomore year in college, assuming that we were a couple. As a result I realized that girls had stopped trying to approach me as well but I was okay with it because I was close to Sora. Plus, there was always that chance that she would come around.

She had taken to wearing a thing golden ring on her left hand that had a clear white stone, it looked very much like a diamond engagement ring. When I asked her about it, she laughed, saying that it was glass, and if people thought it was an engagement ring then so be it. I only hoped nobody on my side of the family got the wrong impression, and wished it was mine she was wearing.

My family had come to know and love Sora, they secretly hoped as I did that she would love me in the way that I did her. When my dad had met her he said that seeing us both together reminded him of some old friends. My life was consumed by being with her, my days and evenings were spent either talking with her during school, in the car, on the or on the phone. The whole time she and I became closer friends but that was the way it always ended.

Over time she gradually changed for the better. Sadly, she and I didn't develop any relationship other than a great bonding friendship. We would have done anything for the other, such was the nature of our friendship.

I had talked her into joining an off campus sorority the summer between Sophomore and Junior year of college.

The change during those two years was incredible, she started wearing clothes that seemed more in line with her personality, which was sporty. Her jean preference changed from the baggy, grunge look to a more form fitting style that accentuated her figure. She wore conservative tops and blouses but I had yet to witness her in a dress. I remember being surprised when I saw that she had started wearing makeup which only served to accentuate her gorgeous features.

Although Sora had started dressing in more girly clothes she would never be caught with anything revealing just practical but that wise fine. She was slowly moving toward accepting her feminine side. She was slowly turned into the beautiful young woman that I knew simmered just below the surface. I was just glad to be the only guy she seemed comfortable around.

The best moments I had with her were when I slept. There we were more than friends, we were lovers. I would hold and cuddle with her in my dreams. The nearness and seemingly realness of those moments would stay buried in my brain, carrying me on with a smile throughout the day.

The price of being her friend was frustrating in a sense because here she would stand beside me, but her love, what I wanted more than anything was just beyond my reach. I think she knew I was in love with her but for whatever reason she maintained her distance.

All the while, over the three and a half year span that our friendship bloomed, I had kept in touch with her cousin. Who she later revealed was called Yagami. He was muddling through college like me, seeming to have a love interest but didn't know how to approach her, also like me. He wanted her badly but was afraid to make the first move, I told him that I knew the feeling. It was rough but we agreed that it was well worth the wait.

The best thing about Yagami was that he was there, online, when I needed him the most. I could talk with him about anything, he knew I had a real thing for Sora and wanted to move beyond being her friend. His advice was to take our time and give her plenty of space, I was tired of waiting but he was right. Something was troubling Sora, keeping her at an arms length. I was determined to be there when she was ready, no matter how long it took.

Sora and I were becoming very fond of each others company, but it never would go beyond a pal or chum sort of thing. I loved to hear her laugh, so much that I would make a joke at my expense just to hear her light giggle. The sound of it made me smile long after we would part company.

I found over those years that she was quite athletic, well she liked sports. Her competitive nature made her so much fun to tease, but that never stopped Sora, she wasn't afraid to go at me in a game of Soccer. She actually wasn't that bad, but would laugh when I suggested she try out for our college team. Her excuse, schoolwork. She was right I suppose, graduating from college was important.

This past summer I had invited Sora to go along with my family and I to the beach for some fun in the sun. She went but not one time did I see her in anything other than shorts and a light shirt. Secretly, I had hoped that at least once I would get to see her in something a bit more revealing, but it wasn't meant to be. Although, what I had seen wasn't terrible, just covered. Plus, she did have spectacular looking legs, so it wasn't a complete loss.

The best moment, that I fondly think back on was when she and I were walking along the beach with the sunset in the background, letting the waves wash across our bare feet. We were in a normal conversation about our first trip to the digital world as we walked along, slowly approaching four guys playing sand volleyball. They had noticed we weren't holding hands and assumed that we were just friends. One particular guy, which looked like the body builder type, called out to her. She ignored him, then he shouted something like, "Hey buddy ask your friend if she'd like to touch my muscle." That brought a chorus of laughter from his friends.

I'm not the biggest guy around but at 5'11 and 176 pounds, I can hold my own pretty well. I hesitated for only a moment and felt her small hand grasp mine. "Come on Tai, don't pay them any attention," she said low so only I could hear her.

I remember walking along with her for a few steps when I realized that she never let go of my hand, I assumed that she was trying to make the guys watching think we were lovers and believe me, there were plenty of guys watching. I didn't care, she was leaning in against me brushing my elbow. Then, as if to add to their preying eyes, she slowly circled her other hand around my arm. I could never recall a time that I wished I could freeze more than that one, I wanted to walk on like this for eternity.

We walked like this as the setting sun slowly painted the sky with an orange and purple hue. Almost a half mile of shoreline passed before she let go, I think she realized then that she was still clinging to my arm. The removal of her loving embrace saddened me because it felt so natural to to have her close to me. The best part of the experience was that since then, anytime she felt a bit threatened she wouldn't hesitate to hold my hand and give the illusion to those watchful eyes that we were an item. I didn't care, I was in heaven.

School began, and we were now entering into our Senior year. I couldn't believe that this was the last year we would be coming back to this campus. I was only a few classes shy of my degree in Industrial Engineering, while Sora was finishing up her Bachelors in Elementary Education. She would make a great teacher since she was so good with kids.

Life trudged along, seasons slowly changed from late summer heat to the crisp coolness of Autumn. Slowly, that too gave way to the rush of the Christmas season and the light feathery snow of early winter. I had just parked in our usual spot and we got out, gradually Sora and I made our way across campus toward the hall where we shared that first class during Freshman year.

I wanted to ask her something but felt at a loss for words, she knew I had something on my mind and as usual, didn't press me to divulge my thoughts. I pulled up short by a great pine tree and with the light snowflakes swirling softly in the gentle wind, she stopped too pulling her blue hat down over her beautiful tiny ears.

"Well... um Sora, I was wondering if you had any plans over the holiday?" I said while looking at her.

"Nothing much... why?" Her breath hung in a cloud until it was pushed away by a light breeze.

"The folks have a cabin near Hokkaido and I asked them if you could come up with me. Uh... that is if you want to."

It seemed that my blood was rushing out my toes as I felt weak and cold. "I'll understand if you don't want to go along."

She smiled, her auburn hair peeking out from under the hat she wore. "Sure... sounds like fun."

I grinned at her, even though she was all bundled up for winter, I could see the glorious beauty that was hidden from most. She continued as we turned toward the building, "it's been quite a while since i've skied. I used to go all the time when I was a kid with my parents. My dad was never any good at it but he always went with us just to spend time with my mom and me."

"So where is it again what we'll be staying?" she asked as we approached the classroom where I had to leave her.

"It's a cool cabin up in the mountains, not far from all the lifts and lodges." We stopped before the door, "my folks have been going there for years but it has been 3 years since we last went out there.

"Its been a while since i've been skiing," she smiled and reached for the doorknob. "I'll wait for you in the lobby after class, okay?"

"Sure," I smiled as she quickly spun and the long length of hair that extended past her hat was suddenly flipped outward. "I'll see you after class."

"I'll be waiting, just watch for my smiling face," she laughed. I slowly closed my eyes and wished that would be true, only I wanted her to be the first face I saw when I awoke, and the last I saw before sleep.

She was true to her word, as soon as class ended and I entered the lobby, she was there. I saw her long before she realized that I was nearing her, sitting comfortably at the end of the long couch with her legs tucked up under her. She was slowly leafing through a magazine while other students in the room were watching soap opera's. I watched her throw it back on a table as I stepped into the lobby, it was the most recent copy of Soccer Illustrated.

She noticed me coming toward her and smiled. "Hey Tai," she started to gather up her books. "So, where do you want to eat today?"

I shrugged my shoulder. "Anyplace is fine," but in my mind I couldn't help but think, 'as long as it's with you.' But I wouldn't dare say that to her, instead I just smiled.

"Well... how about Fernanda's," she suggested while she put her coat and scarf on.

She picked up two thick books from the table and balanced them one arm, but before she could, grabbed the strap of her book bag. "Here let me help you."

She laughed, "what a gentleman." Then watched me hoist it over my own shoulder.

"If you're going to carry that for me, then i'll take this." She took my book and added it to the ones in her arms.

I used my back to force the door open, holding it for her to pass, "You sure about Fernanda's?" Once she was through I let the door go and followed. "It's kind of messy."

"That's half the fun of it," she giggled. "There isn't anything better than a messy barbeque lunch." She used her hip to bump into me playfully.

I laughed and bumped her back. This was why I loved her, she was unlike any girl I had ever met. Sure she was beautiful but for a dainty little thing to love western style barbeque was quite rare. She loved playing sports, reading sports magazines, and watching soccer with me. I smiled as I watched her walk down the steps toward the sidewalk, the funniest thing was that she probably knew more about soccer than I did. People sitting around us at games seemed surprised that she could tell who was on the field just by watching their play styles. Most of them would look at me really envious wishing their wives or girlfriends had her knowledge of the game.

We crossed the campus with astonishment, as the light snow had managed to cover the campus in a sheet of white. As we approached the lot, I was trying to figure out how I would fish out my keys when she beat me to the punch. Setting the three books she had been holding on my beat up Camero, she smiled and raised her eyebrows playfully, "which pocket?"

I was a bit surprised, but managed to open my mouth. "Uh... right side."

She then gave me a grin and pulled the glove from her hand. "Now this doesn't mean we're engaged."

I felt her slim hand enter my pocket and was wishing that my keys were closer to my crotch, just for that small innocent thrill. But what she was doing was enough to flavor my imagination. I soon heard the jingle of my keys as she pulled them into view. "Well that wasn't too painful, was it?" she smiled.

I laughed as she opened the door and deposited the bags into the back seat. "No but now I feel like I should be smocking a cigarette."

She shoved me from behind, causing me to fall partially into the car. "You are so going to pay!" She laughed and ran across a bit of grass to get away, it didn't work because I made a snow ball from what had gathered on the car and threw it at her.

I began to smile when she tried to duck from my throw and ended up on her back in the snow laughing uncontrollably. I walked on across and helped her up, brushing the snow from her clothes. She still giggled as she threw a handful of snow into my face that se had hidden in her hand.

"You're a stinker." I snatched her hat and wiped the snow off my face, causing her long auburn hair to fall about her shoulders. She quickly grabbed it back and pulled it on, tucking her hair under its protective material.

I turned and began to walk to my car when I was suddenly blindsided by a weight on my back, throwing me off balance and in the snow. I knew almost the instant it happened what she had done, as I fell foward into the snow. "I am so getting you back!" I pulled her off and scrambled to my feet.

She was laying there with a goofy look on her face, no sound coming from her mouth. I wasn't sure whether she was hurt or laughing, it was soon revealed though. She took a big breath and began to laugh, rolling on the ground and holding her stomach.

I picked up a small handful of snow and sprinkled it on her face, she was laughing too hard to notice. She was even making me laugh, as I took her by the hand and helped her up. My only problem was that her uncontrollable laughter was making it hard for her to stay standing on her own, let alone walk. I picked her up and slung her over my shoulders and made my way to the car. I deposited her, still laughing into the passenger seat and made sure to buckle her in.

I closed her door and walked around to my side and climbed in, she was just beginning to calm down. Smiling I buckled myself up and put the key into the ignition, starting the car. "I told you I would would get you back." She began to laugh again, I just smiled and shook my head.