Shower of Kisses

I let him wash first; after all, he is still a guest. He beckons me to join him at first, but that would lead to other unrelated activities. And that would sort of defeat the purpose of showering, wouldn't it?

The sound of the water running fills the apartment, and I can almost feel the hot water drenching me… Oh, that will be so relaxing! I cannot wait.

I walk back to the room and survey the damage. Sigh. We have our work cut out for us. I start by taking our clothes off of the bed and floor and drape them over the computer chair. Well, it's a start.

I can't help but wonder what my Taichi-san is thinking, feeling. I hope that he is not having regrets. Me? …I don't know yet.

Really – Taichi-san cannot possibly change so drastically overnight. That is impossible for anyone, I think. What am I expecting? That perhaps it will change him into a completely different person? Someone unrecognizable? (In terms of personality, anyway.) Perhaps I will change his attitude, his perspective… I mean, obviously something will change with these new-found feelings for me. (I still blush in excitement at the thought!) But can a person really transform so suddenly?

This change…it is no doubt significant and monumental. But cutting his hair…him feeling this for me…does that truly change his personality?

No. At least, I do not think so.

He's been in the shower for awhile… The water's sound is like a river's. I'd think he would take a shorter one since he has much less hair to wash. But I suppose he is savoring the heat, as will I.

I look down at my bed. Hmm…it's been awhile since I've washed my comforter. I suppose it's time to clean it anyway.

But at the same time…I almost don't want to. The smell is almost putrid, yes, but…it has the traces, the presence of my Taichi-san. To sleep in that every night…

I shiver. No. I am delusional. There is no way that is sanitary… I get too wrapped-up in him sometimes and discard all logic. I throw the comforter on the ground.

I continue by pulling off the covers from my bed and throwing them on top of the comforter, making a pile on the floor.

Ah…it has leaked onto the mattress…

"Oh…my bad."

I turned around and find glorious Taichi-san standing behind me, dripping wet and a towel around his waist. His hair is mattered to his head, and it is so strange!

"Well, it's my fault as well," I remind him, my cheeks warming a little. I stare at his torso, tiny droplets gliding down his abdomen, so strong and beautiful…reminiscent of how he looked during that one embarrassing dilemma I had a few years ago. Yet it still amazes me how a few faint lines can awaken my senses as much as they do.

"True." He winks. "It'll dry clear, actually. Don't worry about it; your mom won't notice, if that's what you're worried about."

"Ah…okay," I reply, not able to resist chuckling to myself, realizing why Taichi-san would know such information. I, personally, am not so careless. "Well, I'm going to throw all of this in the wash and then get in the shower. Can you put new sheets on for me?"

"Of course." He leans down and kisses my forehead. "So…should I get dressed?" He grins mischievously.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, Taichi-san. Your clothes are right there." I point to the computer chair.

"Aw, that's no fun!" He punches my shoulder.

"Come on, Taichi-san."

"I know, I know."

I scoop up the blankets into my arms and walk over to the laundry room. Our wet clothes from earlier have been clean for awhile, so I switch them over to the dryer. I set-up the washing machine again for the blankets, and then I quickly go back to the room to grab my clothes so I can change in the bathroom after I shower.

"I still say it's no fun," Taichi-san teases, finally fully-clothed. I almost feel relieved because of it.

I take my clothes and shake my head as I quickly retreat from the room. "You know that is stepping into dangerous territory."

"Well, we've always escaped dangerous territory generally untouched…" Taichi-san continues, his voice still not devoid of the teasing tone.

"I would hardly describe us as 'untouched'…or our Digimon partners 'untouched.'" I raise an eyebrow as I stand in the doorway.

"Aw, come on, Kou, play along!" He winks at me again, and I can feel his eyes on me, just like mine were on him.

I swallow. "I'm going to shower now." And I head towards the bathroom before he can say anything more.

The mirror is completely foggy, and the air is humid, as though there are tiny droplets floating through the air…the same droplets that coated Taichi-san skin. I pull down my boxers and stare at myself in the mirror, the image distorted because of the steam. Did Taichi-san truly think I was beautiful? Is this his idea of beauty – my naked body, which I see every day and is nothing unusual to me? What is it about it that makes it that way?

But then I think about what makes Taichi-san so beautiful, and I suppose that is also hard to describe.

I step into the shower, slide the curtain shut, and turn it on. I take a deep breath and sigh happily as the water cloaks me in warmth. I simply stand there for a few long minutes, savoring the feeling of every molecule of mine prickling peacefully with heat, buoyant thoughts of Taichi-san omnipresent in my mind.

Suddenly, I remember that carnal look in his eye, and I remember thinking: Of course he doesn't love me yet. How could he love me so soon, after all of these years of looking at me as a friend? Yet at the same time, the act…the act was of so much love, made of so much love, that it was impossible of being devoid of it.

And now, as I think about it, I've always thought that if I have lustful thoughts or fantasies about Taichi-san, it cannot be pure love. But after this…how could I have ever believed that in the first place? How could anyone think of such a thing? Yes, I understand how it could potentially bring very terrible consequences in some cases, and it can be abused to the point that it has no meaning, but this…this is different.

This is an act that has been so hated, so detested in the public eye, yet there are few who live long lives and do not partake in it. Marriage is not marriage without consummation. Then why is it so sinful? And why is this love – the love between me and Taichi-san – an especially sinful one? I have already decided that it is ridiculous.

I suppose what is most important is that I have finally understood the act. Of course Taichi-san was mostly lustful; it is the nature of hormones and he was only discovering himself…discovering me. And me… I was discovering him in a way I only ashamedly dreamed of, and now, I am not ashamed. I am…amazed – no – in awe at the power of it. And while I have my own carnal desires, it will never be solely to fulfill those; it will always be for my Taichi-san.

"Hey, Kou? You okay in there?"

I burst from my thoughts. How long have I just been standing here, thinking?

"Um, almost done, Taichi-san!" I call back.

I hastily wash my hair and body, dry myself in a rush, brush my teeth, and throw on my clothes, which are still clean.

"There's an extra toothbrush you can use," I tell him as I walk back into my room.

"Already used it. You know I always have to use it every time I sleepover 'cause I always forget mine." He winks at me.

"Ah, yes. Always." I smile at him as I walk over to my closet.

"I was thinking…" Taichi-san begins. "Do you think Hikari will be suspicious that I never called to say I was sleeping over? I mean, I've done that impulsively before without getting my stuff or anything, but I've always called."

I shrug as I pull out a blanket. "I doubt that would be the first thing to come to her mind, at least. She probably thought that we just fell asleep or something." I start dragging out the futon – the same one he always sleeps on when he stays over.

"Aw, Kou! You're kidding, right? I'm not allowed to snuggle with you?" He walks over and nuzzles against me like a cat.

I blush and reply, "Taichi-san, I don't want to get caught-up again. Then we'll have to do this exact routine all over again."

He just sighs and shakes his head. "You confuse me to no end. You say that you've loved me for six years, then when I finally realize that I care for you that way, too, you push me away." He raises an eyebrow. "What gives?"

"Well…I don't want our relationship to turn too physical…" I admit. While I will gladly perform that ritual over and over again, I know that a relationship whose base is built on that will not be a good one.

"I know. I don't either. But…" He pauses. "Who knows when we'll have an opportunity like this again?"

"I'm sure there will be, Taichi-san, don't worry. Besides, what if my parents decide to come home early for whatever reason? That would be a pretty awful way for them to find out about us…"

"You have a point there." He sighs again and shrugs. "Well, I do have a soccer game, and if I'm in the same bed with you, I probably won't be able to sleep. Too distracted." He winks at me.

I roll my eyes. "Very funny, Taichi-san. Well, why don't you check your cell phone to see if anyone called you? I'll set this up. I put it on the counter in the laundry room."

"Oh, shoot, does it still work?" he asks frantically. "And does yours?"

"Yes, both of them are fine." I raise my eyebrow at him. "But my wallet was another story. Think things through next time you impulsively decide to go swimming in Tokyo Bay."

"Hey," he says defensively, "if we hadn't gone swimming, none of this would've happened. Or it at least wouldn't have happened for another few years. Or maybe even ever-!"

"Alright, Taichi-san," I laugh, "you've made your point."

He grins at me as he goes out into the hall, and I place the futon parallel to my bed, setting out a pillow and blanket for him as well. He comes back with both of our phones, and he's listening to his.

"We both have a few missed calls," he tells me. "Hikari left two on each of ours, and I saw that your parents called."

"Probably to check up on me," I reply. "I'll call them when it's a decent hour." What time is it anyway…?

The red symbols flash 5:19 AM. Well, I can't say that I'm too surprised.

Then I notice my chemistry book lying on my desk, and know that there is no possibility that I will ever be able to bring myself to pick it up and look at it this weekend. And I chuckle, because in the end, it was almost like leaving it in my locker, like Taichi-san said to do in the first place.

"Taichi-san-"

"Hold on, it's Hikari." He was listening to a voicemail. After a few moments, he shut his phone. "Just as you thought. She said she figured we fell asleep and that she wants me to call in the morning. Oh, and that Takeru is coming to my soccer game." He rolls his eyes.

"What's wrong with Takeru-kun?" I ask. "Is there anyone else you would prefer Hikari-san to date?"

"I don't want her dating at all!" he exclaims.

"Well, I know they aren't," I comment calmly, "but if you had to choose?"

He chews on this for a moment before sighing. "I know it's probably inevitable that they'll end up getting together. And it's not Takeru that bothers me. It's just…" A pause. "She's my little sister, you know?"

I nod. "I understand. Well, personally, if you want my opinion, I think that they suit each other very nicely."

"Apparently Mimi-chan keeps asking Hikari in her emails if they've finally gotten together yet." He rolls his eyes again. "While it may be inevitable, she doesn't need to push for it."

"Well…what do you think Hikari-san will say when she finds out about us?" I whisper.

He pauses again. Then, "I don't know, honestly. I think she'll be surprised, but happy for us. I mean, it's my sister for Pete's sake."

I can't help but grin as a thought comes over me. "Well…she did say that she was going to kill me if I touched you…"

Taichi-san laughs. "Oh, trust me. That won't be happening." He gives me another wink.

I laugh, too. "No, but seriously, I think that's how most of the Chosen Children will react." He nods in agreement. "I…I still can't help but feel nervous, though."

"Hey. Don't think I'm totally insensitive to your anxiety. But…" He gives me a reassuring smile. "It'll be okay."

And I nod. "I know."

We gaze at each for a few moments, and suddenly, he kisses me. And I kiss back, tender and loving. But then he curves his hand around my head, and suddenly, I feel the heat, the attraction, the vibrations all over again. He kisses me deeply and fiercely, and I return it just as ferociously, deeper and deeper... God, it's incredible, how it sucks me back into it so quickly, and how easily I surrender... Mmm...

But I pull back. No. We cannot get caught-up again.

I don't have to say anything. He just looks at me, drops his hands, and knows. Then he smiles.

"Bedtime?"

I chuckle. "It will be about time."

So we both slip into our own separate dwellings, tiredness begging to take our eyes. And though my skin may not be touching Taichi-san's...I am happy.

So we face one another, fixing on one another, savoring each other's eyes, until mine begin to flutter...

And I drift into sleep...into dreams...into memories of my Taichi-san and me from ages past...

Do I say good morning or good night?

A/N: In the "Samson" timeline, the next four chapters overlap with those in Taichi's POV. Originally, I was planning on having Koushirou be awake and thinking back on everything that happened. However, as I looked ahead while writing this chapter, I came to realize that I was going to dread writing them, and I didn't think the readers would enjoy that either. So I basically fit everything I really wanted to say in this chapter.

The next four chapters are going to be four of Koushirou's dreams. They are real memories from his and Taichi's friendship that stick out in his mind. All of them have already been mentioned, if not briefly.

I want to liven-up and change-up the story a bit. So in a way, I'm giving you four one-shots, and most of them will be humorous, but significant.

Hope you enjoy!