Author's Note: Thank you everyone for following this story! Enjoy this conclusion 3 It's a little spicy.

10

Tai laughed as Sora jumped back and forth on her feet. "C'mon, Sor you have like four pairs of socks on your feet can't be that cold." She shook her head, practically running across the crosswalk as the light indicated they could cross.

"Yeah well I should've put on five pairs of socks!" She yelled over her shoulder as she ran to the stairwell of the apartment complex, "Hurry it up, Tai! I'm going to lose both of my feet at this rate!"

Chuckling, Tai jogged across the parking lot and followed Sora up the stairs, "Jeez, speed racer. Careful running out there it's icy." He muttered his warning as he pulled his keys, "My place or yours?"

Sora shook her head, "I don't have my keys. Mimi said she would lock up on her way out." Sora leaned down and began to unlace her boots.

Tai smirked as he pulled his keys from his pocket, fumbling with the lock before pushing the door open. Sora hurried in, tripping over her untied shoelace as she turned towards the bathroom. She landed on the ground, "Oof," she let out an annoyed groan as she ripped her boots from her feet and began pulling the layers of socks off, "I'm a goner. I can't even feel my toes anymore!"

Tai tried to hold back his laughter as Sora struggled, knowing she really was cold, "I'll go fill the tub with hot water for your feet." She gave him a nod, the woman on her fourth pair of socks.

Tai began to fill the tub, finally letting out his laugh as he heard the stomps of her feet on the wooden floor of the hallway.

"Move it or lose it, Kamiya," Sora said as she pushed past Tai to stand in the warm water. The water burned her cold feet, letting out a small scream as the pain from cold feet becoming warm hit her, "Oh it was bad. I'm done for!"

Tai shook his head, "You're going to be fine I'll go make us some tea." Sora nodded, handing him her coat as she sat on the edge of the tub and sighed as the feeling began to return to her feet. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her cheek before walking back to the living room.

Snow began to fall outside. Tai leaned against the window and let his eyes follow the snow as it fell to the snow-covered ground. He smiled, remembering the cold kisses him and Sora shared in the snow. Tai could hardly believe it had worked out. All of the years he had a crush on her, he never thought she would feel the same way.

Tai heard the tub beginning to drain from down the hall. He chuckled, shaking his head. I always told her her low irons levels would come to get her if she stopped taking her supplements. "I almost forgot," he muttered quietly as he disappeared into his room. He opened the drawer by his bed and grabbed a small box. The box was wrapped terribly, the wrapping paper wrinkled and the corners of the box rounded and uneven.

"Taichi?" He heard Sora's voice from the other room. Quickly stuffing the small box into the pocket of his pants, Tai left his room.

"Feet feeling better?" He asked. Sora glanced over her shoulder, smirked as she rolled her eyes. She was looking out the window, watching the snow fall like Tai had done just minutes before.

"Much better, thank you," she sighed, "I really thought four pairs of socks would be good enough this time." Tai smirked, "Or maybe if you took your iron…"

She held up a finger, "Don't even bring up the iron supplements this is definitely a circulation problem." He opened his mouth to reply, but Sora stopped him again, "Circulation problem."

"Sure sure," he shrugged, pulling the box from his pocket, "I got you something."

Sora glanced at the box, doing a double take, "Shit is it Christmas Eve? I'm so far from prepared oh my god." She pressed her forehead to the window, "I haven't even shopped for gifts!"

"Sora calm down Christmas is in like three weeks I just wanted to give you this early," his words were mixed with laughter. He pushed the box towards her, "I wrapped it myself and everything."

Sora's lips pulled into a wide smile, a laugh escaping as she grabbed the small box. Her fingers traced the edges, running over the thick and uneven pieces of wrapping paper, "I've gotta say… This is probably your best work." She winked, "Taichi you didn't have to get me anything… And this early?"

He shook his head, "No, I didn't have to. I wanted to…" He watched her stare at the box, "Jeez, Sor open it already."

"Sorry sorry," she gave him a small smile as her finger slid under the small crease before tearing the paper from the box. Under the wrapping paper was a small brown box. Sora glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow as she lifted the lid.

As she removed the lid, Sora's crimson eyes took in the small gift that was tucked away in the center of the box. She gasped, her free hand covering her mouth as her gaze snapped up to Tai's, "You're going to make me cry," she said quickly, Tai barely deciphering her words. He smirked, "I knew I'd get you with this one."

"Shut up," she dabbed at the corner of her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater, "Tai… Where did you find it?"

"Well put it on and I'll tell you," he said, smiling as he watched her dry her tears.

Sora laughed softly as she pulled a small hair clip from the box. She clipped it to her hair just above her ear. Once it was clipped she flung her arms around Tai's shoulders, hugging him tightly.

Tai smiled, pulling her close. "You aren't going to believe this but I found it under the couch at my parent's place right before I moved out." She pulled away, giving him a confused look.

"You've had this for like five years?" She chuckled, "You can't keep a secret to save your life how did you keep this from me?" Sora smirked, turning back to gaze out of the window.

Tai shrugged, "I wasn't keeping it from you… I was saving it for this moment. It just took me a few years and an accidental one night stand to get here."

"You're so romantic," he could hear the sarcasm in her voice, "It's painful." She smiled at him, "Thank you. I love it." Her fingers brushed the small clip in her hair.

"You're welcome," he said, smiling as he watched her watch the snow fall. Even though the snow fall was tantalizing, she would always be the most beautiful thing Tai could look joined her at the window, hugging her from behind. She relaxed back into him, the two of them watching the snow fall in a comfortable silence.

"I'm still pretty cold…" Sora said, breaking the silence.

Tai pulled her closer, "Did you want another jacket? I could turn the heater on? Yamato might have a cow if I turn the heater on though… He doesn't see the point in paying for it when warm clothing items exist."

Sora smiled, turning to face him, "I was thinking you could keep me warm…" A playful look flashing across her face.

Tai nodded slowly, "I mean I was trying, Sor, but you just pulled away… I don't…" Realization crossed his face as he slowly factored in her playful tone and expression, "Oh… Well then," he smirked wrapping his arm around her waist as he pulled her against him in one quick tug, "Warm I will keep you."

She laughed, her head falling back as he leaned in and kissed her neck. His lips kissed up her neck to her jaw, then finally to her lips to silence her laughter. Sora sighed deeply against his lips, kissing him back. He pressed her to the window as he positioned his hands along her hips. Her arms tightened around his neck, the kiss between them deepening.

His hands trailed underneath her sweater, Sora arching her back in surprise. She giggled, "Your hands are cold."

He smirked against her lips, "Sorry sorry…"

"You guys have a good rest of your night," Jou said as he hugged everyone goodbye.

"Yeah it was fun!" Lizzy said, "I can see why Mimi insists on going to the tree lighting every year." She gave Mimi a smile, "We'll see you all at Sunday dinner." They said their goodbyes, waving at Jou's car as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"Too bad Sora missed it," Mimi said, "I'm still so proud she braved the cold for at least 30 minutes. That has to be a record for her." She giggled, "Yama what are you looking at?"

Yamato shook his head, holding up a finger, "I knew it. I knew it." He turned to Izzy and Mimi, "You two tried to hide it from me but I literally just saw them," he jabbed his finger towards the window of their apartment, "Kissing in the window."

Izzy gave him a confused look, stuttering, "Wh-What do you mean? There's no one there…"

Yamato turned back to the window quickly, cursing as he began to sprint to the stairs.

"And people say I'm the dramatic one," Mimi muttered to Izzy.

They watched him climb the stairs, slipping on the second floor before continuing to the third, "Huh," Izzy said, impressed, "Look at him go. He is much quicker than I would have assumed." Mimi nodded, the pair breaking out in loud laughter as they made their way to the stairs.

"Sora he saw us," Tai said as he pulled his sweater back over his head, "He pointed right at us."

Sora chuckled, "Okay, but this is going to be fun." She adjusted her hair and pulled at the hem of her sweater before flipping the TV on and sitting on the couch, "He's going to lose his mind." Sora bit her bottom lip, waiting for the front door of the apartment to open.

Tai walked quickly to the kitchen, trying to seem busy as he rummaged through the cabinets.

The door swung open, Yamato crashing in and stopping himself with a barstool, "Ha!" He pointed around apartment, his breathing heavy and labored.

"Oh," Sora said, smiling politely, "Hi, Yamato! How was the tree lighting?" She laughed sweetly, "I got too cold. Expected, right?"

Yamato shook his head, "No… I saw you two…" His eyes flickered to the movement in the kitchen.

"Yamato, you okay?" Tai asked him, "You want some tea too? I just put some water on for Sor."

"I don't want any tea…" He said slowly, "I want the truth. I saw you two… Sucking face in that window." Mimi and Izzy walked through the door. Mimi stifled a laugh, Izzy went straight to his room. He was never one for confrontation.

"Taichi and I?" Sora asked, raising an eyebrow, "Sucking face?"

"YES," Yamato said, "Yes. I saw it. I knew everyone was being weird…"

Sora shook her head, "I mean… That can't be true, Yamato." She tilted her head to the side, "Tai and I were just picking a movie to watch and he's been making tea for at least five minutes."

"Yeah I'm slow at tea," Tai added from the kitchen, giving Mimi a quick wink before leaving the kitchen and offering Yamato a cup of chamomile, "To calm yourself."

Yamato took the cup, shaking his head, "No… I saw it… I did…"

Mimi patted his back, her lips pulling in a playful pout as she guided him towards his room, "Oh honey, I know… We all want them to be together but I don't think you really saw what you think you saw…" She smiled at Sora, tossing her the keys from her back pocket, "Now, let's get you to bed. I think you need some rest."

Mimi closed the bedroom door, mouthing at Tai and Sora to behave as she turned the knob.

Tai leaned over, laughing loudly as Sora chuckled, trying to hold back her own laughter.

"Oh my god," Tai said, grabbing his stomach as he caught his breath, "Poor guy. I can't believe we pulled that off."

"He'll have to find out one day," Sora said, her voice mixed with a mall laugh, "But I suppose this small joke is fun for now." She glanced at Tai, "Too bad we were interrupted."

Tai nodded, "Didn't Mimi give you the keys to your apartment?"

Sora raised an eyebrow. She cleared her throat and stood, grabbing the keys before smoothing the front of her sweater down, "It seems that she did…" Sora walked past Tai, grabbing his hand as she pulled him out of his apartment and into the hall. Sora unlocked the door and walked in. Stretching her arms above her head, Sora yawned loudly, "You know," she rubbed her eyes, "I'm actually pretty tired."

Tai stared at her, rolling his eyes as her lips pulled into a smile that meant she was joking.

"I'm kidding, Taichi," she shook her head, smiling at him. She let out a surprised yelp as he lifted her up, carrying her to her room, "Then what are we standing around for?" Tai said, Sora laughing as her head barely missed the doorframe.

He placed her down on her bed before lying down next to her. Sora turned on her side, facing him. Her eyes traced his profile, her trance interrupted by him turning to face her.

The two sat in silence. Tai smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear, "You're beautiful." Sora blushed, Tai laughing at her change in attitude, "So shy all of a sudden."

Sora shook her head as she sat up, moving to straddle him. He gazed up at her, flicking the tip of her nose with his finger. He sat up, kissing her softly. Their soft kisses turned more heated, Tai pulling Sora's sweater over her head. She shivered, moaning as his hands began to explore.

Sora pulled his sweater off, giggling as his arm became stuck in his sleeve. She kissed his neck, pressing him down to the bed. Her fingers began to work on his pants, unbuttoning them quickly before she did the same to hers. Her lisp returned to his, their breathing becoming heavier as the two exchanged moans.

His fingers pressed between her aching thighs, her own hand stroking him as he moaned her name. Sora looked down at him, her forehead pressing to his as she positioned herself above him. He pressed his hips up, pushing into her slowly.

"Tai," she gasped, her fingers gripping the sheets just above his shoulder. Her right hand pressed to the bed frame, giving her leverage as he began to thrust up into her. He moaned under her, his fingers gripping her hips as her hips began to move with him.

"Sora," he moaned her name, "Don't stop…" He begged. Sora smirked down at him, "What was that?" He smirked between moans, "Don't be a tease now…"

She leaned down, her hips slowing as she nibbled his earlobe playfully, "A tease? Me?" She whispered, Tai chuckling. His arm wrapped around her waist as he flipped her to her back, Sora screaming in surprise at how quick he was.

"Unfair advantage! You're like ten times stronger than me," she pouted up at him, Tai pouting playfully back.

"Awe, poor you," he said as he leaned down, tracing her collar bone with his lips as his thumb brushed over her nipple. She arched her back, moaning, "Oh? Don't want to be teased?"

"Taichi…" She said, her hips pressing up against his. He smirked against her neck, kissing the skin slowly as he moved his hips, teasing her entrance. With one, quick thrust, he was back in her.

"What time is it?" Tai asked, catching his breath. Sora's cheek rested on his chest.

"Um," she sat up slightly, glancing at the clock by her bed, "Two in the morning…"

Tail smiled, "Well I am impressed to say the least." Sora rolled her eyes, smiling as she hit him with a throw pillow, "You're impossible, Tai."

He laughed, "Yeah yeah… But at least I've kept you warm." She pushed up on her elbows, giving him a quick kiss, "True." She pulled back, holding his gaze. He took a deep breath, "I love you, Sora Takenouchi."

She smiled, her cheeks reddening as she replied, "I love you too. You're so much better than any dream."

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to read this story over the two years that I have worked on it! I was in the middle of graduate school when I started so if you could put up with the sporadic updates, then thank you again you are powerful!

I am now working on a new slow burn-type of Taiora romance and trying to finish up Trust the Fall. TTF is just super heavy at the moment because of the pandemic and everyone who is struggling through it.

Please stay safe and healthy! Thank you again. I hope this ending was everything you all wanted! I sure had fun writing it.

- Moon