1 Elusive Angel
Written by: Yo-yo
Disclaimer:
I do not own Digimon or any of its characters. If I did, I would have
Killed Mimi after her first line, Iggy (aka Izzy) would have been given a lot more credit, the season 3 characters wouldn't even have been thought of, Matt would have finally revealed that he was gay (which is sooooooooooooooo obvious), and Tai and Sora would have definitely gotten together. Also only I can take credit for the story line and the characters that I created with my own imagination. SO PWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZ, DON'T SUE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, I was in the middle of reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings 1, so don't think I actually use this language, it's just my writing style. Although I like to write and talk with big words (Thanks a lot Dawson's Creek!!!!!!!)!
Chapter I
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her. He watched as she skillfully made her was around the multitudes of people, making only small talk as she past them to her destination.
He sighed heavily; she wasn't like any girl he'd ever met. Her long, strawberry blonde hair fell like silk down her back. Her almond shaped eyes were the unique color of crimson, which held a gentle innocence and love that captured his gaze so many times, making him afraid to look away. Her lips were a soft pink, perfectly curved, perfectly crafted. Her irresistible lips laid themselves upon her smooth creamy skin. Her cheekbones were high and naturally tented. Her body, long and thin, and toned like the young athlete that she was. She was the most beautiful angel in the world, . and his best friend.
"Hey guys," she grinned sitting beside him.
"Hey," they replied in unison.
In her usual fashion, she deposited her tray and took a book and cd player from her messenger bag. Placing the headphones on her ears, she opened the book and began from where she'd left off, occasionally remembering to shove food in her mouth.
"Hey guys." Matt grinned sitting across from her.
Everyone except she had given a response to his greeting.
"Yo', Sora, any one home?" He grinned waving a hand in front of her face.
She blinked back into reality, being lost in a sea of words, and looked up at him. Waving absentmindedly, she resumed to her book.
As normal lunch table conversation rang about him, he set his thoughts back to his beloved Sora. He looked over at her, studying her profile, finding it almost enchanting. Then he stared at her features, and pondered her uniqueness. Her face held no make-up, not even any mascara or lip-gloss, because she had the type of beauty that needed no adornment. She was the type of girl that didn't have to prance around half naked, or go flashy in order to get someone's attention. She had presence! She only needed to be in the room, and all eyes were on her; maybe that was the source of her popularity and his love.
~***~
Lying on her bed, she read Shakespeare with little enthusiasm. "I don't get why this is so important," she groaned, "this is soooo boring!"
He looked up from his own copy of Shakespeare. "Have you found your except yet?"
"Yeah, but it's not Shakespeare, it's from Song of Solomon."
"Well?" he grinned.
"Well what?" she asked, confusion written all over her face.
"Let me hear it!"
"You won't like it." She stated sitting up.
He stood up and searched her with his dark, chocolate-kissed eyes. She couldn't help but smile; it was as if he was staring beyond her crimson eyes into her soul.
"If you don't tell me," he grinned mischievously, inching closer to her, "I'll just have to."
"You wouldn't dare!" she squirmed, looking frantically for a loophole.
"Oh, I WON'T, will I?" he whispered dangerously, a menacing glint sparkling in his eyes.
Suddenly he sprang atop her, making a short stifled scream cut through the silent apartment. In only seconds, she was drowning in a pool of uncontrollable laughter. Tai was tickling her so that she could only whisper her objections between eruptions of laughter. Although she tried, she couldn't fight off the tears from falling from her eyes in the suddenness of mirth.
After long moments, Tai finally stopped, but still lay atop her. Their faces were so close that their lips brushed softly against one another's. She opened her eyes, slowly, only to be drawn into the magnetic gaze of Tai. Although his eyes were beautiful, she needed to look away; it was making her uncomfortable.
"Now will you tell me?" he whispered against her lips.
"Yeah," she smiled slipping away from him quickly, avoiding his intense stare.
It wasn't as if she didn't like him, but his touché was having an alarming affect on her pulse. Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it pounding in her ears, and was sure that he could hear it too. It was as if her heart was doing somersaults; and that terrified her.
She stood up from her bed, and walked over to her desk. She turned to face him, but didn't return his gaze as she propped herself on her desk.
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." She recited, her voice expressionless.
The look on Tai's face was one of surprise. He looked at her, but her gaze had suddenly been transferred to her nails.
"Do you really believe that?" he whispered, looking down at her cobalt blue carpet.
"I guess, I mean, nobody can stop anyone from falling in love, it's impossible. And nobody, except the loved one can satisfy their lover."
His head began to spin as he thought of the words that had just escaped her lips. Was she trying to tell him something?
"Uh, Sora, I think I should be off." He whispered, the thoughts swirling around his head confusing him.
"Yeah," she smiled hiding the look of relief from her face.
"So," he began, gathering his books and placing them inside his backpack, "are you going to the Renaissance Fair?"
"Yeah," she smiled pausing deliberately, "with Matt."
"So Ishida is finally leaving the house?" his smile broad.
"Don't make fun of him," she chided, "It's pretty hard for him, even I'd be scared if I were in his place."
"Ever since Matt's parents got back together, and he finally revealed his quote unquote, big news, he's been locked in his room. What do you suppose he does in there? Jacks off to pictures of Justin Timber-cake?"
"I don't think dogs in heat jack off to pictures of that ass wipe, but still, Tai you can be such a jerk!"
Pulling his backpack to his shoulder, he strode over to the door. Stopping, he turned to face her, "Sora, even if I were a total jerk, you'd always love me." Turning, he left the room with a smile.
She stared at the empty space in which Tai had just occupied. A smile curled her lips as she remembered the looks that past between them not five minutes ago. How his eyes searched her slowly, taking her in as if she were an old, expensive French wine, tantalizing her. That guy, Kamiya Taichi, was amazing!
"Yeah, I would," she smiled to herself.
~***~
Stepping out on a warm Saturday afternoon, Tai walked down the street towards the Takenouchi flower shop. He was bored. Matt and T.K. had gone for the weekend to Kyoto to visit some family. Izzy of course was still in Eton, one of the world's finest schools, learning to his hearts content. Joe was busy with his new girlfriend, Sansei. And although they were too young, Kari and Davis were doing a science project together; Yolei was working at the store; Cody was practicing with his Grandfather; and Ken was doing god knows what on the Internet.
That of course left Sora, which Tai couldn't complain about (Mimi of course was in America). Maybe they could play a friendly game of soccer in the park, and then go out for some ice cream and see a movie.
Opening the door, Tai could hear the soft chiming of the bell within the shop. The fragrant scent of flowers filled his nostrils, making him slightly lightheaded. Making his way around the large clumps of flowers, he found Ms. Takenouchi talking merrily to a young customer.
Tai knew the young girl at once. It was Korwasawa Mai, from his English class. She was a beautiful girl; he had to admit, but not his type. Her short jet-black hair was cut stylishly, curling around her ears. Her eyes were a deep brown, full of mystery and deceit. Her lips were red with lipstick and her cheeks bright with blush. She was wearing a long leather brown jacket, matching pants and a black turtleneck. On her feet she wore brown leather boots. It was obvious that she was trying to impress someone, because she never looked that made up in class.
Looking up, a broad smile stretched across Ms. Takenouchi's face. She secretly guessed that both he and her daughter shared secret feeling for one another, but were too shy to say anything.
"Hi Tai." She beamed to him.
Turning, Mai grinned up at him. "Hi Tai, I was just looking for you."
"You were?" he asked confused.
"Yeah, I was hoping we could get some coffee someday?" she smiled fluttering her long black lashes.
"Maybe," he whispered, looking up at Ms.Takenouchi, "is Sora here?"
"Yeah, she's in the back," she smiled motioning to him, "she's in there studying with Brian."
She watched as his face fell dramatically. Looking back at her, he tried to hide his disappointment, but his attempt was fruitless.
Suddenly, a loud laugh flowed through the room. It was the light, carefree, and innocent laugh of Sora. That was the laugh that had caught his heart long ago when they were kids. The laugh that uncovered her beauty to him, making him fall in love with her, over and over again.
Soon after, a low, masculine laugh followed hers. Soon the two distinctive laughs mingled together, sounding like the music to a beautiful piece of music. Their voices sang together in harmony.
".Or at least that WERE studying," her voice calm, as not to nerve him.
"Uh." he whispered looking down, ".just tell her that I stopped by."
"No Tai," she smiled, "Go down there, they're just studying some Chemistry. I'm sure that Sora would love to see you."
Taking a deep breath, he walked to the door. Opening it, he found Sora lying on the floor, eyes closed and gasping for breath. Brian lay beside her, his breath heavy as he tried to regain his composure, his hands gripping his sides. Both of them letting laughter escape their lips with each hurried breath.
Finally, after the laughter had died down, Sora looked up to see Tai standing there, quite unsure with himself. His dark eyes were focused on her, with a soft twinkle of light.
"Hey Tai, come join us." She grinned.
"I didn't want to disturb you guys." He smiled, relieved that she didn't want him to leave.
"Hey, there's nothing to disturb."
Looking at her watch, Sora gasped and jumped to her feet. "Guys, I'll be right back, I have to go get Sunny. Do you guys want anything from the store?"
"Dr. Pepper." Brian smiled.
"Just water." Tai grinned.
"Ok." She said turning around. A smile curled her lips as she walked to the store. Only Tai would request the most nutritious drink for his body.
Brian and Tai sat in silence for a while. Both their thoughts too important to be denied their full concentration. Finally, after the long silence, Brian turned to Tai, his eyes pleading.
"Tai, has Sora ever said anything about me?"
Tai looked at him with a piercing stare. What could she possible see in him, he asked himself already knowing the answer. His big round almond eyes were dark blue with flecks of gold glittering in them. He had the bone structure of a man, yet with the softened features that woman went wild for. His lush, golden brown hair was cut close to his scalp, and stood up in spikes atop his head. He was tall, with the broad shoulders of an American football player, with that weightlifter build. He was everything a girl could want.
"Why?" he asked, removing the steely gaze, his voice expressionless.
"I guess you haven't noticed 'cuz she's your best friend, but Sora's hot! God, there are no girls like her in America. I mean, she's smart, pretty, athletic, and not the least bit vain. If there were girls like her back home, I would have never left, but then again there aren't any girls like her here in Japan either."
"So you really like her?"
"Hell yeah! She's the only one in my classes who doesn't spend her time trying to show any one how smart she is. She's creative, passionate, and soooooo caring. She has the biggest heart in the whole world. God, she's freakin' perfect!"
Tai sighed inwardly. Brian had fallen for her for the same reasons as Tai. Every word that Brian spoke sincerely was true, he'd known for a very long time.
"Has she said anything?" Brian asked intruding on his thoughts.
"Sorry," Tai frowned, "she hasn't."
"Oh." He sighed, his eyes dropping down to the book in front of him.
Tai sighed again. As much as he was displeased that Brian and he were going for the same girl, he was somewhat satisfied that Brian had a genuine attraction to her.
Soon Sunny had entered the room, followed by Sora. Sunny looked at the two faces of the boys on the ground. They both looked so sad and unhappy.
"Are you guys ok?" she asked slowly.
Both their heads snapped up simultaneously, and soon broad smiles masked their sadness.
"Yeah." Tai managed to say first.
"What to you guys want to do?" asked Sora, coming from behind Sunny.
"I was thinking, maybe a game of soccer before it gets dark?" Tai asked smiling.
Sunny looked at him incredulously. "Hey Tai, that's not fair! I wanted to come!"
"I wasn't excluding you." He grinned. "I propose a battle of the sexes, guys against girls. Me and Brian verses you and Sora."
"OK." They all agreed at once.
~***~
Lying on the still warm grass, Sora tried to catch her breath. Already the game had gone way longer than expected, and now stars were starting to speckle the dark indigo sky. Closing her eyes, she could feel a wave of happiness was over her body. She was here, with Tai, lying under the sky. This was the beginning of so many fantasies she'd had of him, ending in them making out under the stars.
Opening her eyes, she sat up. Looking at her watch, she gasped.
"Guys, I gotta' go, Mom is expecting me home, buh bye." She smiled, turning and sprinting back home.
Tai and Brian sighed heavily as they watched her disappear before them. She looked so good in her sweat drenched tank top, clinging to her in all the right places, and her baggy sweatpants, lagging behind her long, swift legs.
"You guys are so obvious!" Sunny groaned, standing up.
"What do you mean?" Brian asked as they both turned at the sound of her voice.
"God, if Sora wasn't so oblivious, she'd totally notice that you two are gaga over her. You guys look like love-sick puppy dogs." She groaned again, walking home.
* * *
Walking through the long hall, a blanket of apprehension wrapped around her. As she plunged deeper and deeper into the endless stretch of reality, she could feel the warmth drain from her body, being replaced by a freezing fear.
Why had she agreed to do this? Why didn't she just keep to herself and leave it alone? Did she really think she could do this?
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
A scream ripped through the silence, shattering the peace into a million fragments.
Chills seared down her spine, leaving her there immobile with fear. Whirling around in a deep darkness, she tried to determine where the disturbed wail had originated. But the darkness was thick, like a paralyzing fog, making it impossible to see even inches from her face.
Through the darkness, the scream slid through the silence, a note of urgency in the air.
Dropping her books, she ran blindly through the darkness, trying to find the owner of the agonizing voice.
"Where are you?" she screamed through the empty halls, an echo ringing in her ears. "I can't help you if I can't find you!"
As if understanding, the voice wailed non-stop, yet still, she couldn't determine the source of the noise. Suddenly, the screaming stopped, all was heard was the dead silence. Stopping abruptly, she stood still, waiting.
The silence was deafening, making her skin crawl as she waited for some indication. Where'd the screaming come from? Where'd it go? Why was it so quiet and dark?
And when she'd heard it, soft footsteps behind her, getting softer and softer in the distance.
"Wait!" she cried, "Help me help it! Someone's in trouble, I can't find them!"
The footsteps stopped. She smiled to herself as she hurtled herself in the direction of the footsteps. Of course, running blind, the source of the footsteps wasn't found. Stopping in comprehension, she closed her eyes in defeat.
Suddenly, a hand pushed her from her shoulders to her knees. Tears sprang from her eyes as a white-hot pain seared from it's touch, consuming her whole body.
Against her ears, she felt lips, dry and leathery, brush against her. Then, in a sly voice, they spoke, "When he is not himself, that is where you will find him..."
* * *
Waking up in a start, Sora Takenouchi tried to catch her breath. She found it a task, seeing as her heart was pounding against her ribcage. The dream was so vivid, it not only terrified her, but it also mystified her.
A/N: how'd you like the first installment? I guess you should know, this fic is a mixture of all the one's that I've written over the year, which is why the first part and the second part of this chapter was inconsistent w/ one another. You don't have to worry about Sora and Tai's relationship, it gets better in the second chapter ^_~* . So keep reading. R&R pweeez!
Ultimate Rowing! And Taiora 4 life!
Written by: Yo-yo
Disclaimer:
I do not own Digimon or any of its characters. If I did, I would have
Killed Mimi after her first line, Iggy (aka Izzy) would have been given a lot more credit, the season 3 characters wouldn't even have been thought of, Matt would have finally revealed that he was gay (which is sooooooooooooooo obvious), and Tai and Sora would have definitely gotten together. Also only I can take credit for the story line and the characters that I created with my own imagination. SO PWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZ, DON'T SUE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also, I was in the middle of reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings 1, so don't think I actually use this language, it's just my writing style. Although I like to write and talk with big words (Thanks a lot Dawson's Creek!!!!!!!)!
Chapter I
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her. He watched as she skillfully made her was around the multitudes of people, making only small talk as she past them to her destination.
He sighed heavily; she wasn't like any girl he'd ever met. Her long, strawberry blonde hair fell like silk down her back. Her almond shaped eyes were the unique color of crimson, which held a gentle innocence and love that captured his gaze so many times, making him afraid to look away. Her lips were a soft pink, perfectly curved, perfectly crafted. Her irresistible lips laid themselves upon her smooth creamy skin. Her cheekbones were high and naturally tented. Her body, long and thin, and toned like the young athlete that she was. She was the most beautiful angel in the world, . and his best friend.
"Hey guys," she grinned sitting beside him.
"Hey," they replied in unison.
In her usual fashion, she deposited her tray and took a book and cd player from her messenger bag. Placing the headphones on her ears, she opened the book and began from where she'd left off, occasionally remembering to shove food in her mouth.
"Hey guys." Matt grinned sitting across from her.
Everyone except she had given a response to his greeting.
"Yo', Sora, any one home?" He grinned waving a hand in front of her face.
She blinked back into reality, being lost in a sea of words, and looked up at him. Waving absentmindedly, she resumed to her book.
As normal lunch table conversation rang about him, he set his thoughts back to his beloved Sora. He looked over at her, studying her profile, finding it almost enchanting. Then he stared at her features, and pondered her uniqueness. Her face held no make-up, not even any mascara or lip-gloss, because she had the type of beauty that needed no adornment. She was the type of girl that didn't have to prance around half naked, or go flashy in order to get someone's attention. She had presence! She only needed to be in the room, and all eyes were on her; maybe that was the source of her popularity and his love.
~***~
Lying on her bed, she read Shakespeare with little enthusiasm. "I don't get why this is so important," she groaned, "this is soooo boring!"
He looked up from his own copy of Shakespeare. "Have you found your except yet?"
"Yeah, but it's not Shakespeare, it's from Song of Solomon."
"Well?" he grinned.
"Well what?" she asked, confusion written all over her face.
"Let me hear it!"
"You won't like it." She stated sitting up.
He stood up and searched her with his dark, chocolate-kissed eyes. She couldn't help but smile; it was as if he was staring beyond her crimson eyes into her soul.
"If you don't tell me," he grinned mischievously, inching closer to her, "I'll just have to."
"You wouldn't dare!" she squirmed, looking frantically for a loophole.
"Oh, I WON'T, will I?" he whispered dangerously, a menacing glint sparkling in his eyes.
Suddenly he sprang atop her, making a short stifled scream cut through the silent apartment. In only seconds, she was drowning in a pool of uncontrollable laughter. Tai was tickling her so that she could only whisper her objections between eruptions of laughter. Although she tried, she couldn't fight off the tears from falling from her eyes in the suddenness of mirth.
After long moments, Tai finally stopped, but still lay atop her. Their faces were so close that their lips brushed softly against one another's. She opened her eyes, slowly, only to be drawn into the magnetic gaze of Tai. Although his eyes were beautiful, she needed to look away; it was making her uncomfortable.
"Now will you tell me?" he whispered against her lips.
"Yeah," she smiled slipping away from him quickly, avoiding his intense stare.
It wasn't as if she didn't like him, but his touché was having an alarming affect on her pulse. Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it pounding in her ears, and was sure that he could hear it too. It was as if her heart was doing somersaults; and that terrified her.
She stood up from her bed, and walked over to her desk. She turned to face him, but didn't return his gaze as she propped herself on her desk.
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." She recited, her voice expressionless.
The look on Tai's face was one of surprise. He looked at her, but her gaze had suddenly been transferred to her nails.
"Do you really believe that?" he whispered, looking down at her cobalt blue carpet.
"I guess, I mean, nobody can stop anyone from falling in love, it's impossible. And nobody, except the loved one can satisfy their lover."
His head began to spin as he thought of the words that had just escaped her lips. Was she trying to tell him something?
"Uh, Sora, I think I should be off." He whispered, the thoughts swirling around his head confusing him.
"Yeah," she smiled hiding the look of relief from her face.
"So," he began, gathering his books and placing them inside his backpack, "are you going to the Renaissance Fair?"
"Yeah," she smiled pausing deliberately, "with Matt."
"So Ishida is finally leaving the house?" his smile broad.
"Don't make fun of him," she chided, "It's pretty hard for him, even I'd be scared if I were in his place."
"Ever since Matt's parents got back together, and he finally revealed his quote unquote, big news, he's been locked in his room. What do you suppose he does in there? Jacks off to pictures of Justin Timber-cake?"
"I don't think dogs in heat jack off to pictures of that ass wipe, but still, Tai you can be such a jerk!"
Pulling his backpack to his shoulder, he strode over to the door. Stopping, he turned to face her, "Sora, even if I were a total jerk, you'd always love me." Turning, he left the room with a smile.
She stared at the empty space in which Tai had just occupied. A smile curled her lips as she remembered the looks that past between them not five minutes ago. How his eyes searched her slowly, taking her in as if she were an old, expensive French wine, tantalizing her. That guy, Kamiya Taichi, was amazing!
"Yeah, I would," she smiled to herself.
~***~
Stepping out on a warm Saturday afternoon, Tai walked down the street towards the Takenouchi flower shop. He was bored. Matt and T.K. had gone for the weekend to Kyoto to visit some family. Izzy of course was still in Eton, one of the world's finest schools, learning to his hearts content. Joe was busy with his new girlfriend, Sansei. And although they were too young, Kari and Davis were doing a science project together; Yolei was working at the store; Cody was practicing with his Grandfather; and Ken was doing god knows what on the Internet.
That of course left Sora, which Tai couldn't complain about (Mimi of course was in America). Maybe they could play a friendly game of soccer in the park, and then go out for some ice cream and see a movie.
Opening the door, Tai could hear the soft chiming of the bell within the shop. The fragrant scent of flowers filled his nostrils, making him slightly lightheaded. Making his way around the large clumps of flowers, he found Ms. Takenouchi talking merrily to a young customer.
Tai knew the young girl at once. It was Korwasawa Mai, from his English class. She was a beautiful girl; he had to admit, but not his type. Her short jet-black hair was cut stylishly, curling around her ears. Her eyes were a deep brown, full of mystery and deceit. Her lips were red with lipstick and her cheeks bright with blush. She was wearing a long leather brown jacket, matching pants and a black turtleneck. On her feet she wore brown leather boots. It was obvious that she was trying to impress someone, because she never looked that made up in class.
Looking up, a broad smile stretched across Ms. Takenouchi's face. She secretly guessed that both he and her daughter shared secret feeling for one another, but were too shy to say anything.
"Hi Tai." She beamed to him.
Turning, Mai grinned up at him. "Hi Tai, I was just looking for you."
"You were?" he asked confused.
"Yeah, I was hoping we could get some coffee someday?" she smiled fluttering her long black lashes.
"Maybe," he whispered, looking up at Ms.Takenouchi, "is Sora here?"
"Yeah, she's in the back," she smiled motioning to him, "she's in there studying with Brian."
She watched as his face fell dramatically. Looking back at her, he tried to hide his disappointment, but his attempt was fruitless.
Suddenly, a loud laugh flowed through the room. It was the light, carefree, and innocent laugh of Sora. That was the laugh that had caught his heart long ago when they were kids. The laugh that uncovered her beauty to him, making him fall in love with her, over and over again.
Soon after, a low, masculine laugh followed hers. Soon the two distinctive laughs mingled together, sounding like the music to a beautiful piece of music. Their voices sang together in harmony.
".Or at least that WERE studying," her voice calm, as not to nerve him.
"Uh." he whispered looking down, ".just tell her that I stopped by."
"No Tai," she smiled, "Go down there, they're just studying some Chemistry. I'm sure that Sora would love to see you."
Taking a deep breath, he walked to the door. Opening it, he found Sora lying on the floor, eyes closed and gasping for breath. Brian lay beside her, his breath heavy as he tried to regain his composure, his hands gripping his sides. Both of them letting laughter escape their lips with each hurried breath.
Finally, after the laughter had died down, Sora looked up to see Tai standing there, quite unsure with himself. His dark eyes were focused on her, with a soft twinkle of light.
"Hey Tai, come join us." She grinned.
"I didn't want to disturb you guys." He smiled, relieved that she didn't want him to leave.
"Hey, there's nothing to disturb."
Looking at her watch, Sora gasped and jumped to her feet. "Guys, I'll be right back, I have to go get Sunny. Do you guys want anything from the store?"
"Dr. Pepper." Brian smiled.
"Just water." Tai grinned.
"Ok." She said turning around. A smile curled her lips as she walked to the store. Only Tai would request the most nutritious drink for his body.
Brian and Tai sat in silence for a while. Both their thoughts too important to be denied their full concentration. Finally, after the long silence, Brian turned to Tai, his eyes pleading.
"Tai, has Sora ever said anything about me?"
Tai looked at him with a piercing stare. What could she possible see in him, he asked himself already knowing the answer. His big round almond eyes were dark blue with flecks of gold glittering in them. He had the bone structure of a man, yet with the softened features that woman went wild for. His lush, golden brown hair was cut close to his scalp, and stood up in spikes atop his head. He was tall, with the broad shoulders of an American football player, with that weightlifter build. He was everything a girl could want.
"Why?" he asked, removing the steely gaze, his voice expressionless.
"I guess you haven't noticed 'cuz she's your best friend, but Sora's hot! God, there are no girls like her in America. I mean, she's smart, pretty, athletic, and not the least bit vain. If there were girls like her back home, I would have never left, but then again there aren't any girls like her here in Japan either."
"So you really like her?"
"Hell yeah! She's the only one in my classes who doesn't spend her time trying to show any one how smart she is. She's creative, passionate, and soooooo caring. She has the biggest heart in the whole world. God, she's freakin' perfect!"
Tai sighed inwardly. Brian had fallen for her for the same reasons as Tai. Every word that Brian spoke sincerely was true, he'd known for a very long time.
"Has she said anything?" Brian asked intruding on his thoughts.
"Sorry," Tai frowned, "she hasn't."
"Oh." He sighed, his eyes dropping down to the book in front of him.
Tai sighed again. As much as he was displeased that Brian and he were going for the same girl, he was somewhat satisfied that Brian had a genuine attraction to her.
Soon Sunny had entered the room, followed by Sora. Sunny looked at the two faces of the boys on the ground. They both looked so sad and unhappy.
"Are you guys ok?" she asked slowly.
Both their heads snapped up simultaneously, and soon broad smiles masked their sadness.
"Yeah." Tai managed to say first.
"What to you guys want to do?" asked Sora, coming from behind Sunny.
"I was thinking, maybe a game of soccer before it gets dark?" Tai asked smiling.
Sunny looked at him incredulously. "Hey Tai, that's not fair! I wanted to come!"
"I wasn't excluding you." He grinned. "I propose a battle of the sexes, guys against girls. Me and Brian verses you and Sora."
"OK." They all agreed at once.
~***~
Lying on the still warm grass, Sora tried to catch her breath. Already the game had gone way longer than expected, and now stars were starting to speckle the dark indigo sky. Closing her eyes, she could feel a wave of happiness was over her body. She was here, with Tai, lying under the sky. This was the beginning of so many fantasies she'd had of him, ending in them making out under the stars.
Opening her eyes, she sat up. Looking at her watch, she gasped.
"Guys, I gotta' go, Mom is expecting me home, buh bye." She smiled, turning and sprinting back home.
Tai and Brian sighed heavily as they watched her disappear before them. She looked so good in her sweat drenched tank top, clinging to her in all the right places, and her baggy sweatpants, lagging behind her long, swift legs.
"You guys are so obvious!" Sunny groaned, standing up.
"What do you mean?" Brian asked as they both turned at the sound of her voice.
"God, if Sora wasn't so oblivious, she'd totally notice that you two are gaga over her. You guys look like love-sick puppy dogs." She groaned again, walking home.
* * *
Walking through the long hall, a blanket of apprehension wrapped around her. As she plunged deeper and deeper into the endless stretch of reality, she could feel the warmth drain from her body, being replaced by a freezing fear.
Why had she agreed to do this? Why didn't she just keep to herself and leave it alone? Did she really think she could do this?
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
A scream ripped through the silence, shattering the peace into a million fragments.
Chills seared down her spine, leaving her there immobile with fear. Whirling around in a deep darkness, she tried to determine where the disturbed wail had originated. But the darkness was thick, like a paralyzing fog, making it impossible to see even inches from her face.
Through the darkness, the scream slid through the silence, a note of urgency in the air.
Dropping her books, she ran blindly through the darkness, trying to find the owner of the agonizing voice.
"Where are you?" she screamed through the empty halls, an echo ringing in her ears. "I can't help you if I can't find you!"
As if understanding, the voice wailed non-stop, yet still, she couldn't determine the source of the noise. Suddenly, the screaming stopped, all was heard was the dead silence. Stopping abruptly, she stood still, waiting.
The silence was deafening, making her skin crawl as she waited for some indication. Where'd the screaming come from? Where'd it go? Why was it so quiet and dark?
And when she'd heard it, soft footsteps behind her, getting softer and softer in the distance.
"Wait!" she cried, "Help me help it! Someone's in trouble, I can't find them!"
The footsteps stopped. She smiled to herself as she hurtled herself in the direction of the footsteps. Of course, running blind, the source of the footsteps wasn't found. Stopping in comprehension, she closed her eyes in defeat.
Suddenly, a hand pushed her from her shoulders to her knees. Tears sprang from her eyes as a white-hot pain seared from it's touch, consuming her whole body.
Against her ears, she felt lips, dry and leathery, brush against her. Then, in a sly voice, they spoke, "When he is not himself, that is where you will find him..."
* * *
Waking up in a start, Sora Takenouchi tried to catch her breath. She found it a task, seeing as her heart was pounding against her ribcage. The dream was so vivid, it not only terrified her, but it also mystified her.
A/N: how'd you like the first installment? I guess you should know, this fic is a mixture of all the one's that I've written over the year, which is why the first part and the second part of this chapter was inconsistent w/ one another. You don't have to worry about Sora and Tai's relationship, it gets better in the second chapter ^_~* . So keep reading. R&R pweeez!
Ultimate Rowing! And Taiora 4 life!