These are the Days That You Remember
Wingzoluv: And that's the whole story up to and including today.
It was Thursday night, and Yolei had managed to convince Mimi to meet her online that night as opposed to Friday considering that she'd be out at the concert with TK then. She had just finished explaining the whole situation to Mimi, figuring that there was no way Kari would hear about it since she was still out of town. That, and she had sworn Mimi to secrecy no less than half a dozen times before she even started to tell the story.
SincerelyPink: Have you considered selling that story to Hollywood? It'd make a great movie script!
Wingzoluv: Mimi!
SincerelyPink: Just kidding! Seriously, though, that's one of the most romantic stories I've ever heard! I couldn't be happier for you, Yolei!
Wingzoluv: Well, the story's not over yet. Not by a long shot. Takeru still needs to sort out his feelings for Kari, and I worry that when he does he'll still choose her over me.
SincerelyPink: Well at least he's being honest about it all, I have to admire him for that. Though his being indecisive is quite frustrating.
Wingzoluv: That's why I'm enjoying what I have while I still have it. I can't believe how this has turned out, Mimi! I'm absolutely crazy over him!
SincerelyPink: If that's the case, then I think you know what you need to do, my dear.
Wingzoluv: What's that?
SincerelyPink: You need to make sure that when TK does have to decide, it's you he picks.
Wingzoluv: But I don't know what else I can do. Maybe I could change how I dress, or how I act a little. Maybe if I acted nicer or cuter, or something?
SincerelyPink: You want some Mimi-grade advice, Yolei?
Wingzoluv: Hmm?
SincerelyPink: Don't change.
Wingzoluv: Huh?
SincerelyPink: TK got to like you for who you are, Yolei. Don't change that, or you'll end up turning him away from you. Believe me, I almost lost Joe because I got too aggressive with him.
Wingzoluv: I had no idea!
SincerelyPink: I started to be too intent on the physical side of our relationship, and it really turned him off. Being appealing to the eye is only part of the formula. If you really want things to cement between you two, you need to have more than one dimension to your relationship.
Wingzoluv: Well, we have talked a lot recently, about a wide range of things. And we certainly know how to have a fun time together. I've always respected him and what he believes in, and I think he feels likewise about me.
SincerelyPink: You see? The foundation is there, hon! Just keep building on it like you have been.
Wingzoluv: I'll give it a shot, Mimi. Thanks for the advice.
SincerelyPink: Whoa, hold on there! I'm not done with you yet. Just because I said not to change doesn't mean you still couldn't use a couple of pointers to hint to TK that you'd like things to go a little further with him.
Wingzoluv: I thought you said that doing things like that might scare him off?
SincerelyPink: And it will, if you focus on that aspect of your relationship too much like I was. That's also not to say that he won't appreciate doing things even just a little differently from time to time. "Variety is the spice of life" after all.
Wingzoluv: Well, the other night's kissing was a little more intense than before, and we both sure seemed to like that immensely.
SincerelyPink: That's a start.
Wingzoluv: I just don't want him to start thinking I'm easy is all.
SincerelyPink: How long have you known TK?
Wingzoluv: Four years.
SincerelyPink: And how long have you been dating now?
Wingzoluv: Roughly two weeks, I think.
SincerelyPink: I think it's safe to say that TK knows what kind of person you are by now, Yolei. Besides, it's not like I'm telling you to jump in the sack with him…yet. ;)
Wingzoluv: Mimi!! O_O;;
SincerelyPink: Joking! Joking! Seriously, though, let's get down to business.
Wingzoluv: Okay, I'll try to keep an open mind.
SincerelyPink: That's the spirit. Now here's some pointers on the next time you two get to kissing…
_ _ _ _ _
"Yolei…just one more kiss…" TK said in his sleep. He reached for her in his dreams, only to open his eyes and see he was clutching his pillow, and furthermore that the ground was suddenly getting much closer to him. He fell off of his bed with a thud and lay there for a moment, cursing his timing for waking up.
"Friday at last. At least I have something to look forward to after waking up from that dream. It was such a nice dream, too." He said to himself. He pried himself off the floor after a few moments and shuffled into the bathroom for his shower.
'The other night was almost unreal.' TK thought as he showered. 'I certainly can't deny my attraction to Yolei anymore. But it's not fair to keep things hanging as they are. I have to sort out everything with Kari when she gets back from Yokohama. Even if I don't feel for her like I used to, we need to straighten it all out. I just wish I knew how to help Davis as well. Despite the fact that he almost pummeled me into next week, he's always meant well and I don't wish him ill or anything like that.'
TK finished cleaning up and wrapped a towel around himself after drying off a bit. He noticed that he was in considerably less pain now than he had been the past day or so, and was relieved to be almost back to 100%. He took his time getting dressed, wanting to look good for the concert and for his date.
'It's funny how things work out. I guess I understand a bit of how Sora must have felt a few years back when she was stuck between Tai and my brother. What was it she told me at the time? She said in the end she just listened to her heart, and it whispered to her the name of the one she truly loved. That's always stuck in my mind. I wonder if that will happen for me?'
TK gave himself a look in the mirror. He wore all white, slacks and a short sleeved, buttoned shirt. He was one of the few people around who could actually wear all white and get away with it. He chalked it up to being one of the perks of being the bearer of the Crest of Hope.
'Hopefully I won't come home tonight reeking of cigarette smoke like I usually do after Matt's concerts. I hate having to answer mom's questions and reassure her that I haven't taken up smoking.' He thought as he headed to the kitchen for some breakfast. On the kitchen table he found a note left for him that was from his mother. It read: Won't be back until late tonight, I'm meeting some old friends for dinner and drinks. Remember, no crazy parties just because I'm not around. Love, Mom.
"Yeah, 'cause heaven knows I'm the one who throws crazy parties and trashes the place." TK remarked as he tossed the letter in the trashcan. He fixed himself a quick breakfast and decided to head out for the day.
No sooner was he down to the ground and making his way away from the apartments than he came across Davis, who was leaning against a tree nearby. TK walked over to him, a bit nervous, but somehow he had a feeling that Davis wouldn't pose a threat to him this time.
_ _ _ _ _
Davis knew TK was walking over to him, but didn't look up at him. The last thing he wanted to do was look eye-to-eye with the guy he'd nearly beaten to a pulp a few days earlier.
"Hey." TK said once he was in earshot.
"Hey." Davis replied, glancing at TK briefly.
"How're you doing?"
"I'm managing. I'm still depressed, I guess. Though Jun certainly helped put me in my place."
Davis picked his head up, pointing to the bruising around his right eye. TK winced empathetically as he looked at it.
"How'd that happen?"
"Jun happened to be home when I ran back home in a fit of rage. She cornered me and weaseled the story out of me, and then introduced me to her right cross."
"Ouch."
"Tell me about it." Davis laughed sardonically. "She did help straighten me out, though. I mean, she reminded me of what she went through when she finally had to accept that Matt would never like her. She never went after Sora and…anyhow, she helped me realize just how stupidly I'd acted."
"Davis, I really don't blame you for feeling betrayed, nor can I really blame you for the other day either."
"Really?" Davis looked up at TK finally, half-amazed.
"I know what Kari means to you. Or at least I have a good idea now." TK approached him a bit more. "No one deserves to be treated like she was treating you."
"I honestly thought she liked me, or at least was beginning to like me. The smile on her face, the sound of her laughter…it all made my day." Davis pushed away from the tree, beginning to walk again. TK fell in alongside him. "Where did I go wrong?"
"I don't think you went wrong anywhere, Davis. I think she's the one who's confused right now. Ever since I started dating Yolei she's been acting so differently, it's like she's not herself these days."
"All I know is, apparently it's you she has eyes for, not me."
"Yeah…"
"You don't sound too happy about that. I thought you'd be overjoyed?"
"If this had happened a few weeks ago, believe me I would be. But now…things have changed, and I'm caught between a rock and a hard place."
"Heh, if this is your idea of a difficult position to be in, then I envy you man. Having to decide between two girls? That's a pretty nice predicament if you ask me."
"Believe me, it's not all it's cracked up to be."
"If you say so."
"So did you and Kari talk after we all parted ways at the amusement park?"
"I didn't even know she was out of town until Cody told me."
"She really owes you an explanation."
"I don't know if I want to hear it or not, really." Davis said, shaking his head. "I don't know what to think anymore about how I feel about her. I mean I do feel hurt, angry, betrayed, confused…and yet, I still…I just don't know."
Davis slowed his pace and stopped, as he knew the store was coming up. TK stopped when he realized Davis had and turned to look at him.
"Something up?" TK asked.
"I'd better not go there right now, at least not until I know Yolei won't bite my head off for the other day." Davis said, shrugging.
"I'll smooth things over, don't worry."
"Thanks. And…I'm deeply sorry about that, too…my beef is with Kari, I guess I was just blinded by my emotions. You didn't deserve to be treated like that."
"No apologies needed, but it's accepted all the same. Friends?"
TK extended his hand to Davis, who reluctantly took it and shook it.
"Friends." Davis repeated. "I think I'll go see if Cody and Ken want to go hang out or something. Try and get my mind off of this all for now, or at least until she gets back home."
"Sounds like a good idea. Will you be at the concert tonight?"
"Maybe. We'll see, I guess."
"Alright, take it easy Davis."
Davis just nodded and walked off in another direction, returning to his thoughts about Kari and everything that had happened. TK breathed a sigh of relief after he left.
"2 down, only one left…and that last one is going to be the difficult one." He said to himself. "And the hard part is knowing that no matter what the outcome is, someone is going to end up getting hurt."
_ _ _ _ _
TK continued to mull over the conversation with Davis until he entered the store. Seeing Yolei there waiting for him, though, quickly lifted his spirits. She wore dark blue pants with a green top, and had on her red beret with the gold pin. A pair of sunglasses sat on her face as well. She hopped off of the stool behind the counter and gave her mother, who was running the cash register, a quick hug before going to TK who she also hugged.
"You look great today!" TK told her as he hugged her back.
"Thanks, but you look dressed to kill today." She said as she backed up for a moment, looking him over again, smiling slyly at him. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to impress someone."
"Hmm, I wonder who around here I'd be trying to impress for that matter?" TK played along, acting dumb. Yolei giggled in delight, hugging him again.
"You two have fun today, now. And remember, Yolei, you don't have to be back at any special time tonight." Mrs. Inoue said, reminding her daughter.
"Thanks again, mom. I can't tell you what it means to me." Yolei said, looking back at her mother. She then took TK's hand and left with him, her mother waving as they left.
"How did you manage that?" TK asked once they were outside.
"Mom and dad finally asked me the other day about you and what all we've been doing recently, and they were overjoyed that I've actually been dating. So they lifted my curfew, but only for the weekends."
"That was pretty cool of them. So, what do you want to do? The concert isn't until this evening, and we've got the entire day ahead of us."
"Think you'd be up for a little shopping?" Yolei smiled innocently at TK as she suggested it.
"I guess. What for, though?"
"A couple of things. There are some computer parts I want to get for my machine, and I want to price a few things before I go buying anything. Also, it's one of my sisters' birthday next week, and I want to get her present."
"Oh, if that's all then sure. I have no problem with shopping."
"Then you also won't have a problem going to Akihabara to do it, either?"
"A bit of a hike, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but it's not like we don't have the time, and I don't get to go there that often."
"Well since you put it like that, I feel obligated to take you there then."
Yolei smiled and gave TK a quick peck on the cheek as they walked to the train station.
"I knew you'd see it that way."
_ _ _ _ _
Yolei looked carefully over the prices of the items on the shelf before her. They had done her sister's birthday shopping first, having picked out a pair of earrings for her. Her sister didn't have her ears pierced yet, but her mother had let Yolei know that getting her ears pierced was going to be one of her gifts, and Yolei figured it'd be only fitting to get her some earrings. They were a pair of small, silver earrings shaped like crescent moons. She knew her sister would just love them.
"What exactly are you looking to get, may I ask?" TK asked finally, boggled by the sheer amount of electronic equipment around them.
"A new hard drive and a CD-RW drive." She responded, standing back up from where she'd been crouching. "My computer is nice, but it came out just before a couple of new things became standard in PCs, and I've always competed with Izzy over which one of us has the more up-to-date machine. He's up on me right now, but if I can get these things it'll put me in the lead for at least a little while."
"You won't mind if I decide to stay out of whatever technical discussion you have with him, will you? I know the basics about computers, but I'm no technical genius like you guys are."
"All right, if you insist. I'll keep you safe from the big, bad Izzy and all his computer lingo." She smiled and stepped around him, looking over a couple other units and prices.
"You have my unending thanks." TK replied, smirking.
"My goal is to someday build my own computer from scratch. It'll be a lot cheaper then buying pre-packaged computers, and a lot more fun to boot."
"I admire the fact that you can do something like that. I wouldn't have the patience."
"This kind of stuff has been my passion for as long as I can remember." Yolei picked up a box as she spoke, looking it over a bit. "There's just something about assembling all of these parts to make a perfect machine that will work that gives me a sense of accomplishment. It's actually very relaxing."
"I guess you could say it's your own kind of writing, then." TK said philosophically.
"How do you figure?"
"Well, consider the parts you use as the words. You pick and choose them carefully, maybe not looking for the best ones to use, but the right ones. In the end, your machine is your creation just like my stories and poems are mine, and it tells a story by how well it works."
"I never thought about it quite like that..." Yolei said, suddenly intrigued by the concept.
"And you said you didn't think you'd be good at writing." TK told her jokingly.
"Well, I don't think any of my works will end up on a best sellers' list that's for sure." Yolei laughed as she put the box back on the shelf. "I think I've looked around enough for now. I'll need to save up some more cash for what I need. What time is it?"
"Only about 11:00." TK said, reading a nearby clock. "Still too early for lunch."
"How about a matinee movie? That'd kill some time."
"That works. I think there's a theater up the road a bit. Whadya want to see?"
"We can pick something when we get there, I honestly don't have anything in mind."
TK nodded and the two set out for the theater. This theater in particular showed slightly older movies for its matinee showings at reduced prices.
"Let's see Shrek, I love that movie!" Yolei said, spotting it on the list of movies. She removed her sunglasses, putting them into the bag with her sister's gift.
"I wouldn't have picked you to be one for cartoons." TK said, fishing money from his wallet. "Not that I'm complaining of course, I think it's a cool movie too."
"I more dig the CG style. It's incredible what they can do anymore."
TK nodded in agreement, buying a pair of tickets for the movie. They picked out a row towards the back of the theater, which was anything but packed for the showing. As they sat down, Yolei made a discovery as her hand came to rest on the armrest of her seat. It moved. She fiddled with it for a moment, until she realized that it could fold up all the way back.
"Now that's a nice feature." She said, folding the armrest between her and TK back.
"I'll say." TK added, putting an arm around her. She happily settled in next to him as the movie started up.
They watched the movie for a while, content to be just relaxing together. Eventually, though, their interest in the movie waned as they took to looking at each other, their features somewhat obscured by the darkened theater.
'We're practically all alone in here, and I doubt anyone would care if I started…hey, I'll bet she was planning on this all along. Though I certainly can't say I don't like the idea.' TK thought as he gently stroked Yolei's hair. 'Why did I never notice before how pretty she is?'
'And here I was worried about trying to do this over the armrests. I'll really have to remember this place when I just want to be alone with him.' Yolei thought. In a fit of self-consciousness, she looked around the theater quickly, noting that there was no one even within earshot of them, and everyone else seemed to be more interested in watching the movie. 'All clear. That was my only other worry.'
"Yolei?" TK said, his voice low and soft. "I…"
"Don't worry, Takeru…" she said, snuggling closer to him. She let herself get lost in his eyes, which as she'd found out on several occasions was not difficult to do. "You can kiss me if you'd like."
"I'd like that very much…" he replied, pressing his lips against hers softly. They simply kissed at first, but deepened their kissing as time wore on, and before either of them knew it they were fully making out in the theater.
'So much for pacing myself today.' TK mused as he continued to kiss Yolei. 'If only I really understood my feelings…'
'I feel so alive when he kisses me, and I have to admit I've gotten greedy for that feeling. If I could just wave a magic wand and wish for us to end up together I would. Takeru…'
As daring as both were feeling, they broke off their kissing a short while later in order to straighten themselves up a bit before the movie ended. Once finished, Yolei settled back next to TK, a contented smile on her face.
"We're getting pretty adept at that." She remarked as she felt him slide his arm around her waist.
"I'll say. I think it comes with being boyfriend and girlfriend." He added, likewise smiling.
"There's that, and there's the fact that I just feel so comfortable around you now, Takeru. And yet, with all the things I'm feeling it makes me wish it were next week already. The anticipation has already started to get to me a bit."
"I know. I must be the worst boyfriend in the world to make you go through something like this. I'm sorry I'm being so indecisive."
"Oh I'll be fine, one way or another. I know it can't be any easier for you either. After all, you've loved Kari for years, and we're not sure yet how we really feel for each other for that matter. I'd be silly to make you decide something so quickly and haphazardly."
"I still can't help being apologetic about it, though."
Yolei turned around in her seat, looking at TK again. She leaned against him again, smiling at him the whole while.
"Then how about a deal? Until Kari gets back next Sunday, neither of us will even mention this matter again. We won't even think about it. You just be my boyfriend, and I'll be your girlfriend and we'll go from there. How's that sound?"
"Kinda leaves you with a raw deal, doesn't it? I mean, I get to have a smart, witty, funny and beautiful girl for a girlfriend and all you get in return is me as a boyfriend." TK said wryly.
"Oh believe me, you're full of good points yourself." She replied, adding in thought, 'More than I'd dare mention right now, for that matter.' She stroked his cheek gently with her hand, smiling coyly at him as she did so. "So, what do you say Takeru? Think you can handle just being my boyfriend for now?"
TK considered the proposal for a few moments. One of his downfalls was indeed that he thought too much about everything, and the more he tried to think about the whole mess the more confused and indecisive he became. Taking some time to distance himself from the problem might help give him a new perspective on it all. In the end, though, he needed only to look at Yolei and knew that, as had turned out to be the case, he just couldn't bring himself to tell her "no".
"Alright, then. I'll try not to think about it until next Sunday, when Kari gets back from her trip."
Yolei giggled in delight, giving TK another quick kiss and hug. As they left the theater after the end of the movie, both suddenly started to feel even closer to each other than before. They walked arm in arm to the train station, heading back home for lunch.
_ _ _ _ _
TK and Yolei sat on their usual park bench, eating the box lunches given to them by Yolei's mother. TK had offered to pay for his meal, but Mrs. Inoue had refused and shooed them both out of the store before he could insist any further.
"I just wanted to be fair." TK said as he ate some rice. "I don't deserve any special treatment."
"In my opinion you do, but hey that's just me." Yolei told him with a wink. "Don't worry about it too much. If you want to justify it, consider it as repayment for when you covered for me when I was hurt."
"I guess that works."
"So what else can we do to kill time until we meet up with everyone else?" Yolei asked as she sipped from her can of soda.
"There was something I've been meaning to ask you, if it's not too personal."
"Takeru, I'd talk to you about just about anything anymore."
TK finished another bite of his lunch before asking his question.
"What attracted you to Ken in the first place?"
"Hmm…well, what wasn't to be attracted to? He was cute, super smart, courageous, and he genuinely seemed to like me." Yolei said as she thought. "Maybe if I'd had the guts to ask him how he felt sooner, something could've come of it."
"Do you regret not getting together with him?"
Yolei looked down at her half-empty lunch box as she thought about it.
"Up until recently part of me still cared for him such that maybe I did regret it." She said after a moment. "Ken's a great guy, and someday he'll make some other girl very happy. He'll be everything to her and do everything for her that he can. But now that I think about it, maybe that's not what I really want after all."
"How do you mean?" TK asked, leaning over a bit to look at her better.
"Well, just about any girl dreams of finding the perfect guy for herself, who'll treat her like royalty and all that jazz. That was my dream for a long time too, but I don't know if that's what I really want out of a relationship. I don't want to be catered to or waited on 24/7. I want to be with someone who'll help me when I need it, but who'll also respect my space when I want to do something myself.
"And I want someone who won't expect me to act or be a certain way all the time either. I like being unpredictable and spontaneous sometimes. I know sometimes I come across as being strange or even crazy, and I guess that's turned a lot of people off in the past, but it's just who I am."
Yolei rolled her head back, looking up at the sky through the trees as she sighed, trying to find the words to finish her thoughts.
"I guess in a nutshell, I just want someone who understands me, who respects me for who I am, and who'll care about me unconditionally." She finally said.
"I think that describes what any of us are looking for, myself included." TK said, responding to her thoughts.
"That wouldn't be too hard for you to do, you know. You're very easily likeable, after all." Yolei told him, looking over at him.
"That's not entirely true." TK looked down at the pavement, lost in thought. "Lots of people I know simplify me down to what they've seen from me and think they know about me. The only ones who know different are anyone who's read some of my writing, and even some of those people wonder why I think like I do. Not even Matt really understands where I'm coming from sometimes. Especially about…"
TK hesitated before he continued with his thought. He felt like his voice suddenly left him, and he found he couldn't say what was on his mind and in his heart. He drifted into silence, leaving Yolei a bit concerned about him.
"Takeru, I'll listen to you, and try to understand you if you want to talk about something." She said, setting her lunch aside. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. I'm just being silly and thinking too much as usual." TK said, shaking his head.
"Are you sure?"
"I am, but thanks for being willing to listen. No one else has ever even offered me that before."
"Anytime you want to talk, just let me know. I promise I'll try to listen with an open mind and heart, Takeru."
TK smiled at her, a genuine smile expressing his happiness at hearing what she had told him. She smiled back and put her hand on his, rubbing it gently.
'If only it were so easy, but I can't say it.' He thought. 'It's my deepest, darkest fear, and no one understands it but me. Maybe someday…'
"You going to be okay?" Yolei asked after a moment. TK then realized they'd just been sitting there, looking into each other's eyes for several minutes.
"Yeah. I get lost in thought really easily these days." He said, reassuring her. "Especially, it seems, when I'm looking at you."
"Oh now you're just trying to be smooth." She said with a laugh. "Well you know what?"
"What?"
Yolei leaned over and kissed him for a few moments before pulling away and looking at him with an impish grin.
"It works." She told him.
"I'll keep that in mind then."
"We should finish eating and take this stuff back to mom." Yolei said, returning to her food. "Then you maybe want to hit a game center until it's time for the show?"
"So long as you don't mind carrying around another plush doll." TK told her with a knowing smile.
"Oh, I guess I can." Yolei said, making like she was disappointed. "You are going to drown me in plushies, aren't you?"
"You really haven't seen Sora's room ever, have you?"
"Now I'm afraid…"
The two wrapped up their lunch and then headed out for the remainder of their free afternoon together, with TK trying to plot just what kind of plush doll to win for her this time.
_ _ _ _ _
The hall for the Teenage Wolves concert this time around was quite a bit larger than the backrooms the band was used to playing in. They were starting to make a name for themselves, and their venues were increasing in size and quality. Nonetheless, all of Matt's good friends were guaranteed preferential seating. It was something Matt himself did for his friends as his way of thanking all of them for their support.
The group was seated more or less centrally in the auditorium, right in the front row. Sora always sat in the exact middle of the row. On her right were TK and Yolei, who were stretching out in their seats and relaxing. Izzy and Cody sat on her left, and it was Izzy that Sora was chatting with at present.
"It feels weird not having everyone here this time." Sora said, looking over the mostly vacant row.
"I'll say. It's not the same without Tai here leading the crowd in the usual cheers that he gets going pre-concert." Izzy replied, snickering.
"I thought things were strangely peaceful this time around." Cody added. "For that matter, Yolei isn't doing her usual cries for the rest of the members of the band."
"I think she's got good reason for that now, Cody." Sora told him. She turned and saw TK and Yolei chatting a bit, holding hands as they did.
"I swear, nobody could've predicted those two getting together, least of all me." Izzy commented.
"Love works in mysterious ways, Izzy." Sora told him. "But I shouldn't have to tell you that Mr. Internet romancer. How's that going, by the way?"
"Wait, Izzy has girlfriend online?!" Cody exclaimed. "What's this all about? Is that even possible?"
"Thanks a lot Sora!: Izzy shot at her. Sora just grinned back at him as he groaned, not wanting to have to explain how it worked yet again. "Okay, Cody, here's the lowdown…"
As Izzy turned to try and explain his situation to Cody, Sora turned her attention to the young couple next to her.
"I see you two have really taken off for that matter." She said, leaning on her seat's armrest.
"You and I have to figure out what it is with these Ishida boys, Sora." Yolei said, grabbing TK by the arm. "They're just irresistible!"
"But I'm a Takaishi!" TK protested.
"You share the same father, TK, that makes you an Ishida whether you like it or not." Sora told him with a chuckle.
"More often than not it's the latter of those two, I assure you." TK said, standing up. "I think I'll go grab a soda before things start. You want anything Yolei?"
"I'm fine right now. Hurry back soon!"
TK nodded and headed off towards the back for his drink. Sora moved over to his seat so she could talk with Yolei a bit better.
"So what have you two been up to lately?" she asked, eager to know more.
"Lots. We've had the entire day together so far, and it's been amazing!" Yolei said, recalling all they'd done so far that day.
"I know the feeling, I love it when Matt and I have days like that too."
"And he won me this little thing, too!" She held up the latest addition to her growing plush doll collection, with was a plush hedgehog doll. "It's not quite a look-alike for Patamon, but it's close enough."
"It certainly is cute, I'll give you that." Sora said, looking the little doll over.
"I have two others on my cash register at the shop from him."
"You're kidding…he's doing this now too?! For crying out loud, he IS an Ishida after all." Sora said, rolling her eyes.
"He mentioned that you had quite a few too from Matt..."
"Yolei, I have approximately 70 or so plush dolls scattered around my room courtesy of one Yamato Ishida."
"Holy crap! Do you even have any desk space anymore?"
"Put simply: no. But really, each one has a memory behind it, so I really don't mind."
"I know what you mean."
"So what else did you guys do?"
"We did some shopping, we saw a movie, had lunch courtesy of my mom…all of it's just wonderful, Sora. I just enjoy every minute we're together. It's really the happiest I've ever been in my entire life."
"Well that's good, but let's get to the important part. Sora said leaning a little closer, wanting the juicy bits now. "How is he at kissing?"
"Oh Sora, that's one thing I can't get enough of. He's just…it seems like he knows just what to do with me, and he swears up and down he's never done any of this before."
"Sounds like someone managed to get some alone time with her boyfriend, then. But where?"
"Um…the movie theater…" Yolei's face turned a deep shade of red as she admitted where she and TK had made out earlier that day.
"You guys sure don't waste any time, do you?" Sora quipped, moving back to her seat.
"Sora? Can I ask you something? On a serious note, that is."
"What is it?"
"Do you think…I mean, how can I…well, how did you know when it was for real between you and Matt?"
"It's different for everyone, really. It's hard to say for sure, but I can tell you this from my own experience."
Yolei leaned over her armrest, listening intently to Sora as she continued.
"When you close your eyes at night, or anytime, try and imagine living your life without him. If you can't do it, that is if you can't imagine living without him, then that's a really strong sign that what you feel for him is for real."
"That worked for you?"
"I try and do just that every night before I go to sleep, and the more time I spend with Matt the harder it is for me to think of a life without him."
Yolei looked back over her shoulder and saw TK making his way back down with his drink and quickly sat back down in her seat.
"I'll remember that. Thanks Sora!"
"No prob. Good luck!" Sora smiled, giving Yolei a thumbs-up sign. Yolei nodded in response, turning and smiling at TK as he returned.
"Okay, so how much did you get out of her about me, Sora?" TK asked as he sat back down.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, TK." Sora replied innocently. TK gave her a suspicious look, but then sipped on his soda and relaxed. He felt Yolei hug his right arm a bit and happily put it around her, letting her lean into him.
"Too bad the armrests here aren't like the ones at the theater." He said, smiling at her.
"We have to pay attention to your brother's concert." Yolei replied, in a mock-chastising tone. "So behave."
"I know, I know."
"Still…" Yolei said, leaning her head over a little. "…how about I give you an 'IOU' for that?" She kissed the side of his neck, sending a jolt through TK.
"Since you put it that way, I guess I can be good." TK said, retracting his arm for the time being. Yolei smiled and sat back in her chair, crossing her legs as she did.
"…and that's how it works, Cody." Izzy said, finishing his explanation of how an Internet romance works.
"Izzy, I'm not dumb. I know how an Internet romance works after all." Cody said, rolling his eyes.
"Then why did you ask if it was possible?"
"I was talking about the idea of you having a girlfriend, Izzy. I never thought it would actually happen!"
Izzy just sulked in his seat as the others did their best to stifle their laughter. He grumbled at Cody a bit, knowing that there was merit behind Cody's statement. He even had to admit to himself that it was pretty funny, for that matter.
The concert was shortly underway. The crowd erupted with cheers as Matt and his band took the stage. They played a range of tunes, from rock to pop tunes with a couple of ballads woven in between as well. One ballad in particular Matt had obviously written with Sora in mind, as he couldn't take his eyes off of her as he sang it. Sora blushed throughout the entire song.
After the band played a couple of encore songs the concert dispersed and the group quickly gathered around the back entrance. As soon as Matt appeared, his guitar case in hand, they made a mad dash for the bus stop. They had been in luck, a bus was there waiting for them. They all piled on with Matt pulling up the rear. He quickly handed the bus driver a 5,000 yen bill.
"Get us outta here now and it's yours, buddy." Matt told the driver.
"Say no more, kid. Have a seat!" the driver replied, snatching the money. He closed the doors and drove off as Matt sat down next to Sora, sighing in relief.
"I don't get it, what was the big rush?" Yolei asked.
"Matt's fangirls are rabid to say the least." Izzy said, catching his breath.
"That's putting it lightly." Matt said. "I've lost more good shirts thanks to girls trying to clutch at me than I'd care to remember."
"Still, that was a pretty hefty tip there Matt." Cody noted.
"Considering that I was paying for all of your fares as well it wasn't that bad. Besides, I made a good chunk more than that tonight anyway." Matt told the youth. He then looked over at his brother, who looked to be a bit zoned out. "You alright there TK?"
"Yeah, it's just late is all, and I ran pretty hard." TK said, smiling a little. "I've lost a couple of shirts before too after all."
"What's that mean?" Yolei asked, looking over at TK as well now.
"It's been a mixture. In the past, Matt's fans either mistake me for him, or they know I'm his brother and come after me on that basis."
"They don't even care that Matt has Sora?"
"That doesn't even matter to them. I could be making out with Sora on the middle of the stage and it wouldn't change a thing." Matt said, rolling his head back so it thumped on the window of the bus. "And believe me, I've been tempted to do that a couple of times."
"Well so long as I'm around they'd better think twice before coming after TK again." Yolei said, grasping TK's hand in hers. TK smiled back at her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
"I appreciate the sentiment." He told her.
The bus rolled to a stop in front of Yolei's home and she and TK got off there, saying their goodbyes. The rest of the group was continuing on to the coffee house for some coffee and treats.
"Well, it certainly was a nice day for us." TK said.
"Yeah. Well hey, it doesn't have to be over yet, does it?"
"No, but there's not a whole lot else we can do. It is about 10:00 after all."
"How about I come by your place? Remember I don't really have a curfew tonight."
"I don't mind. We could catch a movie or something."
"Sounds good to me!"
TK nodded and fell in alongside Yolei as they headed towards his home, ready to begin winding the day down.
_ _ _ _ _
"Mom? I'm home!" TK called as he entered the darkened apartment. There was no response, so TK let Yolei in as he explored a bit. "Hmm, her bed is still made."
"Check your voice mail. Maybe she left you a message." Yolei suggested. TK grabbed the phone and sure enough there was a message.
"Hi TK, it's mom. I'm going to be a lot later than I thought because we ended up going to one of our old hangouts across town. Don't wait up, I promise to be quiet when I get home! Love ya!" the message said.
"Well, that explains that. Mom won't be back until real late I guess." TK said, hanging the phone up. He flopped down onto the couch, feeling exhaustion catching up with him.
"You feeling okay?" Yolei asked.
"Yeah, just a little wiped out is all. We did a lot today."
"That we did. So do you want to watch a movie after all?"
"Actually, I think I'd just like to lie back and relax."
"Okay. I can head out if you'd like to go to sleep. I have to admit, I'm kinda tired too."
TK rolled off of the couch, standing back up.
"Well at least let me give you the grand tour here. I've never shown you my room, after all." He said.
"Okay, someone sounds a little slap happy here." She said, folding her arms as she smirked at him.
"Sorry, I get silly when I get too tired. I'd hate to think what I'll be like when I'm old enough to drink."
"We'll burn that bridge when we cross it. For now, let's get you to bed, mister."
"Yes mom…"
Yolei laughed and pushed TK along towards his room, though she found him to be generally uncooperative as they moved along. Finally reaching his room Yolei gave him one good hard shove towards his bed. However, she hadn't been counting on him grabbing onto her hand just after she shoved him. They both ended up falling onto his bed, lying next to each other.
"Hey! What was that for?" Yolei said, pushing herself up.
"Sorry, just a reflex." TK said, his voice muffled by his pillow.
"Hah! I'll bet you did that on purpose!"
"Now why would I go and do something like that?" TK grinned at her as he rolled over.
"Just for that, I'll exact my revenge!"
Yolei tackled him, her hands searching out ticklish spots on him. She found one just at his side and concentrated on that spot. TK, not to be held defenseless, began trying to tickle her back. He found similar ticklish spots on her and attacked them as best he could. They kept up their tickle war for several minutes until finally TK called it quits.
"No…no more… need to catch my breath!" he gasped.
"Agreed…too much laughing. I seem to be doing that around you pretty often anymore." Yolei said, resting her head for a moment. She just then realized the position they were in. She was on top of him, and her head was resting on his chest. Part of her told her to get up and head out now, but she stayed where she was, listening to his breathing and heartbeat.
'He's breathing calmly, but his heart is beating so fast…because of me?' she thought.
"Yolei…" she heard him say, his voice sounding nervous. She pulled herself up a bit, looking into his eyes, which looked back at her tenderly.
"Takeru…"
The next thing she knew she was kissing him deeply and passionately, and he was kissing her back the same. She felt his arms slide up and down her back, hesitating at her lower back. She took hold of his hand in hers, sliding it down the rest of the way to her rear. She broke off their kiss as she did so, looking into his eyes again.
"You…don't mind?" TK asked, his face flushed with color.
"Let me show you just how much I don't mind." She replied, her voice sounding a bit breathy. She grabbed her beret and tossed it onto the floor, then returned to kissing him, now even more passionately than before.
TK let his hands roam up and down her back fully now. She then broke off their kiss again, leaning down next to his head, and the next thing he knew he felt her kissing and sucking on his earlobe. The sensation was completely new to TK, and was completely pleasurable.
'Is this…actually happening?' he thought, struggling somewhat with his conscience. 'That feels so good…hey I can't hog all the attention here!'
TK brought her face back to his and started kissing her again. He then held on tightly to her and shifted a bit, rolling her onto her back. He crawled over her now and continued kissing her. He then broke of the kiss and moved similarly to how she had with him, only targeting the side of her neck instead of her ear. He heard Yolei moan in reaction to what he was doing and continued, his free hand at her side. He slid his arm down a bit and noticed that her top had come untucked from her pants a bit, and let his fingers lightly touch her skin at her side.
Yolei had never felt anything so overwhelmingly pleasurable in her life. She found it increasingly harder to restrain herself the longer TK worked at her.
'If only…if only I knew for sure…I feel like my entire body is on fire!' she thought as she reveled in the experience. 'I'd go even farther with him in a heartbeat, if I only knew how he really felt…'
TK finally stopped after a few minutes and returned to kissing her. They both lay on their sides, facing each other as they kissed. TK's one hand still played at her side, touching her skin gently. Yolei finally did likewise as she had untucked his shirt a bit as well and started to run her hand up his side underneath it. After a while of doing that, they finally slowed their kissing down and settled down a bit, holding each other very closely.
"I can't believe we did all of that just now." TK said as he looked at Yolei again. "I never thought…I mean…"
"Shhh…" Yolei said quietly, trying to calm him down. She kissed him again gently after he did. "I know, Takeru. I know this is all new territory, believe me I feel the same way. The more time I spend with you the harder I find it is to not do things like this with you. That's just how I feel. Maybe I'm giving in to temptation a little, but I like and trust you. I know you wouldn't hurt me."
"Never. I could never hurt someone I cared about so much." TK replied, stroking her cheek, and then her hair with the palm of his hand. "No matter what happens, you'll always hold a special place in my heart, Yolei."
"Uh uh uh!' She said playfully. "Remember, no mentioning that! We still have little more than a week left after all."
"You're right, my apologies. But we shouldn't do this the entire time."
"Oh I don't know, I certainly wouldn't argue. It's not like you're bad at any of this after all."
"That's because I've had lots of practice, with a very willing and competent partner I might add." He half-smiled at her. She chuckled a bit and kissed the tip of his nose.
"I do agree, though. I'm sure we can find fun and interesting things to do together, though."
"Yeah. Hey, you should come by the basketball court sometime when we play. Cody, Davis and I get together and usually play basketball with some other people."
"You so sure about that?" Yolei looked at him skeptically, remembering the incident of the other day.
"Oh, right!" TK said, smacking his forehead. "I'm so stupid, I forgot to tell you I talked to Davis earlier today. We worked it all out."
Yolei looked at him skeptically, but relaxed as TK told her how they'd met up earlier that day and the long conversation they'd had about everything.
"Well that certainly puts me more at ease, then. It's nice to see Davis has a rational side to him after all."
"He's a great guy, really. He was just really hurt, and I don't blame him one bit for how he feels. It's just that extreme emotions bring out extreme parts of people sometimes, no matter how nice of a person you are."
Yolei nodded in agreement with TK's statement. TK was about to say more about the idea, but realized where that conversation might lead him, and it was to something he still didn't feel brave enough to talk about to anyone, even Yolei.
"So then, wanna come out to the game?" he asked, turning the conversation around.
"Sure, it sounds fun. I could bring a cooler with drinks and stuff from the shop."
"It'd be most welcome. I heard the forecast for the coming week, and it's supposed to be a real scorcher."
"Yolei to the rescue once again!" She sat up, pumping her fist in the air triumphantly. TK laughed a bit at her gesturing.
"I don't know what we'd do without you, Yolei." He said, sitting up as well. "I'll make sure to ask everyone who wants drinks to chip in a little. I'm sure they'll cooperate."
"Plus it'll be good advertising! Dad'll go for the idea in a heartbeat."
TK nodded in approval and hopped off of the bed. He then helped Yolei stand as well. She took a quick moment to straighten herself up a bit and to retrieve her beret from the floor.
"I'd better head out. Your mom may be relatively easy going, but I'm willing to bet she won't be too receptive to the idea of coming home and seeing the only people in the place being you and me."
"It can't be any worse when she went to visit Matt one time when he and Sora were, um…shall we say, preoccupied?"
"That must've been embarrassing." She said, walking out of TK's room as he held the door for her.
"It's just another of Matt's stories that I never want to hear completely." TK said, shaking his head.
Yolei stepped down a bit into the genkan, slipping her shoes on as she did. She turned to face TK again, smiling.
"I had a wonderful time with you today, Takeru. Thank you for everything." She said.
"Same here. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow."
"What's happening tomorrow?" Yolei asked, a bit puzzled. TK smiled and took her hand in his, kissing it gallantly.
"Why, I'll be able to see you once again, m'lady." He said, smiling at her.
"You're too much, you know that?" she said, blushing as he bowed to her.
"Maybe so, but you deserve no less. Seriously, I'm always looking forward to seeing you again."
"Me too."
Yolei stepped back up to him, kissing him for a few moments. She then backed up again, smiled and waved to him, and left, closing the door behind her. TK took in a deep breath after she left, exhaling as he returned to his room. He collapsed onto his bed, which still smelled as if it had a hint of whatever perfume Yolei had been wearing. He peeled off most of his clothing and settled in to sleep, enjoying the faint scent of her that lingered. He slept well that night, and though he would not remember by the time morning came, it would be the first night his dreams were solely of someone other than Kari.
Wingzoluv: And that's the whole story up to and including today.
It was Thursday night, and Yolei had managed to convince Mimi to meet her online that night as opposed to Friday considering that she'd be out at the concert with TK then. She had just finished explaining the whole situation to Mimi, figuring that there was no way Kari would hear about it since she was still out of town. That, and she had sworn Mimi to secrecy no less than half a dozen times before she even started to tell the story.
SincerelyPink: Have you considered selling that story to Hollywood? It'd make a great movie script!
Wingzoluv: Mimi!
SincerelyPink: Just kidding! Seriously, though, that's one of the most romantic stories I've ever heard! I couldn't be happier for you, Yolei!
Wingzoluv: Well, the story's not over yet. Not by a long shot. Takeru still needs to sort out his feelings for Kari, and I worry that when he does he'll still choose her over me.
SincerelyPink: Well at least he's being honest about it all, I have to admire him for that. Though his being indecisive is quite frustrating.
Wingzoluv: That's why I'm enjoying what I have while I still have it. I can't believe how this has turned out, Mimi! I'm absolutely crazy over him!
SincerelyPink: If that's the case, then I think you know what you need to do, my dear.
Wingzoluv: What's that?
SincerelyPink: You need to make sure that when TK does have to decide, it's you he picks.
Wingzoluv: But I don't know what else I can do. Maybe I could change how I dress, or how I act a little. Maybe if I acted nicer or cuter, or something?
SincerelyPink: You want some Mimi-grade advice, Yolei?
Wingzoluv: Hmm?
SincerelyPink: Don't change.
Wingzoluv: Huh?
SincerelyPink: TK got to like you for who you are, Yolei. Don't change that, or you'll end up turning him away from you. Believe me, I almost lost Joe because I got too aggressive with him.
Wingzoluv: I had no idea!
SincerelyPink: I started to be too intent on the physical side of our relationship, and it really turned him off. Being appealing to the eye is only part of the formula. If you really want things to cement between you two, you need to have more than one dimension to your relationship.
Wingzoluv: Well, we have talked a lot recently, about a wide range of things. And we certainly know how to have a fun time together. I've always respected him and what he believes in, and I think he feels likewise about me.
SincerelyPink: You see? The foundation is there, hon! Just keep building on it like you have been.
Wingzoluv: I'll give it a shot, Mimi. Thanks for the advice.
SincerelyPink: Whoa, hold on there! I'm not done with you yet. Just because I said not to change doesn't mean you still couldn't use a couple of pointers to hint to TK that you'd like things to go a little further with him.
Wingzoluv: I thought you said that doing things like that might scare him off?
SincerelyPink: And it will, if you focus on that aspect of your relationship too much like I was. That's also not to say that he won't appreciate doing things even just a little differently from time to time. "Variety is the spice of life" after all.
Wingzoluv: Well, the other night's kissing was a little more intense than before, and we both sure seemed to like that immensely.
SincerelyPink: That's a start.
Wingzoluv: I just don't want him to start thinking I'm easy is all.
SincerelyPink: How long have you known TK?
Wingzoluv: Four years.
SincerelyPink: And how long have you been dating now?
Wingzoluv: Roughly two weeks, I think.
SincerelyPink: I think it's safe to say that TK knows what kind of person you are by now, Yolei. Besides, it's not like I'm telling you to jump in the sack with him…yet. ;)
Wingzoluv: Mimi!! O_O;;
SincerelyPink: Joking! Joking! Seriously, though, let's get down to business.
Wingzoluv: Okay, I'll try to keep an open mind.
SincerelyPink: That's the spirit. Now here's some pointers on the next time you two get to kissing…
_ _ _ _ _
"Yolei…just one more kiss…" TK said in his sleep. He reached for her in his dreams, only to open his eyes and see he was clutching his pillow, and furthermore that the ground was suddenly getting much closer to him. He fell off of his bed with a thud and lay there for a moment, cursing his timing for waking up.
"Friday at last. At least I have something to look forward to after waking up from that dream. It was such a nice dream, too." He said to himself. He pried himself off the floor after a few moments and shuffled into the bathroom for his shower.
'The other night was almost unreal.' TK thought as he showered. 'I certainly can't deny my attraction to Yolei anymore. But it's not fair to keep things hanging as they are. I have to sort out everything with Kari when she gets back from Yokohama. Even if I don't feel for her like I used to, we need to straighten it all out. I just wish I knew how to help Davis as well. Despite the fact that he almost pummeled me into next week, he's always meant well and I don't wish him ill or anything like that.'
TK finished cleaning up and wrapped a towel around himself after drying off a bit. He noticed that he was in considerably less pain now than he had been the past day or so, and was relieved to be almost back to 100%. He took his time getting dressed, wanting to look good for the concert and for his date.
'It's funny how things work out. I guess I understand a bit of how Sora must have felt a few years back when she was stuck between Tai and my brother. What was it she told me at the time? She said in the end she just listened to her heart, and it whispered to her the name of the one she truly loved. That's always stuck in my mind. I wonder if that will happen for me?'
TK gave himself a look in the mirror. He wore all white, slacks and a short sleeved, buttoned shirt. He was one of the few people around who could actually wear all white and get away with it. He chalked it up to being one of the perks of being the bearer of the Crest of Hope.
'Hopefully I won't come home tonight reeking of cigarette smoke like I usually do after Matt's concerts. I hate having to answer mom's questions and reassure her that I haven't taken up smoking.' He thought as he headed to the kitchen for some breakfast. On the kitchen table he found a note left for him that was from his mother. It read: Won't be back until late tonight, I'm meeting some old friends for dinner and drinks. Remember, no crazy parties just because I'm not around. Love, Mom.
"Yeah, 'cause heaven knows I'm the one who throws crazy parties and trashes the place." TK remarked as he tossed the letter in the trashcan. He fixed himself a quick breakfast and decided to head out for the day.
No sooner was he down to the ground and making his way away from the apartments than he came across Davis, who was leaning against a tree nearby. TK walked over to him, a bit nervous, but somehow he had a feeling that Davis wouldn't pose a threat to him this time.
_ _ _ _ _
Davis knew TK was walking over to him, but didn't look up at him. The last thing he wanted to do was look eye-to-eye with the guy he'd nearly beaten to a pulp a few days earlier.
"Hey." TK said once he was in earshot.
"Hey." Davis replied, glancing at TK briefly.
"How're you doing?"
"I'm managing. I'm still depressed, I guess. Though Jun certainly helped put me in my place."
Davis picked his head up, pointing to the bruising around his right eye. TK winced empathetically as he looked at it.
"How'd that happen?"
"Jun happened to be home when I ran back home in a fit of rage. She cornered me and weaseled the story out of me, and then introduced me to her right cross."
"Ouch."
"Tell me about it." Davis laughed sardonically. "She did help straighten me out, though. I mean, she reminded me of what she went through when she finally had to accept that Matt would never like her. She never went after Sora and…anyhow, she helped me realize just how stupidly I'd acted."
"Davis, I really don't blame you for feeling betrayed, nor can I really blame you for the other day either."
"Really?" Davis looked up at TK finally, half-amazed.
"I know what Kari means to you. Or at least I have a good idea now." TK approached him a bit more. "No one deserves to be treated like she was treating you."
"I honestly thought she liked me, or at least was beginning to like me. The smile on her face, the sound of her laughter…it all made my day." Davis pushed away from the tree, beginning to walk again. TK fell in alongside him. "Where did I go wrong?"
"I don't think you went wrong anywhere, Davis. I think she's the one who's confused right now. Ever since I started dating Yolei she's been acting so differently, it's like she's not herself these days."
"All I know is, apparently it's you she has eyes for, not me."
"Yeah…"
"You don't sound too happy about that. I thought you'd be overjoyed?"
"If this had happened a few weeks ago, believe me I would be. But now…things have changed, and I'm caught between a rock and a hard place."
"Heh, if this is your idea of a difficult position to be in, then I envy you man. Having to decide between two girls? That's a pretty nice predicament if you ask me."
"Believe me, it's not all it's cracked up to be."
"If you say so."
"So did you and Kari talk after we all parted ways at the amusement park?"
"I didn't even know she was out of town until Cody told me."
"She really owes you an explanation."
"I don't know if I want to hear it or not, really." Davis said, shaking his head. "I don't know what to think anymore about how I feel about her. I mean I do feel hurt, angry, betrayed, confused…and yet, I still…I just don't know."
Davis slowed his pace and stopped, as he knew the store was coming up. TK stopped when he realized Davis had and turned to look at him.
"Something up?" TK asked.
"I'd better not go there right now, at least not until I know Yolei won't bite my head off for the other day." Davis said, shrugging.
"I'll smooth things over, don't worry."
"Thanks. And…I'm deeply sorry about that, too…my beef is with Kari, I guess I was just blinded by my emotions. You didn't deserve to be treated like that."
"No apologies needed, but it's accepted all the same. Friends?"
TK extended his hand to Davis, who reluctantly took it and shook it.
"Friends." Davis repeated. "I think I'll go see if Cody and Ken want to go hang out or something. Try and get my mind off of this all for now, or at least until she gets back home."
"Sounds like a good idea. Will you be at the concert tonight?"
"Maybe. We'll see, I guess."
"Alright, take it easy Davis."
Davis just nodded and walked off in another direction, returning to his thoughts about Kari and everything that had happened. TK breathed a sigh of relief after he left.
"2 down, only one left…and that last one is going to be the difficult one." He said to himself. "And the hard part is knowing that no matter what the outcome is, someone is going to end up getting hurt."
_ _ _ _ _
TK continued to mull over the conversation with Davis until he entered the store. Seeing Yolei there waiting for him, though, quickly lifted his spirits. She wore dark blue pants with a green top, and had on her red beret with the gold pin. A pair of sunglasses sat on her face as well. She hopped off of the stool behind the counter and gave her mother, who was running the cash register, a quick hug before going to TK who she also hugged.
"You look great today!" TK told her as he hugged her back.
"Thanks, but you look dressed to kill today." She said as she backed up for a moment, looking him over again, smiling slyly at him. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to impress someone."
"Hmm, I wonder who around here I'd be trying to impress for that matter?" TK played along, acting dumb. Yolei giggled in delight, hugging him again.
"You two have fun today, now. And remember, Yolei, you don't have to be back at any special time tonight." Mrs. Inoue said, reminding her daughter.
"Thanks again, mom. I can't tell you what it means to me." Yolei said, looking back at her mother. She then took TK's hand and left with him, her mother waving as they left.
"How did you manage that?" TK asked once they were outside.
"Mom and dad finally asked me the other day about you and what all we've been doing recently, and they were overjoyed that I've actually been dating. So they lifted my curfew, but only for the weekends."
"That was pretty cool of them. So, what do you want to do? The concert isn't until this evening, and we've got the entire day ahead of us."
"Think you'd be up for a little shopping?" Yolei smiled innocently at TK as she suggested it.
"I guess. What for, though?"
"A couple of things. There are some computer parts I want to get for my machine, and I want to price a few things before I go buying anything. Also, it's one of my sisters' birthday next week, and I want to get her present."
"Oh, if that's all then sure. I have no problem with shopping."
"Then you also won't have a problem going to Akihabara to do it, either?"
"A bit of a hike, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but it's not like we don't have the time, and I don't get to go there that often."
"Well since you put it like that, I feel obligated to take you there then."
Yolei smiled and gave TK a quick peck on the cheek as they walked to the train station.
"I knew you'd see it that way."
_ _ _ _ _
Yolei looked carefully over the prices of the items on the shelf before her. They had done her sister's birthday shopping first, having picked out a pair of earrings for her. Her sister didn't have her ears pierced yet, but her mother had let Yolei know that getting her ears pierced was going to be one of her gifts, and Yolei figured it'd be only fitting to get her some earrings. They were a pair of small, silver earrings shaped like crescent moons. She knew her sister would just love them.
"What exactly are you looking to get, may I ask?" TK asked finally, boggled by the sheer amount of electronic equipment around them.
"A new hard drive and a CD-RW drive." She responded, standing back up from where she'd been crouching. "My computer is nice, but it came out just before a couple of new things became standard in PCs, and I've always competed with Izzy over which one of us has the more up-to-date machine. He's up on me right now, but if I can get these things it'll put me in the lead for at least a little while."
"You won't mind if I decide to stay out of whatever technical discussion you have with him, will you? I know the basics about computers, but I'm no technical genius like you guys are."
"All right, if you insist. I'll keep you safe from the big, bad Izzy and all his computer lingo." She smiled and stepped around him, looking over a couple other units and prices.
"You have my unending thanks." TK replied, smirking.
"My goal is to someday build my own computer from scratch. It'll be a lot cheaper then buying pre-packaged computers, and a lot more fun to boot."
"I admire the fact that you can do something like that. I wouldn't have the patience."
"This kind of stuff has been my passion for as long as I can remember." Yolei picked up a box as she spoke, looking it over a bit. "There's just something about assembling all of these parts to make a perfect machine that will work that gives me a sense of accomplishment. It's actually very relaxing."
"I guess you could say it's your own kind of writing, then." TK said philosophically.
"How do you figure?"
"Well, consider the parts you use as the words. You pick and choose them carefully, maybe not looking for the best ones to use, but the right ones. In the end, your machine is your creation just like my stories and poems are mine, and it tells a story by how well it works."
"I never thought about it quite like that..." Yolei said, suddenly intrigued by the concept.
"And you said you didn't think you'd be good at writing." TK told her jokingly.
"Well, I don't think any of my works will end up on a best sellers' list that's for sure." Yolei laughed as she put the box back on the shelf. "I think I've looked around enough for now. I'll need to save up some more cash for what I need. What time is it?"
"Only about 11:00." TK said, reading a nearby clock. "Still too early for lunch."
"How about a matinee movie? That'd kill some time."
"That works. I think there's a theater up the road a bit. Whadya want to see?"
"We can pick something when we get there, I honestly don't have anything in mind."
TK nodded and the two set out for the theater. This theater in particular showed slightly older movies for its matinee showings at reduced prices.
"Let's see Shrek, I love that movie!" Yolei said, spotting it on the list of movies. She removed her sunglasses, putting them into the bag with her sister's gift.
"I wouldn't have picked you to be one for cartoons." TK said, fishing money from his wallet. "Not that I'm complaining of course, I think it's a cool movie too."
"I more dig the CG style. It's incredible what they can do anymore."
TK nodded in agreement, buying a pair of tickets for the movie. They picked out a row towards the back of the theater, which was anything but packed for the showing. As they sat down, Yolei made a discovery as her hand came to rest on the armrest of her seat. It moved. She fiddled with it for a moment, until she realized that it could fold up all the way back.
"Now that's a nice feature." She said, folding the armrest between her and TK back.
"I'll say." TK added, putting an arm around her. She happily settled in next to him as the movie started up.
They watched the movie for a while, content to be just relaxing together. Eventually, though, their interest in the movie waned as they took to looking at each other, their features somewhat obscured by the darkened theater.
'We're practically all alone in here, and I doubt anyone would care if I started…hey, I'll bet she was planning on this all along. Though I certainly can't say I don't like the idea.' TK thought as he gently stroked Yolei's hair. 'Why did I never notice before how pretty she is?'
'And here I was worried about trying to do this over the armrests. I'll really have to remember this place when I just want to be alone with him.' Yolei thought. In a fit of self-consciousness, she looked around the theater quickly, noting that there was no one even within earshot of them, and everyone else seemed to be more interested in watching the movie. 'All clear. That was my only other worry.'
"Yolei?" TK said, his voice low and soft. "I…"
"Don't worry, Takeru…" she said, snuggling closer to him. She let herself get lost in his eyes, which as she'd found out on several occasions was not difficult to do. "You can kiss me if you'd like."
"I'd like that very much…" he replied, pressing his lips against hers softly. They simply kissed at first, but deepened their kissing as time wore on, and before either of them knew it they were fully making out in the theater.
'So much for pacing myself today.' TK mused as he continued to kiss Yolei. 'If only I really understood my feelings…'
'I feel so alive when he kisses me, and I have to admit I've gotten greedy for that feeling. If I could just wave a magic wand and wish for us to end up together I would. Takeru…'
As daring as both were feeling, they broke off their kissing a short while later in order to straighten themselves up a bit before the movie ended. Once finished, Yolei settled back next to TK, a contented smile on her face.
"We're getting pretty adept at that." She remarked as she felt him slide his arm around her waist.
"I'll say. I think it comes with being boyfriend and girlfriend." He added, likewise smiling.
"There's that, and there's the fact that I just feel so comfortable around you now, Takeru. And yet, with all the things I'm feeling it makes me wish it were next week already. The anticipation has already started to get to me a bit."
"I know. I must be the worst boyfriend in the world to make you go through something like this. I'm sorry I'm being so indecisive."
"Oh I'll be fine, one way or another. I know it can't be any easier for you either. After all, you've loved Kari for years, and we're not sure yet how we really feel for each other for that matter. I'd be silly to make you decide something so quickly and haphazardly."
"I still can't help being apologetic about it, though."
Yolei turned around in her seat, looking at TK again. She leaned against him again, smiling at him the whole while.
"Then how about a deal? Until Kari gets back next Sunday, neither of us will even mention this matter again. We won't even think about it. You just be my boyfriend, and I'll be your girlfriend and we'll go from there. How's that sound?"
"Kinda leaves you with a raw deal, doesn't it? I mean, I get to have a smart, witty, funny and beautiful girl for a girlfriend and all you get in return is me as a boyfriend." TK said wryly.
"Oh believe me, you're full of good points yourself." She replied, adding in thought, 'More than I'd dare mention right now, for that matter.' She stroked his cheek gently with her hand, smiling coyly at him as she did so. "So, what do you say Takeru? Think you can handle just being my boyfriend for now?"
TK considered the proposal for a few moments. One of his downfalls was indeed that he thought too much about everything, and the more he tried to think about the whole mess the more confused and indecisive he became. Taking some time to distance himself from the problem might help give him a new perspective on it all. In the end, though, he needed only to look at Yolei and knew that, as had turned out to be the case, he just couldn't bring himself to tell her "no".
"Alright, then. I'll try not to think about it until next Sunday, when Kari gets back from her trip."
Yolei giggled in delight, giving TK another quick kiss and hug. As they left the theater after the end of the movie, both suddenly started to feel even closer to each other than before. They walked arm in arm to the train station, heading back home for lunch.
_ _ _ _ _
TK and Yolei sat on their usual park bench, eating the box lunches given to them by Yolei's mother. TK had offered to pay for his meal, but Mrs. Inoue had refused and shooed them both out of the store before he could insist any further.
"I just wanted to be fair." TK said as he ate some rice. "I don't deserve any special treatment."
"In my opinion you do, but hey that's just me." Yolei told him with a wink. "Don't worry about it too much. If you want to justify it, consider it as repayment for when you covered for me when I was hurt."
"I guess that works."
"So what else can we do to kill time until we meet up with everyone else?" Yolei asked as she sipped from her can of soda.
"There was something I've been meaning to ask you, if it's not too personal."
"Takeru, I'd talk to you about just about anything anymore."
TK finished another bite of his lunch before asking his question.
"What attracted you to Ken in the first place?"
"Hmm…well, what wasn't to be attracted to? He was cute, super smart, courageous, and he genuinely seemed to like me." Yolei said as she thought. "Maybe if I'd had the guts to ask him how he felt sooner, something could've come of it."
"Do you regret not getting together with him?"
Yolei looked down at her half-empty lunch box as she thought about it.
"Up until recently part of me still cared for him such that maybe I did regret it." She said after a moment. "Ken's a great guy, and someday he'll make some other girl very happy. He'll be everything to her and do everything for her that he can. But now that I think about it, maybe that's not what I really want after all."
"How do you mean?" TK asked, leaning over a bit to look at her better.
"Well, just about any girl dreams of finding the perfect guy for herself, who'll treat her like royalty and all that jazz. That was my dream for a long time too, but I don't know if that's what I really want out of a relationship. I don't want to be catered to or waited on 24/7. I want to be with someone who'll help me when I need it, but who'll also respect my space when I want to do something myself.
"And I want someone who won't expect me to act or be a certain way all the time either. I like being unpredictable and spontaneous sometimes. I know sometimes I come across as being strange or even crazy, and I guess that's turned a lot of people off in the past, but it's just who I am."
Yolei rolled her head back, looking up at the sky through the trees as she sighed, trying to find the words to finish her thoughts.
"I guess in a nutshell, I just want someone who understands me, who respects me for who I am, and who'll care about me unconditionally." She finally said.
"I think that describes what any of us are looking for, myself included." TK said, responding to her thoughts.
"That wouldn't be too hard for you to do, you know. You're very easily likeable, after all." Yolei told him, looking over at him.
"That's not entirely true." TK looked down at the pavement, lost in thought. "Lots of people I know simplify me down to what they've seen from me and think they know about me. The only ones who know different are anyone who's read some of my writing, and even some of those people wonder why I think like I do. Not even Matt really understands where I'm coming from sometimes. Especially about…"
TK hesitated before he continued with his thought. He felt like his voice suddenly left him, and he found he couldn't say what was on his mind and in his heart. He drifted into silence, leaving Yolei a bit concerned about him.
"Takeru, I'll listen to you, and try to understand you if you want to talk about something." She said, setting her lunch aside. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. I'm just being silly and thinking too much as usual." TK said, shaking his head.
"Are you sure?"
"I am, but thanks for being willing to listen. No one else has ever even offered me that before."
"Anytime you want to talk, just let me know. I promise I'll try to listen with an open mind and heart, Takeru."
TK smiled at her, a genuine smile expressing his happiness at hearing what she had told him. She smiled back and put her hand on his, rubbing it gently.
'If only it were so easy, but I can't say it.' He thought. 'It's my deepest, darkest fear, and no one understands it but me. Maybe someday…'
"You going to be okay?" Yolei asked after a moment. TK then realized they'd just been sitting there, looking into each other's eyes for several minutes.
"Yeah. I get lost in thought really easily these days." He said, reassuring her. "Especially, it seems, when I'm looking at you."
"Oh now you're just trying to be smooth." She said with a laugh. "Well you know what?"
"What?"
Yolei leaned over and kissed him for a few moments before pulling away and looking at him with an impish grin.
"It works." She told him.
"I'll keep that in mind then."
"We should finish eating and take this stuff back to mom." Yolei said, returning to her food. "Then you maybe want to hit a game center until it's time for the show?"
"So long as you don't mind carrying around another plush doll." TK told her with a knowing smile.
"Oh, I guess I can." Yolei said, making like she was disappointed. "You are going to drown me in plushies, aren't you?"
"You really haven't seen Sora's room ever, have you?"
"Now I'm afraid…"
The two wrapped up their lunch and then headed out for the remainder of their free afternoon together, with TK trying to plot just what kind of plush doll to win for her this time.
_ _ _ _ _
The hall for the Teenage Wolves concert this time around was quite a bit larger than the backrooms the band was used to playing in. They were starting to make a name for themselves, and their venues were increasing in size and quality. Nonetheless, all of Matt's good friends were guaranteed preferential seating. It was something Matt himself did for his friends as his way of thanking all of them for their support.
The group was seated more or less centrally in the auditorium, right in the front row. Sora always sat in the exact middle of the row. On her right were TK and Yolei, who were stretching out in their seats and relaxing. Izzy and Cody sat on her left, and it was Izzy that Sora was chatting with at present.
"It feels weird not having everyone here this time." Sora said, looking over the mostly vacant row.
"I'll say. It's not the same without Tai here leading the crowd in the usual cheers that he gets going pre-concert." Izzy replied, snickering.
"I thought things were strangely peaceful this time around." Cody added. "For that matter, Yolei isn't doing her usual cries for the rest of the members of the band."
"I think she's got good reason for that now, Cody." Sora told him. She turned and saw TK and Yolei chatting a bit, holding hands as they did.
"I swear, nobody could've predicted those two getting together, least of all me." Izzy commented.
"Love works in mysterious ways, Izzy." Sora told him. "But I shouldn't have to tell you that Mr. Internet romancer. How's that going, by the way?"
"Wait, Izzy has girlfriend online?!" Cody exclaimed. "What's this all about? Is that even possible?"
"Thanks a lot Sora!: Izzy shot at her. Sora just grinned back at him as he groaned, not wanting to have to explain how it worked yet again. "Okay, Cody, here's the lowdown…"
As Izzy turned to try and explain his situation to Cody, Sora turned her attention to the young couple next to her.
"I see you two have really taken off for that matter." She said, leaning on her seat's armrest.
"You and I have to figure out what it is with these Ishida boys, Sora." Yolei said, grabbing TK by the arm. "They're just irresistible!"
"But I'm a Takaishi!" TK protested.
"You share the same father, TK, that makes you an Ishida whether you like it or not." Sora told him with a chuckle.
"More often than not it's the latter of those two, I assure you." TK said, standing up. "I think I'll go grab a soda before things start. You want anything Yolei?"
"I'm fine right now. Hurry back soon!"
TK nodded and headed off towards the back for his drink. Sora moved over to his seat so she could talk with Yolei a bit better.
"So what have you two been up to lately?" she asked, eager to know more.
"Lots. We've had the entire day together so far, and it's been amazing!" Yolei said, recalling all they'd done so far that day.
"I know the feeling, I love it when Matt and I have days like that too."
"And he won me this little thing, too!" She held up the latest addition to her growing plush doll collection, with was a plush hedgehog doll. "It's not quite a look-alike for Patamon, but it's close enough."
"It certainly is cute, I'll give you that." Sora said, looking the little doll over.
"I have two others on my cash register at the shop from him."
"You're kidding…he's doing this now too?! For crying out loud, he IS an Ishida after all." Sora said, rolling her eyes.
"He mentioned that you had quite a few too from Matt..."
"Yolei, I have approximately 70 or so plush dolls scattered around my room courtesy of one Yamato Ishida."
"Holy crap! Do you even have any desk space anymore?"
"Put simply: no. But really, each one has a memory behind it, so I really don't mind."
"I know what you mean."
"So what else did you guys do?"
"We did some shopping, we saw a movie, had lunch courtesy of my mom…all of it's just wonderful, Sora. I just enjoy every minute we're together. It's really the happiest I've ever been in my entire life."
"Well that's good, but let's get to the important part. Sora said leaning a little closer, wanting the juicy bits now. "How is he at kissing?"
"Oh Sora, that's one thing I can't get enough of. He's just…it seems like he knows just what to do with me, and he swears up and down he's never done any of this before."
"Sounds like someone managed to get some alone time with her boyfriend, then. But where?"
"Um…the movie theater…" Yolei's face turned a deep shade of red as she admitted where she and TK had made out earlier that day.
"You guys sure don't waste any time, do you?" Sora quipped, moving back to her seat.
"Sora? Can I ask you something? On a serious note, that is."
"What is it?"
"Do you think…I mean, how can I…well, how did you know when it was for real between you and Matt?"
"It's different for everyone, really. It's hard to say for sure, but I can tell you this from my own experience."
Yolei leaned over her armrest, listening intently to Sora as she continued.
"When you close your eyes at night, or anytime, try and imagine living your life without him. If you can't do it, that is if you can't imagine living without him, then that's a really strong sign that what you feel for him is for real."
"That worked for you?"
"I try and do just that every night before I go to sleep, and the more time I spend with Matt the harder it is for me to think of a life without him."
Yolei looked back over her shoulder and saw TK making his way back down with his drink and quickly sat back down in her seat.
"I'll remember that. Thanks Sora!"
"No prob. Good luck!" Sora smiled, giving Yolei a thumbs-up sign. Yolei nodded in response, turning and smiling at TK as he returned.
"Okay, so how much did you get out of her about me, Sora?" TK asked as he sat back down.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, TK." Sora replied innocently. TK gave her a suspicious look, but then sipped on his soda and relaxed. He felt Yolei hug his right arm a bit and happily put it around her, letting her lean into him.
"Too bad the armrests here aren't like the ones at the theater." He said, smiling at her.
"We have to pay attention to your brother's concert." Yolei replied, in a mock-chastising tone. "So behave."
"I know, I know."
"Still…" Yolei said, leaning her head over a little. "…how about I give you an 'IOU' for that?" She kissed the side of his neck, sending a jolt through TK.
"Since you put it that way, I guess I can be good." TK said, retracting his arm for the time being. Yolei smiled and sat back in her chair, crossing her legs as she did.
"…and that's how it works, Cody." Izzy said, finishing his explanation of how an Internet romance works.
"Izzy, I'm not dumb. I know how an Internet romance works after all." Cody said, rolling his eyes.
"Then why did you ask if it was possible?"
"I was talking about the idea of you having a girlfriend, Izzy. I never thought it would actually happen!"
Izzy just sulked in his seat as the others did their best to stifle their laughter. He grumbled at Cody a bit, knowing that there was merit behind Cody's statement. He even had to admit to himself that it was pretty funny, for that matter.
The concert was shortly underway. The crowd erupted with cheers as Matt and his band took the stage. They played a range of tunes, from rock to pop tunes with a couple of ballads woven in between as well. One ballad in particular Matt had obviously written with Sora in mind, as he couldn't take his eyes off of her as he sang it. Sora blushed throughout the entire song.
After the band played a couple of encore songs the concert dispersed and the group quickly gathered around the back entrance. As soon as Matt appeared, his guitar case in hand, they made a mad dash for the bus stop. They had been in luck, a bus was there waiting for them. They all piled on with Matt pulling up the rear. He quickly handed the bus driver a 5,000 yen bill.
"Get us outta here now and it's yours, buddy." Matt told the driver.
"Say no more, kid. Have a seat!" the driver replied, snatching the money. He closed the doors and drove off as Matt sat down next to Sora, sighing in relief.
"I don't get it, what was the big rush?" Yolei asked.
"Matt's fangirls are rabid to say the least." Izzy said, catching his breath.
"That's putting it lightly." Matt said. "I've lost more good shirts thanks to girls trying to clutch at me than I'd care to remember."
"Still, that was a pretty hefty tip there Matt." Cody noted.
"Considering that I was paying for all of your fares as well it wasn't that bad. Besides, I made a good chunk more than that tonight anyway." Matt told the youth. He then looked over at his brother, who looked to be a bit zoned out. "You alright there TK?"
"Yeah, it's just late is all, and I ran pretty hard." TK said, smiling a little. "I've lost a couple of shirts before too after all."
"What's that mean?" Yolei asked, looking over at TK as well now.
"It's been a mixture. In the past, Matt's fans either mistake me for him, or they know I'm his brother and come after me on that basis."
"They don't even care that Matt has Sora?"
"That doesn't even matter to them. I could be making out with Sora on the middle of the stage and it wouldn't change a thing." Matt said, rolling his head back so it thumped on the window of the bus. "And believe me, I've been tempted to do that a couple of times."
"Well so long as I'm around they'd better think twice before coming after TK again." Yolei said, grasping TK's hand in hers. TK smiled back at her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.
"I appreciate the sentiment." He told her.
The bus rolled to a stop in front of Yolei's home and she and TK got off there, saying their goodbyes. The rest of the group was continuing on to the coffee house for some coffee and treats.
"Well, it certainly was a nice day for us." TK said.
"Yeah. Well hey, it doesn't have to be over yet, does it?"
"No, but there's not a whole lot else we can do. It is about 10:00 after all."
"How about I come by your place? Remember I don't really have a curfew tonight."
"I don't mind. We could catch a movie or something."
"Sounds good to me!"
TK nodded and fell in alongside Yolei as they headed towards his home, ready to begin winding the day down.
_ _ _ _ _
"Mom? I'm home!" TK called as he entered the darkened apartment. There was no response, so TK let Yolei in as he explored a bit. "Hmm, her bed is still made."
"Check your voice mail. Maybe she left you a message." Yolei suggested. TK grabbed the phone and sure enough there was a message.
"Hi TK, it's mom. I'm going to be a lot later than I thought because we ended up going to one of our old hangouts across town. Don't wait up, I promise to be quiet when I get home! Love ya!" the message said.
"Well, that explains that. Mom won't be back until real late I guess." TK said, hanging the phone up. He flopped down onto the couch, feeling exhaustion catching up with him.
"You feeling okay?" Yolei asked.
"Yeah, just a little wiped out is all. We did a lot today."
"That we did. So do you want to watch a movie after all?"
"Actually, I think I'd just like to lie back and relax."
"Okay. I can head out if you'd like to go to sleep. I have to admit, I'm kinda tired too."
TK rolled off of the couch, standing back up.
"Well at least let me give you the grand tour here. I've never shown you my room, after all." He said.
"Okay, someone sounds a little slap happy here." She said, folding her arms as she smirked at him.
"Sorry, I get silly when I get too tired. I'd hate to think what I'll be like when I'm old enough to drink."
"We'll burn that bridge when we cross it. For now, let's get you to bed, mister."
"Yes mom…"
Yolei laughed and pushed TK along towards his room, though she found him to be generally uncooperative as they moved along. Finally reaching his room Yolei gave him one good hard shove towards his bed. However, she hadn't been counting on him grabbing onto her hand just after she shoved him. They both ended up falling onto his bed, lying next to each other.
"Hey! What was that for?" Yolei said, pushing herself up.
"Sorry, just a reflex." TK said, his voice muffled by his pillow.
"Hah! I'll bet you did that on purpose!"
"Now why would I go and do something like that?" TK grinned at her as he rolled over.
"Just for that, I'll exact my revenge!"
Yolei tackled him, her hands searching out ticklish spots on him. She found one just at his side and concentrated on that spot. TK, not to be held defenseless, began trying to tickle her back. He found similar ticklish spots on her and attacked them as best he could. They kept up their tickle war for several minutes until finally TK called it quits.
"No…no more… need to catch my breath!" he gasped.
"Agreed…too much laughing. I seem to be doing that around you pretty often anymore." Yolei said, resting her head for a moment. She just then realized the position they were in. She was on top of him, and her head was resting on his chest. Part of her told her to get up and head out now, but she stayed where she was, listening to his breathing and heartbeat.
'He's breathing calmly, but his heart is beating so fast…because of me?' she thought.
"Yolei…" she heard him say, his voice sounding nervous. She pulled herself up a bit, looking into his eyes, which looked back at her tenderly.
"Takeru…"
The next thing she knew she was kissing him deeply and passionately, and he was kissing her back the same. She felt his arms slide up and down her back, hesitating at her lower back. She took hold of his hand in hers, sliding it down the rest of the way to her rear. She broke off their kiss as she did so, looking into his eyes again.
"You…don't mind?" TK asked, his face flushed with color.
"Let me show you just how much I don't mind." She replied, her voice sounding a bit breathy. She grabbed her beret and tossed it onto the floor, then returned to kissing him, now even more passionately than before.
TK let his hands roam up and down her back fully now. She then broke off their kiss again, leaning down next to his head, and the next thing he knew he felt her kissing and sucking on his earlobe. The sensation was completely new to TK, and was completely pleasurable.
'Is this…actually happening?' he thought, struggling somewhat with his conscience. 'That feels so good…hey I can't hog all the attention here!'
TK brought her face back to his and started kissing her again. He then held on tightly to her and shifted a bit, rolling her onto her back. He crawled over her now and continued kissing her. He then broke of the kiss and moved similarly to how she had with him, only targeting the side of her neck instead of her ear. He heard Yolei moan in reaction to what he was doing and continued, his free hand at her side. He slid his arm down a bit and noticed that her top had come untucked from her pants a bit, and let his fingers lightly touch her skin at her side.
Yolei had never felt anything so overwhelmingly pleasurable in her life. She found it increasingly harder to restrain herself the longer TK worked at her.
'If only…if only I knew for sure…I feel like my entire body is on fire!' she thought as she reveled in the experience. 'I'd go even farther with him in a heartbeat, if I only knew how he really felt…'
TK finally stopped after a few minutes and returned to kissing her. They both lay on their sides, facing each other as they kissed. TK's one hand still played at her side, touching her skin gently. Yolei finally did likewise as she had untucked his shirt a bit as well and started to run her hand up his side underneath it. After a while of doing that, they finally slowed their kissing down and settled down a bit, holding each other very closely.
"I can't believe we did all of that just now." TK said as he looked at Yolei again. "I never thought…I mean…"
"Shhh…" Yolei said quietly, trying to calm him down. She kissed him again gently after he did. "I know, Takeru. I know this is all new territory, believe me I feel the same way. The more time I spend with you the harder I find it is to not do things like this with you. That's just how I feel. Maybe I'm giving in to temptation a little, but I like and trust you. I know you wouldn't hurt me."
"Never. I could never hurt someone I cared about so much." TK replied, stroking her cheek, and then her hair with the palm of his hand. "No matter what happens, you'll always hold a special place in my heart, Yolei."
"Uh uh uh!' She said playfully. "Remember, no mentioning that! We still have little more than a week left after all."
"You're right, my apologies. But we shouldn't do this the entire time."
"Oh I don't know, I certainly wouldn't argue. It's not like you're bad at any of this after all."
"That's because I've had lots of practice, with a very willing and competent partner I might add." He half-smiled at her. She chuckled a bit and kissed the tip of his nose.
"I do agree, though. I'm sure we can find fun and interesting things to do together, though."
"Yeah. Hey, you should come by the basketball court sometime when we play. Cody, Davis and I get together and usually play basketball with some other people."
"You so sure about that?" Yolei looked at him skeptically, remembering the incident of the other day.
"Oh, right!" TK said, smacking his forehead. "I'm so stupid, I forgot to tell you I talked to Davis earlier today. We worked it all out."
Yolei looked at him skeptically, but relaxed as TK told her how they'd met up earlier that day and the long conversation they'd had about everything.
"Well that certainly puts me more at ease, then. It's nice to see Davis has a rational side to him after all."
"He's a great guy, really. He was just really hurt, and I don't blame him one bit for how he feels. It's just that extreme emotions bring out extreme parts of people sometimes, no matter how nice of a person you are."
Yolei nodded in agreement with TK's statement. TK was about to say more about the idea, but realized where that conversation might lead him, and it was to something he still didn't feel brave enough to talk about to anyone, even Yolei.
"So then, wanna come out to the game?" he asked, turning the conversation around.
"Sure, it sounds fun. I could bring a cooler with drinks and stuff from the shop."
"It'd be most welcome. I heard the forecast for the coming week, and it's supposed to be a real scorcher."
"Yolei to the rescue once again!" She sat up, pumping her fist in the air triumphantly. TK laughed a bit at her gesturing.
"I don't know what we'd do without you, Yolei." He said, sitting up as well. "I'll make sure to ask everyone who wants drinks to chip in a little. I'm sure they'll cooperate."
"Plus it'll be good advertising! Dad'll go for the idea in a heartbeat."
TK nodded in approval and hopped off of the bed. He then helped Yolei stand as well. She took a quick moment to straighten herself up a bit and to retrieve her beret from the floor.
"I'd better head out. Your mom may be relatively easy going, but I'm willing to bet she won't be too receptive to the idea of coming home and seeing the only people in the place being you and me."
"It can't be any worse when she went to visit Matt one time when he and Sora were, um…shall we say, preoccupied?"
"That must've been embarrassing." She said, walking out of TK's room as he held the door for her.
"It's just another of Matt's stories that I never want to hear completely." TK said, shaking his head.
Yolei stepped down a bit into the genkan, slipping her shoes on as she did. She turned to face TK again, smiling.
"I had a wonderful time with you today, Takeru. Thank you for everything." She said.
"Same here. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow."
"What's happening tomorrow?" Yolei asked, a bit puzzled. TK smiled and took her hand in his, kissing it gallantly.
"Why, I'll be able to see you once again, m'lady." He said, smiling at her.
"You're too much, you know that?" she said, blushing as he bowed to her.
"Maybe so, but you deserve no less. Seriously, I'm always looking forward to seeing you again."
"Me too."
Yolei stepped back up to him, kissing him for a few moments. She then backed up again, smiled and waved to him, and left, closing the door behind her. TK took in a deep breath after she left, exhaling as he returned to his room. He collapsed onto his bed, which still smelled as if it had a hint of whatever perfume Yolei had been wearing. He peeled off most of his clothing and settled in to sleep, enjoying the faint scent of her that lingered. He slept well that night, and though he would not remember by the time morning came, it would be the first night his dreams were solely of someone other than Kari.