** Hi! I removed my other story from the net because I couldn't find a good way to express it since it's true. I guess it's a longer story and is way more complicated than I thought. Anyway, this new story is about a boy and a girl who fall in love, but someone gets between them and ruins everything. Will true love prevail? Read to find out! And send me some reviews! **

Learning To Breathe

By Lil

Black clouds raced overhead as Odaiba prepared for another day of severe weather. It had been four days since the sun had shone its light on the city. Four days of thunder, lightning and hail dominated the forecast. Several homes had been damaged by the rising river water that had flooded its banks. Sora Takenouchi cringed as another thunderbolt shook the sky. She was terribly afraid of storms, and it was even worse since her mother had left for the weekend the night before. Now not only was she alone, but she was alone in the most fierce storms in town history. Quickly running a hand through her strawberry hair, Sora walked through the kitchen to the living room of the apartment she shared with her mother to call her friend Mimi. After eight rings Sora hung up, frustrated.

'Where is she in this weather? She should be home like normal people!' Sora thought as she nervously walked through her house. Lightning struck, and for a second the lights flickered. Sora's cinnamon eyes widened as she fought the urge to panic.

"I'm twenty one years old for goodness sakes! There's no need to freak over some lightning and thunder! Geez!" Sora exclaimed aloud. She got some candles out and lit them, just in case, then sat on the couch and flipped absently through the channels. She was determined not to let a stupid storm ruin her weekend.

Two floors above Sora, Yamato Ishida washed dishes slowly. He loathed and detested his nights to cook, but did it anyway to carry his weight. Every few seconds lightning would strike outside his kitchen window, sending illuminated shadows scattering in a million directions. The blonde's azure eyes widened with fascination at the light show outside. Putting his last plate in the drainer, Yamato dried his hands and walked toward the door.

"I'll be back! I'm going out to watch the storm!" Yamato called to his father before walking out the door. Yamato walked leisurely down the hall to the elevator and stepped in, letting the door close behind him. He pushed the ground floor button and waited as the old machine began its descent.

At the same time, Sora was starving. There was nothing in the kitchen and the refrigerator was empty. She sat down and picked up the remote when her stomach growled.

"You know, I don't care what the weather is. I want some dinner. No storm's gonna hold me back ever again! I'm outta here!" Sora proclaimed as she took her purse and left the apartment. She stopped at the elevator and called it. Almost immediately, it opened, revealing a young man in a white shirt and blue jeans. Sora smiled at him as she got into the elevator.

"Hey Sora, going out into the storm, are we?" Yamato asked teasingly. Sora punched his arm playfully and smiled.

"For your information, yes I am. I'm getting something to eat. Do you want to come?" Sora asked as she pushed the ground floor button.

"Well, I already ate, but-" Yamato started, but was cut off after a huge clap of thunder sounded, and the electricity shut down. The elevator came to a jerky halt, throwing Sora and Yamato down onto the floor violently. Yamato sat up and rubbed his head where it had hit the floor. Sora jumped up and pushed some buttons frantically. Defeated, she sat down next to Yamato on the hard floor. The backup lights lit the small compartment so the two young adults could dimly see each other's faces.

"Well isn't this nice?" Yamato asked, smiling. Sora shook her head and folded her arms around her knees, resting her head on them gently.

"I knew I should have stayed in. . . " she muttered to herself. Yamato looked over and noticed the fear in his friend's eyes and wrapped an arm around the girl. Sora looked up into Yamato's eyes and smiled slightly.

"I'm glad I'm not alone." Sora whispered. Yamato nodded, leaning in closer to Sora, until their noses were touching. Smiling, he moved a strand of red hair from Sora's face and touched her cheek tenderly. Sora blushed and looked away, but Yamato cupped his hand to Sora's face and turned her to him, meeting her in a light kiss on the lips. For a split second after they parted, neither of them could speak.

"That was. . . .interesting. . . . I didn't know you felt that way about me." Sora said quietly, her gaze fixed on Yamato's dark blue eyes. Yamato smiled and nodded.

"I can't believe I finally got the courage to let you know. Sora, I've felt this way for some time now, and I think that the next logical step in our friendship is this, and I pray that you agree with me." Yamato said nervously, the words seeming to blend into one full syllable. Sora didn't say anything for a moment, making Yamato nervous. He opened his mouth to say something when Sora wrapped her arms around him and kissed him full out on the lips. Minutes passed, and the couple dove deeper and deeper into each other, their kiss growing more and more passionate. Suddenly the lights came on and the elevator car opened to a crowd of people on the bottom floor. Yamato and Sora turned a bright shade of red and leapt to their feet, practically flying out of the elevator. Sora began walking to the door to leave when Yamato caught her arm.

"You know, we have some food at our place. Wanna stay in tonight?" He asked nonchalantly. Sora smiled and nodded, taking Yamato's hand as they walked toward the stairwell.

**Okay, first chapter is all done! I think people are going to like this story! Anyway, review it, let me know if you like it and I should continue it! It's going to get a little more romantic, but not to the point where it gets to be lemon. Maybe my next fic. . .**