AN: Man, you guys are great. ^-^
Disclaimer: Digimon = not mine.
Chapter XI – Rumors
At 7:00 in the morning, the Takenouchi residence was filled with the persistent ringing of the telephone. A pretty auburn haired girl emerged from the bathroom in a pair of navy blue pajamas. Her long silken hair was tied into a loose braid and hung freely over her right shoulder. Sora growled if possible, with a toothbrush currently occupying her mouth.
Running to the closest cordless phone, which would be in the living room, she picked it up hastily and answered with an impatient, "YEF?"
Laughter came from the other end, belonging to a charming and boyish young man. "Good morning to you too, beautiful."
"Beautiful" had returned to the bathroom, phone in hand and was currently bent over the sink, concentrating on scrubbing her pearly whites. "Yamapho-" Sora paused, deciding to spit out the toothpaste before speaking any further. "Yamato Ishida, what is the purpose of you calling me up at seven in the morning when I am trying to brush my teeth?"
He laughed, and the smooth baritone voice calmed Sora instantly. "I just wanted to remind you that I'm going to pick you up in fifteen minutes."
Gurgling was the only reply that Yamato got before the girl rid her mouth of the water, rinsing it clean. "Alright, I'll be downstairs waiting for you. Thanks." With that, Sora disconnected the call.
Fifteen minutes later, Sora stood in the lobby of her building dressed in her school uniform and a black wool jacket with a hood. Her schoolbag was hung lazily over one shoulder as she anticipated the arrival of a black BMW. She sighed happily as the car came into view and walked out of the building.
The car stopped right in front of where Sora stood. As she reached over for the handle of the door, a rushed, "Waitwaitwait," could be heard coming from the driver.
Sora smiled slyly and opened the door regardless of the blonde and sat down in the passenger seat. Fastening her seatbelt she turned to smile innocently at Yamato. "Good morning, Yama."
Yamato pouted, "I was supposed to open the door."
The girl laughed and tossed back her auburn hair, which was now in long waves down her back, "My hand slipped."
"Right."
"Yama! Fine, fine, you can open the school door later, deal?"
He grinned boyishly, "Alright."
Sora laughed as the car started on the half hour ride to school. A comfortable silence between the two followed, the only sound was emitted from the car radio, which played a slow soothing song. Sora turned to the blonde driver. "Ne, Yama, how come you don't go to school with your dad?"
Yamato shrugged, he tore his eyes off the road to look at Sora and smile for a second. "I prefer not to. Anyways, we don't go there at the same time, most of the time he gets there earlier than I do."
Sora looked at the handsome blonde and smiled genuinely. Softly, she said, "I like it better like this, just Yama," and turned to look out the window in silence.
The car came to a red light and Yamato took the chance to glance at the girl. He could see her eyes reflecting off of the glass, and he had to admit, it was probably the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
They arrived at the large architectural structure promptly at 7:45. Yamato parked in the school's parking lot [AN: RICH school, remember?] and frowned when Sora stepped out without him opening the door. She smiled at him sweetly before walking off towards the direction of the school.
The short walk to the doors of the school was harder than Sora thought it would be. Actually, she thought nothing was going to happen. Spending the weekend with Yamato made her forget just how popular he was at school and she watched as girls pushed their way pass Sora, to their destination.
The auburn haired girl stood to the side and watched as Yamato tried to get by the girls. It was so early in the morning, school started at eight, and yet, there were still so many girls that tried to force themselves upon Yamato. When his sapphire eyes caught her ruby ones, she smiled and mouthed, "Thanks for the ride, Yama," and went off in the direction of the school doors. She wasn't sure if he could understand her silent speech, but she could always thank him later in chemistry. Sora just needed to get away from the scene, watching Yamato get flooded with girls made her uncomfortable. She would have helped him, but what could she do?
Approaching the large doors, Sora reached out a hand to pull open the door, but was stopped by a strong arm around her waist. The girl inhaled sharply, but calmed down when she recognized the gentle cologne that belonged to Yamato. He lifted her light figure easily and placed her away from the door before he opened it himself.
He stood by the door, holding it open for the girl and just grinned. "I believe that we had a deal?"
Sora laughed as she stepped into the school. Yamato closed the door behind them and placed a gentle hand on her back, guiding her towards the direction of their chemistry class. The stares from girls did not go unnoticed by Sora. She turned to Yamato and whispered, "Yama, why is everyone staring?"
He shrugged, "Probably jealous," he answered with a wink.
If it was at another time, Sora would have laughed and hit him lightly, but since they were in school, also known as the Yamato shrine, she believed him and moved away from his touch. "They shouldn't be jealous."
Yamato respected her choice to distance herself from him and only smiled as a reply. He followed her quietly up the stairs and to room 261 and took his seat next to her in the empty classroom.
Sora seemed more comfortable in the empty room and eased up towards Yamato. "Thanks for the ride this morning, Yama. The trains always get me more tired for some reason."
He smiled handsomely, "Thanks for spending the weekend with me. I'd say it was a good trade. I become your driver, and in return, you spend time with me." Yamato sighed, sitting back in his chair and placing his arms behind his head.
Sora laughed, "You dork, I have a car."
Yamato raised an eyebrow, "You do?"
"Yes. It's a silver Lexus SC 430."
The blonde let out a long whistle, "That's a sweet car. It's the one with the convertible hardtop, right?"
Sora nodded, "My mother got it for me for my birthday this year."
Yamato grinned, "You are spoiled."
"Am not."
"Yes you are, don't hide it."
The girl glared at Yamato with her ruby eyes, then looked down at the table, "She didn't have to…"
Yamato put an arm around Sora's shoulders, but before he could say anything else, a brunette by the name of Arlene walked in. She walked right up to the two and smiled sickeningly sweet at Yamato. "Hey there, Matt."
The handsome boy turned around to look at her hesitantly. "Uh… hi…"
Arlene pressed the upper portion of her body, which was largely consisted of her breasts, against the table. "How 'bout you and me get together later? Hm?" She winked with her heavily mascara applied eyelashes.
Yamato sighed, "I'm busy."
The slut pouted, pressing together her artificially bright red lips. "You're so mean, what are you doing later?"
"I'm…" Yamato turned and shot Sora a look of panic, begging her to help him.
Sora's mind raced, how did you get a slut to back off? God, where was Tai when you needed him? Unable to come to a complete decision and yet desperate to help her friend, she said the first thing that came to mind. "He's spending the afternoon with me."
Arlene looked Sora over with her color contact veiled emerald eyes. "You?"
The auburn haired girl grew impatient at the brunette's tone. "That's right, ME."
"Hmph." The persistent girl turned to Yamato, "Mattie, tell me she's not serious. You can't possibly be spending it with," She paused to significantly motion with her head towards Sora, "that."
Sora was pissed, she crossed her arms tightly across her chest mostly in a sad attempt to keep herself from doing anything she would regret. But not even the world's patience and endurance could prepare her for the next words that flew out of Arlene's mouth.
"Mattie, the girl's a bastard child."
Sora rose to her feet in a flash, but she wasn't the only one. Arlene's last comment had been the last straw for Yamato as well, and now he was furious. He glared at the girl who seemed alarmed by the two. "Don't you dare call her that."
Arlene stared at Yamato with her emerald eyes before feigning a terribly poor laugh. "Oh Mattie, you know I was just having some fun." She paused to run a long fingernail along Yamato's cheek; he responded by instantly moving his head and glared at the girl. Arlene ignored the look and blew a kiss at Yamato, "I'll see you later, Mattie."
When Arlene exited the classroom, Yamato sat down and let out a long sigh. Turning to Sora, he smiled and watched her carefully. "You okay?"
The auburn haired girl was now seated and didn't bother to turn to Yamato before answering stiffly, "I'm fine." Sora didn't mean for the reply to come out so cold, but at the moment, she was fuming. She made a mental note to thank him properly later.
The blonde looked at the girl beside him before smiling sadly, though it was obvious Sora didn't feel like talking at the moment, he just couldn't bear to see her so upset. But, why would it matter so much to him? He didn't even try so hard whenever his brother was feeling down. "Sora, you know it's not true-"
"No Yamato. That's the problem; it is true. I am a bastard child."
"Stop it Sora. Don't let what that slut say get to you."
She turned to Yamato and for the first time, he could see how much it really troubled her. "It shouldn't bother me; I know it shouldn't, but it does. I've lived my life without a father, and it's been fine, I never once questioned my life. But no one has ever called me what that bitch did, and hearing it just makes the situation all the more realistic. I mean, it's obviously real, but to me it wasn't. It was just part of my life and I never thought much of it, I was happy with my mother, but after what Arlene said, it really makes me realize…"
"How strong and wonderful you are." Yamato finished for her. He grabbed her by the shoulders gently, turning her body so she faced him completely. Her eyes had become sad and dull, containing so much anger. Reaching out his hand, he cupped her cheek and to his surprise, she didn't reject his touch. "Sora, you shouldn't think about it like that. I see this amazing girl that's lived her life more independent than most people. Sure, maybe you lived a harder life before your mother became successful, but you still never let anything get you down. No offense, but if your father was dumb enough to leave a daughter like you behind, it's better that he stays away."
Sora stared at Yamato with her crimson eyes. Did he mean all that? Her doubts were pushed away by the touch of his warm hand against her cheek. She leaned into his palm, and closed her eyes. "Thank you Yama."
The door burst open again, disturbing the couple and Yamato growled. How was it possible that every time they were getting close someone just had to come in? This time, it was because the bell had rung and the students flooded into the classroom, followed closely by the ushering teacher. Yamato glanced around, meeting the eyes of practically every girl in the class and went back into his thoughts, what exactly had he and Sora gotten close to? Yamato laughed at himself, it was ridiculous. This was Sora, though he only knew her for a few weeks, they had become close friends. Friends, that's right, friends. When Yamato turned to glance at Sora, who now had her binder spread across the desk, doubts rose in his mind.
Sora sighed silently and stared at the meaningless words on the chalkboard. Mr. Chin was an energetic teacher, but it was just too early in the morning and the tired girl heard just about every other word. "…project…"
Her head shot up at the word, sending her silken strands to rise then fall neatly in place again. Project? What project? Sora scowled, there just couldn't be a project! But nevertheless her hearing hadn't completely failed her. She sighed when he mentioned that the project was due in two months, but had decided to give them all a heads up. Mr. Chin left the room to tend to some unknown issues expecting the students to pair up and begin to think of a topic for their projects. Sora glanced around the room; there wasn't anyone that she really knew well, other than Yamato of course. It was impossible though, would Yamato really work with her when he could easily pick the hottest or the smartest girl? Sora frowned again; obviously, she didn't fit into any of those categories.
Yamato glanced at the girl beside him. She seemed to be deep in thought, sitting there and frowning adorably. He wanted to ask her to be his partner for the project, but would she really want to work with him? She was smart and pretty and he just wasn't able to meet up to those standards. Glancing around, Yamato started to panic, girls had already started to get out of their seats and where headed his way. He turned to Sora, now or never.
He froze when he faced the girl. Some other guy stood timidly in front of her, hand behind his head and apparently asking for her to be his partner. Yamato glared at the guy, but it went unnoticed to him.
"Sora right? Hi, I'm Nick." The boy greeted Sora.
Sora looked up at the boy and smiled, "Hi."
"Listen, I've been trying to get a chance to talk to you, but I usually just miss you or something. I was thinking the project would be a nice time to get to know you."
Yamato couldn't believe what he had heard. Unbelievable, this guy was hitting on Sora and using the chemistry term project as his ticket. The blonde saw the fan girls come within a foot of his table, but that didn't matter now. He scowled, he decided he didn't like Mick or whatever his name was and it was time for him to go. "She's working with me." Yamato said making sure it was loud enough for both the boy and the swarming girls to hear.
Sora turned to stare at Yamato with wide incredulous eyes, but instantly calmed down when his eyes met hers. He made it clear that he meant what he said. Nick looked taken aback and suddenly found the floor tiles to be fascinating. "Alright, sorry for wasting your time." He mumbled and turned to leave.
Good riddance, Yamato thought to himself, and smirked, watching both the fan girls and Vick or Mick, (whatever his name was) leaving. What came from Sora made him frown slightly. The girl had called after the guy, apparently Nick was his name, and she flashed one of those brilliant smiles of hers. "You didn't waste my time, it was nice to meet you, Nick."
Yamato spun around to face Sora immediately. "You're leading him on, you know."
The girl laughed and looked at Yamato innocently with her crimson eyes. "Oh Yamato, he wasn't that bad."
"Except for the fact that he was using the term project to make a move. I thought I was helping you."
There was a two second pause before Sora burst out in laughter. "Yamato Ishida, you're jealous!"
He frowned, "No, I'm looking out for you."
Sora smiled sweetly, "I can look out for myself, thank you. But come on, Yama, that was hardly making a move. He came over and introduced himself; he was kinda cute really…"
"Fine then, I'll just call him back." Yamato said stiffly and made an attempt to stand up before he was pulled back by Sora.
"No, don't. I want to work with Yama."
His mood finally lifted at her comment, he smirked handsomely. "The charm taking affect I see."
Instead of calling him a flirt this time, Sora simply scooted closer and winked, "You bet."
A loud gasp was heard in front of them and the couple turned to face forward in their chairs. Jun Motomiya stood staring at the two with a hand placed over her mouth. "I don't believe it! So it IS true!" Much to Yamato and Sora's confusion, the girl who was one year their senior broke out in tears. "Mattie is… is… TAKEN!"
Sora and Yamato stared at Jun with their mouths hanging open, how in the world did Jun get that impression? Gasps were heard throughout the room, followed by stifled cries. Sora didn't know what to say, should she tell the truth before things got out of hand? She glanced at Yamato whose lips had begun to curve upwards. He didn't seem to be making any move to end the misunderstanding, so Sora followed suite and simply sat there quietly looking at the ground.
Yamato was shocked at first, but this could be the answer to all of those annoying fan girls. He smirked, enjoying the shocked looks and disappointment on the girls' face as the news spread around the room. He hadn't said a word, but they all seemed to jump to conclusions. Yamato really didn't mind, if rumors were going around that he was going out with someone, who better than Sora? Oh yes, Yamato considered himself to be lucky.
AN: aaaaaaaaaalright! I've had time this week, so I'm updating! Woot! ^-^ I really hope you guys like the chapter! As usual, thanks times infinity for all the reviews!