To the Highest Bidder
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon—not mine!
A/N: Chapter 10! I'm at my brother's house and I'm loving his fast Internet. If only mine would work like this…well hope you all enjoy this chapter, R&R, and thanks to everyone who does!
Jodi Crystal: Thanks!
Maiden-of-dreams: I like the song too!
Raine189: Making up your own beat to the song works…
Kat: Bryan McKnight sings "Back at One", and you can go to any search engine and type in "lyrics", and you'll find plenty of sites…
Curtis Zindane Ziraa: Thanks!
Placid Snowflake: I have a friend named Tracey (well, her name's spelled Tracy) too. Every time Iwrite that name down I think of her…
Mimay: Glad you like it!
Sorat4eva: You were screaming when you read this?
Indigowolf: Nope, there's a decent amount left…
Yvonne: I've got a few sorato fics…-hits self on head- all my Digimon fics are soratos!
Sapphire Dragons: It's so obvious to all us but not them…
HiEi JaGaNsHis FlAmE: Yeah, I decided to type this at 11:00 pm last night, and now it's nearly 1:00 am…I'm exhausted!
Emotionlessangel37: I'm a rock fan too…the song worked with the chapter even though it really wasn't a rock song…
Winter-Green-Elf: It put a smile on my face reading your review! Thanks!
Kerei Kitsune: Thanks!
Trio Wing: Nope, I'm still alive! I've just got sinus infection and a horrible cough. Other than that I'm alive and well…lol!
Crazyamzy: I've considered ending it like that, but I'm not sure. You know how much I keep changing the story and adding new ideas! Good luck with "A Dream Come True" and hope I was of some help…
Scorpion05: You're right about what Tai's using as blackmail…when will they confess—eventually…
Armitage: Sprouting…that sounds like either a plant or an insect. Oh well, I understood it…
Chapter 10: New Developments
"So what do you think we were called here for?" I asked the blond next to me.
"I'm not sure." Yamato answered.
It was the Monday after The Teen-Age Wolves concert, and I found myself sitting with my two best friends and the rest of the junior and senior body in the gym. The juniors were sitting on one side while the seniors were on the other. From what I've picked up after talking to people, we all received letters in the mail asking us to be here today. But we have yet to find out why.
"Are they going to get this show on the road or not. I've got things to do!" Taichi exclaimed.
"Like what?" I responded.
The brunette smirked. "That's for me to know and for you to not know."
"Most likely he's off to make out with Tracey. Sorry to say, Sor, but the way Taichi and Tracey have been getting along, you will most likely be related to him."
"I'm not going to be the only one related to her." Taichi answered. "By that time her name will be Sora Ishida."
"Yes Tai, I'm positive I'm going to marry Yamato." I answered sarcastically.
"Yeah, Taichi, remember the little detail about Sora and me?" the blond whispered.
"Ah yes, but I know one little detail Sora has yet to hear."
"What would that be?" I interrupted, curious to know if this had anything to do with the blackmail he had mentioned before the concert.
"Yama has long since…"
"Students, please quiet down!" a voice up near the front of the room shouted. The gym gradually got softer, and I realized who the speaker was: Mr. Honda, the World Cultures teacher. "Can I please have the students from my class come forward?"
I looked around and saw a handful of students; mostly juniors walk up to the front, Mimi being one of them.
When they were all standing next to him, Mr. Honda began to speak. "As most of you know, I teach the World Cultures class here. The goal of this class is to familiarize students with different nations and their cultures. We have spent the last few months studying a specific country and a specific tradition from that country. Then each year, we share it with the school through the celebration of the tradition."
"We all know that. Why are we here?" Taichi whispered.
"However, because there are only juniors and seniors in the class this year, we decided to choose an event specifically for your grades."
One of the junior girls stepped forward. "We have been researching the United States and decided in one week's time that we will be having a prom."
A loud gasp emitted from the room. "But one week isn't enough time to get everything ready!" Mizuki shrieked. "We'll all have to get hair appointments, get our makeup done, BUY A DRESS, and so much more! There's no way we can be ready by then!"
"We figured everyone's reaction would be like that so we came up with a plan. Over the past few weeks we went to some of the boutiques and stores around town and talked with the owners. These men and women have agreed to set aside a stock of dresses and tuxes to be bought or rented at a special price for any junior or senior going to this prom. I've looked through the selections, and believe me, there's something for everyone. And any alterations needed can be made at the beginning of the week." Mimi stated.
"Where? When? Do you have decorations? What about dates?" Taichi shouted.
Mr. Honda smiled. "I'm glad someone asked. We'll be holding the prom this Saturday night here in the gym. My class has been working diligently to get decorations made. We set the theme "Eighth World Wonder" (Song by Kimberley Locke…not mine!) and have set the decorations to that theme. As for date's; if you choose to bring an out of school date, they must be signed up in my classroom—I'll be here all week while the rest of you are enjoying your break—and you can sign them up in there. Dates cannot be younger than juniors but can be older than seniors."
"Is that it?" someone asked.
"There are two more things on my list. First, we are now passing out a list of all the seniors to the senior class along with some writing utensils. Please circle the names of five boys and five girls to be part of the prom court. On Saturday night, all attendees will vote for King and Queen. Go ahead and fill out your choices. I'll explain the rest when you're done."
Taichi handed me the sheets, and I took one before handing the stack to Yamato. Now whom am I going to vote for? As I began filling it out, I obviously circled Tai and Yama's names. Then, after reading over the list, I circled a few of my tennis teammates and a couple of my classmates I felt deserved the title.
I folded the paper and handed it to Mimi, who was collecting them. Taichi and Yama soon finished as well. "So, who'd you vote for?" my chocolate-haired friend asked.
"Why should I tell you?" I replied.
"Because…I want to know if you voted for anyone who'll even come close to giving Yamato a run for his money."
That made me laugh. "Dude, we already know Yama's a lockdown for king."
"Huh?" the blond faced us.
"Face it, bud, you're as good as King."
"Unfortunately. But I don't want to be King if Sora isn't named Queen. I think I'd have to abdicate…"
"I'm not going to be Queen." I answered. "I bet no one voted for me."
"I did!" the two answered in unison.
"Sora," Taichi began, "you've got to remember that you're Yamato's girlfriend. People are going to vote for you."
"But I don't deserve it."
"Don't say that. If anyone does deserve it, it's you." Yamato harshly interrupted. "You're nice to everyone, with the exception of Mizuki—but that's understandable, you're intelligent, athletic, caring, funny, and beautiful. Why shouldn't people vote for you?"
Taichi smirked. "If that doesn't prove you love her, I don't know what does." He murmured under his breath for only me to hear. I gave him a questioning look, and he just grinned. "I'll tell you later. As for now, it looks like Mr. Honda's got more to say."
He was right, a first for Taichi. "As my students are counting up the votes, I have another announcement. We're going to do something called a Grand March. This part of prom is open to the public. We're going to one by one announce the couples that attend prom, and they will be walking down a staircase we are building when introduced. This is optional but should be pretty fun. If you, in this short time that we are here, already know who your date is, you can sign up, after I'm done talking, for a certain time to be announced at. Grand March starts at 7:30, but everyone will need to be here at 7:00. Mimi, are the results ready?"
"Yep!" she answered cheerfully.
"Okay, our candidates for King include…" he read the names off a card and, of course, both Taichi and Yamato were included. Taichi put on a forced smile, but the blonde's expression was hard to read. "Now for our Queen candidates…" the first two were a cheerleader and the most popular girl in school, "Mizuki Lee, Jun Motamiya, and Sora Takenouchi."
My mouth dropped. "I told you so." Taichi simply stated.
"On a final note, there will be an after prom party at the recreational center. Cost isfive dollars,and you can pay there. There will be all kinds of games and even a hypnotist. I think that's all I have for you. You all may go. See you Saturday night!"
Yamato stood up. "Should we sign up for a time?"
"I assuming this means I'm your date." I answered, standing up as well.
He smirked. "Did you really expect me to bring Taichi?"
"That would be kind of awkward." The brunette added, joining our conversation.
"Which one of you would be the girl?"
They looked at each other. "Definitely him!" the two replied together.
I laughed, linking my arm through Yamato's. "Of course I'll be your date."
"Will Tracey want to go?" Taichi asked.
I handed him my cell. "I'm pretty sure I know what her answer will be, but go ahead and call her."
It only took him fifteen seconds; Yamato and I timed him…
"She said yes." He answered as he hung up. I rolled my eyes, waiting for what I knew was next. "And Sora, she says you two are going shopping this afternoon."
"Typical Tracey." We walked to the front of the room and found it crowded with people, particularly girls. I was happy my arm was linked to the blonde's because I would have easily lost him otherwise. "How do the 7:48 and 7:49 slots sound?"
The two, being guys and really not too concerned about this, shrugged. "Works for me." I signed Tracey and Tai up for the first slot and the rock star and myself for the second one.
Yamato looked down at the list and his face blanched. "Mr. Honda!" he shouted. "Mr. Honda!"
I looked down to see what he was yelling about and felt my mouth drop again. There, next to a good half of the girls' names, was Yamato's. "What can I do for you, Mr. Ishida?"
"Um…yeah, I'm not going to prom with all these girls. Sora's my date." He said. Mr. Honda looked over the list, and his face began to match Yamato's.
"I'll take care of this. I suggest you two run so you don't get mauled by a group of disappointed girls."
He nodded toward the door, and the blond and I took the hint. "I'll see you two lovebirds later." Taichi said. "I'm off to sign up Tracey as my date in his classroom. Talk to you later."
"Bye Tai." We answered, making a break for the door.
We walked out to his car and headed to our next destination: the recording studio. A record label had expressed some interest in The Teen-Age Wolves and Yamato had asked me to accompany him there.
"Are you nervous?" I asked.
"I'm not too bad." He answered. "We've been pretty good as of late."
I smiled. "You guys have been awesome. All your songs were great, especially the one who wrote for me. Wow…wow, is about the only word that sums it up."
"It was nothing; only the best for you, Sor. That's one of the reasons why I voted for you as Queen."
My smile turned into a frown. "I don't want to be up as Queen."
"And you think I want to be up for King?" he replied. I hate being shoved into all these roles and voted for all sorts of things because I'm "Yamato Ishida". People only pick me because I'm in a rock band or they think I look good. If anyone doesn't deserve the vote it's me."
"I think you do. A lot of people love you for other reasons." Like me. "You're a great guy and if girls new what kind of guy you are away from the music and all, you'd have plenty more stalkers."
He cracked a grin. "Isn't that what I was telling you before?" Shit, I thought back to our conversation. "See, we don't ask for this kind of thing to happen, it just kind of does. I'm used to it because I've been putting up with it for all these years, but you're new to it. Give it time and you'll understand…"
We walked into the studio and I was surprised at the size of it. I never would have imagined it would be this big. A man in his late twenties approached us. "My name is Takuya Tokuhira. I'm the record executive here at Elemental Records (completely made up!). It's nice to meet you…Yamato, I'm assuming."
"You assumed correctly. It's an honor to meet you, Mr…"
"Please, call me Takuya. And who is this lovely young lady."
Yamato smiled down at me. "This is my girlfriend, Sora Takenouchi. I hope you don't mind that I brought her."
The amiable man smiled. "Of course not. If you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet? And how long have you been dating?"
I took the opportunity to speak so he wouldn't think I was some ditzy fangirl. "Yamato and I have been friends since we were four, and we got together a few weeks ago."
"A long time in the works, eh?" he chuckled. "It was the exact same thing for my wife and myself. Well, I wish the two of you the best luck for the future."
"Thank you." We both replied.
"Now let's head into the room where the others are waiting for us." He explained what would happen today and the things he would be looking for.
"We'll do our best, Takuya. I can promise you that." Yamato grinned.
The man smiled. "I'll hold you to that." We walked into the main recording center and found the other Teen-Age Wolves and a short, round man awaiting us.
"Ishida! Where have you been? Get here faster next time! And who the hell are you?"
"She's my girlfriend, Makoto." Yamato sighed, as though he had already told this man that.
This man, I assumed, was their manager. He looked at me from the corner of his eyes and glared. So he's the one they want to ditch. Makes sense. "Are we ready to begin?" Akira asked.
"Of course!" Takuya clapped his hands together. "Let's hear what you guy's can do…"
I smiled as Yamato's voice filled the air with the words to one of their older songs. It may be old, but they sounded fantastic already. (A/N: The song was "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback…not mine!...but I had to take out the lyrics...)
I looked over at Takuya and saw him grinning and tapping his foot along to the beat. As I glanced at the band's manager, I found him glaring at me again. What's his problem? Oh well, may as well enjoy the music…
An hour and a half later the final beats of their first hit, "Turn Around" ended. Takuya and I started clapping along with the other Elemental Records employees who had conglomerated in the area. The band began packing up their instruments as Takuya talked with another man.
Yamato approached me, and I wrapped my arms around him. "You nailed it, Ishida. There's no way you guys will miss getting a contract." He beamed at me, and I noticed the beads of sweat collecting on his face. I reached my hand up, brushing them off slowly.
"Thanks, Sor. I'm so glad you were here. It really means a lot to me." Our eyes connected, and I felt an indescribable rush. His hot breath was getting closer to my face with each passing second, and I closed my eyes, anticipating the kiss. Our lips connected slowly, but the kiss ended as fast as it started.
A chunky body, belonging to Makoto, bumped me away from Yamato. "Oh, I'm sorry…Sarah." He said, snickering a bit.
Both Yamato and I stared at him, and I was about to correct him when I heard another voice do so. "It's Sora, Makoto." The blond and I turned our gaze to Takuya. "Well, Yamato, Akira, Takashi, and Yutaka—I was very much impressed with your performance. You've got some talent, and it's no wonder why you have such a legion of fans. I'll get back to you with my decision before the end of the month. Thank you for your time and once again, congratulations on a great job!"
Yamato picked up his guitar and faced me. "Wanna head over to my place? I'm guessing Taichi and Tracey are at you apartment. I'll make you lunch…"
I smirked and took his outstretched hand. "Lead the way, soon to be very famous rock star."
We bid our goodbyes, and I could feel Makoto's eyes still on me…
"Yama, I don't think your manager likes me."
He turned away from the stir-fry he was just finishing to look at me. "I kinda got that impression too. I don't know what his problem is. But I'm going to talk to him about it." He set the dish on the table in between the two plates and one set of silverware—wait!
"Don't I get a fork or knife?"
He wiped his hands on his apron, which read, "Kiss the Cook" and smiled. "Not till you say the magic word."
I lowered my eyes before giving him a sly smile. I moved in on him and brought my lips to his. He was shocked at first, but it didn't take him too long to kiss me back. I knew I should break away; there was no need for us to keep kissing but I was enjoying it too much. Our kisses grew more passionate, and he began running his hands along the bottom of my shirt.
Finally, I got control over my emotions and pulled away. "How's that?"
He grinned sheepishly at me. "I was only waiting for you to say please, but that works too."
He grabbed some silverware for m,e and we sat down to eat. I knew Tracey would call soon, demanding we go shopping, but right now I wanted to enjoy some alone time with Yamato. He and I are going to have a lot of fun over the next week, and Saturday night's going to be a blast.
Hopefully we hear from Takuya soon, too. And maybe Yamato will be able to figure out why his manager seems to hate me even though I have a sneaking suspicion I know why…
A/N: Thoughts? Questions? Next chapter is the prom and then only a few more chapters to go! Please review!
