A/n: Sorry for a rather long update. I know I kept saying how much I'm going to update quicker, but it's not my fault this time. My computer caught a virus, not deleting any files, thankfully. The computer would start, but then just freeze up every time. I had to get it fixed, which took off like two weeks of writing time. Not to mention I was a getting a case of writer's block and the cold. I swear, next update will be faster.
Still wondering if I should do my new story, since I've decided to stop with Her Sad Smile. Honestly, it was a depressing story, and the way I'm writing now, it just doesn't fit. It gets me depressed too, and it dealt with a disorder my friend just found out she has.
I'll write a summary of the story after the chapter, then tell me what you think.
First couple chapters isn't anything shocking, just the expository. It explains relationships, and how each person is. It is a pretty important chapter. You should pay close attention to Tai and Sora's relationship. It'll come in handy later in the story to help compare to other relationships.
An order of chapter POV's: 1st: Tai 2nd: Sora 3rd: Matt
elapsed period of time
Thank you to everyone who reviewed.
crazyamzy: wow. I don't think anybody's ever called me cool before, at least for liking taiora and sorato. I'm glad you like it so far, and as for the setting. Well that will only be the setting for the prologue and the epilogue.
Ember Mage: I'm very glad you like my writing structure. This chapter was hard to stay focus, since I kind of lost the mood sometimes, so sorry if it's doesn't all flow together.
JKWilliams: I really appreciate the fact that you love my story when there's only been a prologue! Hope you still love the story at the end. Yamato, Sora, and Tai are some of my fav. Characters too. I guess because I love that have a strong friendship, and that whole love triangle thing.
theladyknight: I'm happy you like it so far, and I can't believe I made you somewhat speechless.
mishy: I'm glad you think it's well written, and also I'm glad you love it so far!
disclaimer: I do not digimon, or any other products used in the story.
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Chapter 1
--Taichi
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Stupid alarm clock!. I woke up, well I was half awake, and hit the snooze button. It was Saturday, at least I thought it was, and there was no need for an alarm. Sleep...go back to sleep...
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
What? Again? I thought I turned it off. That's right, I hit snooze instead of turning off the alarm. I finally turned it off, making sure it was definitely off. I laid in bed.
Couldn't go back to sleep, to awake now. Don't want to awake up, the specks of sleepiness still lingering in my eyes. I'll wait a few more minutes before I get out of bed. Then I'll take a quick hot shower, get dressed, and get some fast food breakfast. I could really go for a breakfast burrito right now. Good, a plan.
The sounds of nature began to drown out the sound of the bleak city I reside in. The sounds I have grown up with, and the sounds I have grown to love. To go back would be a great gift. The gift of nostalgia, of harmony, of silence. The soothing sounds of the wind hitting the trees, and the water running creating a sweet harmony. Those sounds, those places, they just made me feel so strong. As if nothing could bring me down. Nothing could. The elements of the earth were my allies, the things I could rely. The calming treatments of the nature cured me when I was at my worst. My friends helping me too, but...
My eyes shot open when I heard the sounds of tires screeching. Finally alert, I rubbed away the bits of sleep keeping me down. As much as I enjoyed actually falling asleep, I had a plan. And a plan's a plan.
The coolness of the air finally nipped me. With nothing but drawstring sweats on, I felt my self give into the cold. Shivering, I made my way to the bathroom. I entered, and stared at my twin. I was always secretly vain. As much as I didn't show it at times, I did care about how I looked. However, I never really trusted mirrors. How can a sheet of glass really show you you? I knew what it was meant for; Showing your image. But who cared about looks these days, well at least looks on others. I felt it was natural to care about your looks, everybody did. If we didn't, we just wouldn't bathe and wear anything, matching or not. We'd all be slobs. No such thing as a person who didn't care about their looks. Even homeless people cared too, although it's not their that they don't show it.
As I stared at myself in this mirror, I was caught in a daze. I was really sleepy all of a sudden. Nevertheless, I have a plan, and my stomach was telling me to go through with it. The mess on my head I call my hair was well...messy. My eyes looking dull, bags beginning to form. No smile on my face, at least not now. I let out a yawn, and realized I had bad case of morning breath. I'll brush my teeth after a shower. I turned the shower on, and stripped myself of my clothes. Entering the shower, I realized that water was freezing cold.
"AIEEEEEEE!"
I let out shriek, and jumped out right away. Talk about a wake up call. This was not part on of the plan. I took a deep breath, and heated the water. Soon it was well enough for me to take a relaxing shower in.
I loved taking hot showers in the morning. Not only did they wake you up, but they relaxed you too. A perfect balance. Soon I began to forget all about that cold wake up call. My muscles began to ache from the day before, especially my legs.
I had played soccer all day with a few friends and my girlfriend. It's been so long since I last saw her play soccer. She's still great, and still rivaling my skills. Somehow, I had stopped scrubbing myself with the soap completely. The bar of soap was lingering in my right hand covered in white bubbles.
Sora...
Something wasn't right about our relationship right now. What it was, I'm not sure. I love her and she loves me. So, why should there be a problem? Sure we had our little fights, but we got over them. There was just something... Or maybe, someone.
No, she would never cheat on me. I've known her my entire life, and twenty-five years is enough to trust a person. I believe her when she says she loves me and when she says she's busy. I would never cheat on her, betray her with another woman. I could never hurt her like that, and she wouldn't hurt me like that. I have faith that our relationship can go the distance. I usually expect the best to come out of whatever I do. But there was always a nagging little voice in my head ever since we started going out. The little voice telling me I was making a mistake. Was I? It's perfectly fine to have a girlfriend. But, my best friend? Not mention, dearest and oldest friend.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, with us.
Us... maybe there's nothing wrong with her, but something wrong with me?
Damn that nagging little voice. But, could I be the problem? I didn't want to think about it, at least not right now. I love her, she loves me. That's good enough...
However, it's not best.
I stood there, letting the hot drops of water, I call comfort, hit my body. I decided not to waste anymore water, and finished my shower. Before I stepped out, I scanned the bathroom carefully. In front of me, and behind. Then, I wrapped the white towel around my waist, and opened the door. Again, I scanned the hallway. Nothing.
After my adventures into a world I love, I somehow grew paranoid. It was hard for me to adjust to normal life. The same feeling for a soldier coming back home. It was hard at first, coming back home. There was nothing to worry about anymore, other than a test the next day. Nevertheless, I always had this sinking feeling something could just appear out of nowhere. I supposed that's what my sister must have felt after watching that scary movie marathon. But unlike her, my paranoia didn't go away. The fear of something coming along the way and screwing everything up, always sent shivers down my spine.
Noone would ever guess that someone as "courageous" as me, would be afraid of change. A stupid thing, but I hated it. Sure good things happened to me along the way because of change, but I wish I could just choose the rest of my life to be from one time. One part of my life that I love. However, I don't think I would know what point in my life I would choose.
RING! RING! RING!
I heard the telephone call. Do I want to answer it? A sigh escaped my dry lips as I answered the phone on the third ring.
"Hello. This is Taichi speaking."
"Hey Tai." That voice I've grown to love replied. I felt a rush of blood quickly flow throughout my body, nervous that she might "need to talk". Her voice sounded tired, and no wonder, it was only 6:25 a.m. If there's anything I know about Sora, it's that she is no morning person.
"Sora. What are you doing up?"
"It is early, huh? Sorry if I woke you up." She was beginning to wake up, I could tell by how strong her voice was becoming.
"No, it's okay. I just got out of the shower. I'm surprised you're up." I told her, exaggerating a bit. She did wake up in the morning, usually around 8 or so. However, I usually woke up around this time or later.
She let out a small laugh, as I could picture her doing so.
"Yeah I know. I have to open Mom's shop today, I should be leaving soon though. I was hoping you were up."
"Really? And why is that? What, can't get enough Tai?"
She laughed again. I always enjoyed making her laugh, along with other people.
"You know I can't hun. No, but really. Yama left me a message on the machine. He wants to know if it's cool if we all hang out today."
"You mean me, you, and Yamato?"
"Well, me, you, Yama, T.K., and Mimi." She answered, which I hate to admit, relieved me a bit. For some reason, there was this undiscovered tension between the three of us. We still hung out, talked, joked, and cared about each other. Still, there was some uneasy feeling whenever Yamato was with Sora and I. It wasn't exactly a bad feeling, but it wasn't a good one either.
"Sure, I haven't seen T.K. and Mimi in awhile. When and where?" I asked casually, hiding my relief.
"Well, how about your place? And for lunch? I'll probably be coming a little early though. I'll get off by 11, and it's on the way."
"Perfect. I guess this means we'll all be eating lunch together? As in, we'll order food which I'll have to pay for."
"You know it."
"Are you serious? I was just joking, I'm not paying lunch for you guys. Maybe you, but that's it."
"Don't worry, I was joking. We'll all chip in. And that's sweet of you for paying for my food, for once."
"What are you talking about? I always pay for you." I knew she was only kidding around, but it was always fun to see how far we could go.
"I know, I know. Listen, I better get going now. I'll see you later."
"Bye, I love you." I meant it when I said it, and I could only hope she would say it back and mean it.
"Bye, I love you too Tai." she answered and hung up. It sounded like she had meant it, but self doubt began to drip in. What if she just said it without meaning? No, Sora wouldn't...she wouldn't play me like that.
I placed the phone back onto the receiver. I realized I was still naked, with nothing but a towel covering my bare skin. Even if I was in my own home, I still felt odd about being naked. I was, and still am, shy about showing my body. It's not like I thought I was ugly or anything, I was just shy. Even in my swimming trunks, I still feel so naked.
Quickly, I changed into a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt. I brushed my teeth, eliminating the stench of morning breath. I heard my stomach begin to growl. I wasn't surprised that I was this hungry. I was always known for my appetite. I was lucky to have such a high metabolism. However, I can't put all the credit on my genetics, it was the soccer that helped also. A breakfast burrito was sounding very delicious right now.
Again, I quickly got ready to go get some food. Clumsily, I dried my hair with my towel, and then wore a green sweater over my shirt.
The window that laid adjacent to my bed, revealed how cool it was outside. Winter had already settled in, as Spring was arriving, hopefully in a month. A thin layer of fog covered the busy city, and no sign of snow. I grabbed a coat, and made my way out of my apartment. My stomach began to rumble again, and my throat was growing dry. Thank goodness for a plan.
DING DONG! DING DONG!
I looked down at my watch and saw that the time read 11:15. That must be Sora. I spit out the last bits of toothpaste, and rinsed my mouth. Although breakfast burritos are delicious, they leave a case of halitosis.
The ringing of the door bell chimed throughout the apartment again. Soon I answered the door. She stood there with a pleasant smile plastered on her appealing face. She was wrapped around a dirty brown trench coat, as her neck was covered by a checkered beige and blue scarf. Comfortable jeans covered her legs, and a gray cap tipped her head. Her nose and cheeks were painted cheeks, along with a shade of purple overcoming her lips. Still, she looked cute.
"Cold enough for you Sora?" I asked her, noticing the snow beginning to fall.
"What do you think? I'm practically turning into a snowperson, and shivering to death!"
I laughed at her sarcasm, and how she referred to herself as a "snowperson" instead of a snowman. I leaned down and laid a kiss on her cheek as she gave embraced me in her slender arms. As she entered my apartment, she revealed to be wearing a gray sweater. She politely rested her coat on the back of my couch.
"I should have came earlier, it's like a sauna in here." she exclaimed. It was true about my apartment. I hardly realized how warm it was in here, until I noticed how cold it was outside.
"You want anything to drink?" I entered the kitchen, as I noticed her lounging on the couch. She, along with all our other friends, always claimed my furniture was the most comfortable. Well, I can't deny the truth there. I always made sure there was a sense of comfort in my home. Whether that comfort came from me, or from my furniture.
"Um...Something with caffeine, or anything to wake me up. Not soda, too early. But maybe a Red Bull, or coffee?" Obviously, eight hours of sleep weren't enough for her.
"Well, I don't have anymore Red Bull, but I have some of those Starbucks vanilla frapucinno things. Does that sound good?" Her face was traced with a smile, and I knew what her answer was.
Grabbing one for me as well, I started towards Sora. I handed her the cold beverage, and sat down next to her. Rather quickly, my arm slipped around her waist. Leaning on me, I realized that she really liked being held. I'm not sure why that little fact just came to me. Or why it dawned on me now. Or even that it was very odd that she did. However, I think I knew why she liked it so much.
"Thank you so much for the drink." Although she wasn't facing me, I felt her eyes on me. She turned her head slightly to the back, crimson eyes staring at me. She did it in an almost childish manner. The not-so-toothy grin a four year old wears was now on her face.
"Well, you are very welcome." I replied, matching her smile. I noticed the remote laying on the wood table in front of us. I was tempting to just turn on the televison in order to get rid of this silence. But I knew that Sora just wanted to be with me right now, that is with no distractions. I wanted to be with her too, but I never considered silence to be golden.
Following her actions, I took a sip of the beverage in my hand. This caffeine really doesn't help my breath smell better. She leaned in closer to me, so I tighten my grip on her.
"Sora..."
"Hmmm?"
"I think I know why you like being held so much."
My statement caught her off guard. She look up at me, her crimson eyes looking cunningly curious.
"Oh really? Well, then please tell me why." She said challenging me, seeming like a defense mechanism.
"Don't get upset or anything, but I think it's because of your parents." I knew I was right when I noticed the her eyes began to soften. I didn't want to make her cry or anything, but I wanted to know. Her eyes glazed over with a sudden dullness. A sigh escaped her salmon tinted lips.
"Yeah, I guess. How'd you know?"
"Well, I kinda figured. I know you father never held you, and I'm pretty sure your mother didn't either. At least, in a the kind of way I'm holding you. Sora, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."
"No, I'm fine. It's not that big of a deal. I never really had a crisis anyway." She showed off another one of her sweet smiles.
"So, how was work?"
"Fine, same as always. I had to help train a new employee. She's the same age as me when I started working there."
"What? 14?"
"Mhmmm. The girl's kind of a quiet, she reminded me of Yama." When she uttered his name, I felt a pinch of jealousy. I always felt that whenever she said his name.
"Oh? Why, just because she's quiet?" She shook her head slightly, and I took another of the drink.
"That too, but it's also some other things. She is pretty, blonde hair too. But she has hazel eyes, kind of odd combination if you ask me."
"So is red hair and red eyes." She glared at me, but all I did was grin like an idiot. She was cute when she was mad.
"As I was saying, the girl is pretty serious like him. Maybe not as serious though. I swear, they could be siblings or something."
"Uh-huh, and what is this girl's name?"
"Arishima Miki."
"Miki huh? That's a nice name." I lied. Hell if I know what a nice name is. It's funny how you can describe a name as "nice" when it has no personality.
"I think so too." An unpleasant silence seeped through. The remote tempted me again, but I washed it away with another sip of my drink.
"So...how was your day so far?"
"Good I guess. I just went out to grab some breakfast."
"Oh. Sounds...yummy." She answered back, looking for the right words.
"Yeah it was, a breakfast burrito. Good stuff." Her light laughter filled the air, as mine followed soon after.
"What time is it Tai?" My eyes led towards the remote. An excuse to watch t.v.
"Let me check." I grabbed the remote, careful not to disturb Sora's comfortable state or without making both of us drop our drinks. With a few clicks of the controller, the screen showed the time.
"It's 11:48. Should the others be coming soon?"
"I guess, whenever lunch is." Again the silence made it's way through. Absentmindedly, I pressed the buttons on the clicker searching for something good to watch.
"You know," her voice interrupted my channel surfing. I stopped on some cartoon. "if you wanted to watch t.v., you could of just said so. I mean, it is your home." A rather devilish smile came upon her angelic face.
"What are you talking about? I don't even like t.v.! You know I just want to be with you." Sarcasm dripped with every word. She laughed at my little joke as she always did. She rolled her eyes.
"Whatever." I laughed at that. If there was anything I noticed about our relationship, it was that we made each other laugh a lot.
"Mmm...I'm getting really hungry. They need to hurry up and get here." She continues to laugh at me.
"Didn't you say you just eat a breakfast burrito?"
"No, I said I ate a burrito. But I didn't say when."
"Okay then when did you eat it?"
"Like seven or a little later."
"Okay. Well then you do have a reason for being hungry. And I'm getting hungry too."
"Wait, are they bringing food here? Or are we ordering from here?"
"I guess we're ordering from here. But we have to wait for them to see what they want. What are we supposed to do while we wait for them?"
Almost instantly a sly smile came over my face. She knew what I was going to suggest we do, as I saw her look up at me expectantly. It's not my fault if I want to do it, I'm still considerably young. Twenty-five years young.
"I know what we could do..."
"I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no."
"You know you want to." I teased her, knowing she would give in eventually.
"No I don't Tai." She was teasing me as well.
"Yes you do. Just one little kiss. Pwease." I pouted my lips, looking like a sap. Leaning closer, I shut my eyes and awaited for the touch of her soft lips against mine.
"Fine, just one kiss." Finally, I felt her kiss. At first a sweet innocent kiss, soon deepened. I cupped her cheek in my hand, caressing the smooth area. Her hand somehow found their way to nape of my neck, as they began to play with my hair. I began to taste the bottom lip, enjoying the taste. Things were just about to get interesting, until...
DING DONG! DING DONG! DING DONG! DING DONG! DING DONG!
We broke our kiss, and soft curses began to flow out of my mouth. Sora got up and headed towards the door, and I followed in suit.
"Sorry Tai, maybe later." she said, just before letting our guests in.
"Geez! It's freezing out here! What took you so long?" I heard that familiar shrieking voice say.
"Hello to you too Mimi." I told her, a smile plastered on my face. She rolled her eyes, smiled, and gave me a hug. Then she gave Sora one, greeting her in a more pleasant way. Now with Mimi inside, I saw what almost looked like twins.
"Yamato, Takeru." I said casually, letting them in. Yamato raised an eyebrow, but Takeru just smiled genuinely.
"Hey Tai. Long time no see, huh?" I nodded. It's been almost three months since I last saw him. Looking him over, I couldn't help but notice how much he's grown. At least, from the scrawny little eleven year old I remember. He had a nice physique, much like his brother's and I. I guess you can say he grew more handsome, but hell if I know. He still held his boyish charm, and held the personality of the eleven year old. His shaggy blonde hair was covered by a green trucker hat. His blue eyes still bright, and he looked comfortably warm with just a hooded green sweater and jeans.
"Yeah it has been long. What the hell happened to you? Since when did you have muscles?" I joked around with him. I removed his hat and the ruffled his hair.
"Thanks, I needed that." He took his hat back quickly, his smile still worn. He entered inside, give Sora a hug much like Mimi.
"What's with all this first name business? Taichi." He said, smiling. Even if there was some unknown tension between, he still was my best friend.
"I don't know. Well, it's nice to see you again Yamato."
"You too." The smile he wore turned into a smirk. Greeting people wasn't the easiest thing to do. I checked him over, noticing if he had changed in anyway. Nope, still the same Yamato I saw two days ago. Same frighteningly dark blue eyes, along with his golden locks. Same black blazer over a sweater, along with a pair of gray pants. Relief came over me seeing no change had come to him. How I loathe change.
As the older blonde passed me and went to hug Sora, again feeling that pinch of jealously, I looked to see if Mimi had changed. Surprisingly, her hair was still the same chestnut brown. Maybe highlights, but I never paid too much attention to detail. She wore a yellow sweater underneath a salmon colored coat, a burgundy skirt, and matching salmon boots. Although she looked the same, something about her seemed different. A good different, but I couldn't put my finger on it. How long has it been since I last saw her? One, two months ago? Certainly things have changed.
"Let's hurry up and order some food, I'm starving!" Takeru's voice exclaimed.
The food came and gone, now resting in our stomachs. We all ended up sitting around, music playing, and just relishing in the good old days. As before, Sora was leaning on me, my chin resting on her fiery hair. The smell of strawberries became evident to me. Mimi was sitting on the love seat, taking sips of her iced tea. Takeru was in that childish manner of sitting Indian style, on the floor in front of me. As for Yamato, he was laying on his back on the floor, like he usually did. Left leg spread all the way out, while he bended the other, right hand on his forehead, and left arm laid flat on his stomach. His eyes seemingly shut, but would probably be staring at the ceiling if they could.
"I miss those days." Mimi said, lost in a trance of nostalgia. Although nobody had sad anything, we couldn't help but agree. Going back would be the best.
"So," I said, steering the conversation away before really we really grooved into sadness, "what are you up to nowadays Mimi?"
As if instantly, she released herself from her trance and broke a broad smile. Good news was coming.
"Well, I got promoted!" So, that's what's different with her.
"Really?" Sora asked, in an excited tone.
Mimi nodded, the smile never leaving her face.
"That's great! Congratulations!" Takeru said, smiling like an idiot.
"Good job Mimi. You deserve it." Yamato said in his oh so aloof way.
"I'm so proud of you Mimi! I always knew you would make it to the top!" I heard the voice below me say. Even if I couldn't see her face, I could just imagine the smile she had on.
"I'm with Sora, you really are good. So does this mean we get a higher discount?" I asked, making her laugh.
"Tai! Isn't 25 off enough?"
"No." I replied. Honestly, that's not much of a discount if you ask me. Takeru's eyes rolled, and he asked, "So Mimi, what's your new position?"
"I'm now one of the head chefs! OH MY GOSH! This position is so much better! I get better pay and more hours, and paid vacation!" Of all people, I never knew Mimi would become a chef, especially for a four star restaurant bistro thing. I never even knew she could cook until she told us she was majoring in culinary arts. I guess everyone ended up going into surprising fields, myself included.
The brunette we like to call Mimi, started rambling about her job and various stories that happened at her restaurant. I stared down at Sora, although all I could see was red. It would have been much better if I could see her face, rather than her head.
I supposed her career choice was a shock. I always knew she wouldn't end up being a pro soccer or tennis player, and she definitely wouldn't be a florist. However, she did help out her mother time to time at her family shop. The same shop she will inherit.
A Fashion Designer. Thinking about it now, that title seems to suit her more and more. I honestly never knew she had an eye for fashion, and I've known her my whole life. That can be thanked to my Y chromosome. As a male, I don't think I caught this little fact about the redhead. Well, she wasn't a trend follower, nor a trend setter. She just went with whatever she liked. Truth is, I don't believe in trends. Not that they are bad, just that I don't believe they exist. People wear whatever they like, and if someone follows what the latest "it" girl is wearing, then that's okay. They like the girl, so I guess that must mean they like the clothes. They wouldn't wear it if it were stupid, because that's just down right shallow.
Mimi and I do have something in common, we both ramble.
I am proud of Sora. She graduated from a top fashion tech. school here in Japan, and she has already made a name for herself. It's not like she was a full time fashion designer. She just started her label, establishing her business and company. She was very busy for a twenty-three year old.
"...so then that guy was fired. Enough about me, what's new with you guys." Her hazelnut eyes circled the room, looking at our faces.
"T.K.? Anything new with you? Coming with a nice romantic story dedicated to your dear friend Mimi?" Our attention fully on the twenty year old.
"Sorry to disappoint you Mimi, but I'm don't write romances. I'm just a journalist. You know that." I saw her hope fall, but soon it was regain.
"Don't worry, you will be an author someday! Just like you want, and then you'll end up writing me that romance." That giddy little smile she always wore was apparent on her face.
"Knock on wood." I heard Yamato's voice say. Just as he said it, he knocked lightly on the wooden table coffee table next to him.
"What does that do?" I asked him. He was pretty weird sometimes.
"Meems was just about to jinx my little brother's chances of becoming an author. So, you knock on wood to un-jinx it."
"That's silly, how can knocking on wood do anything?" Mimi said, challenging him.
He shrugged, not even looking at her or turning his head.
"It's superstition." I answered Mimi. Even if I didn't believe in that stuff, it didn't mean I couldn't know what it was.
"Yup. And I believe in superstition."
"Really? You Sora?" Takeru asked her. At least that was one little fact I knew about her, she was superstitious.
"Okay! I think we get the point! So about you being an author." Mimi exclaimed. Obviously she didn't want to worry about superstitions. I'm sure she has enough to worry about in her life.
"I do want to be an accomplished author. But I'm still in college, and right now my job at the newspaper is good."
"Takeru will be just fine." I think I said that out loud. My thoughts dripped out from my head and out of my mouth.
Then Yamato knocked on the coffee again, obviously getting on Mimi's nerves.
"Okay, Mr. Knock-on-wood. How is your career going Mr. Astronaut?"
"Wait, am I Mr. Knock-on-wood, or Mr. Astronaut?" he asked smugly, having fun with Mimi. Sometimes he just couldn't stop being a smart ass.
"Just answer her Yama." Sora said. Her voice was almost a whisper, and I could tell that frapuccino drink was wearing off.
"I'm doing okay. Nothing new. And I'm no astronaut. At least not yet." I heard someone knocking on wood, this time it wasn't Yamato. Sora had done it, reaching over to knock lightly on the table. A smile played on Yamato's lips as if he knew it was her who had done it. My stomach wrenched at the sight. It was like some form of flirting, and right in front of me.
Brushing it away, I brought myself back to the subject. His career choice must have been the most shocking. Especially to me, Takeru and Sora. We were the closest to him, and we had no idea he was so interested in space. Some things hinted towards his dream of becoming an astronaut. I remembered how much he always looked up at the sky, laying on his back as he always did. He knew the consolations quite well, and his major was physics.
Quitting his former occupation, was the most shocking and obvious hint. Why in the world, would a rather famous musician, making thousands and right up his way to millions, just suddenly stop at his peak? He quit when he graduated from his university. Which was rough on him and on his fans. However he stills plays with his old band, who took it hard as well.
Now he was wasn't exactly an astronaut, but he was working his way up to it. As of right now he was working at some sort space center thing. I never really bothered to know what exactly it was. I'm sure he told me, but I must have forgotten. It was pretty much like NASA, but for Japan.
"Glad someone didn't want to jinx me." He said in a calm voice, sounding as if he was about to doze off.
"Tai? What's up with you?" Takeru had asked, grinning like he always did, still showing a glimpse of the eleven year old I remember.
"Well, I guess I'm the same as Yamato. Nothing new." Mimi seemed somewhat disappointed. I guess she wanted to congratulate someone, other than herself. That, or she was bored.
To the tell the truth, I guess my career choice was shocking. The soccer ace they always predicted going pro is now working for the government. Although I did go to college through my soccer scholarship, I majored in political science. Politics and the law always appealed to me for some reason. I worked in city hall, working my way up to what I really want to be. However, I'm not quite sure what it was I wanted to be. Something like senator, or ambassador. A position that held power, along with helped people. One day.
Knock Knock Knock
I mentally knocked on wood, just being careful. Even if I didn't believe in stuff like that, it didn't mean I couldn't be careful. Besides, I think it only works if you physically knock on wood.
"You guys are boring me. Sora please tell me you have something new to tell me. Like maybe you have a new line coming up, that I can possibly 'inspect'?" We all knew what that meant. She just wanted a few clothes for her personal collection.
"Hate to disappoint you some more Mimi, but I think Sora's knocked out." Takeru announced, as all eyes seemed to dropped on Sora, mine already on her.
"He's right, she fell asleep." Yamato added, a grin placed on his face.
"Wow! Who knew working at a flower shop for a few hours could knock a person out so much." Takeru said, still I couldn't see if she was sleeping. I found it odd that I hadn't notice, especially since I was holding her.
"Maybe she fell asleep because you guys have no interesting jobs!"
"Wasn't she just knocking on wood a minute ago?" I finally asked, although I didn't want to bring that up.
Yamato nodded, and then got up from his now sitting state.
"Where are you going?" Mimi asked. Yamato's grin had disappeared, as no expression seemed to play on his face.
"Where do you think? Home. Sora's case of sleep must be contagious, because I'm tired," his brother stood up as well, making a notion for Mimi to also, "And since I drove, you guys are coming with me."
"I guess we should go. I've got class tomorrow morning."
"Takeru! It's only 7 o'clock." Mimi excclaimed, making me realize just how long they've been here.
"You guys do need to go home! You have been here for almost eight hours."
"Shh. You don't want to wake Sora up." Yamato, his voice almost a whisper. Still, no expression worn.
"Right," Mimi started, giving a suggestive wink, "we'll leave you two alone."
"Mimi, Sora's asleep, nothing is going to happen. Now go home." Mimi and Takeru laughed, but Yamato made his way to the door. There was that unseen tension.
"See you later Taichi, tell Sora I said bye." he said without even looking at me. We watched as he left silently. My other two visitors came up to me. Mimi leaned down, giving me a light kiss on the cheek as I did to her. Takeru patted my shoulder, and waved goodbye.
"We have to do this again, maybe when Sora's fully awake." Said Takeru.
I merely nodded, watching the two exit. Well that was fun. I let out sigh, and ran a hand through my unruly hair. I suppose my sigh was loud, because Sora began to stir in my arms. I laid a kiss on her hair, an attempt to keep her calm.
A moan came from her, and she began to stir again.
"Mmm...Tai?" she purred my name.
"Sora...go back to sleep." I whispered huskily into her. Finally awake, she shifted her posture so that I could see her face. She shook her head, her bangs moving along with the motion.
"No, I don't want to anymore. Where is everyone?"
"They just left, you fell asleep as quickly as you woke up." I smiled, replying to her smile.
Then she leaned in closer to me. I followed her action, knowing what she wanted to do, and leaned in closer as well. Gently, almost shyly our lips met. The taste of her lip gloss from before was still stinging my lips. Again my hand caressed her soft rosy cheek, as her hand explored the back of my head. Soon she opened her mouth slightly, my tongue invading almost instantly. The taste of her mouth tantalizing my taste buds.
Soon my hope fell. She broke the kiss.
Her lips still centimeters away, I can feel her hot breath on my face. My eyes stared down to hers, and I noticed how her eyes were filled with love and passion.
"I love you." I hear her voice murmur.
"I love you too." I replied, still holding her face in my hand. She smiled, brining a smile to my face.
We kissed again, but this time our lips leave as soon as they meet.
"Let's go to your room..." she whispered. Now I realize what her intentions are, and I can't help but agree. Her hand leaves my hair, and she gets up, leading the way.
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A/n: Finally done! I know, that took forever. Over two months, and I'm terribly sorry. As I said my computer wasn't working, and then I got the flu. I'll get the next chapter out soon. knock on wood
sorry for my other stories if they're not updated quickly, I focused on this one.