A/n: Well, I'm back with luminaries, and I'm truly sorry for it being so late. Stupid computers Stupid internet! Stupid viruses! Incase you can't tell, my computer caught a virus, and my computer just doesn't work as well.

I was also preoccupied with updating my other stories: Nostalgia and Jumping the Fence. Both Sorato, in case you might want to check them out.

disclaimer: I don't own digimon

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Chapter 3 (Old Habits)

---Yamato

Even in these cold months of winter, I could never seem to feel cold. Although I have been told my demeanor, my personality, and behaviors are 'cold,' I have never been able to physically feel coldness. What's even more silly is that I bundle myself up with heavy coats and pants, when there's no need. In all out honestly, the warmth from all of my clothes was beginning to get to me. I swear, I might begin to sweat. Hastily, I tore off my scarf and stuffed in my coat pocket.

"Aren't you cold?" Her voice broke through my thoughts, as I faced her.

"I can live without a scarf for a few hours." I smirked in my usual way, causing that pleasant smile of hers to come upon her face.

"If you say so." She turned her head back in the direction of the nothingness she was gazing at earlier.

I checked my watch, and realized we had been here for about twenty minutes. I was sitting on a park bench, with Sora, for about twenty minutes. I smiled to myself. It was an achievement in itself. I haven't been able to spend much time with Sora alone in quite awhile. We, including Tai and our close kept group of friends, have grown much busy for socializing. It was nice to take some time off and smell the roses. Coincidentally, Sora smelled just like roses to me. 1

"It's been awhile since we had some time to spend together." What she said didn't really catch me by surprise. It was like she read my thoughts, but since we've known each other for over a decade it's something you get used to.

I only nodded. I was never one for words. I talk sure, and it wasn't that I was shy. I always felt that there was no need for words amongst friends... especially with Sora. She and I have always had an unspoken understanding. A bond? I wasn't quite sure what the word for it was, but it was something that we both knew was there.

My brother and Tai understood me as well. It was just different when it came to Sora.

I released a sigh in my mind. I knew what it was that made Sora seem so much more significant amongst our group of friends. I knew what that feeling was there ever since college. And it was something I've kept hidden as a secret since those college years. Even during highschool when this feeling was just blossoming I kept it a secret.

I took a quick glance towards Sora. And that feeling began to wash over me again.

"I love you too, Yama."

Even if it was meant to be in a friendly way, it still manage to make heat rise to my cheeks as well as make my day.

"I love you too, Sora."

I said those words to her to reassure her and make it seem it was in a friendly way. Still, it felt as though I was letting that secret feeling slip. After all those years of hiding it, I could have let it slip and at the worst possible time. Just when she was beginning to doubt her relationship with Tai. I should be helping her, not making things worse.

"So...any progress on that habit of yours?" I asked, deciding not to go away with my thoughts.

She looked up at me. At first she didn't understand what I was referring to, her confused look told me so.

"You know. How you leave your lover in the morning," I quickly realized those weren't the choice words, "sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"No, that's alright. I've been thinking about it. Well, about Tai."

Her voice softened, and she wasn't looking at me anymore.

"I think I do love Tai. But maybe, I'm just seeing too much of him. He and I have been on dates and hanging out you guys for the past three weeks. I think I just need some time to myself." She was done, and again her gaze was one me wondering what I thought.

"Do you really think that's the problem?" I asked.

She seemed a bit surprised by my response. I had no clue why though.

"What do you mean? Why can't that be the problem?"

"Well, I mean it doesn't seem odd that you two spend so much time together. You grew up together, and I always thought it would be hard for you two not to be together." I explained myself, and she began to understand what I meant.

"Maybe... This is different though. We're boyfriend and girlfriend, not 'just friends.'"

"Well, have you ever felt that you needed some space before? I mean, you two have been together for what...a year and half almost?" It really has been that long, and I realized that's how long it's been since Tai, Sora, and I last had a truly great time together. That is, without any awkwardness or resent coming from my side.

"Yes. We've been together for one year, five months, and three days." I never understood why girls always seemed to know these things. It's as though they mark their calendar the date they were officially were a couple and then count every day since then. However, I don't think I could imagine Sora doing that.

"Don't think I've been counting down the days or anything. I was just really bored the other day, and wondered how long it really was. I seriously just consider it to be a year and a half."

"Oh. I was beginning to think you were one of those psychotic stalker types." I joked, which she responded to by shooting a glare at me. "Hey, I was just kidding."

"Whatever." Her ruby eyes rolled over.

I smirked at the site of her. I always thought she looked cute when she was pouty like that. ...great, now I'm beginning to sound like Tai when he gets all mushy.

"Sora! Yamato!" Speak of the devil.

We both turned our heads to our left, although we already knew who called our names. I didn't make an effort to smile, but Sora did. He greeted us with that infamous grin of us and with a wave of his hand. Sora stood up and said hello. He leaned into her and gave her a small kiss, as she returned the favor.

Time felt like it was moving slower for that brief moment. It felt like a car crash...although that may not be the best metaphor. I didn't want to watch it, but I couldn't keep my eyes off of it either. It was compelling, and yet sad. Maybe a car crash was the best way to describe it, well from my side that is. I fought back those feelings I've decided to keep hidden, as I watched in a pool of self loathing and regret. Not to mention that utter feeling of jealousy rising inside of me.

When they broke their kiss, I chose that time to force myself to give off the slightest sign of a smile. However, most of my smiles end up looking like a smirk. 2

"To what do we owe this pleasant surprise Taichi?" His grin never left, and I saw him holding on to Sora's hand. Here comes the jealousy thing again.

Ignoring the feelings inside of me, I focused my attention on Tai.

"Well, I just went for some breakfast right across from here. Then I decided to go for a walk, and just spotted you two. I like to consider it a coincidence, rather than a surprise." He began to challenge me as usual, and as usual Sora stopped whatever was starting.

"Well, whatever it is I'm glad you're here." She said.

"You should be. I mean spending the morning with Yamato doesn't sound like too much fun." I glared at him, and he just continued to grin.

"Actually, he bought me coffee and we were having a pleasant conversation before you came and ruined it."

Tai replied with a pout. "You hurt me Sora, and here I thought I was your boyfriend."

I could tell our last conversation was coming to Sora's mind. She began to look a bit guilty, as her smile faltered.

"Sorry." She said above a whisper, which caught mine, as well as Tai's, attention. She looked at me pleadingly, and I knew she was going to talk with Tai.

"Well, I can tell my presence is wanted anymore. You two love birds take it easy." I said, and waved goodbye as I walked away.

I heard them both say goodbye as I walked to my car. A sigh let itself the instant I sat in the driver's seat.

"Well, that went well...I guess." I muttered sarcastically to myself. I checked the time on the clock, which read 8:05. It was still pretty early to me. I was surprised that I even woke up this morning.

What time did I fall asleep?

Midnight? One? Somewhere around that time. I stayed up all night chatting away with Mimi. Well she was doing more of the chatting.

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Flashback

Ring Ring Ring

The phone was ringing, and I searched for it. I found it under the bed for some reason, and wondered who would be calling.

"Hello, Ishida Yamato speaking."

"Hiya Yamato!" I sighed and yawned at the same time. However possible that is.

"Mimi. Of course it's you. Who else would be calling me at midnight." I said, disgruntled. Just when I was about to go to bed she decides to call.

"Whatever. Just consider it this way: it's early in the morning! Besides I figured you took a quick nap after we left Tai's place." She was just too perky for me to take at that moment.

"Okay, sure why not. So, why did you call me?" I was getting irritated, but I didn't care if she took it the wrong way.

"Well speaking of Tai, I was wondering why we left so early."

"You call me at midnight to ask me that? Couldn't you have asked me earlier?"

"No, because, like I said earlier, I thought you would be taking a nap."

I sighed again, really just wanting to get this over with. If this conversation wasn't going to get anywhere I was going to hang up, regardless if she'd call me the next day yelling at me.

"Look, I was just tired, and I didn't feel comfortable with Sora knocked out."

"Sure, if that's what you say. But, don't think I could feel that tension between you and Tai."

"Tension, what are you talking about?" I began to grow interested, wondering if she knew anything.

"Well...I don't know how to put it. I'll stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point then."

"I wish you had done that earlier."

"Listen, do you have feelings for Sora?" Her question completely caught me off guard. I hesitated to answer her, but did reluctantly. I couldn't lie to Mimi, she had a knack at finding out the truth.

With a heavy sigh, I answered...

End Flashback

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I swore under my breath, at how Mimi always seems to get what she wants.

"What to do now?" I asked myself. I leaned my head back on the car seat, staring at my car's ceiling.

I really didn't have a plan on what to do after the park. I figured Sora and I could catch a bite to eat, but now that she asked me to leave...

I guess I'll just go on with the plan, without Sora. I slowly started the car, and decided to just buy some cheap fast food and eat it at home.

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A familiar silence greeted me when I got home. It was somewhat dim, due to the lack of light. The windows were shut and the lights were off, as they usually were when I left. To my delight, my apartment was room temperature. However, it wouldn't have made much of a difference to me whether it was cold or not.

I slipped my shoes off. I placed my food down on the coffee table adjacent to my couch. As I was unbuttoning my coat, a red blinking light caught my eye.

I walked over to the phone/answering machine. I pushed a button, and removed my coat.

"You have two unheard messages. First message:" the computerized voice said. I tossed my coat on the couch.

"Hey, Yamato! Geez, you can't even answer the phone for your own baby brother." Takeru's voice began, and I smiled to myself.

"Listen, Dad called me last night. He wanted to know if you were up for a little father and son bonding. He actually has a day off, and he wants to treat his two favorite sons out for lunch tomorrow. Dad seriously needs to retire soon. Well, call me back to let us know. Bye."

Dad really did need to retire, thankfully his retirement was coming in a couple years. I turned the stereo on, and waited for the room to fill with the sound of Coltrane. I sat myself down, and began to eat my food. Then Mimi's voice came to sound.

"Yamato, I wonder if you're even awake. Probably not. Sorry I kept you up all night, but it was worth it. ...well for me that is. You should have told me that's how you felt about S- ...oops. I hope nobody else is listening."

I swear I almost choked on my food because of what Mimi said. Thankfully nobody was with me. I didn't even want to think what would have happened if Tai and/or Sora heard that. I coughed, as the bite I had went down the wrong way. I quickly took a sip of my drink, but the coughing didn't stop quite yet.

"If there is someone listening, well forget what I said. Anyway, call me back okay. I want to talk more about that topic. Well, bye Yamato. Don't want to waste all your memory with a long message. Bye!"

At first, I honestly don't mind that she knows. But hearing that message that could have slipped everything, I wasn't too sure if I could trust Mimi with such a secret. The fact that it was a secret and that Mimi knew, disappointed me somewhat. I have kept it secret for years now...and all my secrecy has gone to a waste because now Mimi knows.

Then again, maybe I'm taking this all too seriously. I had a tendency to do such things. I could trust her. I mean she is the only one to figure it out. So she must be smart enough not to say anything...or give any hints...or leave messages on my answering machine that anybody within earshot could hear.

So, now is the point in my life where I have the most trust into friend.

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The busy noises of the crowded city began to flood my mind. Being caught in a swarm of people, all going the same way was getting me frustrated. I felt like a little guppy in a school of fish. Why did I even go outside?

I had finished my meal, and took a shower. For some odd reason, I found my own apartment boring, and decided for a new environment. What a good idea that was.

It seemed almost impossible for the crowd of people to die down. I really just wanted to go for a walk, but living in Tokyo it didn't seem that simple. There was always the park, but I've had too much of the park for one day. I get a weekend of peace, and this is how I'm spending it.

I tried my best to worm through all of the crowds. Fortunately, the crowds began to die the farther I went. Finally, room to walk and think.

The sounds of cars honking, people yelling, and children crying were still smothering me. I blocked them out best I could. Maybe I should have just stayed home.

I sighed, and placed my hands in my coat pocket. That was when I began fingering the material inside. My scarf.

I continued fingering the wool scarf, finding anything to keep my mind off of the noisy city. Then my thoughts began to drift.

Somehow, my thoughts drifted all the way to Tai. My best friend. My rival.

I never took it as odd that he and I were best friends, and yet rivals. It was something natural, and we both took our those titles graciously. Tai was someone you could trust with anything. That was why apart of me was glad he and Sora announced they were a couple. I could trust him with Sora, and I knew he would never even think of hurting her. The same went for Sora as well.

Nevertheless, he was my rival. A word we both took seriously. We rivaled each other in practically every thing. Who was taller, who had more muscle, who had their first kiss first and who they had with. Trivial things, but every category seemed more important than the other. I don't blame him for being with Sora, I'm not mad at him either. We never spoke of anything when it came to more than friendly feelings for Sora.

It was true, we were rivals. I don't think either one of us would have chosen a better rival. I should thank Tai. He pushed me to the limit and beyond, as I'm sure I did for him. Still...

I couldn't help but feel somewhat betrayed and hurt by Tai a year and a half ago. I was sad inside, but hid it well, along with other feelings.

I remember when they were 'official.' It was something I couldn't forget, but I wanted to so badly. They came to the coffee shop hand in hand. Mimi was with me, and immediately asked if they were a couple. I remember the blush on Sora's cheek, as Tai nodded eagerly. That was when they both kissed for the first time...well the first time I've seen them kissed. I remember the pain I felt. I was too filled up with emotions to speak. I stayed quiet that day, I remember, and tried my best to keep my eyes off of them. With a false smile I congratulated them.

I was pathetic. I sounded like some love sick puppy. I could imagine myself in the future telling these stories to my children, and showing them how foolish and sad I was. I despised that I was feeling this way, that I was feeling so much. Seeing those cheesy romance movies with several dates, I always wondered why some guy was acting so lovesick over a girl who didn't feel the same way. I thought it was pathetic. Now, I am that guy and I was pathetic.

Feeling down, I seriously needed a pick up. Preferably some coffee, or an energy drink. I walked around for a bit, looking for anything. Then something caught my eye. Pack of cigarettes were seen through the glass window. My hand twitched, as it was still fingering my scarf. I quickly moistened my lips when they all of a sudden went dry. Entering the store, I could smell that familiar soothing scent.

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A/n: Hope you all enjoyed it.

A couple things:

1 I mentioned before that Sora smelled like strawberries to Tai. Well, Yamato think she smells like roses, as mentioned in this chapter. Strawberries are sweet, like Sora. Tai thinks Sora is sweet, and he can have her. But while roses are beautiful, their thorns will prick you. Yamato can see Sora, but he can't have her. Just thought you'd like to know that.

2 Hopefully this chapter will help give an insight on how all three chracters are. And if you notice what I talk about them smiling I like to consider Tai as someone who grins, Yamato as smirking in a smartass way, and Sora with a plesant smile.

R&r