"Takeru-kun, I won't be able to help out much more this time around."
The bearer of hope nodded sadly, knowingly, yeah, saving the world and all that – but the powers of darkness were nothing compared to the chosen children!
He hoped as much, at least. Birdramon was basically useless now, and she could stay evolved without Sora's help – no great loss, really, not to the others anyway.
"Don't worry about it. Hikari and I can handle it, and the new kids will carry the torch just fine."
Sora smiled, thankful for the younger boy's optimism, and then retreated into a distant, forlorn gaze, thoughts moving back to the recent battle with Snimon – was that protective tackle the most affection, the closest thing to an actual hug she'd ever receive from him?
No… Takeru was too young, she was a chosen, he had come to speak of the digital world. Besides… the bearer of love shouldn't let herself be lost in dreams of someone so much younger, even if he had turned into a total bishie.
"I hope so… Take good care of Miyako-chan, okay?"
"You sure you'll be fine? You seemed so happy to see Piyomon again..."
The girl nodded slowly, casting a withdrawn glance Takeru's way, but… he'd be better off with Hikari, right?
"Sora, I like you…"
He had said it, sure, but he never meant it like that.
Still, she could always dream… for now, he did have a pretty cute chosen child brother.
And as she withdrew from her chance at adventure, if she ever had such a thing with all that schoolwork… The bearer of love heard a slight, whispered "thank you," and opened her eyes, a pair of hopeful arms slipping around her.
Maybe it could work out after all.