Undercover

By theladyknight

Disclaimer: Digimon—not mine!

A/N: I've been busy—sorry for the long wait. This chapter was so much fun to write. Please review and let me know what you think!

Ages: Joe (25), Jun (25),Matt (24), Tai (23), Sora (23), Izzy (22), Mimi (22), Catherine (22), Gwen (22), Yolei (21), Kari (20), T.K. (20), Davis (20)...I think that's all for now!

Chapter 6: Undercover

"Are those the room assignments?" Matt's voice asked in quite a bored voice. "How'd you get them, Kamiya?"

The brunette rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Well you see…"

"You flirted with one of the girls, right?" Izzy asked with a smirk.

"Yeah." Tai answered sadly.

Matt rolled his eyes. "You could have just asked Mr. Fujiyama."

Tai blinked. "I could have?"

The blond frowned. "Yes, Kamiya. What else did you find out about the girls?"

"Well, Miss Arkansas enjoys bird watching in her spare time. Miss Kentucky is an avid basketball fan. Miss California just graduated and holds an internship with a telecommunications company."

"Anything else?"

The man's face lit up. "Miss Iowa's got nice legs! Damn, she looks fine!"

Agent Ishida buried his face in his hands. How did I get stuck with a bunch of comedians?

"Why does it not surprise me he said that?" he heard Joe whisper to Izzy.

The genius nodded. "I agree." He turned to face the stressed leader. "Matt, do you want to hear how our job is going."

The blond merely nodded. "So far we've successfully finished bugging ten out of the fifteen main rooms. Izzy has five of them up and running on the computer mainframe, and we expect to finish within the next two days."

"At least I have some people on the team who are putting in an effort."

"Was that a compliment?" Joe whispered as Matt headed toward Davis.

Izzy shrugged. "Maybe."

"Have you received any new information regarding the Beauty Queen Killer?"

The younger boy cleared his throat. "Different parts of the main auditorium and ballroom have been vandalized. We've also heard some of the judges have been receiving threats in the mail."

"Who are the judges?" Tai asked through a mouthful of chips he'd bought from a vending machine. "I haven't started learning about them yet."

"According to our reports, there are five judges who have received hate mail and threats out of the ten total judges. First off is a rather famous movie star; you're probably familiar with him."

"Who is he?" Joe wondered.

"He's one of those rare celebrities that can be known by one name, and everyone knows who you're talking about. Michael is his name."

"The Michael?" Taichi spit out the chips he was eating, earning him a reproachful look from Matt.

"The one and only. Every year they get some famous celebrities here to judge. This year he was one of them."

"Who else do we have?" Matt asked, tapping his pencil against the table.

"Next we have Mr. Oikawa. He has been with the pageant for a long time. Mr. Oikawa, everyone calls him that; no one ever bothers with his last name, is a high ranking official on the board of trustees. We also have a local boy who was selected from a field of worthy candidates. His name is Cody Hida. He was among 30,000 candidates who applied for the job. The boy is only in his early teens but he's very nice, just, and wise. His father used to be a police officer on our force but was killed in a drive-by-shooting accident."

"How awful," Izzy mused. One by one the others were all agreeing. Do my eyes deceive me? Is Matt showing some sort of feeling?

The blond leader's sullen face had turned a bit compassionate. The harsh look on his face smoothed out, and it appeared something Davis said hit the blond.

"Who are the final two judges?" Matt changed the subject, his demeanor going back to its normal state.

"There's another guy, well, another famous guy you all might have been hearing about lately. He's a genius, literally. This guy is smart in every area that it's possible to be smart in!" Matt gave Davis a funny look, but the boy brushed it off. "His name is Ken Ichijouji."

Izzy let out a yelp. "I've heard of him! He's prodigious!"

Joe laughed. "Well, I haven't heard of him, but when Izzy says that, I know it's a compliment."

"And the last judge?" We're never going to get things figured out with all this added commentary!

"He's another famous name. Akira, another one-named star, the big-name singer. Girls go crazy over him, guys are fans of his, and everyone loves him."

"A-A-Akira?"

Davis stared at the dumbfounded blond. "Do you have a problem with him? A lot of celebrities apply for a guest spot, but only a certain number are selected every year. Chief showed me Akira's application and how he joked about being a good judge because he loves girls."

"He would say that."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind, it's nothing. Takenouchi, you've been quiet this whole time. Takenouchi? Takenouchi!"

The blond glared at the girl. Her head was resting in her arms; she was fast asleep. She's been sleeping this whole time, and I just now noticed. Damn Ishida, you give her too much leeway. The others will wonder if I don't wake you up. So, sorry about this…

He looked around the room for something to wake her up with. The man saw the perfect object, grabbed it, and walked over to the side of the table she was at.

SLAM!

Her head shot up, and the girl looked around with wide eyes. She glanced from face to face, and her ruby orbs finally landed on the culprit. "Do you have a problem, Ishida?"

He smirked, setting the yardstick down. "Glad to see you're awake, Sleeping Beauty. Next time don't sleep through a mandatory meeting."

"Do you have any idea what I've been through this past week?"

"We've been waiting for you to tell us what's been going on with you, Takenouchi, but it appears you preferred sleeping."

She stood up, ready to snap at him when Joe took a stand. "Arguing will get us nowhere! Can't you two just get along for a bit?"

"Fine," they both murmured in unison, not meeting each others eyes.

"Well, the last week has been interesting, to say the very least. I've met most of the contestants. Some of them are sweethearts, some are bitches, and some are right in the middle. We've been given plenty of tours around the main building. I can point out to you where just about anything is. Also, they've been prepping us for the different parts of the competition. Gennai's been helping me a lot with each individual area, but I know there's a lot I'm going to have to learn."

"Is that everything?" Matt asked.

She glared at him. "Did I sound like I was finished?" He went to cut her off, but she responded quickly, "Where was I? A good deal of this week has been spent learning the dance and opening numbers for the live pageant. That part's been the worst. I hate dancing and all that jazz so it's been really hard to pick up on. I'm just lucky soccer prepared me to be light on my feet so I wouldn't make myself look like a huge fool. Otherwise, nothing's been as bad as I expected. The lessons with Gennai have been going relatively well; that guy can talk your ear off. But I'm just lacking sleep very much. In fact, I'm breaking curfew to be here right now. I'm just lucky my roommate, Mimi Tachikawa, is a very heavy sleeper, and Mr. Fujiyama gave me a key to the back of the hotel so I can get in at any time without someone seeing me."

Tai yawned and looked at his watch. "Is that everything, Ishida? It's 11:30."

Sora groaned. "Oh great. I have to be up at 7:00 tomorrow. We're given the day off to explore the city, but I'm going with a bunch of girls somewhere. Mimi's planned this huge excursion for us."

Matt rolled his eyes. "I guess we're finished. We'll have another meeting two nights from now. The pageant's in a week, people; we need to find out who the Beauty Queen Killer is."

Izzy nodded. "I agree, but for now, I'm going to go get some sleep. Goodnight." He headed back into the sleeping quarters of their headquarters with Joe, Tai, and Davis all behind him.

The blond put his papers together and started to head that way too. "Wait a minute? What about me? I need someone to get me back to the hotel."

"Call that Lucas guy." Matt replied. "He said he'd drive us anywhere we needed to go."

"Lucas drove me here in the first place and told me he could pick me up only if I was done before 11:00. That's when he's done for the night."

Agent Ishida rolled his blue eyes. He walked over to the key rack and grabbed the nearest set. "Let's go…"

Matt tapped his finger against the steering wheel of the Hummer as they sat at a red light. He was exhausted and ready to go get some sleep. I can't believe I have to drive her home. Couldn't one of the others? He looked at the woman next to him, not surprised to find her fast asleep. She looks beautiful when she sleeps.

He flashed back to reality as the light changed. The blond drove the vehicle the fifteen minute drive to the hotel the girls were all staying at. He pulled up into the back entrance, trying to make as little sound as possible. Shutting the Hummer off he realized he was faced with a dilemma. "Takenouchi, Takenouchi, wake up."

Her eyes didn't even flutter open. Damn it! "Come on, Sora, we're here." Nothing. Matt groaned, almost ready to start shaking her when he realized something. I was a bit mean, waking her up by hitting a ruler against the table. Damn conscience. I'll let her sleep.

Matt opened up his door and walked around to the passenger side. He opened up the door, unbuckled her seatbelt, and lifted Sora into his arms. He shut the door again and headed up to the hotel.

Great, another problem. "Takenouchi, where's the key to get into the door?"

No answer. Matt sighed. She'd better not slap me for this. He dug into the pocket of her coat, and finding nothing, then moved his hand to the pocket of her jeans. Digging around, he finally found them, buried in the depths of her pocket.

And it was at that moment she chose to awake.

"Ishida, what are you doing?"

He sighed. "You fell asleep, you need to get inside, I needed the keys…do the math."

She bit her lip. "Why didn't you just wake me up?"

Matt didn't have a good answer for that.

"Well?"

He was about to reply this time when suddenly the blond saw a flashing light. "Shit, someone's coming this way."

The Hummer was far enough out of the way—Matt had made sure of it when he parked—that no one would know it was parked by the hotel; rather, they'd think it belonged to the residential house next door. But Sora and Matt were out in the open. The blond looked both ways before darting, still with Sora in his arms, behind a huge bush. He crouched down, holding her against him and glanced at the person.

Sora too went to look at the person but realized she was stuck in Matt's arms and had somehow ended up straddling his waist. She pushed herself away, and they both blushed from the contact. To hide their faces, both turned to watch the mysterious figure.

He or she was adorned in all black, using a flashlight as a bit of light. They looked over as the person scurried from place to place. "Oh my God!"

Matt covered the redhead's mouth and glared at her. "Shhh!"

She brushed his hand away. "He or she dropped something."

The blond looked over to where she was pointing and saw it. "We'll grab it when they leave."

The figure darted around, tried the door, but couldn't get in. He or she stomped afoot before running off in the opposite direction of Matt and Sora. The two waited there in silence for five more minutes before deciding it was safe to go into the hotel.

They headed to the paper the person had dropped, very surprised to find it blank. "I think it's a clue; he or she didn't realize they dropped it, I'm sure of it." Sora stated. "I'd say take it back to Izzy or Joe."

Matt nodded, for once agreeing with her. "That sounds good. I'll head back. You get inside and get some sleep. It looks like you need it…" he trailed off mysteriously before walking over to the Hummer. Sora stared at him until he got into the vehicle, and then she went inside the hotel…

"Rise and shine, Sora Lynn!" Mimi's voice made Sora wince, and she was blinded by the light from outside. "I have this HUGE day planned for us!"

"I know," the redhead replied, shoving a pillow over her head. "Wake me up tomorrow."

Mimi laughed. "Sora Lynn, today's our day to relax! We're going to go to the beach, out to eat, to the malls, and then to the spa!"

"Why are you so damn perky?"

The girl giggled again. "I met this really cute guy when I was out for my morning jog. He was so adorable, and he wanted my autograph!"

Sora rolled her eyes. So that's why Mimi started going on jogs—to meet guys. Go figure, but that's Mimi for you. The girl lethargically climbed out of bed. "I'm going to go take a shower."

"And then we can start our fun-filled day!"

"Yay!..."

Wow, Tai is actually good at something other than food-eating contests. I can't believe he managed to get all this.

Matt got out of the car he was driving today, a 2005 silver Subaru, and headed toward the apartment complex. He walked inside and searched for the right name. Takaishi.

"Hello?"

"It's Matt."

"Hey, it'll be open. Come on up."

The blond walked up the steps, carrying a clothes bag in one hand and a sheet of paper and bottle without a label on it in the other. "Hey, T.K." He greeted when he opened up the door.

"Hey bro. What's up? You said you had something important for me."

"Yeah I do. But first did you and Kari get the stuff I asked for?"

"Yep, I'll go get it for you. What's in the bag?"

Matt smiled. "I need to change clothes. Where's your bathroom at?"

T.K. pointed with his free hand while he dug through a stack of papers. The younger blond heard the shower start and stood up. I thought he just needed to change clothes? I wonder what's up.

Ten minutes later, T.K. had found the thick folder full of papers and pictures just as Matt emerged from the bathroom. He couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Do I want to know, Matt?"

"No, but believe me, this is all coming off as soon as possible."

"Here's everything." T.K. handed his brother the folder and took the sheet of paper Matt offered him.

"Here's what I need next. It's really important that you get it too."

"Of course. What am I looking…judges. I see." The blond skimmed over the list, and suddenly his mouth dropped as well. "Akira's one of them?"

Matt sighed. "Who would have thought? Of all the celebrities that applied or were asked…"

"…he just had to be chosen. You're telling me. You can't let him see you."

"That's a bit of an understatement." Looking at the clock in the kitchen, Matt picked up all his things. "Well, as much as I'd like to stay and chat, I've gotta jet. I'll call you later."

T.K. smiled and held the door open for his brother. "C'ya Matt. And good luck with whatever you're doing…"

"I had so much fun today, Meems!" Catherine exclaimed.

Jun nodded. "I know; I've gotten so many awesome clothes."

Yolei smiled. "And there were so many HOT guys at the beach!"

"So what'd you think about today, Sora Lynn?" Mimi anxiously awaited Sora's reply. I hope she liked it.

The other things really weren't as bad as I thought they'd be. And these ladies are…well, interesting definitely describes them. "Great! But I'm looking forward to the massage most of all."

"Hell yeah!" Gwen exclaimed causing everyone to laugh.

They were all lying down on tables in the back room of one of the city's finest spas, waiting for the masseuses to come in.

"Speaking of guys, I met the cutest one today! He's got this awesome chocolate-colored hair that's really spiky, deep brown eyes, and he was fine on the eyes!"

Sora groaned. That's all she's talked about all day! Can't she just leave it alone. But the more she talks about him, the more he sounds like…Tai! "Hey, Meems, did this guy have a name?"

"Yeah, um…Tai Kamiya. He said he was staying at his aunt and uncle's condo for a few weeks and then planning on attending the Pageant."

I was right. So Mimi's got a thing for Tai. I wonder what Tai thinks. She seems a bit too materialistic and attention-seeking for Tai, but who knows. I'm so going to tease him though.

The masseuses all entered the room, and each man headed for a girl. "Excuse me, but is someone coming in to give me a massage?"

"Yeah, he's coming. The boss just wanted to talk with him." Sora's face fell. Oh great; I'm stuck with the bad one. "Don't worry, ma'am, everyone here has exquisite training. Boss just wants to talk to him because they didn't pay him enough on his last paycheck."

Sora relaxed. That's good. "And don't worry, you'll get a longer massage because you had to wait." Well this day isn't turning out too bad. She waited and waited, and finally a brunette walked into the room. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He was a good-looking man, around 6'2 with dark brown hair,—spiked in a way that reminded her of someone—a nice figure, and beautiful eyes. Maybe it was worth the wait!

He pulled back the towel, and took the different lotions and oils—Sora really wasn't too sure what they were—and began massaging her back. She sighed and rested her hands on her head. "So ladies, you've all heard about the guy I'm crushing over. I want to hear about the rest of you. Catherine?"

"Well, there's this guy I like. I met him in France a year ago when I studied abroad over there. He was very charming."

"Nice catch." Mimi giggled. Sora rolled her eyes. Go figure Mimi would bring this up. What am I going to say? I could say I'm not interested in dating now, but they won't leave me alone if I say that. I guess I could describe Matt…it's not like he's going to find out…

Gwen laughed. "He sounds handsome. I'm single and still looking. I've dated a few guys, but I haven't found anyone great yet."

"I hope you do!" Yolei exclaimed. "I'm in the same boat. There are so many guys out there I like, and they're all so hot and gorgeous. I haven't found one for me yet."

Jun smiled. "Well, I'm going out with this guy. His name's Jim Kido. We met a couple years ago when he stopped in at the café I was working at. We first started out as friends, but then our relationship kind of grew. He's not the best-looking guy out there, but I think he's adorable."

That's Joe's brother! I wonder if Joe knows…

"What about you, Sora Lynn? You've been awfully quite."

She bit her lip, unsure as to say it or not. But as the masseuse's hand worked against her skin, and she became relaxed, she gave in. What's the worst that could happen? "Well, I'm single, but there is this one guy. He and I just met—we had to work together on some project at, uh…school. He's a blond, over six foot tall, very athletic, gorgeous cerulean eyes, and just very hot. We haven't gotten along the best though. We've both got really stubborn attitudes that tend to get in the way of a friendship of some sort, but he's not a bad guy by any means."

"He sounds really good-looking, Sora Lynn."

She smiled. "He is, we just haven't exactly gotten off on the right foot."

"Well, good luck." Gwen wished her.

"Ladies, you're massage time is up. You can go into the changing rooms and change. She'll," the man who'd spoken before paused and pointed to Sora, "be out in about ten minutes."

The masseuses all left through the same door, following the other girls out. Sora closed her eyes as the man massaging her slowed down a bit. This feels great. How relaxing!

"I thought you said there was no attraction, Takenouchi."

Sora froze at the man's voice. She pulled the towel to her and rolled over onto her side. Shit.

"I told you to expect me in places you wouldn't expect me."

"Ishida…what are you doing here…and what did you do to your hair?"

He smirked at her. "This is part of my job. You're not the only one going undercover. I was getting more information about the contestants you've been hanging around with. I figured I'd have to dye my hair so you wouldn't realize it was me."

"Well dye it back. It's much better blond." Sora blushed. Stupid big mouth.

Matt's grin got wider. "So you do like me."

"I never said that."

He made little quotations with his fingers. "'He's just very hot…'"

She turned away from him so he couldn't see her red face. "Fine, so I'll admit you're hot."

"Good."

She glared at him and went to stand up. "If you'll excuse me…"

He grabbed her arm. "Have supper with me right now."

"But it's…" She checked her watch, damn,seven o'clock. Where's the day gone? "Why?"

"Because I want to have lunch with you. We're going to be working together for at least another week. Why not try to get along? My treat. I'll even let you choose."

She stared him down. "Fine, I'll meet you outside in fifteen minutes."

"Sounds good." She stood up and clutched the towel around her body tightly.

Matt watched her walk toward the changing room and chuckled to himself. I knew she liked me…

A/N: Please review! If you were at all confused about how Matt got there and all...it'll be explained next chapter...