Title:Sora's Song
Chapter: 7
Author:BrandyChanelle

"Hey, welcome to the party!"

I finished examining my appearance in the mirror of the spacious floral themed bathroom, listening to the noise from the party in the next room. It was one of Kari's ideas as a way of welcoming me into her home, which I had gotten quite familiar with since Mimi left for her Marc Jacobs' photo shoot two days before. Mimi had left for Paris heartbroken and wounded. However, I knew that getting away was just what she needed. I knew that when she returned from her trip, she would be fully restored with new hopes and aspirations. It was very typical of Mimi- through all the negativity and seemingly hopeless life, Mimi was very good at finding the positivity and coming to terms of happiness. She was very in touch with her emotions. That was the best part about her- that was what I absolutely loved about her. Mimi was one of a kind.

Kari was just like her. In all of the time that I had known Kari, she was always sweet and shy- very optimistic. That was the first qualities that I had noticed when I first met her. She knew how to keep the faith more than anyone that I had ever known- her moto was "where there is a will, there is a way"- one that I had adopted not long ago. After my encounter with Hiro, I had a get- together with Kari and Mimi, one swearing off relationships and boys- even though we knew that we could never keep our 'no boy policy', especially with Kari and Takeru's on and off relationship.

For me, however, I was definitely swearing off relationships, but not boys- not tonight at least. Parties were my specialties. I loved parties, despite my previously horrifying experiences with them and him... I sighed, shrugging off the mere thought of the past. That was the last thing that I wanted to think about. Relationships. Past relationships particularly.

It was tonight that was about establishing new hopes and, first and foremost, having fun! Something that I more than needed in my life, considering my current situations.

I straightened out the dress that I had borrowed from Kari- a short lipstick red smooth, fluid jersey matte dress with rhinestone straps. I loved Kari's taste in dresses, very stylish and sexy, although I could have never imagined her in something as revealing as that all those years ago. In any case, I was really getting into that dress, which showed my cleavage and every curve very well. It was a miracle dress to all females I imagined. At least, it was to me.

Teasing my hair once again, I turned back to the door and began making my way out. I was expecting a lot of people to had arrived by then, considering Kari's long guest list. She wanted to make sure that there were plenty of people to choose from, considering our current single positions. We were both in the same boat, and I hoped to remain in that boat for a while, flowing up a different river though. Kari, however, wanted to continue flowing up the same river, but switching boats and being with Takeru in the end.

While my dress screamed single, her dress screamed not sure- a white halter top that flowed down to her knees with her hair put up in a fancy bun. With the number of males that were arriving, she wanted to make sure that there was enough attention for her to grasp, but she also wanted to make sure that when they saw her dancing with Takeru, they all knew that she was untouchable. I smiled, winking at myself in the mirror. I planned tonight's strategy very well- making my rounds of banana splits, margaritas, and tequila bang bangs.

As I exited the washroom and made my way over to the door, where Kari was standing as she greeted people while they walked in. On the way there, of course, I passed by my future hook ups and possibilities. Why don't I know any of these people? I asked myself, watching as about thirty people crowded in her apartment.

"Hey," I whispered in Kari's ear, placing my hands on her waist, smiling at the guests that walked through the door.

Kari smiled at me and whispered in a seductive voice, "Oh, Sora... Wait until later, honey!" She joked, patting my hand.

I removed my hands from her waist and walked into the kitchen, going to prepare me a quick shot of Captain Morgan. On the way there, I ran into a familiar someone that I had met earlier. He was dressed in casual jeans with a three- quarter sleeved plaid shirt. He was still just as gorgeous as I had seen him weeks ago.

"Why, Miss Sora, don't you look absolutely stunning tonight!" Yuri said, making his way toward me as I entered the kitchen. He stared me up and down, and I could not help but do the same for him. Although he looked young, there was something about him- an aura per say- that made him seem so much older than he was. Or maybe that is just my hopes...

"Thank you, Yuri. You look very good, as well," I said, embracing him into a warm hug. I felt myself blushing a little as I looked to the floor before diving into my fix. Reaching for a plastic cup that was stacked on top of resembling plastic cups, I felt someone touch the middle of my back. I chuckled, feeling tickled by the small brush. It was at that moment that I smelled the greatest smell- a combination of grapefruit, peppercorn, lime, and sandalwood. It was the greatest pleasure. Looking around, I saw Yamato to the other side of me. I turned around and hugged him, feeling him squeeze me tightly as his warm arms embraced me. It felt good, having someone that close to me

"Hey, you look absolutely amazing," Yama whispered in my ear as we remained in the embrace.

"Thanks, Chap. You too!" I said, pulling away and downing a shot of the spiced rum.

"Woo!" I exclaimed, feeling the excitement of the alcohol rush through my body. I made my way out of the kitchen, gesturing Yamato and Yuri to follow me. Yamato kept his eyes on me, I guessed he was amazed at how well I could clean up.

Then again, Yamato always had a staring problem, even when we were younger during our travels in the Digital World. Well, that was what Mimi had told me, at least. Unlike her, I did not care about if some guy was staring at me. There was no need to. Why would I want to bother with getting all fancied up to just have a guy staring at you? If he just cared about looks, anyway, then he was a pig.

I was different from Mimi in so many ways. One way was that I did believe that love is blind.

Making my way over to the living room, I started dancing to the sound of techno music sounding from Kari's stereo speakers. I knew that the music was not that loud, but I did not care- I just wanted to have fun! Even though I knew that I it would come at a cost later, I sucked down any last chance of cautiousness and started dirty dancing with Yuri. I could tell that he was surprised by my sudden outburst of energy that I acquired. However, I did not need to explain- he was a smart guy, he could figure it all out.

I felt Yuri's hands so soft against my skin as we were dancing. His body was so warm against mine, and his cologne filled my senses, causing me to react violently. I took one quick look at his boyish face- so cute, yet so sexy. He was so sensual in so many ways, he knew how to subtly suggest physical contact, without being a pig- something that many males lacked. The closeness killed me, captivating me and embracing my attention.

I could tell that he felt the same way. "You look so beautiful tonight, you really do..." Yuri whispered in my ear. In a quick second, I kissed him, throwing away all of my cares as I felt the way that his soft lips caressed mine.

"Sora..."

I winced. I could recognize that voice anywhere. Pulling away from Yuri's sweet hold, I turned around to see Yamato. Shit...I thought to myself as I smiled at Yama, a slightly desperately drunken smile. "Hi!" I said, folding my arms over one another.

I watched as Yamato's face turned from somewhat shocked to a saddened expression. Though I had attempted to throw away all of my cares, I could not get over caring about him... "Sorry... I just thought that I would- uh... Come to tell you that I am leaving."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What? Why?" I asked, lightly punching his arm. I laughed, watching as he sighed, rather vexed. Once I stopped laughing, I continued with my questionnaire. "Come on. You don't want to stay here and party?"

Yamato raised his left brow at me and shook his head. "I have too much to do in the morning. I have to go to the studio tomorrow and work on some tracks for the new album."

I pulled Yamato's hand and walked him into the kitchen, trying to stop him from leaving. It was too early for him to leave, in my opinion. We had hardly gotten to know each other. I knew that Yamato was still the same boy that I knew from back then, but I also knew that no matter how much one was the same, there would always be a catch- some skeleton in the closet. Experience had taught me that. And I could swear by it too. Despite the fact that I was still the same irresponsible girl that I was then, I had a ton of skeletons in my closet. I had been to hell and back over the years that I had moved away. Not to blame my mother in any way, but I did not have any good role model that I could rely on.

My mother was taking exotic dancing classes at a local gym for a year. After that, she became an instructor for the class, specializing in pole dancing. She practically worked at a strip club. Mother had stuck me in belly dancing, which I had at first objected to, but I could not say no to her. It was after she had just gotten her heart broken by my father, something that she had been struggling with for years. My father was never around, not to provide me with a father figure. The only people that I had to count on were Mimi, the two friends that I had made in my belly dancing classes- Lily and Scarlett- and Hiro.

I knew that if Yamato knew any of that he would probably scream, say something cruel. Which was the reason why I did not want to tell him anything- our friendship would be ruined and he would probably hate me, telling me that I had been tarnished- buying into one of the famous cliches of all of the casualties of society.

Yamato was very classic, very cynical as well. He was intensely into making your own path, rebelling against authority just to prove that you had a mind of your own, an independence that no one could steal from you. However, I never had the guts to tell someone off, rebel against the standards that were set. I believed that there would be severe punishments if I did rebel. I greatly feared messing up- not that I was a perfectionist. I was far from a perfectionist. However, I did not like making people mad at me- I feared to be hated. I wished that I was only blessed with the independence and the attitude that I should not care what anyone thought about me.

Yamato and I were different in so many ways. If there was anything that I knew for sure about him, though, it was that he always had that soft spot, that compassion, for his friends.

As I dragged him into the kitchen, Yamato kept his face as hard as a rock- his eyes obscured behind his blond locks. I hated not being able to read someone, or at least try- not that I was any good. However, Yamato was typically quite easy to read- he could not tell a lie, never could. Which was why the party idea was superb for getting to get to know new and old friends.

"Where are you taking me?" Yamato finally asked, as we kept walking straight out of the kitchen and into the hall. I could tell that he was not that concerned about getting to the studio, but leaving the party- for whatever reason he had to not want to be at the party. As we walked through the hallway, he asked me again, staring at the pictures of Kari, Mimi, and I that we had taken together on the day before Mimi had left for her photo shoot. I did not answer, just stayed quiet.

It was not until we reached the door of the room that I was staying in at Kari's apartment that I answered him. "Well..." I said, holding onto the door knob before opening it. "I just thought that maybe we should get to know each other. We have not been able to talk since I arrived. Since everyone else is staying out there, I thought that right now would be the perfect time!"

Yamato cocked an eyebrow as I opened the door and slipped him and I in. I had already thought that I would be going in and out of my room that night, which was why I had the shot glasses and bottles of Captain Morgan and 99 Strawberries. When Yamato saw those, he asked me what they were doing in my room. I did not answer- did not really feel like answering. And I could tell that he already had an idea anyway.

I chuckled, leading Yamato over to the bed to talk. "So, Yama, tell me! Tell me about you!" I said, turning on the compact disc player. It was the perfect music too- Shorelines End, a band that I had been introduced to by Kari.

"The hours turn to days, and its hard enough not to break when I close my eyes all I can see is your face..."

Yama sighed. "Sora," he said, crossing his arms. "I think that you have had too much to drink." I watched as Yamato nearly got up and left the room before I stopped him from leaving. There was no way that he was going to just shut down our future friendship. As I pulled him back down on the bed, he furrowed his brows at me, questioning my actions. Then again, he more than had a right to since we were practically strangers.

"I'm sorry love, I'm not sorry love. I'm sure you'll feel the same I'm bending not breaking not here love not today."

"Don't leave, Yama," I said, pushing back a strand of my hair. "Look, I am not drunk. I just want to talk to you..." I turned my eyes to the ground, staring at my heels. I sighed and looked back up at him, trying to decipher his body language.

"I need you more than you know ,more than you ever thought I'd show. I need you, more than you know, more than you ever thought I'd show. I need you."

Yama shook his head and got up. "No, Sora... The studio-" Before he could keep making excuses, I pulled him down once again and laid a sweet kiss on his lips, refusing his objections. I could tell by the way that he wrapped his arms around me that he was getting into the kiss; I was getting into the kis as well. However, I soon felt him pull away with a shocked expression on his face. He stood up and I could tell that he was standing his ground, sticking to his opinion. "This is wrong. I know it and you know it." I watched Yamato walk toward the door. Before leaving, he looked back at me- trying to make his final decision. It only took a second after he looked back to decide that he had to leave. Yamato Ishida walked out of my room for the final time...

"The hours turn to years and its hard enough just to stay when I'm pulling and your pushing all this back in my face and I'm sorry love, I'm not sorry love I'm sure you'll feel the same. I'm bending not breaking not here love not today"

Feeling the tears well up in my eyes, I sucked it down as I reached to my side filling up a shot glass with 99 Strawberries. I could do without stress tonight. I knew that inviting Yama was a mistake, but I did not listen to myself. Note to self: Stick with your gut feeling... I thought as I downed three consecutive shots. "Time to party..." I whispered before taking three more shots.

"I need you more than you know ,more than you ever thought I'd show. I need you, more than you know, more than you ever thought I'd show. I need you."

Getting up off of the bed, I walked out of my bedroom. I knew who to look for- I knew who could entertain me. As I walked into the kitchen, I set my eyes on a familiar brunette that was holding a beer in his hand as he chatted up a petite blond in a skimpy bright pink halter dress. "Hey, Taichi..." I said, placing my arm around his waist.

Taichi looked down at me with a smile as he smelled the alcohol strong on my breath. He pulled me into a hug, and stared at me inquisitively- I could only guess that he had heard from Yamato or seen him and assumed something false. Taichi had a way of unintentionally twisting situations and sentences all around that misconstrew the purposes. The blond raised a brow at me, unknowing of Taichi and my friendship. Taichi smiled sarcastically. "Could you excuse us for a second, Sweetie?"

As we broke away from her and made our way to the middle of the hall, I started questioning him of what was wrong. I soon understood what Yama was going through- being dragged against your will and being swept off to who knows where.

"Sora, what happened between you and Yama?" Taichi asked, stopping near the end of the hall. His expression was mighty fierce, something that I had never seen before- not since we were kids. He never put on such a face for when he was sticking up for Yamato- only for when he was sticking up for Kari.

I hesitated a moment, unsure of how to answer that. I did not know exactly what happened. While I was just having fun, Yamato freaked. I did not want him to flip about my actions, but I wanted to have fun and see Yama loosen up. I did not intend to do anything else. "Taichi, what are you talking about?" I asked, giggling. I knew that the best case scenario was to play dumb, at least that was what I always thought.

Taichi shook his head. "No, Sora," he said, touching me lightly on the arm. "I don't want you to act like nothing happened. I know better than that. Now, tell me what happened between you two." I shrugged, not knowing what he was expecting me to say. It remained an odd silence between us for a moment, aside from the loud dance music being emitted from the next room. "Did you do it again?"

I raised a brow and chuckled. He is probably already intoxicated from that one beer... I thought to myself, as I twirled my hair with my index finger. "Do what again?" I asked as I stopped twirling my hair and folded my arms over.

Taichi sighed, staring down at the ground. I could tell that he was contemplating a lot- he sent out a mixed signal, angry, distressed, upset. He moved past me, trying to avoid answering my question. I pulled Taichi back and demanded an answer. He bit his lip, trying to resist telling me the slightest bit of detail. Finally, it was a moment later when he answered me. "Just go find him, Sora..."

I nodded. Though I did not fully understand the severity of the problem, or how to fix it, I knew that we all had to try. It was my mistake an I was going to have to mend whatever I had broken. I hated being the cause of someone else's distress, and it was obviously my fault, whatever it was.

Making my way through the crowd, I headed out the door. I knew where to find him- at least I hoped that I knew. He seemed to be just the same confusing, cynical, yet ironically predictable kid that I knew from back in the day. We had always had a commonplace- he and I. Yamato was just like me when it came to needing time and space to think. When we were younger and in the Digital travels, he and I usually shared a place that we could think. I figured that since he and I were so alike back when we were younger, I could revisit those times and find a place where I believed that all of my troubles seemed to disappear. A place where, just for a moment, time stopped and allowed me to breathe.

I avoided any questions from Kari and made my way down the flight of stairs. Luckily, she was only on the second level, instead of the third- I believed that if she was on the very top that I would probably slip and break my neck. When I reached the bottom, I stood still as I contemplated over where I might want to go if I was thinking about something crucial- like the places that I used to go when Hiro and I were having relationship issues.

We often had issues regarding our relationship. Everytime that we fought and I feared that I would soon be alone, I was torn down. I usually either did something foolish or something that would make him really think about what he was doing to me. I wanted to punish him for him tearing me down. I tried to recall all of the times and all of the places that I turned to when I was stressed. I knew that if I could just figure out the places that I had turned to when I was depressed or feeling fragile.

As I kept thinking, I heard a noise in the grass- one that sounded as if someone was slowly making their way away from the apartment. I smirked, knowing that I had figured it out. Or it figured itself out...

I heard the noise coming from the left of me, calling my name. I smiled and began hastily following the sound of the weary footsteps. I did not say anything- did not want to startle Yamato. As I crept around the corner of the apartment building, I spotted a blond guy with his head down walking toward his car in the parking lot. I ran toward him and pulled him back by his shoulder. "Yama... Stop."

Cold blue orbs looked down at me, staring into my soul. It made the warm night seem undisputedly cold- chilling me to the very bone. He sighed and kept walking- but faster than before.

I furrowed my eyebrows and stopped walking, watching as he made his way toward the parking lot. I thought about Mimi- what would she do in that situation? Sighing, I hugged my body and stared at his now blurred figure creeping across the concrete. She would go after what she wanted...I thought to myself, recalling the way that Mimi had called Taichi the night that they fought about the photo shoot. The two of them had finally agreed to start over and be together after she came back from Paris.

Sucking up my fears of rejection, I ran after him until I caught up with him. I stopped running when I was in front of him and blocked him from leaving. I raised a brow and examined his expression as I panted, trying to catch my breath. "No, Yama. I am not letting you leave. Tell me what the hell is going on!" I demanded, folding my arms. That was it. I was going to stand my ground.

Yama shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk," he muttered under his breath, crossing his arms. He seemed disappointed for a second. I soon watched as his disappointment turned to insanity as he laughed excessively. I had to admit that I was rather horrified at his reaction. "Sora... You humor me..." I furrowed my brows, expecting him to 'fess up.

"Yamato, please, enlighten me. What is going on? Why are you acting so peculiar?" I asked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I was not going to put up with anything. That was what I promised myself so long ago when I had first arrived at Mimi's house- and nothing would change that. I pursed my lips, standing up taller than before.

"Wow, Sora... You have not lost your backbone..." He said, gently touching my back. I noticed a slight change in comparison to his previous disposition that I had witnessed. He was much more relaxed- and more touchy feely. I shoved his arm away from me, but as soon as he elongated his figure, making him seem like a giant compared to my small frame, I backed down and began to shutter. He was absolutely terrifying in his current state of mind.

"Yamato, stop this. You are making a fool out of yourself!" I shouted, shoving him away from me. I wanted to slap him so bad, but I knew that I could not- not currently at least. As Yamato glared at me, I slapped him across the face- testing how far I could push myself as well as him.

Yamato swore under his breath and stared at me, in a different way though. It was not cruel, or expecting, or even soft. His eyes were so much more intense than I had ever seen them, but not a mean intense and not a passionate intensity. His look was a mix of emotions, which made it too difficult for me to understand.

I was taken by surprise when Yamato kissed me- hard and harsh, wrapping his arms around me and not letting go. As I felt myself getting sucked into the kiss, I ran my hands through his soft blond locks. Our friendship was so difficult to explain and I knew that only the two of us would understand anything between us, but nothing mattered to me. I was letting go in a way that was different than before. We were both confused this time- unaware of time or place, did not care about what had just happened in the house. That was the past.

As we finally pulled away, I just stared into his eyes with no regards of the party that I was supposed to be attending. The party that I should have been hosting. Then again, I had to put friends before any strangers. At least, that is what I believed- what I was taught. A smile crept upon my face as I stroked his face. "Yamato, tell me what is bugging you..."

Yama bit his lip, staring down at the ground. I could tell that he was thinking something fierce. His far off expression in his eyes told me the whole story. I chuckled and watched as a smirk stretched across his face. "Sora, would you come with me?"

A/N: Well, that is my new chapter for SS. I really hoped that all of you liked it. Thank you for reading! I really love writing this story. It is so fun. I have to admit that while I was writing this that I got caught up in it and by the time I was finished with this chapter, it took me by surprise! Well, thank you once again. Please review! The readers opinion is very crucial to a writer.
BrandyChanelle