Ominous Flame

Chapter 21

Author Notes: We are back and I am wilting like a flower as it is WAY too hot outside. So time to make myself feel better by continuing our mini beach arc. Let's see what Zoe's been up to. I do not own Digimon.

3rd P.O.V

The sun was shining with not a cloud in sight. Add to that a lovely breeze and it just spells out a good day. Though despite it all there was one member of the chosen humans not out enjoying the lovely weather.

There was indeed a reason why Zoe didn't immediately leave the changing room after eating her fill. "Fantisimo~" Surrounding every side of the changing room swimsuits of every color and design imaginable was up on display with a full length mirror for her to gaze upon.

When she had first entered she squealed in joy, smiling at her reflection she as she drifted back in time. When she still lived in Italy, her parents took her to her favorite clothing store every birthday and let her try on all the outfits that she wanted. Feeling like a princess on her special day.

Being here, reminded of good times when lately all she's dealt with are boys and digimon attack her... Why Wouldn't she take it slow to try each and every single one of them on? It's vacation time and she plans on making most of every second. "Ohhh I love the color."

Humming a little tune she stands there, making a little pose in the latest piece. Marveling for a few minutes before shrugging out of it. Overly deciding to toss it away into the discarded pile. "Hmm but does not look good with my hair. Next~" Eager to move onto the next piece.

"Wow with this I could be a racing queen~" A giggle escapes her at the thought of her wearing it while holding the lap flag on the tracks. It was a cool image, but in the end she shook her head. "Nahh, white will easily stain." It's truly been a long time since she's had the chance to enjoy herself.

For once she didn't have to look over her shoulder with her d-tector in hand. "With this one I could be a coach! Miss. Sporty~" A black one piece wouldn't look too bad with a basketball and whistle necklace, but like the previous dozen or so, it was thrown into the scrap pile.

Then something caught her attention at the corner of her eye. The moment she swivels her head towards it, her mouth opens in gleeful surprise. "Bellisimo!" Immediately she was drawn to the beautiful design.

It was by far the most risque of her choices however. A deep rose red bikini piece that emphasized her curves. A blush immediately forms on her face at the thought of wearing it. It'd be a bit embarrassing considering she was with a group of all guys.

Sure, Tommy was a little kid, and Bokomon and Neemon were digimon...but that still left four guys her age to ogle her. On the other hand...the idea of a certain one amongst the group complimenting her, thinking she looked cute or beautiful in it was tempting.

Him even blushing while gazing upon her figure...She bit her lip, nibbling it as the pros and cons raged forth in her mind. "Should I?" Hesitant fingers reached...pausing midair a moment later. Her face furrowed as she was stuck in that position for a while.

Eventually however she backtracked, tossing it on the ground just like all the others with a small sigh. Not now, not when she lacked the courage to even tell him how she felt. Maybe...down the line if they get the chance to come back here. "How about...this one!"

It was a two piece, one with a bikini top and skirt bottom, all in her favorite color. And as she tried it on, it fit perfectly. Folding over her form like a glove. It even shimmered as she moved in the sunlight peaking through the roof.

"This is perfect." With another giggle she spun in front of the mirror, smiling. Only to watch herself flinch when she hear a few knocks on the door. "Hey Zoe, are you in there?" Speak of the devil...her blush came back in full force.

What was he doing here? "Y-yeah! What's up Takuya?" She couldn't help mentally cursing her stutter. Her eyes wandering over her swimsuit, second guessing if she shouldn't of worn it. Perhaps she should've gone with the red bikini after all.

No-no, she had to play it cool. She looked great in her choice, and he was talking. "The guys and I were wondering if you wanted to play volleyball with us. Can I come in?" She could see her eyes widening in surprise, her blush growing darker.

"Ye-yes! Go ahead." Moment of truth. He walks in, though much to her surprise(and disappointment) he's still wearing his shirt along with some red swim trunks. "Whoa-what happened here? Looks like you hurricane waved this place." His amber orbs sweeps the area. Eventually landing on her.

Her fingers twitched, desperate to smooth her hair and new attire. "I couldn't decide what to wear. You try picking through all the suits and not take more than ten minutes." Her smile grows as he chuckles, leaning his back against the wall.

"I did. In fact I didn't even take one. The options for the guys are a lot simpler. And even if not I just need something to fit me. So are you going to play? Or do I need to tell someone to drop out of the game?" She shouldn't be surprised...let alone disappointed.

Still a teeny, tiny, bubble of a sigh escaped. "Um, I don't know how I'd do in this. Wasn't really thinking of playing when I put it on." He tilts his head, raising an eyebrow. "I think you'll be fine, looks like its easy to move in. And in any case what does it matter so long as you have fun?"

He glances at her again, honestly not understanding why she seemed to be acting so meek and self conscious. Was he just dense or was she not obvious? Zoe wasn't sure as she shifts her gaze to the side. Finding the wall interesting as she tries to stall for time.

"Well..." She should've known that he wasn't the type to just stand there as she remained indecisive. A squeak escapes her as he takes a grab for her hand, rolling his eyes. "You look fine. Come on. This is a mini vacation. We deserve a break." A slight tug and they're moving.

Releasing her when they're outside. Already she missed his hand in hers...it was barely a minute. "W-wait Takuya." He pauses to look behind. "Sup?" Why did she stop him? "Uh..." Her mind was fraying at the seams.

Honestly her mind was blanking, is she really about to do this? It was too soon. "You..." She had no way of getting her words out, no plan or time to prepare. "Me?" But she had his attention...and was alone. It was now or never. "Do-do you have a girlfriend?"

Internally she wanted to scream. She did it! She actually managed to ask him. Was it originally what she wanted to? No. But considering how awkward she was making this, it was an achievement.

"No." Even better she had gotten an answer. Though his face was still filled with confusion. One more step. She could do this. Taking a deep breath she looks into his eyes. Mesmerized in the red amber. "Will you go out with me?"

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Koichi was regretting being bullied into the ocean. "Ohh!" He yelped, shivering as Tommy splashed him with a smile on his chubby cheeks. "Got you!" His eyes narrowed as the younger boy circled him, ready to strike again.

He had tried to keep his eyes on him, preparing himself so that he could counter. "Don't eve-!" But Tommy immediately slinked under, submerging himself completely from view. "Uh oh." Now Koichi was starting to worry...knowing what was about to come.

Still he could do nothing but shriek in surprise as he's pounced on from behind. "Gotcha!" The momentum sent them both down into the sea, Koichi shivering as the cold seeped into his bones. Despite it all however he was smiling.

For the first time in ages he felt refreshed. "Koji come join us!" Now if only his brother could share in his bravery. Maybe he'd be able to finally loosen up to. "No." Instead he stayed hidden under the umbrella, laying down.

"Takuya and Zoe are taking forever..." Tommy paddled towards shore, laying his belly on the soft sand. "What could be taking them?" JP glanced up from his tube, his attention towards shore as he tries to avoid the harsh glare from the sun. "Huh?"

In doing so a flash of pink and yellow catches his eye. "Zoe?" She was too far away for him to bother shouting for her attention, but he took note of her mad dash across the hot sand. And Takuya nowhere in sight.

to be continued

Author Notes: Heres to hoping my italian isn't Too rusty lol. Honestly with all the language classes i've taken, it's a miracle I haven't made my own language with how badly I mix and match the different verbs and terms.

Anyways next chapter promises a storm brewing...hehe. But until then that is it for now. Guys thank you so much for reading my series. If you like what you see please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me. Tchao for now.