Read A Daydream Away before this. And if you're going to review, please tell me if I should include a side story of the 02 kids here, or not. (First songs' lyrics here are clues to what will happen during the story)
I BEG YOU DONT STOP READING AFTER THE PROLOGUE
I don't own the songs or the series.
Summer
Mimi fidgets in her seat, not used to the quiet provincial atmosphere, trying hard not to look down at her bent knees. Yamato's grandmother on his father's side was making her tea, and she didn't know how to start the conversation. Thankfully, she seemed really friendly and kind, unlike her first impression of the elder grandson, who was out with Takeru and their dad, fishing.
"It's been so long since Yamato-kun visited bringing a lady." She slowly lays down the tray on the small wooden. Mimi smiles, at the sight of the small older woman, reminding her of a pretty flower. "How did you two meet?"
Mimi blinks in embarrassment, clutching her fists on her lap. "We're in the same circle of friends... When he was eleven."
Grandma Ishida's eyes widen, and she chuckles. "What a twist of fate." Indeed, Mimi thinks.
"We didn't really talk much then. In fact, I was closer with Takeru-kun." The younger carefully cups the tea, making sure she looked graceful and sips inside.
"Now I remember. I know you from Takeru-kun, not Yamato-kun." Grandma Ishida was really cute to Mimi. Her voice was high-pitched and effortlessly smooth. She internally wishes she could grow old happy and peaceful as this. "He frequently talked about having a cute onee-chan."
Natsuko shows up, after fixing their baggages in the respective rooms. She bows fo Grandma and kneels, seated, like the two females. "How long are you staying?" Grandma asks.
Natsuko smiles youthfully. Mimi stares at her in amazement. Ah, what love does to someone. "For a week. Preparations for the wedding are complete, so we need to go back to Odaiba as soon as possible." Yamato's parents are getting married again in three weeks.
Grandma nods, and if she was disappointed, she didn't show it. When they were kids, Takeru and Yamato loved playing hide and seek in their three-tiered Japanese mansion. They would stay for more than a month, sometimes. "I heard Yamato-kun is going to America?" She changes the topic.
"It's part of his work, Mom." Natsuko answers. Mimi suddenly feels like she's taken away something from them. Her smile disappears. "He's doing really well in what he loves."
Grandma notices Mimi's eyes, and pats her shoulder. "We're lucky that Mimi-chan's going with him, to keep him grounded." By impulse, Mimi gently hugs Grandma. "How sweet of this girl."
.-.-.
Yamato shared earphones with his girlfriend, a classical symphony playing, while they were holding hands in his father's car, Takeru sleeping on the back, and his mom on the passenger's seat, probably blabbering about their incoming remarriage. He overhears something about moving in together, with Takeru. When he feels like she isn't sleeping during the long ride, he squeezes her hand. "How was Oba-san?"
"She's such an angel." Mimi answers, leaning closer to Yamato's chest. "It made me feel so bad."
"You didn't do anything and you feel guilty. Who's the angel now?"
"I just realized how much your going to leave if you actually work in America."
"It's my choice. Not theirs."
"I know. But at least my family's coming with me."
"Remember what you said to me? The bonds formed by someone are not measured in distance, but in memories and feelings." Yamato knows he won't regret going abroad. Mainly because he trusts his gut instinct that Mimi will be his haven, if something ever goes wrong. Also because he believes in himself that peer pressure won't change him, that he'll only get better in singing.
"Sorry." Mimi murmurs, running a hand on his hair.
He closes his eyes in comfort. He loves it when Mimi plays with his hair. "I love you."
"I love you too." The girl hopes she was speaking quietly, so that his parents wouldn't notice. "Thanks for letting me meet your extended family."
.-.-.
"Tadaima!" Mimi calls out, wheeling a white suitcase inside. Palmon immediately runs to hug her. Gennai did say to break the barrier of the digimon during summer. She was happy to be reunited with her partner again.
"How was the visit, Mimi?"
"I loved it. Yamato has a good heritage, not to mention the overly kind and compassionate relatives."
"I remember me, Agumon and Biyomon watched something just like that. That when a girl is brought to her lover's relatives, they're going to get married." Palmon's eyes sparkle.
"Right. Except Natsuko-san is the girl, and Hiroaki-san is the boy." Mimi pats her friend's head.
"You and Yamato count as well."
"No we don't."
"How do you know you're not going to get married? You're spending the time in America with him."
Mimi blushes in response. "Yamato's not the type of guy to think about these things right now."
"Sure he is. You didn't expect your birthday concert, did you? He plans." Mimi denies the statements in her head. She doesn't want to expect so much from him. She just wants to enjoy the fact that they love each other.
.-.-.
Bells rang in the church 40 minutes away from Odaiba, while an organ plays. The ceiling was decorated with indigo and white draperies, while bouquets of violets and white roses surrounded the hall. A red carpet was laid in the center aisle for the bride to step on, sprinkled with lavender petals. All the Chosen Children and their digimon were present, situated nearer to the front. Michel and Natsuko walk, she was in a tight white long sleeved gown, flaring only on the knee, and a simple veil made by Hasegawa Yuujin. Mimi thought she looked ten years younger.
"I can't believe grandpa Michel came all the way from France." Takeru whispers to his brother.
"What do you expect? It's mom's second wedding." Yamato says, clapping his hands along with the guests. "To marry the same person."
"Last time they had a traditional wedding, back in the province."
"This time, it's a french inspired theme." They laugh, talking about contrasting cultures.
"I still can't believe you two are a quarter french." Taichi comments, finding out about their blood relationships a while back. "No wonder you guys are so pale."
Gabumon subtly gasps. "That means if Yamato and Mimi have kids, they're going to be 1/8 french."
"Don't forget a quarter american." Palmon comments, considering Mimi's mom.
"This is my parents' wedding and you're talking about my future kids." Yamato shushes. Mimi turns red beside him.
Biyomon giggles. "At least you didn't deny going to have kids with her."
When the priests was speaking, Natsuko and Hiroaki didn't look like they were paying attention. Mimi noticed how they were looking at each other. Like their real forever is going to start. In love and impatient. "How romantic." She says. Sora and Taichi give her a sneaky knowing smile. She blushes.
"Mimi's wedding is going to be grander than this, right, Yamato?" Palmon tugs his pants. He also blushes.
"Palmon! Ssh! Listen to the ceremony." Mimi flicks her friend's head, wondering why she asked him.
.-.-.
The reception dinner was held by the lake, the same lake where Mimi sang for Yamato, courtesy of the boy's suggestion. The Teenage Wolves and Satoko were also invited, and thankfully no one mobbed them. They were now nationally known, frequently modelling for magazines, beauty products, and apparel ever since the release of the album and music video. It topped the charts, and increased the members of the fanbase rapidly.
Yamato was seated on a stool with his band members on a platform. His hair was waxed, so that no strands were covering his face, a black tuxedo, midnight blue dress shirt, silver necktie, and slacks. "This song is called Stockholm Syndrome, if you don't mind, we're going to serenade you tonight, enjoy your dinner, and congratulations to my lovely parents, for giving themselves another chance." He introduces a song he learned from Mimi on a Mixtape Monday. When he showed the lyrics to his parents, they were excited. Yamato didn't just choose to sing this because of his parents' newly found love, but also because it reminded him of Mimi's love. Yutaka plays the keyboard, to start.
"Who's that shadow holding me hostage I've been here for days
Who's this whisper telling me that I'm never gonna get away
I know they'll be coming to find me soon
But I fear I'm getting used to being held by you
Baby look what you've done to me, baby look what you've done now
Baby I'll never leave you if you keep holding me this way
Baby look what you've done to me, baby you got me tied down
Baby I'll never leave if you keep holding me this way
Who's this man that's holding your hand and talking about your eyes
Used to sing about being free but now he's changed his mind
I know they'll be coming to find me soon but my stockholm syndrome is in your room
Yeah I feel for you
Baby look what you've done to me, baby look what you've done now
Baby I'll never leave you if you keep holding me this way
Baby look what you've done to me, baby you got me tied down
Baby I'll never leave if you keep holding me this way
All my life I've been on my own, I used to like to got me home
But now together we're alone and there's no other place I'd ever wanna go
Baby look what you've done to me, baby look what you've done now
Baby I'll never leave you if you keep holding me this way
Baby look what you've done to me, baby you got me tied down
Baby I'll never leave if you keep holding me this way"
Natsuko and Hiroaki fondly look at each other and back to Yamato, feeling very proud of their son, even the whole time he was just looking at Mimi. Natsuko is reminded of Hiroaki singing just like that, when they were teenagers.
Since Natsuko became close to Mimi when she and Yamato started dating, she asked her to perform. Clad in a sky blue sleeveless white lace covered dress and matching oxfords, half her hair was tied in a white ribbon, while the rest fall down in wavy curls, reaching up to her chest.
"Hello everyone, my name is Tachikawa Mimi, and I'm dedicating this song called Tell her you love her, for the lovely couple who gave themselves a second chance today.
Tell her a story, tell her the honest truth
You treat her better, make sure to see it through.
Don't be just everything she wants, be everything she needs
When she says she loves you, tell her you love her too
Give her a reason, a reason to love all you do
She'll tell you secrets, you'll tell her secrets too
She'll tell you all her hopes and dreams, you'll tell them too
When she says she loves you, tell her you love her too
Tell her you love her too
But don't you run away, run away, when you get tired
Cause this will
Slip away, slip away, and start a fire
And that cannot be put out
oh, hurry time is running out
But don't you run away, run away
before you tell her you love her
When she says she needs you, tell her you need her too.
You'll tell her clearly, speak what your heart wants you to
Tell her she's lovely, always tell her the truth
When she says she loves you tell her you love her too
But don't you run away, run away, when you get tired
Cause this will slip away, slip away, and start a fire
And that cannot be put out, oh, hurry time is running out
But don't you run away, run away
before you tell her you love her"
One week before the start of a new semester
"Don't forget us. That's my only reminder." Sora hugs Mimi who was crying, then Yamato. The Chosens and Yamato's parents have said their encouragements and sentiments. The band's and Mimi's multiple suitcases and other bags were on pushing racks of the airport. Setsu and the others were behind them, with Satoko kissing her boyfriend goodbye. They would continue their relationship hoping the paths they take don't separate them.
"Don't let New York change you so much. Do it the other way around." Jyou says.
"Why do you have to leave so early?" Taichi whines, following the gesture of Sora. He rubs his temples, thinking of a clever dear statement. "Mimi, don't make Yamato so jealous, and Yamato if you make Mimi jealous I'll take a plane just to knock some sense into you."
Yamato sighs in response to his best friend's silliness. "I'll keep that in mind."
"What else are we forgetting, hm. Ah, don't get her pregnant."
Yamato attacks Taichi in a playful manner, messing up his hair. The kids laugh. The airport announces their flight. Mimi and Yamato nod to each other.
"We'll miss you!" They call out to their friends, waving while walking away.
"Don't underestimate the abilities of modern media to connect with faraway people!" Koushiro shouts to them. Taichi rolls his eyes.
.-.-.
Mimi gave Yamato the window seat, claiming she's sick of that position. He kisses her thanks. He looks out the plane, still seeing the silhouette of their friends and family. Although this isn't his first time to travel abroad, it's the first time leaving for a long time before they come back. Mimi laces her fingers with his, noticing his strange expression.
"You'll miss them, but when we're done, you did say it'll be worth it." Mimi smiles while reminding him, lighting him up.
Her mere presence gives Yamato hope, and all things good. "I hope what the digimon were keep saying comes true." He mutters under his breath. He doesn't usually open up about his feelings, but Mimi changed him in a lot of ways.
"Huh?" She was absorbed in the show airing on the plane's television. Yamato smirks and thinks it was cute.
"Nothing." He pokes her cheek.
.-.-.
"I never want to ride a plane after that." Akira complains being an athlete, rubbing his back and stretching his limbs. "I've never felt so stiff in my entire life."
"Too late. There's going to be a lot of touring after we make our worldwide debut." Takashi pats his back. Yamato looks around. The ambiance instantly changed. The airport around here was busier and noisier than home. People were louder, and harder to approach. How did Mimi survive this? He thinks.
"There they are!" Mimi points to her talented and good-looking american friends waving to them, tugging Yamato's arm, who was a bit nervous, since he is shy to people he's never known before.
Trevor, "Trey" dressed in a 3/4 sleeved polo and dark jeans, was a lot larger than he remembered. He was actually as tall as Jyou, had pierced ears, mildly tan skin and a brunette quiff.
"You're Matt Ishida, right? Sorry we had to leave early at your concert months ago. It felt awkward going to meet Mimi's boyfriend when he hasn't confessed yet." In a way, the guy reminded him of Taichi. An extrovert.
Yamato narrows his eyes upon hearing an unfamiliar name. "Matt?"
"Sure. It's an american name, like what kpop stars use as a stage name." Alison, "Liz or Ali" in a black crop top, a choker and white pants, explains.
Now Yamato could see how she and Mimi fought. Alison looks like her enemy, very short pale blonde straight hair, cold blue eyes, almost as tall as Trevor but still wore red heels. Though it seems she's nicer now. Her voice is deep and mature, but soft. Akira raises an eyebrow, checking her out. "Oh but if you don't want us to call you that, it's fine. We just thought it would be easier for you to be known in a shorter name." Also an extrovert, Yamato percieves.
He shakes his head. "That's okay. You can call me that." It makes the name Yamato more special, he thinks, for Mimi. After introducing themselves to one another, they were walking toward the exit of the building, while Michael was making small talk about what happened in her previous school here in the states, as Yamato slowly took in the demeanor of each one of the people she hung out with.
Laurel, "Harvey" was evidently an introvert, smiles, but arms always crossed. Her hair was hazelnut in color, darker than Mimi's, straight dyed pink on the edges. Her droopy eyes were a shade of grey and she wore a black sleeveless dress, brown boots, and a cardigan. He noticed how a pair of headphones was draped around her neck.
Eleanor, "Ellie" reminded Yamato of Miyako. Bubbly. She laughs the hardest when Mimi jokes. She had wavy black hair, amber eyes, and freckles. She was wearing a white headband, a pastel pink tanktop, a matching skirt, and flats. Somehow, it was like how Mimi used to dress when she was fourteen.
Colette, "Cole" was as tall as Mimi, light brown eyes, golden straight hair tied in a ponytail, side bangs, and oval face. She wore a loose denim polo, black tight jeans and a pair of chucks. She gad her arm around Michael's and she seemed the nicest among them. They're so stylish, he concludes to himself.
Not surprisingly, Mimi caught him staring. "I know they're all pretty."
"No one beats a goddess." Yamato kisses her forehead.
She giggles. "That's what I like about you."
.-.-.
Moving in to the dormitory two streets away from the university was a different story. Before arriving, they blasted out all genres of music inside Michael's van while being amazed by the New York cityscapes, and the band didn't complain to that. The mixture of all their voices sounded professional. The dormitory was scaled like a school itself, mimicking the Queen-Anne style dwelling of the American Georgian Period, according to history enthusiast Laurel. The walls were out of terra-cotta stone, and had a welcoming vibe to it. They all make sounds of awe and laugh amongst themselves. It turns out they were moving in simultaenously, which explained why Michael's van was so cramped with things.
Their rooms were all in the top floor, signifying a degree of importance. Students sponsored and had signed a contract to a corporation, or students with parents as faculty, or students who're rich. Yamato gulps, realizing Mimi's friends could be one of those, or all in those, categories. The cool kids.
Footsteps echoing in the naturally lit hallway, with large venetian windows, not to mention CCTV cameras, they saw golden plates of the names of the students preassigned to a room on a big white door. "Cool." Michael stops in front of room 302.
Michael Barton
Yamato Ishida
"Hey, our room's here too." Yutaka says, pointing to the door 303.
Yutaka Ishikawa
Takashi Miyamura
Akira excitedly gasps at room 301. "We didn't get separated at all."
Trevor Austen
Akira Kouno
The two blondes smile at each other. The latter was relieved he didn't get paired up with a stranger. "Don't steal Yamato away from me." Mimi jokes to Michael. They unlock the door, immediately revealling two beds with the same shade of neat blue sheets, large closets, a window with a balcony facing the central inner garden, a flat screen television, and two writing desks.
"I feel like this room is larger than my dignity." Yamato drops his backpack on the right bed. He finds a piece of paper, like Michael does. He opens his cabinet, inside was two pairs of the uniform, white coat, with a few gold and maroon threads, a dark blue necktie, pants of the same color, and gray long sleeves, one for the each of them.
General Prohibitions (applied at start of the semester):
Opposite genders in wrong wings of the building; much less rooms
Sounds louder than 300 Hz during 10 pm to 8 am
Students not at their rooms by said hours
Not following the curfue
Michael laughs at Yamato's distorted face from the printed rules and turns to the girls behind them. "I guess your rooms are on the next wing."
"We'll take you there." Yamato puts an arm on Mimi. Michael nods, and they lock the room again along with Takashi and Yutaka. Beside them,
Trevor and Akira were getting noisy. Michael and Yamato simultaenously sigh hopelessly. Mimi giggles. They peek inside the open door. "I want to have the right bed! My sleeping left leg needs to have a wall!" Akira crosses his arms.
"I was here first." Trevor argues.
"Decide later. Let's take the ladies to their rooms." Michael calls out.
"Are there people in the hall already?" A voice from their left echoes. 304. They turn their heads.
"Tokiya!" Yamato's eyes widen. Mimi runs to hug the blue-haired boy.
"Hey you guys. We're going to be around for each other longer than we expected, huh." He winks.
"Who're you rooming with?" Yamato reads the plate of their door.
Tokiya Hori
Aiko Narumi
"Oh my God." Yamato utters. A pink haired guy exits and smiles in greeting.
"Woah." Michael looks up. "A giant."
Yamato shakes his head, snapping him out of it. "Guys, this is my former producer's son. Aiko."
"He may seem like a monster because of his voice, but he really likes anime." Mimi follows up, she notices Laurel raise an eyebrow. Aiko blushes.
.-.-.
Room 322:
Colette Williams
Mimi Tachikawa
Room 323:
Eleanor Gordon
Laurel Harvard
Alison Palmer