Disclaimer – Same as always, I don't own anything.

Author's Note: Okay so starting this chapter I'm changing things up in the rewrite. In this version, Mimi still lives in Japan and never moved to New York. Sora and Matt are next door neighbors and didn't start dating in like ninth grade like in the show. Yeah, that's all for this chapter. Thanks for the previous reviews keep them coming!

Chapter Two – Just Friends

Beep beep… beep beep… beep beep…

A hand reached out from underneath the comforter and slammed down the snooze button on the alarm clock so hard it almost broke. The room became silent again and the lifeless body dozed back to sleep. It wasn't long before a shrilling voice called from outside the door.

"It's time to wake up, Sora! Last week before spring break let's make it count!" Toshiko shouted and banged and made all sorts of noise trying to get her daughter to wake up.

Sora groaned from under the comforter.

"I heard that. Wake up, now!"

"Fine!" Sora said throwing the blankets back, "I'm up."

"Your breakfast is on the table. I'm leaving for work. Yamato's driving you to school today so don't make him wait. Have a good day, sweetheart!"

"Joy. Bye."

Sora threw her legs over the side of the bed and yawned. This was the third time in the past week that her mom was dumping her on someone else to drive her to school. Sora's car was in the shop for maintenance and was taking longer than expected so she basically had to rely on everyone else for transportation.

She got up and walked out of her room to the hallway closet to get a towel for her shower. Upon passing the window she noticed her neighbor, Matt, staring at her from his hallway window. He pointed to his clock indicating she needed to hurry up. She rolled her eyes and waved it off before entering the bathroom.

Ten minutes later she walked out of the bathroom and passed by the window again. Matt was still there and looked like he hadn't moved from the first time she saw him. He pointed to his clock again. All she did was shake her head and go to her room to get ready.

After she had blow dried her hair, dressed herself, and applied a little bit of make up she was finally ready to take on the day. She grabbed her school bag and shuffled down the stairs to the kitchen. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw a figure out of the corner of her eye.

"How do you always get into my house?" Sora asked when she realized the figure was Matt.

"Your mom never locks the door," Matt said.

"It's nice to know she cares. Hey, is that my breakfast you're eating?"

"Yep. You don't eat breakfast anyways. You never have and yet your mom still tries to force you to eat. It works out for me though because my dad can't cook to save his life."

"It's scary how well you know me."

"It's not like we haven't been friends since we were twelve or anything. I know more about you than you know about yourself."

"Oh really? What's my favorite color?"

"Red."

"That was too easy. When's my birthday?"

"March 18th."

"What is my favorite kind of flower?"

"Hydrangea. And just for the record: feet freak you out, you set your alarm clock twenty minutes early so you can snooze in late, you don't let anyone eat in your car, your favorite cartoon is Family Guy even though you'll never admit it, you refuse to wear pink… or heels which you totally should because they make your legs look amazing, you're oddly obsessed with the show True Blood… and vampires for that matter, you don't eat foods that are green, you love tomato soup with Ritz crackers and a grilled cheese sandwich, you can't get through the day without coffee, you-"

Sora cut him off, "All right I get it. You do know me better than anyone else. Well, maybe not Tai but still."

"I told you. Now, are you ready because we're going to be late?"

"Yeah, I'm ready."

He stuck the last piece of bacon in his mouth, handed Sora her mug full of freshly brewed coffee, and the two headed out the door.

"Sorry that you have to keep driving me to school," Sora said once they were in the car and on their way, "You know how my mom is."

"I'll find a way for you to repay me," Matt replied with a smirk.

"I'm actually kind of scared now."

"I'm kidding. I don't mind. Your mom's not exactly the most reliable person."

"Tell me about it. My car is probably done and ready to be picked up but my mom is too lazy to take me over there and get it. She's so ridiculous all she thinks about is herself."

"Ah, don't stress yourself out she's always been like that. It's not like it's something new."

"Yeah, you're right. She's just irritating."

"Anyways… so what are your plans for spring break?"

"Probably nothing. Mimi mentioned all of us going down the Okinawa for the week but I don't know."

"You should just to get away from your mom."

Sora laughed, "Yeah, that is if she'd even let me go. You know how psycho she is about there not being any adult supervision."

"I'm sure if you got Mimi to talk to her she would let you go."

Sora rolled her eyes, "My mom thinks Mimi is a saint. Sadly, that's not anywhere close to true."

Matt laughed, "We all know that's one big fat lie."

"Oh joy…" Sora said as soon as Matt stopped the car in the school parking lot, "Another day of school."

"Only a week left before spring break… You'll get through it."

"If I don't kill someone first."

Sora got out of the car and spotted Tai across the parking lot. He was flirting with Mimi, as always, and she was flirting back. It was a wonder they weren't together even though they'd hooked up a million times and everyone knew about it.

"Sora, Matt!" Mimi cheered when she saw her friends approaching.

"Hey Meems," Sora said with a yawn.

"Hey," Matt said as well.

"You still don't have your car?" Tai asked after realizing the two rode to school together again.

"No! My mom sucks."

"Obviously. You know, people are starting to talk about the two of you," Mimi stated. She always knew the latest gossip. Sora believed she started most of it.

"Starting to talk about what?" Sora wondered as she sipped her coffee.

"Well, Matt drives you to school all the time, you're always hanging out together, you're like number one on each other's speed dials… do you get what I'm saying?"

Sora choked on the coffee and ended up having a coughing fit. Tai smacked her on the back in a panic to help her stop choking.

"People think we're secretly dating!?" Sora finally managed to say, "Are they insane?"

"They'd have to be. I would never date someone like you," Matt said.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Sora asked offended.

"Oh, come on Sora. You know I'm in a totally different league than you."

Sora's face burned red with fury and her jaw dropped, "Are you crazy? Are you seriously saying that you're too good for me?"

"Come on, look at me," Matt said motioning to himself.

"You're out of your damn mind! I would never fall for someone like you anyways regardless of whether you're in my league or not!"

"And why is that?"

"I don't go for guys who use enough hair gel that if they came anywhere within ten feet of fire their head would burst into flames. The fact that you're skinny and a wannabe emo and the whole 'Look at me I'm in a stupid band and girls love to flock to me' thing doesn't appeal to me at all. Oh, not to mention you're extremely full of yourself. You think you're so cool… well guess what Yamato… you're so not. Someone like me would NEVER fall for someone like you. Get over yourself."

Sora stormed off toward the school leaving everyone stunned. Matt shook it off once she was out of sight and just laughed.

"Why are you laughing she seemed really pissed off?" Tai wondered.

"It's funny because I was just kidding. I love pissing her off it makes things more fun," Matt replied, "I don't even know why she would care about something like that so much. We're just friends it's not a big deal."

"Well, at least now you don't have to worry about people thinking you're secretly dating. Now everyone's going to be talking about your dramatic break up in the parking lot before school," Mimi commented.

"Ah, whatever," Matt said shaking his head, "Let people think what they want I don't care."

For some reason beyond Sora's knowledge the conversation with Matt earlier that morning somehow irked her for the rest of the day. She was being immature caring so much about something stupid but she didn't care. She even made an excuse as to why she couldn't be at lunch. She ended up in the computer lab the whole time just so she didn't have to see his stupid face.

Once last period rolled around Sora felt her cell phone buzzing in her purse. The teacher's endless droning about World War II almost put her to sleep so she took any chance at entertainment she had; even if it meant getting her phone taken away for the hour. When she realized who the text message was from she just rolled her eyes.

Yamato: You know I was just kidding earlier right?

Sora didn't want to answer the text and at first didn't but then he texted her again.

Yamato: Come on, Sor! It was just a joke. I was kidding about me being out of your league. Seriously, I just wanted to see your reaction.

Sora: You're a real jerk sometimes you know that?

Yamato: I know I'm sorry. Please forgive me?

Sora: Fine, whatever.

His last text was a smiley face. Sora smirked and just shook her head. Matt could be a real jerk sometimes but in the end he always ended up making her smile.

"Stupid Matt…" she muttered to herself.

"Great job today, Takenouchi. You're going to kick ass at regionals," the head tennis coach complemented.

"Thanks Coach!" Sora said as she gathered her things after practice and shoved them into her duffle bag. She looked toward the parking lot to see if her mom was there to pick her up but there wasn't a car in sight except those of students. She went to grab her cell phone and a new voicemail popped up on the screen.

"Sora, its mom. I'm so sorry I'm not going to be able to pick you up from practice I have to go to the airport to pick up your father. See if Tai or Mimi can give you a ride. I'm so, so sorry this is really last minute. I love you, bye!" The voicemail said.

"Why am I not freaking surprised?" Sora said to herself. She threw the cell phone back in the bag and started walking away until one of the girls on her team stopped her.

"So is it true?" The girl, Avery, asked. She was Sora's biggest rival on the team. Her tennis skills were amazing and she was incredibly good looking. She was also a cheerleader during off season which made her that much more appealing. She was almost a dead knock off of Megan Fox. She was tall and skinny with black hair and baby blue eyes. She was pretty much the envy of every girl in high school; besides Mimi that is.

"Is what true?" Sora asked.

"Are you and Matt dating?"

Sora rolled her eyes, "No, we're not. We're just friends. Seriously."

A smile found Avery's lips, "Could you give this to him for me?"

Avery handed Sora a piece of paper with little hearts drawn all over it. She smiled before walking away. Sora didn't understand why girls were so attracted to Matt. Sure, he was attractive and all but he really wasn't that great of a person. Or was he…?

Sora spotted Matt in the parking lot standing by his car like always after her practices. He smiled when he saw her.

"You're giving me a ride home," Sora stated.

"I don't even get a please?" Matt responded.

She grabbed the car keys from him and unlocked the doors. She then sat in the passenger seat and cranked up the engine so Matt didn't really have a choice.

"Did your mom bail on you again?" Matt asked once he got in the car.

"What do you think?" Sora replied.

"Nice."

"Oh, I have a note for you by the way before I forget."

"Really? Who is it from?"

"Avery."

"Who's Avery?"

"The girl on my tennis team."

"Oh, is she the blonde one?"

"No she's the one with black hair and blue eyes."

Matt stared at her with a blank expression. She rolled her eyes.

"The one that everyone says looks like Megan Fox…"

"Oh!" Matt said finally realizing who she was, "Hand it over she's hot!"

"Just watch the road I'll read it to you," Sora said unfolding the note, "Let's see… Mattie… oh, how sweet she already has a pet name for you and you didn't even know who she was."

"Just keep reading."

"Fine. So prom is coming up in less than a month and I was wondering who you were deciding to take. I'm just letting you know that I am totally available and pretty much open to anything you want to do. If you take me I will totally make it worth your while… I promise. Xoxo, Avery."

Sora busted out laughing.

"What?" Matt wondered.

"She's a slut that's what!"

"Why is it that every girl that wants to hook up with me is automatically a slut according to you?"

"Matt, obviously all she wants to do is sleep with you so she can go and brag about it to all her friends later. It's not like she's looking for a serious relationship or anything."

"Yeah, yeah. At least she's hot."

"Do you even like her?"

"Didn't you just hear me? She's hot."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"It's a guy thing."

"Apparently."

"So are you going to prom?"

"I don't know I don't have a date."

"Well, rumor has it that more than one person has already asked you and you turned them all down."

"Rumor has it? Since when do you listen to what other people say?"

"If it involves my friends I listen. Why'd you turn everyone down?"

"I don't know. I guess I just can't see myself spending a lot of money to go to a dance with someone I don't even care about."

"So you're saying if you cared about the person enough you would go?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

Matt fell silent as he pulled the car into his driveway. Sora unbuckled her seatbelt and was about to get out of the car until she felt Matt's hand grab her wrist.

"What?" She wondered.

He stared at her for a minute trying to think of the words he wanted to say. His thoughts fell through and he decided not to bring it up at all.

"Nothing," he replied.

Sora looked at him strangely, "Okay… you're being weirder than normal."

She got out of the car and walked toward her house. Matt stepped out of the driver's seat and watched her walk across the yard.

"Oh, thanks for the ride… again!" Sora shouted and ended it with a wave before walking into her home.

"Yeah," Matt replied, "No problem."

Matt walked into his house and threw his school bag on the floor next to where he took his shoes off. The smell of something delicious cooking filled the air instantly caught his attention. He followed the smell to the kitchen and found his dad placing food on multiple plates and in bowls.

"Since when do you cook?" Matt asked startling his father a bit.

"I didn't even hear you come in," Malcolm replied.

"What is all this food for? Are we expecting company or something?"

"Actually, we are."

"We are…?"

"Toshiko's husband is in town so I invited them all over for dinner."

"Dad, don't take this the wrong way or anything but you're not exactly the greatest cook. You should have told me I would have taken care of it."

"Hey now your old man isn't completely useless. Besides, I didn't cook it. I ordered take out and threw away the boxes. No one will ever know except us."

Matt just laughed and shook his head, "You continue to amaze me."

Matt sat down at the kitchen table and stared off into space while Malcolm continued to organize the food. After a few moments of silence Malcolm noticed something was troubling his son. They didn't usually talk about personal problems but he figured he might as well give it a shot.

"What's troubling you son?" Malcolm asked.

"Hmm?" Matt replied.

"Is there something on your mind you want to talk about?"

"Not really."

"All right but if you want to talk the offers on the table."

"Okay. This is strictly hypothetical though so don't take it seriously."

"Hypothetical, not serious. Got it."

"Okay, so there's this guy I know that has been friends with this girl for like forever. When I say forever I mean like since they were kids. Well, since that time the guy got to know the girl pretty well and started to develop feelings for her that were a little more than… friendly. Now, he kind of wants to express those feelings for her by asking her to be his date to prom but at the same time doesn't want to ask her because he's scared she will say no. He also doesn't want to ruin the friendship between them because he has so much fun making her mad and seeing her smile and what not. But he really, really wants to take a shot and see what could possibly happen. What do you think he should do?"

"Are you talking about Tai liking Sora?"

"Dad, I said this was hypothetical."

"Oh, right. Sorry the way you described it they just kind of fit into the story."

"What do you think?"

"I think that if this guy really likes this girl he should go for because if he doesn't he will always spend his life wondering what could have been. It doesn't hurt to try."

"You know what you're right. I… I mean he… should give it a try. Thanks dad."

"Anytime. I'm getting pretty good at this advice thing huh?"

"Ha, yeah if the situation was real."

"Eh, at least it was worth a shot."

"Do we have to go over there for dinner?" Sora wined once she learned they were expected at the Ishida's momentarily for dinner, "Matt's acting so weird today."

"Yes, we have to go so make yourself presentable," Toshiko replied.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

Sora looked down at herself and couldn't find anything wrong. Since she'd come home she'd changed out of her tennis uniform into a pair of knee-length grey sweat pants and a black tank top.

"You look like you just woke up," Toshiko commented.

"You're acting like we're going to a five star restaurant or something. It's just Matt and his dad it's not that big of a deal."

"Just go change."

"Ugh! You're so difficult!"

Once Sora had changed into something more presentable, according to her mom that is, the family headed next door to join the Ishida's for dinner. The dinner went like most they spent together: Toshiko enjoyed a glass of wine or two… or four, Malcolm and Sora's father chugged down beers and talked about sports while Matt and Sora sat in silence.

Sora picked at her food. She wasn't really that hungry but took a couple bites here and there so she didn't seem rude. That was when the fight broke out.

"Sora dear why is it that you and Yamato have never gone steady?" Toshiko blurted out ending whatever conversation was currently going on.

"Matt's just a friend mom, that's why," Sora snapped back.

"The two of you would definitely make the perfect couple. I mean, considering Sora would make herself up every once in a while."

"What does it matter you think I'm a lesbian anyways."

"I do not think that."

"Yes you do. You think just because I don't dress like a slut like all of the other girls in my school I'm never going to have a boyfriend. Well, maybe I don't want a boyfriend mom maybe I'm happy being single did you ever think about that?"

"You just seem so lonely…"

"I'm not lonely, mom. I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be the perfect child you always wanted. I'm sorry I can't be the girl that all of the boys flock to. That's not me and it never will be so you just need to get over it!"

"Sora, you're being out of line."

"No mom you're out of line! This conversation is over. Excuse me."

Sora stood up from the table and left the house. She was absolutely fuming. Her mother always did everything she could to embarrass her around other people and she was sick of it. She wanted nothing to do with her mother at that point. It was either punch her in the face or walk away so she chose option number two.

Sora locked herself in her room the rest of the night and wouldn't come out to talk to anyone, not even her dad. She ignored her mother's attempts and eventually Toshiko gave up.

The time reached somewhere around midnight and Sora couldn't seem to fall asleep. All the things her mother did were finally starting to get to her. She had a feeling she wouldn't be able to keep herself sane much longer. Her cell phone buzzed next to her and she stared at it wondering who else would be awake at this hour. It was Matt.

Yamato: You awake?

Sora: Yeah, what's up?

Yamato: My couch is always open if you don't want to be in your house.

Sora looked up from the phone and took no other hints. She opened her bedroom window, climbed down the tree, and walked across the yard to the basement door of the Ishida's home. She lightly knocked and seconds later Matt opened it and let her in. He handed her a blanket and a pillow and she made her way to the couch. It wasn't something knew she slept at his house a lot. Their parents didn't know, obviously, but Sora went to Matt's to get out of her house when her mom went crazy. She was lucky to have a good friend like him.

To be continued…

Thanks all for reviewing the last chapter I hope you'll do the same for this one. By the way... when Sora and Matt are texting each other I use his real name Yamato to indicate it's him because it's supposed to be the way she has his name saved in her phone.