Didn't think I'd forgotten about you, did you? :P Sorry it's taken a while, it's been a busy week! Speaking of which, this chapter (and some of the next one) is yet again partly based on something I did at the weekend... I went to a charity ball and wore a beautiful dress and I felt like a princess. Just thought that was worth announcing lol. If you read the epilogue of If You Love Someone, you'll know that I managed to hurt myself like an idiot in May, and I just thought I'd let you know that I'm healing well :) I'm still a little tender, but it's all good. Anyway, back to the story... In this chapter I'll be describing some dresses, but my description skills leave a lot to be desired, so I'll put a link on my profile to the dresses I have in mind for Sora, Mimi and Kari. Thank you for your reviews, they are very much appreciated. I hope I haven't rambled too much in this chapter, and I also hope you enjoy it.

Happy reading :)

CHAPTER FOUR

Several life-sized mannequins stood in the centre of the living room, each wearing a dress. The dresses were pretty similar, all green with large billowing skirts, and as Sora paced the room stroking her chin in frustration, Kari couldn't help but think that the older girl was taking it a little too seriously. Thankfully, it appeared that Mimi's point of view did not differ.

'Don't you think you're making a big deal out of a small decision?' she asked, twirling a lock of pink hair casually and taking a sip of red wine. 'I mean, they're pretty much identical.'

'How can something be pretty much identical?' Sora shrieked, slamming her arms to her sides. 'It has to be perfect, Mimi! Oh god, maybe I should have used a different colour altogether.'

'No,' said Kari, determined to lighten the mood. She placed her glass of juice on the table and stood up next to one of the dresses. 'This green is perfect. Look, it suits my skin tone. And this one,' she moved to the next mannequin, 'would look perfect on Mimi after her monthly spray-tan,' she winked.

Mimi raised her wine glass in respect. 'Amen, sister.'

'The way I see it, it's all about perspective. Think about who you want to dress. Will the colour suit them? Will the material drown them? Or will it make them look… erm… bigger?'

'With all due respect Kar, I'm a designer. I'm trained in all this visual stuff.'

'Well… where do you intend one of these dresses to be worn?'

'At the ball, tomorrow.'

'And by who?'

'Um…' Sora's cheeks reddened slightly. 'Me.'

Mimi spluttered as she almost choked on her wine and Kari laughed. The older girl stood up and took Sora's arm. 'Well why didn't you say so?'

'Isn't it kinda sad that I'm making my own dress?'

'Sweetie, all of these dresses are ten times more stunning than the one I bought,' said Mimi brightly.

'And mine,' Kari agreed.

'And we are the perfect people to tell you what suits you.' The girls dragged Sora to the middle dress and held the skirts up to her arm. 'See?' Mimi grinned. 'How gorgeous is that colour against your skin? And your hair, oh my gosh… Green totally goes with ginge.'

'Charming.'

Kari giggled. 'I assume the measurements are right?'

Sora nodded. 'Of course.'

The youngest girl carefully pulled the beautiful green gown off the mannequin and shoved it into Sora's arms. 'Then get up those stairs and try this bad boy on! We wanna see your mask, too.'

Sora smiled uncertainly. 'Hmm. Ok. But you have to be honest with me. When I ask you if I look like a green hippo, I want the truth.'

Kari and Mimi grinned. 'Of course,' they said in unison.

'Meems?' Kari sat down as Sora left the room.

'Hmm?'

'Do you ever think about the Digital World?'

Her eyes widened. 'Wow, where did that come from?'

'It's just… I was reading something in my diary the other day. About when I found out about you and Tai. And it just got me thinking about where it all started and how it shaped our lives.' Kari shrugged.

Mimi hesitated for a moment, swirling her wine glass and staring at it. 'Yeah. I do. A lot. It's weird, isn't it? It was such a huge part of our lives, and we just… don't talk about it anymore. Like we've outgrown it or something.'

Kari stared at Mimi. She understood. It was the first time she had mentioned that place in years, and to know that she wasn't the only one thinking about it was somewhat comforting. 'Do you remember the first time you went?'

'Pfft. Of course. You don't forget things like that.' Mimi shook her head with a small smile and then looked at Kari, who had a slight frown. 'You don't remember, do you?'

'Yes. No. Kind of. I remember when I had to go with you guys for the first time, but certain events are kinda… foggy. I dunno, I probably just blocked it out.'

Mimi snorted in amusement. 'Probably for the best.'

'What do you mean?'

'Kari, you were eight years old. To this day, I still think that it was grossly unfair that children had to save two worlds, but you were eight. That's like…' She placed her hand no more than two feet above the carpet. '…This big.'

'You're exaggerating.'

'Only a little bit, that's the twisted thing. Anyway, we saw things no child should have to see. Believe me, it's probably best that you don't remember some of it.'

Kari smiled. 'I was well looked after.'

Mimi nodded in agreement. 'True. Tai barely left your side, he was so paranoid about you, and yet it was like he didn't know what to do with you.' She laughed loudly. 'Oh god, I remember this one time, we were up really early, so you and TK were still half-asleep. Tai was trying to do your hair, and it kept flicking to one side because you'd slept on it all funny. Eventually he got really mad, threw the brush down and stormed off in a tantrum.'

'Typical,' Kari giggled. 'So you all let me wander the Digital World with bad hair?'

'Ahh. No. Matt did it in the end.'

'Matt?'

'I know, I told him he should be a hair stylist, and he got all grumpy,' Mimi smirked. Her smile faded quickly and she looked back to her glass awkwardly.

'And…?' Kari looked at her friend in concern. 'Meems?'

'It caused some… friction.'

'Why? Because you insulted his masculinity?' She smirked.

'Matt and your brother had this big fight because - to be quite honest - Tai was feeling threatened by how Matt could look after you and TK and he couldn't.'

'But he could. He did.'

'Yeah, but you know what Tai's like.' A small smile returned to Mimi's face. 'Anyway, it must have blown over because even now he expects Matt to look out for you when he can't.'

Kari snorted sarcastically. 'Of course. I mean, it's not like I'm an adult who can take care of herself is it?'

'Kari. It's not like that. You know how he worries about you. Especially when you get sick. And I don't blame him.' Mimi clicked her fingers at her. 'Girl, if your immune system was any shittier, you'd be living in a plastic bubble.'

'I'm surprised he hasn't already put me in one,' the younger girl smirked. 'Urgh, jinx calls me.' She held her hand to her head.

'You alright?'

Kari nodded. 'Yeah. Just a headache, I'll be fine in a moment.'

'And you're not even drinking.' Mimi giggled quietly, then sighed. 'They practically raised you in that place.' She smiled. 'You're brave, strong, and loyal. And it's because of them. You're a lucky girl, Kar. Those boys would have died for you. I wish I'd had that.'

Kari felt a surge of appreciation. She knew Tai would give his life for her, he'd always made that clear. But the fact that Matt would have done the same – when he not only had his own brother to protect, but he was also just a twelve year old boy unrelated to her – made her feel more loved than she ever had. She smiled. I have the best friends in the world, she thought to herself.

'Anyway,' Mimi continued, 'I can feel us going down an emotional path and I am so not down for that.' She put her glass on the table. 'Quick, change the subject.'

'To what?'

'I dunno. Your dress. Tell me about it.'

Kari smiled. She and her friends had been invited to a charity ball hosted by Sora's company, during which some of Sora's own creations were to be sold to the highest bidders with the proceeds going to a children's charity. The dress code was pretty extravagant, masks and everything, and the girls in particular were highly enthusiastic about their choice of clothing. Kari's own dress was the most beautiful thing she had ever laid eyes on and she had fallen in love with it on first sight. Lacey had pointed it out to her several weeks before she had been due to come home, and although it was a little pricey, Kari just couldn't bring herself to leave the boutique without it. It was black and sleeveless, and consisted of a corseted bodice and a floor length skirt, made even more extravagant by its many underskirts. The top half of the dress was completely adorned with tiny golden crystals, giving the appearance of glitter, and the beads scattered further down the dress, giving way to the heavy black material of its skirts. The dress was to be worn with elbow-length gloves made from black satin, and a gold mask covered in black lace and a single long black feather next to the right eye. Kari was glad she'd had extensions fitted because she had the perfect hairstyle in mind. She grinned as she pictured it.

'It's beautiful,' she sighed dreamily. 'You'll have to see it to appreciate it.'

'I can't wait,' said Mimi excitedly. 'Mine is…' The girl's voice trailed off as the pair turned to the doorway, where Sora stood awkwardly. Her hands were clasped over the front of her dress nervously and she had a shy smile on her face.

'Well,' she said uncertainly, 'what do you think?'

'It's… you're…' Kari stuttered.

'Beautiful,' Mimi finished, staring at her friend.

Sora breathed a sigh of relief and smoothed her hands over her dress. It was a simple garment, dark emerald satin, with a tight bodice and large ruched skirt. The shade complimented her soft pale skin and auburn hair, and the simple design ensured that the attention was on the mask she wore over her eyes. The eyewear was green and decorated with black sequins and feathers and Kari couldn't take her eyes off it.

'You look like a princess,' she said quietly.

Sora giggled and dropped into a low curtsey. 'I kinda feel like one,' she admitted.

'Matt doesn't know what he's missing,' winked Mimi.

'Well he will tomorrow night,' Kari added.

'Guys, please.' Sora placed her hands on her hips. 'I don't want Matt to miss me. We ended on good terms, and I like that.'

'Whatever,' Mimi shrugged. 'You're gonna walk in there tomorrow and a thousand guys are gonna fall in love.'

'Drama queen,' Sora smirked.

'Only a little.' The girls laughed before Mimi gasped and placed her hands up in front of her as though she had remembered something. 'Oh my gosh, guys! I totally forgot!'

'What?' Kari's brow furrowed in confusion but then raised as she saw what Mimi was presenting in front of them. It was a beautiful ring on her ring finger; a white gold band with a subtle diamond, and the simplicity of it was perfect when contrasted with her long sparkling pink fingernails.

'Oh!' Sora gasped and grabbed Mimi's hand as the bride-to-be grinned proudly. 'It's stunning!'

'Who'd have guessed? My brother does have taste after all,' said Kari, admiring the elegant jewellery.

Mimi laughed. 'He saved for ages for it. I think he felt bad that he didn't propose with one, but I'm marrying him, not a ring. Besides, it was totally worth the wait, right?'

'Totally.'

A knock on the door disturbed the girls, and Sora grimaced, taking off her mask. Kari looked at her and frowned.

'What's wrong?'

'I am so sorry, I completely forgot.'

'What?'

Sora glanced at her apologetically, and spoke slowly through gritted teeth. 'That, err… that'll be TK. I made some alterations on his jacket and told him to pick it up tonight.'

'Sora!'

'I'm sorry, what was I supposed to do?'

'Oh I dunno, not double book me with him, maybe?'

'Kari.'

'Alright, I'm sorry. It's fine. I don't want to be around him, so if it's all the same to you, I'm just gonna sit on the stairs until he's gone.'

'Alright, babe.' Sora put a hand on her shoulder. 'I'll be quick, I promise. Just a fitting and he can sling his hook, right?'

Kari managed a small smile. 'Right.'

The carpet on the stairs, Kari noticed, was white and thick. She pressed her fingers into it absent-mindedly and looked at the indents they made as she sat with her chin in her hand and her elbow propped on her knee. It wasn't until she heard the beginning of a potentially interesting conversation that she stopped her mindless fiddling. It wasn't much like Kari to eavesdrop, but she couldn't help it. She didn't know why she was interested, she just knew she was.

'Matt?' Sora sounded confused. 'Sure, we're ok. Why? Here, turn around.'

TK's voice sounded cold, and something about it gave Kari the impression that he was gossiping. 'Oh, just something he said earlier.'

There was an uncomfortable silence, before Kari saw through a crack in the door that Sora's face had been painted with suspicion. 'What did he say?'

TK shrugged. 'It's probably nothing.'

'TK.'

His dramatic sigh caused Kari to roll her eyes. Here we go, she thought. Blatantly about to start stirring it.

'To be honest, it was more of a lecture. We argued, and somehow Kari was bought into it-'

'-Kari?'

The younger girl leaned further forward at the mention of her name and suddenly she was highly conscious of the fact that she was having to control her breathing pattern. What did they say about me? She wondered. She shuddered at the thought of Matt being two-faced about her. TK, she could understand, but not Matt. He'd always been lovely to her.

'Yep. Our relationship-', he said as he used air quotes, '-was mentioned, he moaned at me for whatever I did, yada, yada, yada. In the end he practically exploded, got right up in my face and everything.'

'You shouldn't provoke him, TK,' said Sora. 'You know how he struggles to control his temper.'

'Sure, sure, whatever. But the point is, he was going on and on, saying how I have no idea how lucky I was to have her, and he threatened me for being –I'll admit it- a little out of order. But I'd had a drink, what can I say?'

'Something that doesn't involve slagging people off?' Kari smiled at Mimi's response. She really was lucky to have her.

'Whatever.' He looked at Sora. 'I'm just saying, I wondered if that was why you guys split up.'

'What?'

'Well… you know.'

Sora narrowed her eyes at him. 'No, I don't. What exactly are you getting at?'

'Oh god, it's so obvious, guys! Why would he have blown up at me like that? And I don't know if anyone else has noticed, my brother spends a lot of time at the Kamiyas', and he can't seem to stay away now that she's back. Clearly, something's going on.'

What the fuck?

Kari couldn't take it. She pushed open the door violently –much to Sora's dismay- and stood a few inches away from her ex-boyfriend. 'You lying little fuck,' she hissed.

'Eavesdropping?' TK smirked. 'Classy, Kari. Very classy.'

'Shit-stirring? Classy, TK. Very classy.'

He placed his hands on his waist and smiled. 'I'm only stating facts. That's what he did, and he was a little too defensive if you ask me. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Although it's not very loyal of you, is it? Your friend's ex? I'm shocked, Kari, I really am.'

His smug sarcasm was almost enough to bring out a violent side of the usually placid girl, something her friends had very rarely seen. She glanced at Sora, who had a hurt expression. It was unclear for a moment, however, whether she was hurt that TK was spreading horrible rumours, or that she really did believe said lies. Kari hoped it wasn't the latter, but when she caught her friend's eye, she knew what it was. Confusion. It was so plainly obvious that Sora didn't know what to believe that Kari was almost offended.

'Do you-' she stepped even closer to him, '-have any idea what my brother will do to Matt if he catches wind of your pathetic lies?' she asked quietly, steadying her breathing.

TK stood completely still for a moment, as though contemplating what Kari had just suggested.

She paused for a second and then answered her own question. 'He'll bury him, TK. He will go completely bat shit crazy and make him pay for a betrayalthat never happened. And what about me? I know you're not exactly my number one fan, but come on! He'll hate me!'

'He won't hate you and you know he won't. But I think some bonds are going to be a little damaged, don't you?'

'NOTHING IS GOING ON!' she screamed, causing her small audience to practically jump out of their skins. She stared at Sora. 'Don't tell me you believe this.'

'It's not you I'd expect it from, Kari. But Matt… I'm not so sure. He does have a bit of a reputation.'

Kari gaped in disbelief. 'You… you are… you're unbelievable!' She picked up her door keys angrily and stormed off.

'Kari, wait.' Mimi grasped her arm, but Kari pulled it away. 'Where are you going?'

Kari didn't even slow down. 'To put things to bed,' she said simply.

'Isn't that what got you into trouble in the first place?' TK called after her.

'Fuck you.'

It was getting dark, and Matt was on the balcony smoking a cigarette and cursing himself for starting the habit again after he had done so well to quit. He didn't know what was bothering him so much. The disrespectful comments from TK about his friend had made him angry, true. But his reaction was not one he was familiar with. He hadn't been that angry since Kari had surrendered herself to Phantomon back in the Digital World. He had struggled, not knowing whether to be angry at Kari for giving herself up, the Digimon for taking her, or himself for letting her and her brother down. Tai had trusted him to keep her safe… and he had failed. Underneath his brave, determined façade, Matt was furious, and he had no output for his anger, allowing it to build and build until it became a problem. Now, he frowned, feeling the familiar sensation in his stomach. His anger wasn't directed at his brother more than it was at himself, for reacting in such a way. And then he realised something. Those two events, those points in time in which he had felt most angry, there was a common denominator. Kari. The thought made him uncomfortable and he desperately tried to think of something else. He sighed as a loud knock at his door answered his prayer and he silently thanked whatever deity for the welcome distraction, throwing his cigarette over the balcony and heading back inside to answer it.

Or not…

The girl responsible for the interruption stormed past him and threw her bag and keys on the table. Matt paused at the door, holding it open and staring at the empty space where she had stood just two seconds earlier. 'Please,' he said sarcastically. 'Come in.'

He turned and noticed that she was leaning over the table, breathing heavily and shaking slightly. Her face was red and the front of her hair was damp. The caring side of Matt wanted to comfort her, but the male side of him was too busy forcing him to think about how she still looked pretty even when she was dishevelled. He shook his head and wandered over to her, putting an arm around her shoulder.

'Kari? What is it?' The girl said nothing, and he gently placed a hand on her forehead in concern. 'Kari, you're burning up.'

'Of course I'm burning up,' she snapped. 'I just practically ran about a million miles from Sora's.'

'What?'

'Just a heads up,' she warned breathlessly. 'TK seems to have it in for us.'

'I don't understand.'

'He just turned up at Sora's, suggesting that there's something going on… with us.'

'What?!'

'I know, right?' Kari groaned and sat at the table, pushing her hair out of her face. 'Imagine if Tai believed him.'

'He wouldn't,' Matt replied, almost convinced by his own confidence. 'Hey,' he said, moving closer to her. 'Why'd you come all the way over here just for that?'

'Just for that?' she repeated. 'TK's lying about us, Matt. Bad, bad lies. And I think Sora believed him!' She rubbed at her temples, and Matt knew she had a headache. She always did that when her head was hurting.

'Why would she believe him?'

'Oh god. He sounded so convincing. He said you guys had a fight about me, and that you got all up in his face and told him he didn't know how lucky he was to have me. Lying prick! Excuse my language, seriously, but come on! What's even the point?' Matt said nothing, and Kari narrowed her eyes at him. 'Matt?'

'I, uh…'

Kari's eye's widened and she opened her mouth in surprise. 'You did say that!'

'I uh… I might have.'

'What? Why?'

'I was just defending you! What, would you have rather me agreed with him?'

'No, but-'

'For crying out loud Kari, in what fucking world can a man not stick up for his friend?'

Kari fell silent. His words rang in her head, but one particular word stood out. Man. It was odd. She had always looked up to him, but the realisation that he was a man now was a little unsettling. Why she had never really thought about it, she didn't know, but suddenly she was no longer looking at Matt, Chosen Child and family friend. She was looking at Matt, grown man. Grown, frustrated, attractive man. Luckily for her, Matt had mistaken her staring for one of hurt and offence, and he closed his eyes.

'Kar, I'm sorry.'

'No,' she replied, thoroughly bothered by her thoughts. 'I am, I'm overreacting.' The pair waited quietly until her breathing had returned to normal and eventually she sighed. 'Thank you,' she said. 'I don't know why he hates me so much.'

'He doesn't,' said Matt. 'He's probably just frustrated because he can't do better.' Fuck.

He gritted his teeth as Kari looked up at him. 'What?'

'I mean… his current girlfriend… she's erm, not particularly attractive and, uh…' he sighed in defeat. 'She's nothing compared to you.' He mentally slapped himself for his poor choice of words.

Kari stared at him in surprise, and for a moment, Matt thought the awkward silence might kill him. 'You… you really think so?'

'Yeah. Yeah, I do. He was a dick to you, and I don't understand why. You're a sweet girl, Kari. You didn't deserve any of that.' He frowned at the small smirk Kari was giving him. 'What?'

'For a moment there, I thought you were giving me the Ishida charm.'

Despite his discomfort, he laughed. 'Your brother would cut my fingers off, I'm sure of it.'

'I won't disagree with that.' Her smile dropped and she sighed again. 'You don't think he'll believe it, do you?'

Matt shook his head casually. 'Nah. He knows us too well, right?'

'Hmm. I guess so. I'm sorry I came storming in like that. He just stresses me out.'

'You and me both,' replied Matt. 'But don't let him get to you. You can do better anyway.' The sad expression that swept across her face made Matt frown.

'Honestly? I'm not so sure anymore.'

'Huh?'

'I mean, once upon a time, TK was my friend. And if friends can let you down and stab you in the back like he did, then how am I supposed to trust anyone?' She smiled sadly. 'I don't think relationships are my strong point. Maybe he was right. Maybe I ask for it for being such a damn doormat.'

'No. No.' Matt took her hands and Kari stared at them. 'You are not a doormat. You're just too good for the likes of him. I know he's my brother, but fuck! He's an asshole!'

Kari laughed shallowly. 'Maybe I should be more like you, huh.'

'What?'

'No strings, no emotions, right?'

Matt didn't say anything for a moment, slightly surprised and a little disappointed that Kari saw him that way. 'That was a long time ago.'

'Only until you starting dating Sora.'

'That's not… Kari, I was only like that because it was easier. There's no challenge in sleeping with someone then leaving them.'

'Given up on the game, then?'

'The game's boring.'

'Sure.' Kari picked up her keys and bag once more, and stood up. 'I'd better go. Please, just make sure this doesn't reach Tai. He's happy. Happier than I've ever seen him, and I don't want rumours to take that away from him.'

'It won't. Leave TK to me, I'll sort it.'

'Hmm. But no fists, right?'

'Would I ever?' Matt held his hand to his heart dramatically.

'Matt, I lost count of the amount of times you and Tai walked through the door with black eyes because you'd kicked the shit out of each other.' She laughed. 'I've honestly never met anyone else who can fight with someone and be best friends again within the hour.'

'We have a... unique relationship.'

'You're telling me.' She stood in front of him, and leaned down to where he was sitting, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. 'Thank you for sticking up for me. I'll see you tomorrow night, I guess.' she said, and she turned, leaving Matt holding his fingertips to his cheek and watching her as she left his apartment.

He was confused.

He should have been furious when he heard that his brother had been suggesting that something was going on with Kari. He should have gone and searched for him just to tell him that he was wrong. But the truth was, it didn't bother him as much he would have liked it to. He didn't know why. But he had the smallest, most disturbing feeling that it was because it didn't sound like the worst thing in the world to him. And it should have. The thing that stayed on his mind though, was when Kari had voiced her concerns about being a 'doormat'. He'd so badly wanted to make her feel better, but he didn't even know if he had succeeded. The only thing he thought about from that moment was the spark he'd felt when he'd touched her hands, and the feeling that followed. It was a warm sensation, spreading through his body like wildfire, and although he should have been horrified by it, he found himself not wanting to let go. Just so that he could keep that feeling for as long as possible.

He shuddered.

And then he wondered if she had felt it, too.