Without thinking it a lot, she smiled at him and for the first time in three years, she listened to her heart again. "I am not going anyway. We are together in this."

A walk to remember

Sora stood in the kitchen, her slender figure wrapped in a simple apron. The radio had been turned on for company, and this time, no one was talking about their exes. Walking over to armoire to take out the plates, Sora's mind began to drift one week ago. She had decided to stay in the house with Tai.

With Tai… Her ex-husband.

She had admitted that all these years she hadn't stopped loving Tai. And now she was alone in the house with him. 'This is your chance Sora. Your chance to have Tai back again.'

As if on cue, the brown haired man walked into the kitchen. "Hey…"

" Hey… I was ready to call you. Lunch is ready," said Sora and turned her back to him. An awkward silence followed and Sora busied herself with putting some food in their plates. Turning around she smiled at Tai and handed him his plate. He smiled and thanked her before taking the plate from her gentle hands.

"Why don't we go for a walk, this afternoon?"

"A walk?"

"Yeah…"

"I don't know…"

"A couple of hours at most. Think of it as a break."

Giving in, she nodded. "That sounds a good idea. Where do you want to go?"

"I don't know. What about the village?"

"What about it?"

"Why don't we go there?"

"All right. It sounds good, so why not?"

Half an hour later, Sora sat at the desk in Tai's office while he did the dishes in the kitchen. She had begun to daydream, staring out of the window and ignoring her laptop. She couldn't remember when the last time was, she had hung out with him...

She put her thoughts away at the ringing of the phone. She cursed, unsure if it was directed to herself for thinking such thoughts, or at the caller for bringing her back to reality. She waited for Taichi to pick up the phone, reminding herself that she wasn't a permanent resident.

The brown haired man could be heard from the leaving room answering the phone with his deep voice. Footsteps followed, and a moment later a knock was heard on the door.

"Come in," Sora answered.

Tai's head popped into the room. "There's a phone call for you Sora."

She blinked. "Me?" asked Sora surprised.

"Yes only you. Unless, there is another Sora Takenouchi."

"All right, thanks." She gave him a small smile before picking up the phone by the desk, "This is Sora speaking."

"Sora!" a familiar voice called out.

"Mimi! How are things going with prince charming there?"

"Funny, I was just about to ask you the same thing."

The smile disappeared from Sora's face. "Mimi…" started Sora with a serious tone in her voice.

"I know I'm sorry. I heard Tai's doing the dishes, huh?"

"Yup, I cooked, he does the dishes. It's only fair. Right?"

"I can't believe it! I can't even get Matt to load dishes into the dishwasher and here you have him hand washing every plate," said Mimi, sounding exasperated.

Sora gave a quick laugh, "Oh really? He offered actually…"

"Mm hm…" Mimi answered. Sora swore she could feel the woman winking on the other line.

"So why did you call in the first place?" she asked, changing the subject.

"I wanted to check on you and Tai. How are things going? Joe told us what happened. Is there any progress?"

"No… Nothing yet. Besides it's early".

"I see. And… How are things between you two?"

"Good… for now. Did Joe mentioned the whole-?"

"Yes, he did. Actually that was the real reason I called you. Are you alright…? I know that I encouraged you to go there and make up with Taichi but... I understand that this situation it's not easy for you."

"I am trying-" there was a small pause from Sora's side and Mimi understood that it was not easy for her to express her feelings. Especially through the phone. "-after the accident he doesn't have memories from the last 3-4 years. He doesn't know about the divorce and Joe thought it was best for Tai's recovery to stay in this situation."

"So, you've told him that you two are married."

"Yes, I did. You know.. For the first time in my life, I really don't know what to do. Joe says it's for the best and one part of me agrees with him but-"

"You don't like that you are lying to him, right?"

"Joe mentioned some things. Tai is confused, which is normal in his state. He may needs his space to adjust but it's hard, Mimi. It's hard for me to go on every day, to look at him and know that all this is based on a lie. I wanted to be different."

"I guess it is…"

"It's really strange Mimi. Imagine… If I can't tell him that we are divorced… How can I tell him about… the baby?"

"He's not ready yet, Sora. Do it when you feel that he is. When you are ready to face that. It's a serious matter."

"I know… Maybe when he get his memory back…"

"And if he doesn't, Sora?"

"What?"

"What If Tai will never get his memory back. What will you do? You can't go on forever. He deserves to know the truth. Even if that means he will get hurt." Sora didn't speak from the other line. "Listen, I don't want to upset you but as a friend of yours I'm telling you that if there is no progress, sooner or later you will have to tell him. I know that you will do the right thing." There was a silence and then Mimi spoke again trying to change the topic and lighten up the mood a bit.

"So, what are you doing there all day?"

"Nothing special. Actually, today Tai asked me to go somewhere together in the afternoon."

"Wow! That's terrific idea. Where are you planning to go?"

"In the village. It's not too far from the cottage. It will be only for a couple of hours. Nothing special. We will take it as a break, as Tai said."

"Well! Have fun! And if you need anything call me okay? If you need to talk... I'm glad I talked with you Sora. Anyway… I've got to go. Matt is asking me to help him with something."

"It was nice I heard from you Meems. Give Matt, my regards."

"I'll do. Bye Sora. Have fun tonight," with that, the brunette hung up abruptly, leaving Sora laughing to herself. Mimi was like a sister to her and she was always there when she needed her.

Before she could finish the thought the phone began to ring loudly once more. Without a moment's hesitation, she picked up the device, "Hello?"

"…Sora?" A familiar voice asked out.

"Hi Kari!" replied Sora and hoping from that the Kari wouldn't start questioning what she was doing there. She didn't know if she must be worried with Kari's calling. 'Does she know?' thought Sora. Mimi mentioned before that Joe has informed them but did Kari also knew about this? And if she knew what she would say... She would probably be against this. She wouldn't like her brother being left in the dark and having a life based on a lie. She hoped that she would have time to explain her and make sure she understood that this was for the best. But it seemed that luck wasn't with her side as in the mention of Kari's name Tai appeared at the doorway in a few seconds time. "My sister?" he asked. Sora nodded and turned her attention back to the phone.

"Hey, how are you? Don't worry Joe told us what happened and what's going on. You don't have to worry. I am not going to bring you in difficult position. Actually I am not sure that is the best idea but... I know that you love my brother and all this must be hard on you too. So, don't worry. I will go on as you are married. I won't tell him anything." Sora was so relieved hearing that. It was so good that Mimi and Kari were on her side on this. "How are you?"

"We are fine, Kari. Don't worry." Tai sat there listening to the conversation between Sora and his sister. He took the chance and took a better look on Sora as she continued talking on the phone. Beautiful crimson eyes and practically flawless facial features. The tank top and jeans that she wore fitted her body perfectly and he couldn't help but check her out.

"I know that you can't talk probably because Tai is there. Is he okay?"

"Yes. He's fine. Do you want to talk to him?" There was a small pause.

"Sure. Wait a second." Placing a hand over the mouthpiece, she turned and looked at him. "It's Kari. Do you want to talk to her?"

Tai nodded and taking the cordless device in his hands, he spoke into it, "Kari?"

Sora watched as Tai was talking with his sister. She was sure that he was confused as he didn't remember anything the last years and she knew that he would probably have many questions for her and their parents. She was sure that the two siblings had a lot to say and she was a bit uncomfortable hearing their conversation.

"Right… okay… no Kari … actually we're going for a walk in the afternoon… There is a village so we will go there to check it out. (he chuckled) okay Kari, bye." Pressing the off button on the phone, he returned it to Sora.

"Thanks. I will be upstairs if you need anything," and with that, he gave her an honest smile and walked out, closing the door quietly behind him. She stared at the door for a moment before snapping back into reality. For an unknown reason when he looked at her, he looked sad. He had wonderfully strong dark eyes; she had always found them to be attractive. But this time, instead of the normal cheerfulness and childlike innocent qualities, there was a hint of… sadness and pain. Instantly, Sora felt guilty. Had she said something that hurt him? Was she the cause of his pain?

Two hours later

Sora stood in front of the closet mirror checking at her. She wore a comfortably pair of jean and a red blouse that matched her hair. Satisfied with her appearance she grabbed a jean jacket in case it got chilly, and walked downstairs to wait for Tai. When she got down she noticed that Tai was already there, waiting for her. He wore a pair of dark blue jean and a black jacket over a white down buttoned shirt. In his forehead was a small bandage to cover his cut. He looked relaxed.

"You look great," said Tai when he saw Sora in her outfit.

"Thanks," said replied Sora and gave him an honest smile, which Tai returned back.

"So… shall we go?" They both walked out of the house and headed towards the car.

They decided that Sora was the one who must drive. As they both seated inside the car, she started up the car's engine and they drove away towards village's direction.

When they arrived at the village, they left the car in a parking lot and headed towards the village's square. There were many different kinds of trees, welcome lights that brought smile to Sora's face and in the middle of the square there was a small statue. From the mouth of the statue was coming out water. Everyone could say that it was very beautiful. She and Tai made walks in the small roads of the village. They noticed that every road they would take, it was leading back to the square so they couldn't get lost, although they didn't know the place. They had taken a small road, which brought them back to the square again.

"Do you like it here?" he asked and turned to look at her who was walking beside him.

"It's perfect," was the Sora's reply.

"I'm glad that you like it," he said and gave her an honest smile. A smile, that Sora returned it back.

"What do you say? Do you want to eat here? I see there is something like a restaurant just over there," said Tai and pointed with his hand a small building in the other side of the square.

"Why not?" and they both headed towards a small building, in the other side of the square.

The lights inside were welcome and brought the smile back to her face. Sora looked around her. Everybody seemed to enjoy himself. Tai talked in low tones to the host and then glanced at her over his shoulder when it became apparent that it was time to be led to their table. Sora smiled and walked up to his side, though she did not take his arm or stand too close. When the waiter gestured for them to follow, he waved her to walk in front of him politely.

Dinner was wonderful, other than trying not to pick anything too expensive on the menu or worrying whether she had anything stuck in her teeth. Tai was quiet. When they were ordering, he didn't talk; he merely read his menu in silence while she watched and contemplated his face. He really had a very beautiful face. When he finally did look at her, his eyes held her steadily in their gaze for several moments before he began to speak. He neither blushed nor tripped over his words, but simply began talking with her.

When dinner came, they broke off the conversation to eat and then resumed it again with a different topic. Tai asked her what she had been doing all this time, which sparked an easy flow of conversation that seemed to shift back and forth. This was romantic and strange and wonderful all at the same time, and even if it was hesitant, she found that she couldn't stop smiling.

By the time they finished eating, Sora gradually lost sense of propriety and slipped into a comfort zone she rarely had even when alone at home. Her voice rose when she grew excited about a topic and she laughed whenever she found something funny. She didn't notice the way Tai had gotten very quiet, leaning with his elbows on the table and staring at her with eyes that almost seemed to shimmer. A small, barely detectible smile made his face look more genteel and angelic than she could ever remember and he watched her with that expression for some time before she became aware of it. When she did notice, she grew quiet too, her good mood sinking into her heart and her face relaxing. A slightly embarrassed blush bloomed in her cheeks.

"Are you finished?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," she said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dominate the conversation."

"No. You have mistaken me. I meant with dinner. Have you finished?" he said in that same quiet voice.

She blushed again. "Yes," she said, and couldn't help wondering what he was thinking.

Tai sat up straighter and called to the waiter to bring the check. His expression was the way she remembered it again, composed and mysterious, but it also seemed more personal to her, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from the arch of his neck or the smooth lines of his nose and chin and cheeks.

They left the restaurant when the waiter returned with their check and this time Sora did stand a little closer to him, though she wasn't sure she ought to.

"Do you want to return home now?"

"It's still early. Let's take a walk," replied Sora and they started walking in village's small roads. Without noticing they took a path, which led them a little outside from the village but not too far from it. Sora was incredibly curious. They were still close to the village, but now they were passing along quiet suburbia. In the distance, Sora could see a lake, part of a waterfront park that attracts the young family type.

When they got closer Sora realised that they were at the docks, where a lot of the locals liked to go fishing during the weekends. The lake was massive. It was dark, but in the daylight, they could barely see the other side. But it was actually very beautiful. 'Well, during the day at least. At night, it looks…cold' thought Sora, who put on the jean jacket that had brought with her. They moved closer to the edge of the dock. There was a railing that separates them from the very edge, and Sora leant against it. She looked a little at the lake and looked back at Tai, who hadn't spoken during their walk.

Sora didn't know how much time they were like this but decided one has to do something to break the silence.

"What's going on?"

"Hmm… What do you mean?"

"You were silent most of our walk and so are you now. What's bothering you?"

"Nothing."

"Tai…"

He gestures to the silent lake.

"Isn't it something?"

"Not particularly," she admitted honestly. "Maybe in the day, but at night, you can't even see anything."

"Not true." He looks up at the sky. Sora craned her neck, searching for whatever he's looking at, wondering if he's finally gone over the edge.

She sighed.

"Okay, Tai, enough. I mean it."

"What?"

"What's gotten into you? You asked me to come for a walk in the village but you were silent most of the time. What's bothering you?"

He shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Maybe…maybe we don't get to talk much, so when we do, I want to make it last."

She stared at him. "Are you drunk?"

He shoots her a look.

"A little faith would be nice, you know."

"It's just not like you to spout off sentimentalities like that. It sounds weird."

"So what-? Can't I be honest?"

Sora felt the corners of her mouth trying to lift in a smile, but she refused to give in.

"I'm serious this time. What's this all about?"

He comes to stand next to her, besides the railing. He stares hard into the water.

"Is it about your sister's phone-call?"

Tai turned and looked at her and Sora noticed that it was the same look, which he looked at her after he spoke with his sister and she knew that that was the reason of his behaviour.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He turned and looked back into the lake. Thinking that he didn't want to, Sora decided to drop the subject but Tai was the one who spoke first.

"I feel lost," he said and caught Sora's attention. "I am trying to remember. But it's hard. Today I spoke with my sister and... I didn't know how she was doing? How is mum and dad? It sucks when you miss some years of your life and-" but he stopped. Sora looked at him with sympathy. She didn't know what he was feeling right now, although she tried to. Only people who had experienced a situation like his, could understand what he was feeling.

"You will get your memory back Tai. Soon. I promise that. We are on this together and I will help you as much I can. I'm sure…"

"How can you be so sure? What if my memory loss isn't temporary? What If I never get my memory back? And besides that, there is another thing which is bothering me." There was a small silence and Tai spoke again. "I can't ignore this feeling. A feeling that… there is something… Something that you had to pass through this and… I haven't been there for you."

"That's ridiculous. And you know that", she replied and tried to change the subject. She didn't like where the conversation was leading.

"What do I know? Why are you asking a man who the last thing he remembers is his wife asking him to have a baby? I denied it and when I woke up here we are 3 years later... You look different. You are different." Sora stared at him, completely taken off guard.

"Are you sure you're not drunk?" she whispered.

He shakes his head. "I'm serious, Sor."

It's like he had stolen the breath right out of her lungs. Sora leaned against the railing to steady herself. "What's wrong?" asked a worried Tai, seeing her reaction.

"Say it again."

"Say… what?" asked an already confused Tai.

"How did you just call me right now?"

"Sor. I called you Sor," said Tai and watched her reaction. "Why? What's wrong with that? I might have lost some memories but at least I remember your nickname."

Sora turned and Tai noticed how beautiful her smile was. "I always loved this nickname. I love also how it sounds to hear it from your lips. The others didn't understand the difference but I liked it more. It sounds good." The smile didn't fade away from her face. "You are going to remember, Tai. Soon."

"I don't know. And why did you sound so surprised?" he asks quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"It's like it has been a lot of time since I called you by your nickname. Was I really so focused with my work that I have neglected you?"

Sora glanced at him, trying to read his face. But it's bowed away from her as he stares into the lake. With a sigh, she gripped the railing and started to climb over. It took him some seconds to realize what she was trying to do and when he did he grabbed her arm tightly.

"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, worry slipping through his annoyed tone.

"I'm just getting a better view," replied Sora.

"Sora, get down. You might fall in."

"No, I won't," she interrupted confidently. "I've got you. I trust you, Tai. Do you understand that?" He met her gaze and blinked quickly, looking down.

"Maybe you shouldn't," he admits quietly.

"Why not?"

"Because that man you want to trust, might let you down. I think he already has."

"No, you are not... You know why, Tai? Because I've known you so much time and I know what kind of person you are. You will never let me down."

"I know it will sound crazy again but I have the feeling that I had let you down in the past. God I wish I remembered."

"Believe in yourself," was the simple reply. He didn't say anything. Instead, he reluctantly loosened his hold, still hovering over her with his arms out; ready to catch her if she trips. But she didn't. She managed to climb over to the other side of the railing in perfect health. Holding tightly onto the railing behind her, Sora leaned forward, closing her eyes as she balanced herself on the docks, feeling the cold, evening air, cooling her skin.

And then something happened which took Sora by surprise. She felt Tai's hands cover hers, wrapping around her hands as they were gripping the railing. His hold was warm and protective, and Sora instinctively pulled back to lean into him, until the back of her head was nestled perfectly into the crook of his neck. He turned his face and for a moment Sora could feel his breath against her cheek. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember this forever. 'I have missed you.'

They didn't know how long they were sitting there when suddenly it became colder and Sora shivered a little. Tai noticed that and although he didn't want to break the whole moment, he decided that it was better to go back. He didn't want her to catch a cold.

"I think we should go back. It's getting colder and you're not dressed well. You might catch a cold."

"You're probably right," and with his help, she got down from the railing and they headed back.

When they crossed the parking lot and came close to the car, she felt Tai put his hand softly on the small of her back. Her heart began thumping faster, but all she did was open the door and sit down on the carpeted seats. She sat shivering in the cold as Tai walked around the back of the car and got in beside her. She didn't speak while they waited for the engine to warm up. She didn't speak when they were on the road and heading back to her house. She just couldn't think of a damned thing to say.

When they reached back home, Sora cleared her throat, feeling that if she didn't say something now she wouldn't say anything at all. "Thank you for dinner and for the walk, Tai," she said politely. "I had a wonderful time." Did that sound too polite, as if she really hadn't enjoyed herself?

Tai smiled a sweet, closed-lip smile. "I must thank you for coming with me and I should also apologize for my complaints," he said. "If I had kept my mouth shut you would have had a great time."

As they continued talking they had reached the house and they had gotten inside. They were both standing at the bottom of the stairs when Sora spoke again. "I did have a great time. Honestly. Don't doubt that." Without expecting that, Tai leaned forward. Sora waited to kiss her at her lips but it seemed that Tai had other in his mind when he carried on and placed a kiss on her right cheek. The sensation of his lips on her skin again, filled Sora with warmth and wonderful moments of their past. Who would have thought that after three years of their separation they would meet again under these circumstances? Her thoughts were cut by Tai's laugh.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just... You are very cute when you are blushing."

"What?" she asked with astonishment.

"You are blushing right now. I just wanted to do that. To thank you for coming with me..."

"Am I really blushing right now?" She knew that it was a silly question. From the moment of the kiss she felt her cheeks burning and couldn't control it. Tai was definitely saying the truth about it.

"Yeah... I guess I wasn't so... From your reaction..." he turned to leave but Sora prevented him by catching his wrist.

"I didn't say that and..." Tai was facing her again, "-You are always sweet and kind Tai. That's one of the things I love about you. You care about my feelings." From Tai's gaze, she could tell that he wasn't convinced from her words but she didn't have the chance to continue as her yawn betrayed her fatigue.

"Well... it is passed midnight and it was a long day. You probably want to get rest. Good night Sora."

"What about you? Aren't you coming?" she asked as she didn't see him follow her upstairs.

"Not yet... I think I will stay a little longer. I don't feel sleepy yet. But you should go ahead."

"Are you sure? I could stay..."

"Yeah... Go and get some sleep I won't be long."

"Ok... Goodnight Tai." Sora headed upstairs leaving Tai standing alone at the bottom of the stairs.

"Good night Sor..."