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And thank you to all the readers! I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Mimi flitted downstairs to start her usual morning routine, it had been just over two months since she moved in and slowly things were beginning to settle. The apartment was bathed in a warm glow from the sun's morning rays as it was just starting to peak over the horizon.
The atmosphere was silent and cold and Mimi wrapped her dressing gown tighter around her. She stifled a yawn as her honey eyes glided over to the clock on the wall.
'9:15am'
"Hmm." Mimi sigh, she and Tai had just dropped Mya off for her first day at school. Mimi became emotional at her in her little uniform and Tai had managed to convince Mya not to wear her goggle headband to school. Once she had wandered off to play Tai had dropped her back off at the apartment and he had headed off to work.
She wandered into the kitchen and felt a chill up her spine as her bare feet came into contact with the cool tiled floor. She flicked the switch for the kettle and grabbed a mug from the cupboard and her tea bags. She manoeuvred around the kitchen with obvious ease as she had finally figured out where everything was kept.
As she was waiting for the kettle to boil she decided to sit on the bar stool and scroll through her phone. She scanned through the general everyday drama of her friends and acquaintances on FaceBoard, her eyelids lulled lazily as she roamed the site. She was about to close the app when a little red icon flashed at the bottom indicating a new friends request. Curious she opened the tab and her eyes widened.
She quickly locked the phone and slammed it down a little too hard on the counter. The 'click' of the kettle boiling made her jump as her chest heaved in laboured breaths. Trying to shake what she had just seen from her mind she stood to walk over to the kettle and grimaced as her legs slightly shook.
Before she could reach the kettle, she froze. She didn't know what it was, a sound… a feeling… but she felt someone's eyes on her. She knew this feeling well. With a sudden burst of courage, she whirled round and her eyes quickly scanned the room.
Nothing.
Not even a hint of an intruder... but…
She was sure she put her phone down on the right side of the counter where she was sitting, why was it now on the left? And why was there a sudden draft? Mimi turned and saw the balcony door slightly cracked open. Hmm. Did- did she leave it open last night?
She recalled the evenings events. Mya had been put to bed and she was sat outside on the huge balcony over-looking the cityscape. The air was warm at the start of the summer season, the sun was warming her face as she flipped the page of a new cook book she had been looking over.
A 'click' from her side pulled her away from the book.
"Mind if I join ya?"
He was still in his work clothes, his white shirt was rolled up to the elbows, his tie was missing and his top button was undone. He placed down a cold glass of wine for her with a beer in his other hand, a civil smile on his face. She nodded at the spare seat at the other side of the small table and he sat down, placing his drink on the table.
There was a serene silence. Not awkward but definitely not comfortable. Mimi was pleased with how things were going so far but she knew she desperately had to find her own place soon. Her work at The View paid her nicely and she had gathered up a nice amount of savings, she figured a few more weeks tops and she would be ready to leave. Her stomach knotted at the thought of leaving but she pushed it aside.
"So, is Mya excited about her first day of school tomorrow?" He asked.
"Yeah... although she is insisting on taking her headband goggles, so you'll need to have a word with her about that." She said casually not looking up from her book.
"Why? Just let her wear them?"
Mimi sigh and closed the book, turning slightly to face him. "No Tai, I bought her that for her soccer game it is not for school."
"But Meems-"
"No, soccer only!"
Tai's pressed his lips into a thin line, he knew now when to pick and choose his battles. Another silence settled between the pair. Mimi pick up her glass and took a sip of the cool drink, credit where credit was due Tai knew how to pick a good wine.
"Speaking of Mya, she wanted to know if Amelia could stay over next Saturday?" Mimi asked holding the glass to her chest. Tai's eyebrow arched.
"Who's Amelia?"
Mimi resisted an eye roll. "You know Amelia, she's Mya's friend from soccer. She goes to the same school as her so they wanted a sleepover."
"Oh." Tai said, Mimi stifled a giggle his face looked so lost. Oh dear, Taichi was in for a wonderful surprise for the event that is a little girl's sleepover. He cleared his throat, this was all still so new to him.
"Sure, I mean is that what Mya wants?"
Tch, that little girl had this man wrapped around her little fingers. It was adorable really but Mimi could see that getting Tai into some tricky situations because of it.
Mimi nodded and Tai hummed.
Another silence. But this time the awkwardness seemed to fade. Mimi couldn't deny it was nice to back in Odaiba again, she had missed her friends dearly and deep deep down she had missed Tai. She sigh as she thought about tomorrow evening's plans. After nearly two months she had agreed to go out for a dinner with all the old gang. She would never admit it out loud but she was terrified. All the questions, judgement, accusations, she was positive it wasn't going to end well for her. She had agreed out of guilt as both Sora and Matt fed her stories about how everyone missed her and felt saddened they had not seen her yet. Grudgingly she agreed to go but it didn't mean she was happy about it.
"Are you okay?"
She turned her head to see Tai looking at her carefully, she smiled softly.
"Sorry, just thinking about the meal."
"Ah." Tai took a sip looking out to the horizon. "You'll be okay."
Mimi gave a sarcastic 'ha' before taking a sip herself.
"What was that for?"
"What was what for?" She counted.
"You know what... that 'Ha!" Tai mimicked.
Mimi pursed her lips. "You know why, everyone will hate me."
"No they won't Meems-"
"Really?" She snapped. "Tell me Tai, if you found out that your friend's ex-girlfriend ran away to live a different life half way across the country without any prior warning and raise said friend's child without him having any knowledge of that's child's existence, causing him to miss the most important parts of the child's life and purposefully leaving her without a father for the first 5 years! Would you honestly not judge them or resent them?" Mimi cried her voice getting higher and higher with each passing word.
She tipped her head back and finished off her glass before putting it back on the table.
"Mimi look at me."
She refused, instead opting to watch the sunset.
"Mi please."
She turned, her eyes glassy and her throat tight. Tai had a soothing smile on his face.
"Mi, they're not going to hate you I promise. If anything, they'll be wanting to know why they weren't invited to see you at The Lounge."
Mimi looked confused. "How do they know I worked there?"
Tai's face shifted to one of annoyance.
"When the guys came round a few weeks ago, Davis –the idiot- found a video of you on TubeYou… and let's just say they were all… 'impressed'." Tai's voice was clipped and it was easy to see he wasn't happy about his friends ogling her. Mimi felt her stomach flutter slightly at the compliment, but she shook it off and blamed it on the wine.
"Anyway, point is Mi they just want to catch up, that's all. No insults, no interrogation, no nothing. And if they do, I'll be there." He smiled. "I won't let them upset you."
Mimi felt that unusual flutter again. She took a deep breath and smiled.
"Thank you, Tai."
"You're welcome."
"No, I mean it. Thank you. For all you've done. For giving me and Mya a roof over our heads, for helping me until I can get my own place and mostly for being a wonderful father for Mya. I'll never forgive myself for keeping you apart for so long."
"Hey hey! Meems, it's okay. Honestly, as long as I can be in her life now that's all I want."
Mimi fought back the tears. She stiffened when she felt a hand grasp her own and saw Tai looking at her with the sincerest look she had seen.
"Want another?"
Her eyebrows rose as she saw him gesture to the empty glass.
"Oh, no thank you. I'll be heading to bed soon anyway."
He nodded and withdrew his hand taking another sip of his drink. They stayed on the balcony for another hour, talking about when they were kids and Mimi telling Tai stories from Mya's earlier years before they both left for bed.
She honestly couldn't remember if she shut the door or not. Shrugging and deciding not to read too much into it she walked over and locked the door. She spent the rest of the morning tidying up Mya's toys from the night before and doing a few chores.
After she had picked Mya up from school she set about giving Mya a bath before the dinner later that evening. Mimi had hoped her nerves would have settled down but she felt sicker than ever.
"Mummy! You weren't listening!" Mya pouted from inside the bath tub. Mimi was currently leaning over her applying some shampoo to her long brown hair and immediately felt guilty she had ignored her daughter.
"Oh I'm sorry sweetheart, mummy must have water in her ears!" She laughed, luckily Mya giggled too. Mimi finished rubbing all the shampoo in and started gently rinsing it out. Mya splashed about with her bath toys which resulted in a lot of water covering Mimi.
"Mya! Stop that!" She scolded, Mya seemed unaffected and continued her playing causing more water to leave the tub. Mimi did not need a disobedient toddler tonight.
"Mya! If you get mummy wet one more time I'll tell daddy!" Mimi snapped, Mya's thrashing stilled for a moment and Mimi thought she had finally calmed down. However, one of her daughter's famous tantrums was about to rear its ugly head.
"No!" She cried sending a huge amount of water out of the tub and over Mimi and onto the floor. Mimi was losing her patience fast.
"Mya Kari Yagami! Just you wait until your father gets home! You are in so much trouble young lady!" Mimi yelled standing up and pulling a struggling Mya out of the bath. As soon as she put the toddler down she tried to make a run for it.
"Oh no Mya. Stay still!" Mimi said as she tried to dry down her squirming daughter, once she was dry Mimi put her in her small dressing gown however as soon as she let go Mya ran off.
"Mya!" Mimi yelled, she sigh heavily. She did not need this tonight! She was nervous enough as it was but Mya was making things 10 times worse. Standing she went to retrieve her naughty daughter, she walked into the living room to see Mya playing with her toys.
"Mya come on we need to get you ready!" Mimi called walking over, Mya however was not going to go easily.
"No!" She cried throwing one of her dolls onto the floor in a very angry manner. Mimi grit her teeth and was ready to give Mya a good telling off when the apartment door opened.
'Thank the gods!' Mimi mentally cried and turned back to her daughter.
"Ohh daddy's home now." She told Mya in a serious voice, Mya looked a little startled but continued to throw her toys. (1)
"Hey girls." Tai said putting down his laptop bag on the counter.
"Tai, your daughter has been very naughty tonight, she threw water all out of the bath and now refuses to get ready." Mimi explained, Tai walked over looking at the little girl who looked at her father with her big innocent brown eyes.
"Oh.. well that's not good." Tai started, Mimi gave him a look as if telling him to continue. Tai looked hopelessly lost, he had never disciplined a child before so had no idea where to start. (2)
Mya and Mimi were both looking at him like they were trying to make him pick sides, he swallowed thickly. Not good.
"Uhm, Mya will you get ready?" He tried. "Please?"
Mimi rolled her eyes.
"No!" Mya yelled throwing another toy, Mimi rounded back on Tai and folded her arms.
"What?" Tai asked her.
"Taichi, you need to discipline your daughter!" Mimi hissed.
"She's your daughter too!" He shot back.
"Yes, but she won't listen to me!"
"She won't listen to me!"
"Okay, okay!" Mimi held her hands up in surrender. "Look we can't fight each other, we need her to think we're on the same side. So… just follow my lead." Mimi sigh and turned back to the small brunette.
"Mya! This behaviour has gone far enough! Now if you don't go get ready daddy will have to go get Greymon." Mimi scolded, Tai looked at her bewildered and Mya looked terrified.
"What?!" Tai hissed at Mimi but Mya interrupted.
"D-daddy knows Greymon?" She trembled. Mimi folded her arms.
"Yep and he'll bring him here, won't you?" She said turning to him, Tai still looked completely baffled. Why on earth would Mya be scared of Greymon? Mimi's eyes widened begging him to play along, looks like this was the only way to get their mischievous daughter to do as she was told.
"Uhm, yeah! But I won't tell him anything if you go and get ready with mummy and no more yelling at her, okay?" He said, he felt bad that he had to scare his daughter but it seemed the only way to make her behave at this point. Mya nodded her head and walked over to her room, Tai felt that familiar feeling of love watching the little girl toddle off, he still couldn't believe she was his. (3)
"Thank you." Mimi interrupted his thoughts. "These little tantrums are becoming more frequent so be prepared." She said.
"Noted." He replied. "Just one question… why is Mya scared of Greymon?" He asked curiously, Mimi looked as if she was trying to suppress a grin.
"Well… I may have told her if she's naughty a monster comes and takes naughty children away. It worked for a few months but then she started asking where Greymon lives, I told her mummy's friend knew him. It's only so she behaves." Mimi explained. Tai nodded, his mother had done something similar to him and Kari and threatened the Boogie Man would come and take them away if they were naughty.
"Fair enough." He said. "So, what time do we have to be at the restaurant for?" He asked. Mimi pulled out her phone and scrolled through her messages with Sora until she found the details.
"Sora said to meet at the Regarda at 6:30."
"The Regarda's a pretty fancy place." Tai noted, He been there before for a number of business lunches. It wasn't really a place for a reunion of sorts or children for that matter.
"Really?" Mimi questioned looking confused. "Well Sora's message says they've reserved a room?"
Tai nodded in realisation. "Ah yeah I know what she means, the place has few rooms that are secluded for bigger parties or small occasions like birthdays." He explained realising what his friends had arranged due to the amount of people planning on coming that evening. He checked his phone and saw they had an hour and a half before they had to get there.
The time was 6:25 and Tai was very aware that is took almost 20 minutes to drive to the restaurant. After Mimi had left to get Mya ready he had jumped into the shower and got himself dressed. He had opted for his black plants and smart shoes, he had a black button-down shirt and a navy blazer. He was currently sat on the couch messaging the guys group chat as Mya sat at his feet and Mimi was still getting ready.
Mimi had put Mya in a small orange dress with black tights and small flat mary-jane shoes. Her brown hair was neatly brushed and a small orange clip was placed delicately in her hair. Tai thought she was the cutest little girl in the world and would argue with anyone that disagreed even if he was being slightly bias.
Tai glanced over the message from Matt telling him that nearly everyone was there. Tai sent back a reply telling him he was just about to set off. Looking at his watch in frustration he called up to Mimi.
"Come on Mimi! We're running late!" He called.
"In a minute!" She snapped.
Tai grit his teeth as a sense of de-ja-vue came over him. He remembered back when he and Mimi lived together, she used to always take hours to get ready almost always making them late. Tai then thought how it wasn't always her fault, she used to always look so incredible once she was ready causing him to take her to the bedroom as fast as he could thus causing further lateness. Actually... it was always her fault, if she didn't look that good then he wouldn't have-
"Ready!"
Tai was broken from his reminiscing and looked at the woman walking down the stairs. He felt his jaw drop open slightly, gods she was beautiful!
She was wearing a navy blue long sleeve dress, the dress hit her mid-thigh exposing her long tanned legs. The dress showed off her slender waist and the neck line dropped into a modest 'V'. Her hair was in loose waves and her make-up was alluring. On her feet she had nude heels and a small clutch grasped in her hand. Tai heart was beating painfully and he couldn't believe this gorgeous creature was the mother of his child. Holy fu-
"Uhm… Tai?" Mimi asked.
Tai was quickly snapped from his gawking and cleared his throat awkwardly before scratching the back of his neck and turning to grab his car keys.
"Ur- you.. you look good Meems." He stumbled, Mimi fought to keep the flattered smile off her face and walked over to the counter where she had placed her phone and necklace.
Turning to Tai she held out the necklace. "Would you mind?"
"Er, no, that's fine." He fumbled walking over to her taking the necklace. She turned around and moved her hair away from her neck. Tai swallowed a hiss at the urge to plant a kiss on her exposed neck. His hands started getting sweaty as his hand shook when trying to clip the necklace together. Curses. He felt her tense and gasp as his fingers brushed against her skin as fire erupted from the touch. All too soon the job was done and he took a safe step back trying to regain his senses.
"Thank you." She said turning back to face him. The two ex's stared at each other, desperately wanting to know what the other was thinking. Gathering herself she collected her things and picked Mya up -who thankfully had stopped throwing her little tantrum- and headed out.
The car journey was quite as Mimi watched almost in a trance as the city where she grew up flew past her. She felt her nerves kick in as soon as the car set off, Sora had text her informing her that everyone was there and they were just waiting for the three of them. That alone made a wave of nausea hit her, she was terrified of what her old friends would think. While she was aware she had hurt Tai the most she had also left all of her friends without any explanation and she felt horrible about it.
Tai had tried to reassure her that no one would blame her but she wasn't convinced. She wasn't only worried for herself but for her daughter too. All of these people knew who she was but they had no idea, aside from Sora and Matt of course who Mya was. Tai had told her how she introduced herself to Izzy, Joe and Davis but she doubted she would remember them. Mimi was extremely proud with how Mya was polite and friendly to everyone a trait Mimi made sure her daughter had from the very start. She just prayed there would be no drama tonight.
"Okay girls, ready?" Tai asked looking at her and then turning to face Mya. Mimi felt suddenly sick again as she realised all of her old friends were inside waiting for them. Mya cheered in the back before commenting that she was hungry.
Tai chuckled before undoing his seatbelt and getting out. Mimi soon followed and walked to the back of the car helping Mya out of her car seat and holding her on her hip. Tai shut the door and locked the car as the trio made their way inside.
Inside the restaurant was bustling with service, the atmosphere was sophisticated but friendly and there was a heavenly smell of food which made Mimi's stomach churn. Mimi did a quick sweep of the room and couldn't recognise anyone. She saw a few rooms located at the back which had windows looking in but neither held their group.
"We're with the party in room 3C." Tai explained to the host. He looked down his list for the evening and scribbled something down before looking back up to smile at the three.
"Lovely, we were just waiting for you. Will you be requiring a child's chair?" He asked looking at Mya.
"Yes please." Mimi replied, the host smiled as he led them to a room located near the back, the windows had the blinds drawn so she couldn't see in. Her stomach turned and she prayed that she didn't throw up, Tai turned to her once they reached the door as the host knocked to announce their arrival, he offered her a reassuring smile while Mimi replied with a tight one of her own tightening her grip on her daughter.
The host opened the door as Tai made his way in, she heard him greet everyone as they all responded. She took a deep breath and walked forward.
She let a nervous smile fall onto her face automatically as she took in everyone around her. Everyone was staring at her, each with friendly smiles on their faces. She looked at Tai who was stood to the side waiting for her to join him to take the two empty seats available. The table was a big circular table that Mimi was surprised everyone could fit on. She mentally ticked off each person as she took in the group and where they were sat.
The was Sora, Matt, Izzy, Joe, Yolei, Ken, Davis, TK and Kari. Between Kari and Sora there was two empty seats for Tai and Mimi. Before Mimi could move Mya squealed.
"Aunty Sora!" She cried as soon as she spotted the red head. Sora grinned standing up and walking over to the little girl who was reaching out to her. Sora was wearing a beautiful maroon dress that flared out at the waist showing off her toned legs, she had on black heeled pumps and her fiery hair had been straightened down.
Mimi smiled and handed her daughter off to her best friend who rushed off back to her seat.
"Meems?" Tai spoke catching her attention, she looked over as Tai motioned for her to take her seat. She took the one next to Sora as Tai sat next to Kari. A brief silence fell over the table. Mimi squirmed in her seat not knowing how to start and was painfully aware that everyone was staring at her. Suddenly she jumped when she felt a hand on her bare knee, she looked at Tai who was looking at her with reassurance which she tried to respond with.
Thankfully Matt broke the silence.
"What time do you call this then guys? I thought we agreed 6:30?" He joked, Tai barked out a laugh.
"Don't blame me! Somebody took hours getting ready!" He replied insinuating the lateness was her fault, Mimi's naturally bubbly personality then decided to make an appearance.
"Excuse me blame Mya for throwing a tantrum!" Mimi fired back in jest moving the blame to their daughter. Tai rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay."
The door to the room opened and a waiter came in with the child's chair they had requested, Tai instructed it to be placed between him and Mimi, once it was down Mimi took Mya from Sora and placed her in the chair. The waiter then took everyone's orders and gave a time frame of when it should arrive before leaving the room.
Another awkward silence. Mimi inhaled deeply and looked at Tai who gave a small smile. Before anyone could talk Mya interrupted.
"Mummy can I have my colours please?"
Mimi smiled. "Of course darling." She reached over and took a small colouring book out of the small bag she brought and passed it to Mya and some crayons. The 5-year-old instantly got to work with her colours.
"Well Mimi it certainly is good to see you again." Izzy smiled. Mimi looked over to the red head and smiled back. He hadn't changed much, no one had really, if anything everyone just looked 'older'. He was wearing a white shirt with a dark green blazer.
"You too, it's good to see everyone." Mimi replied addressing the group.
"So, this is your daughter?" Yolei asked, Mimi looked over to the lilac haired woman. She still had that youthful glow around her which made Mimi smile in familiarity.
"Ah, Yes this is Mya." She said smiling proudly as she introduced her daughter who remained blissfully unaware.
"She's beautiful." Yolei complimented. Tai couldn't help but grin at the compliment his daughter received.
"So, it's been a while! How have you been Mimi?" Joe joined in, the brunette felt her chest tighten, this is what everyone was here for, to know what exactly happened. She had been foolish to think she could have glossed over her 5 missing years. Steeling herself she knew her response was going to open the doors for more questions.
"I've been good, thanks. Still getting used to being back."
She saw Kari throw her an understanding look which she appreciated and let her eyes fall to her drink before taking a decent gulp of the cool wine.
"I can imagine it's been unusual." Izzy continued. "But I'm glad your back." He gave her a small smile which she returned.
"Me too, you're looking good Mi!" Davis said, a wide grin on his face. Mimi saw out of the corner of her eye Tai's eyes narrow on the younger man for a brief second before he schooled his emotion.
"Um, Thank you Davis." Mimi responded politely.
"So, do you still work at The Lounge?" Davis asked without hesitation, Mimi's eyebrows rose.
"Davis!" Tai hissed, throwing the maroon haired man a glare, Davis however took no notice.
"What? She doesn't mind, do ya Mi?"
"Um- well-" Mimi started but was cut off.
"Davis! I'm sure she doesn't want to talk about that!" TK snapped.
"Well actually-" Mimi tried to explain.
"Come on! All I want to know is if she has any friends that work there?" Davis cried.
"Gods Davis! Do you ever think with your brain?" Matt interrupted.
"What? It's a genuine question? Nothing to be ashamed of!"
"I'm sure there's other things she would rather talk about." Yolei joined in.
"I can speak for myse-" Mimi tried to defend herself but once again was over taken.
"Mimi is trying to talk and you keep talking over her!" Davis cried at the purple haired woman who glared viciously back.
"Davis! Don't speak to her like that!" Ken snapped.
"What? I was asking an innocent question to Mimi that's all?"
Joe snorted. "Yeah right, everyone knew what you were after."
"Listen, If I can explain-" Once again Mimi was ignored.
"You guys! You're being ridiculous!" Sora snapped getting angry things were going downhill.
"That's not my fault!"
"Don't play the victim!"
"She doesn't want to talk about it!"
"She can speak for herself!"
"You won't let her speak!"
"No, you won't!"
Mimi slumped into her seat and let out a defeated sigh. Tai looked over to her concerned at the upset on her face, they might not be in a relationship but he will never like seeing her upset.
"I knew this wasn't going to go well." Mimi muttered, Tai set his jaw he had enough of this. He looked over his bickering friends and let out a sharp whistle which instantly silence the group. Everyone looked at him including the tiny set of eyes on his left.
"Daddy!" Mya cried.
"Sorry Mya." He apologised to his daughter before returning his attention back the group.
"Guys! Mimi was worried enough about seeing everyone again and you're all making this harder for her! She will speak about what she wants to speak about!" Tai snapped, everyone looked embarrassed they had been effectively 'told off', unfortunately the cause of the argument found his voice first.
"Gods, you can tell he's a father." Davis muttered not too subtlety.
"Davis." Tai hissed in warning, Davis eye widened for a second before looking sheepish.
Mimi decided it was now or never. "Look everyone, I appreciate your questions and concerns and I'll be happy to answer any questions about those 5 years that you have." Mimi spoke, they all seemed uncomfortable but realised this was their friend Mimi. They had all gone through so much together they should at least give her some respect and hear her out.
"We've missed you Mi." Joe said, Mimi smiled a genuine smile at the blue haired man.
"Thank you Joe, I've missed you all too. So much."
"I have a question." Yolei asked, Mimi looked at her prompting her to continue. She shifted awkwardly and then just came out with it.
"If- If Tai wouldn't have gone with Sora… would you have ever come back?" She asked in a small voice. While everyone wouldn't be blamed thinking Tai took Mimi's disappearance the hardest it also hit Yolei. She had always looked up to Mimi and considered her one of her closest friends, and she thought Mimi thought the same about her; so when she just left without any warning Yolei was heartbroken.
Mimi looked at her younger friend and guilt crashed down on her hard. "Oh Yolei…" Mimi breathed, Mimi suddenly jumped to her feet and rushed round the table. Yolei stood up as well as the two women embraced, Yolei buried her head in Mimi's shoulder to muffle her tears as Mimi was looking at the ceiling trying to blink back her own.
Sora felt her own eyes fill with tears and dabbed the corner of them with her napkin, Kari following Sora's actions.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Mimi chanted.
"Aunty Sora why are you cwying?" Mya asked starting to get herself upset.
"Oh sweetheart! I'm okay!" Sora laughed sniffling a little. Mimi turned to face the rest of the table when she heard her daughter, her arm still around Yolei.
"I owe you all an explanation, I understand that." Mimi started. "All I can say is how truly sorry I am of my actions and I didn't realise how many people I was hurting. And that's something I will never forgive myself for."
Tai wasn't looking at her instead he opted to watch his daughter colour. Out of everyone he had been the most affected by her actions and while they were making it work for Mya's sake he honestly didn't know if he would ever forgive her, but he knew there was no point in dwelling on it.
"We have to apologise too." Sora said standing up. "We knew about all of this and we didn't say anything out of loyalty to Mimi. While we thought what we were doing was the right thing we hurt you all too by holding back the truth." Sora said shooting Mimi a understanding glance. "We apologise too, we are so so sorry we didn't say anything but…" Sora kept eye contact with Mimi. "If she asked me to do it again… I would."
"What?!" Tai snapped. Everyone looked at the brown-haired male and he looked furious.
"Tai…" Matt began before he was cut off.
"No. No way. You expect me to sit here and act calm when my best friends say they would lie to me again about the existence of my daughter?!"
"Tai. A word." Matt said standing up and walking over to the door. Tai glared after him before shoving his chair back and walking out. He followed Matt until they went out of the restaurant and walked a few feet behind it so they were in a more secluded spot.
The air was crisp but still slightly warm and the smell of spice and meat hung in the air from the kitchen of the restaurant. Matt spun round to face the angry male and a stony silence fell between the best friends. Not one to linger Matt got straight to the point.
"When is this going to end Tai? We can't carry on with the snide remarks and grudge holding it's not fair on anyone."
Tai scoffed. "Not fair? NOT FAIR? I'll tell you what's not fair! My so call best friend hiding the most important thing in the world from me! You know I probably would have expected something like this from the other guys but not from you!" Tai snarled, Matt could see this was a long time coming so it was best Tai get it all off his chest now.
"I understand that and you'll never understand how sorry I am about all this, but answer me this Tai…" Matt asked taking a cautious step towards him looking him dead in the eye. "If Sora came to you asking the exact same thing, would you keep the secret?"
Tai scrunched up his face the reply was instant. "No."
Matt glared harder and Tai's expression faltered. "Really Tai? So, if Sora came to you begging for you to help her would you really say no?"
Tai bit the inside of his cheek and stared down at the blonde. If he thought about it and the roles had been reversed he would do anything for his friends but he could not let Matt know that, if he knew then his anger would be for nothing.
"Well that didn't happen, did it?! Because Sora wouldn't leave you!" Tai yelled his emotions getting the best of him; Matt was shocked when Tai's voice cracked towards the end of his yell. He knew Mimi's leaving had hit his best friend hard but he never showed it. Tai was always happy-go-lucky and always saw the bright side of things; nothing ever seemed to impact the former leader. Matt suddenly realised he was just getting a glimpse of how broken Tai actually was about the whole ordeal.
"Mimi left me. I fucked up and she left, taking with her everything I ever loved. I thought nothing would ever hurt as much as not knowing where she was or if she was safe. But then to find out you knew… and you let me suffer…" Tai gasped trying to get his emotions in check and failing. "That felt like the worst betrayal."
Matt's eyes widened, he finally understood the full extent of Tai's anguish. The girl he loved left him, taking his daughter with her, his best friends lying to him. Matt suddenly felt sick as if the guilt was physically weighing him down.
"Bud, I never wanted to hurt you." Matt said. Tai was looking at the ground his eyes shining. Tai let out a defeated sigh.
"I know."
Matt grit his teeth and in two big strides grabbed Tai into a brotherly bear hug. Matt was happy to feel Tai return the hug but he knew this would not fix their broken bond. Only time would do that. But this was a step in the right direction.
Tai pulled back still looking at the ground. "Even though you massively fucked up…" Tai started. "I kinda have to thank you." He muttered, Matt was confused.
"Thank me?"
"Yeah, I mean even though you should have told me you still looked out for them. Meems and Mya I mean… so uhm thanks."
Matt knew he didn't want to say it so he didn't rest on it.
"I really am sorry bud." Matt apologised again, Tai looked at him.
"Yeah I know, I just need to control my temper about it." He let out a forced laugh, Matt offered a sympathetic smile.
"No one can blame you."
"Yeah well, doesn't help if I blow up every time someone mentions it does it?"
"Does Mimi know how much this affects you?" Matt asked.
"Huh? Meems? Yeah… I mean we talk about it now and then. She feels really guilty about it so I don't keep rubbing it in her face. But we're getting through it for Mya's sake."
Matt nodded and stuffed his hands in his pockets. A more comfortable silence settled between the pair.
"We uhm, should be getting back in there." Matt said mentioning with his head to the building. Tai nodded in agreement.
"Yeah." As he turned around Matt put a hand on his shoulder and Tai gave a reassuring smile to his best friend. Their relationship was far from fixed, but progress was being made and that was all Matt could ask for.
Back inside the restaurant the conversation was flowing a lot more easily. Mimi had answered people's questions in regards to her previous job and her friends. Mimi found the questions easy enough to answer and no one seems to be asking in a judging way, just general curiosity which caused her to relax a lot more.
After Tai and Matt had come back everyone's food arrived and the conversation turned towards the new Digi-destined child.
"I have to say Meems out of everyone I never thought it would be you to have a child first." Kari said, Mimi looked up from helping Mya cut her chicken.
"Oh? How come?"
Kari shrugged. "You just seemed so independent, if I was to guess anyone I would have said Sora would have been first."
"Excuse me?" The red head gasped, Kari's look was of pure innocence.
"What? Oh come on, everyone else thought so too!"
Sora and Matt's eyes widened as they stared at the group.
"We're not even married yet!" Sora cried.
"Tai and Mimi weren't." Izzy quipped with a smirk. Sora shot him a glare.
"Yeah, what's all that about bro? Leaving it a little late aren't ya?" TK grinned loving watching his brother squirm.
"Shut it TK I could say the same about you!" Matt shot back.
"Whoa! No one is marrying my little sister!" Tai jumped in glaring at TK.
"You don't have to be married to have a child in this day and age." Joe added. Sora huffed and rolled her eyes seeing that she was fighting a losing battle.
The rest of dinner went by easily. Mimi was relieved it all went as well as it did, aside from Tai's little outburst everything went smoothly. She felt incredibly foolish for even thinking her friends would hate her.
After the food the group decided to stay a little in their private room for drinks, everyone was having a good time and it had been far too long since everyone was together so they wanted to savour the moment.
Mya had begun to doze off after her dinner and Mimi was aware it was past her bedtime. She had scooped the little girl out of her chair and rested her in her lap as Mya huddled against her mother, sleeping peacefully.
"God Tai, Mya looks so much like you." Ken complimented. Tai smirked looking over at his daughter.
"She's lucky then."
Mimi rolled her eyes and Kari elbowed him.
"I still can't believe you managed to hide her from all of us Mimi, she has quite the personality." Joe commented. Mimi smiled.
"She has, although I dread the day that she's a stroppy teenager." Tai and Mimi shared a nervous glance. After Mya's little tantrum earlier, they could only worry what she would be like when she's a teen.
"I still can't believe Tai worked out how to reproduce." Davis smirked, Tai glared.
"Shut it Davis!"
Davis laughed and the other's shared a smirk at the playful banter between the two former leaders.
"Mimi, could I ask a question about Mya's birth?" Yolei asked, Mimi looked confused but agreed. "Did you give birth naturally?"
Unfortunately for Tai who was drinking at the time at Yolei's 'innocent' question, started spluttering all over. Mimi looked shocked but quickly regained her composure. Childbirth was nothing to be embarrassed about.
"Ah, yes I did."
"Did it hurt?"
"Yoile! What the hell?! We don't want to know this!" Davis cried looking horrified that the women were casually talking about… that.
Yolei 'humphed'. "What? It's a natural, beautiful thing! I just want to prepare myself if I ever have to do it." Yolei defended herself. Sora and Kari suddenly became interested and looked at Mimi expectantly; their significant other's looking slightly scared.
"Look out Ken she's trying to trap you!" Davis laughed, Ken rolled his eyes.
"I've read that the pain of childbirth is equivalent to having kidney stones." Joe commented.
"I don't think anyone here has had that Joe." Izzy said, Joe seemed to be thinking.
"Well, I did one article that was preposterous. But in a survey of around 100 men the majority of them said the pain of childbirth would be the same amount of pain you would feel if your soccer club got relegated. Complete nonsense." Joe scoffed. (4)
Two painful gasps came from the table, both Tai and Davis looking absolutely horrified. Tai turned to Mimi and put his hand on her shoulders.
"Meems, I'm so sorry you had to go through that!" Tai cried with sorrow.
"Geez Mimi, I have new found respect for you." Davis said. Mimi rolled her eyes.
"Oh stop it!" She scolded the pair before looking back at Yolei. She was about to say how it wasn't as bad as it sounds but then remembered the hours upon hours of pain she endured during her difficult labour and decided they ought to know the truth.
"You know I could lie and say it's completely over-exaggerated in the movies." Mimi began looking at the curious faces of her female friends. "But I won't, it's brutal. It feels as if someone has reached up inside you and is pulling your insides out while stabbing you in the back." Mimi explained in the most casual way possible.
Yolei looked terrified, instantly regretting her question and Kari had gone white as a sheet, Sora's eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her head and tried to 'discreetly' cross her legs. The boys didn't look so good either. Mimi couldn't help but giggle at their reactions before looking down at her daughter.
"But it's all totally worth it." She smiled dreamily.
The rest of the evening continued easily, catching up, laughter, drinks and stories made for a wonderful time. All too soon the evening came to an end. Mimi passed Mya to Tai who said his goodbyes and took her back to the car. Mimi lingered giving everyone a hug and a promise to meet up again soon.
"I'm so glad you're back Mimi." Yolei said as they embraced. Mimi hugged her tighter and pulled back smiling at her and the rest of her friends.
"Me too."
Yolei beamed and Mimi matched her smirk. She missed all of her friends dearly and there was no way she was leaving them again.
I hope you guys like Tai & Matt's confrontation, just a little glimpse into Tai's feeling of this situation!
(1) This was the ultimate threat for me in my family. The whole 'dad's home, now you're gonna get it!' haha, I found this fun to write as my mother used this tactic on me.
(2) This was so fun to write! I was giggling to myself thinking how utterly out of his comfort zone Tai would be telling off a child! I mean basically he's just a big kid himself!
(3) Another tactic my parents pulled if me and my brother misbehaved. Our 'monster' was called Buckley and my mother used to tell us Buckley comes and takes naughty children away! Harsh, yes, but we did as we were told! Therefore, effective!
(4) I actually read this article! I found it so utterly ridiculous, naturally I had to add it in!
Reviews!
Autistic-Grizzly - Thank you for your review, I hope you enjoyed this one!
honter11 - I love your reviews I really do! Haha, What did you think of Tai and Matts confrontation? Tai is still really broken up about it all... and I'll think about that request ;) haha
Genna - Thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed this one!
dbzfan the first - Thank you very much :)
shannonss - Wow thank you very much! They're my otp too and they totally deserve more air-time! I so happy you like Mya :) Hope you enjoyed this one!
Next Time: Mimi has a blast from the past while Tai makes a horrifying discovery.
Loves
Cornelia.x
