Chapter 10
"This side table… With that couch?" Matt's nose scrunched in disapproval, "Sora c'mon. You'd think someone with a design degree would be better with color stories…" He got quieter, Sora's stare could kill a man.
Sora looked back at the table, "Fine… You're right…" She grunted as she picked the box up to place it back on the shelf, "Dark wood is in anyway… I'm just so tired of not having a good table to put my tea setup on in the morning."
"Do you need help?" Tai asked, reaching for the bottom of the box. Just as his hands grazed the cardboard, Tai caught sight of the only man he had wished terrible things upon. "Tanner. Jones." Tai stood up, the box slipping from Sora's hands.
"Tai, what the heck!" She let out an annoyed groan, "You said you had it…" She picked up the box, Matt helping her with the corner as Tai made a beeline into the soaps section of the store. The two glanced in the direction of Tai's storming footsteps, "Where do you think he went?" Sora asked.
Matt shrugged, "Not sure. I think the only thing I've seen Tai come home with from this store was a candle for Kari's hallway… And it was battery powered." Sora chuckled, "Well let's follow. I'm just going to order a couch online anyway…"
Tai took a deep, calming breath. "You just want to talk," he said quietly to himself as he took a left down the aisle. He cleared his throat, grabbing a soap dispenser to make it look like he had a different reason for being there.
"Nice choice," he said, Tai's words sounded tighter than he had anticipated. Tanner glanced over, doing a double take.
"Tai Kamiya?" Tanner chuckled, putting his hand out for a handshake. Tai smiled stiffly, not offering his hand in return. Tanner let out a nervous laugh, clearing his throat as Tai pinned him under his gaze, "It's been… Five years? More? Crazy, right?"
Tai nodded slowly, "So crazy… Soooo crazy." The two stood in an awkward silence, "What have you been up to, Tanner? Living a great life? No regrets?"
Tanner shook his head, "Yeah can't complain. Everything has been great." Tanner turned his attention back to the soap dispensers, picking a metal finished one up to examine, "My mom's birthday is coming up. Never know what to get her."
Sora and Matt walked past the soap aisle, Sora peeking back around as Tai's figure flashed in her peripheral, "Matt he's…" She shook her head, "Oh my god… Tai!" Her words came out like a hiss, a fast whisper, "Taichi." Tai looked up, glancing around Tanner. Tanner didn't seem to notice, he had already blocked Tai out, just like in high school.
Tai shook his head at her, motioning to her to be quiet. Sora shook her head, pointing down at the white tile of the store, "Get. Over. Here." Tai blinked slowly, nodding as he held up one finger.
Tai leaned in, "Listen, Tanner. I'm watching you. I know what happened and if I ever find out that you so much as contact her… I'm releasing a rabid badger into your room while you sleep peacefully."
Tanner gave him a confused look, "What are you-"
"Good day, Jones," Tai nudged past him, joining Matt and Sora at the end of the aisle.
"Taichi," Sora said, annoyance in her voice, "What were you thinking? In a grocery store?" Matt shrugged, "I just saw two guys talking. Haven't seen Tanner in years."
Tai shrugged, "Just had to make sure he lived with some fear."
Matt shook his head, "You threatened him with the badger didn't you."
"N-No… I thought of a new one," Tai said, kicking a loose clothing tag that skated across the white tile.
"Sure," Matt said, "You're the least scary person I know." Matt reached for a bag of chips, grimacing at the air to chip ratio. He bent down, grabbing a six pack of beer, "For tonight," he said. "Hey do you two have any idea why they're having a random get together tonight? It's nice to see everyone, but we just saw them last weekend…"
Sora shrugged, "I've only been here for like… Two weeks max? I have no gossip." The redhead began grabbing fruits and vegetables for her mom, carefully inspecting a potato, "Tai does this potato look like a no to you?" Tai glanced on it, "Yeah that goes straight back to the shelf. Heck no." He grabbed the potato from Sora, putting it back in its place.
Sora nodded in agreement, grabbing French vanilla coffee creamer.
"No, Sora, no," Tai guided her hand back, moving it so she grabbed hazelnut, "Let's make good life decisions today, alright?"
"Okay…" Sora put the creamer into her basket, moving onto milk, "Remind me to never bring you grocery shopping again… Jeez." She muttered, holding her grocery basket even more out of Tai's reach than it was before.
Tai turned towards Matt, "I was thinking the same thing oh wait… I'm having a memory." He tapped his chin, grabbing a lemon to toss in the air as he followed Sora throughout the rest of the food.
Matt chuckled, "Don't stand too close, Sora. Tai is 'thinking'."
Sora laughed softly, "What a proud moment." She sighed, catching the lemon Tai had been juggling before she added it to her basket.
Tai grimaced at his friends, remembering what T.K. was planning to do, "I'm not sharing what I know," Tai smirked, frowning as he remembered it involved his little sister getting engaged. Kari Kamiya, getting married… To Yamato's little brother. He took a deep breath before quickly saying, "Actually, I think I'm insanely busy and cannot go tonight."
Sora stopped, turning to face Tai. Tai stopped right before running into her, blushing slightly at the closeness of her. He could smell the strawberry scent of her hair. The thought of him brushing a strand from her face was interrupted as Sora spoke up, "Tai we cancelled our movie night for this. I'm pretty sure your night is pretty open…"
"What do you know," Matt squinted his eyes at Tai.
"You're in for a surprise tonight, buddy," Tai said, "And fine I'll go. I'll go… But only because I want to watch Mimi squirm from nerves when she's in the same room as good ol' Yamato."
Matt rolled his eyes, "It's not going to be a huge fiasco, Tai. It's just Mimi."
Sora pursed her lips, clicking her tongue, "And Mimi doesn't do well under any type of pressure. Remember when she ratted us all out to our moms for our five-person party?"
Tai groaned, "We even replaced the vodka after and she still couldn't handle it."
Matt let out a long breath, "Oh god this might be a train wreck. Taichi, you kind of have an idea of what's going on… Is it worth trying to talk to her tonight."
Tai turned towards Matt. Though it was his little sister getting engaged, he would be damned if the night was ruined. His eyes closed into slits, "You will say nothing, Yamato. This night better be flawless." Matt held Tai's stare.
"Alright," Sora interrupted, "While you two have a lover's stare off, I'm going to go purchase these groceries and head over to my mom's. If you want a ride, I'd suggest resolving your issues and coming with me." Sora turned on her heals, grabbing three apples before standing in line to pay.
Matt nodded slowly, "Fine fine. I'll save my personal matters for our apartment… Well, if Mimi ever comes over again."
Tai shot him a thumbs up, "Deal. Your lips? Zipped."
—
Mimi stood in front of her closet, her hands resting on her hips. She let out a long breath, leaning to her side as her brown eyes ran along the fabrics of the clothings that hung in front of her. "What to wear… What to wear…"
She clenched her fists as a wave of nerves washed over her again, the brunette glancing at the screen of her phone. The missed call notification from Yamato left unopened. Pull yourself together, it's just Matt. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands before glancing at the clock.
"Did you start getting ready yet?" Izzy said as he popped his head through the crack in her bedroom door, "We have to be there in two hours or so… And I know that's about as long as it takes you to prepare for an outing." Izzy watched as Mimi's hand hovered over multiple shirts.
"Yes yes, Izzy," she waved her other hand at him, "I've began the ritual." She gave him a stiff smile, hoping he didn't sense the nerves vibrating against her skin. He did.
"Calm down, Mimi," he said, joining her in front of the closet, "What the worst that could happen? You guys just stay besties for life?" Izzy grabbed a red top from her closet, handing it to her, "I know this is one of his favorites. He's mentioned it in the guy group chat."
Mimi thanked him, grabbing the shirt. She held it up to her body in front of the mirror, raising an eyebrow, "A guy group chat? What goes down in a chat like that?" The shirt loose fitting and cropped slightly, small buttons holding the front of the shirt together, "Great choice, Izzy."
Izzy blushed softly, "I can't tell you what happens in the guy group chat… You… You don't wanna know. Well, it's mostly just us roasting Tai for his nightly visitors… Which is now just us roasting Tai for how red and cheery he gets around Sora."
Mimi turned, crossing her arms, "Oh my god I want in."
Izzy held up his hands, "No. Not happening. Mimi do you know what they'd do to me if they found out I spilled the beans about the group chat? Yeah, me neither and I don't want to find out."
She pouted, "But I want to roast Tai… It's one of my favorite activities…" She grabbed a pair of high waisted jeans, nodding as she saw the outfit begin to come together, "Fine I'll just roast him in person. It'll take my mind off of everything anyway."
Izzy nodded, "Good idea… Just relax, okay? No pressure at all."
"Pressure?!" Mimi's head whipped in Izzy's direction, "N-Nope! No pressure." She felt herself begin to sweat, "Why would there be pressure, Izzy?" Her voice would lower to a whisper.
"I-I mean if you-you've been avoiding him I-I'm sure he expects you t-to not act… Normal," He chucked as he began backing out of her room, Why did I have to bring up pressure. Jeez.
Mimi smiled and Izzy could've sworn her eye twitched. She slipped into the clothes, deciding to pull her hair up into a ponytail. Letting out another breath, Mimi let herself fall back onto her bed. She pulled her phone from her pocket and scrolled the last messages between her and Yamato.
"C'mon. You're Mimi Tachikawa. Send him a message," she muttered to herself. Her thumbs hovered over the keyboard before she started typing.
Mimi's Phone
To: Matty :)
Mimi: Can't wait to see you tonight! It's been too long. Bakery. Who would've thought so many people would want bread and raspberry pockets this week?
She hit send, already knowing he would see through her lie.
—
Tai and Matt sat in a comfortable silence in front of Sora's mom's home. Sora ran in to drop of the groceries, demanding that Tai stay in the car, no matter how much he fought to go with her.
Matt's phone chimed, Tai glancing in the rear view mirror at him, "Mimi?" Tai asked.
Matt nodded as her name flashed across his screen, "Seems like she is breaking her silence. She says she's excited to see me… And could not believe how busy the bakery was this week…"
Tai smirked, "Bullshit. You know Mimi is freaking out… Probably staring at her ceiling, the word pressure echoing through her thoughts, Izzy hiding in the hallway because he said too much… The usual."
Matt chuckled, "Yep. Should I reply?" He knew he should, but a small piece of him was annoyed that she lied. He locked his phone, pushing it back into his pocket, "Nah never mind. I'll just talk to her tonight at Kari and T.K.'s."
Tai nodded, his eyes watching Sora as she walked back to the car. The sun hit her red hair, making her look like he was glowing. His thoughts wandered again. He wanted to give her everything: A lobster dinner, a full body massage, the world. The list went on, Tai grunting as Matt smacked him on the side of his head.
"Just ask her out, man. It's unbearable watching you act like this," Matt said, smiling at Sora as she pulled the keys from her pocket to unlock her door.
Tai turned in the seat, "It's not that simple and you know it. A-And there's no way I'm that obvious or Sora would notice. She notices everything!"
Matt smirked, "Oh she definitely knows. I saw that little blush before we left! Don't act like she didn't do that on purpose."
Sora climbed into the car, "What're you boys arguing about? I leave for five minutes and come back to you two practically wrestling on top of the center console…" She turned the car on, reversing.
"Nothing," Tai said too quickly, making Sora smirk. She glanced in his direction, "You're a terrible liar, Taichi Kamiya." She sighed, heading back to Tai and Matt's apartment.
Tai blushed, "Wh-What?! I'm not… Pfft whatever, Sora. Whatever." Matt smirked in the backseat, him and Sora making eye contact in the rear view mirror.
"Sure, Taichi, sure," Matt chuckled, Sora shooting him a wink.
Matt's Phone
From: Tai
Tai: A witch I tell you. A witch.
Matt: You walked right into that one.
"Are you guys sending each other love poems?" Sora joked as she took the sharp left turn into the parking lot of Tai and Matt's apartment complex.
Tai chuckled, tucking his phone into the pocket of his jeans, "Yep. Matt needs reminding every thirty minutes of how much I just adore him." Matt rolled his eyes, "Sure I'll let you have this one."
"How was your mom, Sor?" Tai asked as he unbuckled the seatbelt.
Sora shrugged, "She's doing her best." Her lips pulled into a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. Tai nodded, deciding not to prod further as he stepped from her car. Matt followed suit, stretching his arms above his head.
"See you boys tonight," Sora said through the passenger side window. Matt leaned down, his hand resting on the roof of her car, "Hang in there, Red. Sorry we didn't find you any furniture today," he said, shooting her a thumbs up as him and Tai began to climb the stairs to their place.
—
Seven o'clock came fast. Mimi pulled the cookies and other pastries leftover from her parent's bakery from the backseat of Izzy's car. "Izzy?" Mim asked over the roof of the car, "Can you grab the paper bag? I've been saving that bottle of wine to crack open with all of the ladies." Izzy grabbed the bag, closing the door before joining Mimi on the sidewalk.
"Try not to be too weird tonight, Meems," Izzy said, resulting in a piercing glare from the brunette. "And don't give me that look. You know how you get when you feel like a situation is awkward."
Mimi shrugged, "True," she began to walk towards the front door, turning back to give Izzy her best smile, "But I promise to be on my best behavior tonight. Besides, my friendship is much more important than mine"
"Hand it over, Yamato. I knew they'd get here before us." Tai smirked, Matt smacking a five dollar bill into his open hand.
Mimi froze as she heard Tai's loud voice from around the corner, Matt's exasperated sigh following it.
"Completely. Normal," Izzy whispered in Mimi's direction before waving down Tai and Matt. "Uh hey guys! Yep. Mimi got ready thirty minutes earlier than usual. Meaning, we arrived earlier than scheduled."
Mimi chuckled nervously, "You know I just can't stand losing to you two. It's my competitive spirit that keeps me young." She waved at them, checking her perfectly manicured nails.
"Get your claws done recently?" Tai asked as he joined them on the porch.
Mimi smirked, "Just in case things get out of hand tonight and I have to throw it down."
Matt chuckled, "So nice to see you, Meems. Was wondering if you fled the country…" His voice tapered off with sarcasm, his smirk burning through her to her very soul. Mimi huffed, nudging past him to ring the doorbell, "Busy, Yamato. I'm just insanely busy." Matt rolled his eyes, Tai giving him a soft shoulder smack, signaling him to stop.
"I got it!' Sora's voice sounded from the other side of the door. Sora had been adjusting to life back in Odaiba. Though her heart still ached around her old friends, the pain of abandonment was fading from the many apologies they had been showering her with. Still, she wondered how they would feel if they all knew what had happened that night.
Matt let out a laugh as he saw Tai's form straighten and a goofy smile spread across his face, "Never thought I'd see the day when Tai Kamiya was this enthralled with a woman."
Mimi shrugged, "I think it's sweet." Matt shrugged, thinking Mimi was in a joking mood. He glanced up, wishing he could shrink into his sweater from the cold shoulder she was giving him.
Before Matt could reply, the front door opened. Sora smiled at them, Mimi squealing in excitement as she pulled the red head into a hug, "Sora! I feel like it's been forever since I last saw your face. Look!" She held up the bag, "I brought… Wine," she chuckled, pointing between the two of them, "For us ladies. Only." She glared at the men standing on the porch, "So paws off, boys. Consider yourselves warned," she entered the house, flashing her nails at them before walking to the kitchen.
Sora glanced at the guys, "Her nails look crisp. Nice shirt, Izzy. It really compliments you," she smiled before following Mimi into the kitchen.
Izzy blushed as his fingers nervously adjusted the collar of his dark blue button up. Sora was always the person to boost his confidence. He missed her positivity… And to get a compliment from someone who works in fashion? Izzy thought he'd never see the day. He cleared his throat, "Please don't make things awkward, Yamato. I'm sorry I have to say anything, but you know how Mimi gets…"
"I already briefed him, Iz," Tai said as he walked through the door, ruffling Matt's hair on the way in, "Blondie knows to behave." Matt rolled his eyes as he followed the other two in.
"Alright you guys can start having fun now," Tai said as he walked into the kitchen, putting the bags of chips he'd bought on the counter, "Because I have… Arrived." He winked at his sister, Kari giggling, "I'm happy you could make it, Taichi. No get together is ever the same without you."
"Oh quit giving more to his ego," Matt said as he opened a beer, "He doesn't need anymore of that."
"And there you go," T.K. teased his brother, "No get together is ever the same without you." Matt smirked, raising his beer towards him.
Jou chuckled from the kitchen table. Him and Sora were finishing up a friendly game of poker. Mimi leaned over the back of Sora's chair, watching in disbelief as someone was preparing to finally dethrone the king of card games. Sora sipped from her wine, eyeing Jou from across the table as a smirk of a winner spread across his face.
"A full house…" He spread his cards against the table, leaning back as he high-fived Izzy, "It's great to have you back, Sora… But that doesn't mean I'm going to go any easier…" Sora interrupted him with a spread of her own hand.
"Hmm…" Sora said, returning his smirk, "Royal flush? What were you saying about going easy on me, Jou?" She winked, "I believe I have the highest hand… No?" She tilted her head, feigning innocence as the color drained from Jou's face.
Mimi chuckled, the sound of pure evil, "Good game, Kiddo. Don't even ask for a rematch. The embarrassment of losing twice would be unbearable. I can't wait to alert the others."
"Mimi please… It's my staple title in the group!" Jou pleaded, groaning as Mimi cleared her throat and tapped the side of her wine glass with a fork.
"Everyone! Everyone please…" She said, glaring as Tai kept talking, "Everyone… Every- TAI!" Tai jumped, quieting down, "Thank you… Well, everyone, Jou Kiddo has been beaten. He sits on his poker throne no more."
Jou stood, "Hold your applause… I'll be back, Sora… And I will get my title back." Sora smiled, nodding her head, "I'll be waiting." She picked up the cards, shuffling them. Tai slid into the chair across from her, "I'm not playing you, Taichi."
"Why?" Tai said, "Afraid you'll lose?" He raised an eyebrow, "Deal me… Dealer."
Sora shook her head, "No I'm not dealing you a hand. It just wouldn't be fun because, if I remember correctly, you're terrible at poker." Tai frowned as he leaned back in the chair.
"It's true," Kari said, "Mom tried to teach you… But you were hopeless." Sora gave him an 'I-told-you-so' look before putting the cards back into their box.
Sora leaned across the table, whispering, "We can go do something you're good at?"
Tai blushed, shooting Sora confused look. His thoughts moved faster than wildfire, Does she… Do I want this? Oh I do but here? I'm not ready. Nope. Never had a woman like her before she would be a lot to handle. Years of training… His thoughts stopped has he glanced up.
Sora rolled her eyes, "No, Taichi not that. I meant go eat some of the triple layer dip that Kari made."
Tai nodded, "Yes. I like the way you think, Sor. Let's get to it." Sora chuckled as she reached for her wine, "Great because I've been eyeing that dip since I got here." The two walked to the kitchen island, squeezing between Mimi and Izzy. Mimi's shoulder brushed Matt's, Oh c'mon. I was trying to avoid him…
"Ah you finally came to talk with me," Matt said, "What gives me the honor?"
Mimi took a deep breath, "What? I've been trying to talk to you all night," she motioned to the space Tai now occupied, "Hence, why I was standing next to you."
Matt nodded slowly, "Uh huh… But you couldn't say hello?" He smirked as she squirmed under his gaze. How did he have this effect on the confident, unbeatable Mimi?
Mimi sighed, "Oh I just assumed you were more of a gentleman." She smirked, sipping her wine, "I guess I assumed wrong."
"Ouch," Matt said, "Alright, Meems. Spill it. Why are you avoiding me?" He poked her side. His touch made her skin burn with the memory of him from a week ago.
She sipped her wine again, "What makes you think I'm avoiding you? Miss me that much?" Mimi chuckled.
"Yes," Matt said. Mimi about choked on her wine, He misses me?
"You don't need me to watch The Bachelor, Matt," she rolled her eyes playfully, nudging him with her elbow.
Matt shrugged, "I recorded the episode so we can watch it together. It's not the same when you're not there, Meems." Mimi turned towards him, feeling her body fighting to freeze as she took in his blue eyes. Her heart rate quickened.
"Matt I really need to talk to you…" She felt Tai lean into her, "What're you two talking about?" Mimi glared over her shoulder, pushing him off of her, "Back off, Tai. Not every conversation is about you. Go bug Sora or something."
"Sora or something?" Sora asked as she joined them at the end of the kitchen island. She took a bite of her chip, glancing between the three friends.
"Does everyone want in on this conversation?" Mimi asked, feeling the stress of having Yamato so close to her begin to take over her mood. Tai and Sora shared a look, "Got it. Understood." Sora said as she grabbed Tai's wrist and pulled him with her, "Let's go talk with anyone else but these two."
Mimi turned back to Matt, "I need to… We need to talk, Yamato. Somewhere where all of them can't hear. Please."
"There's a guest room in the back," Matt said, noting how Mimi's grip on her wine tensed at the mention of it, "Or we can talk on the porch?"
Mimi shook her head, "Guest room is fine." Mimi couldn't stop her thoughts. She had been avoiding him to avoid her feelings, but to also not be alone with him. A room with just him in it screamed tension. Tension Mimi swore she could cut with a knife. She stole a quick glance in his direction, He better be just as nervous. I swear.
Matt took a deep breath as an awkward silence settled between them, "Um," he cleared his throat, "I guess… I'll lead the way?" He turned towards the hall, hoping being alone to talk would ease Mimi's thoughts and nerves, yet he failed to sense the nervous energy that radiated from Mimi's core. Mimi nodded, her lips pulled into a tight smile as she followed Matt down the hall.
Mimi never noticed how long the hall was… And how the walls seemed to be closing in on her. She swallowed nervously, trying to calm the beating pace of her heart. Closing her eyes, Mimi calmed herself. You're fine. It's Matt. After reminding herself who she was, Mimi slowly felt her confidence return.
"So what's up, Meems? What did I do?" Matt said, sighing as he sat on the edge of the bed. He rested his elbows on his knees, watching as she closed the door slowly and collected herself. Mimi turned to face him.
Clearing her throat, Mimi straightened her posture, "I… Have been having thoughts since… Since last week."
Matt raised an eyebrow, "Okay… What about last week? The Bachelor results? You gotta help me out I'm not good on picking this stuff up."
Mimi chuckled, "No, Yamato. Us sleeping together. That's the event I'm talking about or did you forget?" She smirked, "I highly doubt that you forget. It is the highest privilege to get a night with me."
"Oh, Mimi," Matt chuckled, "How could I forget that?" He shook his head, "Is that why you've been so distant? I was getting worried you started liking Tai's company more than mine."
Mimi scrunched her nose, "Oh god no. That would never happen." She shook her head as she began to pace, "I… I was just unsure of where we stood with each other." She held up her hand, silencing Matt before he could reply, "I know I know. We said we were just friends and it wouldn't change anything." Mimi paused, playing through her mind of how this could turn out.
She glanced up, Matt's gaze locked on her as he silently waited for her to continue. Mimi took a deep breath before replying, "It changed things for me." Their eyes held each others as the silence filled every corner of the room.
Matt took in her words. He was happy that things changed, but he wasn't sure how ready he was for them to change. Not wanting Mimi to overthink his silence, Matt stood from the bed. He looked at the ground, his head nodding as he thought of how to reply.
"You don't have to say anything," Mimi said quietly, "I knew this was how it would turn out… That's why I've been avoiding you. I can't stand to lose what we had but I can't bear not exploring what we could be." She gave him a soft smile, showing that she understood his hesitation, "Things can't go back to how they were. Not with how I feel about you."
"Mimi," Matt said, "It's not that I don't want that with you it's just…"
Mimi chuckled, waving her hand, "Oh please I've heard this line and said this line many times before. Save it for Tai when you end up moving out one day." Matt smiled, the gesture not genuine.
"I'm not ready, Mimi. I can't give you everything even though I want to so badly," Matt said quietly, "I'm sorry. I hope you understand." He moved to place a hand on her shoulder, Mimi leaning to avoid it.
"I want you to know that I don't wait around for me," she said. Her words were stern and serious, so stern they made Matt rethink his words. "If you ever feel ready, just know I might not want it anymore and that's on you," she gave him a stiff smile, "Anyway, we watching The Bachelor later tonight or what?" She let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of her feelings lift off of her shoulders.
Matt chuckled, feeling the relief filled him, "I don't expect you to wait for me, you're too good of a catch," he laughed as she mentioned The Bachelor, "Yes I've been waiting for you to schedule time with me." He stepped forward, pulling Mimi into a tight hug. Mimi stiffened, but relaxed as she let her head lean against his chest. Matt closed his eyes, taking in her closeness and the coconut smell of her brunette hair.
"There you guys are," Tai said as he flung the door open, "Oh… Am I interrupting something…" His eyes ran over their entwined forms, "T.K. wanted all of us together…"
Mimi pushed Matt off of her, "Taichi, control your man." She smirked, winking at Tai as she nudged past him to walk back to the front room.
Tai turned to Matt, "Everything good? Mimi seems back to her normal, annoying self…" He muttered.
Matt shrugged, "Yeah I'd ask you for advice if you weren't such shit with women." Matt laughed as disbelief covered Tai's face, "I am not shit with women! They love me!" Matt shook his head, chuckling as him and Tai began to head back to the front room.
"I might've just made the biggest mistake of my life, Tai," Matt said, taking a deep breath. Tai shrugged, placing his hand on Matt's shoulder, "Ah, I'm sure Mimi is worth every risk." Matt nodded, agreeing.
"What about that risk?" Matt asked, nodding towards Sora. The woman was laughing with Mimi and Izzy, Izzy blushing deeper than both of their hair colors combined. Tai shook his head, "She deserves so much more than what I am." As Matt went to reply, T.K. stood and began to speak.
"Hey everyone," T.K. said, the palms of his hands becoming sweaty, "I-I'm so happy we are all together again. It's great to have you back, Sora. Everything feels so complete," Sora gave him a small smile, her eyes averting to the carpet. It still didn't feel complete to her.
T.K. cleared his throat, continuing, "As much as I love hanging out with you all, I invited you here tonight to tell you all how much I love Kari Kamiya," the blonde turned towards Kari. Slowly, he got down on one knee and pulled a small black box from his shirt pocket. Kari gasped, her hands covering her mouth as tears threatened to spill from her brown eyes.
"Kari," T.K. said, "I love you more than anything in this world. Will you marry me?" He smiled shakily. Matt noted how tense Tai had become. He nudged his friend, "Come on. It's been 4 years of them dating. Relax," his voice a whisper.
Kari nodded quickly, crying as she accepted his proposal, "Of course I'll marry you!" She smiled, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulled him into a tight hug, her lips pressing to his.
Mimi sniffed, "Oh god that's beautiful. Young love." She took a deep breath, Sora chuckling at her, "It is sweet to see. Gives you some hope, right?" Sora said.
Mimi shrugged, "Fuck hope, right?" Sora let out a breath, mixed with a laugh, "Fuck it is right." Sora's mind flashed to her mother and her life five years ago. Hope was absent and did nothing for her. The two friends shared a glance before joining the others in clapping.
"Alright you two that's enough," Tai said as he watched Kari kiss T.K. repetitively, "You have the rest of forever to do this now break it up."
Kari laughed as she pulled away, putting her hand out for T.K. to slip on her ring.
—
"Congratulations you two," Jou said before he left, "Tonight was fun. It was a nice break from the craziness of life. Sora," he pointed at her, "I'll be practicing my poker techniques. I hope you're more than willing to play me again."
She nodded, "I'm looking forward to it, Jou. I can't turn down a good challenge." He laughed, giving everyone a wave before leaving.
"Did you want a ride back, Meems? Matt mentioned something about you two hanging out tonight," Izzy said. Mimi shook her head, "No thank you. We're going to watch The Bachelor episode we missed last week." He nodded, "I'm proud of you for talking to him. See you when you're home." Mimi hugged him tightly, "Thank you, Izzy. Thank you."
"Congratulations," Sora said to Kari and T.K., "You guys have such a beautiful and pure love. It's refreshing to see that it's still out there." Kari smiled, "Thank you, Sora. I still stand by that you taught me how to love all through my childhood." She giggled, Sora rolling her eyes playfully, "Wow haven't heard that before." She nudged the young girl before pulling them both into a hug, "Alright, I'm heading out. Bye everyone!" She waved, Tai running after her.
"You're not walking to your car alone, are you? Sora c'mon," Tai muttered as he joined her on the sidewalk outside. Sora glanced up at him, "I have some crazy self-defense skills, Taichi. If anything, you being with me out here makes it safer for you."
He laughed as they began to walk to her car, "How are you holding up?" Tai asked.
Sora sighed, "Hanging in there. I'm just waiting for the call that my mom has been committed to the hospital, ya know?" Tai let out a long breath, "You know I'm here for you."
Sora nodded, "I know… Thank you." They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence. "Tai?" Sora said.
"Hm?" Tai leaned against Sora's car. Sora smiled, "Do you want to get ice cream?"
Tai gasped dramatically, "Do I?" He quickly ran around her car before sliding into her passenger seat, "Let me tell Matt my keys are on the counter…" He pulled his phone out, texting his friend that he would see him later before beaming at a laughing Sora.
"No one ever wants to get ice cream with me after 9pm," he said excitedly, "I'd call it my favorite night of this year so far if it didn't involve my precious, baby sister getting engaged." Sora softly punched his arm, "Let it go. It's cute. Don't act like you didn't see it coming."
He shrugged, "True. They better have cookie dough. It's always out."
"That's what happens when you're as picky as a toddler — They run out of cookie dough ice cream by later afternoon," Sora said as she started her car. She couldn't help but notice the quick skip of her heart as Tai smiled at her. Oh no, she thought, not this again. The feeling was more than familiar.
Author's Note:
Hello all! Thank you for keeping up with the sporadic updates of this story :) I'm trying to be as inspired as I can be during this time. Please stay safe and healthy out there 3
Let me know what you think! :)
Best — Moon
