Six of Spades (Alternate Ending #1)

"How did you guess my card?" Tai's son gasped as he held on to the six of spades.

"Let's just say I had a feeling," Tai smirked as he nonchalantly shuffled the deck of cards. "I think it has to be my favorite card in the deck."

"Why?" Tai's son made a face.

"I dunno, it's just my lucky card, I guess," Tai shrugged. "So now where we?"

"I think you were pacing back and forth in front of the building like a stalker," Tai's son reminded him.

"Oh right…thanks," Tai said in a deadpan manner.

"God I'm so stupid, could I be any stupider? Look, I think they're looking at me right now. Okay, act natural…I'll just call a friend! That's what I'll do! Yeah!" Tai pulled out his cell phone and placed it by his ear. "Hey, ya busy? I could use some help!"

"Sure! Where are you?"

"I'm literally in front of Sora's apartment," Tai said.

"Okay! Wanna meet up at the park two blocks down?"

"Sure! Sounds good. See you soon," Tai nodded and proceeded to make his way.

"Thanks for meeting up with me!" Tai hugged Mimi.

"No problem! You're lucky you caught me during a free moment, you know… me being a famous influencer and all," Mimi mockingly said. "So what's up?"

"I did a thing…," Tai awkwardly grinned.

"What do you mean by you did a thing?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.

"So…I was gonna stop by Sora's place but she was there with that Willis guy," Tai sighed.

"So?" Mimi smirked.

"I wanted to tell her something important…," Tai paused.

"It's not what I think you're getting at, is it?" Mimi looked concerned.

"Maybe?" Tai dumbly said.

"Cause if so, I think it's a bad idea. Look Tai, Sora is completely happy where she is right now. I'm not going to allow you to throw in a wildcard in this moment. I wasn't here the first time around, but please…just leave her at peace. Let her finally move on," Mimi shook her head.

"What?" Tai dumbly said.

"Yeah, when you asked her out back in high school, but her and Matt were already a thing," Mimi said.

"But nobody knew they were going out until they told the gang that winter break. Even TK didn't know. I didn't know! And that was like five hundred years ago," Tai protested.

"Yeah, but Sora and Matt have been on and off since then…and don't tell her cause she'd kill me, but I think she's just always had her eyes on you instead this entire time. I think that's why she hasn't been too successful on dates, but I think she's done waiting for something that wasn't going to show up. I think things are actually working out good for her and Willis, and maybe you should move on too," Mimi nodded.

"Maybe you're right. You are her best friend, and you would know her better than anyone else," Tai slowly ran his fingers through his hair.

"Babe, I'm not trying to be mean but she was literally in front of you all of these years. Why did it take you until this long to come to this revelation? You had all of this time, getting to see her almost every day. I'm sorry, but I think you took that for granted and now that she's spending time with Willis, I think you're upset because you can't get what you want. If she weren't talking to anyone, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be looking her way," Mimi shook her head.

"Hey, I'm not that kind of guy! Am I?" Tai looked hurt.

"If you really have to ask, maybe you should look deeper," Mimi nodded.

"Well thanks for the Ted talk, Meems…," Tai sighed.

"No problem. I just hope you'll take what I say a little seriously. I only say it because I care about the both of you," Mimi said.

"Memo received," Tai nodded.

"Was it?" Tai's son raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, you know me by now…I am a bit stubborn, so I went knocking on a different door hoping to hear something else," Tai shrugged.

"Hey Tai, long time no see," Joe gingerly said. "If you wouldn't mind, why don't we actually take a stroll around the neighborhood? I don't want any outside visitors yet, considering the climate."

"Oh, sure. You got it. So how's it been?" Tai watched as Joe slipped a face mask on and rubbed hand sanitizer on his hands.

"Everything's falling in place for me. Jason's taking the move pretty well. He's closer to his uncle…who I'm still trying to get used to. Koji is like if Matt never outgrew his 'emo' stage," Joe rolled his eyes.

"Oh goodness…nobody needed that," Tai chuckled.

"His wife Zoe is really nice though. She's a good cook and she and Claudia really get along well," Joe nodded.

"Claudia?" Tai raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah…I met her at my job. We're both doing residencies at the hospital here. She's a really hard worker and she's really smart too. And of course, I think she's beautiful. Here's some pictures of us with the kids," Joe held up his phone.

"Oh, interesting…hey, isn't this the girl that TK was obsessed with for the longest time?" Tai squinted at the screen.

"Yep, that's the same girl," Joe turned red. "I think if you asked either of them though, I think it's safe to say they've both moved on from each other. And I'd like to believe that I've moved on from my past self too. After all, I would hope that I'm a different and more improved person now than compared to five years ago for example. My standards should reflect those changes too, wouldn't you agree?" Joe asked.

"Fair enough," Tai nodded.

"I mean, it could apply to anyone. Just take a minute and pause, would you say that you're the same person you were back in high school, or even fresh out of college? Everyone changes. We all have to move on eventually, and that's okay. That just means you'll be on your way to a better path. The me ten years ago would have thought living separated away from you guys, working the frontlines in a pandemic, and being a single dad would have been a nightmare from hell- but I'm actually living this life now and I don't think I've actually been happier," Joe shrugged.

"That's good. I'm proud of you. You've definitely come a long way," Tai nodded.

"So, what did you want to stop by for?" Joe adjusted his glasses.

"I was gonna originally ask for some advice, but I think you told me everything I needed to hear," Tai said.

"I did?" Joe looked perplexed.

"Yep. There's only so much fighting you can do until fate hammers a sign down on you," Tai pointed at a "dead end" sign in front of them.

"Oh, sorry…I'm still getting used to this neighborhood. Welcome to the suburbs, where not all the roads make sense, but at least you'll sleep easier at night," Joe sheepishly laughed.

"Sooo, how was your date with Willis?" Mimi cornered Sora in the bathroom.

"Mimi, I don't know if I would go that far as to call it a date- but I did have a good time. I do like his company a lot," Sora smiled as she brushed her hair.

"Tell me more," Mimi grinned.

"Obviously, he's cute. And he's really nice too…and he said he liked my red hair. I don't think any guy has ever said anything nice about my hair. It means a lot, especially being a redhead," Sora smiled.

"Wait, so not even Matt?" Mimi looked confused.

"Nope, never. To be honest, I feel like the reason we kept coming back to each other was because we were both broken, and we didn't like being alone," Sora shrugged.

"Oh, I just thought it was because he like tig ole biddies," Mimi grabbed Sora's chest.

"Thanks, get your hands off my boobs now…," Sora flatly said.

"Sorry," Mimi let go of Sora.

"You know, he acts shallow but he's more deep than he lets on," Sora said as she cleaned her face off. "Even so, I don't have time for that anymore. With Willis, everything just felt so natural and easy. I don't know if he feels the same way about me, but that's the kind of feeling I want. No BS, no pussyfooting around, just straightforward and non-awkward conversation."

"Hmm, interesting. Well, I'm happy for you!" Mimi grinned and walked back into the living room.

*knock knock*

"Delivery!"

"Coming!" Mimi opened the door. "Holy crap, that's a huge ass bouquet!" she blurted.

"Yeah, whoever sent this must freaking like you. This is a dozen dozen roses. 144 red roses. Goodnight," the delivery person handed Mimi a large bouquet of roses.

"Thanks, you too!" Mimi closed the door. "Holy shit, Izzy's crazy…wait a minute- this is from Willis! Oh my god, SORA! COME HERE NOW!"

"What?" Sora ran to the living room.

"Look what the Willis brought in!" Mimi handed Sora the card.

"A dozen dozen red roses for my favorite redhead. Would you want to rendezvous again, this time for pleasure? Let me know - Willis," Sora read the card.

"Oh my freaking gawd! Yes! You have to say yes! It's in the cards- literally! You can't be any more straightforward than that!" Mimi shrieked.

"You can't argue with that," Sora nodded.

"Here's your phone, now I'll give you some privacy!" Mimi walked to her bedroom.

"No you won't, but I appreciate the facade," Sora smirked as she flipped through her contact list. "Hey Willis, I just received your flowers. They're beautiful…"

"Hey Tai, you've been surprisingly quiet. Is everything okay?" Yolei asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just saw Joe the other day. He looks pretty happy with his family," Tai nodded.

"Family?" Izzy raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. He's got a kid. And his girlfriend's got a kid too," Tai said.

"Joe got a girlfriend?" TK scoffed.

"Yeah. I think she used to be yours actually," Tai casually sipped at his beer.

"Pffft, what?!" TK coughed.

"You talking about Claudia? Like the one we stalked for months?" Matt raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, that's the one. Well, she and Joe happily together looking like a cute doctor couple," Tai said.

"Oh…well, good for him. Good for them," TK swirled his finger over the rim of his beer can.

"Sorry," Tai bit his lip.

"No, what are you apologizing for? They're apparently a good fit for each other. As long as they're both happy," TK nodded.

"Wow, that's very mature of you TK," Yolei said.

"Claudia was a great person, but I wasn't great for her. Maybe in another timeline in another dimension, but in this present timeline, I don't think it was meant to me and I'm okay with that," TK said.

"I can relate to that sentiment," Tess nodded.

"Yeah. Like I said, she's a great person, but not in this timeline," TK said.

"Funny that you talk about timelines and soulmates, do you think that maybe we're attracted to certain people for some reason? Like some people we keep coming back to them at the back of our minds, because we were either supposed to connect to them in this timeline, or have connected to them in the past, or will cross paths with them in the future?" Izzy asked.

"Are you smoking weed and not sharing with us?" Matt gasped.

"No! I don't say I necessarily believe in it, but what if TK is onto something- like there are parallel universes, and we're just living in one set of it?" Izzy asked.

"I think someone's watching too much Rick and Morty, what do you think?" Yolei smirked.

"I dunno…," Tai frowned.

Two years later….

"Hey, random thought- but do you think that maybe we're attracted to certain people for some reason? Like some people we keep coming back to them at the back of our minds, because we were either supposed to connect to them in this timeline, or have connected to them in the past, or will cross paths with them in the future?" Tai awkwardly picked up a piece of sushi with his chopsticks.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can continue with this dinner," a tall, thin girl tucked her silky, long black hair behind her ear and pushed her bowl of soup to the side.

"Is everything alright, Meiko?" Tai looked at the woman in concern.

"I only went to dinner because I was being nice. I thought it would be nice to see an old friend again, but no. I'm sorry Taichi, but you literally haven't crossed my mind since high school, and maybe that's where it should stay. By the way, your Japanese is really getting rusty. You must have been in America for a long time. Saraba," the woman got up from her seat and left.

"Cool…," Tai drummed his fingers against the table.

"Wow, to think I was going to take Japanese lessons from a guy who's rusty at Japanese. The nerve," a blonde woman sat down in the newly empty seat.

"Catherine?" Tai gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, so I need permission to go to Japan?" Catherine smirked.

"No, that's not what I'm saying…I'm just saying it's a nice surprise. But seriously, what are you doing here?" Tai asked.

"I'm just on vacation. I've always wanted to visit Tokyo," Catherine smiled.

"I grew up here! I can show you a bunch of things! How much time do you have left on your vacation?" Tai asked.

"A week and a half. What about you? What are you doing here?" Catherine asked.

"To be honest, I'm not really sure. I got put on a six-month suspension because of a case with Agent Damon. I don't know if you know-"

"Say no more. Norstein has had his grievances about him," Catherine chuckled.

"Right…so, how are things going with you and Norstein?" Tai asked.

"I guess for starters, we're not the only French-speakers on the unit now, so that's not fun. Besides, they separated us, so he's with Benelux, and I'm in Canada," Catherine shook her head.

"What?" Tai looked confused.

"We were never together, if that's what you're trying to hint at," Catherine smirked. "By the way, if I can understand Japanese correctly, I do."

"You do what?" Tai said dumbly.

"Think that maybe we're attracted to certain people for some reason? Like some people we keep coming back to them at the back of our minds, because we were either supposed to connect to them in this timeline, or have connected to them in the past, or will cross paths with them in the future?" Catherine held up a beaten up New York keychain.

"Wow, that's amazing. You still have that thing!" Tai said in awe.

"I do," Catherine said. "So why did you ask that girl? Was she on your mind a lot? She is very pretty. Isn't she a top model here? I think I recognize her from a billboard that I passed by downtown," Catherine frantically asked.

"No. To be honest, I don't know why I asked. It's a stupid question that a friend came up with and it's stuck to me since then," Tai shrugged.

"I could see why. That question messes with my mind more than I like," Catherine shook her head.

"Doesn't it? I wish he never said it, he sucks!" Tai laughed.

"Hey, why don't we get out of here and get a head start on the sightseeing? You already have a lot of catching up to do," Catherine smirked.

"Okay, sure! First things first, my sister's house!" Tai got up from the table.

"That doesn't sound like a landmark in my pamphlet, but okay?" Catherine shrugged.

"Well, if my brother-in-law is home, that's where you'll get the best noodles in town. It'll make this food taste like crap!" Tai said.

"You can leave, you know…," a server glared at Tai.

"I mean, this food is delicious- honestly! Here's my card," Tai handed the server his credit card.

"No thank you. Meimei already took care of the bill. You're a disgrace," the server shooed Tai away.

"Arigato…," Tai turned red. "Excellent customer service, five stars."

"I see you piss people off in Japan and America, how endearing," Catherine wrapped her arms around Tai's bicep and she pinched his cheek.

"Thanks, it's a talent of mine," Tai narrowed his eyes.

"Hello! I'm back from my date!" Tai entered the apartment.

"That's not Meiko! Where's Meiko?" Kari looked alarmed.

"Oh no, not her. This is Catherine. We work together," Tai said. "Catherine, this is my sister Kari."

"Hi, nice to meet you. You look nothing like Tai," Catherine smiled.

"I've been told. He used to beat up so many guys because they assumed we weren't siblings," Kari laughed.

"Including me! Hi, I'm Davis, Kari's husband," Davis shook hands with Catherine.

"Nice to meet you, Davis! So I hear you make the best noodles in town," Catherine smiled.

"Damn straight I do! You know what would be cool? Hey Tai, do you know if Mimi and Amadeus Stone are planning to do a Japan episode soon? They should totally give my noodles a shout-out," Davis said.

"As far as I know, they're only staying in the US, but that sounds like an idea. Maybe she can do it in her social media posts. Izzy's a lucky bastard, he gets to 'edit' all the episodes," Tai made a face.

"Basically you're jealous because he gets paid to eat too?" Kari smirked.

"Who wouldn't be, it sounds like it," Catherine laughed.

"I wish I could stay up late, but the baby keeps me tired. I love you guys, night night," Kari blew kisses to Tai and Davis.

"I'll head up to bed in a few too. You guys need anything before I go?" Davis asked.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you," Catherine smiled.

"Thanks Davis," Tai said.

"I think maybe I should head back to my place anyways. If you want, you can come stay the night. That way we can hang out downtown for a little longer and your family can sleep," Catherine suggested.

"Why not?" Tai grinned. "Hey Davis, I'll be with Catherine tonight, so don't wait up for me. We'll be out late, so we'll just crash at her place."

"Sounds good. Have fun!" Davis yawned.

"And that's what we did. Over and over-"

"Please don't-" Tai's son interrupted him.

"That's not where I was going with that! But yes…we literally spent every single day she was in Japan sightseeing and having a great time. And then the last day happened," Tai paused.

"I had so much fun here, I don't want to leave," Catherine whined.

"Well, I'm still suspended for a couple of months. Maybe I can see you in Canada. Where in Canada are you located?" Tai asked.

"I'm in Toronto. It's nice, but nobody speaks French there. It just reminds me of New York, but much cleaner, and less smelly," Catherine sighed.

"Yeah, maybe that's what I'll do. I'll come see you!" Tai smiled.

"Just maybe?" Catherine's face fell.

"What's wrong?" Tai asked.

"Tai. I refuse to believe this. How many times have we crossed paths in this lifetime before it just becomes incredibly stupid? We had such an amazing two weeks here, and I want more time," Catherine said.

"I do too," Tai found himself reaching for her hand.

"Then what do you want to do?" Catherine asked.

"You know, you've got a point…," Tai grabbed a white-and-blue scarf from a vendor stand. "The smart thing would be to make sure you never get away again."

"Hey, you gotta pay for that!" a salesperson yelled.

"Here. Keep the change," Tai tossed the salesperson some cash.

"Thanks, now please leave before you mess up my stand," the salesperson yelled.

"Why did you buy that? It's spring. And it's a girl's scarf," Catherine quizzically said.

"It's for you, when you get back to Canada. I thought it would look nice on you," Tai draped the scarf over Catherine's shoulders. "It brings out the color in your eyes."

"You know, Canada isn't an igloo all year round, but thanks. It is a lovely scarf," Catherine petted the scarf.

"Catherine?" Tai paused.

"Yes?" Catherine looked at him.

"Just so you know, you're right. I don't want to let you go," Tai said.

"Really?" Catherine said.

"If you only knew the amount of times you've crossed my mind within this lifetime alone," Tai said. "If I follow you, you wouldn't mind that I'll probably be hanging around like a bum because I'm a suspended agent, right?"

"Maybe there's someone I can talk to about that," Catherine smirked.

"Okay, as long as you don't mind my current situation in the meantime!" Tai said.

"I'm in," Catherine took the scarf and pulled Tai with it.

"Oooh, feisty," Tai grabbed her face closer to his and pulled her in for a kiss.

"Okay, I get the message. And that's how you fiiiiinally met my mother," Tai's son huffed.

"You know how to suck the magic out of everything. Have you been hanging out with Uncle Izzy lately?" Tai scoffed.

"No! But this explains why I have CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP!" Tai's son yelled.

"And you're welcome! Have you seen the hospital bills Jason racked up? Hah, he's lucky his dad is a doctor," Tai laughed.

"What are you boys arguing about this time?" Catherine walked into the living room.

"Nothing!" Tai and his son said in unison.

"Tyler, you're really looking just like your father. Joyeux anniversaire," Catherine squeezed her son's cheeks and kissed them.

"Maman," Tai's son groaned.

"Okay, Catherine. He's a grown man, he's too cool for hugs now, but I'll take them!" Tai extended his arms out.

"Nice try! That's how I ended up with this 'cool kid' the first time," Catherine jokingly smacked Tai on the arm.

"Mom!" Tai's son gasped.

"What? You see when a man and a woman-"

"Okay, I…it was nice seeing you all, but alas I must head out! I have friends to meet!" Tai's son threw his hands up in the air.

"Well have fun! I have to check up on my work anyways," Catherine hugged him and headed back to her home office.

"Hey, before you head out- here's a little something for listening to my story," Tai handed his son a gift bag.

"Yeah, I felt like that story took YEARS to tell! Holy crap, is that alcoh-"

"Shut up, don't tell your mom. And just don't tell anyone…. I don't want to be known as the cool dad who buys alcohol, so this is your one time only," Tai shook his head.

"You got it boss! Bye!" Tai's son ran out of the apartment.

"Bye, have fun," Tai said.

"You bought him alcohol, didn't you?" Catherine snuck up behind Tai.

"What are you talking about?" Tai nervously laughed.

"I was just checking our bank statements, and I found one of the purchases was quite a bit higher than normal," Catherine looked at Tai disapprovingly.

"Can't get anything past you, can I?" Tai nervously said.

"Damn straight you can't," Catherine smirked. "Come on, we have to meet everyone at that dingy bar that you guys like to hang out."

"Hey, you watch it! Yolei tried her best to restore that hangout to it's former glory. If you think it looks bad now, you should have seen how it looked like before! And it's not dingy, it's just Irish!" Tai said.

"Whatever, let's get a move on," Catherine smiled and grabbed her jacket.