"Slow Burn"(def.): an attraction for someone that is not instant, but grows over time.
-x-
Chapter Twenty: Caught up in my Dreams and Forgetting
-x-
At ten p.m on this particular Saturday in December, there was only one place to be.
Mimi Tachikawa's eighteenth birthday party, one that was said to be for the ages.
The venue was perfect, everything lit up in demure hues of blush pink and sparkling gold and tea green. The tables had been set up on the far ends of the main dining room, where passed horderves were coming around and in the middle was a big dancefloor. The DJ was playing a healthy mix of dance and pop music, toeing the line between youthful and elegant perfectly.
All those she had invited, had of course shown up and about fifty more people she hadn't accounted for. But what good was a party without some uninvited guests. The more the merrier, especially when they were here to celebrate her. After all, there was nothing she loved more than being the center of everyone's attention. And right now, with everyone pandering to her and catering to her she felt like the center of the universe.
And as for the birthday girl herself, she looked absolutely breathtaking. Mimi had opted for a simple yet gorgeous rose gold backless, mini-dress, with demure sequins, a deep plunge for a neckline held together by two hair thin straps that met at the back of her neck. Her chestnut tresses were straightened and pulled up into a sleek ponytail, high on her head. A pair of strappy gold heels adorned white painted toes.
Yet, for as beautiful as she felt, surrounded by all these people who had come to celebrate her—she still couldn't help but feel lonely.
"Another glass of champagne please." She requested the waiter, in a rare moment without company.
Sora had assured her that Matt had come around to the idea of performing at her birthday, she didn't ask for the gory details, but she assumed a lot of groveling was involved on the redhead's part.
But he had not come yet and it was starting to feel a lot like he wasn't going to show up at all.
And she didn't even care about the performance, it was partially a ruse anyway. But the idea that he could actually miss her eighteenth birthday (one of the few birthdays thus far that they had the opportunity to celebrate together) was what disappointed her the most.
She knew that they hadn't ended off on the best of terms but she figured that with the invitation wrapped as a favor, he wouldn't feel so uncomfortable coming.
Obviously, that wasn't the case.
And as disillusioned as she felt she was equally irritated. Because it really irked her to no end that he had the nerve to be the one who was ticked off, when he was supposed to be the one begging for her forgiveness and crying at her feet rattling off all the mistakes he had made the last few months.
Though that was surely wishful thinking on her part, Yamato wasn't a groveler.
What made her the angriest was that she had sworn to herself and all the heavens that she wouldn't let herself stand around and wait for Yamato Ishida any longer. She wasn't going to be this pathetic lovelorn damsel whose entire story revolved around the love and loss of some guy.
She hated that he still had a hold on her.
Hated herself so much because she had went on and on about how she was completely over him now and that she was going to be free of all this boy drama that had bogged down her entire freshman year thus far. She had resigned herself to planning this party and immersing herself in her friends and in herself and sometimes it really did work.
She was able to convince herself she was moving on.
But then there were the moments of quiet introspection that made her realize how incredibly far that was from the truth.
It was almost laughable.
Because if she was completely and candidly honest, even just with herself, there was only one absolute truth to acknowledge.
There was no such thing as getting over him.
Even tonight, with everything being as perfect as it was and meeting her every expectation, she had a growing pit in her stomach from the very start of the night that never went away.
It took her an entire banquet room full of people celebrating only her for her to realize just how much she needed him. How empty every room felt without him. How with every passing second hand tick all she really wished for tonight was for him would come through the door and just wish her a 'Happy Birthday.'
And how pathetic was that?
Part of her really expected him to come, not out of some deluded fantasy that he was going to express his unbidden feelings for her, but because they had always been such good friends. He had never missed an opportunity to wish her at exactly midnight for the duration of their entire long distance friendship.
And he always—always sent her something, small and tokeny that would get there two weeks later than he shipped it but God, the thought counted so much more than any of the expensive gifts she would receive.
And as the minutes ticked by and more and more people filtered in, she got closer and closer to accepting that this time would be different.
Still, she glanced at her phone, there were messages but none from him. So she slipped it back into her gold clutch.
"Hey birthday girl, what's with the look?" Tai sidled over, drink in hand.
"What look?" Mimi quickly smiled. "I'm having the time of my life, it's everything I wanted."
Tai chuckled, "I've told you before that you're a terrible liar, right?" He took a long sip.
Mimi nudged him lightly with her elbow, "Oh stop it, I'm having a great time." She was starting to feel a little bubbly, limbs going a little weightless as the waiter came back with her champagne. "Oh, and also please bring two of the Mimi's" She asked.
Tai let out a laugh, practically spitting out what was in his mouth. "You have your own cocktail?" He groaned. "Don't tell me Akiyama is still dancing on that tightrope for you."
Mimi rolled her eyes, "Hardly. The drink is just for the night." She shushed him. "And anyway, all Ryo did was reserve me the place. But everything else was daddy."
"Ah yes, Princess Mimi, how could I forget?"
"Well, I'd like to think that I've outgrown that phase. But I can still have my day, can't I?"
Tai leaned in, "Looking as good as you do in that dress, you can have whatever you like." He said into her ear.
His low gravelly tone sent a shiver twirling down her spine. "Nice try, Kamiya." She tipped her mouth up to his ear. "But it's not your birthday." She whispered back.
Tai's eyes widened at her cheek. "Careful, princess. Keep talking like that and I'll start to have expectations." He turned his face to look at her.
She didn't realize how close they were until he did that, it had all seemed so innocent until she saw his lips were millimeters from hers. And she didn't pull back right away, his dark gaze holding hers prisoner under the dim fairy lights.
Strong, masculine, chivalrous, self-assured Tai. Who, for the last few weeks, has been her rock and her shoulder to lean on and her best friend when Sora wasn't around and her companion to every party. Tai who had never been able to stand to see her in any sort of discomfort, who tried to save her from everything and keep a smile on her face. Tai, who had never planned a thing a day in his life, but willingly helped her with decor and table settings and decide between linen and cloth napkins when she knew he was bored out of his mind.
And the same Tai who she would never use a rebound or a pawn, or anything that would cheapen the value of what he brought to her life.
A grin broke the seriousness that had taken over his features. "Don't look so conflicted, I'd never make you choose between me and Ishida." He said lightly. "Mostly because it would drive him to suicide when you inevitably picked me and I can't have his blood on my hands if I ever want to go pro." And that was one of the many reasons she loved Tai, his ability to diffuse tension (of any sort) with a joke.
Mimi laughed, "In another lifetime, perhaps." She patted his cheek.
"Yes, in an alternate universe, we would be soulmates."
Her smile broadened, "Soulmates, right." She shook her head, "Oh look! Here they are." She picked two drinks off the tray. "Taichi Kamiya, I present to you, The Mimi." She handed him a glass of swirly pink liquid excitedly.
Tai eyed with with marked suspicion. "It looks very...pink." He held it up, inspecting it from bottom to top.
And oh lord, was that glitter?
"Just try it!"
Reluctantly, he took a small sip and immediately regretted it, but he tried his best to hide how horrible he thought it was for the sheer fact that she was so excited about it.
"How is it? Amazing right?" She clapped.
Tai forced a pained smile. "Uh, yeah. Definitely. It's so...sweet."
"I know, just like me." She beamed. "I asked specifically for it to taste like cotton candy and cherry twizzlers, are you getting that? Take another sip!" She encouraged.
Tai looked around frantically, trying to delay her urging.
"Sora! Wow, look at you!" Tai had never been so grateful to see the redhead, "Did I tell you how absolutely ravishing you look in that skirt?"
Sora looked unamused, "Yes, many times, once in front of Sam, I might add." She deadpanned.
"Right, sorry about that. Here have a 'Mimi', they're delicious." He handed her his glass, ignoring Sora's wide-eyed silent protests.
Mimi sipped on hers happily, "Aren't I just divine?" She closed her eyes.
Sora tipped her glass in a nearby plant, "Heavenly." She internally apologized to the plant.
-x-
Mimi reached on her tiptoes, tapping a familiar figure on the shoulder.
"Hey Dr. Kido. Glad to see you made it." She smiled.
He grinned, adjusting his sweater vest at the bottom. "I shuddered to think what might have happened had I declined." He answered.
She pulled himi in for a hug. "Thanks for coming, I know it wasn't easy." She really did appreciate the effort.
"Just as well, I definitely needed a night out." He admitted and Mimi was sure she could've been knocked over by a feather.
"Ah, so you're finally coming around to the idea that all work and no play etc etc."
He shook his head. "Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves." He said with a wink.
Mimi put a hand on her chest. "And he jokes!" She faked shock. "But...does he drink?" She kinked a brow.
"Oh no, definitely not. I've got to be up at seven in the morning to make it to the hospital for my rotations." He objected heavily.
"C'mon Kido. One drink!" She whined and begged and pleaded all at once. "It won't kill you, it won't even give you a buzz!"
Jyou shook his head. "Not happening, Meems. Get over it." He said firmly.
She crossed her arms over her chest, "Ugh, fine!" She pouted with childish rue.
"I noticed you've been a bit...distracted." He mentioned carefully.
Mimi looked up at him, "What do you mean?" She asked lamely, she knew exactly what he meant.
He gave her a disbelieving look, one that told her she couldn't fool him.
And she had to forcefully remind herself that just because she had moved didn't mean that her friends didn't know who she was at the core of her soul. It was hard to hide anything, especially when she wasn't all that great at concealing her emotions to begin with.
"I just...I just thought someone would be here." She couldn't bring herself to say his name out loud, it would just make her too sad.
Especially since she'd been drinking for a while now.
Jyou nodded, "Yes, the elusive Yamato Ishida." And she knew that it didn't take a genius (even though Jyou was one) to figure that one out.
Mimi just shrugged a shoulder, "I'm sure something came up." She said quietly.
"Oh come on. We both know Yamato is not that fickle. Not even nearly." He said honestly. "I'm sure he'll show up."
Mimi just sipped her drink.
Seeing the shift in her demeanor, Jyou decided to drop the subject. It was her birthday after all, he would hate to sour her mood. "So, how are things…" He asked, eyes wandering.
He had never been much good at pretending.
"How's Sora, you mean?" She raised her brows.
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, unwilling to answer.
"She's good." Mimi told him, "Happy." She added.
He looked relieved, maybe just the tiniest bit sad, but mostly…"I'm glad." He said, a little pull at the corners of his mouth to form a melancholy little smile.
One that really did break her heart.
"You know she loved you so much." She was sure she didn't have to tell him, she wasn't even here for it and she knew.
He pushed up the rim of his glasses, "Yeah, sure." He mentioned softly. "It just wasn't the right time, I guess." But was there really ever a right time for this sort of thing.
Inadvertently, her mind wandered to a certain blonde with eyes to die for (and kill for) and the sobering reality that he probably wasn't coming.
"Does it get easier?" She asked, so soft he craned his neck to hear what she said. "Getting over someone you loved?"
He didn't look at her, instead just stared at Sora and Sam dancing. "Yes." He said with a nod. "And no. I don't know if you ever really get over them. Sometimes...sometimes, you just let them go."
And as much as she hated his answer, she knew she had to hear it.
Suddenly, Mimi was weighed down by an arm around her neck. "Hey, is this a party or a freaking funeral!" Taichi's voice demanded, his other arm around Jyou so the taller boy had to hunch over. "Get these stupid frowns off your faces, we're dancing!"
-x-
When Mimi was dragged off to the bathroom for an impromptu selfie session, she was half past drunk and disorderly.
"I love you guys soooooo much." She careened, hanging off Sora and Kari.
The pixie brunette just chuckled, "We love you too, Mimi." She said happily.
"Love you more, really." Sora joined in.
"You know who doesn't love me though." Mimi started, standing up straight. "Yamato, he totally does not love me." She was talking to her reflection, but behind her both girls pulled their faces into similar frowns.
Sora opened her mouth to say something, but the drunk brunette cut her off. "No, I know what you're gonna say." She said with a finger on Sora's lips. "And it's so dumb, such a stupid boy thing to do. Dumb boy logic and it makes no sense because they make no sense. You know?"
Kari chuckled a little, "Gotta agree with you on that one, sister." She said seriously.
Mimi wobbled to the side, "Woah." She laughed, as Sora steadied her with a hand under her arm.
"Alright, let's just take a seat her for a second." She carefully pushed Mimi down onto the couch in front of the vanity mirror.
"No, no, no! I don't wanna sit!" She said petulantly.
"Hey, look. I'm sitting too." Kari placated. "Seriously, you're doing me a favor right now because these heels, girl, they are no joke." She flipped them off with ease, curling her feet under her legs.
Sora laughed, "Same, let's all just sit for a bit." She plopped down next to the birthday girl.
"But it's such bad hosting skills! What would Miss Manners think!" Mimi argued.
"I suppose that's true. Your mother would probably kill you if she knew how bad of a job you were doing." Sora goaded.
Mimi turned to her sharply. "Oh she totally would!" She giggled. "Let's never go back out." She pushed back into the plush couch, eyes closing for a moment.
Kari threw Sora a grin.
"You know, good riddance anyway."
"Of what?"
"That damn Ishida! That's what!" She suddenly picked her head up, eyes opening wide. "I mean, who does he even think he is, right? The least he could have done was show up tonight. Even Zoe came and she's basically my mortal enemy!" She pouted.
"Isn't Taylor Fujiyama your mortal enemy?" Sora pointed out.
Mimi waved a hand. "Same difference." She said dismissively. "Of all the girls in the world, he had to go for the one girl who is basically prettier than me and has everything all but handed to her and she only wants him coz he was mine first because why should I get anything over her!" The drunk ramblings of a birthday princess…
Kari rubbed Mimi's arm. "You know, Meems. I don't think there's a girl breathing whose prettier than you." She soothed.
"Besides, M. We both know Matt well enough to know that it's all a distraction. This stupid affair with Z is like a huge smoke screen. He doesn't wanna face the reality of you and him and everything that comes with that. So he's hiding."
Mimi sighed, "Yeah I guess." She muttered. "You know I promised myself, and him, that this was it. That I would like get over all this bullshit with him and stop waiting around and stop caring about what he was doing. Who he was with. Wondering why he couldn't just like me the way I like him." She had such limited experience with rejection, she wasn't even sure if she knew how to process it properly.
Part of her was in disbelief, thinking he would show up at her doorstep with apology chocolate and flowers.
But everyday he didn't made her even more sure he wouldn't.
"And I really wanna be strong." She said, sucking in a deep breath. "I'm trying so hard not to be the girl who mopes over a guy, but sometimes I just can't help but miss him so bad." She squeezed back tears that she one hundred percent convinced herself were a product of her drunkness.
Kari ran a hand up and down Mimi's back, "Does that make me weak?" She asked both girls, looking at each in turns.
Kari shook her head, "It just makes you human, Meems." She said sympathetically.
"Yeah, it's not that easy, Mimi." Sora consoled. "Feelings that run so deep, that are rooted in so many different emotions...they don't just go away when you want them too." She said. "And sometimes...they don't go away at all." She added softly.
So soft that both girls almost missed it.
Mimi turned to look at Sora, "Jyou?" She asked, the redhead's amber eyes refusing to meet her own.
"Yes...and no." She ran a hand through her gingered locks. "I don't quite feel anything for him when he's away but when I see him, it all just comes rushing back." She admitted quietly, the guilt in her voice practically palpable.
Kari reached over and put a hand over Sora's. "Hey, you and Jyou had an...epic love. One that was all consuming and crazy intense, it's hard to shake." She had witnessed firsthand how happy Jyou had made Sora and vice versa. "That doesn't make you a bad person." She assured her.
"But doesn't it? If I'm with another guy and I have all these unresolved feelings for someone else?" She chewed her lip, feeling tears prickling at her eyes.
Mimi shook her head, "Sor. You have one of the biggest hearts I have ever known. And I absolutely refuse to believe that just because Jyou still takes up some remote part of it, that you don't have room for someone else." Her mind still felt fuzzy, but she wasn't going to allow Sora to feel like crap over nothing.
Sora blinked in surprise, such coherency from her drunk best friend had been unexpected but she was touched all the same.
"Thank you, guys." Sora leaned in for a group hug, single droplet tears dripping from her eyes.
All three girls laughed in the warm embrace. "And hey, if it makes you feel any better—Dr. Kido was asking about you." Mimi said as they pulled apart.
Sora shook her head, "Please don't tell me that." She groaned. "It's a slippery slope with him—for me at least. I can't let myself go back there, not any time soon."
Mimi nodded, "Got it, no more Jyou updates from now on." She saluted, deciding it was better for Sora if she didn't relay the details of their conversation then.
"Sorry that we've been griping to you in the bathroom, Kar. I'm sure Davis is about to barge in here like a mad man." It wasn't often the two got to spend time together now that Davis was at TU.
"Ah, he's fine. He's got the guys." Kari said with a roll of her eyes. "Besides, with Tai roaming around, he barely even wants to dance with me let alone anything else."
Sora and Mimi laughed, "Yeah, sorry. There's no fix for that." The redhead said dryly.
"Seriously, I would hate to be you, Kari. Tai's kind of a wild card." Mimi echoed.
"To say that least." Kari said begrudgingly, even still the love for him peeking through.
"Alright, we've done enough crying and complaining. I think you have a party to enjoy."
-x-
It was just fifteen minutes to twelve when Mimi glanced at the time. She had been dancing for almost an hour straight, laughing and enjoying herself with Miyako, Kari and Sora. The girls had been the center of the floor. And for the first time that entire night, she wasn't subconsciously waiting for Matt to walk through the door. She was actually having fun, she had even decided to indulge Ryo in a dance or two.
Which was when she felt a familiar touch sweep across her shoulder, her breath practically hitching in her throat.
For some cosmic reason, she was certain of the eyes she would meet when she turned around and it caused her heart to ram against her ribcage.
It hurts to love you...
Suddenly, she was all too sober.
She excused herself from Ryo and turned around, her wide eyed gaze meeting familiar ocean eyes that caused a freight train of emotions to slam into her at record speed.
He was everything she had wanted to see since the night began, in his pressed white shirt tucked into black slacks. His blonde hair carefully tamed for the occasion and the barest hint of a smile on his face.
And then, without any warning, all the feelings she had been having towards him turned into one single emotion: joy. It didn't matter anymore that she had been waiting all night and he had no idea, not when he gave her one of his rare smiles that caused all the ice around her heart to melt into a lukewarm puddle.
She was genuinely happy to see him.
She threw her arms around his neck and he pulled her close by the waist. "Happy Birthday, Mimi." He whispered into her ear, tucking himself into the familiar scent of her hair.
And even though Mimi knew he probably didn't know this, but she had been wishing for those words to come from him all night long.
But I still love you…
"Thank you, thank you." She said a bit breathlessly, "I didn't think you were coming!"
"What!" He yelled over the music.
Mimi opened her mouth before shaking her head, she grabbed him by the hand and lead him off the dance floor. He followed behind her until they found a dark, quiet corner on the opposite end of room.
Away from all the noise and music and people that weren't him and weren't her.
"I didn't think you'd show." She repeated.
He shook his head, "I'd never miss your birthday." He said honestly.
And she really did believe him, but she so desperately wanted to ask him what took so long.
She smiled a shy, unsure smile. "I, I thought that. But I wasn't sure." She admitted.
Matt just pulled her in for another hug, holding her close and hoping to silently remind her that no matter what happened between them he would always be around for moments like these and whenever she happened to need him.
"You look beautiful." He appreciated, "It's unfair, really."
She chuckled, "I wish I could say it didn't take six hours." She said.
"Only six?"
Mimi shoved his shoulder with a grin, "Yeah, well. A girl's birthday only comes once a year." She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Well more than once then it wouldn—" He cut himself off at the unamused glare she was giving him. "Ah, nevermind. On to more mannered subjects, I got you something." He fished in his back pocket, pulling out a square velvet box.
Mimi's eyes widened, "Matt...you didn't."
It's just the way I feel...
"I know it's not much and compared to what you're used to getting by way of jewelry I'm sure it'll be underwhel—
"Shut up and show it to me already!" She interrupted impatiently with a squeal.
He laughed, opening the box, revealing a delicate silver bracelet with a few dangling charms.
"It's beautiful." She gasped, bending over it to get a better look.
"Can I put it on you?" He asked sheepishly.
Her face melted into a sweet smile. "Please." She held out a dainty wrist and he clasped the bracelet on easily.
She examined the charms, intrigued by how they shined and dangled.
The first was a cowboy hat and she laughed as touched it, "Cute." She shook her head.
"Well, I had found that oversized hat of yours so freaking annoying when I first saw it. But it definitely grew on me."
"Oh, so kind of like me."
She moved on to another one, it was of the Empire State Building. She remembered telling him that seeing the New York skyline had been one of the things she had missed most about the place. And it was just so incredibly thoughtful for him to not only remember it but incorporate it into her gift.
The next one made her heart pinch in her chest: a tiny little cactus. Her eyes welled as she touched it, taking a second to allow herself to miss her long lost friend. Out of all the charms on the bracelet, this one was the most special, and she was sure he knew that.
She looked up at him with glittering eyes, fingers still caressing the cactus. She wished she could put into words how much it meant but he just nodded because she really didn't need to say anything at all.
The next charm was a little star and she laughed out loud because she knew this was tied to a time in her life when she had cotton candy hair littered with tiny gold stars. And he had wasted no time making fun of her for it every chance he got. Still, she kept that hair for an entire year partially because she really liked it and slightly just to spite him. And by the end of it, she had gotten him to grudgingly admit that it had been a pretty cool move on her part, even going as far as saying it was kind of rock and roll.
All these things that made up her life that he had seen through the years and remembered enough to put them into something she could hold. And all she could do will herself not to cry because truly she wasn't sure if anyone had ever put so much thought into a gift for her before. She had gotten some really extravagant things over the years and more designer and gold than she could count. But this was more special than all of that.
Because all of these things were uniquely her.
And then there was the last charm, and it took her a second to turn it over to realize what it was. "A wolf." She said out loud.
Matt looked away, a light blush rising in his cheeks.
And for everything that had been hers, this was the one thing he had included that was his and yet she felt it so profoundly. Because everything that made her who she was wasn't complete without a part of him and he knew that.
It hurts to love you…
"I'm never taking it off." She vowed, wishing so desperately she could kiss him right now.
But it was a terrible idea, she was running high on emotions and the night and the sight of him looking so devastatingly handsome.
And, God, he had just given her the absolute best gift in the world (his presence and the charm bracelet, together), standing there in a shroud of schoolboy shyness that she was so unused to seeing on him.
He lowered his hand, a finger ghosting down the edge of her face. She felt her breath catch in her throat, locking eyes with his turbulent gaze as she saw him inching closer.
But I still love you…
It was practically unstoppable, as she fell deeper and deeper into his gravity, every inch of her moving on its own.
Something always brought her right back here and it never took long.
"We shouldn't." He breathed against her lips.
"I know." She closed her eyes. "I don't care." And with that she closed the distance between them, her lips moving against his mouth without hesitation.
It's just the way I feel…
If he had been unsure, he had shaken it in a second because he claimed her confidently and passionately pouring every unsaid word into her open mouth. He should have been concerned that there was a party raging on around them, that anyone could see, but he didn't give a damn.
She was here and she was real and she meant the world to him.
And the revelation hit him not nearly as hard as he had expected to, more like a feather light push that knocked him on his butt.
He loved this girl, he loved her.
A hand snaked around her waist, his fingertips grazing the exposed flesh of her back. He groaned deep in his throat, the smoothness of her skin immediately causing him to pull her against him—rough and controlling.
Then he pulled away suddenly. "You're drunk." He said flatly.
All the euphoria from seconds ago all but washed away as he tasted the alcohol on her tongue. He felt disgusted with himself for the idea of taking advantage of her while she wasn't in her right mind. It was inexcusable.
She looked offended, insulted even. "I'm not drunk!" She argued vehemently. "I've had a few drinks, sure and at some point I was drunk, hello, it's my birthday." She said with a dumbfounded look on her face. "But I'm not drunk now." She repeated with emphasis.
"You don't know that. I'm not going to take advantage of you." He shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Are you crazy, do you really think that after everything this would be anything less than consensual?" She demanded.
"If you're not sober then, yes, Mimi." He said sternly. "I won't do this with you, not like this."
"As if this is the first drunken makeout we've had and I don't remember you complaining much then." She narrowed her eyes at him.
He winced at the accusation, "I was drunk then too and before you say anything, it does matter, okay? Maybe it didn't then but it does now. I need you to be totally sure, I don't want it any other way, Mimi." He touched her cheek.
Mimi sighed, "Whatever. Timing's never right with us anyway." She said, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice and failing. "Thanks for the gift, Matt. It really is gorgeous."
"Anything for you, Mimi." He had only just thought about stepping closer to her when suddenly the music shut off and the clock shone midnight as a spotlight found Mimi.
Before he had the ability to do anything, she had backed up a few steps and then she was surrounded by all their friends and the rest of the party, Sora and Kari bringing out a large two tiered cake with light pink frosting and gold decoration, the words "Happy Birthday Mimi!" written in an elegant glittering gold script. Sparklers were put in the cake as candles and then the entire room broke into a rousing chorus of happy birthday.
And as she blew out her candles, she looked up to find his blue eyes and yet they had disappeared into the sea of people.
And I'd be lying, if I kept hiding
The fact that I can't deal
And that I've been dying…
For something real
-x-
She had only just blown out her candles, the cake being taken back to the kitchen to be cut and served. She had been swarmed and ushered back to the dancefloor when the music came to a screeching halt once again. Mimi turned sharply to the DJ booth which, even with the dark shadow cast across it, looked unoccupied. She opened her mouth to ask why this was, when a spotlight shown on the stage.
Kari was standing next to her, Miyako and Daisuke right behind. "What's going on…" She didn't finish, her finger still lifted pointing at the stage.
Sora was at the microphone, "Oh, wow. That's bright." She put a hand above her eyes. "Whew, alright well, this is the first time I've done something like this so please uh just bare with me." She felt lightheaded, after one too many Mimi's (she knew she should have cut herself off when they started tasting...decent) she wasn't sure she should be on stage.
But the crowd started clapping for her and so many people cheered her name. "So, I just wanted to say a few words about the birthday girl, I know, I know, it's cheesy but…" Her eyes fell on the brunette beauty who gave her a stunning smile.
"Mimi is my very best friend. She is funny and smart and so incredibly beautiful. I mean, she comes into a room and she just shines. So big and so bright." She started, looking right at Mimi who immediately felt herself tearing. "But often times what people don't see, is the girl underneath the perfect hair and beauty beyond compare. The girl who is compassionate like no one else I've ever known—I mean she will literally drop everything she has going on for a friend in need. She's honest and sincere and always unequivocally herself during a time when that's about the hardest thing to do. And among so many other things, the girl who I am so very fortunate to call not just my best friend, but my sister. So tonight, like most every night, is your night and I hope you are having the most amazing time. I love you." She raised a glass to Mimi who held tears in her eyes.
There was a lot of applause, and Sora sheepishly took a bow. "Okay, without further ado, I present to you…" The backlights turned on behind her, "For one night and tonight only, The Teenage Wolves!"
Mimi blinked her eyes rapidly, as the entire room erupted in cheers and screams. Sora bounded off the stage and made a beeline for Mimi. The brunette threw her eyes around her best friend. "Sora, you did not have to say all that." She gushed, a few tears rolling down her cheeks.
Sora held her tight, "Of course I did, and I meant it." She said giddily.
Mimi pulled away, hands on Sora's shoulders. "And oh my God, tell me you didn't actually get them! How did you pull this off!" She shrieked.
"I had to sell my soul to him, that Ishi-devil drives a hard bargain and I was still not totally sure he would show but I think deep down he would have never missed your birthday."
Mimi didn't have time to respond as Matt finally came to the mic. "I'm Yamato Ishida and we are The Wolves!"
"Guess he dropped the Teenage." Sora muttered.
But Mimi barely heard her, glassy eyed and completely enamored—she couldn't take her gaze off him.
"Alright, well." He said over the crowd. "Before we begin, I just wanted to say, it's our honor—my honor, to play for you guys tonight. And for the birthday girl." His eyes fell on her and she could have sworn she had stopped breathing. "And since it is Mimi's night, I think it's only appropriate that the first song of the night should be exclusively for her." For as stoic as he was, Yamato was a natural on stage.
She forgot how incredibly at home he looked with a guitar around his neck and a microphone in front of him.
"How about you guys should join me in singing a great big happy birthday to our resident princess!" He instructed the drummer to count out three beats.
And then the entire room erupted in a huge chorus of Happy Birthday and Mimi was too entranced by him to be mortified because all she could do was stare.
"Let's get Mimi to the front, alright?"
Sora and Kari wasted no time ushering her to foot of the stage, and suddenly she was looking into his endless ocean eyes.
Mimi felt a familiar swoop in her stomach as her heart began to hammer, why did she ever thought that this was a good idea. It was hard enough to resist him under normal circumstances, but damn that Ishida when he had a guitar—she didn't stand a chance.
The first chords on his guitar and she was practically quaking and then his lips grazed the microphone and she wondered for the millionth time what she had been thinking especially when she had been drinking all night and all she could do was think back to stolen moments under a starry sky and beneath dim kitchen lights.
And his voice was like honey and wine, sweetness and sin.
She found her body swaying, her lips moving, her eyes glistening because no matter what happened, she would never be able to look away from him when he was singing. And he couldn't take his eyes off her.
And somewhere in the back of her mind she chalked up the serenade to her birthday, but a much bigger part of her was swept up in the magic.
"They're so good!" Someone said from behind her.
"They used to play venues in Odaiba all the time!"
"I heard they had a record deal on the table but it fell through last minute."
"And then they disbanded."
Mimi felt her hand running through her ponytail, her body moving along with the syncopated rhythm, before dragging a hand down her chest and over her waist, feeling the weight of the bracelet he got her all the way down.
And when their gazes locked, a seductive glint in her eye as her tongue darted out to wet her lips she could have sworn he almost missed a beat.
A smirk fell across her face as he swiftly averted his eyes off her.
-x-
By the time they were on their last song, Mimi felt like she was on cloud nine. All she could think about was him, and his hands and that mouth and how both of those had been on her skin once.
And suddenly she wasn't thinking straight, she wasn't thinking at all. All she could daydream about was being under him.
"For our last song, I wanted to play something I wrote a couple years ago. Maybe you'll recognize it. At the time, I didn't think I had written it for anyone in particular." He said into the crowd.
All the girls swooning and the boys, while envious, still sticking around because they were entertained by the band's talent.
"But I do now."
Mimi wished desperately he would meet her eyes then, so she would know if he was talking about her or if she was just imagining it all, swept up in the magic and melody of the night. She knew not to get her hopes up high, she was used to them crashing down around her these days. And more likely than not, Matt was just saying all these things in part to woo the crowd and in part because it was her birthday and he probably felt slightly obligated.
Still the kiss they had shared tingled on her lips.
The drummer counted out the beats, Matt began to play a guitar intro.
The solo lasted over a minute and it was one she didn't recognize, naively assuming that it was a song that they hadn't played often.
But she quickly realized that wasn't the case, her friends were all nodding along in familiarity along with other people who had been to the band's shows when they were still together.
"I love this one!" A girl whispered excitedly somewhere behind her.
"One of their best song, they always used to close with this one!"
His voice began low, the words a little breathy and velvet soft.
She saw Sora mouthing the words and all around her little flashlights from phones began to sway back and forth until the entire floor was lit in tiny fairy lights.
No one else will know these lonely dreams
No one else will know that part of me.
And by the time the beginning chorus line kicked in, practically the entire room was screaming the words back at him.
It was my turn to decide
I knew this was our time
No one else will have me like you do
No one else will have me, only you
Tai had pushed his way through the crowd, wedging himself between Sora and Mimi, draping his arms over the girls and giving an appreciative grin to this best friend on stage. He too was singing along, practically yelling the words enthusiastically.
You'll sit alone forever
If you wait for the right time
What are you hoping for?
In this moment, she had never felt more complete. Because as amazing as the party had been, this was all she had really wanted. Her best friends beside her and everything in its right place.
I'm here and now I'm ready
Holding on tight
Don't give away the end
The one thing that stays mine
And maybe everything would go to shit tomorrow as it often did, but tonight she was happy.
-x-
A/N: HELLO! To say it's been a while would be an understatement, wouldn't it? Well, it has been quite a while. Life never really stops for anyone does it, someone really should have warned me that becoming an adult just means a never ending list of responsibilities that keeps growing with every year you grow older (joy) Anyway, enough about that.
I've actually written FOUR OR FIVE different versions of this chapter before finally settling on this one. Some of these scenes were from my original draft but most aren't, I must've scrapped this chapter and started over a million times. I don't know, something wasn't sitting right. And originally I had something so much more dramatic and juicy written out for this, but it just felt like too much so I mellowed it out.
I'm not like a hundred percent satisfied with this, I don't know why really but it's the best it'll be because after all the edits and revisions this is what I've come up with. I came to the conclusion that instead of just letting this rot on my hard-drive, I just need to post it and move on to the next one and hope for better muses lol.
Anyway, let me know how you guys like it! And forgive me for being such a slowpoke with these updates, I have to find my rhythm again.
The Reviews:
Kdesir228: Hi! Well, I updated. Hope you liked what you read! Let me know your thoughts on this chapter, I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Guest (1): Here's the update you asked for! Hope it's not too late and up to expectations! Leave me a review and let me know what you thought :)
Guest (2): Oh my, I'm so sorry I took so long updating. It wasn't planned. As you can see by my long winded monologue, I ran into some creative issues along the way, such is the life of an author. I hope you aren't too disappointed with my lack of timeliness and you continue to support my work! Thanks for the review, hope to hear from you soon!
Firefly Gold Sky: Hi! Thanks so much for the review, first and foremost. The closet scene was a favorite of mine to write, it was one of those scenes that wrote itself. The intensity and everything, and of course the angst is also my favorite way to write Mimato as well. I was hoping that part would come across as deeply emotional and a little complicated, so I'm happy to know that's how it was received.
I get what you mean about the reviews and the lack of traffic for the fandom (which sucks) but I feel like there are still some really great authors on here that peak their head out every now and again and it's always good to read new stuff. I think I read your latest fic (I believe I reviewed it) and it was really sweet. The one of Mimi being with Tai while Matt twiddled his thumbs until he realized he couldn't lose her forever (right?) LOL, very good concept. I enjoyed it.
Well, I hope you liked the chapter, let me know your thoughts! Hope to hear from you soon :)
Hozjanivan252: Hi! Thank you so much for you review and your constant support, it means a lot more than I can convey. Definitely motivates me to keep writing and updating, so thanks :D I hope Mimi's birthday party did fix some things between them (Or did they?) I have so much trouble giving MImato a happy ending, I just want them to be angst ridden and unrequited forever LOL. Taichi is my favorite to write, I always say this, but it's because I can take so many creative liberties with him and still keep him in character. I just have always loved his character and the Michi dynamic (friendship or relationship) is always so much fun to explore because they really are so alike at times. So much more lighthearted and jokey than mimato. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even though the update came very late. Please let me know your thoughts! I'd love to hear from you soon.
Maydayparade: Hi. I love reviews like yours because I never quite know what the linearity of this story is when it's read in one go, so it's reassuring to know that it still makes sense when you read it all at once LOL. That it's not just a bunch of rambling thrown together.
Aww, your comments about how you relate to the situation Mimi is going through really warmed my heart. It's so crazy how many of us went through something like this at one time or another. I'm so happy I can write something that makes someone feel better about their situation even it's just momentarily. I've read so many reviews saying the same thing that you are and I feel like it's such a universal concept, so much more than I ever thought. I wish everyone luck in the romance department, falling for a friend is really hard. And OMG it's SOOOO cute and sweet that you find my story with my real life husband inspiring. It did all work out for us in the end (but make no mistake, we went THROUGH IT to get here) and I hope whatever you're going through works out for the best too :)
I can kind of see what you mean about the mimato friendship being more in name than concept and I will definitely take your suggestions into consideration, how best to implement and all that because I can see you have a point. Thank you for the constructive criticism, it's ALWAYS appreciated. We can all use feedback to get better.
Thank you once again for your kind words and your review, I was truly touched. I hope to hear from you again!
21: Haha, thanks for the review. I'm glad you're liking the story! Thank you for supporting my writing, let me know your thoughts on this chapter!
Isabel Nightray: Hi girrrrrrrl! Long time ;) How are ya? Hope everything is goooood!
THE TAI PART WITH THE ALIENS LOL literally IDK where it came from but I just had to write it and I was literally laughing the entire time.
Well, you said you wanted to see the party so here's a whole chapter on just the party LOL. Hopefully it's good. Yama's band was something I'd been wanting to incorporate for a while, just needed a good reason to do it. The moon scene was actually also one of my favorite parts to write, I just felt like it gave a layer of depth to the friendship that was otherwise glossed over.
Ah yes, the closet. I feel like everyone really enjoyed that part and I'm really glad. The intense, kind of angsty moments are what I live for (you know this) so the closet was definitely a culmination of everything finally coming to a head in this super confined space where Yama couldn't avoid having the conversation any longer. I'm so glad you liked that part and I'm glad it felt real, I tried my best to make it seem as real as possible when I was writing it. I wanted it to come across as something really relatable, regardless of who was reading it. Thank you soooo much for reading and always reviewing. You're the best. I can't wait to hear what you thought of the party :D Hope to hear from you sooon!
Raycel: Hi! Thank you for the review! I'm so happy you liked the previous chapter, it's so good to hear! I hope this chapter was equally pleasing and I'd love to hear what you thought of it! Let me know what you thought!
Angelic Moonlight: Hi. Well, you had to wait past christmas for this one, huh LOL. I'm so glad you liked the previous chapter! It was really fun to write, when I think back on it. It was really a build up of emotions coming to a head last time and I'm glad it's being received so well. Writing all those intense emotions can be tricky and a bit draining HENCE TAICHI AND HIS ALIEN CONSPIRACY THEORIES LOL.
Ugh, I miss the mimato so bad. I feel like there's a serious drought, hope the fandom picks up again for the summer when people have a little more free time? I hope you get the time to write something soon! I'd love to read something new from you :) DUDE I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU ABOUT YOUR EXAMS! That's so awesome! I hope you continue to do well, I'm rooting for you 100%
Thanks for the review as always, I can't wait to hear what you thought of this chapter!
Okay so that's the end of the reviews! Thank you to everyone who continues to support this story and everyone who reads it! It means the absolute world to me that you guys keep up with my inconsiderate updates and you've stuck with me for so long (ELEVEN FREAKING YEARS HOLY) I hope you're all well and that I get your thoughts on this chapter! It's currently really late at night and I'm delirious (per usual) so sorry if none of this makes sense.
Song(s) mentioned: 23 by Jimmy Eat World
13 Beaches by Lana Del Rey
**Mimi's dress inspo: if anyone is interested in seeing it, since I can't link it, just type in: rose gold sequin choker dress. It should be the first one that comes up, it's off a website called pretty little thing. (It's basically the exact dress except without the choker part)
Thanks for all the love and support!
Happy reading!