A/N: Wow, thanks to all the reviews. Your comments were so encouraging on the last part. I'm glad you all liked part 1, but I hope you'll like this part better. =) Just letting you know, this will be a kinda depressing fanfic I know I usually don't write stuff like that, but let's just say the ending will not be that happy. If you want me to write an alternative ending, I'd be happy to do it if everyone wants it. But anyway, Taiora rocks! BTW, you might recognize some of the characters here from my other fics. Guess what! Pierre is back!! Muahahahah ::cough:: ::cough:: so is Bianca. I don't know why, but I just love them. ^_^;; or maybe I'm not feeling very creative sooo I used my old characters. ^_^;; This HAS NOTHING to do with any of my fics. This is a completely new fanfic. if you don't know what I'm talking about, don't worry about it. Mimato fans, there's another Mimato moment here, if you care to know. ^_~
To anyone who's still waiting for "Of Roses and Bayonets", there is a preview below this fic, if you're interested. ^-^ This fanfic is also gonna end up as a taiora. Just letting you know. ^-^;;
Short recap: On the last part, Sora got drunk, and Kari stayed to talk to her. ^-^
Do you Remember Loving me?
Part 2:
By Kristine
- "Dreaming of Him"
"Sora, can you hear me?"
Sora struggled to focus her eyes. The figure still looked fuzzy as she squinted at her company. She could easily tell by the sound of his voice that he was a guy. A really familiar guy. Sora blinked a few times until her vision gradually returned back to normal. The guy looked at Sora, his brown eyes looked concerned, but when realizing she was finally alright his lips curled up into a smile.
"Sora it's me Tai"
Tai? No way!
Sora jumped back in alarm at the mention of her fiancée's name. She stared at the guy who claimed to be Tai for a while, looking at him from head to toe. He was wearing these blue T-shirt and black jeans. There was no doubt about it. It was Tai all right.
But she refused to believe it.
"No." Sora said in a firm tone as she shook her head at the same time. "No. You're wrong! Tai is gone! He left Japan a long time ago!"
"But Sora it's me"
"No! You're not Tai! I don't believe you!" she screamed, looking away from the imposter. "Get away from me!"
Sora kneeled down to her knees, holding her head as she became aware of its throbbing agony. "Leave me alone you imposter!" she screamed.
She felt his presence as he neared her. "Sora! Wake up!" the guy shook her violently.
"Don't touch me!" Sora yelled.
"Sora!" the voice called out to her again. This time it sounded closer.
"I said leave me alone!" Sora shot back.
"Sora! Wake up!" the voice sounded so close to her ear now, and it didn't even sound like Tai at all.
"No!"
She felt somebody shaking her once again, and this time Sora opened her eyes. "I said no!"
Sora blinked in disbelief. She had been expecting the imposter next to her but instead Kari was the one with her all along. She looked around and realized that she was still in the ladies bathroom. She tried to get up to her feet but failed immediately.
Kari shook her head. "I'm glad you woke up. You're gonna be okay now"
Sora sighed and touched her forehead lightly. Had she been dreaming? What happened? She remembered drinking, and then she felt hot, and she remembered TK, Davis, and Kari. She shook her head and turned to the girl. "Yeah can I lie down for a while?"
"That wouldn't be a good idea. You're just gonna fall back to sleep again if you do." Kari answered.
Sora didn't reply. She had to admit to that Kari got a point there. She really didn't want to have that dream again. The redhead rested her cheek above her knees and thought for a while. Kari then bent down and looked at Sora.
"Hey Sora" she whispered. "What were you dreaming about?"
Sora's eyes averted back to Kari and then looked away quickly. "It's not important."
Kari raised an eyebrow. "But you were calling out my brother's name."
Sora's gaze quickly returned back to Kari and suddenly looked sad. "Y-yeah I dreamed about your brother" her voice trailed off and then there was silence. Kari said nothing so Sora continued. "I really miss him, but I can't do anything about it right now"
Kari nodded her head in sympathy. She could probably understand what Sora was going through right now. In fact, she was going through the same thing. She let her mind drift for a while as she thought about her lost brother. How was she supposed to tell Sora the truth? How? When she was also carrying the same burden? Kari took a deep long breath. She should definitely tell her now. It was time that Sora face the truth. That way she had nothing to hide. She hated keeping secrets from her friend. Especially from someone whom Tai really loved the most.
Kari locked her gaze to Sora's eyes. "Sora my brother h-he's Tai came back." She choked out. Kari blinked her moistened eyes. She could see Sora's growing questioning eyes. Sora opened her mouth but nothing came out.
"Sora" the girl wiped away her tears. She hated doing this. She hated saying this, but she had to. After all, she'd kept this secret for months now. It was only fair. "He he's I'm afraid he's not doing great, Sora."
"Wha--"
"He got into an accident while he was on his way back home. It happened last month. Tai came back to Japan from America. We didn't know he was coming back. I think he was planning to surprise us. He took a cab to get home, but then he never made it. He got into a car crash. He can't move his legs any longer. Tai has been paralyzed. And now he's been sitting home feeling sorry for himself I don't know what to do with him anymore but--"
"No way!" Sora cut her off. Tears were flowing now, she shook her head. No way. She refused to believe it. No. Not Tai. "That's not possible, Kari! Tai is strong! I don't believe it. He would've contacted me! W-why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Kari lowered her gaze. "I'm not finished yet I wanted to tell you sooner but I just wanted to wait." Her voice was trembling when she said that. That wasn't everything she still had a lot of secrets that she was hiding from Sora.
Sora tried to get up to her feet, but only fell back on the floor. "Tai! I must get there! Tai needs me."
"Sora please!" Kari grabbed her shoulders. "Please, you must rest."
Sora shook her head. "Right but Tai" her voice trailed off. Right now, she felt even sicker after hearing about her fiancée's tragic story. But what she did not understand was the fact that Tai never at all contacted her since he returned. She couldn't understand that at all. Does Tai still love me? She shook her again at the question.
"Don't worry about him. He's alive." Kari assured her. "You can come to my house tomorrow and visit him if you want."
Right. He probably didn't want to see her anymore. But Sora decided to shrug the thought off and nodded. "Sure I'd like that. Thanks Kari."
V. "Trouble"
"Kelly, you alright?" Mimi placed a reassuring hand on her friend. Kelly nearly jumped up, startled by her presence. Realizing that it was only Mimi, she looked relieved. She laughed nervously and nodded her head, trying to hide her fright from Mimi.
"Yeah, I'm alright," Kelly replied softly. "How's Sora doing?"
Mimi sat next to her friend. "I don't know, but I'm sure she'll be alright." She looked around the bar and then turned back to Kelly. "Where's Matt? Did he abandon you?"
Kelly chuckled. "No. I told him I'd be alright alone."
Mimi chuckled and glanced at her watch. It was already late, and she still had to cram on her Psychology midterm. Sighing, she looked over at Kelly, who was staring at her own drink. Kelly suddenly froze in alarm as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn't move, but remained in her seat, eyes wide open.
"Pierre?" Mimi frowned as she saw Kelly's cousin standing behind them. Pierre was Kelly's super rich cousin. Spoiled and self-centered, he treats everyone as if they were just a piece of dirt beneath his feet. He always thought highly of himself. Mimi wondered how his fiancée could even put up with him.
Kelly nervously turned to look at her cousin. "Uhh hey Pierre" she mumbled, her voice trembling.
Pierre shook his head looking disappointed at Kelly. "Your father is worried sick about you, Kelly. You know you're not allowed to go to a bar." He said it in a sharp tone.
Kelly rose to her feet, avoiding Mimi's gaze. "R-right!! You're right. I-I'm sorry, Pierre. Is my father--"
"He's very upset," Pierre cut her off as he put his hands inside his pockets. "You'd better come with me right now."
"I-I can't! I gotta drive Mimi and Sora back home first!" Kelly replied hastily.
Pierre turned to look at Mimi who was staring back at Pierre. He quickly returned his gaze back to his cousin. "We've got no time for another argument." He pulled Kelly away from the counter by grabbing onto her arm. "Let's go!"
"Pierre! Let go of me!" Kelly screeched, causing the whole people to turn their heads.
"Pierre, stop it!" Mimi shouted as she ran after them. "Pierre!"
Pierre gazed back to Mimi with a frown in his face. "You're a bad influence, Tachikawa. I thought you were better than that."
Why this devil he makes me sick! Mimi thought in fury. Honestly, how could he even do that to his own cousin? Embarrassing her like this? She watched as Pierre forcefully dragged Kelly to the exit door.
"Kelly!" Mimi called, running after them.
She suddenly came to a halt when Pierre's fiancée, Bianca, stepped in the way. She was wearing her usual red lipstick and her favorite black dress. "Mimi please!" Bianca told her.
"Bianca!" Mimi exclaimed. "What do you think you're doing?"
Bianca rolled her eyes. "This kind of place just does not suit Kelly, I'm afraid. Pierre is just trying to protect her."
"Maybe so, but did he really have to drag her out of here?!" Mimi retorted.
"Pierre had no other choice. Kelly wouldn't have listened otherwise."
"Argh, you're so full of crap!" Mimi yelled in rage. She hated seeing her friends being treated like that.
Bianca turned away. "Maybe I'll go talk to him" she said before she disappeared.
"You're damn right you will!" Mimi shouted at nobody in particular.
"Excuse me?"
Not now, dammit, I'm busy. Mimi turned to look with an annoyed expression in her face. "What?!" she yelled but then her anger quickly melted away when she realized who it was. Kari, Sora, and Matt were there, looking at her in confusion. Mimi decided to laugh it all off. "Oh, hi guys! Sora, you okay now?"
Sora bit her lower lip, remembering her conversation with Kari ten minutes ago. She didn't answer but she quickly just looked away to the other direction. Mimi reminded herself to ask Sora about it when they get back home.
"Where's Kelly?" Matt finally asked.
Again, Mimi's anger returned to her. "Her cousin picked her up here" she answered, trying to sound cool. She didn't feel like explaining to them what just happened. That was the last thing she wanted to discuss.
"What? But then how are we supposed to get home now?" Sora wondered.
"No idea" Mimi admitted.
Matt raised an eyebrow. "Hey, I'll give you guys a ride back home." He volunteered.
Mimi's eyes lit up. "Great! Thanks Yama!"
Matt blushed at her remark. "Uh no problem"
Mimi giggled and quickly slid her arms around his. "Alright! Let's get going!"
Sora shook her head. Then she remembered her talk with Kari earlier. She just couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to see Tai right now. She couldn't believe what Kari had told her. Tai paralyzed? It just couldn't be! It's not possible! Maybe she heard it all wrong.
"Hey Sora, come on."
She looked up, startled. She then realized that Matt and Mimi were waiting for her. Sora turned back to Kari who seemed to be avoiding her gaze. She looked back to Mimi and Matt. "Sorry" she whispered and followed after them.
Kari sighed in relief, happy to know that her mission was done. It had been hard telling Sora the bad news, but it had to be done. She lowered her gaze and stared at her shoes. Although her mission here was done, the worst was yet to come.
VI. "My Best Friend"
Mimi forced herself to open her eyes only to be blinded by the shining sun through the window. Yawning, she curled up in her bed and shut her eyes. She was tired. And she knew that it was still to early to get up. A smile played on her lips, recalling her night with Ishida. She couldn't believe how she flirted with him last night. It was way too obvious. But as Mimi continued to smile, she couldn't help but remember how Matt's eyes twinkled for her.
Giggling, Mimi finally forced herself to get up from bed. She yawned again as she stretched out her arms and made her bed. Perhaps she might as well check on Sora and see how she was doing. That girl was a cheap drunk, she thought, and Mimi just sighed and shook her head.
Mimi left her bedroom and headed down the stairs. She could hear the soft murmurs of the radio as she descended from the stairs. Sora usually listen to the radio every morning. When she finally got to the living room, she was surprised to find the place completely empty. Only Sora's pajamas remained on the couch, as well as her Mickey Mouse slippers. Mimi's brows furrowed and she hastily checked the kitchen.
"Sora?"
But the redhead wasn't there either. Mimi silently observed the kitchen as if looking for clues to where Sora had gone off. But yet she found nothing. She clasped her hands, getting more worried.
"Sora!" she ran from the kitchen, yelling everywhere the house. She could probably still be in the bathroom, since she was still sick. But unfortunately, Sora was not in the house.
"Where on earth could that girl be?" Mimi muttered as she finally gave up on her search. She sat on the couch, thinking. Perhaps she had not been paying that much attention to her best friend. Mimi banged her fist on the seat, suddenly feeling guilty. Sora had totally gone nuts without Tai. She had been crazy since Tai had left. Ever since Tai's departure, Sora only occupied herself with her own cigarette and caffeine. Her usual diet had suddenly changed into a poorer one, and yet Mimi had done nothing about it. Mimi was the only one who could've protected her from all her troubling thoughts. And last night, the only she she'd done was flirt with Matt. She shook her head, feeling disgusted on what she'd done to Sora last night.
She immediately got up. Now her mind was all set. She was going to find Sora. Her only best friend. This was probably the only way to bring her old friend back the way she used to be. She gotta talk to her and tell her to move on. With Tai or without it doesn't matter. After all, she still has her own friends
Mimi found her way out to the door when she felt a soft crunch beneath her foot. She bent down to pick up a tiny note from the floor with Sora's familiar handwriting written on it. The paper was all crumpled as if it belonged to the garbage. Mimi didn't hesitate to uncrumple it and read what Sora had written.
Mimi,
If you ever find this note, I might as well let you know that I went to see Tai today. Did I tell you? He came back a while ago I know I should be happy, but Anyway, isn't that cool?
From,
Sora
Mimi bit her lower lip and pocketed Sora's note. So Tai was finally back How come nobody else knew about it?
- "Remember"
The door finally opened and she was greeted by Kari. Sora forced a smile before she came in. She heard the familiar door shutting behind her, and Sora knew there was no way out of this. She had to face him. Tai. Her Tai.
"I'm so glad you could make it this morning," Kari told her as she led Sora to the living room. "I was afraid that you'd still be sick."
Sora shook her head. "Oh no! I'm fine now." Please Kari, just get this over with. Bring me to Tai. She wanted to say those words out loud, but she decided against it.
"Have a seat," Kari said. "Did you eat yet?"
"Yes, I did. Thank you." Sora replied, sitting down.
Kari smiled. "Alright"
Sora sighed. "So where's Tai?" she asked.
She looked at her for a while as if she wanted to say something, but then she forced a smile at Sora. "Um yeah, well, okay I'll take you to him" she whispered reluctantly. Kari headed to the door to Tai's room, and Sora slowly followed behind her.
"Uh, look, Kari, if he's still asleep, I can wait" Sora told her.
Kari held the doorknob but she paused at what Sora had said. She slowly looked at her, trying her best to hide her guilt in her eyes. "It's okay" she said softly. "I've been hiding him from you long enough. I think it's only fair."
Sora opened her mouth to answer, but shut it close when Kari opened the door. Sora quietly stepped inside Tai's bedroom. She welcomed its old familiar smell. It was his smell. She had not smelled it in a long time. Remembering that smell, Sora suddenly felt lonely again. It just seemed like she and Tai had never seen each other for so long, but it was only for months.
The room was dark and it seemed empty. But Kari continued inside the room. "Tai?" Kari whispered in the dark room. "Tai? Are you awake?" she hissed.
"Yeah, turn on the lights I'm awake" Tai replied.
Sora nearly gasped at his voice. That was the voice that she wanted to hear for so long. It was his voice. Tai's voice. It finally came to life. And he was actually here, breathing the same air as her. This was no dream this time. It was for real.
Squinting, Sora tried to look for the source of the voice. She couldn't easily make out Tai in the dark. But when Kari turned on a lampshade, she saw him. What she saw didn't exactly satisfy her. Instead, her heart sank at the bottom of her lungs. There he was alright He was silent and not moving. Tai was staring out the window, which was closed. His back was on her, and he was sitting on a wheelchair. Kari was right after all. He really was She shook her head, not wanting to think about it any longer. She was here with Tai now, and that was all that matters. Even though he was paralyzed his entire life, she would definitely love him forever. Of course it wouldn't be same anymore, but still Tai was here.
"Tai?" she managed to speak. She still find it hard to believe that she was actually there with him. She slowly took a step toward him. Sora was so close to him now, but she resisted the urge to run up to him and hug him. Something was definitely wrong. Something seemed different.
Kari walked up to Sora and nodded her head. She then stood near the door. But she remained there. Sora made her way to Tai until she was close enough to touch his brown hair. "Tai p-please look at me" Sora whispered.
Without another word, Tai slowly wheeled his chair around, and placed his eyes on Sora. Sora's eyes moistened with tears. She could not believe it. Tai was actually right there! He didn't look any different at all. He was still as handsome since the time he had left for America. But as Sora returned his gaze, her heart began to pound nervously when she saw the look in his face. His expressions were hard to read, but he was looking at her carefully. "D-do I know you?" he asked.
Tai's words shot right through Sora's heart. Did she hear him right? Or was she just dreaming it? But she knew the answer as she noticed Tai waiting for an answer. No. Not now It can't be. She blinked back tears, her jaw dropped open, and she gave Tai a pleading gaze. "Tai" Sora choked out. She knelt down in front of him. "Don't you know who I am? It's me Sora! How could you forget who I am?" Tears streamed down her cheeks. This can't be right. She really didn't want to cry any longer. That was the last thing she ever wanted to do. She had enough crying already when he was gone, but now No. This time her tears were different. Her tears were for real this time. How could Tai forget his own fiancée? They had been through so much. He just couldn't dump all those memories away.
Sora felt Kari's hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it off. "Tai! How can you do this to me? I've been waiting for your return I've been waiting for you forever. How can you just forget me like this?" Sora cried.
"I'm sorry, Sora," Kari whispered.
Sora shook her head. Now she knew the reason why Tai hadn't called. His memories were erased somehow. Sora couldn't believe it. It wasn't fair. It was not fair
"Tai, this is Sora," Kari introduced. "Um well I think you two should get to know each other" her voice trailed off when she met Sora's gaze. Then Kari stood up and finally left the room.
"Are you alright, Sora?" Tai asked her, looking worried.
Sora wiped her tears away and forced a smile. Nodding her head, she replied, "Yeah! I'm okay thanks Tai"
Tai smiled warmly. "That's good. I hate to see a girl looking so sad."
She nodded and sat on a bed and faced him. "So you're okay now?" It was awkward for Tai to treat her as if she were a stranger. But she knew that she had to help him remember somehow. There must be a way for Tai to remember his love for her.
Tai nodded. "I think so" he replied. Then he looked away quickly.
Sora said nothing more as if waiting for him to continue. There was a long silence, and Sora realized that he wasn't gonna continue. "So um Tai"
"Sora" Tai whispered more to himself. He then steadied his gaze on her. Sora held her breath and returned his gaze. "That's a beautiful name."
She blushed, and for the first time she was grateful that it was dark. "Uh umm" she fumbled for words.
But Tai smiled and wheeled his wheelchair closer to her. "Sora tell me more about yourself."
==end of part 2==
"Mimi, what are you talking about?" Tai asked, his eyes full of questions. He placed both his hands on either side of Mimi's shoulders. He shook her body to try to wake Mimi who had been staring at Tai blankly. "Mimi! Wake up!"
"Tai" her voice was a whisper.
Tai placed his right hand over her forehand. "You're so cold! I've got to get you inside right away!" He got up to his feet and gently helped Mimi up. Tai took off his robe and put it on Mimi just anything to keep her warm.
"Tai don't leave please" Mimi sputtered. She had no idea why she just said that, but somehow as Tai held her like that, she felt safe and sound. It felt so right, too right. The last time she felt like this was when was it anyways?
Tai put his arms around her tighter. "I'm right here. I won't leave" he replied. Something, some voice, was telling him to protect her. Well, if my dream told me to help her, then I will he thought. Tai led her back inside and the two walked down the empty corridor. He stole a quick glance at her. Mimi. Just when did I hear that name? I feel like I know this girl but I don't remember howhe sighed and concentrated on walking. There was this familiar tingling sensation overwhelming him once again.
"Agumon!" Tai called out as they passed by his bedroom.
A yellow mini dinosaur appeared. "Tai, what happened?" he asked.
"Where are Matt and Gabumon and Palmon?" Tai asked his digimon. "Mimi's not feeling that good"
At the mention of Palmon's name, Mimi quickly jumped up. "I-I'm fine!" she exclaimed, holding onto Tai's arm tightly. "Don't bother waking them up! I'm okay!"
Tai raised an eyebrow. It was almost like she was hiding something from her own digimon, but why? "Are you sure you're all right?"
She nodded. "I just couldn't sleep I couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow."
"It's gonna be a long day tomorrow. You should go back to bed," Tai told her. Even though he still had lots of other questions he wanted to ask, he wanted Mimi to sleep right away. She still looked pale and sick.
"But Tai" Mimi tightened her grip onto Tai. "You you won't leave me right?"
I don't want to leave youTai thought to himself. But I have to sleep too, you know. He looked over to her and couldn't hide his grin. "Mimi did you ever" his voice trailed off and he gave his digimon a look. It took Agumon a long time to get the point before he left them alone. "Mimi I've been having these weird dreams that I want to talk to you about."
At the mention of the word dream, Mimi let go of Tai's arm. "D-dreams?" she said it in a nervous tone.
Tai eyed her. "Yes. They felt very real. But the weird thing is, you were in it. All this time when I was unconscious, I've been dreaming all about you all along."
No way! So then that's why he was calling out for my name! He was dreaming about me Mimi lowered her gaze in disappointment. So that was it He was just dreaming.
"Tai, did you dream about Mistress Blossoms?" Mimi asked him.
"Huh?" Tai paused to think. "Hmm the Guardian of Sincerity, right?"
"Tell me, Tai," Mimi took a step forward to him. "Did she ever mention anything about me?"
Tai thought for a moment, looking up the ceiling as he began to gather all his thoughts. "I can't remember my dream clearly, but I know for sure that you were there with me. You were begging me for help."
Mimi looked away from Tai's gaze. "No way" she hushed.
"I don't understand the meaning of this," Tai said, shaking his head. "But I think the Guardian of Sincerity could help us. What do you think?"
She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Mimi turned away from him, thinking about Mistress Blossoms again. Having the same air to breathe as her was bad enough but then. "Tai I-I have to tell you something something you should know about me"
A/N: What do you think? Let me know, k? I was really planning to end this story on this part, but it was taking too long. Why is it that when I write a story it always takes me forever? Grr Oh well. Please review! Thanks. Oh yeah, Happy New Year!
--Kristine