AFTER II

Author's Note: Damnit! It's short! GRRRRRR! Oh well, I tried. I seriously killed myself in this one, it isn't very good. BUT, I'm working on it. I PROMISE to get better in the next chapter...
Disclaimer: You read the other three, I desperately wish I owned the Digidestined, but I don't. *pouts*
CHAPTER THREE
Ashes to Ashes... Tai's face held a blank expression as he watched his wife become a dusty memory, and her body become a dirt-covered box, Dust to Dust.
Sora bit her lip and came up from behind him. You all right?

Sora tried to look at him, but he turned away. She saw a tear work it's way to his chin and his head bowed.
You can cry in front of me, you know.
Thanks Sora. Tai grabbed her around the shoulders in a tight embrace. Sora's watery eyes widened, but she returned the unexpected gesture.
I needed that.
Me too.
It's not right! Kari walked toward them wearing a frown. No one should have to attend two funerals at once. I think all of us are going to break down.
Tai nodded, I've never seen Davis cry before.
Me neither. Kari bit her lip and shook her head to clear her thoughts. The procession's moving, we'd better go.
Tai's mind wandered as he followed the grim train of black-clad mourners...
***
Two weeks before:
Yamato shook his head, I'll stay here with your wifee poo', and you go help Sora. I'd help her, and let you stay, but you can't cook!
I'm not that bad... Tai pouted.
Yes, you are.
Tai pretended to be insulted. I'll go help Sora unload, and when I come back, you two had better have a darned good meal made.
Matt laughed, We will, besides, it'll beat ANYTHING you could cook.
I don't cook, Tai said stiffly, I create charcoal.
That's true.
Hey! You're not supposed to agree with me! Tai yelled over his shoulder. He unlocked his car and opened the door.
What are friends for? Matt called behind him.
Tai ignored him and left.
***
Thick floods of salty tears flowed freely down Tai's face. That was the last time he saw his best friend, and his wife. Yamato's cabin had been eaten by the flames before he returned. The kitchen was on the top floor and there weren't many windows.
Tai climbed into the waiting cab with Kari and Davis, and told the driver, Take us home.

**********

Dinner was eaten in silence that day, and no one argued about cleaning up. Not even Davis.
After the last dish was put away, Kari and TK went for groceries, and Davis avoided work by switching on the TV and turning the volume up as high as it would go. Izzy had stayed to clean, but he took his wife home shortly after. Joe had left after the funeral because he had a meeting on biological standpoints in the history of something or other.
Sora dragged Tai from the house and took him on a walk, mainly to avoid the ear-splitting volume of Davis's cartoons. She purposely took him to the spot where he watched the sun every evening and promptly sat down on a rock.
Are you going to be okay, Tai? Sora looked into his eyes, but he tilted his head down. She propped his chin up in her hand, Kari says little Taichi isn't doing well without a mother and without a father.
Am I really that distant?
Yes, Tai. Sora picked at some grass below her, And it's understandable. BUT, You have to let Taichi know that he still counts...
I'm trying.
I know.
Sora stared into the falling orange fire, and Tai ignored the sunset for the first time in the two months since his wife's absence. He stared at Sora. He couldn't believe the way the sun danced on her hair, or the shadows it placed on her perfect porcelain face.
Gosh, she's beautiful.

**********
a/e/n: OKAAAAAAY, so this chapter was shorter and less put together than how I'd hoped, but I'm not sure how to fix it.
If anyone has any suggestions on Kari, though, I need to count votes. Who wants Takari, and who wants Daikari?
ALSO, Mimi's coming soon, and I need advice. Should she just be a side character, or should she have an affair with Izzy? Hmm... What can I do to the poor malleable lives of the digidestined...
If nobody actually cares, though, I'll just stop the story here, but I DO want to wrap it up eventually. Thanx for reading, please R&R!!! AmericanMercury=)