Disclaimer= you still here

Disclaimer= you still here?! Damn, you've no life if you think I own something here!

Author's note= konnichi wa minna-san! Here you are chapter 3; sorry it took so long, but first I became ill and then Fanfiction.net stopped working. . Damn luck! Thanks again for the great reviews ^__^ oh, and I know that Kari is Tai's little sister; I made her Matt's imoutochan on purpose; what? You'll see…I'll say I like Takari too. why you're so cheerful this morning? usually you're half-asleep and irritable I had a beautiful dream last night!! what dream? I dreamt a Chibi Yama with white panties!! With only his panties on! I think you should go see a psychiatric no.. I… 'on't think…so…~drools over Yama's poster on the wall~ you're a sick, sick girl

KISS ME

From Zero To Hero

-Good morning Mr Tachikawa!- Matt said cheerful to the man in front of him. He hadn't forgotten yet what had happened the evening before, the show and the argument. How could he? But Yamato Ishida was a well known stubborn guy, and he wasn't discouraged. On the contrary; he felt this like a challenge against the Ice Virgin, who he had to breach. So next afternoon he went to his bet's home to talk with her.

-Hi kid- Craig Tachikawa said to the blonde. The old man was bringing out his car something –Do you know how many things can be found in a swimming pool? –he asked to boy – I found this in a University; they're property of the best football player of the school-

Mr Tachikawa showed Matt a white brassiere and the blonde remained speechless

-Oh God…- he only murmured

-Hey Matt, my best friend!- Ken greeted him kindly –do you want to play Seagal with me? – he asked

-Lately he's a little obsessed with that game- Mr Tachikawa explained to Matt

-I see – he answered smiling

Then Mimi appeared on the door and wasn't really happy.

-Hey, what do you think you're doing?!- she shouted angrily

-Me? What have I done? – Ken asked her fearfully

-Not you, him!- she pointed Matt

-Me? What have I done?- Matt repeated

-This! Why you're here?- Mimi said

- I came here to apologize with you about last night. I'm sorry for everything I did to deserve such a reproach- Matt answered her sincerely.

- It wasn't a reproach- Mimi replied a bit ashamed.

- Yes it was, and a big one – Matt smiled, then he added – are you busy right now? 'cause I thought we could go to the beach if you didn't mind-

- Yes I do – Mimi burst – I mean, I don't like it- she tried to find an excuse again.

- Do you mean you don't like going to the beach?? – a stunned blonde boy asked her.

- No! I like it, it's only that…that…that I'm a little busy right now…- she half-lied.

-Whatever- was the blonde's answer – this means that I have to play Seagal with your brother –Matt sighed falsely –oh yeah, this will be a long afternoon of Seagal…-

-No you can't, 'cause I didn't invite you in!- Mimi stopped him, a bit shocked

-Hey, you aren't his master!- Ken replied to his sister

-Yes Mimi, you aren't my master- Matt repeated amused

Mimi looked shocked and stunned, then she said she agreed going to the beach.

Matt smiled to himself proudly. "results Matt=1 Mimi=0" he thought happily "now let's hope everything's gonna be fine…"

*~*~*~*~*~*

-So, whaddya think? Is or isn't beautiful the sea today?- Matt said cheerful to the brown haired girl.

-Well, do you know how many litres of oil are thrown every year in the ocean?- Mimi answered him, though in a weird way.

-Oh Lord, Mimi! Can't you think positive sometimes? It wouldn't kill you! I know, the world has is own faults, but there are good things too!- Matt burst, the romantic atmosphere completely ruined.

-Sorry. It's only that when you talked about the sea I remembered a special on the TV about the pollution- Mimi defended herself

-Forget the TV! It's a beautiful day, so try to enjoy yourself in any ways, okay?- Matt smiled, kind again.

-Hey Ishida! How are you doing man? I went to your house earlier, but your Mom said you were at the beach, so I thought you would have been at the good old spot!- suddenly Tai's annoying voice burst between them. Matt, seeing the worried look straining Mimi's features, became concerned and tried to reassure the girl.

-Don't worry, they're friends of mine, so sooner or later you would have had to face them- he whispered.

Mimi simply nodded, slightly upset; she usually never used to hang around with people, and now was a bit uncomfortable at the thought of being with so many guys.

- Well Mimi, these are my friends…- Matt began, but then Izzy interrupted him.

-Hi Mimi, I'm Izzy- the red-head introduced himself.

-I know who you are- Mimi replied harshly

-Oh good; well, so you don't need I introduce the others- Matt tried to lessen the tension created.

While the girls were changing, Tai talked alone to Matt.

-Whoa man, look at your babe's bombs- he said maliciously to his friend, then added – ay, that's really bad. It's an all-in-a-piece bathing-suit. You're in a very, very bad position buddy-

Matt only rolled his eyes, then the guys went to play volleyball, while the girls were reading, drawing or, in Yoko's case, simply idling on the sand.

Izzy approached them, asking them if they wanted to play too. Yoko and Yolei declined the invitation.

-And you Mimi?- he asked politely the chestnut haired girl.

-No, it's a bad idea. Better not- Yoko answered him instead of Mimi.

-Are you called Mimi?- Izzy asked ironically.

-No! Thank God no…- she looked slightly disgusted, then she added, with a bad taste of sarcasm - no offence Mimi-

-I'm not offended- Mimi replied with the same sarcasm.

Seeing this, Yoko said:

-It's not you, but I saw you during P.E.; you run like a girlie.

-I am a girl- Mimi said, with an higher tone of voice.

-Oh, you know what I mean-

-Of course I don't-

This time Yoko didn't confuted; she only shrugged annoyed.

-So, are you in or not?- Izzy asked Mimi

She looked over Yoko, then she stood up.

-Yeah!-

Yolei smiled and the agreed playing volleyball too. Yoko was left alone under the beach-umbrella.

The match was fun. Matt, Mimi and Izzy were in a team together, while Tai and Yolei were in another. There were other guys too.

Even Mimi enjoyed herself. They all had fun playing, even though that actually only a few of them were really playing.

The girls kept missing the ball are falling down on their friends, and Izzy was repeatedly caught staring at Yolei, making them all laugh hard.

The afternoon flew fast and was now replaced by the evening.

-Mimi, tonight we're having a big party at my house. Will you come?- Izzy asked her while they were walking.

-Yeah, you have to come! It will be only sex, alcohol and drugs! His Dad has an enormous house! He sales Harrison Ford!- Tai burst unexpectedly

-The actor?!- Mimi asked him stunned.

-No, the Fords, the cars- he answered her smiling innocently.

-So, you're coming?- Izzy said

Mimi was silent for a bit, then accepted, making Matt smile happily.

-See you later guys!- Tai said to Matt and Mimi, while Izzy, Yolei, Yoko and he went to his car.

-Even though she dumped him, if Matt will be at the party with Mimi, Sora will be mad- Yoko whispered to Yolei

-Oh please…- was the girl's only answer.

-So…- Matt said to Mimi –when should I come to your house?-

-I … sorry I can't come…- Mimi said shyly.

Matt's smile disappeared from his face, substituted by a confused and puzzled one.

-What? But you said you would have come earlier!- he said with accusing eyes.

-I …I forgot that I had to clean my house; it's…really dirty, completely…unliveable- she answered a sad boy.

-Oh, okay. If you say so- he said depressed. He had really hoped to be at the party with Mimi, and not for the bet. What bet? He wasn't thinking anymore to that stupid dare with Tai; actually, he was really enjoying his time with the girl. He was getting to like her as a friend, and maybe even more…

*~*~*~*~*~*

-YOU SAID NO?!- a stunned TK asked Mimi on the telephone.

-TK, please don't scream! You know me- Mimi said sadly.

-Yeah…you're afraid something good can happen to you, I know- TK paused – but did you ever think that maybe Matt can really like you?-

-Trust me, it isn't so- Mimi replied.

DIIIING!!!

-Uh, I gotta go, someone's on the door. See you tomorrow!- Mimi said to his friend

-Bye!-

Mimi walked to the hall and when opened the door she found a tall and blonde boy smiling down to her.

-What are you doing here?!- she asked the blonde in question –I said I was busy-

-Did you clean your house?- Matt answered, or better, asked her.

-Yes I did…I'll do… I was going to…- she mumbled incoherently.

Matt smiled even more.

-Good. Because I've someone here to help you-

Mimi looked at him puzzled, then many boys entered her house, with detergents, towels and brooms.

-Wha?! These aren't from your soccer team?- Mimi asked him more confused.

-The junior one, yes- Matt answered her.

-But…but I don't know what to wear, while you…are…so…I'm a monster - Mimi said sad.

Before she could add more bullshits Matt showed her a beautiful pink dress, a short, tight, silky dress. Mimi was speechless. She never had such a wonderful outfit like that, but she felt like she didn't deserve it. She felt she wasn't enough pretty to wear it. She expressed her feelings to Matt, who only let another person enter in the house.

A light-brown haired girl.

-This is my work- she said – I'm Hikari Ishida, make-up and hair, but you can call me Kari- then she turned to her brother to tell him Mimi and her were going upstairs. Then she dragged the most stunned girl in this world with her.

-Hey Matt! My dear best friend! Come in!- Ken invited kindly Matt inside –would you like something to drink?- he asked the older boy.

-What do you have?-

Ken made a puzzled face –I'll go check-

He went to the kitchen and looked for some liquors he knew, the he mixed them up in a glass.

Meanwhile the girls were having an interesting conversation in Mimi's room.

-When was the last time you removed your hair?- Kari asked the older girl while she was removing the hair from her eyebrows.

-What? Ay!!- Mimi asked painfully (A/N=note to myself: never let my friend do that to me again -__-)

-From your eyebrows-

-Ay! Never, why?- she asked Kari

-Well, do you know Yoghi the Bear? (A/N= that's the Italian name for that dumb bear from Yellowstone Park, and I dunno the American one, sorry) she asked half-smiling half-laughing.

-You really never wore any make-up?- Kari asked amazed

-Yeah…my mother died before she could teach me how; it was so long time ago, Ken was still a baby- she admitted.

Kari untied her pony-tail, with which she had tied her waist-longed hair.

-Sorry, but this awkward cut isn't proper for your face.

-What do you mean?- Mimi asked the girl with a strange feeling.

-You'll see- she answered with a smile- but you have to trust me-

Matt looked attentively at the glass Ken gave to him. It had a weird colour for a liquor.

-Are you sure this is a Margarita?- he asked him doubtfully.

-Uh….ye..ah- the younger boy answered him, looking not convinced himself.

-Ahehm…gentlemen, let me introduce you to the new, not faked, but different Mimi Tachikawa!- Kari announced unexpectedly, interrupting the look-a-like Margarita conversation.

The two boys stood up, waiting. But nobody appeared. No Mimi.

Matt made a questioning look to his sister. She shrugged.

-Mimi?- nothing –Mimi come downstairs!- still nothing –MIMI TACHIKAWA TAKE YOUR ASS HERE NOW!-Kari shouted.

Then someone, a stranger, appeared on the stairs. Mimi.

That pink dress showed her beauty legs she never let the others see. Her skin was white like a pearl. The tightness of the dress put in evidence her slender figure; she no longer wore her black glasses and her amber eyes were now free to be seen, and her hair was now shoulder-longed and mildly curly.

The ugly little duckling was now a charming swan.

"That's my sister?! My oneechan???"

"That's Mimi? The little asocial girl nobody never liked??"

Matt and Ken were speechless. This wasn't the girl they knew. Like Kari had said this was a different Mimi. The shyness and the melancholy in her eyes were only remembers. Her eyes were now sparkling like stars and on her lips a smile was going to appear. You could say she was happy.

Matt hadn't recovered from the shock yet, when, while she was on the stairs, Mimi lost the equilibrium and was going to fall down. Quickly Matt awoken from the trance he had slipped in and grabbed her before she could hit the floor.

-Are…are you okay?- he asked still amazed to her.

-Y-yes- she answered, letting him go.

-Good, now we can go, alright?- Matt said and Mimi, Kari and he went to the door.

Ken, while he was turned to the door, mimicked a French kiss, with the tongue and all, but suddenly Matt turned around and saw him.

Ken froze, then stopped and said goodbye to him, recommending to drive slowly.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Tai was right, Izzy's house was really huge. It had a big car park and was composed of two or three floors.

When he saw them, Izzy greeted Matt and Mimi heartily, with a large smile painted on his face.

-Guys, you did it! Welcome to the Endless Party!- he announced, then added truthfully –well, endless until my parents come back from Yokohama-

Mimi looked downstairs, in the living room. There were hundred of people; she already knew many of them, but the others were completely strangers to her.

-Who are all these people?- she asked Izumi.

-I really don't know- he only answered her.

-Come down Mimi, I'll bring you something to drink- Matt said to his "date".

-Matt, Mimi!- Yolei approached them sincerely content –Mimi, you're gorgeous tonight! Matt, can I borrow her for a while? There are great punches that way, I think they're Costa Rica, or something like that. See you later!!- and the volcanic Yolei disappeared dragging Mimi with her.

Matt smiled, happy that the things were going fine. Then Tai arrived.

-Yo Ishida! Are you here with Cinderella?- he asked the blonde with a I-know-that tone in his voice that the taller boy didn't like too much.

-I took her at the party, if that's what you mean- he simply said to the brown-haired boy.

-Oh, you know what I mean! Come on! You're always with her! Aren't you mixing work with pleasure?- Tai grinned.

-Sorry to delude you man, but this is a bet, only a bet- Matt smiled, then left a grinning Tai to join Mimi and Yolei.

-Yeah…only a bet- Tai murmured.

-Yoohoo, the bombs are arrived!!!- a weird voice announced. Everybody looked at the couple who just entered the room. A tall, blue-haired boy with glasses and a girl with reddish-brown hair neck-longed (A/N= what colour is Sora's hair?! Sometimes it seems brown, sometimes orange, what's that, the authors had no more coloured temperas?!)

-Look, who's arrived- Yoko said –Sora Takenouchi! What are you and Joe doing here?-

-We had nothing to do, so why don't slip in a sentimental party?- she said while drinking a coke, then she turned on her boyfriend, who looked like he couldn't stop moving.

-Honey, I want a beer- she ordered him

-But you have already taken something to drink- he replied

-But now I want a beer- she repeated annoyed.

-Okay, I'll bring you one- Joe surrended.

While he was looking for Mimi, Sora found him and approached him quite friendly.

-Hey Matt!-

-Sora- he replied coldly.

-Joe is there to bring me a beer, if you want I can make him greet you, no, better, I can make him give you an autograph- Sora tempted him.

-I saw him yesterday on the TV; he was eating his toe's nails for 50 yens. Very impressive- Matt told her ironically.

-I can put you in your place, baka!- she shouted angrily.

-Already done, already done- Matt said laughing, then looked behind himself and added –Talking about bakas…isn't that your fiancé?- he pointed Joe was going to dance all alone.

Sora turned around speechless, then she almost cried.

-No, not again Joe!!!- she run to him.

-Not now honey, this is my song!!!- he shouted excited then he literally threw himself in the silent crowd –come on everybody!!!!!-

As soon as he said those exact words, in the living room was created and empty spot, which the improvised dancer used for his performance.

He exhibited himself in a series of weird moves and shaking and twists no choreographer would ever dream to do. It was a pitiful show. Sora felt like die for the shame, while the other guys were laughing like there was no tomorrow.

Sora was completely mad, then she noticed Mimi, who was just entering the room and she walked towards the brown-haired girl.

Matt noticed her intentions, Tai noticed them too, but before the blonde could do anything Sora was already on Mimi.

-What are you doing here?!- she said half angry and half disgusted

-I've been invited- Mimi replied calmly

-You? Here?- she said, then she "accidentally" dropped her beer on Mimi pink dress.

The music stopped playing, everybody stopped talking. Now all the room was quiet.

Mimi looked to her dirty dress, the looked up in Sora's eyes.

-Thank you- she only said. Everybody's jaws, Sora's one too, fell on the floor.

-What?- Sora said

-Thank you for remembering me why I avoid people like you- she answered her truthfully.

-What? You…avoid us? Open your eyes sweetie, for us popular people you're nothing, you're sweepings, you're a wasted spot on the school year-book- Sora proclaimed, with a superior and presumptuous tone that made Mimi's eyes water.

-Oh, did I make you cry?- Sora asked her evilly.

Mimi couldn't stand it anymore. She ran away from that evil place with tears in her eyes and a broken-heart. Matt ran after her.

"I mustn't cry, I mustn't cry, but why, oh why, it hurts so much?!"

Those were Mimi's thoughts, while she was running in the car park, but then she tripped over something and fell down. She kept weeping and sobbing.

Matt came closer to her and he tried to put an hand on her shoulder to console her.

-Don't touch me!!!- she cried.

He put the hand down.

-I promised to myself that I would have never…never…never…- she cried

-Never what?- Matt asked worried.

-Never let them see me cry- she answered.

-Mimi? Mimi it's okay…- he tried to say

-It's nothing okay!- she replied, her eyes full of tears of pain.

-Mimi, Mimi we were having fun…you were having fun- Matt began –when a person opens up, they can receive good, as they can receive evil. It's part of the life-

Mimi stopped crying, but she said she wanted to go home. Matt nodded sad, the he walked her to his car.

*~*~*~*~*~*

-So, what was the party like?- TK asked his friend.

-Can we please not talk about it?- Mimi said a bit annoyed.

-Go Mimi!- someone cried behind them.

-You really had no fun? Neither one little like an orange M&M's?- he asked concerned.

-Mimi you're great!!- another guy told her.

-Maybe little like a brown M&M's- she admitted.

-You're Da Woman!!!- a girl shouted.

TK's eyed widened.

-Since when you are Da Woman?- he asked Mimi, who had received a leaflet.

-Good morning dudes and chicks. Finally the nomination is completed- the Voice of the school announced –the first nominee is, like everybody already knew, Sora Takenouchi. But against her there's a little fairy nobody could have ever imagined nominated as Prom Queen. Now, the answer every student of Odaiba High is…-

-But who the hell voted for me?!- Mimi asked no one stunned, completely stunned.

-Congratulations Mimi, I've just found out- Yolei complimented to her.

-You're the one who deserved it- a friend of Yolei and Yoko, Jun Motomiya, agreed with the purple-haired girl.

-Thanks- was everything Mimi could say, slightly embarrassed; then a beep interrupted them. Yoko, Yolei and Jun checked their search-peoples (A/N= it's spelled right, isn't it?)

-Mine- Yoko announced –oh no-

-Sora?- the other two asked. Yoko nodded.

-Hell, who cares?- Yolei shrugged.

-She's our friend- Yoko replied

-But things change- Yolei completed.

Anyways, the girls went to find Sora, who was crying her eyes out in her black car.

-He…has...just…dumped..me!!!- Sora screamed and sobbed.

-Who?- Jun asked.

-Joe Kido! And what the hell of a name he has and how he dance…oh God what a way to dance…- she wept.

-But why?-

-I don't know… I don't know!-

~Flashback~

-Sorry honey, it was cool with you, but did you really believe that I would have start "Street Champions" with you? Oh, you did? What a kid"

~End Flashback~

-You know what?- Yoko told her

-What?-

-I think this was better for you- she admitted

-Girls, you are the best- Sora brushed away her tears, but then she caught something. A poster. Pro Mimi for Prom Queen.

-Did I lose something?- she suddenly asked.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

TK was driving the operations for the election of Mimi for Prom Queen. He took the whole campaign very seriously, and he was directing the various manifestation. He seemed more excited than Mimi herself.

Meanwhile, Matt, Tai and Izzy were having a soccer match. Matt was playing really good, and was going to score. He was alone in front of the net. But he kicked the ball out. It had never happened before.

-Matt, what is wrong with you today?- Izzy asked him in the changing-room.

-Nothing, I simply wasn't here- he answered generically.

-Yeah, it could be, or you could suffer for an abstinence- Tai said.

-What?- Matt asked puzzled.

-If I'm right, it's a long time you don't go on a date with a girl, don't you? Or do you think that now that Sora is available again you could…- Tai began, but then Matt interrupted him.

-Fantasies Tai-

-Oh, I wouldn't know, maybe your real target is Mimi Tachikawa- he told him.

-Leave her alone- Matt exclaimed angrily.

-Hey, don't be mad! If you don't want to try, I'll do! I think she's a fake religious humbug – Tai grinned

-Don't you dare! I'll kill you if you touch her!!- Matt threw himself furiously on the brunette.

-Fuck you! You know, for four years I stood that everybody in the school believed you were a God or something like that. Well guess now! You'll lose this match! You're going down cutie! - Tai replied as angry as Matt, who stormed out of the room.

Mimi was alone in her cellar, which was illuminated only by a little ray of light which penetrated through the small window.

In the room there was a peaceful atmosphere. There was silence, but not the heavy and upsetting one, a silence full of rest and tranquillity.

Mimi was painting; her paintings were always dark and disturbing, there was no happiness in them. They seemed non-living creatures. But this one was so different.

It was about her mother. The drawing was full of love, melancholy and a sweet sadness. There were a photo of Nami Tachikawa smiling, surrounded of blue and black spot and waves. It was suggestive and warm.

Suddenly Mimi heard someone going downstairs, entering the cellar. She could have recognized those steps everywhere.

-Nobody is allowed here- she said without turning her head.

-Wow, this place is so… so enchanting…- Matt exclaimed sincere –That's your mother?- he asked her when he saw what she was painting. Mimi nodded.

-She's beautiful- he told her.

-I know- Mimi said –unluckily beauty isn't hereditary…-

-How did she die?- Matt asked

-Cancer- she answered sadly – leukaemia…do you know what the funny thing is? It's that I remember I didn't cry. I remember the funeral, I remember going to grandma's, that there was a green arm-chair and that I took Ken on my lap. And I remember that I understood…that nothing was going to be the same- she told him half-smiling.

-Mimi you can't keep doing this!- Matt said

-This what?- she looked down

-You can't keep closing the world out- Matt answered concerned.

-I close the world out? At least I take decisions, thing you seem don't do- she accused him.

-I take decisions!- Matt defended himself.

-Where University will you choose? I went to the Consultant this morning, and under your name there is written 'undecided'- she explained.

-You don't know anything, you don't live with my father!- Matt said

-Well, explain-

-He went to Nagano University when he was young. The best four years of his life, he says so. And it's since my birth that…-Matt interrupted himself, because Mimi shrugged puzzled. She still didn't understand. Matt tried to explain with an example.

-There is this photo of mine on his desk. I was five. We were at the zoo and I wore a Nagano's pull-over – he completed.

-So?-

-So, it's emblematic! He repeats me that everyday! 'Choose the college Matt, choose your future!' But instead what he really says is 'Choose my college Matt, choose my future!'-

-Why don't you think about it? Don't you understand how much you're lucky? You can go to Nagano, you can go to Kyoto, you can go to fish in the Borneo, the point is that you're eighteen, it's time to take your decisions!- Mimi tried to help him.

-Whoa, calm down! Do you ever look at the mirror when you say that?- he asked her smiling.

-Trust me, I'm working on- Mimi smiled too.

-Are you always so great?-

-I've my good moment- Mimi joked, then became serious again –Why'd you come Matt?-

Matt's smile disappeared from his face –I forgot- he said, moving closer to Mimi.

Their nose were now almost touching, they could feel their breathes on their cheeks. Matt moved his face down, while Mimi closed her eyes. Their lips were only a few inches apart, when Mimi broke the atmosphere. She had asked him if he only wanted her vote to be the Prom King. Matt froze, then pulled back.

-Matt?- Mimi asked questioning

-I …I gotta go to talk with my father- he replied

-Now…?- she asked him sad

-Yeah… bye- Matt went upstairs and left the house.

"What did I do? Why didn't he kiss me? Why'd he left" were Mimi's thought, while she was thinking to how she had ruined that perfect moment. How she pushed the boy she was fallen for away.

End of chapter 3

Huriko= finally! Two days and 10 pages for this chapter. Even though I don't like very much how it turned out. Oh, well. Chapter 3 finished, one more to go!!! I think you noticed I didn't add the part where Taylor and Brock, well, you know…I just couldn't think of Sora doing….those…things…oh God I'm going to have nightmares tonight…o.0! Review this part pleeeease!!