**Here's another chapter to this fic. I'm glad people like it, and I hope you all read and review this chapter too! Like last time, I'm on;y going to continue with five reviews. But enough talking let's get on with this fic!**
A Smile Like Yours
Sora trudged down the streets of Odaiba miserably. She didn't have a car to drive, and Michael would never allow her to get in the driver's side of his car. So she had to walk in the cold night air alone. Shivering, Sora tried to pull her coat around her as she picked up her pace slightly and continued on her way. After about fifteen agonizingly cold minutes, Sora reached the market. Her hands were very cold, and she couldn't feel her toes.
"Why is my life the way it is?" Sora asked herself. She spotted a young woman and a young man standing on the inside of the store. For a moment, the cold didn't bother Sora as she watched the happy couple inside. The woman, a petite person who appeared to be in her mid twenties, was helping the young man pick different vegetables. Sora envied the couple. She was jealous of the way the man smiled down on the woman, and how the woman took his hand in hers. Sora wanted that with all her heart. She craved the kind of love she wouldn't get from Michael. She needed someone who would treat her well.
"I better get this stuff so Michael's happy." Sora reminded herself as she opened a door and walked softly down the aisles, searching for the items her boyfriend had asked, or rather, demanded. Sora quickly grabbed a six pack of beer and some potato chips and rushed to the counter, her eyes cast to the ground. She couldn't bear to make eye contact with anyone in the store; she felt too ashamed to. The telltale bruises on her face showed the way she lived, and Sora felt that the stares that she received were like judgment. Suddenly she ran into someone, who dropped some of their items. Sora looked up in pure fear, the kind of fear one acquires when they are living in constant danger. A tall young man in his early twenties looked down at her with big brown eyes. His hair was a dark chocolate color, and was slightly bushy. The man almost reminded Sora of Tai Kamiya, a friend of hers who she'd lost contact with over the past few years. The last time she'd seen Tai was at graduation; after that the two went their separate ways.
"I'm so sorry. . ." Sora said meekly. The man studied Sora, making her uneasy. He surveyed her bruises and frowned.
"It's okay. You know, you look cold. Would you like to wear my coat until he get to your car?" the brunette asked nicely. Sora nodded and took the man's coat, wrapping it around her shivering form.
"Thank you very much, but I don't have a car, so I'll just warm up in it before I go outside." Sora replied, making eye contact for the first time with the young man. He reminded her of Tai, but she couldn't be sure.
"You're very welcome. My name's Tai. Tai Kamiya. Can I drive you home? It's much too cold for you to be walking." Tai said as he continued to study the young woman in front of him. She looked like hell, and had the bruises to prove it. He saw her mouth drop and her eyes begin to water.
"Don't you recognize me? It's Sora!" Sora exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. Tai's eyes widened in shock as he realized that the frail looking mouse-like woman in front of him was his best friend. She'd changed a lot since high school; she wasn't her usual outgoing cheerful self anymore. All that was replaced by a dull look in her once clear eyes.
"Oh God, Sora, what happened to you?" Tai asked, concern for his friend evident in his voice.
"I'll explain it on the way home. . . " Sora said softly as she paid for her items and walked with Tai out the door of the market.
"Why are you so banged up? I mean, what the hell happened to you? You don't look the same at all! You're so. . .so. . ." Tai asked as the couple got into Tai's car and turned on the engine. Tai turned up the heater, and Sora put her hands up to it, rubbing them to create friction.
"About nine months ago I met this guy. His name is Michael and he's my age. We met at a club by chance and got to know each other. After a few weeks we moved in together. He seemed so wonderful. After a couple months, however, he started to hit me. I haven't been able to get away since." Sora explained, fresh tears trailing down her cheeks. Tai rubbed his thumb across Sora's face to wipe away the tears. Sora cringed with pain as Tai touched her newest bruise.
"This is not going to happen to you anymore. I'm taking you home with me. You can stay in my apartment." Tai stated suddenly, his face red with pent up anger.
"I can't leave. He said he'd kill me." Sora whispered as she began to shake with fear. Tai wrapped his arms around Sora carefully. Sora winced, and Tai pulled away.
"You're bruised all over, aren't you?" Tai asked. Sora nodded and hung her head in shame. Tai put the car in gear and after finding out Sora's house number, sped toward it angrily.
"I am NOT going to let some guy hurt you like this Sora. I care about you too much to stand idly by!" Tai said, his voice showing his sincerity. Sora looked at Tai with relieved eyes as he pulled up along the curb of her building and got out of the car. Sora followed Tai as he charged up to her room and opened the door. He saw Michael rise from the living room couch and turn so he was facing Tai.
"Who the hell are you? SORA! WHERE ARE YOU?" Michael asked angrily, his face contorted in anger. Sora peeked out from behind Tai and looked fearfully at Michael.
"I'm her friend, and I'm taking her with me. She's not going to be abused by you anymore, you bastard." Tai said darkly, his eyes filled to the brim with rage. Michael looked at Sora with big pleading eyes.
"Baby, don't so this. I bought flowers. . .don't they mean anything!?!?" Michael cried, throwing his hands up. Tai led Sora to her bedroom, where he helped her pack her things. Michael followed the two young people, his face showing his fury.
"Do you think you can just take away my girlfriend??" Michael yelled, becoming frustrated. Tai turned around and punched Michael hard in the jaw, sending him to the floor. Groaning and holding his face, Michael stood up as Sora walked out of the room, Tai following.
"You stay away from her, or I swear I will hunt you down and murder you." Tai threatened. Michael sneered and sat down on the bed hard.
"You can have her. And her baby." Michael said, his voice low. Tai looked at Michael in shock, then turned and walked after Sora, who was already on her way to Tai's car.
'Baby. . .Sora? How could that happen?' Tai thought as he helped Sora, who was silently loading her possessions into his car. They piled into the vehicle and began the trip to Tai's apartment.
"Why didn't you tell me about this baby?" Tai asked quietly. He saw Sora tense slightly and look away.
"I'm ashamed, Tai. That's why. It was an accident, I didn't plan on getting pregnant. And you know I couldn't get an abortion, it's not the baby's fault that it was conceived. So now I'm knocked up and have nothing. He's right, I am a stupid cow." Sora explained. Tai suddenly stopped the car and looked straight into Sora's red eyes.
"You are not a cow. You are the most wonderful person I have ever known, and just because you're pregnant doesn't make you a bad person. I actually respect you for not killing the baby. You're stronger than you think, all you have to do is find the strength you had when you were in high school. Find that fire that used to light your soul, and you will find yourself." Tai said. Sora was moved by his words. He knew she felt like a whore, and even though she was having a child out of wedlock, Tai didn't think any less of her.
"I will, Tai. I just need time." Sora answered, looking out the window and averting Tai's eyes. Tai started driving again, and soon they stopped at a small apartment building. Tai helped Sora out of the car, then grabbed her bags before she could protest. He hauled the luggage up the stairs until he reached a tidy looking white door. He fished for his keys in his pocket, and finally found them, unlocking the door and letting Sora go inside before closing it again.
"I'm home!" Tai shouted. A blonde man and a brunette woman turned and looked at Tai and Sora from the couch. The woman instantly cried out and ran to Sora, who smiled a weary smile. The blonde walked over to Tai, his ice blue eyes confused.
"Sora, is that you? What in God's name happened to you?" the woman yelled. Before Sora could open her mouth, the blonde cried out.
"He's a dean man." He said angrily, making a fist. Tai put a hand on the other man's shoulder and sighed.
"Just leave it alone, Matt. It's okay now. Sora's safe. Mimi, would you make some tea for her? She's had a long day." Tai asked. Mimi nodded, her brown eyes understanding.
"Let me take your coat." Matt offered. Sora removed her coat, and the other three gasped.
"You're pregnant!" Mimi yelled, incredulous. Sora smiled and nodded, then walked into the kitchen with Mimi, who was gushing over the mound on Sora's belly.
"Let me get this straight. This guy has the balls to get her pregnant, and then beat her? This is too much!" Matt whispered loudly. Tai nodded and walked into the kitchen where Sora sat. Mimi was rushing around the kitchen, boiling water and searching for teabags.
"How far along are you, Sora? " Matt asked timidly. Tai and Mimi sat down with four cups of steaming hot water. Sora dipped a teabag in and out of her cup.
"About five months. I'm due in March sometime. I don't know exactly when." Sora replied.
"When's the last time you saw a doctor?" Tai asked. Mimi swirled her spoon in her cup lazily, her eyes full of concern for her friend.
"I haven't seen one yet. Michael said it was pointless." Sora replied quickly.
"Then I'll make an appointment for you tomorrow. You should have been going to the doctor regularly." Mimi said. Sora nodded and yawned, stretching her legs and arms slowly.
"I think you need some sleep. You sleep in my room tonight, I'll take the floor." Tai offered, rising and helping Sora to her feet. Matt and Mimi walked with the other two until they reached their room.
"We're turning in. Good night Tai, goodnight Sora. Welcome home." Matt said, leading Mimi into the room and closing the door.
"They've been dating for about a year." Tai explained to Sora, who looked confused.
"So you all live here?" Sora asked. Tai nodded as he pushed some clothes off his bed and made room for Sora to sleep.
"Then I'll stay just for tonight, and find somewhere else to live tomorrow. I don't want to get in the way." Sora replied.
"I don't think so. You stay here at least until you have the baby. Then we'll help you get on your feet." Tai argued as he made a bed on the floor. Sora walked into the bathroom, then emerged later in shorts and a tee shirt, which bulged from the baby inside her. She climbed into bed and pulled the covers up over her gently. Tai turned out the light and curled up on the floor after changing into pajamas.
"Goodnight Sora." Tai said quietly. Sora didn't answer; she'd already fallen asleep.
**So there's another chapter. Just when you thought Sora's life couldn't suck anymore, we find out she's pregnant by some jerk! Lucky for her Tai has come along, and don't forget to review if you want some really sweet Taiora! There will be a little more Mimato, so don't freak out about them, they'll get covered later on more.**
A Smile Like Yours
Sora trudged down the streets of Odaiba miserably. She didn't have a car to drive, and Michael would never allow her to get in the driver's side of his car. So she had to walk in the cold night air alone. Shivering, Sora tried to pull her coat around her as she picked up her pace slightly and continued on her way. After about fifteen agonizingly cold minutes, Sora reached the market. Her hands were very cold, and she couldn't feel her toes.
"Why is my life the way it is?" Sora asked herself. She spotted a young woman and a young man standing on the inside of the store. For a moment, the cold didn't bother Sora as she watched the happy couple inside. The woman, a petite person who appeared to be in her mid twenties, was helping the young man pick different vegetables. Sora envied the couple. She was jealous of the way the man smiled down on the woman, and how the woman took his hand in hers. Sora wanted that with all her heart. She craved the kind of love she wouldn't get from Michael. She needed someone who would treat her well.
"I better get this stuff so Michael's happy." Sora reminded herself as she opened a door and walked softly down the aisles, searching for the items her boyfriend had asked, or rather, demanded. Sora quickly grabbed a six pack of beer and some potato chips and rushed to the counter, her eyes cast to the ground. She couldn't bear to make eye contact with anyone in the store; she felt too ashamed to. The telltale bruises on her face showed the way she lived, and Sora felt that the stares that she received were like judgment. Suddenly she ran into someone, who dropped some of their items. Sora looked up in pure fear, the kind of fear one acquires when they are living in constant danger. A tall young man in his early twenties looked down at her with big brown eyes. His hair was a dark chocolate color, and was slightly bushy. The man almost reminded Sora of Tai Kamiya, a friend of hers who she'd lost contact with over the past few years. The last time she'd seen Tai was at graduation; after that the two went their separate ways.
"I'm so sorry. . ." Sora said meekly. The man studied Sora, making her uneasy. He surveyed her bruises and frowned.
"It's okay. You know, you look cold. Would you like to wear my coat until he get to your car?" the brunette asked nicely. Sora nodded and took the man's coat, wrapping it around her shivering form.
"Thank you very much, but I don't have a car, so I'll just warm up in it before I go outside." Sora replied, making eye contact for the first time with the young man. He reminded her of Tai, but she couldn't be sure.
"You're very welcome. My name's Tai. Tai Kamiya. Can I drive you home? It's much too cold for you to be walking." Tai said as he continued to study the young woman in front of him. She looked like hell, and had the bruises to prove it. He saw her mouth drop and her eyes begin to water.
"Don't you recognize me? It's Sora!" Sora exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. Tai's eyes widened in shock as he realized that the frail looking mouse-like woman in front of him was his best friend. She'd changed a lot since high school; she wasn't her usual outgoing cheerful self anymore. All that was replaced by a dull look in her once clear eyes.
"Oh God, Sora, what happened to you?" Tai asked, concern for his friend evident in his voice.
"I'll explain it on the way home. . . " Sora said softly as she paid for her items and walked with Tai out the door of the market.
"Why are you so banged up? I mean, what the hell happened to you? You don't look the same at all! You're so. . .so. . ." Tai asked as the couple got into Tai's car and turned on the engine. Tai turned up the heater, and Sora put her hands up to it, rubbing them to create friction.
"About nine months ago I met this guy. His name is Michael and he's my age. We met at a club by chance and got to know each other. After a few weeks we moved in together. He seemed so wonderful. After a couple months, however, he started to hit me. I haven't been able to get away since." Sora explained, fresh tears trailing down her cheeks. Tai rubbed his thumb across Sora's face to wipe away the tears. Sora cringed with pain as Tai touched her newest bruise.
"This is not going to happen to you anymore. I'm taking you home with me. You can stay in my apartment." Tai stated suddenly, his face red with pent up anger.
"I can't leave. He said he'd kill me." Sora whispered as she began to shake with fear. Tai wrapped his arms around Sora carefully. Sora winced, and Tai pulled away.
"You're bruised all over, aren't you?" Tai asked. Sora nodded and hung her head in shame. Tai put the car in gear and after finding out Sora's house number, sped toward it angrily.
"I am NOT going to let some guy hurt you like this Sora. I care about you too much to stand idly by!" Tai said, his voice showing his sincerity. Sora looked at Tai with relieved eyes as he pulled up along the curb of her building and got out of the car. Sora followed Tai as he charged up to her room and opened the door. He saw Michael rise from the living room couch and turn so he was facing Tai.
"Who the hell are you? SORA! WHERE ARE YOU?" Michael asked angrily, his face contorted in anger. Sora peeked out from behind Tai and looked fearfully at Michael.
"I'm her friend, and I'm taking her with me. She's not going to be abused by you anymore, you bastard." Tai said darkly, his eyes filled to the brim with rage. Michael looked at Sora with big pleading eyes.
"Baby, don't so this. I bought flowers. . .don't they mean anything!?!?" Michael cried, throwing his hands up. Tai led Sora to her bedroom, where he helped her pack her things. Michael followed the two young people, his face showing his fury.
"Do you think you can just take away my girlfriend??" Michael yelled, becoming frustrated. Tai turned around and punched Michael hard in the jaw, sending him to the floor. Groaning and holding his face, Michael stood up as Sora walked out of the room, Tai following.
"You stay away from her, or I swear I will hunt you down and murder you." Tai threatened. Michael sneered and sat down on the bed hard.
"You can have her. And her baby." Michael said, his voice low. Tai looked at Michael in shock, then turned and walked after Sora, who was already on her way to Tai's car.
'Baby. . .Sora? How could that happen?' Tai thought as he helped Sora, who was silently loading her possessions into his car. They piled into the vehicle and began the trip to Tai's apartment.
"Why didn't you tell me about this baby?" Tai asked quietly. He saw Sora tense slightly and look away.
"I'm ashamed, Tai. That's why. It was an accident, I didn't plan on getting pregnant. And you know I couldn't get an abortion, it's not the baby's fault that it was conceived. So now I'm knocked up and have nothing. He's right, I am a stupid cow." Sora explained. Tai suddenly stopped the car and looked straight into Sora's red eyes.
"You are not a cow. You are the most wonderful person I have ever known, and just because you're pregnant doesn't make you a bad person. I actually respect you for not killing the baby. You're stronger than you think, all you have to do is find the strength you had when you were in high school. Find that fire that used to light your soul, and you will find yourself." Tai said. Sora was moved by his words. He knew she felt like a whore, and even though she was having a child out of wedlock, Tai didn't think any less of her.
"I will, Tai. I just need time." Sora answered, looking out the window and averting Tai's eyes. Tai started driving again, and soon they stopped at a small apartment building. Tai helped Sora out of the car, then grabbed her bags before she could protest. He hauled the luggage up the stairs until he reached a tidy looking white door. He fished for his keys in his pocket, and finally found them, unlocking the door and letting Sora go inside before closing it again.
"I'm home!" Tai shouted. A blonde man and a brunette woman turned and looked at Tai and Sora from the couch. The woman instantly cried out and ran to Sora, who smiled a weary smile. The blonde walked over to Tai, his ice blue eyes confused.
"Sora, is that you? What in God's name happened to you?" the woman yelled. Before Sora could open her mouth, the blonde cried out.
"He's a dean man." He said angrily, making a fist. Tai put a hand on the other man's shoulder and sighed.
"Just leave it alone, Matt. It's okay now. Sora's safe. Mimi, would you make some tea for her? She's had a long day." Tai asked. Mimi nodded, her brown eyes understanding.
"Let me take your coat." Matt offered. Sora removed her coat, and the other three gasped.
"You're pregnant!" Mimi yelled, incredulous. Sora smiled and nodded, then walked into the kitchen with Mimi, who was gushing over the mound on Sora's belly.
"Let me get this straight. This guy has the balls to get her pregnant, and then beat her? This is too much!" Matt whispered loudly. Tai nodded and walked into the kitchen where Sora sat. Mimi was rushing around the kitchen, boiling water and searching for teabags.
"How far along are you, Sora? " Matt asked timidly. Tai and Mimi sat down with four cups of steaming hot water. Sora dipped a teabag in and out of her cup.
"About five months. I'm due in March sometime. I don't know exactly when." Sora replied.
"When's the last time you saw a doctor?" Tai asked. Mimi swirled her spoon in her cup lazily, her eyes full of concern for her friend.
"I haven't seen one yet. Michael said it was pointless." Sora replied quickly.
"Then I'll make an appointment for you tomorrow. You should have been going to the doctor regularly." Mimi said. Sora nodded and yawned, stretching her legs and arms slowly.
"I think you need some sleep. You sleep in my room tonight, I'll take the floor." Tai offered, rising and helping Sora to her feet. Matt and Mimi walked with the other two until they reached their room.
"We're turning in. Good night Tai, goodnight Sora. Welcome home." Matt said, leading Mimi into the room and closing the door.
"They've been dating for about a year." Tai explained to Sora, who looked confused.
"So you all live here?" Sora asked. Tai nodded as he pushed some clothes off his bed and made room for Sora to sleep.
"Then I'll stay just for tonight, and find somewhere else to live tomorrow. I don't want to get in the way." Sora replied.
"I don't think so. You stay here at least until you have the baby. Then we'll help you get on your feet." Tai argued as he made a bed on the floor. Sora walked into the bathroom, then emerged later in shorts and a tee shirt, which bulged from the baby inside her. She climbed into bed and pulled the covers up over her gently. Tai turned out the light and curled up on the floor after changing into pajamas.
"Goodnight Sora." Tai said quietly. Sora didn't answer; she'd already fallen asleep.
**So there's another chapter. Just when you thought Sora's life couldn't suck anymore, we find out she's pregnant by some jerk! Lucky for her Tai has come along, and don't forget to review if you want some really sweet Taiora! There will be a little more Mimato, so don't freak out about them, they'll get covered later on more.**
