Disclaimer: I do not own the following: Michelle Branch's 'Here With Me', nor digimon. Read and tell me what u think through: an e-mail or a review.
What It's Like To Be Alone
by Angel13
Tai kicked at the snow that was in his way on his walk home from high school. He sighed. Shoved his hands in his pockets and allowed the crystalline tears that had been gathering in his eyes fall to the ground before he wiped them away on the back of his coat sleeve. He picked his way through the streets filled with the hustle and bustle of people shopping for Christmas presents. Tai had grown to hate this time of year. He hurried to his apartment building before he was caught in the surge of people leaving the near by shopping center. He saw a pair standing in front of the window of a near by pet store. A girl with red shoulder length hair was giggling over the antics of the puppy in the window. Her arm was linked with the blonde, lead singer of the Teenage Wolves. The people I once called friends... Tai thought, escaping the scene in front of him as fast as his legs could carry him.
Tai entered into the calm and quiet of his apartment. He took off his shoes at the door and hung his coat. A petite brunette's head popped out of a doorway. "Hi, Tai. Tai?" Kari look quizzically at her brother who mumbled a firm 'Hey there,' and went to his room, closing the door with a firm click. Kari stood in the doorway and sighed. A white cat with yellow and orange striped gloves with a tail ring and looked up at her partner whose crimson eyes were slowly filling with tears. "Kari?" Gatomon asked softly. "It's nothing, Gatomon." Kari said softly as she wiped away her tears. Kari stared mournfully at her brother's closed door and closed her own. It's been one year. Kari thought sadly.
It's been one year since it happened. Tai thought mournfully. He stared out the glass sliding door that led to the balcony outside. He watched the snow flakes swirl by the glass and Tai threw himself on the bed and sprawled out while staring at the ceiling. This horrible memory was still haunting him, stinging, stabbing him over years of pain.
~*Flashback, 1 year ago*~
Sora stood outside of the door to where Matt's band was rehearsing, with a neatly wrapped box, and she was watching the crowd lining up and buying tickets. "Wow, this is so exciting. People are already lining up for Matt's concert." "Don't worry, Sora. We'll be sure to get great seats.. Especially once you give him these homemade cookies." Biyomon soothed, Sora's pink bird-like digimon. "I hope." Sora murmured. "Hey, Sora." Tai called. "Oh, Tai." Sora said uneasily, trying to hide the gift in her arms. "Something smells good." Agumon commented. Gabumon appeared at the door. "Matt's busy getting ready, but I'll take those to him." "I bet you will, no way. You'll eat the whole thing yourself." Biyomon said. "Why, I resent that. I'm on a diet." Gabumon retorted. "So, um, Sora, are you going to the concert with anybody? Not that it matters to me, just wondering." Tai asked hopefully. "No, I want to be available in case Matt's free afterwards." Sora said. "Oh, I see. Matt, huh?" Tai asked, disappointment filling his eyes. Sora looked downward. "It's okay." Tai said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're not mad at me, Tai?" Sora asked in surprise. "No, of course not. Now, get in there and say 'Hi' to Matt for me." Tai said smoothly. "Thanks, Tai." Sora said, going towards the door. "The least you could do is leave us the cookies!" Agumon exclaimed. "Tell you what, I'll make some special ones for you." Sora said smiling. "I'll be waiting. Thanks." Tai said as Sora disappeared inside. "You know what, Tai?" Agumon asked as he looked at Tai. "What?" Tai asked. "You've really grown up." Agumon replied...
~*End Flashback*~
Tai sighed. Why was he such a nice guy? A coward? He didn't know anymore. He just let Sora slip through his fingers and she just walked on. He stood and walked to his desk where a framed picture sat. He picked it up and just looking at it brought tears to his eyes and a lump formed in his throat. Sora had her arms looped around Tai's neck and they were both grinning like crazy. It had been right after his soccer team's game and they had won the championship. Tai sighed deeply as he put the photo and the frame face-down. He opened the door and a blast of cold wind hit him and he quickly shut the door. He looked out at the world. He had perfect view of Sora's apartment. Sora and Matt were standing on the door step and they were leaning in towards one another. Tai shut his eyes as tears began to form. He stumbled back to the door leading to his room. He fumbled for the handle and flung it open. He stumbled to his bed and broke down, snow swirling into the room, leaving Tai numb inside and out.
* * *
Sora gently pulled away from Matt's kiss. She smiled gently. "I'll call you." Sora called and disappeared into her apartment. "Hi, Mom!" "Hello, Sora. sora, your cousin, Kora will be arriving soon." "Again?" Sora sighed. "Yes, her grandmother is here on business and Kora needs a place to stay for a few days." "Okay, when's she coming." "She should be here in a few minutes..." "Uh, Mom, I'm going to the Kamiyas'. I'll see you later." "Alright, dear."
Sora raced to leave the apartment building. "Hi!" Sora stopped. She turned to see her perfect cousin, Kora Takenoachi. Sora always dreaded her visits. "Hi, Kora." Sora said, trying to make her voice as sugary sweet as possible. "Hey, cuz'n, Sor. You'd think you weren't happy to see me. How are you?" Kora asked. "No, never. I'm just peachy." Kora raised an eyebrow at Sora's response. "Where are you heading?" "A friend's." "Mind if I tag along?" "Yes, I do mind..." Sora muttered. "What was that?" "Nothing, nothing at all! The more the merrier." Sora said hastily. "Let's go then." Sora sighed and she headed off with Kora.
They walked briskly to the Kamiyas' apartment building complex. Sora knocked at the door and Kari opened it. "Sora." Kari said. "Hi, Kari! Is Tai home?" Sora asked. "No he isn... Hi!" Kari said more cheerfully, seeing Kora. "Hi, I'm Kora Takenoachi." "I'm Kari Kamiya. Why don't you come in?" Kari fought the urge to slam the door in Sora's face as the pair entered.. "Do you mind if I talk to Sora for a minute?" Kari asked. "No, not at all." Kora replied. "Just make yourself comfy on the couch." Kari said. Kora went over and sat on the couch. Kari ushered Sora to the door. "Look, haven't you caused enough pain? Why don't you leave Tai in peace for one day! Just leave us alone! Think of staying away as a Christmas gift to Tai." Kari's eyes narrowed, infuriated at the pain the bearer of love had inflicted on her brother. "Kari, I don't know what you're talking about." Sora protested as Kari shoved her closer to the door. "Just leave Tai alone! You know exactly what I'm talking about!" Kari slammed the door shut as Sora stood on the door step.
~*It's been a long, long time since I looked into the mirror
I guess that I was blind
Now my reflection's getting clearer
Now that you're gone things will never be the same again *~
Sora left the apartment building and began to walk home. She tried to understand what Kari meant. What could she have possibly done? Tai was always there ever since they were young.
~*Flashback*~
Don't worry, Sora. I'll protect you no matter what!" Tai declared.
~*End Flashback*~
Tai was always there. He was so much. Let it be a word of wisdom or comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a pair of arms to run to, or just someone who'd watch out for you, he was there.
~* There's not a minute that goes by every hour of every day
You're such a part of me
But I just pulled away
Well, I'm not the same girl you used to know
I wish I said the words I never showed *~
Sora sighed. Then it suddenly dawned on her. Christmas time. Last year. Matt's concert. That's what Kari meant. She thought.
~*I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me *~
Sora entered her now empty apartment. There was a note on the counter. Sora:
I am meeting your grandmother at a coffee shop before she continues on her way to Tokyo. I hope you and Kora are getting along well. I have dinner heating for you two in the oven. See you around 8.
Sora put the note back on the counter and took a peek of what was in the oven. She went to her room and sat on her bed. She stared in the mirror and saw for a moment, a person with a mop of soft brown hair. He smiled with his arm around her waist, and kissed the top of her head. She turned quickly and saw nothing there.
~*You know that silence is loud when all you hear is your heart
And I wanted so badly just to be a part of something strong and true
But I was scared and left it all behind *~
Sora placed her hand on her heart. It's pace had quickened at the sight of Tai. But, he was gone now. Just like everything I loved and once held close to me heart. Sora thought which brought tears to her eyes.
~* I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me *~
Sora walked to her desk. A small framed photo sat on top of it. It was the same picture Tai had on top of is desk. She had seen it there. It was a picture of the soccer championship right after Tai's team had won. Sora had her arms looped around Tai's neck and they were both grinning like crazy. She touched Tai's face, with it's special lop-sided grin that he saved for her and her alone.
~* And I'm asking
And I'm wanting you to come back to me
Please? *~
Sora walked out into the living room where a small fire was going. Then, Tai's face seemed to change as he winked at her. Sora let out a shriek and dropped the photo. The frame broke and the photo fluttered into the fire. Sora gasped and went to grab it. This act earned her a burnt finger and a pile of ashes which had once been a picture of Tai. Sora began to cry as she ran to her room.
Why had she hurt him so. She still remembered the concert. The hurt look in his eyes as she rejected his proposal. Rejected him. She didn't deserve Matt. She still saw him. Tai...
~*Flashback*~
"No, I want to be available in case Matt's free afterwards." Sora said. "Oh, I see. Matt, huh?" Tai asked, disappointment filling his eyes. Sora looked downward. "It's okay." Tai said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're not mad at me, Tai?" Sora asked in surprise. "No, of course not. Now, get in there and say 'Hi' to Matt for me." Tai said smoothly. "Thanks, Tai." Sora said, going towards the door. "The least you could do is leave us the cookies!" Agumon exclaimed. "Tell you what, I'll make some special ones for you." Sora said smiling. "I'll be waiting. Thanks." Tai said as Sora disappeared inside. "You know what, Tai?" Agumon asked as he looked at Tai. "What?" Tai asked. "You've really grown up." Agumon replied. Tai had then disappeared, giving one forlorn look to where Sora had once stood.
~*End Flashback*~
~* I never will forget that look upon your face
How you turned away and left without a trace
But I understand that you did what you had to do
And I thank you *~
Sora paced her room restlessly. Then, she heard the front door open. She wiped her tears and checked her digital alarm clock, it's red numbers reading 6:24 PM. Can't be Mom. Must be Kora. Great, just what I needed... Sora thought miserably. A quiet knock came at her door. Sora buried her head under the pillow. "Go away!" Sora moaned, her voice muffled under the pillow. The reply was more banging at the door. "Okay, okay! Come in before you break my door." Sora grumbled. The door opened. "Hey, Sora. What's up?" Kora asked cheerfully, flopping down next to Sora. "Nothing." Sora replied, rising from the bed and walking to her desk.
"What happened out in the living room? There's a smashed photo on the floor. I had to pick up the pieces. " Kora raised an eyebrow as she waited for a reply. There was silence before Sora realized Kora wanted and answer. "Uh, I dropped something." Sora said hastily. "Well, I'm going shopping tomorrow. I met Tai today. My, he is so sweet. Were you guys best friends?" Kora waited and no reply came. "We were? We still are." Sora rolled her eyes. "Not according to Kari." Kora said.
"Get out!" Sora growled. "Geez, Sora. I was just telling you." Kora protested in annoyance. "Well, Miss Fountain of Information, I don't want to hear about you and your stupid visit to the Kamiya apartment." Sora snapped. "Fine, I'm sick of you being such a grouch around me. What is wrong with you? I ask you a simple question and you give curt replies. I try and make conversation and you either don't answer or snap at me. I'm outta here." Kora rose from the bed in anger and stalked out of the room.
Sora fell to her knees. She was getting good at this. Losing people was beginning to become her hobby. She heard the door slam and Sora went to the kitchen. A hasty note was scrawled on a piece of paper.
Aunt Reiko:
I'm leaving. I'm very sorry. Things aren't working well here for me. I'll find somewhere to stay. No need to worry. Tell that to my grandmother if she calls. And, I thank you for having me for the short time I was here. Hopefully, next time I won't be any trouble. I hope this doesn't cause any problems. I'll phone when I find a place to stay.
Arigatou,
Kora
Sora sighed. The phone pierced the air and Sora decided not to answer it. The answering machine picked it up on the fifth ring.
Hey, Aunt Reiko. Just calling to let you know I'll be staying at the Kamiya's. I really hope it's okay. They invited me. So, I'll call later when you get home. By the way, Sora. Pick up the phone for once in your life! Bye!
Sora cursed under her breath. Her cousin sure knew how to get under her skin. She decided to prove her wrong and picked up the phone at the very end of the message.
"Hello?!" Sora practically screamed into the phone. "Oh, Sora. Seems like you wanted to prove me wrong in saying you were lazy? Well, I'll be at the Kamiya's. You know the number. Ja ne!" Kora called. "Wait-" Sora grumbled as the dial tone rang in her ears.
* * *
The next day, Kora was Christmas shopping with Tai. They were pretty much browsing for gifts. "So, you love my cousin, Sora?" Kora asked. "Yeah, I do. but she has a boyfriend..." "Oh. what's he look like?" Kora asked. "I'd rather not say..." Tai trailed. "Aw, well, don't worry. I'll find a way to help, one way or another." Kora said, grinning. "Well, I'm beat. Let's go. But, first, I've got to buy something. I'll meet you back at my place." Tai said, trying not to sound rude. "Whatever." Kora said, rolling her eyes. Kora disappeared and Tai disappeared into the jewelry store.
Sora lay on her bed. Matt had called her earlier and she recalled the conversation.
~*Phone Conversation*~
Matt: Hey, Sora. What's up?
Sora: Nothing.
Matt: Wanna go out tonight? I just wanted to go see this new movie...
Sora: Sorry to interrupt. I really am not in the mood. If you don't mind, I think we should slow down a little.
Matt: *silence* Okay. I'll call you later?
Sora: Alright. Sorry about this.
Matt: N-not to worry. Ja ne.
Sora: Bye.
~*End Phone Conversation*~
The phone pierced the air again. "Hello, Takenouchi residence, Sora speaking." "Sora? It's Tai." "Oh, hi." Sora said softly. "Can you meet me at the park? Under the cherry tree." Tai said. "Um, okay. Bye." She hung up the phone. She went to the door and took her coat and scarf off the hook. She put that and her shoes on. "Mom, I'm going to the park. Bye!" Sora called over her shoulder.
Sora jogged to the park and saw Tai sitting on the bench. She approached him nervously. He didn't seem to notice. She cleared her throat. "Tai?" She asked. "Sora." Tai spoke softly. "How are you?" Sora asked, trying to make conversation. "Uh, good. I have something for you..." Tai trailed as he reached into his coat pocket. He took out a small wrapped box. "For you." Tai said. Sora took it. "Arigatou, Tai." Sora waited. "What are you waiting for? Open it up." Tai said, anticipating her reaction. "Um, okay." Sora seated herself on the bench and began to unwrap the box, trying not to ruin the wrapping. Sora gasped. Tai had given her a velvet box the color of midnight. She lifted the top off of it. The silver inside was dazzling as it glinted in the pink and crimson rays of the sunset reflected of it's surface. She lifted it from its case and let the heart shaped links catch the rays easier. "Tai, it's---beautiful..." Sora was at a loss for words. Tai smiled widely. "I hoped you liked it... Look, Sora, I want you to know. I love you."
"Oh, Tai..." Sora whispered, tears appearing in her eyes. She said nothing but then threw her arms around his neck, sobbing. Tai patted her on the back. "What's wrong? I completely understand if you remain with Matt." Sora drew back, wiping the tears on her sleeve. "No, it's so beautiful. Tai, why? After I've been so mean to you..." Tai smiled a lop-sided grin. "No, don't say that." Tai said as he took her into a hug, stroking her hair slowly. "I'm so sorry, Tai..." Sora trailed and finally managed to stop her tears. Sora pulled back from the embrace and suddenly, surprising herself and Tai, she pressed her soft pink lips to his. She rested her arms on his strong shoulders and pulled back from the kiss. She smiled for the first time in a few days.
"Tai?" "Yes?" Tai looked at her. "Thank you." Sora whispered and let her head rest on his shoulder. "No problem..." Tai replied.
From a perch in a tree, Kora sat watching the new couple. "Best of luck to you both..." Kora whispered, her chocolate colored eyes brimming with tears. She smiled sadly. "I love you, Taichi. Take care of him, Sora. Take care of him." Kora said. She jumped from her perch in the tree. "Aishiteru, Sora." Tai managed to look at the tree above him and caught a glimpse of Kora leaping down from the tree. He sighed. Thank you, Kora. For everything. You helped me find who I truly love. Tai thought.
Kora watched from the hilltop near where Sora and Tai were. You owe me, Tai. She thought. She saw Tai watching her and she grinned and waved. "Ja ne, Taichi Kamiya." Kora murmured. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You knew this was gonna happen. That's why you didn't fall in love. So you wouldn't feel the hurt. A little voice reminded her.
~* I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me *~
Kora sighed. "I remember that, oh too well." She sighed deeply as she watched Sora and Tai leave hand-in-hand. "Take care--Sora and Tai."
The End.
Sorry, hope that didn't turn out too sad. Wonder, how'd you like? Is it worth a review?
