One Last Breath
~By: Lauren~
D E C I S I O N S
&
D R E A M S
"So what are you proposing Meimi?" Tony absently raised a shocked eyebrow.
"I'm saying with all the money my parents left me...I could buy a house! We could all live there, as a family! No more running away from the police, no more driving down road after road searching for a place where you can stay, a place where you belong." Meimi lifted her hands into the air to emphasize her meaning. "We can all belong here together!"
"We couldn't take all that money from you Meimi." Tammy frowned. "I mean, it's a tempting offer but I just wouldn't feel right if I did...It's like freeloading."
"And what if the people here don't like us?" Marie fidgeted nervously. She wasn't quite sure what was right, to take Meimi's offer or to refuse.
"I know they'll like you! Marie, you can go to school here! And so can Aaron. Tony, you can find a place to work go to high school again. So can you Tammy...and...your dream can come true!" Meimi bounced in the chair she was sitting in. It had to work, they HAD to listen to her. It worked out perfectly and if they declined, the redhead knew she'd be heartbroken.
"What are you talking about?" Tammy gave Meimi a confused look.
"Well...I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but I heard you talking to Georgia about it a few years ago when we were at her house...I heard you saying about how you wanted a home where you'd be accepted, a place where all of you could live happily." Meimi's eyes lowered to the ground were they rested on the beige carpet. "And Marie, you said so yourself! That we're always there, watching out for each other and helping each other throughout our lives. That we may never know it, but we're a family, forever. We'll always be there together through thick and thin; through high water and hell. That you can count on each of us because we're always there. We're a family because love goes a lot deeper than blood!!"
Tony sighed, looking at the group. He turned back to Meimi. "We need to talk about it...but...thanks Meimi." He smiled briefly before the others nodded and then they dispersed from the room.
Meimi sighed, hoping they'd listen to her. She wanted nothing more than to live with her family. It was so perfect, if only her friends would agree to it. They'd have a home. A REAL home...a place of their own. A place of shelter, a place of warmth, a place of rest and most importantly, a place to be with each other. She knew even if times changed, even if relationships molded into different things, they would always have each other. Even if they didn't stay with her, Meimi would always have the memories of them. The memories of her second family. Of Tammy smiling happily at her or comforting her when the redhead needed her. Of Tony glaring at Meimi when he was unsure of allowing her into the group or when he told her he was glad he let her join them. Of Marie helping Meimi pick out her new daring outfit. Of Aaron rolling his eyes at Meimi's jokes. They were everything Meimi had ever needed. They were the people that listened to her cries, that held her, that soothed her, and that loved her. And now she had Asuka Jr. back. She had Seira, who was so happy to see Meimi back. She had Sawatari and Lina's friendship also. Yes, things had changed between them all but the redhead knew they'd be different. One thing Meimi had learned as that things always changed, no matter how much you fought it. But Meimi had accepted that and slowly, her and Seira began to laugh about silly jokes. It was a start. Asuka Jr. had begun to mingle with Meimi's four friends and they all appeared to be getting along fine.
Meimi sank back into the plush chair that Aunt Sally had insisted in placing in her 'temporary' room. Suddenly, the door flew opened again and Seira wandered in. Behind her were Sawatari and Lina, smiling meekly.
"So what did they say?" Seira smiled as she gave Meimi a joyful wink. "Are you going to accept your offer?"
Meimi felt like she was going to bubble over with joy and uneasiness. She was so happy yet so scared that it would all shatter; that everything was a dream. But when she pinched herself, she was still there, in her room, wide- awake. After all her suffering, more good times had returned to her. It was strange how life worked. You had bad times and then good times. Meimi had had a bad time when she lost her parents; good times came with her new friends; bad times returned when Meimi returned home and now more good times came fleeting back. And right then and there, the redhead decided she would always cherish these good times. She decided that no matter how short they were, no matter how little in meaning they were, she would always savor them forever. They were what made the bad times worth while.
"Hey you guys...Long time no see, eh?" Meimi nervously chuckled as she took note of the differences between them. They all had grown taller, maturing more than Meimi had last seen. Seira's hair had been grown out just a bit longer than normal but it was still short, cut an inch under her ears. Lina's hair was cropped short in the style of a guy's haircut, as it had been in the past. Sawatari's shaggy hair hung wildly in different directions. "They're discussing what they want to do right now." She answered Seira's question, giving the group a wink. "I...I missed you guys..." Meimi absently found the carpeting very interesting. Suddenly, she felt a warm pair of arms around her.
"We missed you too. Welcome home." And with that, Seira, Sawatari and Lina all backed out and disappeared from the room.
Asuka Jr. stumbled through the doorway, shutting it quietly behind him.
"I see I never get a moments peace." Meimi joked, trying hard not to blush at the detective who seemed to just stare at her longingly.
Asuka Jr. chuckled quietly as he wandered over towards Meimi. He fell down next to her chair, sitting down with his legs crossed as he smiled up at her. His hands slipped on top of Meimi's, letting them rest gently on hers. "You're perfect." He whispered to the slightly confused girl. "You're the greatest person a man could ever hope for. I...I failed you back then Meimi. I made a mistake and I hurt you...but I love you. I love you so much but I have no idea how to show it."
Meimi gave him a look of perplexity. She knew Asuka Jr. loved her but yet at the same time...she was still a bit unease. And deep down, she knew Asuka Jr. was a bit unease too. But who wouldn't be in their situation? Asuka Jr. kept wondering if everything was real, if Meimi was really back to stay and that she loved him too. He was so afraid of making a mistake that would cause her to leave again. And he still felt bad for the past. He knew he should have been there for her but he hadn't.
Asuka Jr. kept rambling on. Meimi wanted to say something, to make the detective feel a bit better. He didn't have to keep feeling guilty about the past. That time was over and done with. Asuka Jr. saw Meimi's helpless confusion and he felt as if he had lost. He could feel the tears gathering in his eyes but he didn't care. He knew she still felt like this wasn't truly happening, that it all was some big joke. But who could blame her? After everything went wrong for her and suddenly it worked itself out, anyone would be skeptic. Asuka Jr. smiled weakly. "I know what I feel, but how can I make you always know?"
Asuka Jr. took a deep breath and then began. "I know that the first day I met you, when we just started school and you held out your hand, wanting to know my name, I wanted to be your friend forever but I didn't know how to show that. Back then girls meant cooties."
"I know that when we were kids, I would always pick on you to hide my nervousness. I always wanted to say something to you but when I'd speak, the words just came out as a cruel joke."
"I know that when you disappeared, I missed you so much...it hurt..."
"I know that I imagined that the first girl I kissed was you, and she got so mad at me when I called her "Meimi." She jumped away from me and walked all the way home, even when I kept trying to offer her a ride."
Asuka Jr. kept speaking. "I know that the first time I saw you on the street, I wanted to hug you so badly but I was afraid to."
"I know that the first time you kissed me, I almost had a heart attack."
"I know that I can't fall asleep without thinking about that cute little sound your throat makes when you breathe and I can only hear it when it's really quiet.
"I know by the cherry tree you moved in to cuddle and rub your face against me...and the way your hair smells after you're shampooed it or after you've been outside..."
"I know your laugh makes me want to laugh, even when I'm sad, and that all you have to do is smile at me, and whatever I'm feeling just melts and I feel happy..."
"I know that you think you need to spend a lot of time on your looks, which is silly because you always look beautiful."
"I know that you think you need to hide yourself away from the world behind those stupid sunglasses...but you can't do that anymore. You need to show yourself, you need to be seen."
"And I know that you make me love you even more every time you whisper in my ear, and it makes me jealous of those four teenagers because I've missed out on two years of your life."
"And I know that you're the strongest person I've ever known, and it upsets me to think of all the things that you've endured, that I know for a fact would have killed me. And ever since you walked back into my life wearing your black trench coat and boots...I've just wanted to be more like you, to be so confident and free..."
"And I remember how Saint Tail would always make sure I knew that she'd only be captured by me. How she would always make sure I was cheerful..."
"And I remember how I would watch you at school laughing, just staring at how gorgeous you were and I would wonder why I was so scared to love you."
"And I remember how jealous I would get of Sawatari, because you both became friends so easily and so fast. And when you were together, how you both would tease and joke, and I would wish that I could have that kind of camaraderie with you. And so I would always make some mean comment, just to separate you both..."
"And I remember how I would sit up at nights after you were gone...and I would talk to the stars, hoping that you could hear me..."
Meimi watched Asuka Jr. with fascinated horror. Asuka Jr.'s tears spilled down his cheeks messily and Meimi's heart twisted at the sight. The words just spun around her head, making her dizzy and weak. Her fingers drifted over to touch Asuka's cheeks, getting her fingers wet, as if to show to herself that they were actual tears.
Asuka Jr. didn't even notice for he was so lost in his speech but eventually, the words and the tears and just having Asuka Jr. so close again all became too much for Meimi and she put her fingers over Asuka's mouth.
"Shh..." Meimi quieted Asuka Jr., bringing his jade eyes up to look at her. "Don't say another word. Don't speak."
Asuka Jr. was a bit confused, as he was ready to speak again, when Meimi's lips touched his.
"Quiet." Meimi brushed at his tears, shaking her head. She leaned closer, and kissed Asuka Jr. more definitively.
"Wha-" Asuka Jr. tried to make sense of what was happening, but his brain was stuck in neutral.
"No more words. Hush." Meimi shook her head, her lips pouting slightly at the concept of words. "I can't believe words. Show me. Hold me." Leaning in, she took Asuka Jr., drawing him closer to her.
The part of Asuka Jr.'s mind that was ready to protest was outvoted by all the parts of Asuka Jr.'s heart and soul that wanted to continue. Meimi's hands were on Asuka's neck, her fingertips nuzzling him lightly and Asuka's hands went to rest tenderly on Meimi's sides. Meimi sighed as she took in a breath, her eyes closed, her delicate eyelashes pressed against her cheek.
A voice interpreted the couple.
"Um...excuse me for breaking this, erm, wonderful scene apart and everything..." It trailed off.
Meimi blushed, glancing up quickly while breaking apart from Asuka Jr. slightly. Tony and Tammy both stood up proudly while Aaron and Marie smirked behind them.
"We've come to a decision." Tammy giggled as if she couldn't hold herself back, which WAS becoming very hard.
"And what is it?!" Meimi was ready to explode. She had to know if her family would stay with her or choose to move on.
"Well...after careful thinking and analyzing..." Aaron slowly spoke.
"JUST SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!!" Meimi snapped at the blond as her patience snapped also.
"We're going to stay here with you."
Meimi barely heard Tammy murmur the words but she knew it was true when the four teenagers jumped forward to bring their friend- no - sister, into a tight embrace.
~*~
The shining thing has been here always,
I have found it in myself.
~*~
Lauren: WAI WAI! And there it is folks...what do you think? Sorry if the chapter came a bit late this weekend. Forgive me! Lack of sleep and energy has been tearing away at me lately and I sort of don't want to finish this fic! I mean...I don't want it to end! I LOVED writing it and I LOVED all the reviews I got from everybody! I loved hearing all of your wonderful opinions and getting to know you each a bit. Thanks for putting up with my insane musings and such. And to think this story started from a would-be short songfic...! Thanks for all the great comments and stay tuned for our LAST chapter!! Technically it's an epilog but...it's still the last chapter. Don't worry, I'll make everything tie up perfectly. ^_^ What can I say, I'm a sucker for happy endings, especially after all the heck I've put each character through. Thanks again and enjoy!
~By: Lauren~
D E C I S I O N S
&
D R E A M S
"So what are you proposing Meimi?" Tony absently raised a shocked eyebrow.
"I'm saying with all the money my parents left me...I could buy a house! We could all live there, as a family! No more running away from the police, no more driving down road after road searching for a place where you can stay, a place where you belong." Meimi lifted her hands into the air to emphasize her meaning. "We can all belong here together!"
"We couldn't take all that money from you Meimi." Tammy frowned. "I mean, it's a tempting offer but I just wouldn't feel right if I did...It's like freeloading."
"And what if the people here don't like us?" Marie fidgeted nervously. She wasn't quite sure what was right, to take Meimi's offer or to refuse.
"I know they'll like you! Marie, you can go to school here! And so can Aaron. Tony, you can find a place to work go to high school again. So can you Tammy...and...your dream can come true!" Meimi bounced in the chair she was sitting in. It had to work, they HAD to listen to her. It worked out perfectly and if they declined, the redhead knew she'd be heartbroken.
"What are you talking about?" Tammy gave Meimi a confused look.
"Well...I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but I heard you talking to Georgia about it a few years ago when we were at her house...I heard you saying about how you wanted a home where you'd be accepted, a place where all of you could live happily." Meimi's eyes lowered to the ground were they rested on the beige carpet. "And Marie, you said so yourself! That we're always there, watching out for each other and helping each other throughout our lives. That we may never know it, but we're a family, forever. We'll always be there together through thick and thin; through high water and hell. That you can count on each of us because we're always there. We're a family because love goes a lot deeper than blood!!"
Tony sighed, looking at the group. He turned back to Meimi. "We need to talk about it...but...thanks Meimi." He smiled briefly before the others nodded and then they dispersed from the room.
Meimi sighed, hoping they'd listen to her. She wanted nothing more than to live with her family. It was so perfect, if only her friends would agree to it. They'd have a home. A REAL home...a place of their own. A place of shelter, a place of warmth, a place of rest and most importantly, a place to be with each other. She knew even if times changed, even if relationships molded into different things, they would always have each other. Even if they didn't stay with her, Meimi would always have the memories of them. The memories of her second family. Of Tammy smiling happily at her or comforting her when the redhead needed her. Of Tony glaring at Meimi when he was unsure of allowing her into the group or when he told her he was glad he let her join them. Of Marie helping Meimi pick out her new daring outfit. Of Aaron rolling his eyes at Meimi's jokes. They were everything Meimi had ever needed. They were the people that listened to her cries, that held her, that soothed her, and that loved her. And now she had Asuka Jr. back. She had Seira, who was so happy to see Meimi back. She had Sawatari and Lina's friendship also. Yes, things had changed between them all but the redhead knew they'd be different. One thing Meimi had learned as that things always changed, no matter how much you fought it. But Meimi had accepted that and slowly, her and Seira began to laugh about silly jokes. It was a start. Asuka Jr. had begun to mingle with Meimi's four friends and they all appeared to be getting along fine.
Meimi sank back into the plush chair that Aunt Sally had insisted in placing in her 'temporary' room. Suddenly, the door flew opened again and Seira wandered in. Behind her were Sawatari and Lina, smiling meekly.
"So what did they say?" Seira smiled as she gave Meimi a joyful wink. "Are you going to accept your offer?"
Meimi felt like she was going to bubble over with joy and uneasiness. She was so happy yet so scared that it would all shatter; that everything was a dream. But when she pinched herself, she was still there, in her room, wide- awake. After all her suffering, more good times had returned to her. It was strange how life worked. You had bad times and then good times. Meimi had had a bad time when she lost her parents; good times came with her new friends; bad times returned when Meimi returned home and now more good times came fleeting back. And right then and there, the redhead decided she would always cherish these good times. She decided that no matter how short they were, no matter how little in meaning they were, she would always savor them forever. They were what made the bad times worth while.
"Hey you guys...Long time no see, eh?" Meimi nervously chuckled as she took note of the differences between them. They all had grown taller, maturing more than Meimi had last seen. Seira's hair had been grown out just a bit longer than normal but it was still short, cut an inch under her ears. Lina's hair was cropped short in the style of a guy's haircut, as it had been in the past. Sawatari's shaggy hair hung wildly in different directions. "They're discussing what they want to do right now." She answered Seira's question, giving the group a wink. "I...I missed you guys..." Meimi absently found the carpeting very interesting. Suddenly, she felt a warm pair of arms around her.
"We missed you too. Welcome home." And with that, Seira, Sawatari and Lina all backed out and disappeared from the room.
Asuka Jr. stumbled through the doorway, shutting it quietly behind him.
"I see I never get a moments peace." Meimi joked, trying hard not to blush at the detective who seemed to just stare at her longingly.
Asuka Jr. chuckled quietly as he wandered over towards Meimi. He fell down next to her chair, sitting down with his legs crossed as he smiled up at her. His hands slipped on top of Meimi's, letting them rest gently on hers. "You're perfect." He whispered to the slightly confused girl. "You're the greatest person a man could ever hope for. I...I failed you back then Meimi. I made a mistake and I hurt you...but I love you. I love you so much but I have no idea how to show it."
Meimi gave him a look of perplexity. She knew Asuka Jr. loved her but yet at the same time...she was still a bit unease. And deep down, she knew Asuka Jr. was a bit unease too. But who wouldn't be in their situation? Asuka Jr. kept wondering if everything was real, if Meimi was really back to stay and that she loved him too. He was so afraid of making a mistake that would cause her to leave again. And he still felt bad for the past. He knew he should have been there for her but he hadn't.
Asuka Jr. kept rambling on. Meimi wanted to say something, to make the detective feel a bit better. He didn't have to keep feeling guilty about the past. That time was over and done with. Asuka Jr. saw Meimi's helpless confusion and he felt as if he had lost. He could feel the tears gathering in his eyes but he didn't care. He knew she still felt like this wasn't truly happening, that it all was some big joke. But who could blame her? After everything went wrong for her and suddenly it worked itself out, anyone would be skeptic. Asuka Jr. smiled weakly. "I know what I feel, but how can I make you always know?"
Asuka Jr. took a deep breath and then began. "I know that the first day I met you, when we just started school and you held out your hand, wanting to know my name, I wanted to be your friend forever but I didn't know how to show that. Back then girls meant cooties."
"I know that when we were kids, I would always pick on you to hide my nervousness. I always wanted to say something to you but when I'd speak, the words just came out as a cruel joke."
"I know that when you disappeared, I missed you so much...it hurt..."
"I know that I imagined that the first girl I kissed was you, and she got so mad at me when I called her "Meimi." She jumped away from me and walked all the way home, even when I kept trying to offer her a ride."
Asuka Jr. kept speaking. "I know that the first time I saw you on the street, I wanted to hug you so badly but I was afraid to."
"I know that the first time you kissed me, I almost had a heart attack."
"I know that I can't fall asleep without thinking about that cute little sound your throat makes when you breathe and I can only hear it when it's really quiet.
"I know by the cherry tree you moved in to cuddle and rub your face against me...and the way your hair smells after you're shampooed it or after you've been outside..."
"I know your laugh makes me want to laugh, even when I'm sad, and that all you have to do is smile at me, and whatever I'm feeling just melts and I feel happy..."
"I know that you think you need to spend a lot of time on your looks, which is silly because you always look beautiful."
"I know that you think you need to hide yourself away from the world behind those stupid sunglasses...but you can't do that anymore. You need to show yourself, you need to be seen."
"And I know that you make me love you even more every time you whisper in my ear, and it makes me jealous of those four teenagers because I've missed out on two years of your life."
"And I know that you're the strongest person I've ever known, and it upsets me to think of all the things that you've endured, that I know for a fact would have killed me. And ever since you walked back into my life wearing your black trench coat and boots...I've just wanted to be more like you, to be so confident and free..."
"And I remember how Saint Tail would always make sure I knew that she'd only be captured by me. How she would always make sure I was cheerful..."
"And I remember how I would watch you at school laughing, just staring at how gorgeous you were and I would wonder why I was so scared to love you."
"And I remember how jealous I would get of Sawatari, because you both became friends so easily and so fast. And when you were together, how you both would tease and joke, and I would wish that I could have that kind of camaraderie with you. And so I would always make some mean comment, just to separate you both..."
"And I remember how I would sit up at nights after you were gone...and I would talk to the stars, hoping that you could hear me..."
Meimi watched Asuka Jr. with fascinated horror. Asuka Jr.'s tears spilled down his cheeks messily and Meimi's heart twisted at the sight. The words just spun around her head, making her dizzy and weak. Her fingers drifted over to touch Asuka's cheeks, getting her fingers wet, as if to show to herself that they were actual tears.
Asuka Jr. didn't even notice for he was so lost in his speech but eventually, the words and the tears and just having Asuka Jr. so close again all became too much for Meimi and she put her fingers over Asuka's mouth.
"Shh..." Meimi quieted Asuka Jr., bringing his jade eyes up to look at her. "Don't say another word. Don't speak."
Asuka Jr. was a bit confused, as he was ready to speak again, when Meimi's lips touched his.
"Quiet." Meimi brushed at his tears, shaking her head. She leaned closer, and kissed Asuka Jr. more definitively.
"Wha-" Asuka Jr. tried to make sense of what was happening, but his brain was stuck in neutral.
"No more words. Hush." Meimi shook her head, her lips pouting slightly at the concept of words. "I can't believe words. Show me. Hold me." Leaning in, she took Asuka Jr., drawing him closer to her.
The part of Asuka Jr.'s mind that was ready to protest was outvoted by all the parts of Asuka Jr.'s heart and soul that wanted to continue. Meimi's hands were on Asuka's neck, her fingertips nuzzling him lightly and Asuka's hands went to rest tenderly on Meimi's sides. Meimi sighed as she took in a breath, her eyes closed, her delicate eyelashes pressed against her cheek.
A voice interpreted the couple.
"Um...excuse me for breaking this, erm, wonderful scene apart and everything..." It trailed off.
Meimi blushed, glancing up quickly while breaking apart from Asuka Jr. slightly. Tony and Tammy both stood up proudly while Aaron and Marie smirked behind them.
"We've come to a decision." Tammy giggled as if she couldn't hold herself back, which WAS becoming very hard.
"And what is it?!" Meimi was ready to explode. She had to know if her family would stay with her or choose to move on.
"Well...after careful thinking and analyzing..." Aaron slowly spoke.
"JUST SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!!" Meimi snapped at the blond as her patience snapped also.
"We're going to stay here with you."
Meimi barely heard Tammy murmur the words but she knew it was true when the four teenagers jumped forward to bring their friend- no - sister, into a tight embrace.
~*~
The shining thing has been here always,
I have found it in myself.
~*~
Lauren: WAI WAI! And there it is folks...what do you think? Sorry if the chapter came a bit late this weekend. Forgive me! Lack of sleep and energy has been tearing away at me lately and I sort of don't want to finish this fic! I mean...I don't want it to end! I LOVED writing it and I LOVED all the reviews I got from everybody! I loved hearing all of your wonderful opinions and getting to know you each a bit. Thanks for putting up with my insane musings and such. And to think this story started from a would-be short songfic...! Thanks for all the great comments and stay tuned for our LAST chapter!! Technically it's an epilog but...it's still the last chapter. Don't worry, I'll make everything tie up perfectly. ^_^ What can I say, I'm a sucker for happy endings, especially after all the heck I've put each character through. Thanks again and enjoy!