DW: I am updating again. I would have updated sooner, but ff.net got mad at me and banned me from updating for a week.

Irie: What did you do?!

DW: I'm not exactly sure. But, anyhow, here is the next and last installment of this tale. It continues directly from the previous chapter.

Irie: DW does not own Digimon : Digital Monsters, or any of the characters. She does, however, own the plot of this story and the original characters.

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I spot Mimi sitting at our usual table, and quickly wave through the crowds to get to her. How did my life change so radically over the span of five days? I sigh and collapse into a seat across from Mimi.

"I still think we should strand Andrea in a field." Mimi quips, using her ability to guess what is wrong with me before I say a word.

"That idea is starting to look more appealing." I answer.

Mimi sighs and takes another bite out of her sandwich, then surveys me. "Where is your lunch?"

I shrug and bury my face in my hands.

"Here," Mimi sighs as she shoves half a sandwich at me. "Can we please hurt Andrea?"

"Can we please change the subject?" I ask in between mouthfuls.

"Alright," Mimi frowns slightly, then, "What are you going to wear to the dance?"

I glare at her. This is what she considers changing the subject? Tactless.

"Oh come on Sora," she whines, "Don't think about the dance. Think about what you will WEAR to the dance. Just pretend the two things aren't connected."

"Mimi, your logic worries me greatly."

"Yeah, I've heard that it worries a lot of people. But, that's not the point. What are you wearing?"

"I have no idea." I say honestly.

"What?!" Mimi asks, her voice verging on shrieking. I wince slightly.

"Lower the decibels a bit Mimi."

"Sorry. But how can you NOT know what you are going to wear? The dance is tomorrow! I've had my outfit planned for weeks!"

"Mimi, the dance was announced a few days ago. How could you have had an outfit planned for weeks?"

"Oh, well, I just plan out outfits in case I have to go out, or there is a dance or something."

"Either you have too much time on your hands, or you need help."

Mimi smirks, "Maybe a bit of both, but that doesn't change the fact that you need to plan an outfit. Alright, I am coming over to your house tomorrow to get ready, and I am picking out an outfit for you."

"Mimi.." I begin.

"What?" she responds, fixing me with a determined glare.

"Oh, fine. You can help me pick an outfit, but I have veto power over anything you pick."

"Fine fine." Mimi concedes as she tosses a milk carton at the garbage..and misses.

"Nice shot Mimi." I say sarcastically.

"Very funny." She spits back.

"I thought so." I shove the rest of the sandwich in my mouth as the bell rings.

..

I stare blankly at the board, trying to understand all of the French grammar written there. Meanwhile, Mimi is talking a mile-a-minute...in French. She is so lucky that she can understand languages with no problem.

Andrea, yep she has French with me too...aren't I lucky, asks to be excused. As she exits the room, she crashes into me and drops a note on my desk. Throwing a glare over her shoulder, she closes the door behind her. I sigh and unfold the note.

'You better watch who you mess with Takenouchi. Meet me after school and we will settle this once and for all.'

I snort as I crumple the note and toss it into the garbage. This girl needs some serious help. I mean, not only is she incredibly possessive, but she seems to be obsessed with cliches. Bad writing style. Unless of course, the cliches were on purpose, but I doubt Andrea could be witty enough to do that.

"Sora?"

I snap my head up. "Oui?"

Wonderful. Why do teachers always have to catch me when I'm daydreaming? I swear they plan it this way.

...

I forcefully shove all my books in my bag, hoping to shove all dance related thoughts out of my mind. No such luck. My locker slams shut as I am about to grab my Math binder and I yelp at how close my fingers came to being caught.

"Hey wench."

"Matt, you almost cut off my fingers! What do you want?!"

"I want to make sure that you are planning to wear something mildly attractive tomorrow. If I'm going to prove to the world that you came running back, you should look presentable."

"Oh just get the hell away from me Matt." I spit as I grab my backpack and push past him.

"Pick you up at seven!" he calls after me.

So much for forgetting about the dance.

...

I walk home slowly. Being home means I have to do homework, but being at school means...well, hell actually. So, I figure I will just wander in the space between homework and hell for as long as possible. At least it's peaceful.

SMACK!

So much for peace. I stagger sideways, clutching my cheek and glare up at my assailant. Andrea, of course.

"I told you to meet me after school. What's wrong? Scared?"

"No, just not stupid. I don't want to...scratch that, I don't NEED to fight you."

"I don't care what you want or need. Tai is mine, and if violence is the only way to get that through your thick skull, then so be it."

Ugh...again with the cliches. "Just leave me the hell alone Andrea. You already got Tai, isn't that good enough for you?"

"I know I've got Tai, but I'm sick of watching you make puppy dog eyes at him."

"I have NOT been making puppy dog eyes at him!"

Andrea rolls her eyes, "Oh please Takenouchi. Everyone knows how much you like him, and EVERYONE thinks it's really pathetic that you are still lusting after him after I got him. Everyone, including Tai."

I shift the weight of my backpack, but don't respond.

"No response for that? You're even more pathetic than I thought." Andrea smirks as she slaps me again. I try to move as far away from her as possible without actually turning my back. Andrea merely smiles as she grabs my wrist and pulls me forwards sharply. I yelp, but it is cut off as Andrea's fist connects with my stomach. I fall to the ground, clutching my stomach as Andrea pulls back her foot to kick me.

That's it, no more 'pacifist Sora'. I roll away from her foot, get up quickly and backhand Andrea across the face. Her eyes widen and she stares at me in shock.

"You hit me. You little witch!" she shrieks as she grabs my collar and pulls me forward. I struggle, but Andrea is much stronger than she looks. "I'm going to make sure that pretty little face of yours is so disfigured, no one will ever look at you again." She hisses as she pulls back her fist. I close my eyes and wait for the blow.

"Andrea!"

The grip around my collar disappears and I back away quickly, rubbing my neck where the collar cut into it.

"Oh...Tai." Andrea says happily, "What are you doing here?"

"I think I should be asking you that. What were you doing to Sora?!"

"Oh Taichi," she says, adopting a victimized look, "Sora hit me for no reason. I was just trying to defend myself."

"You lying bi..." I start, but am cut off my Andrea snaking her arms around Tai's neck.

"Thank goodness you showed up Tai," she whispers, I don't know what she would have done if you hadn't been here."

Tai looks somewhat uncomfortable. Well he should be uncomfortable. I adjust my backpack on my shoulders and survey the couple in front of me with disgust.

"Let go of me Andrea. I'll take you home." Tai says firmly. Andrea seems a bit surprised, then her eyes narrow into slits. "Don't bother," she sneers, "I can find my own way back seeing as my own boyfriend won't console me after getting beat up by some jealous little peon." She throws a withering glare at me and storms off.

Peon? I really don't think that's the word she was looking for. And did Tai just...tell her to leave? Wow. But, I guess it doesn't mean anything, seeing as he is watching her go somewhat sadly. Just before I turn to leave, in a much less dramatic way than Andrea, Tai turns and meets my gaze. For that split second, I want to run to him and tell him that I don't like Matt and that Andrea is a slut and that he should go to the dance with me. But, as soon as that urge came, it disappeared. I turn my back on Tai and continue my interrupted walk home.

..

Friday. Normally, this would bring me some excitement. Some sort of joy or elation. But, no. Sadly, today being Friday means that the dance is today. Boo.

I sit on my bed as Mimi rummages through my closet. It is only 3:45 and she has declared that we should start getting ready. Sometimes, Mimi worries me.

In case you care, school was...awful. Andrea cornered Tai with this really plaintive look, and they made up...and out, or so I heard. Matt has now publicized the fact that I am going to the dance with him which, in his mind, means that I 'came running back'. Yeah, just a typical day in the life of Sora.

"How about this outfit?"

"No." I say without even looking up from my magazine.

"Sora! You have to LOOK at the outfit before you can veto it!" Mimi cries.

"Oh fine," I sigh looking up. Actually, the outfit isn't too bad. It's a jean skirt (because Mimi says I either wear a skirt by choice or she is dragging my skirt-clad corpse to the dance) and a cranberry red tank top.

"Well?" she asks hopefully. "The shirt will go well with your eyes, and the skirt isn't really short. You can wear some low sandals with it, or running shoes if you must."

"Alright, that outfit it is."

"Yay!" Mimi exclaims, jumping onto my bed, "And I have the perfect make-up to match."

"No way," I respond quickly. "No one said anything about make-up."

"Oh come on Sora, just a little bit won't hurt."

"No."

"Do I have to tie you to a chair and do your makeup that way?"

I sigh. "Fine Mimi, a LITTLE BIT of makeup."

"Hurray!" she cries again.

"You are getting far too much joy out of this."

"Girls! Come and have something to eat!" My mom calls from the kitchen.

"Come on! The faster we eat, the faster we can get started on hair, make- up and accessories!" Mimi grins as she drags me out of my room. This is one of the moments where I wonder how Mimi and I remain friends.

..

"Sora!" Mimi whines, "You have to stay still."

"I don't want any eyeliner Mimi!"

"But it'll accent your eyes!"

"I don't care! I said a little bit of make-up. Besides, eye liner scares me."

"You know that you can trust me."

"I know, but I don't trust myself not to blink or something and then end up with eye liner IN my eye!"

"Oh, fine, no eyeliner. Let me at least put some blush on you."

The time is 6:45 and Mimi is putting the finishing touches on my make-up. She finished her own make-up with speed and complete accuracy that I could never master. She also managed to combine everything she is wearing. She has on a black skirt with a baby pink tube top. Her black, knee-high boots add a few inches to her natural height and match the skirt. Her earrings are pink, accenting the top, and she combined colours with the make-up so that she got a perfect shade of pink. Woah...I sound like Mimi.

"Am I done yet? Can I get up?"

"Impatience is NOT a virtue Sora, but yes, you are done."

"Thank you." I stand up and look at myself in the mirror. Mimi managed to restrain herself, so that my lips are the only things that really show any use of make-up. They are painted a dark red to match the top and I can see hints of blush. I know that she put some eye shadow on me, but I can hardly see it.

"So?"

"Thanks Mimi."

"That's what friends are for!"

The sound of the doorbell stops me from responding.

"Oooh! That must be the boys!" Mimi giggles.

"Pardon me while I hide my enthusiasm." I sigh.

Mimi pulls a sympathetic face before dragging me to the door. Upon opening it, we discover Joe, looking slightly nervous; and Matt, leaning against a wall a few feet away from the door, his 'I'm-too-cool' attitude practically a visible aura.

"Hello Mimi," Joe says quietly, "you look lovely."

Mimi giggles, predictably, "Thank you Joe. You look very nice yourself." She accepts the lily that Joe brought her and the two begin their walk to the school, arm in arm.

"I'll be home around midnight, Mom!" I call, before closing the door and turning my attention to my date, if he can be called that.

"At least you wore a skirt." He comments before walking away. Oh well, it's not like I expected anything different. I watch him stalk off into the night, and consider running back inside. Matt turns, breaking any escape plans. "Are you coming, wench?"

"Whatever." I answer dismissively as I walk up to Matt. Yep, this night is going to be one to remember.

...

We arrive at the dance shortly after Mimi and Joe. I see Mimi smile as she drags a reluctant Joe onto the dance floor. Only a minute or so after entering the gym, Matt and I are surrounded by reporters from the school newspaper, most of Matt's usual gang, and a few people that I don't even recognize.

"So, Miss Takenouchi, what made you come back to Matt?" someone calls over the din of the music. I open my mouth to explain to this person that Matt and I are not together, but Matt cuts me off.

"You see," he begins, "I knew Sora had never gotten over me, so when she agreed to go to this dance, I took it as a sign. I'm only doing this to help her get over her obsession with me, but, I am still available." He adds with a wink. I see some girls in the crowd swoon. Disgusted, I attempt to break away from the crowd only to collide with Sara Gregores, head of the gossip column in the school paper.

"So, Sora, what is your comment on this?" she asks in her annoying manner.

"I think that you should all mind your own business." I snap angrily. This is the last thing I need. I turn away from Sara only to see Matt whispering into the ear of one of his many groupies. My temper gets the better of me and I push between the pair and out of the nosy group of spectators.

Eventually, I end up by the refreshment table and stand with the small crowd of wallflowers. Well, this is the perfect end to a perfect day. I take a cup of punch and survey the crowd. I see Mimi and Joe dancing on the edge of the dance floor. Matt and his new date brush past me, laughing and talking...about me. Then, as if my day wasn't bad enough, Andrea shoves me aside as she pulls Tai onto the dance floor. I cast a general glare around the room, my temper wavering.

"So, Sora, is it true that Matt was able to nail you in the span of three months?"

I throw the contents of my cup in Sara's face and angrily make my way out of the gym.

...

The cool night air helps quell my temper and the calm silence of the night is a welcome change to the constant noise of the gym. I lean against a wall and turn my face to the stars, clear and bright in the night sky. My eyes shut as I think about the events of the past five days. If I could have one wish, I would want to go back and do things differently. I wish things would change. I wish I could be at this dance with Tai.

The music swells slightly as someone exits the gym. I do not open my eyes, hoping that the person will either ignore me or not realize my presence.

"How DARE you Tai! I'm the best thing that has ever happened to you! I'm the best thing that will ever happen to you!" A familiar voice shatters the still night air.

I snap my eyes open and turn to see Tai and Andrea silhouetted against the night sky.

"If you are the best thing that has ever happened to me Andrea, I've had a pretty sorry life."

"Oh, I can't believe you. Any guy would be happy to have me! Any guy would be lucky to have me!"

"Well, I guess I'm not like every other guy."

"I can't believe this!" Andrea shrieks, "You're still lusting after that Takenouchi bitch!"

"You watch your language Andrea," Tai's voice lowers menacingly; "Sora is a better person that you will ever be."

"I can't believe you are protecting her! After everything I've heard..."

"I don't really care what you've heard or what you made up Andrea. We are through, if we were ever really dating, which, in my mind, we weren't."

"You never even kissed me! What type of boy are you?!" Andrea's shrilly voice echoes through the darkness.

"Just get away from me Andrea. I don't need or want you in my life."

"Right, so you need Takenouchi."

"Yeah, I do."

"Pathetic," Andrea sneers, "you are going to regret dumping me Tai! I'm every boy's dream!"

"No, you really aren't, so I suggest you start getting used to this type of disappointment."

Andrea represses a scream, whirls on her heel and storms back into the gym.

I stand, in shock. Tai did like me, this entire time he liked me. I can't believe I was such an idiot. Tai sticks his hands in his pockets and walks towards me. I take a deep breath. "Hello Tai."

Tai jumps and looks up at me. "Sora?" he asks, surprised.

"Yeah. So, I couldn't help but overhear that you and Andrea broke up." I say, a smile playing at my lips.

"For us to break up, I would have to have liked her, which I didn't. See, I really like this other girl. She's got this really nice red hair, these gorgeous crimson eyes and the best personality in the world. She's perfect in my mind. But, there is only one problem, she likes a blond asshole."

"Really? Because Matt and I were never together. And I actually like this other boy. He's got wild brown hair, chocolate kissed eyes and more patience than anyone I've ever met. Unfortunately, a bunch or rumors and two jerks kept us from getting together."

Tai grins happily, "So, Sora, you never gave me your answer. Will you go to the dance with me?"

"Well, it's not like I have any other plans...or any other guy that I would rather go with."

Tai smiles once again and kisses me for the second time since we met. This time, I do not pull away.

Someone props open the gym door and 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' by Savage Garden filters out into the night air.

"Sora, may I have this dance?" Tai asks, half joking. I nod, grinning as he wraps his arms around my waist.

As we dance, I cast a quick glance up at the stars; it seems some wishes do come true.

I never would have guessed that I would end up dancing under the stars with a boy that I truly liked just because I accepted a dare at my friend's sleepover.

'A new beginning

A reason for living

A deeper meaning

I wanna stand with you on a mountain

I wanna bathe with you in the sea

I wanna lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me'

THE END ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

DW: And so, it ends.

Irie: Wow.

DW: This is the first chapter fic that I've finished so...go me! ALSO I was wondering...SHOULD I WRITE A SEQUEL?

Irie: A sequel?

DW: Yeah, I have an idea for a sequel, so if you want one, please let me know. Also, let me know what you thought of this final chapter. I picked those specific lyrics because it was like a new beginning for both of them, and then I put the chorus in because I like the chorus. I DO NOT own that song.

Irie: Yeah, so please review and tell her what you think.

DW: A special thanks to everyone who reviewed this story.

To BugderigarLT, Sarike Kamiya01, Kim and dorkiss : Thank you so much for reviewing basically every chapter that I put up. You guys were incredibly faithful reviewers and I can't thank you enough for all of your support. It meant a lot to me. Thank you so much.

To Faller: Well, you basically reviewed my story in one sitting. That's pretty incredible and very sweet. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews. They were much appreciated.

To Anime- Master ZERO : Well, I had your attention at one point. What do you think of the story now that it is completed?

To Huntress Diana: All of your reviews always mixed suggestions with kindness. You were a very faithful reviewer and your suggestions were always very helpful. Thank you so very much.

To Redroses: I really hadn't realized that I had given Sora a wit until I read your review. I am naturally a sarcastic person, and I try to keep that separate from my writing, but I guess that it slipped through this time. I hope Sora's wit and sarcasm was not a problem and thank you for taking the time to review.

To everyone that reviewed this story: Thank you all so much. You wonderful reviews and support helped me keep going. I really did not think people's interest in this story would hold, and since I write for all Taiora fans, your support was more appreciated that you will ever know. Thank you so much.

DW: And so, this is dollar-wine, ending this chapter of Romantic Comedies. Please review and give your opinion on this chapter and whether or not a sequel would be worthwhile. Thank you.