I'll take Boys over Flowers:// Part 7
A/N: Continued, from before. Old chapters.
********
Mimi watched as Ken pulled the needle in and out of the cloth, making sure each stitch was in line with the others. 'He's really good.' Wistfully sighing, she looked down at her own piece of cloth. It was only partly stitched, with the string so far apart from each loop that the material was hardly together at all. Grimacing at her lack of ability she contented herself with looking around the room they were in.
After dragging her out of the auditorium, Ken had jabbered on about all the ideas he had for costumes and dresses, before leading her to his dorm and revealing a huge chest full of various sewing materials and sketches. Picking up one of the booklets he had, she flipped through the pages, eyeing the designs and patterns for clothing. She had to admit...for such a strange boy he had good taste.
Tracing the design of one dress in particular Mimi sighed. She missed being a girl, though it had only been a few days. 'Can't wear pretty things like this anymore...can't talk and shop with Sora all the time...Sora!' Mimi had forgotten about her best friend completely! Cursing at herself she mentally made a note to call the girl later that night.
Scowling she was about to turn back to her faulty sewing but stopped and blushed when she noticed Ken staring at her...almost studying her. "Na...nani? Do I have something on my face?"
Embarrassed she tried to hide her blush with the cloth but stopped when she noticed Ken sigh. Looking at the boy concerned now she wondered out loud, "Is something wrong Ken?"
Giving her a wistful look he set his work down before laying on his back, letting the plush carpet cushion his head. "I was just thinking...if I looked naturally like a girl like you...maybe Jyou-senpai would notice me more..."
A deep crimson spread over Mimi's cheeks but she shook it off, giving the boy a quizzical look. "Ah...you really love Jyou-kun, eh Ken?" Rolling over to look at her, he shook his head before getting up. "I'm not gay..."
"Eh..." Mimi sweat dropped before laughing a little. 'You could've fooled me...'
"Hmm...I'm really not." Closing his eyes, Ken sighed lightly. "I don't love Jyou-senpai because he's a guy...I...I love him because well...he's Jyou- senpai." Mimi stared at him confused before answering, "Ken that makes no sense what so ever." Chuckling a little he nodded. "I know, I know. But he's Jyou-senpai. Everyone loves him..."
'Taichi sure doesn't...' mused Mimi.
"I guess...I can't help but be drawn to him too." Ken admitted sadly. Giving the boy a sympathetic look, Mimi patted his back. "Aw, don't worry. You'll find someone, though I'm not sure if Jyou is the type you want. He's looking more for..."
"A girl?"
"Eh...hehe. Yea." Mimi continued to pat him, not sure what to do. 'Poor guy...weird but poor guy...' Silence filled the room as Ken hung his head low, while Mimi tried to comfort him sweat dropping. Near the window a small potted plant moved back and forth trying to keep its balance long enough to peek through. "Matt, hold me still! Put your back into it!"
"Baka!" Grumbling Matt strained, as Tai stood on his shoulders trying to look through Ken's window. "Tai this is illegal. You can't spy on people like this!"
"I'm not spying!" Looking down at him with tears running down his face, Tai put in a worried voice, "Aren't you worried about Miki? Just think of all the weird torture that kidnapper Ken must be doing to him!"
-Visions on Ken dressing Mimi up in weird costumes, a crying Mimi as Ken wrapped her up in tin foil and finally of him carrying a whip as Mimi cowered in a corner, popped up next to the boys as Matt sweat dropped and Tai cried. -
"We have to save him!" Scrambling to catch a hold of the windows ledge Tai bounced, making Matt almost fall over. "I...I almost have it!" Giving one last grab for it, Tai leaped up grabbing the frame. "Yatta!!!" Hoisting himself up, Tai peered through the glass eagerly. What he saw made him drop the ledge, fall onto Matt and make them topple over.
"Agh! What?! Why did you drop it?" Angry Matt glared as Tai scrambled to his feet frantic. "We! We need to get in there! Ken is molesting Miki!" Grabbing Matt's wrist Tai dashed into the building crying out war cries as he went. "Kyyyaaaaa!!!! I'll kill you Ichijouji!!!"
"Nani?!" Matt yelled as he got dragged off in the panic. 'I don't believe it...' Running up two flights of stairs Tai made it to Ken's door. Lifting up his leg he was about to kick it down when Matt grabbed him from behind. "No you don't! Ken would not do that Tai. This is insane!"
"Nooo!!! Argh!!!" Struggling to get free Tai waved his arms and legs around frantically. "This is for Miki's purity!!!" Both looking up, Ken and Mimi stared at the door, hearing the commotion. "What's going on?" Getting up Mimi walked towards the noise and leaned her head against it. "Who could it..."
"For Miki!!!"
"Tai?!" Jumping back wide-eyed she stared at the door sweat dropping. "Kamiya-kun?" Getting up Ken walked towards her opening the door. "Why would he..."
Looking out Ken and Mimi stared out speechless, with massive sweat drops on their faces, at what they saw. In front of them was Matt trying to hold Tai back as the other boy was squirming around, gnawing on Matt's arm, mumbling, "For Miki!" as he did so.
Breaking through the shock Mimi stepped out flustered. "What's going on?!" Snapping his head up Matt flushed as he realized they had an audience. Dropping Tai, he gave the boy a scowl as he inspected his now chewed on arm. "Ask Mr. Savior over there."
Blushing Tai stuttered as he looked at Mimi glaring at him. "I...I was saving you f...from Ichijouji."
"Saving me?" Mimi raised an eyebrow skeptically as Ken sweat dropped behind her.
"Save him from what?" she asked, startled. Jumping up Tai pointed an accusing finger at the boy. "You! I saw you two! You were forcing yourself on Miki!"
"What?!" Both Ken and Mimi stared at him blankly. Then Mimi remembered, when she had hugged the boy to make him feel better. "Aw...you mean the hug?"
"Yes! I saw Ichijouji lure you into hugging him!" Shaking now Tai glared. "Ho...How shameful!" Ken just sweat dropped more and Mimi broke out in laughter. "He...he...Taichi! You baka!"
"Eh?" Looking at her with a hurt expression, Tai whimpered. "I was saving you..." Bopping him on the head, Mimi smiled at his denseness. "I gave him a hug on my own free will. He wasn't feeling good that's all." Turning to Matt she couldn't help break out into a smile. "But I'm glad the you guys were worried enough about me to show up."
Embarrassment melting away Tai jumped at the thought of making her smile. "So you're not mad? Yah!" Taking Ken's hands, he danced around in a circle as the other boy scowled. "Hey stop you baka! I'm getting dizzy!"
Laughing Mimi looked at Matt, happiness shining on her face. "I'm glad you- "She was cut off as Matt turned away and headed down the stairs. "I was dragged here. Your affairs have nothing to do with me."
Hurt Mimi watched him leave as Tai frowned calling after him. "Matt! Don't be mean to Miki! Matt! Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to practice...don't follow me." Without another word the blonde disappeared down the flight leaving behind, two fuming boys and an almost in tears girl. 'Why was he so cold?' Staring at the ground Mimi forced her tears back. 'I can't cry...I can't cry...boys don't cry!'
Still angry Tai stomped around yelling. "That guy is so difficult! How rude!" He stopped when he saw how hurt Mimi looked and went up to her. "Hey, didn't I ever tell you Matt could be a jerk? Don't mind him he's probably just mad because I dragged him here for nothing."
Trying to lighten the mood, Ken nodded, offering a small smile. "That's, right. I'm sure he's not mad at you personally." Sniffing Mimi hiccupped before nodding. "Yea...moody jerk..."
Cracking into a grin Tai wrapped his arms around her and Ken, dragging them down, the stairs. "Hey let's go to the office! Before we got here the secretary told Matt and me that one of your suitcases arrived!"
Perking up, Mimi looked at him. "Really?" She thought about what it could be. 'Sora must've sent it...maybe they're the extra men's clothes she said she'd send me...'
*****
In her dorm, Mimi cracked open the chest, with the help of Izzy, who met up with them in the office. Lifting up the head of the chest she cried out, "My clothes!"
Beaming she started to sort through the various shirts, jackets, pants and etc. that her best friend had gotten. 'Hmm...Sora must've gotten her good taste from being with me so long...'
Watching from her behind, the boys stared wide-eyed. Stepping forward Tai sweat dropped before picking up a jacket. "Jeeze Miki, you sure have a lot of clothes!"
Spotting a vanilla colored package, Ken snatched it up from the clothing. "Hey looks like they sent you more then just clothes." Turning away from the clothing Mimi took the parchment, opening it eagerly. 'Sora remembered!' Ripping it apart she found her diary and a few other various items.
Squealing Mimi didn't notice as a picture wafted out of her grip onto the ground. Bending over Izzy picked up the photo, eyes widening as he looked at it. "Wow who's this? Miki you didn't say you had a girlfriend!"
Snatching the picture out of his hands, Mimi stared at it flushed. It was of Sora smiling, all dressed up. Taking on a dreamy look in her eyes, Mimi sighed as she gazed at the picture. 'I miss you so much Sora...it just isn't the same without my best friend...'
Watching her surprised the boys all had different reactions, from Mimi's behavior. Sweat dropping Izzy scratched his head. "Guess she is Miki's girlfriend from his reaction." Ken nodded a bit shocked. "Didn't think he had one. Must've been hard to leave her behind." He gave the boy a sympathetic look, mistaking his expression for love instead of homesickness.
Tai on the other hand was standing in the corner, pale and seemingly in a state of shock and displeasure. 'Miki has a girlfriend?!?!!? He...he looks like he really loves her!' Tai's heart fell at the thought but he soon slapped himself for it. 'Wh...what's wrong with me? Why should I...why should I care if he has a girlfriend? I'm not gay! I'm not! I shouldn't care...I shouldn't care!'
But as he stared at Mimi in her dreamy state, he felt s pain in his chest. 'What's wrong with me? Could it...could it be I have feelings for Miki?! But Miki's a boy! No I'm not gay! But...why does my heart feel so heavy all of a sudden?'
Not noticing the pained looked on Tai's face, Mimi spun around the room, happy. "I'll have to call her later!" Spinning to face her friends she beamed, tucking the photo into her pocket. "Let's go get something to eat!"
Ken and Izzy nodded, with Tai looking at the ground in confusion. Hooking her arms with him and Ken, Mimi led them out with Izzy closing the door behind them.
*****
Running, the wind dancing in his hair, Matt used his pole to catapult himself up and over the bar. Falling, he closed his eyes, readying himself for the soft impact of the cushion below him. 'Ah...'
As he landed Matt opened his eyes staring up at the sky, in thought. Lying there on his back, the world disappeared around him. 'I shouldn't...' Thinking of what he said earlier, Matt frowned, a funny feeling gripping his heart. "I shouldn't have snapped at her like that..."
*****
:Ring, Ring:
:Click:
"Hello?"
"Sora?"
"Mimi?"
"Sora!!"
"Mimi!!!"
"It's you-!!" Both girls screamed into the phone at the same time. "Mimi I miss you so much! It's about time you called!" Guilty, Mimi twisted the cord of the payphone. "Gomen, Gomen I got wrapped up in things here."
"Did you get to meet Yamato?" Sora questioned excitedly on the other end. Brightening, Mimi beamed. "Yah, I did! He's my roommate even!"
"Mimi! I thought you got a single room? Isn't it dangerous?"
"I thought so too but there's not enough rooms, everyone's sharing! It's okay though, I can keep my secret and Yamato is--" Remembering the evening's events she cut herself off. 'How could Matt be so cruel?'
"Mimi? Mimi?" Concerned by her friend's sudden quietness, Sora questioned on. "Mimi what's the matter?"
"I..."
-Flash-
"What happens to you is none of my business."
-End-
"It's nothing Sora, I'm just a bit tired."
"Are you sure?"
"Of coarse silly! Now tell me what's been going on with you?"
"Well besides missing you, just the usual. Oh and your brother Osamu (Ken's older brother, don't ask -__-*) is worried sick about you! He's so angry you left without telling him!"
"Ahahaha." Mimi laughed as she pictured her enraged brother waving a fist at her all the way from America. "Nii-chan will be fine. He's just over protective."
"You can say that!" Both girls broke out into a fit of giggles. Suddenly Mimi perked up as she heard footsteps coming closer. Muffling Sora's voice with her hand she peeked around the corner to see Yamato coming towards her, walking the strangest looking dog she had ever seen.
Were there really white dogs with bluish/black stripes in Japan? 'Matt,' she thought, watching him get closer. Quickly hiding behind a potted plant as he walked by her, Mimi decided to follow him. "Hey Sora? It was good talking to you but I have to go. I'll call you again soon."
"Huh? Well okay Mimi, take care!" Looking at her phone pensively, Sora frowned as she hung up. "Mimi...what's going on down there?"
Silently creeping behind him like a stalker, Mimi watched as Matt headed towards their dorm. 'He's taking the dog?' Deciding to quicken her pace she started to jog when she suddenly hit a trash bin and tripped, "Kyaa-!!!"
"Who's there?!" Whipping around in alarm, Yamato quickly scanned the area just to find Mimi on the ground, groaning in pain. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! That hurt!," she was rubbing her head when she realized four pairs of eyes staring at her. "Uh...Hey, Matt just looking for my contact lens. Hehehe..."
With an eyebrow raised, Matt gave her a weird look. "You don't wear contacts."
"I don't? I mean, well...I...um..."
"Never mind." Turning back around, Matt began to walk back down the hall, the dog following him. "Wa--wait!!!" Running after him Mimi failed to notice him stop, running straight into his back. "Ah!! Gomen!!"
"You are so clumsy!" Scowling at her Matt glared but felt bad when Mimi's eyes started to water. Turning his back to her, he forced a cough before saying, "It was my fault too for stopping to suddenly, I'm sorry. Hey, suck it up, you don't want the guys to see you like that."
Blinking the tears away, smiling Mimi nodded. "No I just had something in my eye that's all. Is that your dog?"
"Oh him? That's Gabumon, the Dorm 2's mascot. He's a rare mutt."
"Rare mutt?"
"Yup." Going up to the new person, Gabumon started to sniff Mimi, breaking out into soppy kisses afterwards. "He--hey! Stop that! Hey!"
"That's weird." Watching them with a perplexed look, Matt wondered out loud, "Gabumon usually dislikes strangers but LOVES girls."
Their eyes met for an instant but both turned away flushed. "Bu--but I mean, well. This must just be a special case."
"Ye--yea..." Mimi touched her chest, as she felt her heart beating rapidly. 'He couldn't possibly know...' Turning to look at him, she noticed a faint blush on his cheeks and wondered what could've caused it. "Matt, you're going to our room right? Mind if I go with you, I was just calling Sora and was about to go there anyhow."
'Sora...she called that name when she had that fever...' he thought, frowning but nodded when she said, "Yea, sure let's go."
The first few minutes of the walk went on silently before Matt broke the ice by asking, "So who's this Sora?"
"Huh?" Startled by the question Mimi looked at him funny before breaking out into a soft smile. "Sora is my dearest friend."
Matt turned to her surprised as Mimi proceeded to pull out a picture from her pocket. "We grew up together and she has always been precious to me. We promised to go to high school together and that we'd always be there for eachother. I miss her..." Seeing the saddened look on her face he wanted to say something but didn't know what. "I--well...Miki."
"Yes?"
"About...about earlier." Stopping his stride, Matt scratched his head while looking to the floor. "Gomen."
"Eh?" Eyes widening, Mimi stared at him. "What for?"
"For hurting you." He lifted his head to meet her gaze, eyes shining sincerely. "I...I guess I was just mad at Tai or something but I didn't mean to take it out on you. I--I'm sorry...I'm sorry."
"Matt..." Happy at what he said, Mimi couldn't help her self and lunged herself at him into a hug. "Oh, Matt I'm so happy! I forgive you, I understand! Oh, I knew we could be friends!!"
Standing stiff and dumbfounded Matt didn't know what to say, while blushing crimson he thought, 'He really is a girl!'
*****
Walking down the hall, Saturday morning, Mimi sighed bored. When she woke up Matt was already gone and she was confused on what to do since the competition was canceled. Footsteps coming closer, Mimi looked up to catch a flash of brown before it bounced right in front of her. "Ohhhaaayyyoooo Miki-chhhaaannnnn!"
"Ah! Ohayo Tai!" Mimi answered with a sweatdrop. "Come on you're late!" he said excitedly. "For what?" confused, Mimi started to follow him as he lead her down the hall.
"We started building stands for the restaurants hours ago but Jyou rented our group in particular a small building nearby, so we don't need to build, just start sooner."
"What do you mean? Why is Jyou-senpai in our group?" she asked, as scowl formed on Tai's face. He shook his head scornfully at the name and explained, "Apparently the school board is making him participate in his own ideas. He probably decided to be in our group cuz you and Ken are in it and he thought he'd have a better chance of winning. He's cheating by renting that store and giving is a head start but hey, who are we to complain?"
"So what does this all mean?"
"Ken has been passing costumes out to people in our dorm for the last few hours. We start this afternoon."
"Nani?!?!" Shocked and horrified Mimi turned pale. 'I have to wear a dress? What if they figure it out!?'
"I know, it sucks but I think you'd look kkaaawwaaaiiiiii in a dress Miki- !!"
"T-Tai!! Of coarse I wouldn't!"
*****
Mimi had tried to spend the rest of the day avoiding everyone, especially Ken who was constantly calling her name. Soon she arrived at Shin's clinic, her nerves shot. "Kidoooooo-senseiiiiii!"
"Ah-!!! I hear a demon! Satan must want me for his lover!"
"Baka!" Whacking the good doctor with her shoe, Mimi sweatdropped as he rubbed his head. "Yeesh, what do you want missy?" he asked, rubbing his head. "I need your help."
"Didn't I say--"
"Oh, Kido sensei!" Grabbing onto him, Mimi began to whimper into his shirt. "Wah-!! What do I do? If I wear a dress for the stupid bizarre they might find me out!"
"Agh!! This is a new shirt! What do you think you're do---"
"You have to help my Kido-sensei!" Wringing him back in forth now in frustration, Mimi didn't notice Shin's glasses slide off making a crack sound. "Ah...gomen?"
"Grrrrrrrrr get out!!!" Flushed and angry Shin took her by the shoulders and led her to the door in a huff. And don't come back!!!" The door slamming behind Mimi's head drooped in despair. 'What'll I do? I'm doomed!'
"Miki-chan!"
"K--Ken?!"
"Ah Ha! I finally found you!"
-To be continued...
A/N: Continued, from before. Old chapters.
********
Mimi watched as Ken pulled the needle in and out of the cloth, making sure each stitch was in line with the others. 'He's really good.' Wistfully sighing, she looked down at her own piece of cloth. It was only partly stitched, with the string so far apart from each loop that the material was hardly together at all. Grimacing at her lack of ability she contented herself with looking around the room they were in.
After dragging her out of the auditorium, Ken had jabbered on about all the ideas he had for costumes and dresses, before leading her to his dorm and revealing a huge chest full of various sewing materials and sketches. Picking up one of the booklets he had, she flipped through the pages, eyeing the designs and patterns for clothing. She had to admit...for such a strange boy he had good taste.
Tracing the design of one dress in particular Mimi sighed. She missed being a girl, though it had only been a few days. 'Can't wear pretty things like this anymore...can't talk and shop with Sora all the time...Sora!' Mimi had forgotten about her best friend completely! Cursing at herself she mentally made a note to call the girl later that night.
Scowling she was about to turn back to her faulty sewing but stopped and blushed when she noticed Ken staring at her...almost studying her. "Na...nani? Do I have something on my face?"
Embarrassed she tried to hide her blush with the cloth but stopped when she noticed Ken sigh. Looking at the boy concerned now she wondered out loud, "Is something wrong Ken?"
Giving her a wistful look he set his work down before laying on his back, letting the plush carpet cushion his head. "I was just thinking...if I looked naturally like a girl like you...maybe Jyou-senpai would notice me more..."
A deep crimson spread over Mimi's cheeks but she shook it off, giving the boy a quizzical look. "Ah...you really love Jyou-kun, eh Ken?" Rolling over to look at her, he shook his head before getting up. "I'm not gay..."
"Eh..." Mimi sweat dropped before laughing a little. 'You could've fooled me...'
"Hmm...I'm really not." Closing his eyes, Ken sighed lightly. "I don't love Jyou-senpai because he's a guy...I...I love him because well...he's Jyou- senpai." Mimi stared at him confused before answering, "Ken that makes no sense what so ever." Chuckling a little he nodded. "I know, I know. But he's Jyou-senpai. Everyone loves him..."
'Taichi sure doesn't...' mused Mimi.
"I guess...I can't help but be drawn to him too." Ken admitted sadly. Giving the boy a sympathetic look, Mimi patted his back. "Aw, don't worry. You'll find someone, though I'm not sure if Jyou is the type you want. He's looking more for..."
"A girl?"
"Eh...hehe. Yea." Mimi continued to pat him, not sure what to do. 'Poor guy...weird but poor guy...' Silence filled the room as Ken hung his head low, while Mimi tried to comfort him sweat dropping. Near the window a small potted plant moved back and forth trying to keep its balance long enough to peek through. "Matt, hold me still! Put your back into it!"
"Baka!" Grumbling Matt strained, as Tai stood on his shoulders trying to look through Ken's window. "Tai this is illegal. You can't spy on people like this!"
"I'm not spying!" Looking down at him with tears running down his face, Tai put in a worried voice, "Aren't you worried about Miki? Just think of all the weird torture that kidnapper Ken must be doing to him!"
-Visions on Ken dressing Mimi up in weird costumes, a crying Mimi as Ken wrapped her up in tin foil and finally of him carrying a whip as Mimi cowered in a corner, popped up next to the boys as Matt sweat dropped and Tai cried. -
"We have to save him!" Scrambling to catch a hold of the windows ledge Tai bounced, making Matt almost fall over. "I...I almost have it!" Giving one last grab for it, Tai leaped up grabbing the frame. "Yatta!!!" Hoisting himself up, Tai peered through the glass eagerly. What he saw made him drop the ledge, fall onto Matt and make them topple over.
"Agh! What?! Why did you drop it?" Angry Matt glared as Tai scrambled to his feet frantic. "We! We need to get in there! Ken is molesting Miki!" Grabbing Matt's wrist Tai dashed into the building crying out war cries as he went. "Kyyyaaaaa!!!! I'll kill you Ichijouji!!!"
"Nani?!" Matt yelled as he got dragged off in the panic. 'I don't believe it...' Running up two flights of stairs Tai made it to Ken's door. Lifting up his leg he was about to kick it down when Matt grabbed him from behind. "No you don't! Ken would not do that Tai. This is insane!"
"Nooo!!! Argh!!!" Struggling to get free Tai waved his arms and legs around frantically. "This is for Miki's purity!!!" Both looking up, Ken and Mimi stared at the door, hearing the commotion. "What's going on?" Getting up Mimi walked towards the noise and leaned her head against it. "Who could it..."
"For Miki!!!"
"Tai?!" Jumping back wide-eyed she stared at the door sweat dropping. "Kamiya-kun?" Getting up Ken walked towards her opening the door. "Why would he..."
Looking out Ken and Mimi stared out speechless, with massive sweat drops on their faces, at what they saw. In front of them was Matt trying to hold Tai back as the other boy was squirming around, gnawing on Matt's arm, mumbling, "For Miki!" as he did so.
Breaking through the shock Mimi stepped out flustered. "What's going on?!" Snapping his head up Matt flushed as he realized they had an audience. Dropping Tai, he gave the boy a scowl as he inspected his now chewed on arm. "Ask Mr. Savior over there."
Blushing Tai stuttered as he looked at Mimi glaring at him. "I...I was saving you f...from Ichijouji."
"Saving me?" Mimi raised an eyebrow skeptically as Ken sweat dropped behind her.
"Save him from what?" she asked, startled. Jumping up Tai pointed an accusing finger at the boy. "You! I saw you two! You were forcing yourself on Miki!"
"What?!" Both Ken and Mimi stared at him blankly. Then Mimi remembered, when she had hugged the boy to make him feel better. "Aw...you mean the hug?"
"Yes! I saw Ichijouji lure you into hugging him!" Shaking now Tai glared. "Ho...How shameful!" Ken just sweat dropped more and Mimi broke out in laughter. "He...he...Taichi! You baka!"
"Eh?" Looking at her with a hurt expression, Tai whimpered. "I was saving you..." Bopping him on the head, Mimi smiled at his denseness. "I gave him a hug on my own free will. He wasn't feeling good that's all." Turning to Matt she couldn't help break out into a smile. "But I'm glad the you guys were worried enough about me to show up."
Embarrassment melting away Tai jumped at the thought of making her smile. "So you're not mad? Yah!" Taking Ken's hands, he danced around in a circle as the other boy scowled. "Hey stop you baka! I'm getting dizzy!"
Laughing Mimi looked at Matt, happiness shining on her face. "I'm glad you- "She was cut off as Matt turned away and headed down the stairs. "I was dragged here. Your affairs have nothing to do with me."
Hurt Mimi watched him leave as Tai frowned calling after him. "Matt! Don't be mean to Miki! Matt! Where are you going?!"
"I'm going to practice...don't follow me." Without another word the blonde disappeared down the flight leaving behind, two fuming boys and an almost in tears girl. 'Why was he so cold?' Staring at the ground Mimi forced her tears back. 'I can't cry...I can't cry...boys don't cry!'
Still angry Tai stomped around yelling. "That guy is so difficult! How rude!" He stopped when he saw how hurt Mimi looked and went up to her. "Hey, didn't I ever tell you Matt could be a jerk? Don't mind him he's probably just mad because I dragged him here for nothing."
Trying to lighten the mood, Ken nodded, offering a small smile. "That's, right. I'm sure he's not mad at you personally." Sniffing Mimi hiccupped before nodding. "Yea...moody jerk..."
Cracking into a grin Tai wrapped his arms around her and Ken, dragging them down, the stairs. "Hey let's go to the office! Before we got here the secretary told Matt and me that one of your suitcases arrived!"
Perking up, Mimi looked at him. "Really?" She thought about what it could be. 'Sora must've sent it...maybe they're the extra men's clothes she said she'd send me...'
*****
In her dorm, Mimi cracked open the chest, with the help of Izzy, who met up with them in the office. Lifting up the head of the chest she cried out, "My clothes!"
Beaming she started to sort through the various shirts, jackets, pants and etc. that her best friend had gotten. 'Hmm...Sora must've gotten her good taste from being with me so long...'
Watching from her behind, the boys stared wide-eyed. Stepping forward Tai sweat dropped before picking up a jacket. "Jeeze Miki, you sure have a lot of clothes!"
Spotting a vanilla colored package, Ken snatched it up from the clothing. "Hey looks like they sent you more then just clothes." Turning away from the clothing Mimi took the parchment, opening it eagerly. 'Sora remembered!' Ripping it apart she found her diary and a few other various items.
Squealing Mimi didn't notice as a picture wafted out of her grip onto the ground. Bending over Izzy picked up the photo, eyes widening as he looked at it. "Wow who's this? Miki you didn't say you had a girlfriend!"
Snatching the picture out of his hands, Mimi stared at it flushed. It was of Sora smiling, all dressed up. Taking on a dreamy look in her eyes, Mimi sighed as she gazed at the picture. 'I miss you so much Sora...it just isn't the same without my best friend...'
Watching her surprised the boys all had different reactions, from Mimi's behavior. Sweat dropping Izzy scratched his head. "Guess she is Miki's girlfriend from his reaction." Ken nodded a bit shocked. "Didn't think he had one. Must've been hard to leave her behind." He gave the boy a sympathetic look, mistaking his expression for love instead of homesickness.
Tai on the other hand was standing in the corner, pale and seemingly in a state of shock and displeasure. 'Miki has a girlfriend?!?!!? He...he looks like he really loves her!' Tai's heart fell at the thought but he soon slapped himself for it. 'Wh...what's wrong with me? Why should I...why should I care if he has a girlfriend? I'm not gay! I'm not! I shouldn't care...I shouldn't care!'
But as he stared at Mimi in her dreamy state, he felt s pain in his chest. 'What's wrong with me? Could it...could it be I have feelings for Miki?! But Miki's a boy! No I'm not gay! But...why does my heart feel so heavy all of a sudden?'
Not noticing the pained looked on Tai's face, Mimi spun around the room, happy. "I'll have to call her later!" Spinning to face her friends she beamed, tucking the photo into her pocket. "Let's go get something to eat!"
Ken and Izzy nodded, with Tai looking at the ground in confusion. Hooking her arms with him and Ken, Mimi led them out with Izzy closing the door behind them.
*****
Running, the wind dancing in his hair, Matt used his pole to catapult himself up and over the bar. Falling, he closed his eyes, readying himself for the soft impact of the cushion below him. 'Ah...'
As he landed Matt opened his eyes staring up at the sky, in thought. Lying there on his back, the world disappeared around him. 'I shouldn't...' Thinking of what he said earlier, Matt frowned, a funny feeling gripping his heart. "I shouldn't have snapped at her like that..."
*****
:Ring, Ring:
:Click:
"Hello?"
"Sora?"
"Mimi?"
"Sora!!"
"Mimi!!!"
"It's you-!!" Both girls screamed into the phone at the same time. "Mimi I miss you so much! It's about time you called!" Guilty, Mimi twisted the cord of the payphone. "Gomen, Gomen I got wrapped up in things here."
"Did you get to meet Yamato?" Sora questioned excitedly on the other end. Brightening, Mimi beamed. "Yah, I did! He's my roommate even!"
"Mimi! I thought you got a single room? Isn't it dangerous?"
"I thought so too but there's not enough rooms, everyone's sharing! It's okay though, I can keep my secret and Yamato is--" Remembering the evening's events she cut herself off. 'How could Matt be so cruel?'
"Mimi? Mimi?" Concerned by her friend's sudden quietness, Sora questioned on. "Mimi what's the matter?"
"I..."
-Flash-
"What happens to you is none of my business."
-End-
"It's nothing Sora, I'm just a bit tired."
"Are you sure?"
"Of coarse silly! Now tell me what's been going on with you?"
"Well besides missing you, just the usual. Oh and your brother Osamu (Ken's older brother, don't ask -__-*) is worried sick about you! He's so angry you left without telling him!"
"Ahahaha." Mimi laughed as she pictured her enraged brother waving a fist at her all the way from America. "Nii-chan will be fine. He's just over protective."
"You can say that!" Both girls broke out into a fit of giggles. Suddenly Mimi perked up as she heard footsteps coming closer. Muffling Sora's voice with her hand she peeked around the corner to see Yamato coming towards her, walking the strangest looking dog she had ever seen.
Were there really white dogs with bluish/black stripes in Japan? 'Matt,' she thought, watching him get closer. Quickly hiding behind a potted plant as he walked by her, Mimi decided to follow him. "Hey Sora? It was good talking to you but I have to go. I'll call you again soon."
"Huh? Well okay Mimi, take care!" Looking at her phone pensively, Sora frowned as she hung up. "Mimi...what's going on down there?"
Silently creeping behind him like a stalker, Mimi watched as Matt headed towards their dorm. 'He's taking the dog?' Deciding to quicken her pace she started to jog when she suddenly hit a trash bin and tripped, "Kyaa-!!!"
"Who's there?!" Whipping around in alarm, Yamato quickly scanned the area just to find Mimi on the ground, groaning in pain. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! That hurt!," she was rubbing her head when she realized four pairs of eyes staring at her. "Uh...Hey, Matt just looking for my contact lens. Hehehe..."
With an eyebrow raised, Matt gave her a weird look. "You don't wear contacts."
"I don't? I mean, well...I...um..."
"Never mind." Turning back around, Matt began to walk back down the hall, the dog following him. "Wa--wait!!!" Running after him Mimi failed to notice him stop, running straight into his back. "Ah!! Gomen!!"
"You are so clumsy!" Scowling at her Matt glared but felt bad when Mimi's eyes started to water. Turning his back to her, he forced a cough before saying, "It was my fault too for stopping to suddenly, I'm sorry. Hey, suck it up, you don't want the guys to see you like that."
Blinking the tears away, smiling Mimi nodded. "No I just had something in my eye that's all. Is that your dog?"
"Oh him? That's Gabumon, the Dorm 2's mascot. He's a rare mutt."
"Rare mutt?"
"Yup." Going up to the new person, Gabumon started to sniff Mimi, breaking out into soppy kisses afterwards. "He--hey! Stop that! Hey!"
"That's weird." Watching them with a perplexed look, Matt wondered out loud, "Gabumon usually dislikes strangers but LOVES girls."
Their eyes met for an instant but both turned away flushed. "Bu--but I mean, well. This must just be a special case."
"Ye--yea..." Mimi touched her chest, as she felt her heart beating rapidly. 'He couldn't possibly know...' Turning to look at him, she noticed a faint blush on his cheeks and wondered what could've caused it. "Matt, you're going to our room right? Mind if I go with you, I was just calling Sora and was about to go there anyhow."
'Sora...she called that name when she had that fever...' he thought, frowning but nodded when she said, "Yea, sure let's go."
The first few minutes of the walk went on silently before Matt broke the ice by asking, "So who's this Sora?"
"Huh?" Startled by the question Mimi looked at him funny before breaking out into a soft smile. "Sora is my dearest friend."
Matt turned to her surprised as Mimi proceeded to pull out a picture from her pocket. "We grew up together and she has always been precious to me. We promised to go to high school together and that we'd always be there for eachother. I miss her..." Seeing the saddened look on her face he wanted to say something but didn't know what. "I--well...Miki."
"Yes?"
"About...about earlier." Stopping his stride, Matt scratched his head while looking to the floor. "Gomen."
"Eh?" Eyes widening, Mimi stared at him. "What for?"
"For hurting you." He lifted his head to meet her gaze, eyes shining sincerely. "I...I guess I was just mad at Tai or something but I didn't mean to take it out on you. I--I'm sorry...I'm sorry."
"Matt..." Happy at what he said, Mimi couldn't help her self and lunged herself at him into a hug. "Oh, Matt I'm so happy! I forgive you, I understand! Oh, I knew we could be friends!!"
Standing stiff and dumbfounded Matt didn't know what to say, while blushing crimson he thought, 'He really is a girl!'
*****
Walking down the hall, Saturday morning, Mimi sighed bored. When she woke up Matt was already gone and she was confused on what to do since the competition was canceled. Footsteps coming closer, Mimi looked up to catch a flash of brown before it bounced right in front of her. "Ohhhaaayyyoooo Miki-chhhaaannnnn!"
"Ah! Ohayo Tai!" Mimi answered with a sweatdrop. "Come on you're late!" he said excitedly. "For what?" confused, Mimi started to follow him as he lead her down the hall.
"We started building stands for the restaurants hours ago but Jyou rented our group in particular a small building nearby, so we don't need to build, just start sooner."
"What do you mean? Why is Jyou-senpai in our group?" she asked, as scowl formed on Tai's face. He shook his head scornfully at the name and explained, "Apparently the school board is making him participate in his own ideas. He probably decided to be in our group cuz you and Ken are in it and he thought he'd have a better chance of winning. He's cheating by renting that store and giving is a head start but hey, who are we to complain?"
"So what does this all mean?"
"Ken has been passing costumes out to people in our dorm for the last few hours. We start this afternoon."
"Nani?!?!" Shocked and horrified Mimi turned pale. 'I have to wear a dress? What if they figure it out!?'
"I know, it sucks but I think you'd look kkaaawwaaaiiiiii in a dress Miki- !!"
"T-Tai!! Of coarse I wouldn't!"
*****
Mimi had tried to spend the rest of the day avoiding everyone, especially Ken who was constantly calling her name. Soon she arrived at Shin's clinic, her nerves shot. "Kidoooooo-senseiiiiii!"
"Ah-!!! I hear a demon! Satan must want me for his lover!"
"Baka!" Whacking the good doctor with her shoe, Mimi sweatdropped as he rubbed his head. "Yeesh, what do you want missy?" he asked, rubbing his head. "I need your help."
"Didn't I say--"
"Oh, Kido sensei!" Grabbing onto him, Mimi began to whimper into his shirt. "Wah-!! What do I do? If I wear a dress for the stupid bizarre they might find me out!"
"Agh!! This is a new shirt! What do you think you're do---"
"You have to help my Kido-sensei!" Wringing him back in forth now in frustration, Mimi didn't notice Shin's glasses slide off making a crack sound. "Ah...gomen?"
"Grrrrrrrrr get out!!!" Flushed and angry Shin took her by the shoulders and led her to the door in a huff. And don't come back!!!" The door slamming behind Mimi's head drooped in despair. 'What'll I do? I'm doomed!'
"Miki-chan!"
"K--Ken?!"
"Ah Ha! I finally found you!"
-To be continued...