This is the much awaited 'Auction' scene. I hope you guys like it. Only two more chapters left. Oh, & once again, our beloved Michael is in here too, so be warned. Thanks for the great reviews!

Chapter Fourteen: Bet Gone Wrong

"Nice crown, Mimi." Tai smiled up at her.

Mimi straightened the offending plastic crown on her head, grimacing. "Hurts a little."

"Looks good on you, though." Sora wiggled her finger. "No taking it off for the rest of the evening."

"I'll try not to."

"I'll go get you some drinks." Tai offered, standing up & heading towards the bar.

Sitting at the table with her friends, Mimi glanced around the crowded room & noted the number of women that suddenly appeared. She frowned.

Sora grinned, noticing her friend's expression. "Good crowd for the auction, isn't it, Mimi?"

"Mmm."

"They should get some good bids in, don't you think?"

"I guess," her eyes spotted Jun in the front row of tables. Mimi thought for a moment, then smiled. She never considered herself as 'keep your hands off my man' type. But somehow she suddenly understood where the emotion came from.

Sora moved forward on her seat, reaching out for a helping hand from Mimi. "Well, the baby's sitting on my kidneys so I'm off to the little girls room before this kicks off."

"I'll join you," Mimi lifted her purse from the table, smiling sweetly at Kynna & Michael. "Tell Tai his wife's needed to go. We won't be long."

Moments later, Michael was waiting for her when she walked into the narrow hallway behind the stage. He stepped towards her as she approached, noting the caution in her eyes. "Going to see Matt?"

"Yes, I thought I'd wish him luck. He's going to hate every minute of this. As you surely know since you're the one who entered him."

He smiled. "I knew he wouldn't like it much, but then this was the kind of dumb prank we always pulled on each other back in college."

Mimi shook her head. "You still spend every day wishing your life was what it was like back then, don't you?"

Michael's face fell. "But, Mimi, everything was just so perfect then. We all had so much fun back in those days."

She stared at him for a moment, stunned by the level of sympathy she felt for him. He was right, to a certain degree. They had been happy then & everything had been so much simpler.

People had flocked around Michael, attracted to the magnetism of his personality. And he had time for everyone…listening to their problems, making them laugh when they have problems. Maybe that was part of the reason she fell in love with him. He was confident, kind, friendly, popular, outgoing & handsome. And maybe by being at his side, by having him love her, she managed to have some of those qualities rub off onto her.

There was an uneasy silence between them as Sora & a few people squeezed past them. Sora glanced at Mimi with a raised eyebrow & Mimi nodded to her. "I'm fine. You go ahead, Tai's waiting with the drinks. I'll be right there."

As soon as Sora was gone, Michael turned slightly to look at her. "You've been avoiding me, haven't you?"

She sighed. "Yes."

"I haven't changed my mind, you know. I still think we should see if there's anything left between us. You have to know that I never stopped loving you, Mimi."

Mimi looked at him with wide eyes. "You moved on with your life & so did I."

His hand reached up to grasp hers. "We were happy once, we could be happy again. I believe that."

"Michael…"

"I know about you & Matt."

His words stopped her in his tracks. He knew? How? She remembered seeing him standing at the bar with Matt. One plastic crown & suddenly she was an idiot.

"He told you?" Her eyes sparked with anger. Was Michael going to turn this to his advantage in some way? Matt should have waited for her. They could have told Michael together, & then he wouldn't have any way to twist the facts around…

"He won't stand in our way."

She gaped at him.

"So you see…it's okay. We can just walk away from the past few years & start again." He squeezed her hand. "I can forgive you for getting involved with him just like you forgave me for being such a jerk back then. Besides, you were probably lonely & being with him reminded you of all the good times we had. I understand. After all, it reminded me too."

Matt felt really stupid. First of all he was wearing a tuxedo, of all things. He didn't just feel stupid, he looked stupid as well. Why the organizers felt it was necessary to wear it he had no idea. The thing was really uncomfortable &, if truth be told, a little on the tight side in certain areas. And he just pretty much told Michael that Mimi could leave & give another chance to their relationship while he waited on the side. That was genius of him, & a complete lie. If Michael honestly thought that he wouldn't fight like hell to keep her when he waited so long for her to be his, then he had another thing coming.

Five minutes away from the auction, he made a major decision. He was going to tell her how he felt. No chickening out this time. No pretending to himself that he would get over it, because he wouldn't.

With a grin on his face wide enough to light a room, he went looking for her.

"Mimi?" Michael's voice was drowned out as rock music blasted out of the speakers. The house lights dimmed at the front stage & a spotlight wobbled its way to where the first of the bachelors was appearing.

"Hello, I'm Davis, & I'm worth every penny!"

There was a loud cheer from the audience & a ripple of laughter. The 'bachelors' had obviously been told to butter it up.

Michael raised his voice. "Mimi, please. I need you to talk to me."

"I'm Harry. I'm looking for a romantic date with a fun girl."

"I want to tell Kynna tonight. I don't think it's fair to lie to her anymore."

Mimi's mind turned. So many pictures from her life flickering through her brain.

"Mimi?"

Mimi stared at him, suddenly realizing several things. Michael's words made her think about why she was involved with Matt Ishida. Was it because he reminded her of a better time that she wanted to recreate? Was it because she'd always been curious about this other side of him? Was it because she was lonely?

"I'm in love with him."

Michael gaped at her. "What?"

"My name's Ryu &…"

Mimi raised her eyes to look at him. "I'm in love with Matt."

"No, Mimi," he reached for her hand. "You may love him. I mean, he's been like a brother to you, but…c'mon. I mean, it's MATT, for God's sake. You can't be in love with him."

More bachelors introduced themselves & she almost had to yell as she answered him. "I do, Michael. I love him. I love him BECAUSE he's Matt. My best friend, my protector…" she smiled softly, "and my lover."

She stepped back slightly from his outreached hand. "And if I'm going to be completely honest with myself, & with you, then I should tell you that I was probably in love with him way back then. I just didn't know what it was I felt."

Michael stared. "You don't mean that."

She looked down at her hands & then back into his pale face. "I never meant for it to happen, Michael. I want you to believe that. But the more I spent time with him the more I was beginning to notice him, & it made me think about what I was doing. Then, every time I left him I felt like I left more of myself behind, until I have to come home to be whole again."

"Did you sleep with him back then?

His voice was so harsh she almost flinched. "No, it wasn't like that. I didn't even know what it was I was feeling. So I did what I thought was best, I stayed away & tried to live my life. Matt just kind of grew on me when I wasn't looking. But I really do love him…& unlike you, I won't do anything to lose that."

He smiled sarcastically. "So you just waited a few years & then came back to seduce him?"

Mimi almost laughed at the suggestion. But she knew that Michael was hurting, so she bit her tongue & took a deep breath. "I convinced myself it was just a type of homesickness. I convinced myself it had never been there in the first place. But when I came home, I came home because of him, Michael. I came home TO Matt."

"You lied."

"I lied to myself."

"And to me, when you didn't tell me you were sleeping with him." He thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No…don't you see? You should've been able to tell me if you didn't have anymore feelings left for me."

"I care for you, Michael. And I'm sorry that you're so unhappy with your life." It was Mimi who stepped closer this time. "We both care. And for the record, it will cost Matt a lot knowing that we've hurt you." She watched the flash of anger across his face. "You & I AREN'T meant to be. Don't you see that?"

"Oh, & you and Matt are?"

Mimi sighed. "Yes, I honestly believe we are."

Michael was speechless for a moment, his eyes searching hers for the truth. Then he seemed to make a sudden decision. With no warning, he stepped forward & pushed Mimi back against the wall. Her cry of protest was smothered by his mouth on hers, & Mimi's hand moved up to his chest to push him away.

Matt stood at the edge of the stage, staring into the hallway.

"Matt, you can go now."

His blue eyes watched as Michael kissed Mimi. That was that then. Too late once again. Damn it, he'd never learn, would he? After all that happened she could just waltz back to Michael without a thought.

End of story.

With a blank expression on his face, he walked onto the stage.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Mimi yelled at Michael as he released her. "Have you completely lost your fucking mind?"

At least he had the nerve to look embarrassed. "He doesn't love you, Mimi. Not the way you want."

Mimi closed her eyes for a moment. "Please don't do this."

"Would he be willing to let you go if he loved you that much? Would be able to do the same if you were in his shoes? Because let me tell you, I wouldn't. I won't."

Mimi shook her head, moving away from him. She heard enough.

"He wouldn't come after you if you left him, you know. And if he felt the same way for you, wouldn't he have fought for you? Isn't that what Matt does, Mimi?"

Words echoed in her recent memory. "It might be better for you if I didn't," he said.

"Surely if he loved you he'd fight for you…like I did before you finally left?"

Mimi thought about how Matt fought for the things he loved. Why would he let her walk away if he really loved her as much as she loved him? And looking back, she had loved him for as long as she can remember. Not loving Matt would be like not breathing.

"How long do you think this will last, Mimi? We both know that Matt never had a serious relationship. He doesn't know how to."

Would she let him go if the tables were turned? Could she have allowed her two friends to live happily ever after if she'd been in love with one of them? "I guess I'd have to know that you wanted to be got," he said.

Her heart ached. If he loved her there was no guarantee that it was the 'in love' kind of love. If he was in love with her, wouldn't he fight for her? Because she'd damn well fight for him. She needed to find out if he felt the same way, so that she could mend her heart & get on with her life. And that was what Matt had been asking, in his own roundabout way. He 'guessed' he'd have to know if she wanted him to come & get her. He wanted to be sure she loved him completely before he'd take a chance. Because when he loved, he loved with all his heart & soul. He gave passion to the things he loved most. The things he wanted the most.

Mimi wanted his passion. Out of the bedroom & in it. She wanted him to fight for her harder than he'd fought before. Wouldn't he do that for her as a friend? Yes. Then why couldn't he do it as her lover? Unless he didn't love her in the same way. She wanted Matt; body, heart, & soul. With all that passion. If she couldn't have that…

"You'll only end up hurt & alone, and I know you don't want that."

When she turned, her eyes were colder than he'd ever seen before. "Shut up, Michael! This is really none of your fucking business anymore. It stopped being your business the day you fucking screwed someone else. I got over that, not you need to get over this…and pray that Kynna thinks you're worth it."

Taking a shaky breath, she glared at Michael. She knew deep in her heart that it was probably the last time she would ever see him. It was just about time she closed that particular chapter of her life, before opening the next one. "If I were you, right now I would be running out back there showering as much love & attention on Kynna as I could manage. You really don't deserve her, you know."

"Mimi…"

"No, you listen, Michael. I'm talking now." She stepped towards him, her eyes glittering with anger. "Don't you think you have spent far too many years crying in self-pity? Most people would give anything to have the kind of life you had, but for you it was never enough. So just GO AWAY, Michael! I don't ever want to see you again. Is that clear enough for you? Go away & get a fucking life."

She glanced down, & then up, her eyebrow lifting in disgust. "You're pathetic."

Matt was about to be 'auctioned' when Mimi appeared at the side of the stage. She smiled an encouraging smile at him, which was met with absolutely nothing. His face was cold & emotionless.

"Go for it in the intro," the stage manager hissed.

Fine, if that's what they fucking want then that's what they will fucking get. "Ladies," he smiled the most seductive of smiled. "You all know who I am. Who can I tempt with an evening of undivided & unlimited attention?"

He peeled of his jacket with the outmost ease & slung it over one shoulder. He then reached up & loosened his bow tie. "Who would like to spend one night with me?"

Women moved towards the stage in a wave of hypnotized faces. "Fifty!"

Matt smiled down at Jun. "Now, you of all people should know I'm worth much more than that. Come on, ladies, what am I worth to you?"

A glance from the corner of his eye showed him the confused look on Mimi's face.

Another voice called. "Seventy-five!"

Matt undid the top button of his shirt. "For my COMPLETE attention? Don't you think I'm a little more valuable than that?"

Jun raised her chin, a slight smile plating at the corners of her mouth. "How do we know you're worth any more than that, Matt?"

Matt raised an eyebrow & grinned his lop-sided grin. "Well, if there's any doubt then maybe I should just show you."

"What the hell are you doing?" Mimi hissed up at him.

"Rachelle? Where are you?"

Mimi's eyes widened. "Ishida!"

At the corner of the room, Rachelle was talking with her boyfriend when she suddenly felt arms grabbing her. "Hey! Where are you bringing my girlfriend?"

"We need to borrow her for a moment," Jun answered, pulling the poor girl forward.

Rachelle was pushed through the crowd with 'helping' hands. She smiled up at Matt, unsure of what was coming.

"Ah, there you are." He reached down, offering his hand to the dark-haired woman.

Rachelle hesitantly took it & hauled herself up on the stage. "What's going on?"

"I hope you don't mind…"

Mimi glanced across at Sora, finding her face as confused as she was. What was he doing? Her eyes moved back to Matt as Rachelle hesitantly stood next to him.

As he stood in front of the microphone, even his softest words could be heard by the crowd. "You look very lovely tonight, Rachelle. Do you mind if I showed these people how valuable I can be?"

There were calls of "Go on, Rachelle" & "Say no, Rachelle" from the audience. Do WHAT exactly? Mimi held her breath. He wouldn't!

An expectant silence fell over the room as he stepped closer towards Rachelle. The moment he lifted his hand to brush the back of his fingers along her cheek, Mimi knew exactly what he was going to do.

"Ishida, don't you dare!"

Matt turned his head to look at her. "Dare what? Do you want to place a bid, Mimi? Because before you do maybe I should just let you know that as of now…" he smiled coolly, "all bets are off."

She was stunned. She knew what his words were aiming at. The bet was over. Was that all it had been? It wouldn't be for the Matt she had known all her life.

He could only just hear her softly spoken words. "Why are you doing this?"

"Kissing someone else? There seems to be a lot of that going on tonight, don't you think?"

Her mouth gaped open as he turned his attention back to a stunned Rachelle. The woman glanced apologetically towards her for a moment, before Matt touched her chin to bring her attention back to him.

"Rachelle? May I?"

Rachelle blinked at him in confusion. "Huh?…b-but…y-you…h-her…"

There was a loud cheer from the crowd. "Go on, Rachelle!"

Without hearing an answer, Matt dipped his head & kissed her. Mimi stared in horror as his mouth met Rachelle's. The poor girl was trembling & being used. She watched as he cupped the side of Rachelle's face. Watched as he stepped in closer to deepen the kiss.

He saw them. He saw Michael kiss her in the hallway. And now he put two & two together & got fifty. How could he be stupid enough to believe that she would go back to Michael after all that had happened recently? Didn't he know her well enough to see that she would never have gone into a physical relationship with someone she already cared so much about if she had feelings for someone else?

But here he was, the man she loved, standing on a stage in front of a crowded room kissing a clueless woman. Mimi felt her heart began to ache, & it hurt like hell. Watching what he was doing really hurt. Never in a million years would she have pulled a stunt like this on him.

"One hundred!"

"One-fifty!"

She glanced across at Sora. Her friend looked stunned. She shrugged her shoulders & raised a questioning eyebrow in Mimi's direction. Mimi shook her head. Then, with calmness that surprised her, she opened her purse & looked up at the stage, her voice strong. "Fifty cents!"

Matt lifted his head & looked down at her. "What did you say?"

"Fifty cents. It's my bid on you." She threw two quarters at his feet, the noise echoing in the suddenly silent room. "It's all you're worth right now." And with that she raised her chin, spun on her heel, & walked away from him. A pathway miraculously appeared in the crowd. She even managed to make it outside before the first angry tear appeared.

AN: Tell me what you guys think? Poor Mimi, she finally realizes her true feelings for Matt & yet he does this to her…and poor Rachelle, she doesn't have a clue on what was happening. Will Matt & Mimi's relationship finally end? Will Mimi go back to Michael instead? Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Don't forget to review!

FlowerPowerMimi - thank you! You've got a pretty imaginative mind there, missy. I hope you read my other stories too. luvfaytdestini - I'm changing my mind. I think I'm going to make you one of Mimi's friends. Reh - I'm really flattered, thank you! josiewitchgirl - this IS a Mimato, so no need to worry. Angel - advance Happy Birthday! Wish you all the best! Love yah! lol