A/N: No, no, I didn't give up on the story. None of them actually. These past few years had become hectic and I'm slowly having less time for other stuff and myself. I'm terribly sorry for those who waited so long for this chapter. I do not deserve to be called an author, but… I do hope you still read and enjoy this fic.
Thank you all who reviewed my previous chapters and no, I do not own any Digimon characters. The story is the only thing I do own, so don't try and copyright it somewhere else and claim it as your own.
Heart of an Assassin
Chapter 4 - Nothing more, nothing less
That's when she realised it...
"You're back... Yamato..."
Time froze.
Sapphire studied hazel, hazel studied sapphire. Mimi's heart pounced tremendously it almost hurt her. Her face was pale than usual. Nothing mattered anymore at that moment. Their surroundings were nothing but a blur to them. What seemed seconds for the rest felt like an eternity for them.
She couldn't believe that the boy she had fallen in love with years ago was actually standing here. It just couldn't be. Mimi tried to read Yamato's eyes, hoping to see something that would explain; but she just couldn't. There was no flicker or sign saying if he was happy or angry to see her. Nothing. It was like he had no emotions in the first place.
But in her mind, questions were rushing by like a train.
He's back… why? Why!
As for Yamato, he held a stoic face, but deep down, his hear leaped a thousand mile when he heard her voice. The feeling he had buried so many years ago were throbbing to come back, but he kept it down and even though his eyes were fixed on hers, he couldn't allow himself to show the emotions that was running. But he was trained not to let emotions show. Yes, he knew Mimi was reading him. She was searching as to why he was here and why now of all places. Yet, he couldn't reveal it even if he wanted to. He was after all an assassin. He had a mission to accomplish.
With a deep breath, he stared back at her intently, piercing into her brown eyes and before Mimi had the chance to utter a word; a hand went into one of his pockets reaching for his keys to his dorm. Without looking back at her and ignoring Taichi's flabbergasted face, he unlocked it and walked inside, closing the door behind him.
Once he was in, he was greeted with a room where a couch was set in the corner, a small television on the other side and a little table in between. A large table was also around and on the left side of him were doors Yamato presumed would be the rooms. He leaned against the wall next of him and slumped down till he was on the floor. Knees up straight, he sighed and he let his head fall back. Why, oh why did he run off? He saw Mimi was going to say something to him, yet he quickly avoided it by just leaving her there.
Great… This wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. Where was his self-confidence?
The moment she stood there all fine-looking – God, I shouldn't think of her like that! – his walls would suddenly crumble, his mind wanted to change her sad eyes into those bright ones he longed for by just ki – No! – he stopped himself.
He was so not going to that area. No. Certainly not.
Hearing some voices outside, he probably guessed that weirdo guy was talking with Mimi. He heaved a sigh for another time and stood up from his place. He needs to unpack his stuff and report some of the events of today to his boss, even if he was not in high spirits to do so. His boss would indeed laugh his head off if he read how he was the on to walk away. Yamato gritted his teeth.
Trying to form the words in his heads without going to the subject about fleeing his target, he went and searched the room that was his.
- - - - - -
"Hey, Mimi, y'okay?"
It took her a minute or two to finally realise that Taichi was in front of her instead of Yamato. She looked at him in the eyes before looking down.
Yamato…
He left by the time she wanted to say something. For her, it didn't matter what she would say, she just…she just felt the need to say something – anything. But she guessed he didn't want to hear her. Seeing how he wanted to escape her gaze, she definitely knew he wasn't comfortable with her as she was with him. She looked at the door where he just disappeared a while ago and lingered for a moment. She would and try to talk to him. There was no other choice.
"Hey, Mi, you still there?"
Mimi shifted her eyes to him and saw how concerned he was. He looked so serious. Brows set into a thin line, straight face, eyes staring intently at her trying and to decipher why she wasn't talking. It made her smile inside. Taichi was maybe acting like an idiot sometimes and trying to seduce any woman he came across with, but in reality he is real friend if you get to know him better. He would watch out for you even if you didn't want to. For Mimi, he had become a sort of a big brother she never had. Staring at his dark-brown eyes, she saw how worried he was.
She gave him one of her brightest smile and nodded.
"Yep, don't worry. I was just – just surprised to see my old friend!" she chirped out excitedly.
Taichi narrowed and cocked his head to a side, not quit believing her. She sure wasn't acting like she saw a long-lost friend. She was more scared than actually happy seeing that dude. But Taichi was not a guy to try and forcing people around him to explain their problems. He knew by the look on her face when she saw the guy, that he, without doubt, was not just a friend. From what he saw, those two definitely had something in the past. Taichi looked down at her who was still smiling widely. With that he grinned. He would just wait for her to explain the story. For now…
He ruffled her hair playfully, making her pout. "Ya sure?" he asked, grinning mischievously. 'Ya sure it wasn't some old lover or something?"
Mimi froze, but she quickly recovered herself, "N-no. Of course not!" she smacked him playfully in the arm.
"Ahh," he sighed, putting a hand on the arm she hit him, "So ya really sure?" he asked her again.
"Yes." She replied with a smile.
"So you mean you're still free?"
"Yes." She smiled.
"And that anyone can be your boyfriend?"
"Yep, of course not just anyone, but one might." She declared, still cheery.
"Which means I can have a chance?"
"Uhh..I guess."
"What do you mean by that? Am I not hot?" he tried to sound chocked and angry, but he was actually laughing. For him, Mimi was always treated differently than other girls he met all those years. Sure he may flirt with her once in a while, but nothing serious came out of it. "Can't believe you would say that! I'm handsome. Look!" he took of his jacket and showed her his muscles while posing like a bodybuilder would do in front of mirrors.
Mimi just giggled and looked up at him. Then something came up and remembered why she was here in the first place. But it all vanished when Yamato came into the scene and she completely forgot she had to go to class. She took one last glance at the door Yamato went into before looking back at Taichi.
"Shouldn't you be in class right now?" she eyed him.
"Ah fuck..." he groaned. Swiftly he put his jacket back on and gave her a lopsided grin, walking into the direction of the stairs. "See ya later, Mi. Better take off before Delveaux gives me another detention." He said defeated.
"Again?" Mimi glanced at him, "What did you do now…"
He stopped and turned around giving her a thumb up; "Advancing some chick." he said proudly and walked again, "Said to the principal I was harassing her. Her skirt flew up 'cause the wind. Gave me a great view of her smooth legs though…"
"And you just stood there, watching what kind of colour her panties were too." Mimi frowned, crossing her arms.
Taichi's grin widened, "Yea… and more…" he whispered dreamingly, remembering how he tightly hugged her after that, saying he would shield her from the wind. With that, the girl smiled gratefully. But his intentions weren't just by saving a damsel. No, his intentions were clear when the girl suddenly felt her ass being squeezed. Immediately, the girl shrieked and slapped him, anger rising on her face.
Mimi slapped her forehead and sighed. "You never change, do you?" she smiled.
Taichi just smirked and gave her a peace sign with his fingers then walked down the stairs and started to run. Mimi just gave a small smile before realising she was alone. Her attention flew to the door once again.
Should she…?
Maybe…
But…
Would he…?
Probably…
Will they…?
No. Not right now. She would not go inside and disturb him.
With one last glance towards the door, Mimi dashed off.
- - - - - -
It was almost midday when Yamato finished typing his report on his laptop. Not to long ago, his boss had just called, asking how the assignment was proceeding. Yamato knew he was smirking on the other side. Just the thought of his boss, lazily enjoying alcohol on the couch and taking pleasure in what was in store for him; brought him to the edge. Gripping his cell phone tightly, he finally responded with much venom in his voice that nothing was going on yet and that he was still trying to communicate with her…
"Well, try and do harder. I want some response the next time I call you and it better be good."
"Whatever." And he clicked it off, tossing it behind him where it landed on the bed and resumed his typing.
That was maybe two hours ago, maybe three, but he just shrugged it off and clicked 'save' for his documents and shut his laptop down. He was slowly feeling hungry, but he would search for food later. Knowing that it was almost lunchtime and that students were probably waiting in line in the cafeteria, Yamato decided this was perfect to look around trying to memorise the corridors, the rooms and certainly the room where the files of all the students were held.
He left his jacket on the bed and walked out of the dorm with only a cobalt shirt and black pants. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he walked downstairs where he could already hear voices and footsteps. When he was on the first floor, some regarded him with curiosity, while others just ignored him and chatted about everything that came into their mind, while some others just didn't notice him. He walked and then leaned against a nearby wall where lockers were located and crossed his arms in the process. He closed his eyes. He would wait till everyone was inside before starting on his mission. Too risky if someone saw him.
Slowly, the commotion dimmed down and Yamato, still with his eyes closed and fully trusting his well-trained hearing, waited till the last couple walked inside the canteen and decided it was time and go investigate. He was ready to move when instead, his plans got interrupted once someone stopped in front of him. By this, Yamato opened his eyes and instantly met the owner's shoes. Without an instant, he slowly looked up and he could feel his heartbeat when he was finally face to face.
There stood Mimi, holding something out in front of him.
Yamato looked at her blankly. He stared at the package, wrapped in a white tissue and then back at the girl - no - woman, who had a small smile plastered on her face. He then glared and faced the other side.
"Go away." he asked her solidly.
Yamato knew that if they were still dating, and he would give a cold reply like he did right now, she would probably snap at him for being so rude and actually caring for him while bringing him what looked like food inside that wrapped thing. But after what happened some years ago including that from this morning, he hardly believed that would happen. He and Mimi were distant now.
He closed his eyes again and walked away. Sure he had to face her, but right now, he had other plans in mind. Even if his heart was beating some miles now, he knew how to control himself even when she was around. He had to stay bitter. Probably doing what he always did before he met her. He tried to build up a wall by reminiscing back to the past on the day where Mimi exactly left him. Yes, that would do. He was still angry, but deep in his heart something sensed differently.
He chose to ignore that feeling.
As he suspected with his trained hearing, he heard how she heaved a disappointed sigh. She was probably watching his back now. She would know that he wasn't the same Yamato anymore. He would be distant and cold to her like he did to others. Yamato guessed she would probably walk away seeing that he didn't want to talk to her.
Mimi was speechless and also saddened. It hurt. When she saw him walking away, she dropped her head whispering something that caught him completely of guard.
"Why won't you look at me anymore..?"
He froze on the spot.
He glanced over his shoulder and it almost broke him to see how hurt she looked. Why should she be sad, she was the one who left me in the first place?
Looking back ahead, he sighed and closed his eyes. This isn't the time. Without a word or a last glance, he simply walked away with his hands still in his pockets. He needed time to think and maybe a cigarette.
Mimi stared at his retreating form till he was outside the building. She looked down, thinking why Yamato wouldn't just look at her and say something. But something told her not to give up that easily. She would and try to talk to him - even if it meant losing something precious…
She stared at the item in her hand and started to sprint towards the direction Yamato went off to.
- - - - - -
"Yamato…"
Mimi was panicking. There stood Yamato, leaning against the doorframe and grasping his other arm. He was in real pain but she was more frightened when she saw blood stains on his shirt and pants.
"Yamato… what happened to you!" she whispered, her delicate hands resting on his face to make him look at her.
Yamato was content to see her safe. Her concerned look made him guilty. He was the one to give her all the grief. He really did not deserve her…
"Mi..mi…"
Those were the last words he could whisper before he blacked out, falling against Mimi's frame.
She caught him in time and hugged him tightly while small tears started to drop. "What did you do to yourself, Yamato…" she whispered.
She cried in the crook of his neck,
"Why won't you just tell me…"
- - - - - -
With a cigarette in his mouth, Yamato lay down on one of the branches of a tree, his arms behind his head to make himself more comfortable.
"Why won't you look at me anymore..?"
He remembered those words. Her words.
Truth to be told, he was kind of scared.
Scared of being hurt? No, he was already.
Scared of bringing her life in danger? It was maybe too late, now that he accepted the task.
So why wouldn't he look her in the eye?
Yamato didn't really know, but he was sure he couldn't face her right now. He needed some time alone. After walking away, he immediately searched an open window so he could slip inside and try to investigate the place. Yet, he cursed, the building was too big for him. But it was nothing he couldn't handle. Yamato was smart enough and he would try and hack the blue prints of the building tonight. He gave up on his quest for the time being and searched another tree, away from all viewers to give him time to rest and free to smoke.
But he already guessed by now that he never had any luck in love, life or friends when an annoying voice called out to him.
"Hey Matt, roomy!"
Yamato groaned. Maybe if he ignored him he would probably leave.
"Oh, Matttyyyy"
He grunted harder. Again, Yamato really had no chance in anything and he was silently cursing the person in the sky. Better let him know you heard him otherwise he'll never shut up.
"What." He barked out coldly, still ignoring his presence.
Taichi gave him a wild grin when he responded. "Nothing."
"Ugh… leave me, will ya." Yamato told him, annoyed.
But it looked like Taichi wasn't planning to leave him anytime soon. Instead he took a place on the ground and rested his back against the tree. "Nopz, not a chance." He grinned.
Yamato grunted again, but he already guessed none of his comments would make him leave so he just let him be. He closed his eyes enjoying his cigarette.
"Suit yourself." He said.
"I will." Taichi replied with a smile. He leaned in further to the tree and let out a sigh. A few moments passed before Taichi gleefully asked him a question.
"Wanna talk?"
Yamato took one last drag of his cigarette before throwing it away and relaxing again.
"No."
"Well, I will. Where were you during classes?" he asked him.
There was a small silence, then, "Hanging 'round." Yamato sighed.
Even if he didn't want to talk to him, he supposed it didn't harm anyone responding his questions as long as he left some details.
"Oh." Taichi said, "Well try and attend classes tomorrow, there will be a small competition during P.E. Coach is trying to find some great soccer players." He explained to him. "There will be a game in three months."
"Fascinating…" he said dreary.
"Of course, I'm already part of the team." Taichi grinned proudly, "I'm one of the best players out there… Hey, why don't you try and compete?" he asked him when he looked up. He saw how his roommate opened his eyes and closed it again.
"Not interested."
"C'mon, I bet you can beat anyone."
"True."
"So, you're in?"
"No."
"Damn…"
Yamato smirked. This Taichi person seems to be interesting.
"Pity… I bet myself I could kick your ass on the field." Taichi told him.
"You wish."
"I bet I can."
"Hmph…"
"What was that I heard?"
"You couldn't beat me in any of the sports this school has." Yamato simply told him.
"Oh-ho." Taichi spoke. "You should know I'm the best if it comes to sports, and woman of course, but that's not the point. There is not one sport I'm not good at. I'm actually a champion if I do say so myself."
Yamato rolled his eyes when he said this. Then he jumped out from his position on the branch and landed gracefully before him. A smirk appeared. "Fine, I'm in." he told him.
"Great!" Taichi cheered. "We'll see who is better."
Yamato nodded.
- - - - - -
Mimi gave up. She didn't find him. It was like he knew she was coming and he avoided her. She rubbed her temple. Today had become hectic. With him around, she knew things would become different. She groaned.
Ugh, why should I follow him? He doesn't even' want to talk to me anyways…
And she felt disappointed. She closed her eyes. Maybe she should try and talk to him when he was in his room tonight. But… Would he open the door for her?
Taichi would.
She groaned even more, starting to become frustrated.
"Earth to Mimi."
Mimi quickly opened her eyes and scanned around in search for the voice, instead she screamed when Miyako's face came near her and whispering 'boo'.
"Damn, Miyako, try that again and I'll hit you!" she fumed.
Miyako, a purple-haired girl wearing glasses blinked and giggled taking a seat next to her roommate on the bench. "What's got you so distracted today?" she asked her, "During English you would just stare outside. Is something the matter?"
Ahh, sweet Miyako… concerned as always, Mimi thought as her frown disappeared and smiled warmly.
"No, nothing's wrong, Miyako… I just had a stressful day, that's all." She told her reassuringly.
"Ya sure?"
Mimi stared at her. It was the second person already who asked her that question. She felt lucky. Taichi and Miyako are really sweet people. She nodded.
"Tell me if something's wrong though," she asked her, "Can't stand to see you all depressed now, you know."
"I will."
"Great." Suddenly Miyako jumped from her seat and looked down at her with a wide grin. "After classes, are you up to hit a bar?"
"I…" she never could finish her sentence when something caught the corner of her eye and seeing Yamato walking back towards the building with Taichi not far behind. Immediately she got up making Miyako jump from her suddenness, and before her friend could ask her what was wrong, she was off towards the two.
Behind her, she could hear Miyako screaming her name, but she paid no heed. She really needed to talk to him. This time he would not escape. She was almost there. She thanked her coach for all the training. Thanks to her she had become a fast runner.
Yamato already reached the steps of the building when suddenly,
"Yamato!"
He looked behind him and was surprised to see the brunette. She was maybe five meters away from where he stood, obviously telling him to stop; nonetheless he didn't want to wait for her. He was ready to turn around and to walk inside but froze when something caught his eye.
While running, she frantically yelled his name, hoping to get his attention. She did. She saw him giving her a glance, but she gaped when he turned and began to walk further and acted like nothing happened. All of this made her angry. She was ready to scream at him once again, but a voice halted her.
"Mimi, look out!" Miyako shrieked.
Mimi turned around and immediately panicked. Behind her, a ball was charging towards her direction at full speed and it was impossible to stop it. By the time she realised it was actually going to hit her square in the face, someone pushed her on the ground, realizing it was Yamato. Within seconds, he jumped high in the air, landed with both of his hands hard on the ground and with a powerful spin of his legs; he hit the ball with exact same force it had to another direction. He then rammed his hands from the ground where he flipped in the air and landing back on his feet in one graceful move.
It took her a few seconds to finally understand that Yamato had saved her.
"Mimi, you okay?" Taichi ran to her and pulled her so she could stand up. He examined if she was hurt by any chance.
"I'm fine… thanks to…" she looked at Yamato who still stood on the exact same spot he had rescued her. Mimi saw his fist clenched making his knuckles white, though when she looked at his face, he looked calm.
"Ya-"
"Whao, Matt, where did you learn the move!" Taichi asked excitedly.
Yamato however did not respond. Something wasn't right. No one could hit a ball that hard let alone here where most of the students were inside eating their lunch. He knew someone was behind it. He frowned.
"Uhm… Thank you."
Yamato released his gaze from where he thought he saw something and looked at her. There she stood, smiling in a shy way. It was kinda cute.
He nodded, "No problem." He said.
And for the first time, he saw something sparkle in her eyes. It was like she was happy he said something nice to her.
"Oh, Mimi, you're okay!" Miyako, all tired from the running stood before her, panting. "I – I thought y-you was going t-to get hit b-by that ball!" she said through pants.
"Hehe, but Matty here, rescued her!" Taichi showed Miyako the one who had saved her friend and without a second thought, she hugged him which surprised the blond and Mimi to stare at her friend with disbelief.
"Gwah! I thank you soooo much! I'm so glad you've rescued her! I don't know what I would do if something happened to her! Mimi is like a sister to me! I am so thankful you were here!" she cried out, hugging him tighter.
… This girl has a hell of grip… it almost makes me…impossible…to…breathe…
By the time he thought he was going to die in her arms, Miyako released him on time. He took a long breath before looking at them. "I'm going inside." He said stiff.
"Oh but, wait!" Miyako stopped him. He groaned. "Let's go out tonight! All four of us!" she chirped out cheerfully.
"Uhh…Miyako… I don't think that –"
"Good idea, Miya!" This time it was Taichi who barged into the conversation. He walked towards Yamato and patted his back, "I mean you're new here, Matt. I expect you don't know much 'bout the place, so why don't we go out and explore, and tonight, let's hit a pub and enjoy ourselves!"
Yamato eyed the two of them before closing his eyes and turning back to the building. "No."
"Ahh, c'mon Matty –"
"- stop calling me that." Yamato replied.
"Damn."
Taichi glanced at Mimi and grinned,"Why don't you say something in this, Mi. I bet he would probably listen to you." He told her, winking.
Mimi blinked in shock. Wha!
Suddenly, all eyes were fixed on her, including that from Yamato's who stopped his steps and watched her intently waiting what she was going to say.
"I uhh…" She drifted her eyes from Miyako to Taichi and then that from him. It took all her courage not to stutter when she saw how his eyes were making her nervous. This was her chance. Closing her eyes and silently sighing, she looked up at him. But she never got to say anything when Yamato answered her question she was going to ask.
"I'll go."
With that, he was already inside before Mimi's brain registered he was actually agreeing to come. She ignored the high five her friends were doing and walked on the steps, seeing his retreating form in the hallway. A smile appeared on her face.
Thank you…Yamato
He finally understood.
- - - - - -
To Be Continued…
A/N: And that's chapter four, you guys. I'm sorry if there are grammatical errors inside. But please, do not forget to review! You tell me if you all want a fifth chapter or you just think I would better stop. It's up to you guys.
aoi senshi