WARNING: One swear word, Flangst (Haha, The Solar Being), NEW WRITING STYLE, rustiness.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in this marvelous universe; it all belongs to Toei Animation, I believe.
Dedication: The Solar Being, for keeping me entertained with your great stories and our mindless chatter. You rock! :D
Reviewers: Thank you so much! 18 reviews for ONE chapter? Wow! Over 100 reviews? Double Wow! I love you guys.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long. This chapter is longer than most (I plan for the future chapters to be about this length - or longer), but this will mean updates will take a VERY good amount of time.
Rating: T - for swearing, teenage angst, plain angst, horrible writing, etc.
Poll - Have some good idea for chapter titles? PM me if possible (please don't put in the review). I will, of course, credit you and dedicate a chapter in your honor. If not, that's okay too! I just wish I had more exciting chapter titles…
xXxXxXxXxXx
- Three Weeks Since Accident -
Mimi sighed, leaning her head back against her over-sized pillow. Life had been hectic lately and it felt good to just let the gentle music playing course through her. It was a mix CD Izzy had made her and it turned out he had surprisingly good taste. It had been a little over two weeks since her first date with him. They had gone out numerous times after as well. There was something really comfortable about Izzy, which Mimi seemed to crave. Her lime green cell-phone vibrated slightly and a soft humming filled the room. Mimi sighed, but bent over to pick up.
"Hello?"
"Mimi, hey! I'm glad I caught you. I know school's been super busy lately, but I really think we need to work on our English project soon. Would tomorrow be too soon? I already asked Emma, John, and Matt. There all onboard. You?"
Mimi blinked, wondering how Kali got Matt's phone number. He constantly had to change it in order to keep the fangirl's at bay. Because it was switched so often, only people really close to him knew his current number. Mimi smiled bitterly. 'Maybe they tangled tongues or something.'
"Umm . . . sure. Where are we going to meet?"
"We decided on John's house. You know where that is, right? I hope you don't feel like we weren't including you in our plans, but I could never reach you…"
"No, it's fine. I'll bring my stuff. I know where John's house is too. I went to party there Sophomore year."
Mimi heard Kali's bubbly laugh and smiled. It was hard not to like someone so lively and naïve.
"Great! We'll meet you there at noon! I mean . . . if that's alright with you."
Mimi pushed her hair back behind her ear and let out a puff of air.
"Nah. It's no problem. I'll see you then."
"Bye Mimi!"
"Bye Kali."
Mimi slipped her cell-phone closed and fell back onto her bed. She smiled faintly as she heard her favorite song come on. She closed her eyes, listening to the soothing music. She didn't know Izzy could be so sweet. She had really found out a lot about him lately. Mimi grinned as she thought of the various double-dates Izzy, Tai, Sora and herself had been on. Tai and Sora really were good for each other. Mimi yawned and yanked her fluffy cover up, wrapping it around her thin frame.
"Mimi! Honey! Supper's ready."
Mimi stifled a groan and crept out of her warm bed. She padded down the stairs and smiled when she saw her mother and father.
Her mother gave her a cheerful wave, but quickly went back to her cooking. Her father glanced up from his newspaper, his shoulder leaning against the hallway wall.
"Hey Daddy. How was work?"
She slid into him, her socks clashing with the smooth tile floor and he laughed as he kept her up.
"Woah. Watch it there. Work was fine. I got you something!"
Mimi squealed and threw her hands around her father's neck, kissing his check.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Her father laughed and handed her a small white box. "One of my employers had it 'specially made. I don't really know why, but he really did get you spot on! I think it just screams 'you!' to me, sweetheart."
Mimi laughed and tore open the lid excitedly. She gasped and looked at her father in amazement. "Daddy . . . it's perfect!"
It was simple in its entirety, but that only made it more beautiful. It was a silver necklace and hanging in the middle was a symbol. It was light green and shaped like a tear. There were also two more circles enclosed in the "tear" and a diamond shone out from the middle.
Mimi's dad smiled and ruffled her hair. He laughed when she glared at him and smoothed down her hair. "Do you know what it stands for?" She bit her lip, suppressing another smile.
His father nodded and shrugged his shoulders.
"The man who gave it to me said it was made in another country. I'm not really sure where. But, I'm pretty sure it translates to 'sincerity'. Once I heard that, I was sold. I said to him, 'That necklace was made for my little girl!'"
"Daddy! Do you still go around telling people I'm a 'little girl'?! I'm a Senior in High School!" Mimi looked appalled and inched away from her father.
"You'll always be my little girl - "
"Honey! Beth and her family are coming over for dinner! I'm making casserole. And for some reason Beth's mom insists on bringing something as well. Oh well, more for us!" Mimi's mother rang out clearly from the kitchen and Mimi and her father exchanged looks.
"Eww. I hope there's no whipped cream on this one." Mimi mouthed to her father.
"Me too. Me too." Mimi's father laughed and walked into the kitchen. Mimi sighed and crumpled on the coach in the next room. Her phone rang again and she flipped it open.
"Hey Beth."
" . . . How did you know it was me?"
Mimi rolled her eyes and smiled fondly.
"Because I'm physic. Duh! You almost always call on your way over here."
"Well . . . yeah. But that's just because my parents are so annoying!"
Mimi laughed and shook her head in agreement.
"Better than mine."
She heard Beth laugh and make a gagging noise.
"Eww. They're getting all mushy. But that reminds me! How's lover-boy?"
Beth sang out her last sentence and made kissing noises. Mimi blushed bright red and whispered furiously into her phone.
"Shut up! Your parents might hear! And Izzy is not lover-boy as you so fondly call him. He's just a friend."
Mimi could almost see Beth roll her eyes and shook her head when she heard Beth snicker.
"So you kiss all your friends? I'm appalled Mimi! I thought you weren't like that. Tsk tsk."
Mimi flushed deeper and whined into the phone.
"Will you shut your abnormally large mouth?! Izzy and I only kissed once! I'm never telling you anything again."
She heard the smirk in her friend's voice as she replied.
"Aww, honey. That's cute. You would explode if you didn't tell me."
Mimi laughed and tried to keep her voice mad.
"I could tell someone else!"
"Who?"
Insert Beth's loud snort here.
"Umm . . . SORA!"
The phone went silent for a minute and Mimi bit her lip. Maybe that was a bit mean. Sora and she were becoming really close and she had been spending less time with Beth…
"Yeah. Puh-leez. How can you talk about her and Tai with her?"
Mimi smiled, glad her friend wasn't upset. Beth really did have a backbone.
"Good point. I have to go. My minutes are low. See ya!"
"Yeah. Later."
Mimi beamed and hung up her phone, turning her attention to the news. The news never really interested her, but it could hold her attention long enough until their guests arrived.
'In other news, there was a building fire earlier this afternoon. No one was injured, but the house suffered heavy smoke damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. And now sports with Andy Rick!'
The doorbell rang and Mimi hurriedly walked to the front door. She swung the heavy door open to see three familiar faces. Their noises and cheeks were all tinted red from the cold and Mimi quickly ushered them in.
"Come on, come on!"
They promptly removed their coats and the adults coasted to the kitchen. Beth dragged Mimi by the ear into her bedroom.
"So," Beth began.
"So," Mimi echoed, falling comfortably on her bed.
"How's life?" Beth grinned, and Mimi laughed.
"Good, you know. I mean everyone's pretty shaken up about what happened with Davis, though."
Beth bobbed her head up and down in agreement.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. We really haven't had anything bad happen to people we've known before. It's kind of surreal. I know bad things happened - I'm not an idiot. But it just kinda felt like we were invincible."
Mimi hugged her knees and sighed.
"Yeah. Taichi was the only one I ever knew about who had something happen to them this badly. I mean it didn't happen to him, but it really shook him up. His brother dying…it was horrible. I know he was a baby, but it still feels horrible."
Beth smiled faintly and leaned her cheek on the wall.
"That was the day you all met, right? You, Tai, and Matt."
"I knew . . . Matt before that. But that's when we all got really close, yeah."
Beth nodded slowly, but changed the subject.
"So . . . how's lover-boy?"
xXxXxXxXxXx
"So it's five-twenty for both of us?"
Yolei Inoue narrowed her eyes at the cashier as Ken went to go find a table in the Hospital Cafeteria.
"Nope," the cashier popped her lips on the 'p' and smiled smugly at Yolei, "It's each. As in ten-forty for the both of you. Get it?"
Yolei grumbled something along the lines of 'I'll get you Ms. Works-at-a-cafeteria-lady', but shoved the crinkled money (with some change) at the cashier.
"Here ya go," the nameless cafeteria lady pushed the plates forward.
She smiled slyly and Yolei grimaced at her back.
"Stupid . . . cafeteria . . . people."
Yolei perked up when she saw Ken's thin hand waving her towards a side table. She slid the food down, falling dramatically into the chair. Ken raised an eyebrow at her as he took his pudding cup.
"Something wrong, Yolei?"
Yolei stuck her tongue at him and grabbed for her own pudding cup resentfully.
"I am so sick of hospital food. It has to be the worst thing ever invented. I bet Davis would agree!"
Ken flinched slightly, but smiled back at her.
"Yeah. But I'd bet he'd rather be eating this stuff than that white crap they're feeding down his mouth."
Yolei nodded repeatedly and blew her lavender hair out of her face.
"I feel so bad for him. He would kill us if he knew. I mean, I bet he'd even rather be eating Brussels sprouts, or something. And you know Davis has a fear of tiny cabbages!"
Ken snorted and flung a bit of his pudding at Yolei.
"Say that louder, why don't you? He would kill you if he heard you."
Yolei narrowed her eyes playfully and flung a bit of her vanilla pudding back at him. "Take that, genius-boy!"
"Says the girl who's in advanced placement for almost all her classes."
Ken smiled wryly, and Yolei crossed her arms, her face coloring slightly.
"Shuddup."
Ken grinned cockily, and continued eating his (bland) lunch. Yolei glanced at the clock, and started throwing food into her mouth.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry! Visiting hours for the public is closing soon!"
Ken continued at his pace, leisurely placing the bit of salad into his mouth.
"Why bother? You can just get Jun to sneak us in again. It's not that hard."
Yolei grimaced at him, and folded her arms stubbornly.
"For your information, I have a lot of homework to do. I wish I could stay here all night, but I can't. I wanna see him before we leave! Please!"
Ken stared at her begrudgingly, but his pace of eating quickened.
"Kinda sucks, you know?"
Yolei sucked in her breath, recognizing Ken's "heavy" voice. He only talked that way when he was worried or emotional.
"What?"
"Life going on," Ken placed his hand to shush Yolei's silent protest, "I mean, life does go on without him. In someway, I want it to be impossible. I want it to be impossible for me to move on without him by my - our - sides. But we are going on. The school year is continuing. Heck, people rarely even talk about him anymore! I feel like he's just a piece of gossip that was juicy for awhile, but then got pushed aside."
Yolei hung her head and nodded.
"I know what you mean. I miss him so much, so much it hurts. And for awhile I expected everything to stand still - even time - because it hurt that bad. I thought that because we were grieving, everybody else should be. But basically, what it comes down to . . ."
Ken continued her unfinished sentence, ". . . the world will go on without Davis. It's just not the same world we know. And it's not a world we want to know."
"Though sometimes I do wish I had a mute button for Davis."
Yolei cracked a grin and Ken smiled at Yolei.
"We going to do this or what?"
"Let's go!"
Yolei and Ken easily slid the halls that they had partially memorized and waved to the few nurses they knew. Yolei saw a spiky hair of burgundy poking out from the behind the snack machine and she called out.
"Jun! You're here early!"
Yolei rushed over to her and hugged her tightly around her waist. Normally they didn't get along very well, but because they had a common purpose - making sure Davis was being taken care of and visited - they had formed a sort of 'alliance'. Yolei was sure they would go back to being annoyed with one another if - when - Davis got better.
"Yeah, yeah. Go say your goodbyes because I am not sneaking you in again. I have a ton of homework to do and Matt made a new mix CD I want to listen to!"
Yolei grumbled, but perkily shot her hand up and patted Jun's hair. It was a good-luck charm Davis used to brag about when he was younger. Back than she thought he was an idiot - still does, really - but it was kind of fun to do.
"STOP. TOUCHING. MY. HAIR."
Ken laughed and patted Jun on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you could take her."
Jun smiled winningly at Ken. "You always were my favorite one of Davis's dweebs. Plus, you're actually pretty hot." Jun winked at him once before dissolving into giggles and turning back to the snack machine.
Yolei flashed a peace sign at Ken and ushered him into the room. Ken rolled his eyes, but walked over slowly across the white tile.
The room Davis was in was darker than the outside hallway. Yolei thought it was for mood ("It has to be! They want people to be sad! I think this hospital has a conspiracy going on or something!") while Ken thought they intentionally put it for a completely different reason, ("When it's dark . . . you can't see the extent of the injuries. You can't see how pale they are, or how shallow their breathing is. It's to give people more . . . hope").
The room was filled with mechanical buzzing and a consistent beeping sound. The bed that Davis laid in took up most of the room, with two more chairs crammed into the sides.
"Hey Davis!" Yolei called out cheerily, but Ken saw her posture change slightly. Her shoulders slumped and her head suddenly seemed to be heavy. The doctors had told them that Davis could, maybe, possibly, hear what people were saying. Ever since then, Yolei had perfected an optimistic voice, even when her body seemed to reject the idea. Once she had even cried freely, still keeping the steady voice.
"Hey," Ken whispered softly, slumping into the uncomfortable metal chair. His mind drifted freely, as Yolei's mindless chatter filled the room with noise. 'I don't know what to think. The doctors are saying that he's alright, but I know enough about medicine. It's been three weeks! His injuries are almost completely healed (for the most part, at least). Why wasn't he waking up? Or even showing some sign? A twitch of the finger would have been good enough for me. Just…wake up.'
Jun stuck her head in, "Three more minutes, idiots!" Yolei growled at her, but dismissed her with a wave of her fingers. Those two certainly had a…comradeship, of sorts.
"Well, basically what I'm saying is wake up soon, dork. 'Cause we all love you lots, and Kari feels really guilty about this whole thing. She's not so bad, I guess. I could see why you liked her. You don't still like her, right?" Yolei paused, as if expecting an answer before shaking her head and continuing, "Well, either way. You have to wake up. Everybody's really worried and this has just put so much angst on us! On top of teenage angst! I know you don't like that stuff, so hurry up." Yolei's voice took on a slightly whiny edge.
She shook her head, but got up and placed a kiss on Davis's forehead. Ken cocked his eyebrow and Yolei blushed.
"I . . . erm . . . forget you were in here . . ."
Ken laughed at her, "Do that often, Yolei?"
Yolei blushed brighter and hit him on the arm. "Shut up."
She walked out, no doubt going to bug Jun about one thing or another.
Ken sighed, running his fingers anxiously through his hair. He turned around slowly, leaning into the side of the machines that Davis was hooked up too.
"You know I don't like doing this," Ken began, shutting his eyes, "Because it's like we're daring fate. Every time Yolei makes me so 'goodbye' to you, it's like tempting fate to take you away from me, from everyone, and I hate it. I shouldn't have to say goodbye 'cause you'll still be here tomorrow. You're strong . . . even if you don't think so. I really . . ."
Ken broke off, a shudder racking his body. He swallowed thickly, "Well . . . see you. I'll probably be back next week. Or sooner, I don't know. Anyway. Bye."
Ken rose from the side of the machines and patted Davis's leg awkwardly. Jun brushed past him, hurrying into her brother's room.
"Hey!! I know you'd be kinda bored here, so I have the BIGGEST news to tell you. Guess who asked me out? GUESS?"
Ken laughed slightly and shook his head.
Life sure was interesting.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Taichi sighed exasperatedly, flicking a quick glance at his younger sister.
"Yes, Kari. I am positive. Are we going to do this or not? I could see what Joe and Izzy are up too . . ."
Kari shook her head rapidly.
"No, no! I was just checking. I want to do this. It'll be so much fun! I can't believe you actually agreed."
Hikari giggled, taking her brother's hand in hers. She dragged him forward, calling out to her mother quickly. Her mother waved half-heartedly and turned back to her TV show.
"I am retarded for doing this. Why did I ever agree to you?"
Hikari shoved him, putting on a mock hurt face.
"Well excuse me! You're doing this for Sora too! I just thought it would be better, you know? For them to have support."
Taichi rolled his eyes and flicked his younger sister in the arm. "They barely know each other! Plus, don't you think we should start with something . . . smaller. A whole friggen' room of Kamiyas may be too much . . ."
Kari sighed impatiently, "Well, I think it's a perfect idea. Both of us are going on a date," Kari squirmed uneasily at Taichi's hardened gaze, "err . . . outing with our . . . significant others. And then we're going to take them for a nice fun night at the Kamiya's!"
Taichi smacked his head.
"Fun, nice, and Kamiyas don't really mix, Kar'."
Kari smiled giddily and shook her head.
"Even so . . . TK hasn't met anyone besides our parents, and Sora hasn't met anyone. Besides, I talked to her and she's really excited about this!"
Taichi looked at his little sister incredulously.
"You talked to my girlfriend? And why am I not allowed to talk to a certain blonde-haired, blue-eyed kid?"
Kari rolled her eyes and shoved her bottom lip out a little.
"Well, maybe because when I talk to her, I don't make death threats at her! Not saying you do . . . just you know. You can be slightly over-protective."
"Hey! You were protective that one time with Stacey Glindell! Remember how you bite her . . ."
Kari stopped walking abruptly and stared at Tai. "First of all, I was jealous; spending all your time with her and not your baby sister," she gave him a pointed glance, "and second of all, I was five! So please, shut up about it!"
Tai grinned goofily, "Well, I know. But that's really all I got on you, so I have to juice it."
Kari shook her head, "You're impossible."
Tai opened his mouth to retort, but Kari intervened, "Either way, we have to go get the clothes. I know you hate shopping, blah blah blah. But we really do need new clothes. It'll be fun! Who knows, maybe we'll see Joe or Izzy."
Tai snorted and turned his head to hide his amusement.
"Joe and Izzy . . . at the mall . . . without me dragging them there . . . when they could be studying . . ."
"Err . . . you got me there." Kari giggled and latched herself back onto her brother.
They walked in silence (Kari had insisted they walked even though Tai had a, "Perfectly good working car! What is your problem Kari? I don't wanna walk.") until they were only a few blocks away.
An ambulance's shrill alarm shattered the silence and the truck weaved down the rode, going at an incredible rate. Tai and Kari jumped in surprise, before Tai shrugged and shoved his hands down his pockets.
"H-hey Tai?"
Taichi blinked and looked back at Kari questioningly.
"What is it, Kari? You alright?"
Kari bit her lip, "Do you think . . . Davis will be alright?"
Tai sighed heavily and uneasily ran his fingers through his thick, wild hair. "Kari. Stop. Bringing. It. Up."
Kari's jaw locked in defiance and her eyes flamed brightly.
"Why? Are you so scared of emotions? They're not bad, Taichi. I know it hurts, it hurts me so much, but I need to talk about it with someone! TK just shushs me and I couldn't possibly talk about it with Ken or Yolei!"
Tai's lip tightened and he closed his eyes, clearing trying to calm himself.
"I am not scared of anything, Hikari. I just don't like talking about, that's all. You have plenty of other friends anyway. Why not try talking about it with them?"
Kari's fist clenched unconsciously and she gritted her teeth together, "Because they are not you. They don't understand me like you do. I need someone who genuinely cares about me. You think I would call them if I ended in jail? No, stupid, I would call you. Even before TK. Because you're my big brother. And it's time you started acting like it!"
Tai's eyes widened in surprise and he flinched, recoiling his body farther away from his sister. Her words had really had truth in them. He had been so wrapped up in Sora, Matt, and all the other High School matters he had become a little . . . shallow. And he didn't like it.
Kari's body shook wordlessly, her thin arms wrapping their ways around her shuddering frame. Soon wet gasps were escaping her lips and Tai tentatively placed his shaking hand on Kari's shoulder. He really shouldn't have let this happen. And he really, really shouldn't have had this happen in the middle of a busy street corner. He turned his head slightly and groaned out loud. With Matt Ishida watching him with his freakin' jaw slacked. Great . . .
Tai shook her gently, wrapping his fingers loosely around her pink scarf that TK had bought her.
"Kari, Kari. Look, I'm so sorry. You're right. I haven't been acting like a good older brother. But I will. I promise. We just have to get out of here . . ."
Kari shook her head, but Tai didn't think she was answering him. He grabbed her shoulders gently and pulled her away from the gaping people. Kari Kamiya wasn't one to break down - especially in front of all these people - which made Tai feel that much worse. If she had snapped now, she had been feeling this way for a long time. And Tai hated himself for not noticing.
"Come on, Kar'," Tai ushered his little sister quietly into a seldom busy coffee shop, sparing only a glance at the blonde-haired boy, "I promise we'll be able to talk here."
Tai smiled unconvincingly at a waitress when she cocked a brow, hurriedly rushing Kari to a back table. He sat opposite of her after briefly debating if he should keep her in his arms.
Tai waited a few minutes until Kari's sobs became less frequent, flinching slightly at every sharp intake of breath. He knew he should just let her run her course. Regardless of what he wanted, she needed this.
"You wanted to Hikari. I'm ready." Tai's voice shook slightly and he mentally rolled his eyes at himself. Battling a group of five guys? Sure! Dealing with a romantic relationship? Why not?! Getting shot? Fine. Dealing with a crying girl? . . . No.
Kari shook her shoulders, but finally brought her red, swollen eyes to met her brothers.
"I don't want to be some charity case, Tai. Just forget it. Really."
Tai rolled his eyes and reached over the table to grab his sister's hand. He wasn't really one for public displays of affection, but when it came to his sister he would do anything. Including, selling his soul or, to the lesser extent, giving up his dignity.
"You have not, will not, or be so in the future, a charity case. Stop being so dramatic."
Kari sniffled, but managed a weak glare. "Fine then. I'm sorry I broke down there. I just kind of had a lot of pressure on me and I guess I just . . . snapped."
"It happens to the best of us," Tai grinned cheekily, rubbing his thumb over Kari's hand, "If you had to so, I'm glad it was with me. I want to help you with whatever, Kars, you know that."
Kari nodded and a wet laugh erupted from her lips.
"I never thought I'd be the one embarrassing the one in public. That's been your forte for awhile now."
Tai mock-gasped and put his hand up to his mouth. "I'm shocked you would say that, Kari."
Kari laughed again, glad the tension was easing slightly.
Tai's face grew serious suddenly and he leaned forward.
"Tell me what you were talking about earlier. I want to be here for you."
"Well, it's nothing really. I've just felt so . . . alone these past weeks, I can't even describe it. I'm with people constantly, people I love. TK is with me all the time, Ken and Yolei are almost always at the hospital when I visit, and you're always waiting for me at home. I don't understand why I feel like this."
Tai rolled his eyes, despite himself, and leaned back into the booth.
"Isn't it obvious, Kari? I mean I'm no psychologist or whatever they're called, but even I know this. You're surrounded by people physically, but ever since what happened with Davis you've been separating yourself mentally. It's like how I was a few years back. You have too much guilt Kar'. That was not your fault."
Kari grew angrily suddenly and she slammed her fist on the table.
"I wish everyone would stop saying that! I am to blame. I am. Because of my petty jealous I put Davis in the hospital! If I hadn't been such of a bitch, he would have never gone out there. Don't you see?"
Tai's expression softened and he closed his eyes. "Don't swear, Kari, it doesn't suit you."
Kari 'hmmphed', but fell silent when Tai continued.
"You are not to blame. Not even close. I'm not going to go through this again. I know what guilt is, Kar'. But I learned something. You can't blame yourself for everything. It will literally rip you apart from the inside. When . . . she . . . did that to me a few years ago, I wanted to die. I thought it was my fault and I constantly blamed myself. But now I know there was nothing I could do. I didn't control her. Those were her decisions, not mine."
Kari bit back a gasp, "How could you even compare this to that? It's completely different!"
Tai opened one eye, "Is it?"
xXxXxXxXxXx
I didn't really change anything this chapter. Getting close to the end now!! :D
As always, I would apperciate it if you reviewed.