First off, I want to thank my reviewers so far. Haha, I sound like I've just received some award.
Anyways, thank you yen for the kind review.
Also, Lady Something, thank you as well, you sounded so excited, so I think I will definitely update just for you. .
Euphoros – don't worry, I promise I will definitely tell you all what Mimi does. Thank you very much for the review.
And JyouraKoumi – I won't even play your childish games. I've seen enough of you around all of the other Mimato fics, so I knew you'd probably decide to 'review' mine as well.
Meh. Who cares?

Anyways, I'm on to Chapter 2. I'm still sorta attempting to develop some sort of plot or another. Hee hee. So, I'm sort of winging it.

Onto Chapter 2!

Chapter 2

Where A Girl Needs It Most


The scenery, language, constructions, and very energy screamed Japan. In the distance, she could just glimpse the city (A/N: Yeah, I have no clue if I'm not geographically correct. Sorry.) and, as she gazed upon the tall buildings, she couldn't help but feel more at home there, than she had ever felt anywhere else. She knew that there were people in the world who claimed that Japan felt suffocating, making many feel claustrophobic, but Mimi Tachikawa felt at peace, and free upon simply seeing the large city.

Sora's hand waved through Mimi's vision, as well as her thoughts, and she almost jerked back, blinking once, and then twice, before pulling herself out from her memories.

"Oh, Sora, I'm sorry. I was just … thinking."

Her lips twitched into a smile, and, as she handed Tai one of Mimi's suitcases, Sora faced Mimi. "It's okay. It's been a long time since you were last here, so it's all right if you want to stand and gawk for a while." Sora winked, and then laughed. "But, Meems, if you want to stand there all day, would you tell us beforehand, so that way we can go home? I mean, you're my friend and all, but I'm not going to wait outside for hours."

"Oh, right, sorry about that. I just can't believe I'm back." Mimi handed Tai another suitcase. "Sure, I came to visit for, well, a week about seven years ago, but, well, that was seven years ago, and this now, today. I didn't even succeed in doing much for that week, either, seeing as everybody was so busy." Heaving, she helped Sora give Tai the last suitcase, and the girls giggled as they let go, and he immediately lurched forward from the weight. "Watch out Tai, that's my heaviest. It has some shoes in it, and a couple of books." Tai gave her a funny look, before getting Matt to aid him in his conquest of bringing the suitcase inside the trunk. "So, yeah, what I mean is," Mimi continued, "I only got to see, like, two of you guys, so I was pretty lonely for that week."

Climbing into the back of the car was a touch difficult, as her skirt nearly snagged on the door, but, Mimi succeeded in climbing into the back of the Toyota Mark-X, which Mimi figured was Sora's, since she was the one driving it. Tai clambered into the passenger seat, while Matt seated himself to Mimi's left in the back.

"When did you get this car?"

Sora turned on the indicator, pulling out of the parking space. "Oh, about a year ago. It was used, so it was pretty cheap, despite the age of the car. I mean, the guy who had it before me barely used it! Waste of money, that's what I think it was for him."

"Don't tell me that you've become obsessed with cars?" Mimi mimicked a gasp of astonishment. "What has terrible Tai done to you?"

Laughing, Sora grinned. "No, I've just become a lot more … responsible with my money. Especially after seeing how Tai wastes his."

"I resent that comment!"

The girls laughed, while Tai grimaced, and Matt simply sat and watched the show.

"So, Meems, what have you been doing in America for all these years?" Sora turned the corner, heading for the highway that led to downtown Odaiba.

Suddenly uncomfortable in her seat, Mimi shifted ever so slightly, playing with the gold necklace that dangled just between her breasts. "Oh, um, well, I've been working." 'Shit, shit, shit, okay girl, let's make up some sort of fake job.' "I've been, well, I was a receptionist as a big hotel for while, until I quit." 'Okay, good, start with the basic truth.'

"Really? Why'd you quit? I'm pretty sure that the New York hotels give out a decent pay." Tai turned in his seat as he posed the question.

"Yeah, well, the pay wasn't bad, but, you think that for some big fancy hotel, they could have paid me a bit better. When it came to the holidays, especially New Years, they would work me like crazy, doing hours of overtime. I remember back in 2006, they had me working double shift, even though I was only 17! Of course, maybe it was because a lot of people were partying at the hotel I was working in. There were ads everywhere, saying basically to come to "The Dream Hotel" in New York. I got fed-up, and quit mid-January."

"Harsh." Sora stopped at a red light, and turned to look back at Mimi with a small smile playing at her lips. "So, aside from previous work, and that crap, where's Michael? I thought that he would be coming, too."

Mimi waited until Sora turned back around and continued driving, before replying. "Oh, well, we broke up a while back." She looked down at her lap, fighting back a small sigh. "I guess that we just … had too many differences."

Mimi remembered the day clearly in her memories, replaying the events in her mind. She remembered coming home one day, inviting Michael over, and telling him the great news of her new job. She remembered how he spat crude words in her face, and told her to never touch him again. She cried for hours that night.

A warm hand touched her bare shoulder, and Mimi looked up through her curtain of hair, finding Matt leaning towards her, concern in his eyes. He mouthed the words, "You okay?" and she just nodded in reply.

Sitting back up straight, she flashed Matt her brightest, sweetest, sugarcoated smile, before glancing out the window and watching the immense structures fly past.

"Oh, shit, that sucks. It wasn't last week or something, now was it? 'Cause if it was, I'm really sorry for bringing it up." The kindness and apology in Sora's voice was pure and true.

Mimi couldn't help but feel a real, natural smile playing at her lips, and she leaned forward to play with Sora's hair. "No, silly. If it happened last week, I'd be bawling right now. You know me! No, no, we broke up a couple years ago, not long after I quit the Dream Hotel, and got a new job. I guess he just couldn't stand the fact that I was working so much, and not focusing on our relationship. But, well, I was living on my own, and trying to pay for my tuition. It's not like it's my fault or anything. Sheesh. Arrogant prick."

Malice and locked up rage threaded her voice, making it lower to a cruel whisper as her eyes flashed with anger.

"Ew, what a jerk. I mean, okay, so Matt was like that a bit with me, when we dated ages ago, but, well, at least I wasn't that mean when we broke up."

"What? Hey!" Matt couldn't help but childishly pout. "Why are you guys all picking on me today? You're so mean."

Mimi giggled at his immature response. "Why, Matty, I think that Sora's been very nice to you today. I mean, she is letting me stay at your apartment, and we all know that I can cook way better than you."

Matt grumbled low under his breath. "But still … it's my bachelor pad. I don't want any frilly pinks ribbons and bows everywhere. What will the chicks say when I bring them back?"

Tai laughed at the image of Matt's apartment decorated with pink throw pillows, little lacy doilies, and potpourri baskets littering the place. "Matt, they would laugh in your face, and call you a serious metrosexual." Tai turned in his seat once more. "Hey! How about you bring Jun Motomiya back to your place? That would definitely scare her off for good!"

Matt couldn't help but grin at the conspiratorial idea. "I like that plan." He then turned to Mimi. "So, do you think you could do it? Make my apartment look … girly?"

Pursing her lips in disdain, Mimi crossed her arms. "Nope."

"But why not, Meems? It'll definitely save me a lot of trouble at my concerts and all. How about it?"

Mimi gave Matt a sidelong glance, catching Tai looking at her expectantly in her vision as well. "Because, I'm not like that anymore. I told Sora last week, I'm a changed woman. Doilies are so from our grandparents' era, and pink throw pillows. Yuck."

Tai and Matt gazed at Mimi with confusion and wonder in their eyes. "So, you're telling us, that you're not the psycho crazy fan of pink that you used to be?" Tai said the words slowly, the psycho part in particular, hoping that Mimi wouldn't suddenly attack him.

"Nope. Actually, at home, I have a red leather couch. It's very comfortable, very chic, and adds a nice sexy touch to my living room. I love it."

Sora grinned at Mimi in the rearview mirror. "Sounds like you've gotten a much sexier side since you went to America."

Chuckling, Mimi couldn't but return the grin. "I guess so. I've definitely fallen in love with IKEA. Their stuff is just … to die for. I recently ordered one of those gorgeous, Medieval-style four-poster beds, with the fancy framework and all. And it was only, about $300.00, minimum, which is an awesome price considering that American stuff is damn well expensive."

Tai arched a brow. "And that is how much in yen?"

Sora frowned in thought, before replying, "Um, maybe about ¥36 000, on average, I'm guessing."

"Wow, that's a pretty good price!" Tai exclaimed. "Some places will only sell you the mattress for that much."

Mimi couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, you know me. I could never say no to a good deal." Leaning back in the seat, she watched the buildings fly by once more, this time, instead of the majority being office buildings; they turned into condos and apartment complexes. Closing her eyes, Mimi let out a soft, quiet sigh. 'It feels so good to be home.'

Upon arriving at the apartment complex, Matt and Tai each grabbed a suitcase, Mimi let Sora take hold of her carry-on bag, while Mimi, herself, took one of the large suitcases; she felt terrible for making the guys carry the heaviest one. Besides, the Mimi she was now was definitely not the same as the Mimi she had been nearly ten years ago. Hours at the gym and doing yoga had helped develop her muscles, and she was proud to say that she was no longer the weak, stick-thin girl she had been on her last visit to Japan.

Heaving the suitcase up the stairs behind her companions, Mimi wondered aloud, "So, where is Matt's apartment, anyways?"

Matt turned his head to glance over his shoulder, replying, "Just a couple more flights up, don't worry."

Nodding, Mimi continued to drag herself and the suitcase up the stairs, secretly wishing that she had either packed fewer clothes, or that she had decided to stay for less time. Then, grinning at herself, Mimi came to realize that years ago, she would have thought that three suitcase was appalling, and that a minimum of five suitcases would be able to carry enough clothes for barely a week.

Laughing quietly to herself, she shook her head, removed her whining thoughts from her mind, and continued to yank the suitcase up each and every single step.

When she arrived at Matt's floor, she wanted to sigh with relief, and praise Kami for giving her the strength to go to the gym for a lengthy period of time. Mimi looked at the apartments around her, smiling faintly at the sight of Christmas lights decorating the doors and balconies, despite the fact that it was only December 12th. However, she figured that most homes that displayed early signs of Christmas cheer were those that housed young children.

Excitement boiled in her veins at the prospect of spending Christmas, as well as New Years, in Japan, with her friends, and she fought back the urge to jump up and down with joy.

Matt's apartment was devoid of any sign of Christmas cheer, and seemed more or less, well, there was no other word for it … male. As Matt opened the door, Mimi eyes fell on the simple carpet spread across the floor, the ever so masculine leather couch that dominated his living room, along with an average-sized television. The kitchen looked almost … desolate, and Mimi remembered vaguely how Matt's cooking skills ranked. Poor. Therefore, the kitchen looked abnormally clean when compared to the rest of the apartment.

"You don't have any plants. Why not?" Mimi asked, taking off the coat that she had yanked on upon arriving at the complex.

Matt shrugged, slipping out of his shoes. "Plants are for girls. I'm a man, so, you know, I don't do the plant thing."

Sora laughed at his remark, while Mimi simply blinked in response. Tai slapped Matt's back. "Matt, the day you're a man, is the day you find yourself a real girlfriend." Then, the brunet moved swiftly out of the way before Matt's fist had a chance to collide with any single part of Tai.

"Now boys," Sora spoke through giggles, "calm down. Matt, why don't you show Mimi her room? That way we can all put the bags down, and I can get going."

"You're not staying?" Mimi asked as the trio followed Matt down the hallway.

"No, I can't. Mom called me this morning, and she needs help in the shop. She just got this major order for flower arrangements, and it's due next week. She needs all the help she can get, and I could use the extra money." Sora looked at Mimi apologetically. "I promise, tomorrow, we'll go on some tour or something, okay?"

Nodding, Mimi smiled in return. "That's all right. Of course, you'll have to tell me everything that's happened since I last visited, so you better make it a long tour." She winked and laughed.

Mimi's room was slightly smaller than Matt's, which meant that it was of average size, and decorated with a simple dresser, a Queen-sized bed, bedside table, small desk, closet, and a gorgeous view of the city.

Dropping the bag on the bed, Sora went to the window, pushing back the curtains to show Mimi just how breathtaking the view was. Automatically, Mimi dropped the suitcase in her hands, which somehow ended up landing on Tai's foot, before going to stand beside Sora at the window, completely oblivious to Tai's grumbles and curses of pain.

"Wow. It's so … beautiful." Mimi's hand touched the glass that separated her from the world outside. "I can't believe I'm home." Her eyes watched the world, took in the image of the skyscrapers touching the white-grey clouds dotting the blue sky, catching a glimpse of the Ferris Wheel in the distance, along with bits and pieces of the ocean surrounding the entire country. A smile toyed at her lips, and she looked at Sora, near to tears. "I'm so happy."

After sayings their goodbyes to Tai and Sora, Matt went on to tell Mimi where things went and so forth, explaining details about certain stuff, and being quite serious when telling her to never go into his room. He called it a 'man's domain'. Mimi laughed at the idea, but agreed not to even set foot into his room, unless he asked her to.

Leaning against the counter, Matt turned to Mimi after the very brief tour, and shrugged. "So, yeah, just make yourself at home, I guess. There isn't much food to cook with in the fridge, but I do have some leftovers from last night. I ordered sushi. There's a good assortment of it, and, well, it does need to be eaten by today."

Sitting down on a stool at the counter, Mimi turned to Matt. "Well, actually, after being in a plane for so many hours, with the same people, I kinda feel, well, dirty. Do you mind if I take a shower?"

Arching a brow, Matt almost felt as though this were some kind of test, but seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he shrugged nonchalantly. At least, he attempted to look nonchalant. "Sure, I guess it's all right. I'll show you how to turn on the shower and all." He shifted, and then glanced towards her. "Did you bring your own shower stuff, 'cause I'm not going to let you use my razor on your legs."

Laughing, Mimi headed towards the guest room. "Of course I brought my own stuff, silly. I brought what I needed; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash." She turned to grin. "Why would I need a razor?"

Eyes wide as dinner plates, Matt stood rooted to the spot, looking Mimi up and down. "You're … one of those nature chicks, now? Don't tell me you have Sasquatch legs or something, or I might need to use the bathroom first."

Her laughter increased as she caught sight of his face, and shook her head. "Oh no, Matt. My legs are way hairier than his! Jeeze, do you think I'd settle for second place?" Gathering her bathroom supplies, she walked up to him in the hallway. "Wanna see?"

Matt nearly gagged at the prospect, and a faint green tinge coloured his pale cheeks. He shook his head, before distracting himself by grabbing her a towel from the closet.

Unable to bear it any longer, Mimi giggled. "Oh, Matt, you'll believe anything. I don't have hairy legs at all." She lifted her skirt ever so slightly to prove her point. Her legs were milky white, smooth, and completely hairless.

Confusion filled his blue eyes, before she explained, "I got laser treatment done in America. So I don't need to shave anymore." She grabbed the towel before heading into the bathroom. "Are you going to show me how this shower works or not?"

Matt, having been standing rooted to the spot in complete and utter shock, was yanked out of his thoughts by her voice, and quickly entered the washroom to show her how to use the shower.

He found her leaning against the sink, and suddenly, the room felt almost unbearably small and warm. He made his demonstration quick and efficient; showing her how to work the fan, change the water temperature, and how to turn on and off the spray. Then, he made his way as quick as possible out of the bathroom.

Suddenly, before she even had a change to close the door, curiosity filled his mind, and he stuck his head in, looking at her intently. "So, just one question. This laser thing, where did you get it?"

Mimi couldn't help but smirk in return, slowly closing the door. "Every place a girl needs it most."

With that, she shut the door, leaving Matt to imagine just where a girl would need hair removal. "Oh."

At the sound of the shower turning on, Matt quickly removed himself from anywhere near the bathroom, and busied himself by turning on the TV as loud as possible. "Damn it, I just had to ask."

I thought that this was a cute chapter. I figured that it would be nice to get to know the characters, show how they've changed a bit, and show they haven't changed much either.

I just felt like randomly adding in the laser treatment just for, I guess, an attempt of humour. I hope I at least succeeded a little bit.

Yes, so please, R&R.

I'm thinking about having Michael play a role later on, and we'll soon find out the real reason why he broke up with Mimi. Does it involve the new job she got? Or is it because she did something else?

Dun, dun, DUN!

Haha.

Anyways, please R&R, and thank you all so much for the lovely reviews.

Ciao.