Thank you all for such nice comments on my lemon. I was so worried it would be too explicit or something (I tend to make mine a touch too explicit sometimes. But raunchy explicit ones are the BEST! Rawr).
Nesha, I must say that I absolutely LOVE your lemons! Personally, I think they're better than mine, so I say we agree to disagree, haha.

Anyways, Chapter 18! That's all you need to know.

Chapter 18

Unwrapping a Truth

He woke to the sensation of warmth and the feeling that his life had changed for the better. Her hair was soft and tickled his bare chest, while her smooth, creamy breasts pressed against his sides, while her face was burrowed against his shoulder. Wrapped in her warm, comforting arms, he knew, right then and there, that he wanted to wake up like this every day, for the rest of his life. It didn't take him long hours of contemplation to realize this, just these mere, short moments in her embrace, holding her close, feeling the warmth of her skin and cool touch of metal to make him realize what he wanted.

Metal? Mimi wasn't made out of metal, was she? But it was so faint, just barely there, almost like …

"Hey Matt."

Her voice was low and husky, almost as though she had woken instantly aroused and ready, her voice as the right, seductive tone, ready to make him climax using only her words.

He smiled down at her, looking at her slightly disheveled figure, finding her to be beautiful in the morning, looking as satisfied as a kitten with cream, languishing comfortably at his side.

Rolling onto her back, she tossed her arms above her head, stretching her entire body, arching slightly, perhaps aiming to seduce him, or simply because she was sore. However, it did create some form of reaction.

A loud groan escaped his lips, and he caught her breasts in his hands, pinching at the metal, semi-circular barbells sticking through their rosy peaks.

"You didn't tell me you had your nipples pierced." His voice had grown lower, hoarse with a sudden onslaught of need, and his breath tickled against her throat, his tongue tracing a seductive, intricate pattern against her flesh. "It's hot."

Giggling, she shifted away from his grasp, causing the blanket to further lower, landing at her hips, and, as Matt followed the blanket's travel, he found another surprise. Inked into her right hipbone, coloured a dark burgundy in hue, the stem coiled slightly at the base, was a rose tattoo.

"Well, I didn't know you had one of those either."

Laughter erupted from her lips, and she grabbed a sudden stitch in her side as tears leaked from her eyes. "Oh…Oh…Matt…You're so…funny," she breathed between gasps.

Confusion glittered in his blue eyes, and he frowned down at her laughing form. "What's so funny? I don't get it."

Attempting to stifle her giggles, she hiccoughed with every third word as she spoke. "You didn't notice – hic – my tattoo and – hic – piercings last night – hic!"

His scowl deepened, but laugh lines appeared on the edges of his eyes. "Now that's not being fair. I was too busy seducing you to notice such little things. You're being unjust!"

"I bet you – hic – didn't notice my – hic – other piercing either – hic! Oh Kami! You look so clueless!" Her laughter grew louder with each word, eyes glimmering with tears of happiness, her breathing coming out in short gasps as though it were painful, but she kept on laughing. This was the best morning of her life; here she was, lying in bed with Yamato Ishida, naked and spent from a night of lovemaking, and they were having fun. Life could not possibly get any better at this very moment.

Growling, he rolled over on top of her, pinning her arms above her. Instantly, the laughter left her throat and eyes, and a low purr escaped her lips while pure, erotic seduction gleamed in her whiskey orbs. "Oh, Matt, well, what's come into you, now."

He teased her earlobe with his teeth, flicking it back and forth with his tongue. "Nothing is coming inside me, but something might come inside you." He pressed his hardened length against her soft stomach.

"Oh. Meow, Matt, I didn't know you knew how to speak dirty." She giggled. "But, you can't do it unless you first find out where my other piercing is." Her eyes gleamed with devilishness at the prospect of him completing her quest.

He nibbled at her throat, causing her body to arch. "Well, now, that sounds like an interesting idea." His hands cupped her full, sensitized breasts. "I know it can't be here." He slid a hand slowly down the flat planes of her stomach, causing her skin and muscles to contract with pleasure. Teasing her bellybutton, he arched a brow at her, as though surprised. "Not here, either. Well, Mimi, I thought you to be a bellybutton girl."

"No, I'm a little naughtier than that."

Letting out a low groan of appreciation, he kissed her stomach, while his hand cupped her mound, searching for that telltale sign of cool metal. Finding nothing but hot, moist heat, he removed his hand as she protested loudly, shifting up to quiet her with a passionate, mind searing kiss, their tongues playing a wild, fiery tango.

He tasted the cool, metallic tang of silver, before withdrawing. "Your tongue!"

Stretching her arms above her head, this time her aim being to seduce. "Why yes, it is. Now, Yamato, are you going to have your way with me or what?"

Outside, the world was covered in a layer of white snow, as fat flakes drifted from the pale grey skies in a lazy fashion, slowly circling downwards, occasionally swept into a quick dance by a sudden breeze.

Inside it was warm and comforting, the heat on full, the Christmas tree, which had been decorated the day after it was bought, glowing brightly in the midday sun, the ornaments gleaming jovially, twinkling brightly with laughter in the light.

The scent of freshly baked cookies, American style turkey, and pine filled the apartment, the aromas sweet, inviting and homely.

Standing in front of the stove, Mimi wore a small, pink apron over her typical Christmas outfit, which was another sensual Santa disguise. The skirt was short, the fluffy hem barely tickling her mid-thighs, while the bustier top pushed her breasts to a near extreme, creating a great amount of cleavage that Matt seemed to constantly grope at every opportunity. The crushed velvet was always so soft, so sensual against his skin each time he brushed her, and several times he found himself taking her against the wall or on the table as she bent over in her white stocking clad legs, exposing a tiny, revealing a tiny, lacy g-string that seemed to scream "take me off and fuck her".

Of course, he always obliged to the underwear's wishes, each and every time he got the slightest glimpse of them. So far, they had managed to defile the poor kitchen table, the counter, couch, and both walls in the hallway. Of course, he figured that it was only the beginning of one amazing relationship.

Squatting in front of the stove, having learnt her lesson several times, she checked the turkey, before standing and pulling her mid-thigh stockings up a bit, straightening them; they had gone all crooked the last time Matt had decided to indulge himself. Fixing her curly hair, she turned to him, smiling brilliantly.

"There's about another few hours left. How about we open those presents?" At his frown, she laughed. "Don't tell me you didn't get any presents!"

Having been distracted by her appearance, when it seemed as though he came to, it was like a light dawned on his face. "Oh! Presents! I'll be right back!" At those words, he rushed off towards the bedroom in search for those hidden gifts.

Giggling loudly, she glanced over towards the glimmering tree, surrounded by gifts not just for Matt, but for the rest of the DigiDestined as well. She had made sure that they would most certainly not be able to guess their gifts, especially Sora, seeing as Sora's gift was small, but in a huge box filled with bubble wrap. That would most certainly piss the poor girl off, especially when Tai would begin to pop the bubble wrap, which was quite typical of him.

Leaning against the counter, she reveled in the sensations that swirled throughout her body. She had never felt so at home, relaxed, safe, until this very moment. She wasn't certain why, but she knew, somewhere deep down, that something happened to her last night, and it was not just sexual. Matt had somehow managed to gently enter her heart, and had begun to heal the pieces, section by section, until it was slowly beginning to finally heal itself. The barest of his touches sent flames tickling along her body until it felt ignited with pleasure, and every time he spoke, it warmed her heart until it was ready to burst into a fiery mass of love and adoration. Yes, most certainly love; she was positive that this rare emotion was the one currently consuming her very being, and she was absolutely positive that it was directed towards the blond-haired, blue-eyed man of kindness and tenderness in her life. Not that ancient, similarly described man with coldness in his heart, and a blackness consuming his mind.

Opening the fridge, searching for signs of a telltale cranberry juice, she continued to let her mind wander, pulling out the jug, as well as a 2 liter bottle of 7Up. Mixing the two, she thought about the previous night, wondering if Matt had had a chance to think about the events. It had felt so … amazing. So beautiful, like an intricate dance that they had taken part in, something wild, exotic, and ever so beautiful, like a seductive, erotic and fast-paced, yet going slow for a while, before picking up speed, the rhythm increasing quickly.

It was the most amazing dance of her life, their limbs had twisted and tangled, twining around each other in passionate embraces and caresses, and her heart had soared each time he whispered her name, every time his guttural, primal cry filled the air. Each time he challenged her; she rose up and met it head on, bringing him to the joys and triumphs of the world and Universe.

Now, as she stood in his kitchen, Christmas day, making an American-style turkey dinner, preparing for their guests that would arrive in a few mere hours, she felt so at home, in place, like she … belonged.

As she began to stir the drinks, Matt's presence, with armfuls of presents, drew her away from the thoughts within her mind to the reality around her. At the sight of him placing the gifts carefully around the tree, a smile toyed at her lips, and she knew, right then and there, that she wanted to stay with him, forever.

Facing her, he grinned slightly, his eyes doing the usual look-over they had been performing all day. "Well, baby, how about we pretend you just flashed me, and I punish you?"

Laughter burst from her mouth, and, after she placed the mixed beverage into the fridge, she turned, gave him a sensual look, saying, "You'll have to catch me first."

At that, she ran off, with him rushing after her.

"Oh my Kami, wow! This is absolutely amazing! Matt, you actually cleaned your apartment!"

Tai's cry of amazement was cut short by a gruff grunt as Matt's fist made contact with Tai's shoulder. Mimi giggled, while Sora, fingering the gold band around her left ring finger, a smile playing at her lips as she thought about the previous night's actions.

Mimi had instantly grabbed her hand and proceeded to gawk and awe at the ring, looking at the sapphire glint brightly in the light, oohing and aahing over it like it was the first ring she had ever seen. Of course, it was the first engagement ring any of her friends had ever received, and she felt incredibly jovial and happy for Sora.

Dragging Sora into the kitchen, she rummaged through the cupboards for glasses, while instructing Sora to open the fridge and pull out a bottle of Vodka, and the cranberry mix she had made earlier.

"So, Sora, how does it feel to be called a fiancée now?"

Placing the jug and bottle on the counter the auburn-haired girl smiled broadly. "Amazing. Absolutely amazing; it feels so perfect, so … I don't even have any words for it anymore." Leaning her hip against the counter, she watched as Mimi methodically combined the Vodka with the cranberry mix. "I had so many words to describe the feeling, but they just go away when I really think about it. I mean, I feel so … secure, and happy, and like everything is just so perfect right now." She glanced down at the blue stone shining in its gold holder. "I love it. I love Tai."

"Sora Yagami. It does have a cute ring to it, doesn't it?" Mimi giggled as Sora's face flushed a bright scarlet, before handing her a glass. "Have a sip, tell me if there's just enough Vodka in there, okay?"

Taking a sip, she let the sweet alcoholic beverage swish around in her mouth a few times, before swallowing and taking another swig, giving Mimi the thumbs up while doing so.

Laughing, Mimi went off to make three other replicas of the drink, listening while Matt and Tai talked loudly in the living room. She felt like a hostess welcoming guests into her home, beckoning to come in and feel at home, telling them where to put their jackets, what they would have for dinner, and she wanted, so hard, to say 'my boyfriend' or 'my fiancé' or, even better, 'my husband'.

She wondered if it was just because Sora was engaged that she was feeling such emotions, but something deep inside her told her that she had always wanted to say that, to always feel secure and warm in someone's arms, to hear them proclaim their love for her, to be able to return such love.

Grinning at Sora, she listened as the doorbell rang, and more people came into the apartment, hearing the wrapping paper crackle as they placed the gifts by the tree, talking loudly and vibrantly, listening as Matt pinched Takeru for laughing at the cleanliness of the apartment.

Turning to Sora, having made more drinks and placed them on a tray, she gestured to the living room with her head. "Want to go out there?"

"May as well face the beast now than later."

Laughing, she walked out, ready to face her destiny.

They gathered around the table, laughing and talking loudly, each of them serving themselves to a spoonful of potatoes, or a large piece of turkey, topping it with cranberry sauce. They were no longer drinking alcohol; they wanted to be sober for the gift giving part of the afternoon, they wanted to remember this time clearly for the rest of their lives. Nobody was sure when she could come back again, if she would ever be able to come back, and they wanted to be able to look back and remember, while smiling happily at the memories. They wanted to remember this as the best Christmas ever, one that they, all eight of them, had spent together in happiness, peace, and relaxation. For the first time ever, as a group, they were not plagued with the worry of attack, or the sudden call to battle; they could sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday as a family.

Biting into the moist turkey, Jou leaned back in his seat with pleasure, eyes closing with sheer ecstasy. "Mimi! This is amazing!"

"Oh my Kami, I love the potatoes!"

"Wow! The stuffing is awesome!"

Blushing brightly, she swallowed her piece of turkey, before smiling and replying. "Thanks you guys. You're all so sweet. You know, Matt tried to help. But, well, I couldn't trust him in the kitchen when he nearly burnt himself turning on the stove."

Laughter erupted from the table as Matt scowled in Mimi's direction, childishly and uncharacteristically sticking out his tongue at her. "I did not. I was very cautious, and did so turn on the stove right."

Ruffling his hair, she smiled in return, her eyes gazing deeply into his for that one second, and during that entire period of time, all she felt was passion, a flaming desire that coursed through her veins, and a beautiful, crystal clear love.

Tearing her gaze away from his, fearing that she would either cry or leap on him with desire, she took a bite of her turkey.

Across the table, Kari leaned into Takeru, whispering softly into his ear, "Does Matt usually act like that?"

"No, never."

"Do you think they made up?"

"Probably." Takeru grinned jovially. "Heh, heh, they so fucked."

Kari punched him hard in the arm, earning a grunt of pain as a gift. "Jerk. You don't say stuff like that!" She grinned. "You say they either made love or had sex. Jeez. Don't you know anything?"

Sora, who had been picking up bits of Kari and Takeru's whispered conversation, leaned over to Tai, who had been talking loudly with Izzy, while Jou interjected at random intervals.

"According to Kari and Takeru, Matt and Mimi screwed last night." This was kept at a whisper, just so that only Tai could hear.

"What?" He choked on his food, causing Izzy to hit him hard against the back in assistance, while Jou shouted at Izzy, telling him that he wasn't supposed to do that. "What are you talking about, Sora?"

"Look at them." She pointed to Matt and Mimi, who seemed to be in their own world, talking and laughing, her occasionally touching him, either by pinching him or gently brushing her hand against his as she leaned for her dress or the cranberry sauce. His eyes glowed with pleasure and delight, his gaze roaming over her body with a wanting, a deep craving that showed in his turbulent blue eyes, while he would occasionally brush his hand against hers, and, at one point, going as far as brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Oh shit."

Sora leaned against Tai, watching the newly formed couple interchanged gestures of love. "Merry Christmas, Tai."

Supper continued in such a fashion, discussions ranging from random topics, to serious ones, before returning to odd ones. They spoke of their past Christmases, mostly the better ones, deciding to hide the worst from the others, keeping them a secret for themselves to always dwell upon.

After the table had been cleared, the plates stacked into the dishwasher, they were finally seated in the living room, a tray of freshly baked Christmas cookies on a platter in the middle of the coffee table, as they each took turns handing out gifts.

There were cries of joy as they all took their turns, laughter, and hugs, Sora and Tai exchanging a brief, but sweet, kiss when Tai told her that had to give her his present early.

Mimi began to hand out her gifts, and smiled when Izzy shouted in joy at the sight of a brand new, state of the art laptop and equipment, laughing as Jou gaped upon opening his brand new Treo 750 smartphone, his gape widening as Mimi listed the uses of the phone, which included sending emails and storing documents.

Kari's embrace was warm and caring, filled with happiness and thanks as she received a lovely, porcelain angel figurine with the latest PowerShot Digital Camera. Takeru grinned broadly upon opening his three gifts, which included a soccer ball with Japan's national team's signatures all over it, as well as David Beckham's, a homemade Angemon plushie, and a cheque for ¥9 410.75.

Sora looked ready to cry upon opening the silver box, discovering a silver, shimmering Sakura blossom necklace, and grinned, comparing her signed soccer ball with Takeru's, the two of them arguing childishly over who's signatures were nicer. Tai grinned, gushing over the newest Final Fantasy VII video game – One Winged Angel: Sephiroth's Story, and his grin broadened when he unearthed an ¥11 765.58 ($100 USD) gift certificate to the local game store.

The last one to receive their gift was Matt, who shook his long box, trying to figure out just what could be contained in such a large container. Frowning, he slowly peeled back the wrapping paper, revealing a black, smooth case, which resembled the case of a guitar, a slightly odd shaped guitar, as a matter of fact, where the body would be formed out of sharp, but slightly curved angles.

Still scowling, he snapped open the case, and his blue eyes widened to sheer imitations of Neptune's blue spherical shape. Pulling out the object, he unearthed a black guitar, with blood red bevels and edges; the sharp angles giving it a hardcore, alternative feel to it. Gaping, Matt's jaw nearly hit the floor as he touched the glossy surface of the body, feeling the natural satin at the base of the neck, gently touching the six strings at different times, listening to the dulled sound of the guitar, which would be amplified when attached to his amplifier.

"Mimi … this is … wow, this is one fucking expensive guitar!" He turned to the brunette, who blushed darkly as she fingered the hem of her Santa skirt. "Wow." He inspected the guitar closely, and his eyes fell on certain writing at the base of the body. Following the formation of the silver letters, his jaw permanently glued itself to the floor.

"You got Steve Vai's signature? Oh my fucking Kami! How the hell did you do that?"

The blush darkened on her cheeks, and she continued to fidget with the hem. "Yeah, well, my friends kind of get me into Frank Zappa, and, well, when I got your guitar, I was lucky, because a couple days later I went to another round of the ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA concerts, and I got backstage passes, and I … well, knew you liked him and all. So, yeah, I asked him to sign your guitar."

Carefully placing the Avenger SOB Custom made Guitar in its case, he grabbed hold of her and held her tightly in a full-bodied hug, before placing a hard kiss on her cheek. "You're the best!"

Giggling, the vermilion on her cheeks darkened to a purplish burgundy, making it seem as though she were about to pass out any second.

"Okay, how about we finally give Mimi her presents?" Sora announced, shoving a box in Mimi's hands.

Opening the boxes vivaciously, she unearthed a sensual zebra print skirt and black corset from Kari, who she hugged tightly in response, and an adorably pink skirt with the palest of white tank tops from Takeru, who blushed darkly when she placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.

Jou grinned as Mimi exclaimed with joy as she discovered the cookbook and scented candles and body wash, while Izzy received the same hug as Jou when Mimi discovered her new, red iPod and the cutest of all cacti plants, which she immediately named Togemon.

Tai received a punch from Sora and a blinking, flushing expression from Mimi when she found a ¥12 000 gift certificate from Victoria's Secret inside the latest Ayumi CD. Sora turned her attention to Mimi, who gushed over the pure silver necklace with an emerald encrusted Sincerity symbol dangling from the chain, and grinned happily when she discovered the latest, leopard print ballerina-slipper shoes from Aldo.

Matt blushed darkly when Mimi opened his gifts, grinning when he received a tight hug from the first, which was the latest Karaoke system, along with a few Ayumi CDGs. When she opened her second box, her mouth widened and she pulled out a shiny, bright red vinyl piece of material, which unfolded into a short dress. Along the stomach of the dress, to just under the bottom curve of her breasts, it was open, laced together by black string, and there were small, metal hole – similar to those that laces go through – along the low-riding collar. The straps where thick, and she knew that they would enhance her cleavage times one hundred. Furthermore, along with the dress, she discovered a matching pair of thigh-high, red vinyl boots that laced up in the front and possessed a killer, 5" stiletto heel.

Tai grinned a nudged Matt with his elbow. "I bet you can't wait to see her in it, eh?"

"Tai!" Sora exclaimed, punching her fiancé on the arm. "You're such a pervert!"

Mimi blushed darkly at the erotic outfit, before glancing at Matt with apparent lust aglow in her eyes. She knew just why he had bought it, and knew, for certain, that she probably wouldn't be wearing it for long when she put it on.

"I, uh, thought it was sort of like your style … you know, after your Christmas Party outfit and all, and seeing how you have a bunch of, well, vinyl stuff … I thought you would like it when you go out or something." Matt's words were mumbled and spoken in a stammering voice, similar to that of a young, teenage boy about to live his first fantasy.

"Well, I guess it's pretty damn sexy. I'll be sure to wear it for New Years." She winked, and he blushed darkly.

Once the teasing was finished, and the plate of cookies emptied, Mimi felt knots of tension tighten in her stomach as she spotted the final gift, wrapped neatly under the tree, with the nametag on it. She still wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do; what if they hated her? What if they shunned her? After all her time with Matt, would that be forgotten when he caught sight of her true profession? Would he kick her out, tell her to never come back ever again? Would Sora simply through their friendship to the garbage? Would Tai take it as a joke, or look at her with sheer disgust? Were Kari and Takeru old enough to know about it? Would they be tormented in their final year, once her secret was out? Or would friends ask them, if they could meet her … if they could fuck her? Would Jou look at her in revulsion, and turn away from her forever? Would Izzy already know about it, or would he gaze at her in utter, absolute awe and confusion?

She didn't know any of the answers, but she did know one thing; they had to know. She could not keep it a secret any longer; she had to tell them what she did, whether it was through showing them, or simply telling them. But she wanted to show them, to show them how beautiful it was, when you looked past the raunchy exterior. She wanted them to see the beauty of it, to know how she felt every time she did it, to realize just how much courage and self-esteem it took to do her job. She wanted them to see.

Her voice sounded distant, detached from her body as she spoke. "I have a special … present for you guys."

She felt as though she were watching from above, watching her own body move to the Christmas, grasp hold of the gift and place it on the table. Watching as her mouth moved, telling them to decide who would open it, why she had this special gift.

"I don't know how you will react. But I'm doing it because I can't keep it a secret any longer … Remember when all of you asked about my job? How I never gave a direct answer? Well … you'll find it under the wrapping paper there."

Matt scowled at Mimi in confusion, but he knew that, even though they had spent one spectacular night together, he shouldn't expect her to tell him all of her secrets immediately. He knew that she kept more than one, and was not ready to tell them rest of them. He could see the anxiety flittering in her eyes, watch as her eyes kept darting to the doors, her body tense as though it yearned to jump up and run for her life. He knew she was scared. But he didn't know why.

Jou was the one who gathered enough courage to pick up the flimsy gift, frowning as he slowly opened it. His eyes widened in shock as he caught sight of the label, before dropping the object on the table for all the world to see, exposing the image to be branded into the minds of those around them for ever.

Each reaction was different and yet the same, all of them were shocked, awed, some confused, others simply frowning in wonder. The image was beautiful, though, a snowy scenario, with a naked, tall tree in the background, the branches leaning over the body as though yearning to touch it. The skin was as pale as ivory, the breasts barely covered by a pair of snowflakes, the juncture of the thighs just concealed by another snowflake-shaped g-string. The legs were long, leading to a pair of thick, stiletto, silver shoes that matched the scene perfectly. The hair was long, in beautiful, lush curls, wrapping about the lean body.

The eyes were filled with a created lust, a bright, glowing whiskey colour that urged the viewers to come forever, to drink in their fill of the lush, full lips curled into a sensual grin.

The words at the top matched the scenario, a bright blue surrounded by black to emphasize the title.

Playboy.

What did you guys think of her secret? I think it was a pretty damn good one. Oh, yes, for those of you wondering about why she turned off the porn at the beginning, it's because a poster of the cover as in the background. She'll explain it all in the next chapter anyways.

I hope you guys aren't disappointed. I know at some times it was probably obvious, but deal with it.

I know it was a long chapter, sorry, but I wanted to go through a lot of stuff, get it out of the way before I could finally do this last bit. I hope you're all happy with it!

By the way, I'm so sorry it took so long, I've been bombarded with school work, and I just recently hurt myself playing soccer, so I have to see the doctor soon to see if I'll be needing surgery or not. I hope not. Yuck.

Anyways, please don't forget my rule: I only update after three reviews.

Thanks!

Ciao.