A/N: * NEXT UPDATE INFO, EXPLAINING*

High-low, everyone :) I apologize for the space between the edits of the last chapter and this one, as summer would have it- I am faced with the babysitting of my sister. Just because one is not a toddler, it does not mean one can't act like one. 10 years, is not much to parents as the youngest child to do things alone, I see.

I'll still be watching over her as she stays over with me for a few more days, she was supposed to leave a week ago, but lest- why should my mother begin to keep her word now? :p Sorry for the tone of all this, but hope you guys can understand that I was busy catching up (fitting, with this chap), and overlooking everything she did, because I frankly don't know her maturity level, this time being the second I've seen her all year.

Anyhoo, thanks for all that can empathize with my issues of writing while SpongeBob and My Little Ponies plays at near full volume next to me at almost all times.

I started the edit before she came, but honestly got so sidetracked (As seen on this update date stamp), it's embarrassing.

I don't own anything mentioned

VIEWERS ENJOY!

P.S. Several comments since the editing process, and I'm excited to address you all in the next update :)

It may happen late next week, if I can manage my family responsibilities with my personally set ones, right, I'll do my best!

Note: On 7/30/13 this was revised pretty largely. Just to confirm some possible questions.

Warning: Somewhat suggestive themes involved and language. Oh, and there's going to be a whole lot of Koumi drama [No worries man, I've got the Sorato goodness covered too ;)] in this chapter, just to help emphasize the 'Drama' rating a little more. And because I love the couple. But not as much as KoumiLoccness

-This is for my loyal readers out there, enjoy.

[SoratoMusicStories]

Just so you know Sora

Chapter 7: Broken, baby

"Hey Mimi."

Sora greeted her roommate absent-mindedly as she dropped her bag onto the floor and threw her keys into a bowl set on the kitchen counter. Reaching into the refrigerator, Sora grabbed a chilled water bottle. Setting them on the table, she lifted her brow in question at the sight of Mimi continuing to pace around their co-adult leased apartment living room wearing a distracted look.

With less than a month away until the end of their high school career, and with an acceptance letter to the same institution in hand, the two friends took time to sit down and talk with their parents on the new situations coming. They decided that in order to attend the school, they would have to live in an apartment space owned by the university and live away from home.

Grudgingly, the parents came to terms with this change and Sora was allowed to live with Mimi in the apartment space her parents had leased for her to stay at, for one year as Mimi studied at her old school away from her parents' home in New York. They were stubbornly unaccepting of their daughter's request at first, but as the Takenouchis agreed to be her guardians for her stay, her parents were relieved of worries and were unconcerned about the price tag. The knew the complex owner and were able to work out a deal. Sora and Mimi lived in the apartment under the Tachikawa's name, test-driving life with one another in preparations for the four years in college impending.

The bottle crunched as Sora finished nurturing her thirst. "Meems, are you okay?" She received no answer. "Mimi!" Sora repeated, louder. The said honey brunette finally turned to her friend, surprised at her appearance, expression as though someone had tooken a bucket of water and had hurled it at her.

"Oh, Sora. I'm so sorry, my mind is reeling right now. I can't focus on anything. What did you say?" Mimi's troubled look held it's ground.

Her auburn haired best friend became concerned, eager to understand why her friend was acting so out of it. She watched, Mimi as she kept staring at her sleek, elegant wristwatch, lost in thought, the same one Izzy had given her not so very long ago.

It was designed and modified, and was built by request personally by Izzy and was one of Mimi's most valuable items, given to her as a gift along with several other things for her seventeenth birthday. That had been before they had gotten together, and around the time where the emotional teen had finally come to terms with her crush on the redhead.

It was given that she had turned tomato - red at the recieving of the gift, and amazingly, blushed a even deeper shade when brought to the origins of where the present had came from. The technician of the group had a number of odd connections, world renowned prodigy handymen included.

Matt had quietly chuckled, Tai grinned so big that he had had the others wondering if he was going to pull a muscle, and Tk & Kari just stood there next to each other trying to hold back fits of laughter at the birthday girl, all the while Izzy was shying away from looking into Mimi's eyes. Not that he easily could, considering that she kept her gaze uncharacteristically down at the floor in embrassment.

"I asked, are you okay? I can tell something's bothering you, here, tell me about it."

Sora asked, visibly concerned as she walked through the kitchen doorway to be stand by Mimi's side. The girl huffed a heavy sigh and started to blink significantly faster, making an effort hold back tears. After a while of doing so, she ended up giving in to the urge to cry.

"Mimi! why are you crying?" Sora's tone stern and concerned at once. " Tell me so I can try to help. Do you want me to call Izzy?" After hearing mention of the name, Mimi went from tears to sobs. Gently, she got her sit on their couch."It's okay... Mimi, please stop crying... I'm sure whatever it is you're upset about is going to turn out just fine."

"Sure, he may be but does it look like I will? That lying no-good.." After saying these words, a loud cry and the sobs resumed. Sora continued to try and comfort her, though unable to counsel her much without understanding the situation.

"At first, sure, he seems like a nice, trustworthy guy but what does he turn and do later on?" She managed, voice strained, to out the words in between hiccups.

"He- he gets you to trust him and fall for him and then he goes running off with any random skank that walks by! He's just like everyone else!" Shock running throughout her body, her friend temporarily was thrown off her pattern of rubbing the crying girl's back. "Oh, god, I hate him so much! I hate him!" Amidst her cries, Mimi took off the watch and suddenly threw it against the opposing wall. The watch made contact, its formerly sleek glass face now cracked. The emotional teen continued to repeat the phrase several times over, a mantra as she laid down, tears still flowing from her eyes.

Eventually, she dozed off into a slumber, emotionally and physically worn out. Not though, before Sora had been told the details of what happened.

Not nine mintues later did the apartment doorbell ring. There was a lingering pause between the chimes and Sora could tell that whoever it was on the other side of the door was conflicted about being there. Creeping quietly as possible past her resting friend, she went to answer the door.

-KIzzyIzumi-

The sky was dark and gloomy. During the past several hours heavy rain gradually fell and Izzy felt as if the sky was reflecting his emotions, for that was exactly how he felt inside.

It was hard to believe that not twenty-four hours ago he had all he'd needed, his relationship with Mimi, on it's way to healing from the last misunderstanding they had. Now, all that was left of their relationship was crumbs. Their once strong, trusting relationship gone wrong in a moment's passing.

It started when their shared Biochem teacher, a Latin man by the name of Mr. Armoundo, had issued the 'Genetics Project' in which was to be done and turned in by the end of the following week. The prompt was simple enough: research a partner's family and record and present their visual as well as any internal appearance and/or disorder.

Having been assigned Myra's, a girl that never seemed to understand the full meaning of 'No', partner, Izzy was forced to spend the larger part of his free time with her instead of Mimi, of whom he'd, naturally, choose over the annoyingly persistent girl anyday... given a choice. He wasn't.

At first it didn't seem to bother Mimi at all. Then, after the marking of the fourth 'busy' would-be outing together, it was becoming clear that it did upset her. Deeply. Myra wasn't helping either. As assigned partners for the project, which was worth 40% of the grading scale for the semester, as did most other Science finals, if he wanted to maintain his rank, Izzy'd have to learn to work with her.

Eventually, a decision was made. The plan: try to spend even more time with her, as crazy a plan as it sounded, outside of confined situations so that he could try to get used to the stubborn girl that was always out to bring his relationship with Mimi to a stop.

Sometimes the craziest ideas is exactly what it takes to solve a problem.

It might've worked too, had it not been for the rapidly becoming obvious fact that Mimi thought he was messing around behind her back. Hurt by the lack of trust, but understanding of her past, he'd quickly explained himself.

After a couple of misses of trying to get her to speak to him, he finally got through to her. The boyfriend, eager to assure her place in his heart, explained to her his theory, and the reason she'd witnessed him at games, and heard stories of him with 'girls' at parks. Eventually, she understood that he was not being unfaithful and their relationship had started back on the track to the way it was before.

Then came what happened earlier this morning at school.

-MTachikawa-

It had started off as a good day, Izzy ecstatic to be back on good terms with Mimi. After homeroom and first period Spanish was over with, he headed to Mimi's locker to inform her that he wasn't going to be at lunch. The school had a Valentine's Day Dance coming up, and the student council members had a meeting and advertisement assignment to tend to, as in the next periods before dining time he wouldn't be seeing her.

Spotting her wave goodbye to her partner in the noisy locker bay, he approached her.

"Hey." Izzy smiled, leaning in for a kiss but recieved nothng of the sort in return. He opened his dark brown eyes at the feeling of finger on his lips.

"Nu-uh. You're not out of the caution zone completely yet." Mimi told him with a smile, still managing emphasize that she was partially serious none the less. He pouted.

"But, I'm been good right? Did you enjoy the flowers, candy, and the teddy bear left at your doorstep this morning?" He watched, patient as his girlfriend thought it over, cutely so, in his opinion, displaying her habit of biting her lips. The smile on his face was uncontainable. Suddenly, she frowned.

"About that... Koushiro Izumi! Are you trying to get me fat!?"

Tooken aback from her outburst, said teen stuttered a response.

"N-No I di-didn't mean, I mean y-y-you're not, I- I swear I just thought you were cute for biting your lips-"

He was grateful to be cut off at that point by a pair of soft lips.

"Izzy" He opened his eyes, Mimi's smile greeting him "You talk too much."

The tech genius grinned at her, slowly recovering from the high, glad that he was saved from furthering his image as a lovesick fool, and- well. A kiss was a kiss. That deserved a smile, no doubt. The locker behind him sounded loudly, a student off to their destination is a hurry.

"Hmn" She pretended to think it over. "All right fine. But just one kiss." His eyes lit up on their own accord, almost as if he were a kid in a candy store. "I can resist a lot of things but not your puppy dog face." Again, the sweet taste of cherry lips caressing his "And thank you for the gifts, you're so sweet." She pulled back and smiled at her boyfriend. "Okay, maybe just one more."

After sharing another tender kiss, they broke apart upon hearing Matt, likely to be at his locker across the hallway tell them to quote, "Get a room" rather loudly, effectively publicly calling them out, earning him a 'threat' from Mimi.

The blond's only response was laughter.

"So what'd my little nerd come to see me for?" Mimi asked, hands still draped comfortably around the Council member's neck.

"Oh, I see how it is. Well, since you think I'm just a nerd, I guess I'll leave you since I should be out tending to my nerdy work." Izzy feigned hurt and started to 'turn away'.

"Wait! Izzy, you know what I mean. You are a nerd, but not just any nerd, you're my nerd." She tugged on his hands and gave him a peek on the side of his cheek. He smiled.

"Cliché, Mimi?" She shrugged, still smiling with Izzy, dropping her arms to tend to final touches in her locker.

"What, no lip?" he chuckled at Mimi's expression, arm frozen in mid-air from grabbing a notebook. "I'm kidding. Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and tell you I've a council thing and I won't be there at lunch. I'm sorry." Thankfully, his companion looked disappointed, but not quite angry.

"Alright then. Have fun baby." He then left her and took his time at his own locker and in walking to his next class, not caring if he was late. The teacher was nonchalant in nature, and nothing could ruin his first day of working it out with Mimi. Then again, Council did have expectations- and he had already earned a strike or two in his Family & Consumer Science course.

Maybe hustling it up a bit wouldn't hurt.

Shoes squeaked against the tile floors, and , the library assistant, opened the door in time to hear the bell chime and see a figure running to their destination, sounds echoing off of them into the stretch of the hallway.

-LoveMakesPeopleDoOddThings-

He was surprised by the painting on the sheet of rolling paper, a rare occasion that he ever tried out his hand in creativity in place of practical, knowledge skills.

Izzy stood back and took time to admire his poster featuring a couple posing in a dancing atmosphere. The picture was fairly detailed, their shadows giving the portrait a touch of realistic feel. He was pleased to find his experimental artistic 'intuition' reliable.

"Hey Izzy, me and Kev are gonna- Woah." Koushiro turned, a knowing smirk on his face. He recognized the voice. "Dude! Are you sure you're not related to like Micheal Phelps or somethin'? That's raw talent right there man." Izzy cocked an eyebrow in amusement.

"Um, Dan, Michael Phelps is a swimmer, not an artist."

"Whatev, man. I ain't all sciency and fact lovin' like you and Micky Wan or anythin'." The redhead laughed, wondering how on earth Dan had gotten into the student council. He had a feeling that it was involving his comedic nature. The guy was impossible to dislike.

"Michelle Kwan, is a figure skater. Not a scientist."

Izzy inwardly groaned. What on earth was he going to get done if she showed up to stay? The Council had a deadline to make, and he had at least two other posters to complete.

He was beginning to resent Biochemistry.

"Right, Izzy?"

"Yeah, sure."

Myra smiled. He thought she looked exactly like what he'd imagine a tigress eyeing its prey would look like. "A more fitting person to relate to Izzy is I'd say Leonardo Da Vinci only to match his intelligiance. Izzy is hardly feminine." She didn't try to conceal her thoughts as raked her eyes over his orange/white plaid button up through his coal colored jeans, and down to white shoes and back up.

As a product of puberty, Izzy had grown taller, still slightly shorter than Tai and Matt, but definitely grown to match his age. As Tai played soccer for the high school's team and was required to condition to stay healthy, and time passed by, Tai, Matt and the computer whiz were more often seen at the gym, even if it were for a little. Matt wanted to keep in prime condition as he promoted, and Izzy was drawn to the leaner lifestyle he had now, and was there purely for health reasons. He built significant definition in himself, but was never the type to flaunt it in front of anyone, and was almost always seen wearing some form of long sleeve.

Myra's roaming eyes made him shift uncomfortable under her watch.

Dan, despite his originally innocent although clueless personality, saw that things were going to get awkward and tense, and made his to leave. "Uh, yeah, I'm gonna leave, Izzy. Going to check up on Kev" he's gaze fell, avoiding Myra's glare, that clearly showed his distaste in his presence. The teen then turned to face Izzy. "Uh Iz, me and Kev are gonna hit the pods to set up some banners... See ya later, alright?" Izzy remained still, just nodding in approval. There was silence when Dan began walking away from the scene, turning the corner.

"Aye, Dan- who's that?" The aforementioned Kevin was curious to see his friend stand with a unknown girl during his work. From what he knew, Izzy was dedicated to everything he did, almost always. and wondered who the girl was that managed to get Izzy away from his work.

"Hey! Isn't that Myra? But wait, ain't he still dating Mim-"

"Shhh! Come on, let's just go."

"Bu-"

"Just shut up!" Dan whispered fiercely, applying force against Kevin, effectively forcing him to back up.

"Du-"

"Shut up! Come on, follow me, hurry up!" Dan turned Kevin around and propelled him in the opposite direction, away from Izzy and Myra.

That left only the two of them. After having stayed put for so long, Myra moved towards Izzy. "You know you and Micheal Phelps do have something in common though. A strong swimmer's body." She walked slowly and confidently towards Izzy, hands behind her, but definitely too close for comfort.

"It's hard to believe that you're not in any sports " Myra's voice was low, her face suddenly closer to his.

He swallowed, quickly taking a significant step forward, looking to create space between the girl and himself, walking over to where his newly- completed painting hung, leaving Myra standing behind him, a devious smirk on her overly red lipsticked lips.

No, what was he thinking of her lips for? It was just that she was so close to him just a moment ago.

Focus, he needed it. He didn't like the path of his thoughts were headed down.

Much less than a week, Izzy reminded himself. Less than a week since he made her hurt and feel insecure in herself and question his fidelity, less than a week that he'd made her remember her past boyfriends. He had to get it together.

"You know, Izzy I don't think you know just how much you've got me hooked on you right now. If you took a swing at me" He tensed, back towards her, the feeling and sound of slow footsteps coming towards him. "I don't know what I'd do."

"You were holding back?" Izzy grumbled, once again stiffening as Myra chuckled and contuined inching closer to him. He didn't know what to do, stuck between a wall and a bad choice. She was so close now that he'd be able to pass on either side of the gap between tables he stood in. He studied the poster, hung for painting convenience, his materials on the tables making the gap. He was in a bind, he understood that, but there wasn't a way to get her away so that anyone coming would misunderstand it as physical battery.

"Izzy babe, this is nothing compared to what's bottled up, waiting for you." She had her lips dangerously close to his ear, and Izzy shivered.

Why, did she suddenly begin acting out on her infatuation?

Stress plagued his thinking, all logical thinking virtually tossed out the window in the sudden confrontation.

This wasn't right at all.

Izzy, struggled in the same space, readjusting his body to leave space between them.

"Look, Myra. I don't know exactly what it is you're planning to do, but I don't know how many times I've got to remind you that Mimi is my girlfriend, not you or anyone else. I don't mean to hurt you, but the truth is, I don't want anyone else."

Izzy knew he was in trouble, and the only choice he had was to back up- into the corner, unfortunately. Never put your hands on a girl, the definite code of men.

Trying his best to hit a nerve enough to get her to leave him alone, he hoped she'd be gone before something irrational happened. As he had been afraid of it didn't work. Myra smirked and ran her single finger along his face, tracing his clenched, defined jawline. Izzy gulped. He knew that if he place his hands on her to push her away or placed his hands anywhere or her, she'd scream.

This was harassment towards him, but stakes would be higher if anyone saw their roles flipped.

"You know that's not true. Since no one's here why don't you act on what we both want so we can start what's meant to be? Though we'd better hurry and head towards a secluded room." She smiled, officially too much in his book.

"Because aren't the first lunch students coming back about right now? I wonder if any of your friends like to be back early to meet up with you when you're doing Council activities?"

Izzy paled. It was true. Whenever he had to miss out on lunch, the first one back would always be Mi- Oh no.

"You wouldn't." He whispered, wide-eyed, a cold sweat breaking out in the open assembly area.

"Really? Try me." The core teachers didn't come back until later on, usually in the lounge until a few minutes after their homeroom class was due, and the Council teacher had her own homeroom to manage. She wouldn't be checking up on him until after her homeroom was gone to sixth period.

"I think that's them." The unmistakable sound of slamming lockers rang in his ear.

"Those who'll be here at any minute now to walk in on us? You know, if you'd just kiss me and do what I want, maybe then Mimi'd be spared all the details and I'll maybe even throw in a 'Oh My gosh, Mimi! I'm so sorry, I just lost control, Izzy didn't do anything!' speech. Or it could go the other way around. Choose. You'd even get a confesssion of who's wrong-doing it was... or break your precious Mimi's heart and have me keep doing the work between us?"

Izzy was stumped. Obviously he'd much rather not break Mimi's heart if he could avoid doing so, but he had to choose. One way or another Mimi'd get hurt but if he did what Myra had asked. How, how was he going to get out of this mess?

"Ummmph!" Izzy's eyes widened as Myra forced herself onto him, swiftly, taking advantage of his surprise, effectively now 'underneath him'. The weight of her arms pulled on his neck, causing him to stumble and nearly fall on her. He held a hand against the wall, trying to work his way to a position of balance and to get away. Their liplock broke, the girl shamelessly voicing a moan, innocently surprised when they took notice to Mimi staring at them, tears visibly forming in her eyes.

The 'innocent' girl then 'pushed' him off her and wiped her mouth. "Izzy! What are you doing! You're in a commited relationship, this isn't right!" Mimi stared, hurt at Izzy's expression of surprise at the knowledge that he'd been caught. She bolted away, deciding to run away to the safety of the girls restroom just as Izzy finally registered what was happening.

"Wait! Mimi! I can explain!" Izzy rushed towards her, trying to get a hold of her hand but not no success, as she slipped away, crying tears as the sounds of two hearts shattering rang through Izzy's mind.

"You.. bitch! Stay away from Mimi and I! I thought you were bad news but never had I'd thought of you as a evil person." Izzy gritted through his teeth at Myra, leaving to persue Mimi.

-OnlyHurtsIfYouCare-

Mimi cried alone in her bathroom stall until she heard the bell signaling the start of homeroom and slowly got onto her feet, applying some quick make-up to mask her puffing eyes, walking out of the bathroom with a smile that told everyone that she was on top of the world. When so clearly, she wasn't.

-Misunderstandings-

"All I can say is wow. I never thought that Myra was all that bad."

The two friends were sat on the open hallway, outside the door of the apartment, causally resting their backs against the wall. They had decided that since they both enjoyed rain, it'd be better to talk outside just in case Mimi happened to wake up during conversation and see Izzy. Seeing him would surely only make her even more of an emotional wreck, this they knew. Izzy laughed bitterly.

"She tricks you. Take it from me, I learned it the hard way. She really is a sadistic woman who knows exactly how to rip the most important aspects of your life from you. In less than a minute if she wanted to... gauranteed." Izzy was leaned forward, his hands clasped between his legs. "You know, maybe its just the way its meant to be. Obviously, Mimi doesn't want anything to do with me anymore," The girl next to him looked shocked to hear him say such things, nevertheless he continued. "..and I'm not sure I wanna try to work it out. Why should I waste her time and maybe even mine on something that's probably never going to work?" He would've continued, but Sora would not take any of his self-pity.

"Izzy! What're you talking about! Obviously you're meant for each other!"

"But, we're such polar opposites and she wants noth-"

Sora cut him off.

"Izzy. Have you ever heard of the term 'Opposites attract?' Of course you're different but that's the beauty of it! You guys can learn from each other! Think about the time you guys have spent together. Hasn't she taught you to loosen up? Tell me, with utter confidence that you weren't the one who taught her patience?" He sat still, listening to her words as though a child would his mother.

" Every relationship needs some differences, because the purpose of 'soul mates' is for anther person to complete your flaws, and help you want to change yourself for the better." She garnered his gaze, the boy looking dejected, but listening still to her words. "Yours, is Mimi and I swear to the skies Izzy, if you let her go just like that, I'll have to personally send you to your burial ground." He smiled slightly, feeling her sincerity in belief of his relationship enough to threat him. There was no disagreeing with her now, despite whatever debate skills he had.

She was passionate about love, even if it weren't herself.

"Izzy, everyone knows you're smart, so think. Would she cry and look like the world had been pulled out from under her if she didn't care about you? Izzy, she cries and hurts because she cares. If she didn't cry, then you'd have a reason to doubt. But she has, a lot" Sora paused, recalling the fit of tears she'd merely just an hour ago. "She cares about you. Get that through your Isaac Newton brain and remember it well. Do you hear me?"

The could only look at each other, communicating their thoughts worries and innermost feelings without speaking.

"You're right. I'm not gonna give up on Mimi or our relationship. I'll do whatever I can to get her back because .. I love her. Thanks Sora, you're an amazing friend." Izzy hugged her then, with some force. Taken by suprise, Sora hadn't managed to return the hug quickly. Just as he reached for Sora, Mimi's form took place inside the apartment screen door and Izzy hurriedly let go of Sora. "Mimi, I- it's not what it looks like, I-"

"Hmph!" Mimi huffed and left her position.

Izzy slumped his shoulders and looked at Sora as they felt raindrops begin to be blown by the wind towards them, underneath the cover of the floor above questioningly.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Go get her!"

"Right. Wish me luck." While Izzy left to try to explain it all to Mimi, Sora decided to stay outside for a while longer. She figured the two of them would need some time alone to try and work things out.

The two friends were always together and in some way affectionate, and she saw the change in Izzy from introvert into a bit more sociable once the couple began dating. On the other hand, being able to see her best friend be able to let her guard fall from the past relationships she had was amazing. Once again was Mimi finally able to love freely.

They really did seem to love and care for each other on another level.

Sora frowned, looking to her door, the sound of Izzy and Mimi's voices clear from outside.

She hoped things would work out for the two. Their relationship was too pure to be stained and tattered over a simple misunderstanding and baggage from past boyfriends Mimi had.

A sigh.

Were relationships were ever easy? Why was it that the concept of love was considered positive and pure, alike it's representing angel when with the experience came so many tears and confusion?

Why didn't feelings stay the same as people grew- be it away, closer, or just physically over time?

Why was there so many detours on the road to happiness?

-CrestOfLove-

"No, no, no, and no."

The design of the bed covers began to become lost underneath the pile of clothes. "Sora, you've got to look good for tonight. Matt's coming. Remember?" She continued to empty out her friend's closet, eventually finding a suitable blouse, nodding as she tossed it to the side. Sora tried to think of a different topic other than of hang out session later that night, so that Mimi'd stop with a her preparations.

If only Matt had been free the first week of the assignment, for this situation could've been past them.

"I know, I told you remember?" She sat down on a nearby couch armrest.

Mimi was often like this, recently interested in busy work, from various odd jobs around the house and especially, Mimi was 'helpful' to Sora in all situations. The Crest of Love bearer was sure she knew the reason behind Mimi's sudden change in activity level.

If her body was preoccupied, her mind had no time to be.

"I know you don't want to talk to about it, but what are you going to be doing with Izzy? Are you thinking about giving him a chance?" She understood that this was a touchy subject. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and because she wanted her friend to confront the long-avoided problem head on, Sora figured now was a better time than ever. Mimi paused her search for 'something decent' that Sora could wear for a moment and there was a momentary silence.

"Sora."

"Mimi, it's just" Her eyes followed Mimi as she sighed, tucking her hair behind her ear "I think that maybe, you should give him a break." A watchful eye for any reaction, "He explained everything. It wasn't as if he was gonna keep it a secret. Or as if he kissed her."

"Yeah, he was just gonna go up to me like, 'Hey Mimi. Uh, yeah Myra and I kissed but it won't mean anything so, how about we go out tonight?' Mimi imitated Izzy's voice, arms about, emotions high. "Yeah right- if I weren't there, he probably would've been humping her brains out already." There was a sour tone in her voice, eyes glistening with tears that spoke bad memories.

"Even now that's he's back in my life, it doesn't change anything. He doesn't make a difference."

Oh, but he did.

Mimi knew it, Sora knew it and everyone else but Izzy knew. When he had not yet explained what happened, there was a dramatic change in Mimi's attitude. She was always puffy eyed, and she didn't pay attention to her hair, make up or anything else, things that were extremely uncharacteristic of her, as Mimi was never one to neglect her appearance in public. After he'd explained, she became once again the Mimi as before except that she now, harbored a mending heart. it hurt him to know that he was classified in the same trust pending group that her ex boyfriends had been- and he didn't know what to do. She allowed Izzy back close to her, but their relationship was at a stand still, and neither really knew what to call their relationship anymore.

Still, no matter how much she denied it, Izzy meant a lot to her. He made her happy even if she didn't want to admit it, it was obvious and yet, Izzy was the only one sure she'd lost all faith in him. He was convinced that they were almost at an inevitable end, and spend his available time sulking in his moment of weakness. if not trying to reestablish trust with her. Izzy was met with the cold shoulder.

Mimi treated everyone just the way she did before, aside from her boyfriend. Around him, she was stiff, cold, and as protective of her feelings as hed ever experienced. From young, she had few problems looking towards him for comfort and advice in her relationships, figuring that his perspective as a growing boy would help her avoid troublesome guys.

But the nice guys always finished last.

She was drawn to the charms of the experienced boys- and often ended up apologizing to him, tears streaking down her face, for not taking his word.

Now, their relationship that was well on it's way to becoming something great was met with a concrete wall of masked emotions, and although disappointed and downed by his own self -conscience, Izzy tried his best to ignore the treatment. A person can only fall so many times before they don't feel like picking themselves back up would be worth it, and he began to understand this on a personal level.

During this ordeal, Izzy was geting interviews for colleges almost on a fixed basis for the past three weeks.

He had scholarship offers from just about every school in the state of Washington and plenty more. There were scholarships offering discounted or sponsored tuition for degrees in fields like Science, Astronomy, and Engineering as well.

Soon, more of his time was spent busy, sitting in front of his computer e-mailing schools to tell them he'd consider their offers.

He admitted to Sora that he was favoring a school somewhere around Columbus, Ohio. The distance was significant, but, he'd told her he was willing to try to work it out with Mimi for a least three more weeks, and if by the end of the weeks, if it feels as if their relationship wouldn't work out, he'd officially accept. Hope was fading, and time was ticking.

The school only allotted him that much time until they'd cancel the scholarship.

Sora promised him that'd she'd try to talk to Mimi, but he still looked defeated and miserable. It was as if he knew there was no way she'd ever give him another chance. Of course, he'd left her with no idea that he was considering a college in Ohio, and whether or not he'd actually leave was up to her. He'd pleaded with the gang to leave the ultimatum continue it's countdown without her knowing the stakes. He didn't want her to feel pressured or rushed into something she didn't want. He made it clear that that was against all morals and respect he had for his childhood friend, turned girlfriend and her past.

The DigiDestined finally agreed, but quite unwillingly. They all were aware that besides if he left, Mimi would be crushed and could possibly end up doing something irrational.

"I've already given him a second chance, so why bother with another? When he followed Myra around like a lost puppy and completely ignored me and our relationship together for days, I had given him his second chance. Why? Because you me taught that everyone deserves second chances. This time is one too many." Mimi tears fell now, her words being to expose the quiver in her. "Say I forgive him and we get back together, what happens if this same thing happens again? I give him a fourth chance?"

From the outside, Mimi seemed to overeat in the situation. For those who knew her, they understood that it was more than just forgiving Izzy for a moment void of quick action and prevention measures, instead allowing himself be kissed by Myra, and more than just a simple misunderstanding. She was acquainted with men of womanizing qualities, and for as long back as the first boy three and a half years ago, the excuse had always been that the other girl that forced herself into welcoming embraces. In Mimi's mind, lack of prevention was welcoming trouble.

Mimi demanded Sora give her answers, fists clenched at her sides. There was a fact about Mimi that the DigiDestined all knew too well. While the honey brunette may have her moments, but whenever rallied up enough, and whenever she had suffered hurt deep inside, Mimi was nothing but logic in retortion of excuses. There was no other person on the DigiDestined team that was more stubborn than her.

One person, the only on able to stand ground was Sora. When fueled by emotions and sympathy for those in unlucky circumstances, if she truly believed the couple should be together, she'd stop short of impossible to help when she could.

"Mimi, I'm glad you pay attention to my advice but listen, please!" Mimi stood there, tears creating streaks of moisture on her face. "Alright, here's the situation okay? Izzy thinks you don't care about him."

"I don't-" Sora interrupted Mimi before she could finish her sentance.

"No- don't give me the 'I don't care about him, he could crawl into a hole and die, and I wouldn't care' stuff. You and I both know that's a lie." Mimi's expression softened a bit and quiet overturned the two friends. Tired and done emotionally, Mimi felt her resolve slip.

"It's just, he hurt me so much." Her looked up at her friend's gaze from the floor, eyes red from crying. "After having Jake do the same to me, and after he promised not to hurt me, he's managed to do so twice. I don't want it to happen again. I know it's selfish for me to end the relationship just because of past probelms, but after all this has happened already, I'm not sure if I want to let him or anyone in completely again. It's just too risky." Mimi sat down on a chair close by. She looked to Sora.

"I know you guys don't always think so but, I'm pretty strong" She sighed, head in her hands "It's just I don't think my heart will take another blow." She returned to a gaze at the flooring.

At once, Sora felt bad for raising her voice against her friend, ignorant to her feelings and experiences. Approaching her in the seat, she continued. "Mimi, you know that he's a sincere guy. Just think about it. Would the Mimi Tachikawa ever date anyone that's a horrible person to purposely allow a girl to advance on him?" Sora attempted a soft reassuring smile.

"Probably not, except for the ones I dated in junior high and in freshman year." Sniffles, now as the tears bean exhausted. "Not to mention Jake used th-"

"But the point is, Izzy's not a bad guy. It's just that his luck has been decidedly terrible, and didn't he tell you so himself? He'd never raise a hand against any woman. Think about him. His character. Think about the way he treated you, and how he's been coping with you still, what he thinks, 'hating' him. He cares for you and obviously he's crushed that this whole mess was because of him."

Her eyes called on reserves of tears, finally digesting the full picture.

"But- but, how do I know he isn't in love with My-" She swallowed a sob here "M-Myra again. I can't get hurt again. I just can't." Sora took to knees, reassuringly patting the bent forwards girl. At the moment, she was tired too by the situation and was without an answer. She just wanted her friend to become okay again. She couldn't think of a reply without repeating past points. Fortunately, someone else had.

"Because I love you Mimi. I've always loved you and nobody else."

The unmistakable computer tech's voice came from across the room. Mimi looked up, tears still falling, but with an obvious shine in her puffy red eyes. Sora joined her gaze and looked up at the man-of-the hour. "I'm sorry for suddenly dropping by, but the door was left unlocked and ajar. I heard crying and was worried." He frowned, concerned as he looked at Mimi's state, still a ways away from the two girls.

"Iz... Izzy?" Mimi asked, half-hiccuped tears mixing with words. Izzy nodded, taking slow steps to Mimi, whilst speaking to his girlfriend.

"Mimi, all that stuff with Myra, I swear it'll never happen again. I didn't intend for it to happen. I never did. You know I'd never hurt you purposely. You're the only person I care about, Mimi. You're the only one I'd ever think of being with. You can trust me that I didn't want to allow for it to happen, but was too afraid to put my hands on her-" He stopped, only a few feet separating him from the crying girl.

"I know... you probably still hate me for what happened, and you're right-" he came the final steps, kneeling down in front of her and taking her hands in his, glancing up at her, his heart, worn on his sleeve.

"For breaking your heart so many times already, I'd understand if you never want to try being with me again. Just promise me you won't close yourself off to others who can treat you better than I did... the world deserves to have a person like you Mimi, showing them that there is such thing as hope for a perfect biological perfect, inside and out human being." From the side, Sora couldn't help but smile along with Mimi at the truly Izzy brand of words.

"One day, you'll find a guy, who is right for you, and of whom you love deeply, and you guys'll be happy. Despite all the bad in your dating life." He looked up at her, his eyes showing exactly how much it hurt him to say those things, acknowledging to her that he considered himself lowly as purposeful cheaters.

Sora began to wonder if this moment should be intervened by a third party and considered leaving; but after realizing that her sudden movement out of the room may very well ruin it, and so she opted to stay there, sitting quietly.

"You probably won't want to have anything to do with me... but I really hope we can at least be friends after this, because I just can't be me without you happy. I hope you can forgive me in the future for not standing by our relationship status with poise and stern actions. I hope you still try to open up to other guys, so that you can actual have a happy ending." He stood up then, turning his back to her, thinking to leave before she confirmed his fears and say that she wanted nothing to do with him. This, was going to be the official end.

He loved her, but her happiness was top priority.

And he would've left then, had it not been for one thing.

Before he was able to take an actual step towards the door, the telltale sensation of a body pressed against his backside cause him to stop.

"Izzy, I'm sorry to tell you, there is no way we're going to be friends after this-" Here, Izzy's heart clenched inside his ribcage, as he tried not to slip into a breakdown right then and there. His shoulders slumped more, if it were possible, and his jaw hardened as he tried to will the tears back.

Sora couldn't help but let out an audible gasp at Mimi's words. Just mintues ago, the girl had admitted she still cared for him, and now? Friendship wasn't even being considered?

Mimi heard the gasp, and had felt Izzy tense up along with it. She turned him gently around to face her.

"Thanks to you, I'll never try and open up to any other guy and expect feelings in return." Again, he felt his heart clench.

He'd reminded her of so much pain- that he'd caused a loss of hope. The redhead visibly paled.

"I won't forgive you ever, either."

That was the last straw, a single tear making it's way down his cheek, breaking into two streams near halfway and slipping off the side of his face.

"Mimi, please, don't make me listen to any more. Just let me walk out of your life now. I don't want to hear anymore of what I did. Please, M-"

He was cut off by a pair of lips pressing against his. Too taken off guard to respond, it was a while before he held his hand to her waist, leaning into the kiss. He still was wearing a shocked expression when Mimi pulled back and spoke.

"We can't ever be friends because I can't stay friends with someone I love. To ask me to try is just cruel. It's not possible." Just barely registering the kiss in his mind, he was not yet ready to comprehend the fact that she loved him still. Him, after all he did. In their time together, they had never used the word.

"I- what?" Mimi gave him a smile and shushed him, placing a finger on his lips, telling him to listen. He obligied.

"I'll never try and open up to any other guy and expect feelings, because I've already opened up to the only guy that I'd want feelings in return from, you." By now, she had both the redheads in the room smiling. Her cheeks were tinted in color too, but she continued.

"That girl." mumbled Sora, watching happily as Mimi revealed Izzy her true feelings.

"... And I won't forgive you anytime in the future, because I already have. How could I stay mad at someone who's my everything?" Izzy, grinning stupidly from ear to ear, had the hurt replaced in his eyes with joy and love.

"So, I'll ask you Mr. Izumi... do you truly love me? Because just a moment ago, you wanted me to find a different man to marry." Mimi put her hands up and pushed Izzy gently aside, pretending to be hurt and turned away from him.

Izzy was still in a cloud nine daze, and so didn't register her teasing until a few seconds had passed by before he dropped the hurt look from knowing that she thought his love wasn't true, and instead, reacting the way she expected him to.

"You want to get married?" He made his way behind her and snuck him arms around her waist. "I'm hurt. The woman I'm deeply, utterly, irrevocably in love with doesn't think I love her." Mimi covered her face in embarrassment, loving his hug from behind and his now restored cheeriness. "Mimi?" He smiled at her, when she turned around to meet his eyes.

"Well, maybe eventually.. why is there an objection I hear?" Izzy laughed a bit, whispering into her ear.

"I love you too."

"Why don't you prove it then?" She asked, smiling and snuggling deeper into the arms that wrapped themselves around her, mind still processing the fact that today was the first day they'd ever exchanged the three words. Until now, they had gone with the embarrassed Izzy's personal choice filler of 'I'm I like with you'.

"Hmn... okay." He tipped her chin up and their lips met in a slow, but passionate kiss. The situation began to really make Sora uncomfortable watching.

"As the infamous Matt Ishida would say: 'Get a room!'" She jested, earning a good laugh from the newly re-established couple, feeling herself join in.

"Really? Thanks Sora, I was going to ask if you would do me the favor and leave but I didn't want it to come out in the wrong way." Izzy, incredibly joyous, surprised the two girls by teasing his friend, as happy as ever, making a mental note to thank her in private later. He, recieved a playfull slap on the arm and responded. "Ow! Mimi, how could you stand to hurt me like that?"

"Please, it didn't even hurt." The trio shared another laugh, all the drama behind them. Or at least, for Izzy and Mimi.

"Now. For what you're going to be wearing on your date with Matt tonight."

It was the

"Its good to see you back to your old self Meems." Sora abruptly stopped smiling. "It's not a date."

Mimi and Izzy could only glance at one another, shaking their heads.

"For the love of all things sweet.."

"The baby is the devil's spawn- there's no doubt" A sigh. "I'm so tired. I'm going to need some water to refuel myself. Do you want me to get you one while I'm at it?"

"Yes, thanks so much. You were great. Took of a lot of my stress away. Wow. This is for a month."

Matt laughed. "I do what I can. You weren't so bad yourself."

"Wahhhhhh! Wah! Wah!"

"Oh my-" the sound of sofa cushions shifting abruptly stressed the sincerity in the words, "God! Seriously? Just one minute of rest! One minute! We've been trying to get you to sleep for the last hour and a half!" Yells were directed towards the robotic baby that was the cause for the two exhausted teenagers in the living room.

A minute passed, and Matt readjusted himself from sitting up and glaring at the liveless doll that had came into his life, for the worse. He bent forward, hands running running through his face in attempt to wake his eyes and clear his mind.

Babies. Postponed. Possibly forever.

"Matt... Calm down. It'll go back to sleep in a bit." A yawn. "Do you mind checking if the baby's hungry?" Sora slurred to her friend, and mind fighting off dreams only half-coherant. Matt heaved a long sigh.

"Right... sorry." He slowly pulled his body from slipping into fatigue, getting up. "Let's just say, I'm laying off the late nights with the ladies for a while."

-WackedupCircuits-

Another thirty minutes had passed before actual rest settled in the lonesome apartment, it's only inhabitants in mutual light slumber. After that, came the reminicnicing.

"Damn! Do you remember our 7th grade graduation night? I remember Tai got so caught up trying to impress those girls and challenged Will to a break dancing competition..." Matt laughed. "Didn't he end up tripping and go flying into the snack table? His dress shirt wasn't as white and clean as it was after that!"

"I'm serious Matt! S- st- stop!" Sora choked out through betwen frantic gulps of air. She was clutching her sides, trying to stop from splitting her sides open.

Matt, doing his part, was reminding her of 'good days' when they first became DigiDestined and the years that followed up until present day.

"Oh, God! Matt! I'll... I'll get you on..." She kept giggling madly, and all Matt did to respond to the 'threats' was smile from ear to ear. "Once I... I- Matt! Stop!"

Matt, was having an easier time keeping his laughter down than Sora did. Although, he did just a while ago, drop down to his knees and tried to calm his laughter down, to some obvious no avail. Sora, on the other hand, not as successful as Matt was, and kept a hand on her stomach, the other trying to shield the image of her unhindered laughing, trying to remember how to breathe.

God. There was no turning back, he was absolutely lost in the presence of the girl sitting a couch cushion away.

Why was he so far away?

Constantly, the image of Sora- the sound of her lightly matured voice that spoke stories of a lifetime of friendship, the distinct smell of her cocoa like perfume, everything that was her, sat unrivaled at the top of his thought process.

She was kept close in his heart, he knew it, even as a teen with a prosperous selection of girls, recognizing the cliché of a special person always commanding his thoughts, one person alone.

They've been together since near diapers- and still, a drift between the two along with their third member; this ending up causing feelings to be confused and which prompted a lot of self - reflection.

It wasn't the same anymore, even if they laughed and spoke today, the first day in a long time that allowed them to, there was a invisible barrier for each, the feeling of hidden thoughts awkward and uncomfortable for the both of them.

If only he had realized it sooner, if only he'd acted sooner than Tai, then maybe something could've been.

Should've, would've, could've, it was in the past now, and he knew that what they had now was the only way to go, and the only step from here is to come clean from a year's worth of shushed feelings and gaps in the previously close relationship.

Still, everything in time. For the moment, he needed to enjoy the time together, for it wouldn't be much before the inevitable came.

"Alright. Okay. I'll stop. So, what movie do you want to watch?"

The question was only to be courteous, he knew that there was only one movie she'd choose.

He stood, his gaze set on the DVD, taking it from it's box , turning the disc in his hand slightly as he waited patiently for her confirmation.

"Av- Avatar." Sora had still been recovering from laughter, tears brimming her eyes at the old memories.

Smiling to himself, he bent, and put the disc in, returning to his seat. As the previews played, Sora found herself with a brain full of thoughts about a certain blond.

Was she that readable? Surely her affixation with the movie was for the most part, silenced. When compared to other things that the boy next to her could be occupied with, there was much more demanding in details, focus, than simple character profile of an at-home friend?

It was likely that she read too much into it. Sure, the movie was recent, and she hadn't been able to find time to spend catching up with Matt, but was that not what friends were for? Simple details, and lifetime seeing each other's true colors, likes and dislikes?

She smiled still. Knew did Sora know that simple things like this were important enough for Matt to remember.

They sat in silence as the actual movie played.

-BodyThere,MindAway-

Little time left, until we all go onto our ways. How much longer was he going to be able to hide this?

Matt continued to stare at the TV, mind on things completely unrelated to the progressing film.

When she finds out, he turned slightly to glance at the girl, what was she going to say?

Back to the TV. A sigh.

Had only he worked up the courage earlier, than this burning feeling of unsatisfaction with the 'friend zone' may have been avoided- but less, he knew it'd make very little difference. The connection between his two best friends was clearly something different to even begin, as he knew well that Sora's affections were guarded, her family life no always having been ideal despite still together parents.

If she was going to date someone, they could be assured that a special space in her heart was already belonging to them.

Although the room was quiet aside from murmurs of the current dialogue on TV, the minds of the two people in it remained active, thoughts racing within.

How would she react if he approached her with his feelings on display? Would-

"Why would Izzy doubt his relationship with Mimi?"

Almost as though a scratch was discovered in a record, the singer was cut from his thoughts, the sound of a soft voice returning him to the present. He looked at her, turning more than before, curious.

"They're obviously meant to be." Sora's gaze remained fix on the movie. "Still, because of one thing that had gone wrong they were nearly broken apart for how long? Forever? Izzy could have left to Ohio and that'd would've been the end of them. Don't you think that if you loved somebody so much it hurt to be without them that you should say something?"

Oh, if only it were that easy.

"You know, to not just sit there and wait for a miracle to happen? Make the first move? Good things no longer come to those who wait, but to those who work." She looked at Matt now, gaze questioning his thoughts on the matter.

"If you're given the chance, you should take it."

She returned to the screen, mind quieting as she spoke her ideas.

"I mea-"

The movie was ignored, when the sudden feel of Matt's soft lips on hers, upper lip slowly rubbing against her lower. The action was drug out, Sora's body guided to her right, held there by a gentle hand on her cheek and jawline.

It was as if he knew exactly what to do that'd get him the reaction he wanted.

She hesitated as she felt him starting to shift closer, her hands laying near her lap, unsure and confused as to what to do, and how to react.

Wrong. It was wrong.

Mind coming back to reality, her arms moved to swiftly push the hands on her face away, effectively pulling away from the kiss with a sound, their eyes meeting in uncertainty of the situation as she felt her upper lip cover her lower, the taste of the kiss just reaching her.

He withdrew his rejected hands, finding himself unable to look anywhere but down as he felt her get up to flee, the fabric of her shirt lifting as the wind caught in it, by his face, visible to the corner of his eye.

Body still, he sat as the sound of a hypothetical heart shattered accompanied the crying baby.

There was no move to hush either.