Author's Note: To my dear reviewer Digi Yo, I agree with you 100%! When I was a kid, I shipped Mimato and Taiora. Though I didn't really read onto Taiora as much as I did with Mimato (because Taiora was just so obviously there D:). But writing Salad Days had made me look more into Taichi and Sora as characters and as a pair (friendship-wise, and romantic-wise). While Mimato is my first, Taiora is just undeniably the couple that had to become canon (but didn't).They just perfectly fit the glove. This chapter has a really intense (or so my partner-slash-betareader says) Taiora moment and I hope you and the rest of the readers like it!

Salad Days

Chapter Thirteen
Friends and Lovers

"I'm scared of heights." said Sora as she leaned on the glass. They were at the top of the observatory, and below them was neon-lit Tokyo. Back then, flying at the back of Birdramon made her conquer this ages-long fear; but now, away from the fantasy of a world she once knew, reality crept back in as soon as they returned in their own world.

"But I like going here. Makes me feel like I'm still me.. As if I have complete control of my own world.. haha. Though, I don't know if you get that."

"Don't think too much. It's bad for you." Taichi placed a hand on her shoulder, and he immediately felt her tense body relax. She looked over her shoulder and smiled.

"Thanks for coming with me."

"Anytime."'

She bit her lip, then touched the hand that held her. "Why do you like Mimi-chan?"

"Ummm. What's not to like about her?" he cautiously answered. Although Sora still had that effect over him, he knew that this new Mimi had that potential to get Sora out of his system completely– if only he'd make his move.

"I mean.. what made you go after her?"

"I don't really know," he answered. He buried his hands in his pockets. "She seemed to have pretty got it altogether.. and she's fun to be around,"

What else did he like about Mimi, other than her modelesque face and physique? Taichi pondered for a while as he stared down at the city. Sora stared at him intently, anticipating for his reply.

"I don't really know, Sora-chan," he repeated. He remembered Mimi's smile, eyes, face, her habit of making lots of hand gestures, her nasty quirk of staring people directly in the eyes; and then her little secret. She was not as innocent as she was back then now – but somehow, in his eyes, she still was the same Tachikawa Mimi he knew. He found all of it, very much attractive. "I like her a lot."

The ginger looked away and looked at the ceiling. "I wonder if I really did love Yamato-kun,"

"You did, Sora-chan."

"Did I? Or did I just do that because.." She did not continue. Sora wondered if what most people had assumed was true – if what Yamato had been accusing her of – was true. Back then, it did not feel like it at all. Now, it does. A minute had passed by, and an anxious Taichi had to speak up.

"Because of what, Sora-chan?"

"Because of you."

Taichi instinctively moved away, perplexed. Was Sora being for real? "Why are you saying this right now?"

The redhead shrugged, not caring how blunt she was being. "I don't know, I'm just saying out loud what my mind thinks,"

"Well don't," he scolded. He somehow got a clue where this was going, and no way was he about to get swayed by it. Just. No. "I'm getting the impression that you're about throw yourself at any guy who'd give you the affection you're looking for."

He hit right at home, but Taichi wasn't just any other guy. He was her first friend; the childhood best friend; first love; the summer fling; the one that put her to the friend zone; the one that got away. To her, he had a lot of titles and names; but just not her lover.

Sora bent her head down even more, almost bowing. She tried to hide her face with her, not wanting for him to see how upset he had made her with his words.

Mimi felt a bit lightheaded as she and Yamato looked for a place to eat. Having to return downtown was as if rediscovering civilization. It was eight in the evening.

"Mimi," he suddenly grabbed her arm.

"What is it?" her vision was getting blurry, and all the city lights were blinding her. He pointed to a ramen stall. She tried her best to catch up with whatever he was being suspicious about. Maybe we're going to eat there?

"Is that my brother?" he dragged her along they walked closer to the stall. As they got nearer, Mimi had finally seen a better image of what her companion was pointing to. It was definitely Takeru, eating alone.

And so the two went in, and invaded Takeru's solitary space, making loud noises of fast footsteps and pulling chairs. It had shocked Takeru enough to make him think he was going to get robbed like in the movies.

"What the hell, aniki," Takeru sighed out of relief as he saw two very familiar faces, and not what his imagination had suggested. But his relief had already been replaced with curiosity; he had already noticed that their hairs were both damped, and Mimi's face was unusually bare and free of pink pigment. He immediately shot 'the' look at Yamato.

"It's already late. Why are you here?" asked Yamato. Mimi sat beside him and immediately ordered food for both of them.

"I should be asking," replied Takeru, trying to match his brother's cool tone. "Why are you two together?"

"None of your business," replied the older brother, aware that Takeru is on his detective mode.

Takeru knew he wasn't going to get any answer from him, and so he turned to Mimi. She had been unusually quiet. "Mi-chan, are you and aniki dating?"

Mimi had almost spit out her noodles. "No, no, no, Takeru-kun. What gave you that idea?!" she scolded. Yamato just groaned at Takeru's accusation, already getting tired of being misinterpreted. He now understood where Mimi was coming from earlier, and why she got angry for suddenly taking her out on front of everyone.

"I don't know, it's just that you two weren't really that close," said Takeru, crossing his arms. Even now he still found the thought of his brother and Mimi together fascinated him. It was an unspoken and forbidden fantasy that he had since he was a child.

"Well we are now," defended Yamato, as he put his hand on top of Mimi's head and patted her like a daughter.

"And it's perfectly normal for us to hang out," added Mimi as she slapped Yamato's hand from her hair. She took another sip from her soup, now slightly getting her energy back.

The youngest of them held his chuckle. He was finding them more amusing to watch as the time passed by. Takeru started to imagine several instances that they might end up together.

"Yeah sure, but why are you two wet?" asked Takeru, pointing at their drenched locks. The pair looked at each other, hoping that the other would do the explanation for them. Mimi eventually won. And so Yamato told the whole story, from late afternoon to early nighttime. Mimi had grown uneasy as he came nearer to the part they got wet.

"And you two are wet because..?" pried Takeru, now more curious than ever of what happened. All sorts of things started to happen inside Takeru's mind. Did the two of them had gone for a swim together? Or did it start to rain in some parts of Tokyo while they were out earlier? Did they play with water guns or something? No.. that's stupid.. Or what really made sense to him the most was.. Could it be.. strawberry time?

The suspense was ever growing stronger, and Mimi could no longer face Takeru. She didn't have the guts to tell him that his older brother just attempted suicide.

"I'll just go to the restroom," not taking it any longer, she stood up and excused herself.

The younger blond now turned to his brother, with a more serious expression on his face. "Please tell me the truth, aniki."

"I am, Takeru."

"So you and Mimi-chan.." he paused.

"We're not. Don't worry, if we do, you'll be the first to know."

The younger blond blinked a few times, surprised. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah."

"So you're really open to the idea of dating Mimi-chan now?"

"No. I only meant that whatever happens to me, you'll be the first to find out."

"But you just said.. as if you and Mimi-chan.."

"Nope."

Takeru grunted, feeling confused and defeated as he leaned back on his seat. He could only hope for the genuineness, of whatever that was going on between Mimi and his brother.

"So.. why are you two wet?" he wasn't going to let his brother get away with it; not until his own mind be put to rest.

"Well.." Yamato finally picked up his chopsticks, broke them off and stirred his bowl. He looked at his brother, and gave a reassuring smile that confused Takeru more. "Let's just say that Mimi saved my life today."

Takeru arched his brow, not liking the sound of it; but questioned no further as he sighted Mimi coming back from the girls' lavatory.

The remainder of the night was anything but comfortable. Taichi followed Sora from behind as they were about to go home. Confused with Sora's words earlier, he was more motivated to move on from her and start anew. Whatever it was that Sora wanted from him this time, it wasn't for the best. I know better now. But that did not mean he would stop being her friend. She's always going to be someone important to him.

"Sora-chan,"

"Hmm?"

"You'll be okay."

She stopped her tracks, adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder and fully turned to him. How can he say she'll be okay so carelessly? How can she be okay when she had already given everything – and now I'm left with nothing..

"Can I be okay? Really? Yamato left me, and you're going after Mimi – so how can I be okay with that?" The fact that she couldn't even say it all to Mimi made her feel worse. But she'd rather get herself hurt than put her own best friend through it.

Sora breathed and looked at the stars, trying to push back her tears. "How do you want me to be okay? I am not getting the love I deserve – I did all I could with him – all – b-but, see? Where did it all end up?"

"You said you love me as unconditional as you have said back then – but what now? Where is it? You didn't even – you didn't even fight for me, or tried to.. and now you – you're giving my best friend a shot. God," she put a palm over her face, hoping he wouldn't see the expression she was making. "God.. Why am I feeling this if I was already enough and as good as you all say?"

It did not take her long to finally let her guard down and cry. With a bit of hesitation, Taichi allowed himself to comfort the crying ginger in his arms. He heard her say 'unfair' a couple of times. She freely wept, unconsciously taking advantage of his presence. This was what she needed. She yearned for a pair of welcoming arms. Anyone who'd make her feel she was already enough.

"P-please.." she muffled on his shirt. "Don't leave.."

He took her by her arms and pulled Sora away, his hands resting on her small shoulders. He stared at her with sad eyes. Had Taichi not known better, he would not have second thoughts to wipe her tears away. It was tempting, but not tempting enough. He couldn't believe he was about to back out from her again; even if it was the right thing to do this time.

She's always going to be someone important to him.

But right now, Sora didn't need him, or anyone else. "I'm sorry."

"No, no, I don't hate Daisuke-kun. We're friends," corrected Takeru as he pointed his chopsticks at Mimi. "I just don't like him and Hikari-chan together,"

"It doesn't really make much of a difference," argued Mimi. She flipped her dampened hair, trying to look all-knowing. "How long has this been going? I'm pretty sure things are getting bitter between you and Daisuke-kun. It's perfectly normal. Competition is normal, my dear Takeru-kun,"

"But I don't, at all!" resisted the blond. "It's just that I wish Daisuke-kun didn't have feelings for her!"

Whether or not Takeru held bitterness in him, it didn't fail to remind Yamato of the time he and Taichi had gone sour because of Sora. The two continued their argument as Yamato remained at loss with his memories, until Takeru turned to him.

"What do you think, aniki?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't hate Daisuke-kun,"

"I'm sure you don't,"

"Ha! See, Mi-chan?"

"You don't, because you don't have the right to hate him," added Yamato. "At this point, neither of you own Hikari."

"Good point, Ishida," winked Mimi as she turned to a resentful Takeru. "Say, why don't you just tell your feelings about Hikari to Daisuke-kun? I'm sure he'll understand. And who knows, he might pave his way,"

"No.." replied Takeru. He ran a hand through his hair and breathed heavily. "He's not like that. I'm actually kind of scared that his feelings for Hikari-chan are stronger than mine."

Mimi rolled her eyes, trying to act oblivious as she asked, "Who does Kari-chan like, though?"

"I don't know."

And Yamato swore his brother right now reminded him of Taichi.

The brunette was dumbfounded that Takeru didn't even take a second to think about it. It was always in Takeru's nature to be non-assuming despite his incredibly optimistic personality. Poor Kari-chan. "You're an idiot sometimes."

It took them half an hour of another long conversation to leave the place. They were just few blocks away from the train station, and Takeru had kept on talking as he led the two of them. The night seemed to have cooled, and Mimi could feel her nose getting itchy and runny.

"You okay?" Yamato turned to her, as he had already gone bored of Takeru's repetitive storytelling and obsessive picking of the minor details of his "encounter" with Hikari and Daisuke. Yamato had already shared his opinion and had given his best advice earlier, but he knew his younger brother would do the exact opposite.

"No, not really," sniffled Mimi, rubbing her nose. "I wonder how many sorts of bacteria were there in that bay,"

"Ehh.. I told you not to come," excused Yamato. She shot him a look.

"What would have happened if I weren't there, Yamato-kun?" she hissed, hoping Takeru won't hear their conversation. "Your lanky-built body will stay afloat on the murky waters of Tokyo Bay and I would be the prime suspect of alleged murder,"

He couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. "That'll be fascinating, won't it be? Your second trip to the police station. This time, in Japan."

"You got into the police station, Mi-chan?!" she heard Takeru exclaim as he withdrew a few steps back to meet their speed.

"Ehh.. It's a long story," which truly it was, and Mimi felt obliged to come up with a good lie to follow it.

"How?" Knowing how persistent Takeru will be,

Yamato immediately spoke up. Mimi will never be able to pull off a lie anyway. "She accidentally ran through her neighbor's pet while driving around without her license,"

The younger blond squinted his eyes at the brunette, doubtful. "You never told me that."

Mimi had to ride with the whole conversation as Takeru kept asking her questions until reaching the train station. The two bid goodbye from the middle schooler, and disappeared from their sight. Another blanket of silence fell.

They started to walk together, as they both lived in the same district. Yamato did not know how to face Mimi after having to witness his little episode. He glanced at her, catching her glance at him.

She turned once more to look at him, now with a solemn expression in her face. Yamato took the hint that she still was unsatisfied about earlier. He sighed and placed his hand on her head.

"I'm sorry."

Mimi looked up at the night sky. She had an idea why Yamato had done that, but even so, she could not understand. "It's because of Sora, isn't it.."

He didn't reply, and she took his silence as a yes. She reprocessed all of the events of today, trying to make sense out of everything. Mimi wanted to point fingers, blame someone – blame Sora – but couldn't. It was evident to her that her best friend and the man beside her still love each other, but I guess love is just not enough.

"I'm guessing this is the first time?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation casual.

She heard him breathe deeply, as if already hesitant to answer her. "It wasn't.."

"I see.." she muttered.

"The first time was during the first few days of divorce."

"Hmm."

"I never really went with my efforts a hundred percent. I couldn't." Most of the attempts he made were half-heartedly done, despite the fact that he toyed with the idea of taking his own life ever since he was a child.

"I see.."

She was repeating her answers. Yamato noticed her quiet and unable to speak out like she used to. "I'm sorry."

Mimi sighed, took him by the hand as they walked along the neighborhood. They were already just two blocks away from her street. She gripped his hand tightly, not looking at him. She wasn't sure if she was in the place to say it, but she felt that she had to.

"Please don't do it again."

And it surprised him that she cared that much. "I won't."

"Promise?"

He reassuringly gripped her hand back before releasing it. "Mhmm."

"So.." she cleared her throat, hoping to lighten up the mood. "Where have you gone off to this afternoon?"

Mimi eventually found out that Yamato went straight to the bar he frequented, and had recently discovered a new and decent local band apart from his own – or so he says. They started to talk about his new idea of a song, and judging from his description, it was obviously about his breakup.

When they reached Mimi's doorstep, they bid goodbye and good night. He instantly heard Mr. and Mrs. Tachikawa's voices as they coo Mimi inside and ask her why she was all filthy.

He turned around, about to go home. The weightlessness in his chest suddenly felt heavier, and his heartbeat had sped up to a normal rate. He suddenly felt his vital signs working again. The next thing Yamato knew was that he was still alive. I can live – with or without Sora.