Author's Note:In relation to the lack of response from the last chapter: where had the Mimato fans gone off to?! :o

Anyway, this second part of this little arc solely focuses on Taichi and Sora.

Salad Days
Chapter Twenty-two
In medias res: Act II

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Taichi picked up the newspaper from the table, before clipping his helmet under his chin. He only took the classified ads section with him and put it in the basket of his bicycle before heading off.

Sunday didn't feel like a Sunday at all, and judging from the clouds, it looked like it was going to rain. He's already regretting that he wore his gym shorts instead of his sweatpants. But then again, Sora might just have his older pair when he slept over there two years ago. As a matter of fact, he did remember leaving a lot of junk over Sora's house. Mostly, they were weird junk Sora borrowed from him and Hikari. He passed two blocks by, and then parked his bicycle on front of Takenouchi flower shop.

The bell rang upon his entrance, and Mrs. Takenouchi looked up from the counter, who was also at the phone.

"Taichi-kun," she greeted in her faulty singy songy voice. "You're early."

"Toshiko-san," greeted Taichi with a bow and a smile. He looked around the shop, saw that they just recently acquired deliveries. From Holland, I see."Is Sora already up?"

"I think she is, Taichi." She answered, obviously too busy for small talk. Mrs. Takenouchi turned her back to him; her ear and her shoulder supporting the phone while she scribbled down on her memo pad.

"All right," said Taichi. As if it was natural, he carelessly removed his rubber shoes before slipping on his own house shoes. He noticed how small it already was on him, and maybe he needed a new pair - one that didn't have a Kamen Rider print on it. He climbed up the staircase, quite noisily. He opened the door, as if entering a new dimension when the smell of the flowers withered away.

"Damn it!" he heard the familiar voice, just on cue. He found the scent of beef powder, looked over to see Sora working on the kitchen.

"I thought you were sick." He said.

"I am, but," It was unsurprising to Sora that he was immediately a few inches away from her. "I felt bad for not helping around these days so I decided to make lunch,"

He moved away from the busy redhead, and sat back on the couch. "I brought your knapsack back,"

"Thank God," said Sora, turning around with a dish of mixed vegetables on hand. "Hungry?"

"Ehh.. Not really. Thanks though," He refused politely. He went over to the fridge, looked for something to drink.

"So, how are you Sora?"

"I'm fine." answered Sora amidst the noise at the kitchen. "Other than this flu, I'm fine."

Taichi settled with a bottle of orange juice that seemed to have been there for a week. He closed the door, and pulled a seat in the dining area.

"Won't you affect the food you're cooking?" he asked carefully, worried that he might offend her and end up in the gutter later on. Sora started to clean the table, and finally catching Taichi's eyes for the first time.

Only now she noticed how tired he actually looked. The unchanging, optimistic tone of his voice had managed to fool her. Three days ago she found out that his father had been into a car accident. Although it became nothing serious, Taichi's father is yet to recover from the trauma. She felt awkward, but also sympathetic. "How's Susumu-ji-san?"

"Ahh.." His eyes looked downwards, and rested his hand under his chin. "Dad's already out of the hospital, but he still has to take medications and visit the hospital every weekend.. he still can't walk," he said in a neutral voice. "Hikari takes care of him most of the time, since mom started working in Yokohama."

Sora sighed, sat just across him. "Costs that much huh?"

"Yeah. The family's savings wasn't enough, and my dad's life insurance won't answer to the bills. The lawyer we hired said it will take some time to figure things out, so until then, we have to get the money."

"How did you guys settle with the hospital then?"

"A blessing in disguise," he said with a small smile, but still looking downwards. "Shin's one of the doctors there."

"Shin? Jyou's brother?" she asked a bit shocked and excited.

"Yeah. He told me that their dad is one of the shareholders there."

"Ohh.." Sora fumbled on her pocket for her phone, hoping that a certain senpai's name would appear on the screen. "I heard from Jyou that the their family clinic is still recovering.. I reckon things in their business are back up again?"

"Yeah, it seems like it.. they made a special settlement.. it was really kind of them to consider this one," Taichi smiled even wider, now looking genuinely happy. Had it not been for Jyou and his family, he would probably have to halt his studies. "It felt really convenient and lucky."

"It is indeed." She smiled back, standing up from her seat to get back to the counter. Taichi watched her move from one pot to another, slightly curious what's in store for lunch. He wondered what Sora's cooking tastes like; he's 50/50 on that.

"So, about that part-time.."

Oh no, not that again, she thought while she stirred the soup. "I'm not really sure about it, Taichi."

"And which is why I came here!" he exclaimed, his usual self was back. "Do you think your mom accepts part-timers here?"

"Taichi, you don't know anything about flower arranging," replied Sora. "Let alone, art, no offense."

"None taken," he answered confidently. He fiddled with one of the bean stalks, played with it like a toy. "You can teach me. I promise, I won't bail this time,"

But Sora had already doubted. It was the fourth time Taichi had attempted ikebana, and most of the time he ended up making assorted bouquets. As to why Taichi tried ikebana, was beyond her. But this time, he really seemed desperate for a job. What can a good friend do but help, right? "I'll try asking, but I'm not promising anything."

"Okay!" he exclaimed, now grinning like an idiot. He continued to watch Sora prepare her meals, noticing that her waist had gone tinier. It scared him. "Say, what are you doing these days?"

"Last week I went to Kyoto to visit dad."

"Ohh."

"Last Wednesday I went fishing," she added. "I also tried some outdoor activities I wanted to do,"

He reckoned those Sora-and-her-adventures stories were all true. It must have been fun, he thought, wishing he could do those extreme sports. "Are you at least having a clue on what you want to do?"

Sora turned around to look at him, her lip biting a spoon. "Hmm.." If there was anything she found out from all the soul-searching, it was that doing the stuff where she felt at peace the most was her first priority. "Well, the only activity I've been really consistent of is knitting."

Taichi's grin got wider. "Why not try focusing on that? I'm sure you'll find something."

She crossed her arms, raised a brow. "Like what? It's just a hobby, Taichi-kun. Anyone can knit."

Sora jilted in surprise when he stood up from his seat, and went to only-God-knows-which part of their house.

Taichi grunted, started to look around their house. He searched for anything that Sora might have knitted. And he did; he found a lot of handmade sweaters in her room. He checked them out, surprised that they were all amazingly, tightly done. Picking a lavender one, he went back to the kitchen, held it up to show her.

"I would wear this." He said, stretching the piece of clothing on front of her. Sora looked over her shoulder chuckled, and scoffed him off.

"That's my size, Taichi,"

"I'm serious!" he complained, putting the sweater down. 'You should run a business or something!"

"Ehh," she found it weird that he was really agitated about this. Nonetheless, she appreciated his concern. "I'm not good with that sort,"

"I can help," he replied determinedly. "Mimi and I will help! Do you think there's such a degree where you can utilize this skill?"

"Umm…" she turned around again, "Fashion?"

"Try that!"

"But.." it wasn't a new idea - her taking fashion. It had been quite a while since she had thought of it, but there was just one problem that bothered her, thus her hesitation – "I don't know how to draw."

"Well, you can work on that," he said, taking a seat again. "You always do."

"Hmm.." maybe I could take drawing classes next week, Sora told herself. "I'll think about it," she answered, hoping he'd drop the subject. "How's college?"

"Ahhhhhh.." he dropped his head on the table, making a loud noise. "I'm fine. It's hard."

"How hard?"

"I study every time." He murmured.

"Oh!" she said, faking her surprise. "You do now? I'm so proud."

"I mean it, Sora!" exclaimed Taichi again, now slamming his fists on the table. "I study while I eat breakfast, while I do chores, while I commute, while I ride my bike, while I eat lunch, while I have a break, while I'm in a group of friends, while I eat dinner.." the list had went on.

But the redhead could only laugh. "I'm impressed." She told him, now putting the meat with the soupy mixture. "So, when do you actually not study?"

"When I'm with Mimi."

She smiled, couldn't help but be delighted of Taichi's improvement in so many areas. "As it should be."

"But I think I'm not doing enough," sighed the brunet. He checked on his phone, yet to receive another message from his girlfriend. "I try to not her get involved with my problems but I guess I'm just as preoccupied."

"Ahh. Just tell Mimi-chan," she suggested. Now thinking of Mimi, she really does have to make up to her soon. Knowing Mimi, she might think she's purposefully ignoring her.

"Say, have you heard anything of Kou-kun?" she asked, too randomly.

"No," he answered abruptly. "No I haven't," it had been almost a month since he and Koushiro had talked. And whatever, whatever!Taichi scolded himself. He had better things to take care of – like his father.

"But you know, I no longer have the time to go to the gym and the only exercise I get now is with my bike." He said, trying to avert the sensitive topic that is Izumi Koushiro.

She turned her head to look at him, noticed a more serious expression on his face. She turned to her pot. "You don't need the gym though. You still look fit."

"That's because all the food I eat goes to my brain now," he whined, running his hands simultaneously through his hair. "My professors seem to love playing tricks on me, they always call me during recitation."

"Do you get by, at least?"

"I do," he sighed. "But you know, I only do because I study all the time."

"Well that's good to hear."

"It isn't, Sora!" he exclaimed again, now standing up from his seat. "It's like my life is all about studying," he moved closer to her, keenly watched Sora's cooking turn from a pale color to brown. It smelled nice. "And you know, I need to find work right now, too."

"Okay, I'm getting hungry," he muttered, but loud enough for her to hear. She looked at him playfully and affectionately punched his arm.

"Try it," she offered, her spoon filled with a bit of the soup. Taichi sipped from the utensil, made some clicking noises with his lips. He could see the expectant look on Sora's face. He grinned, and said, "Needs more sugar."

The hopeful look on her face fell and stared at him sternly. "No it doesn't."

He chuckled, went back to his seat.

"I heard from Mimi-chan that you're learning to suit up," she said. Mimi had messaged her just a day ago, and told of this fascinating detail.

"Well, she likes it." He boasted.

But there was also something Mimi told her, and bothered her to bits. "Did you know she and Yamato went out last night?"

"Yep."

"And...?" she turned around, her arms crossed against her chest. Her eyes were narrowed, lips curled.

"And what?" Taichi shot Sora an intriguing look. "They're friends. Mimi went with Yamato because you cancelled on her,"

"Because I was sick." She answered bitterly. She didn't like it that Taichi had to point that out.

"Yep. Because you're sick." He agreed sipping from the last drops of his orange juice. He alerted when he felt Sora glaring at him. "What?"

"I'm surprised that you're okay with this."

He could sense it again; the familiar thing Sora does when she doesn't feel good about something. "Umm.. why? They're friends.. they can hang out."

"Even if Yamato's your best friend, it's still another guy with your girlfriend."

"Yeah but.. I couldn't accompany her yesterday." He answered. "She asked me if I could meet up with her, but I had evening classes."

"Yeah.. well," she turned around, masking her frustration. Of course, Taichi would not understand. "It's just weird because if I were in your place, I'd be mad jealous."

He snickered, remembered how Yamato was just as equally jealous of him and Sora during the run of their former relationship. It reminded him mostly of that time he (himself) and Sora went to Ueno Park. And the blond just went secretly batshit crazy. And then there was Yamato and Mimi becoming close friends quicker than the flash of lightning. Everything about Yamato and Sora's relationship had gone downhill from there. "You're always jealous."

It was at this fact that she quickly turned around, her red eyes glowering at him.

"How is it that you're still able to infuriate me?" she retorted, now holding her spoon as if she could use it as a weapon. But Taichi could only snicker, and find it all funny and ironic.

"I know we've talked about this before, but be honest," he said, "do you still love him?"

"I don't.." she said, turning her back. Her voice had calmed down, and so did her shoulders. "I don't anymore. But I'm still having a hard time to forget everything.."

"I really did think it was going to be forever.." she trailed off, but chuckled as well when Taichi did. "Ugh. I don't like it when I say it on front of you."

Her meal had already finished. Sora poured some of the soup in two porridges. Still embarrassed, she placed the two on the table, and sat across him with an unamused face. He was still laughing.

"You are so terrible," she said, giving him a spoon. He took it and thanked her for the food.

"No, I like it! You sound more feminine for once," he said, rather carelessly.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" the redhead shrieked. "Unbelievable! I can't believe you still think I lack the feminine touch!"

"N-no! That's not what I meant," he said, slapping a hand on his forehead. He reached out across the table to take her hand, squeezed it reassuringly while he tried to soothe her. "I mean, you don't have to act so tough around me,"

"What, I don't act tough around you," she defended.

"But you do," argued Taichi. He could not help but think this was all his fault. If there was something he was going to admit as his fault, it was Sora's bruised ego. I really need to say things better, he told himself. "God, did I really traumatize you with that hair clip?!"

She turned to him, laughed in sarcasm. "And I'll never be the same again, Yagami."

"Come on Sora, this," he said, his hands gesturing to her and the dinner table. "This stuff you're doing, it's awesome,"

"You're only saying that to comfort me," she retorted, looking away while eating her soup.

"It is though," he reassured. "Months ago you don't even know how to prepare raw fish. Nowadays I keep hearing you're climbing mountains while knitting sweaters,"

She looked up at him perplexed, wondered where on earth that little detail came from.

"I mean, I'd love to do those things, too, you know," he said, now starting to ramble while he held up his spoon around. "I thought reaching this level of maturity would mean more freedom to do the things I want,"

"And yeah, it does go like that, but it also meant that I have responsibilities to work with.." he continued on. "You know, real priorities."

Sora noticed the changing tone in his voice, and so continued to eat as she watched him. For some reason he was gaining a huge amount of respect from her, admiring how he's changing and turning out to be. At first, she reckoned Taichi would eventually be just like every college student she knows – full of recklessness, getting stuck in being an adolescent, and mediocre grades.

"So yes, Sora, I need that job," he said, finishing his rant. "Do you think you can help me?"

"Your eyes," she told him, "they're pleading."

Noticing that only made Taichi's expression more exaggerated – it was almost toocute. "They are, because I'm trying to convince you,"

She continued to stare at him, waiting for his seriousness to falter. Still, he could really do something with his hair, she thought to herself. But how can she even resist him?

Taichi. Stupid Taichi."Fine, fine. I promise. I'll see how it goes."