A/N: Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, I was fixing some inconsistencies that I found while re-reading this story. It took forever, but I think I found all the major problems!

Catherine has been a much bigger character in this story than I had originally intended. I'm really hoping to end this fic in 17 chapters, so forgive me if the chapters toward the end become a little longer than usual. If I can't squeeze it all in, it will be 18 chapters tops! Hopefully you guys will enjoy these last few moments of Spring Ranting! I know I'm going to enjoy seeing the end of one of my stories!

I haven't really received too many reviews on this story since I came back to , but I've seen the traffic stats and I'm just glad that some people are at least giving it a chance! Thanks for those who have recently reviewed my story, favorite/followed, and even just viewed or visited!

Some references:

Okonomiyaki - it's a Japanese egg pancake/pizza thing. I've always wanted to try it!

One more thing, this next chapter is a little more serious, less light and silly like the other ones have been (at least in my head). It involves a little more heartache and a little more drama. It's also my longest chapter!

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Spring Ranting

Chapter fourteen – Moving On

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"…so the revenue function looks like this," the teacher drabbled on, jotting down equations on the board. "To find the maximum point, we can take the derivative of this function when it equals zero…"

No! Think about math only. Math is nice. The equations are nice. The numbers are nice. It's all just so nice! She said, trying to concentrate on what her teacher was saying.

Sora was absolutely livid. As soon as she and the others returned home from their trip, her mother handed her a sticky note with her father's new phone number, when and where to call him, and that he had something very important to talk to Sora about. As soon as she got the message and made a side note of her mother's quick getaway after she handed her the note, she was sure the two of them had spoken and something was definitely up.

To her dismay, the news wasn't good. At least it wasn't good news on her end. Her father and his new bosses had agreed on a six-month provisional contract while they continued sorting out his new position in their company. So on top of the three months he already told her about, another three months were added to his stay in New York? Sora was disappointed that her father never discussed any of this with her before deciding on staying in New York for another three months. Six months she'd have to stay here!

Still, she had questions for him. Will she be able to go live with him? Not yet, he was still living on a friend's couch while he searched for a more permanent residence that the two of them could eventually live together. If things don't work out after six months will they move back to Okayama? He said he wasn't sure. The higher rent they would have to dish out in order to live in Okayama again might not be worth it. Did she have to stay with Mom? Yes, for the time being until he called her again for an update. Did she really have to go to school in Odaiba? Yes, he already had Mom draw up the paperwork and enroll her. Why was he torturing her? He wasn't and it was for her own good to learn to get along with her mother.

She groaned and absently glanced back up at the blackboard, continuing to jot down notes. She hated math and she hated how monotone her teacher's voice was. She was just glad it was Friday and the end of her third week at Odaiba High School. After weeks of scrutinizing stares and whispers as she walked by, her "allure" as the new girl was finally wearing off. People from her class had begun to get to know her and decided that she was just a normal student like them. Aside from some of the curious stares from people outside of her class, she pretty much began to blend in with the rest of the school.

When class finished, she walked out and was relieved to see Matt's familiar face by her locker. Her mood improved when his eyes lit up as soon as he saw her. When he gave her an enthusiastic wave, she smiled and returned with her own small wave.

After her talk with her dad, she called Matt to tell him she would be staying in Odaiba for an additional three months, on top of the three she had previously told him about. She had to make sure he was okay with knowing that their relationship might be cut short if she were to move, or if it did end up becoming really serious, there was a possibility of them having to attempt a long distance relationship. Matt just seemed ecstatic with the news that she might be staying longer and reveled in the fact that he would have the opportunity to convince her to stay in Odaiba. Maybe if things really got serious she'd consider staying in Odaiba after all. She was just glad he was so understanding and she felt sure she had made the right decision by wanting to be with him. They ended up talking a little longer, reminiscing about spring vacation and how they were both sad it was over. Their month off school together had been simply amazing.

Even though she wasn't the "new girl" anymore, there were a few girls who still seemed to take an interest in her. Not in a good way, she realized, noticing the furrowed brows and deathly looks being thrown her way as she made her way to her boyfriend. She shrugged and figured they were just upset that the sweet, brooding, gorgeous, and unattainable Matt Ishida, lead singer and guitarist of The Wolves, was in a committed relationship. Still, she didn't know if she could get used to being envied by strangers.

Her sour thoughts were soon chased away when she found her way to Matt. He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pulled her against him, crushing her lips with his in a sweet yet demanding way. She certainly didn't expect it, but she slowly melted into it, closing her eyes and returning the affection by moving her lips against his and wrapping her arms around his neck. As soon as they broke away, both a little breathless, she opened her eyes and found a pair of chocolate eyes gazing intently back at her in the distance, an injured look prevalent on his handsome features. As if snapping out of a daze, the owner of the eyes instantly slammed his locker shut, spun toward the opposite direction, and disappeared amidst the crowd of students.

Matt gently pulled back a little, his hands shifting to her shoulders so he could look at her face. "I just hated the way those girls were glaring at you. I had to show them just exactly how much you mean to me."

She smiled awkwardly, her face a dark shade of scarlet. She loved being with Matt, but sometimes it made her a little uncomfortable when he wanted to be affectionate in public. It wasn't that she cared about what other people thought because if two people have feelings for each other, who was to say where and when they should show it? Something just tugged at her chest, like a feeling of embarrassment, or shyness, or was it guilt? Why would she be feeling guilty? She wasn't doing anything wrong, right? It wasn't like she was betraying anyone because there was no one to betray. This was her boyfriend for Kami's sake! So why did she feel so guilty all of a sudden?

She shook the feeling away and flashed Matt a brilliant smile. "Well it was nice. They just need to get over the fact that you're taken now," she said confidently. With a little boost of courage, she grabbed his hand as they walked toward the exit, strolling past a group of clearly offended girls.

"So you want to come over tonight and study together? You can stay for dinner! My mom is cooking her famous okonomiyaki! It's seriously the best thing I've ever put in my mouth," Sora said, her mouth watering at the thought of tonight's meal.

Matt scratched the back of his head nervously and gave her a sheepish grin. "That sounds awesome but I actually have band practice tonight," he said cautiously.

Sora frowned. "You told me last night that you didn't have practice today," she said with a pout.

"I know, Sor, I'm sorry. It's just that Akira's older sister gave birth last night so we had to cut practice short. We really need to get these songs down before the tour next week." She tried to mask her disappointment but she knew he could tell. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them gently and reassuringly. "Look, I promise I'll make it up to you. I bet I can make okonomiyaki just as well as your mom can."

Sora gave him a soft smile and nodded, still crestfallen about him skipping out on her again. She couldn't help but feel a little cheated. Spring vacation with Matt had been so beautiful. They experienced first kisses, first intimate conversations, and on the evening before the new semester began, they spent their first night together. She remembered the way the moonlight reflected off his azure eyes as he gazed lovingly at her through heavy lids. She remembered blushing furiously, standing in front of him with her dress and undergarments pooled at her feet.

They had just had their 10th date since returning from Kyoto and Matt's dad was conveniently out of town. She had been nervous and fidgety about the encounter ever since she decided that she wanted it to happen that night. Matt seemed eager to be with her; if he had been nervous it hardly showed on his confident face, his eyes were glazed over with lust as they greedily roamed her bare body. She had begun to feel anxious, but as soon as he kissed her, she relaxed against his warmth and allowed herself to enjoy the next few hours.

Ever since that night it seemed they barely spent any time together besides lunch in the school cafeteria. It had been almost two months but it seemed like Matt was always at band practice. She was happy for his success, so many venues were requesting his band recently, but she couldn't help but feel heartbroken over the fact that the best time she spent with her new boyfriend had been almost a month ago.

"I'll call you tonight, okay?" he said, searching her eyes, hoping she wasn't mad at him. She gave a hurried nod.

She sighed as he gave her a quick kiss before rushing over to his impatiently waiting band mates. She watched him disappear in the opposite direction.

When she made it home, she found Kari reading at the dining table. She plopped down next to her and folded her arms over the table and dropped her head into her arms. Kari looked up from her book and gave her a questioning look, finally deciding to tap the older girl on her shoulder.

"You okay onee-chan?" she asked.

Sora kept her head on her arms but turned toward the younger girl and smiled. "I don't know…"

"You and Matt have a fight or something? Or did Tai piss you off again?" the younger brunette inquired.

"I don't know what I'm doing Kari. I wanted to be with Matt because on paper we're perfect for each other. We like the same music, same food, same sports, same humor, we both hate rap music and the color brown, and I honestly thought things would be less complicated with him," she blurted out, not knowing why she was spewing her problems at Tai's little sister.

Kari nodded. "Less complicated with him than with Tai?" she added. Sora's eyes lit up at the sound of Tai's name, but she caught herself and immediately began shaking her head violently.

"Wha—no! Just less complicated in general. But after spring break we hardly ever see each other! It's infuriating! I probably saw him twice outside of school since spring break ended. You'd think we could at least spend time with each other on the weekends, but he has his gigs on the weekends. And Tai and I have barely spoken a word to each other since Hanatouro even though we promised to be friends. I mean I get it. He's probably busy with soccer and Catherine…" she said wistfully.

Kari promptly slammed her book shut and turned to the older girl. "Okay, I'm just going to be blunt, do you love Matt? You pointed out that you had certain similarities and described some level of compatibility between you two but you never actually said you liked him. That should, honestly, be the first thing, if not the only, thing that matters."

Sora crinkled her nose at the word 'love.' "Love?! Wha—I mean I like him well enough. But love! We've only been dating for less than two months! Besides, I don't believe in that love at first sight nonsense," Sora blathered. She gave Kari a suspicious look. "How old are you again? Do you even know what you're talking about?"

"Hey! You're the one who wanted to share your problems with me! I'm just trying to help!" Kari piqued, crossing her arms, a little hurt by the jab about her young age and inexperience.

"You're right, sorry…" Sora knew the girl was too smart and too observant for her own good. She was right to question Sora's feelings for Matt. She cared for him but there was something tugging at her that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Still, Sora wasn't a quitter. Her relationship with Matt just began; there was no way she was going to give up on him just because his band was getting more popular. Relationships were hard work and she definitely wanted to put in the extra hours. Exasperated, she stood up from her seat and gave the younger girl a quick hug, catching her off guard. "Thanks Kari, this talk really helped."

"You're…welcome?" Kari said, not really sure if their conversation was really finished.

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"Seriously Cat, this can't happen again," Tai said, scrambling to pull his pants on, stumbling backward onto the ground in the process. He cursed under his breath. He shot back up, finally succeeding in getting his pants up, pulling up his zipper and buttoning his pants as he searched frantically for his school shirt and blazer.

Sitting up from her bed, Catherine gazed nervously at the bare chested brunette boy, clutching the blanket tightly in her fists to cover her bare chest. Her face was still flushed from their recent activities but her expression quickly turned from satiation to confusion and anger.

"You said that last time Tai," she said darkly. "You're the one who came here after soccer practice."

"I know—and I'm sorry…I just…I was pissed off today…" Tai faltered, not really knowing how to explain himself. He was finally able to get his pants on but gave up trying to find his shirt and blazer. He stood in front of his ex-girlfriend, unable to finish his explanation. How could he tell her that he felt guilty after each of their sessions but he just couldn't bring himself to stay away from her when she was so eager to let him do what he wanted? He knew he was taking advantage of her feelings and he really wanted to return her feelings so why couldn't he just try? Why did it make him so angry seeing Matt kiss Sora at school? Sora definitely made it clear to him that she was serious about Matt. And Matt, even in the awkward way he told Tai about his feelings for Sora, made it clear he was serious about her. But even now, every time he thought about the two together, it made his stomach churn.

"And you wanted to blow off some steam with your booty call?" she snapped, still clutching the blanket, dragging it out of bed as she cornered Tai, forcing him to look into her deep blue eyes. "I'm not a play thing Tai. I told you what I wanted in Kyoto but you still haven't told me what you wanted from me. It's been weeks! Is this it? You just want to screw and go? Because if it is, you can find someone else."

Tai's guilt was overwhelming. The look in Catherine's large, loving eyes scared him to death. He had definitely gone way too far this time. She just looked sad and defeated now, with no fight left in her, her eyes brimming with tears from her frustration. His hand came up to her cheek then to the back of her head, stroking her hair gently as he pulled her into a chaste hug. He clamped his eyes shut as he held the blond beauty tightly in his arms. He noticed just how much she cried whenever she was around him. He hated it. She melted into him, sobbing softly against his chest. No, it was finally time to be direct with her. He finally had to do right by this girl. He needed to grow a pair of balls and stop playing with Catherine's emotions. After everything he put her through, she continued to give him way too many chances. She was way too good for him. She deserved better than this.

And it only took you this long to realize it, idiot… he told himself, dismally.

"No…I don't just want a booty call. I'm sorry Catherine, I really am. I'm just a stupid kid with stupid hormones. I guess I still can't get over the fact that you even went out with me. You're seriously way out of my league," Tai said, giving her a cute, lop-sided grin. She chuckled at the comment while he wiped away her stray tears.

"So what do we do now?" Catherine asked.

Here goes nothing… Tai thought nervously.

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Sora awoke from the couch with a start upon hearing the front door slam. She popped her head over the couch and noticed Tai trudging in, looking worn out and a little pissed off. The two of them locked eyes and Sora quickly averted his sharp gaze, tucking her head back behind the couch.

What time is it? she thought glancing at her watch. 3:30am. What was Tai doing home so late? Probably with Catherine, she thought bitterly, though she didn't quite understand why she still hated the thought. She looked down and noticed her books spread around the coffee table and on her lap, the mess of homework assignments nearly blanketing her legs. She must have fallen asleep trying to finish her homework.

"What are you still doing up?" Tai asked, appearing behind the couch, holding a glass of water.

Sora jumped at his voice, papers scattering all over the floor. She quickly leaned forward and furiously collected each one off the ground. Tai swiftly went around the couch and knelt down, helping her collect her assignments. He handed them to her and the two looked at each other awkwardly.

"Thanks…um I was just finishing my homework. I guess I fell asleep finishing the last one," she said quickly. "So what are you doing home so late?" She mentally kicked herself for the nosy question and added with a hand up to stop him from saying a word, "no, none of my business."

Tai took a sip of his water and plunked himself down next to the redhead. "Um no it's okay. I had a late practice and I was…uh…out with Catherine."

"Oh. Cool," she said nodding slowly, not knowing what else to say.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, my mom is coming by tomorrow," Tai started, breaking the silence that almost became awkward.

Sora sighed with relief, glad that he had been the one to continue their conversation. "Where has she been? I think I've seen her a total of five times since I came back."

"You won't believe this. She's been staying at a hotel right next to the hospital, since it's in the city (A/N: referring to Tokyo), so she could be close to Dad and help him with his physical therapy. She tried to stay at the hospital with him and for a while she actually got away with it, but finally the nurses had to kick her out."

"How's your dad doing?" Sora asked.

"A lot better. I saw him last weekend and he was actually sitting up and even moving his toes. I'm going to see him again tomorrow with Kari and Mom. I guess he started his physical therapy on Monday."

"That's what I want…" Sora said absently, gazing off into the distance.

"What?"

I want what your parents have. That passionate, overwhelming, generous kind of love, she thought dreamily. Tai and Kari had told her stories of their parents. How they had first met in an elevator of a high rise they both worked in. How Tai's dad meticulously timed each morning so that he could catch her in the lobby and ride the same elevator car as her. How in love they still were after all these years. Tai told the stories in such a way that almost made him seem disgusted by how sweet they were to each other. But she could tell he admired them in his own way. Kari was a romantic like her. She could tell by the way Kari told the stories that she idolized her parents' relationship and would probably actively pursue something similar in the future. Sometimes Sora felt like such a sap. She almost always wore her heart on her sleeve and was happy she had been doing a better job of keeping her emotions in check lately. Usually, she would admit her admiration for the Yagami couple with enthusiasm, but this time, she dared not to. Not in front of the anti-romantic Tai.

"I—I would want my family at my side if something like that were to happen," she said instead. It wasn't a total lie.

"Yeah, me too. They're just so corny. I didn't know why she was hiding it but I guess she just didn't want us to worry about her…even though it was obvious she was with him," Tai said taking a sip of his water. "Well, I need to be up early tomorrow—er—I guess today. Hah. G'night Sora." He stood up to leave, glass of water in hand.

"Good night," she said with a half-smile, her eyes linger on his back as he disappeared up the stairs. She glanced down at her homework but instead of finishing the last problem, she reached into her purse and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper.

It was the note from the Tai Yagami that was once a child. She had read it over and over a million times since she got a hold of it and she still couldn't believe these words were from that arrogant, rude, silly, messy boy. She was a little surprised that he still hadn't noticed it was gone. Maybe he thought of it as a thing from the past and simply forgot about it by now. Whatever it was, she was glad. Even if he did find out it was gone, she was going to keep it. It was addressed to her anyhow.

She couldn't believe that even at the young age he wrote the letter his words held that passionate, overwhelming generous sort of love that Sora had always wanted. Even though it seemed like Tai had eventually moved on with Catherine, and she with Matt, she wanted to hold on to that letter for the rest of her life as a reminder that, everyone can feel that same type of love for another person, even someone cynical like Tai. She secretly felt grateful that those feelings had been for her even if they were most likely long gone…

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"I can't believe how well Dad is doing," Kari commented giddily. She and Tai watched their father do his morning exercises with his trainer, giving him gestures of encouragement when he would smile at him. Mrs. Yagami was standing next to one of the physical therapists, looking deep in conversation with her.

"Yeah, he'll be walking in no time," Tai said with a smile.

Mrs. Yagami approached her children with a huge smile plastered on her face. "So…how do you two feel about moving into an apartment as a family again?"

"Really!?" Kari exclaimed. "Yes! Definitely! Dad's coming home?"

Tai smiled earnestly at his younger sister. He was happy his dad was home and it was going to be great to finally be together again but…

"Tai you don't seem to happy about the news," his mom said with a frown, interrupting his train of thought.

He looked up and gave her a bright smile. "What!? Of course I'm happy Mom! Dad's coming home! We can have our own place again! Why wouldn't I be happy?"

Suddenly his mom grabbed both of his cheeks and gave them both a quick pinch. "You're so cute sweetie! I know you're going to miss Sora but I promise you, we won't be too far from her!"

Tai gently slapped his mother's hands off his face and shook his head violently. His face was the darkest shade of scarlet. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?" he found himself yelling. He cleared his throat and adjusted his collar. "Sora's a friend. Besides it was nice to see Kari interacting with another girl for a change," he said with a smirk.

Kari shot her brother an annoyed look. "I have friends who are girls!" she yelled back, a little offended.

"Um well let's see the list of your friends… there's TK, there's Davis, Ken…I guess you can say Yolei's your friend but she lives in CALIFORNIA!"

"Mom Onii-chan is being childish because he knows he's going to miss his little elementary school girlfriend sooooo much!" Kari returned, sticking her tongue out at Tai.

"Okay you two, that's enough. Tai, you're graduating high school soon. It's time to act like a man, stop harassing your baby sister," Mrs. Yagami said, patting her children on their heads.

"Mom, I AM a man!"

"I'm not a baby!"

"So your father will be able to come home with us next week if he continues to progress the way he has been," their mother continued, ignoring their whines. "Also, I signed the lease to our new apartment this morning so we're going to need to start packing our things soon!"

Tai watched as his mother and sister hugged each other excitedly. He was ecstatic about having his father back after so long. Even after all the time that passed, he was only just starting to get used to living in a house with another family so it would be nice to live in his own home with his own family again. But living with Sora and her mom was nice. Sora's mom actually made real food that tasted amazing compared to the inedible mush his mother created every night. He even preferred staying at practice late to going home and eating dinner. At least not eating dinner got him through breakfast the next day. He would be so hungry he wouldn't even notice how gross the food was.

He also realized living with Sora was the only thing keeping the two in contact now. Without that connection, there was really no reason to really talk to her anymore unless they were among mutual friends. She was dating his best friend, well…could he really still call Matt his best friend? It's been a while since he really had a conversation with Matt, but the blond was still trying so hard to keep their friendship intact that he felt he had to try harder too. But even with their shaky friendship, Matt's friendship came before Sora's. His and Sora's friendship was based on a relationship they had when they were children, something that almost made it…insubstantial.

Maybe it was for the better.

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A/N: Almost finished! I'm excited! R&R!