Chapter 1-First Meeting?

Matt Ishida strummed his guitar absently. Their jet would land at JFK International Airport soon. He would once again perform in front of an audience that was filled to capacity. He looked out the window and laid his head against the cool window. Suddenly a face flashed before his eyes. He winced. I can see her perfectly in my mind's eye. I haven't seen her in months and I can still see her like it was yesterday. Why can't I stop thinking about her?

He blinked rapidly in order to stop the tears that threatened to come. I won't let myself cry over her. She's the one who did it…I didn't do anything wrong. But…it still hurts as much as it did when she told me.

Matt forced himself to put his guitar inside its case and snap the case shut. I won't think about her. I need to let her go and move on with my life.

He looked around at his other bandmates. Akio, the bass guitarist had fallen asleep during the flight. Haru, the "Keyboard Man" was typing on his laptop and Naoki was tapping his drum sticks together. All of them had been so excited to go on their first world tour. I didn't have the heart to tell them that going on tour was the last thing I wanted to do. After all, we worked so hard to make it big…

Matt felt his stomach flip-flop as the plane landed. He quickly put on his sunglasses and tied his long, blonde hair in a knot before putting a baseball cap on.

Soon the band exited the plane and walked over to the limo that was waiting to take them to their hotel. They wouldn't be performing for a couple of days, so they could go relax and sleep off the jet lag that they were all feeling. The four bandmates piled into the limo and the limo pulled away from their private jet.

Akio nudged Matt's elbow, "We're finally here. The Big Apple…are you ready to take a bite out of it man?"

Matt shrugged. "I don't really care."

"Hey, you okay? You've been more…depressed than usual."

Naoki and Haru looked at Matt curiously. All of them are worried about me. I have to admit I've been a big pain in the ass lately. Well…at least more than I normally am.

"I'm just tired. You know all the performances we did in Japan before we left and all. I've been staying up writing some new stuff for our next album too…so yeah…I'm just tired." Matt replied awkwardly.

The subject was dropped after that and they rode to the hotel in silence.

Mimi Tachikawa adjusted her costume anxiously. Why am I so damn nervous? I've done a million shoots just like this one. Why can't I get this feeling to go away? Ever since I got tickets to Matt's show in New York I've felt like this. I've felt…nervous and uneasy. I…I heard about what happened to him…I can't imagine what he's feeling right now.

"Mimi darling focus! We have to get these shots to be perfect. Otherwise you won't make it to fashion week."

She turned toward the camera and struck her pose. The photographer snapped the picture, praising her natural talent and brilliance. A few hours later the shoot was over. Mimi sighed as she changed into a sweater and a pair of comfortable jeans. It was cold in New York this time of year. She played absently with one of the strands of pink hair that she had dyed specifically for this shoot.

"This was your best shoot Mimi darling. The judges will be so impressed. I'm sure you'll make fashion week." Her photographer cooed.

Mimi forced herself to smile as she looked over the pictures. She was surprised how well they turned out. The photographer had chosen a futuristic theme and the lighting and costumes were brilliant. Her newly dyed pink hair seemed to complement the scene perfectly. I can't shake this feeling that something's going to happen. I feel like…I haven't felt like this since my time in the Digital World all those years ago. I haven't felt this sense of foreboding…

"Come on Meems, let's go celebrate!" Claire, a fellow model, jumped in the air.

Mimi nodded numbly. Of course there would be underage drinking and clubbing tonight. After all…the models had worked so hard these last couple of days to prepare for this shoot, the one that would determine if they would participate in the New York Fashion Week that was coming up.

"Let me just stop off and change. I can't exactly wear a sweater and flats to a club." Mimi replied to Claire's outburst,

Claire nodded as they exited the building and were greeted by the chilly New York night. They both got in the limo that was waiting for them. Mimi quickly changed into a low cut shirt and changed her shoes. She shrugged at her pink hair. I should have taken the time to have it dyed back…but I guess I can do that later. Right now, it's time to go party.

She slipped back into the limo where Claire was waiting. They were whisked off to an exclusive club in downtown Manhattan, which was designed especially for celebrities. Mimi and Claire easily entered the club even though the bouncer knew they were underage.

Immediately on entering the club, Mimi ordered herself a drink. The feeling is getting stronger. Maybe something is supposed to happen tonight.

Claire disappeared into the crowds of dancing people. Mimi drank a few drinks at the bar and just listened to the pulsing of the music. Suddenly someone sat next to her. The lights were dim and so she couldn't see the face of the person who sat next to her.

"Let me buy you another drink." A husky voice said.

Mimi looked up at the man who was sitting next to her. She shrugged as he ordered her another drink. He handed the bartender his credit card. Mimi's eyes widened as she saw the symbols on the card. That's a Japanese credit card. Of course it works around the world…but the card is definitely from Japan.

The man who had bought her a drink put his credit card back in his wallet and turned to face her.

"Something wrong?" he asked while taking a sip of his beer.

"No, I just thought I've seen that credit card before. Are you by any chance…Japanese?" Mimi asked nervously.

He took a long swig of his beer before answering, "Yeah I am. I live in Tokyo. I'm just here on business."

Mimi marveled at how his voice sounded. He was obviously trying to hide his Japanese accent. And he was pretty good at it. If she hadn't seen his credit card, she wouldn't have any idea that he was a foreigner.

"How did you guess I was Japanese?" he asked.

"Well…" Mimi paused. For some reason she felt like she shouldn't tell this stranger that she had once lived in Japan. That she had grown up for the first 13 years of her life in Japan. That she was originally from Odaiba.

"I have travelled around the world with my job. I've been to Tokyo a couple of times. That card is pretty common back there right?"

The man nodded, "You're right. But I won't be going back to that hell hole for a long time. Maybe I'll never go back."

This perked Mimi's interest. What happened to this guy in Tokyo that would make him not want to go back? I would jump at the chance to go back to Tokyo. I would love to live there permanently.

"Something bad happen over there? You rob a bank and now you're on the run." Mimi said jokingly.

"Maybe so. Regardless…I need something stronger. Want to do some shots?"

Mimi didn't want to look like a wimp in from of this young, Japanese stranger. She nodded and he ordered them some shots. Both of them finished their shots and then he leaned towards her.

"Want to dance?" he asked, his Japanese accent shining through.

Mimi nodded and followed him to the dance floor. He led her towards a corner where the music was pulsing under their feet. His arms encircled her tiny waist and they began to sway together. She was surprised at how their bodies seemed to mold together. Her breathing grew heavy as his hands began to wander around her body. They were so close to each other that she could smell his cologne. There's something familiar about this cologne. I feel like I know this guy from somewhere.

His breathing grew heavier in sync with hers. His lips began to trail kisses down her neck. Mimi gasped in shock. His lips are so soft and warm. I usually don't get this close to a guy. But I feel like I know this one from somewhere.

The song ended. Mimi started to pull away, but he maintained his grip around her waist. She looked up and realized this stranger had blue eyes. His eyes were blue like a pure sapphire. But they had a hint of coldness to them. They were cold like ice. Could it be? No…there's no way. It can't be.

"You never told me your name. I should thank you for the drinks." Mimi asked breathlessly.

"If I told you that I might have to kill you."

Mimi giggled nervously, "I doubt it. You're just trying to wiggle your way out of giving your name."

He chuckled in her ear, "You certainly are persistent. I've never met a girl who wanted my name so bad. But I'm sure you'd have no idea who I was even if I told you my name."

"Try me."

He sighed, "Fine…my name's Matt. Or at least…that's how you Americans would probably say it."

Mimi's hand had been holding his that were lingering on her waist. When she heard his name, her hands instantly dropped.

"You don't know anything about me Matt. I know…I've heard about you. Matt isn't your real name is it? What's your given name?"

He stiffened against her. She could feel his arms tighten around her waist, which caused her to wince.

"How do you know about that if you've only been to Tokyo a few times?"

"Well I know a lot about Japanese culture. So tell me what your given name is."

Matt sighed. It's not like I'm going to ever see this girl again.

"Ishida, Yamato." He answered.

Mimi's eyes widened as the realization hit her. Oh my hell it is him! I'm dancing with Yamato. Ishida, Yamato…Mr. Cool from our group of Digidestined. The bearer of the Crest of Friendship…it's really him.

The music began to play again and Mimi forced herself to dance with him. She didn't want him to find out it was her. She hadn't seen any of the "old gang" since she'd left Japan years ago. She couldn't bring herself to see them again. Especially not Yamato…

Especially not after everything that had happened.

Maybe he won't even remember me. I mean after all…I'm sure I was just that annoying girl that was always dressed in pink to him. Oh hell what am I saying? I'm the one who helped him hook up with Sora in the first place. I was the one who told him the best ways to romance her. I helped him…during those tough times too…

Matt's hand moved across her waist and up the curves of her body. Mimi glanced at his hand. He doesn't even realize what he's doing. He never realized what was really going on. He never realized…that I had a crush on him. Of course I wanted to help Yamato with his romance issues, but honestly…the reason I helped Matt win Sora's heart was for her. I knew all along that she was desperately in love with Yamato. I did it for her…even though it ultimately broke my heart when they started falling for each other.

Her mind wandered back to those moments in her life. She had just turned 13 and had started middle school. Sora, Taichi, and Yamato were a grade ahead of her but they were still supportive in her transition. Jyou and Koushiro were there too. Everything seemed to be going well when Yamato had approached her about Sora. Her mind flashed back to the moment when he'd asked her.

"Mimi-san, you and Sora-san are best friends…damn this is so awkward to ask." He said while kicking the dirt.

She blushed at his curse and because of him. The way his eyes glanced nervously at the ground made her heart start to race.

"What is it Yamato-sama? Is there something…you want to know about Sora-chan?"

Yamato looked up slowly, "Yeah…well…Sora-san is so different from other girls…I really don't…know how to approach her."

Mimi's eyes widened in shock. He wants me to help him romance Sora-chan. He doesn't even realize how he makes me feel. Her heart suck to the bottom of her feet as she realized the gravity of what he was asking. I'll never be able to tell him my true feelings if I help him with Sora-chan. I couldn't betray Sora-chan like that…if she falls for him, then I will never get my chance with him.

She glanced across the school yard at Sora and Taichi as they were playing a game of soccer. She'd be so happy though. I know how much she loves Yamato-sama. She wants him more than anything in the world. Ever since they spent a lot of time in the Digital World…she's wanted him. I have to do this…for Sora-chan.

"Alright Yamato-sama. I'll help you win Sora-chan." She held her thumb up and smiled at him, "I know you can do it. You'll win Sora-chan's heart for sure."

Her mind slipped back to her current situation as Matt's warm breath washed over the side of her face. The song had ended and he was looking at her. He was clearly wondering what she was thinking about. He turned her slowly around and looked into her eyes, trying to decipher her thoughts.

"So Matt…what kind of business are you on? What brings you to New York?"

His eyebrow arched. "You seem to know a lot about me. Why don't you tell me?"

"I don't know any more than anybody else. I just know what I've read."

A smirk graced his face. Mimi felt her breathing stop for a moment. This is so stupid. I still…feel something for him. It's been years since I've seen him and yet the moment I see him again, I turn into a school girl again.

"I'm here on tour with my band. We're here for a couple of days."

Mimi nodded slowly. "That's good. I was interested when I heard your band's story. Rising from a garage band of sorts to being internationally famous."

Matt led her over to a couch that was away from the music and crowds of dancing people. He sat down and she followed suit.

"You haven't told me much about yourself. I don't even know your name." Matt replied.

Mimi shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Shit! What am I going to tell him? "Hi Yamato-sama it's been years. I don't know if you remember me at all, my name is Mimi Tachikawa and we went to the Digital World together". There's no way I can say that.

"Well I'm a model here in New York City. I've done a couple of shows for Prada, Gucci, and a couple other companies. I'm trying to make it to New York's Fashion Week that is coming up. That will really cement me in as a serious internationally known model. And my name is…Tammy. Tammy Evans." She explained.

Well that was pretty truthful, except my name. Tammy…I totally though that up on the spot.

"Tammy, it's good to finally have a name to put to a face. But I have to ask…what's with the pink hair?"

Mimi laughed at this question. She had almost forgotten about her hair and its unusual color. "I had to dye it for a shoot I was doing. It makes me really stand out doesn't it?"

It was Matt's turn to laugh. Mimi found herself blushing. I haven't seen him laugh like that in so long.

"Yes, it certainly does."

A finger tapped Matt's shoulder and he looked up. His smirk widened as he saw Naoki.

"Naoki, have you found yourself some beautiful women to dance with?"

Naoki grinned, "Of course Matt. So…who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is Tammy. She's a local model. Apparently she's done some modeling for Prada and Gucci. She hopes to make it to New York's Fashion Week."

Naoki's eyes appraised her from head to toe. Mimi shifted nervously. It's almost like he's undressing me with his mind.

Matt elbowed Naoki; he almost seemed to have read her thought. "Naoki it's rude to stare. Where are the rest of the guys?"

"Dancing, drinking and doing hell knows what else. I just think that we should get going soon. It's gonna be a rough morning, if we don't stop soon."

Matt reached over and put his arm around Mimi. She forced herself not to tense up or look surprised by his move.

"I don't want to leave just yet. I'm enjoying myself."

Naoki's eyes softened for a split second, "We all know you could use some of that right now. All right, I'll go check on the other guys."

Matt watched as he left and then turned his attention back to Mimi. She looked down at her jeans, trying to think about what to say next.

"You know Tammy…this may seem rather forward of me, but, I really find you…interesting. I'd certainly like to talk more over tea, um…I mean coffee sometime."

A smile crept over her face. Still the same Yamato…he's trying to seem cool, but he's super nervous. He's definitely thinking too hard.

"I'd like that Matt. Let me give you my cell phone number."

Matt instantly took out his phone and handed it to Mimi. She blinked as she saw a picture displaying on the screen. It was of him and Sora. She was kissing him lightly on the cheek and Matt's arms were around her waist. His hair hung in his eyes and he had a small smirk on his face. So…he did get with Sora. I knew he would. I mean why wouldn't he?

She quickly put her number in and handed his phone back. She bit her lip, wanting to ask him about Sora, but she couldn't find the courage to ask. An uncomfortable silence followed.

"Let me give you my number too, just in case." Matt broke the ice.

Mimi absently handed him her phone. He put his number into her phone and handed it back to her. He looked into her eyes and then looked down at his shoes.

"You're wondering about the picture aren't you?"

Mimi looked up at him in complete shock, "How did you know I wanted to ask about that?"

"I can just tell. You see, you're pretty easy to read. Your eyes…they say a lot about you."

Mimi's eyes locked with his. He's being completely serious. Does that mean he can tell that I'm telling him a lie? Does he know that I really am Mimi Tachikawa, a fellow Digidestined?

"And what are they telling you?" she asked breathlessly.

"They are telling me that you are a girl…that wants security. You've been hurt and you want someone who understands you. Someone who really wants to know you for you and not just because you're famous." He answered.

Mimi nodded, "Yeah that's true. You really are good at that. But about the girl in the picture…is she an ex of yours or something?"

She flinched when she saw his posture slouch. He leaned over so his hair fell in his face. But she didn't need to see his eyes to know that this was a painful subject for him. I know some stuff…but I don't know everything…I wish he could tell me. I wish I knew what really happened that night.

"Yeah, she's my ex-girlfriend. I just haven't had a chance to change the picture yet."

She touched his long blonde hair, running her fingers through it. He didn't flinch away from her. Bringing up Sora seemed to put him in a completely different universe. He was definitely somewhere else.

"I'm sorry Matt. I didn't mean to bring up something so painful. We don't have to talk about it. It's okay."

Matt suddenly sat up and reached for her other hand. Mimi froze and her eyes widened. Matt's eyes were…soft…not there wasn't the usual ice and coldness behind those eyes. Mentioning Sora had brought out a softness, a tenderness in him. She could see the raw pain there too. This just happened recently. I can see why that would be.

"You know…I've been so down since things happened between me and her. But you…you make me feel…okay. You make me feel normal again. I don't feel that darkness that constantly surrounds me since I've been with you."

Mimi's breath caught in her chest. His hand was cupping her cheek. She could feel the warmth of his skin against hers. He was leaning closer and closer to her. She closed her eyes and his lips softly met hers. She marveled at how gently he kissed her. She'd never been kissed like that before.

Suddenly an overwhelming urge to be close to him took over her. She brought her body closer to his as she ran her hands through his long locks. He instantly responded by running his hand down to her waist and pulling her even closer. The bitter pain he felt seemed to radiate in his every movement. Mimi felt her own pain rush out of her. Every moment when she'd watched as Matt and Sora had come closer and closer to falling for each other and knowing her own heart was breaking. Then her own moments of heartbreak with her own ex-boyfriend came back to her. All the little glimpses of his demeaning words, his affairs with other girls, the pain of his punches and physical abuse, everything rushed back to her.

They broke apart after a moment and stared at each other. He seems to feel my pain. It's like he knows what I've went through.

"Tammy…" he breathed.

"Hey Matt, it's time to go dude!" Haru called over the blaring music. Akio and Naoki were right beside him, grabbing their jackets.

Matt glanced at his band mates and then back at her.

"Don't go." Mimi whispered longingly.

He touched her cheek and wiped away a tear that had fallen. She reached up and put her hand on top of his.

"I need to go. But Tammy…I promise I'll call you tomorrow. I'll call you first thing. I still need to take you to coffee remember?"

A small giggle escaped her throat and then she returned to being serious.

"Are you really or are you just saying that? I've had guys say they'll call me and they never do."

Matt smirked, "I promise that I will call you Tammy. In fact…I promise you and in order to prove it…"

He opened his wallet and pulled out a necklace. Her eyes widened at the symbol that hung from the cord. This was his necklace…the one that had the Crest of Friendship on it. Every one of the Digidestined had received one the day they had given up their crest and tags to protect the Digital World.

"I want you to keep this safe until we meet up for coffee. It's very precious to me. Then you can return it when I take you for coffee."

Mimi reverently held the necklace in her hands. She knew exactly how precious this was to him. It reminded him of the old days. Of his best friend, Gabumon and all the times they had together.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her forehead. His lips lingered their another moment and then he was gone. Slowly Mimi got up from the couch, she held up the necklace and fastened it around her neck. There was no way she was going to let this go…until they met again.