Bittersweet Melody

Second Arc: Act Twenty Five

"It's going to be strange, saying good bye."

Takao flinched at the words 'good bye'. It was the last two words he ever wanted to hear. After what had happened. He sat in Taro's car, facing the window. The rest of his team sat in the seats in front and behind him, chatting it up. Beside him sat Hiromi, dressed to the T. He knew they were going to go out after seeing off their friends, but did she really need to dress up for the occasion? Takao could care less at the moment. He sighed and fixated his eyes on the scenery passing him. It had only been two weeks but it felt as if it had been two years. He missed her more than ever, mostly because he knew he'd never see her again.

Telling the rest of the team about that night was the hardest part of it all. Telling them how Cat never wanted to see him again, it was the deepest jab to his heart. She no longer wanted to see, hear, or talk to him again; how much more shameful could it get? But he couldn't linger on the subject, he had to move on. And of course, he couldn't let anyone else know that he was still hung up over it.

But he had to wonder, what was she doing now?

"But it's not really a farewell; we're going to see them all again next year!"

Takao was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of Rei's voice. He moved his head to the left to see Rei and Max in the midst of a conversation. The two were laughing and reliving old memories. If only he could forget what happened.

"Are you all right?"

He flinched. Hiromi had placed her hand on his knee. He jerked in her direction and was quick to look her in the eye. He saw a look of concern on her face that made him stiffen. What was she worried about? It was time to act cool.

"I'm fine." He lied.

"We should be there soon." Kyoujyu said as he bent forward and glanced at him.

"Good."

"You sure you're feeling okay, Takao?" Max was second to bend forward and back. "You're a bit pale."

"Me?" He was quick to jab his thumb into his chest. "Nah, I'm fine!"

"Hm," The American lifted his hand to his head and began to scratch. "Okay then."

Kai opened his left eye and stared at Takao and the champ could feel it. There was no doubt that Kai already sensed his distress. The lone wolf always knew these things, didn't he? So why couldn't he help? Ugh, he was on his own this time around.

XoXoX

Cat's back was against her white bedroom wall. Her knees tucked up to her chest. A pillow rested on top of her knees, holding her chin up in comfort. She released a low; sigh as she looked out the window. She had been in this mood for the past two weeks. Hardly eating or doing much of anything besides sleeping. She wept most of the time and kept to herself. There was no doubt about it, she was depressed. Had she made the right decision? Choosing her pride over her heart's desire? She couldn't be sure.

Just as she began to shut her eyes, she jumped to the sound of her bedroom door slamming open. She was quick to jerk her body to face the door, her sister stood in the doorway with a scowl on her face she had never seen before. She felt her mouth drop open with shock, what could Jam want now?

Before she could open her mouth to ask, Jam leapt across the room. She landed on top of her sister, causing her to shriek in shock. Jam tossed her pillow to one side and pushed her down on the bed. With her eyes opened wide, the older sister pinned her arms down. She looked straight into her eyes, her scowl never leaving.

"It's been TWO WEEKS now!" She was quick to exclaim. "What are you still doing here?! You've been locked up in this room for too long!"

She hesitated to answer for a moment. "I don't know, I just don't feel good."

"Don't give me that!" Jam applied pressure to her arms, causing her to flinch in pain. "I KNOW what happened between you and Takao. I have connections you know." She replied with a single brow lifted in question. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

Cat felt the heat of anger ignite in her body. Her eyebrows dipped on her forehead, creating a glare. She then puffed up both cheeks and snorted.

"Why are you pushing me so hard?! Ever since I lost my memory, you've been riding me! Nagging me, pushing me to do things I don't wanna do!" She barked back in her sister's face.

Jam wanted a moment. She inhaled a deep breath through her lips before releasing the pressure on her sister's arms. She then pulled her body up from Cat's and took a seat on the end of the bed. She looked back at her younger sister with a look of concern. Cat pushed her own body up from her laying position and watched in surprise at her sister's face change from anger to sorrow.

"Cat," She began speaking in a soft voice. "You wanna know why I've been trying so hard to get you to be social? Setting up dates and sleepovers?"

She waited for a moment. Her silence was an obvious 'yes'.

Jam cocked her head to one side and continued. "I wanted you to be happy." She then inhaled through her nose and turned her attention away from her. "I wanted you to remember them so much because I knew you were at your happiest when you were with them." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "I thought that maybe if I was able to make you that happy again, you'd remember."

"Why?" Cat interrupted her sister with a question. "Why did you want me to remember?" She asked. "Now that I remembered everything, all I want to do is forget again."

"Because you loved him so much."

She felt her face burst in heat. She tucked her head into her shoulders and chewed on her lower lip.

"You were so happy with him." Jam hummed. "All you know right now, all those memories you want to forget? Those are the bad memories. Cat," The older sister returned her gaze to her younger sister. "You aren't remembering the good memories. The memories of the love you had for Takao. The reason you fell in love with him."

Her mouth hung open wide. She lifted her right hand to her face and felt her burning cheek. She was blushing? A moment or two after touching her cheek, Cat felt a small droplet of water on her fingers. She was crying?

"You gave it all up because of your pride." Jam continued to speak. "You continue to think with your head but Cat," Her eyes began to welt up with moisture. "You haven't listened to your heart." A stray tear began to trickle down Jam's face. "Your mind may be shamed and embarrassed of your emotions but your heart, your heart aches for him."

She let her head hang. She looked down to her bed sheets and tears fell from her eyes. The tears left small stains on her bed sheets. The singer shut her eyes and forced more tears out of her eyes. She lifted the back of her hands to her eyes and tried to prevent more tears from leaving her eyes. She wasn't listening to her heart? Cat removed her right hand from her face and placed it over her chest. She could feel her heart thumping away in her chest. Her beating heart, was it beating for Takao?

"Cat you're invincible bond, it was with Takao."

Her song. The song she had worked so hard on writing. She recited the lyrics in her mind. She wrote it not about Jam's connection with Team Euro but for her bond with the BBA, for her bond with Takao. The unique and precious bond she shared with each and every one of them. It was something she couldn't have dreamed in, even in her sweetest dream. It was a brotherhood that they all created when they were together. It inspired her, drove her to accomplish her goals. It gave her soul warmth.

"That missing part of your soul, the part you've been searching for," Jam's voice entered her ears like a sweet lullaby. "It was Takao."

"Takao…"

The older girl leaned in toward her sister. "This time don't listen to your mind," She patted Cat on her back. "Do what feels right."

The former celebrity felt her back arch. She looked to the ceiling and her breathing picked up. She could feel it, the warmth in her chest. Her mind was ashamed and embarrassed and yet, her heart was warm. Cat tightened her grip on her chest; her heart was beating faster than ever before. She finally understood what her heart was trying to tell her.

"Well," Jam retracted her arm from her sister and folded both arms over her chest. "What are you doing sitting here?!"

She flinched. She looked back to her older sister as a light blush ran over her cheeks, "Where are they?"

Jam unfolded her arms and slapped her right palm on her cheek. "Rei told me that they were all going to the airport to say good bye to the other teams." She sighed.

"Thanks, Jam." Cat said in a soft voice. "For everything."

"Whatever!" Jam shot her nose up into the air. "Just go!"

Cat pushed her body off her bed, both feet landing on the carpet. She stood up straight, hand to her chest before turning to look at her sister. With her free hand, she lifted it into the air and balled it into a fist. She smiled at Jam before shaking her fist.

"I'll be right back."

XoXoX

It was déjà vu. Takao looked at the surroundings and sighed to himself. It was just one year ago that he was standing in this exact spot, saying his final good byes to Cat. When she left to go on tour, they met here. Things seemed so simple then. Now he stood here while his teammates said good bye to the leaving teams. Team Bai Hu Zu, PBB All-starz, Barthez Soldiers, and F Sangre stood in a large group in front of the BBA Revolutions, exchanging good byes.

Hiromi stood beside Takao while Max, Rei, Kyoujyu and Daichi spoke to the other teams. Kai stood in the background, leaning against a wall by himself. For once, Takao wished he could be Kai and be by himself. He released a lengthy sigh as he watched the other teams carry on. The urge to be social was also a new emotion for him.

A warm arm linked through his arm. He jumped at first before looking down to see Hiromi. She had her head tilted downward, her hair hiding her face. She then proceeded to lean against him, the side of her face hitting his upper arm. He cocked a brow at her actions. Her scent wafted into his nose. Sweet notes of flowers, so this was what she smelled like? It wasn't half bad. She refused to say a word but kept her body leaned against him. He was in no mood to argue, so he went with it.

"We're going to miss you, Takao."

Takao lifted his chin to the sound of Rai's voice. He watched as Team Bai Hu Zu approached him. With his free hand, Takao extended his arm out to Rai. The older boy to hold of Takao's hand and gave it a firm shake.

"I look forward to seeing you next year." Rai smiled.

"Take care of Rei for us!" Mao squeaked while smiling.

"Sure." He released his grip on Rai's hand.

"Try not to kill each other while we're gone." Michael said with a wink in Max's direction.

Max's attention bounced up to Rick. "Hopefully he's only staying a few months." He teased with a shake of his head.

"Hey!" Rick hissed and gave the blond a playful swat to the back of the head.

"Where's Neo Borg?" Mathilda asked as she looked back and forth.

"Kai told us they left a while ago." Rei explained. "They never want to overstay their welcome."

"Typical." Julia laughed.

"Has anyone seen The Saint Shields?" Miharu looked toward Max with a single brow raised.

"They won't be coming." Max's tone changed from cheery to low. "But I'm sure they wish you guys the best."

Takao flinched. He didn't know if he'd ever see them again. If they were really a part of a team with Cat, there was a good chance he'd never see them again. Why did that idea bother him so much? He could feel his stomach begin to twist and turn into an unsettling knot. Why did everything have to end this way? Why couldn't things go back to normal? Takao let his eyes fall to the ground as her words ran through his head again.

"I don't want anything more to do with you."

If only he could go back and redo things. He would change…everything.

Takao felt a tug on his arm. He looked down to see that Hiromi was pulling at his arm. He released a low sigh as he watched her. She finally looked back up to him, with wide eyes. It was just like that time before, when she had kissed him. He could see the many shades of brown in her eyes. Her long eyelashes fluttered every second or so. She sent him a sweet smile that caused him to smile in return. At least someone was happy.

"This is where we depart!"

Miharu's voice captured his attention. He turned to see that the teams were set, ready to leave. Bags over their shoulders, smile on their faces they began to walk toward the long hallway where they would board their plane.

He hated the idea of saying it again. He didn't want to say good bye for a second time. At least with this farewell he knew that he'd see them again. It wouldn't be the same, not with her. He'd never have a second chance to see her and make things right. He wouldn't hear her voice again, smell her perfume, or see her smiling face…ever again. The only thing he had to give him comfort would be photos from their younger days. Life just didn't seem right without her in it. It just wasn't home without her.

"Wait!"

Takao turned on his heel and force Hiromi to face his back. The rest of the teams stopped and turned as well. That voice, it was familiar. But it couldn't be… he squinted his eyes and leaned forward, he could see a figure approaching.

"Wait please!"

"Cat?!" Kyoujyu's mouth dropped open.

"It is Cat!" Max replied with delight.

"Cat?" He was nearly breathless.

Cat sprinted, toward him, her image became clearer. Hiromi clung to his arm and placed a single hand on his back. She clenched the back of his jacket. Finally just a few feet away from them, Cat bent downward, out of breath. She panted and panted, trying to get enough air to finally speak.

He watched as she struggled for air. What was she doing here? He had gotten her message clear; she wanted nothing to do with him. And yet, here she was. He watched as she lifted her torso up from her bending position. She lifted her head high and stared directly at him.

She took in one, deep, final breath before clenching both fists and shouting.

"Takao, I love you!"

Her voice echoed through the halls of the airport. After her shout, her chest lifted and dropped. She was breathing harder than she ever thought she could. She didn't care who was listening or who would object, she finally preformed the one task her heart asked of her. The group around Takao and Cat stared with wide eyes and open mouths. And still she remained strong. A deep blush ran over her cheeks but she refused to acknowledge it.

He awed. He was speechless. There was nothing he could say or even think of at the moment. Did she just do what he thought she just did? Perhaps this was a clever prank or a dream. All he was sure of was the beating of his heart. He felt his stomach, aching almost to the point to cringe. There it was, that all-to familiar feeling that Cat gave him. With just one mention of her name or the sound of her singing voice it appeared.

"That sick feeling you've been having? It's because you have feelings for her. You're nervous around her. That's called 'butterflies'."

Hitoshi was right. Heh, how could have doubted him for one moment? So the sick feeling all along, it was just his nerves? It was strange to think she could that much of an effect on him. He had loved her all along. He had come to terms with it now and it was apparent that she had as well.

Takao paused for a single moment. He peered over his shoulder to see Hiromi holding desperately to his arm. Hiromi…did she love him? He turned his stare back to Cat. There was no way Hiromi could love him as well! It was just too strange, it was just too…

"I came by to see you that day when I saw you two…kissing."

Takao felt Hiromi's clenched hand on his back go flat. She then slowly released her grip on his arm and allowed her arm to hit her side. With one jerking movement, Hiromi pushed forward on the hand against his back. She shoved him forward, causing him to take two or three steps forward.

Takao swiftly turned around to face her. He saw that her face was hidden by the shadows created by her hair hanging over her eyes. She let her head droop and retracted her arm to her side. He waited for anything, a word, gesture; any kind of movement. He then watched as Hiromi slowly began to bring her head up.

In the silence of the airport, she lifted her head up to face Takao. She had a sweet smile on her face and a set of glossy eyes that told him that she was on the brink of tears. She managed to clear her throat before she began to speak in her sweetest voice.

"Go."

Takao paused for a moment. He whirled his head around to face Cat. She stood in front of him, face as red as a beet. She was still breathing heavily and she looked as if she would collapse at any moment. She gulped aloud before biting down on her lower lip. Tears had begun to form in her eyes but she couldn't cry, not just yet.

He smiled. It was just the sight he wanted to see. Without a second more, he lifted his arms from his sides and spread them open. He managed to crack his same 'ol cocky grin before opening himself completely for a hug.

She couldn't keep the tears at bay any longer. Tears exploded from her eyes. She dashed forward, arms open and waiting to be linked with his. She jumped into his arms, tears running down her cheeks. She nuzzled her face into his yellow t-shirt, her tears staining it. Once safely in his arms, Takao wrapped his open arms around her body. He held her close and pressed his face against her brunette hair. That vanilla scent…it was all he needed.

Beyond her shoulders he spotted The Saint Shields, Adof, Rumi and Yumi standing a few feet away, watching the events as they unfolded. After everything, it finally happened and they were there to watch it take place. It couldn't be a sweeter ending.

XoXoX

"My memories are still hazy, but they're coming around."

Takao smiled. Sitting at just outside the dojo was the most relaxing thing that could happen, now after everything. He sat on the edge of the dojo walkway with Cat. His arms stretched out behind him to support his weight. He looked to his partner and listened with wide ears. This was the closest thing to perfect that could happen.

"I knew I couldn't forget you," Cat said as heat rose to her cheeks. "For long."

He opened his mouth to speak only to have the sound of ringing break him from his sentence. He watched as Cat reached down into her jacket pocket and pull out her black cellular phone. She flipped the small device open and allowed her eyes to scan over the words that appeared.

"That was Jam," She replied before flipping closed her phone. "She wanted to know if I was staying the night." She shot him a wink. "I'll tell her I am."

"Fine with me." He said before looking back out at the setting sun.

"Takao," She mewed in a soft voice. "Did you ever get my text message?"

"Hm?" Takao returned his gaze to her and cocked a thick eyebrow. "What text message, I didn't even know you had my number!"

"Haha," Cat lifted her hand to her forehead and giggled. "I sent it to you before the tournament started. I got it from Ralf."

"Before the tournament?"

'Hope to see you at the tournament.'

"That was you?!" His mouth dropped open.

Cat lifted her hand to her mouth and continued to laugh. "Yes."

Silence fell between the two. The sound of the breeze through the trees entered their ears. It was the first comforting moment either of them had in a while. They needed it, after everything, it was time for some relaxation…together.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Cat muttered as she looked at the shades of orange and pink in the sky.

Takao turned to face her. It was like looking a picture of the past. She was the same, the same as she was the day he first saw her. Time had aged her face but had touched her spirit. It was just the way he wanted it. Having her be the same as he left her. He would never have to worry about it again. She was there to stay.

"W-what is it?"

She managed to catch him staring. Her face lit up and she began to stutter. This was the part where she became shy, he could tell. Takao reached forward and took her by the chin. He pulled her face closer to hers just until their noses were touching. He gazed into her beautiful eyes for a moment. His heart rate skyrocketed by the sight of her. He couldn't have asked for anything more. He watched as she shut her eyes and pushed her lips outward. A welcome sign. He then shut his own eyes and pushed forward. He pressed his lips against hers. They locked in an action that they had both longed for. A moment later, he pulled his face back just enough to look back into her eyes.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too."

The End.

"Long live all the mountains we moved, I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you."- Long Live, Taylor Swift.