August 30 2001- November 24, 2001
A/N: OK well I have stopped working on TO DEFY DESTINY so I could write this as well as among other things. I guess some ppls don’t like Marysue stories. Not surprised.
Disclaimer: Ok once again I am faced with this damn thing. YOU know and I know I don’t own them, however I think I should. I would make things VERY interesting. Sora wouldn’t stand a chance even If she made Biyomon digivolve to MEGA! By the way I am probably the ONLY TAITO/YAMACHI fan out there that actually WANTS to own her. JUST SO I CAN FORCE HER TO WATCH TAI AND MATT GO AT IT LIKE RABBITS!!! *other worldly laughter* GOD I LOVE BEING EVIL!!!!
This is mostly told from Matt’s POV, however I might just switch over to Tai’s POV without warning so
PAY ATTENTION! Oh yeah takes place not too long after the ending of 02. NOT the FUTURE ending, the REGULAR ending. got it?
Key:
Price of Love
I slowly opened my eyes. I looked at the clock. *groan* ‘WHO IN GOD’S NAME IS KNOCKING ON MY DOOR AT 2:30 AM?!’ I got up off the couch where I had fallen asleep. ‘This had better be important or I’m going to kill whoever is behind this door! If it’s Sora saying that she just couldn’t fall asleep without seeing me.......GOD HELP HER! Being in love is ONE thing but being nearly as obsessed with me as she is, is ANOTHER. Almost enough to start calling her Jun.’ I stopped and smiled at that thought. Almost seemed that I had started to date Sora just so I could tell Jun to leave me alone because I had someone.
I reached the door and summoned up the most angry face I could make at 2:30 AM! “This. had. better. be. good.” I growled. I reached down and grabbed the door handle and ripped the door open violently. “WHAT IS......” I trailed off as I saw who it was. “Tai? What’s wrong?” He looked like a wreck, of course it didn’t help that it was raining outside. RAINING was a understatement. It was down right POURING! Tai was soaked. He wasn’t looking up at me, instead he was looking down at the ground. His shoulders were slumped and he had lost all that youthful vitality that he was always full of. Of course his dad had just died just a week ago so I was surprised that he had come out of his house at all. He finally looked up at me and I was nearly forced to tears at the sad expression written on his face. He looked so sad and lost, vulnerable. I had no idea what to do I just stood there looking at my friend dripping wet and obviously in pain.
“Matt.......Matt can I talk to you?”
‘God even his voice has lost that pep it always held. He is taking this hard. Thank God it’s the weekend, Tai knows when to pick is moments to talk at least, but still 2:30 in the morning?!’
“What’s wrong Tai?” I barely said that in a whisper. I was afraid that I might scare him and he would just run away. He looked so scared and hurt, like the slightest thing would make him break down and cry uncontrollably.
“I...I have to talk to someone and well you were the only person that came to mind. Kari and Mom already have enough on their minds without me bugging them. Matt is it ok if I come in?”
My brain finally started to work again as it woke up. Could he come in? Well of course he could! Then I realized that I was standing in the doorway blocking the entrance. I then noticed that Tai was shivering, it was really cold outside. I then realized that I had answered the door in nothing but my T-shirt and boxers. “Of course Tai, come in.” I moved out of the way and let him in. He was DRENCHED! That hair on his head really did deserve to be called a mop. It retained water like nothing I’ve ever seen as he dripped everywhere.
“Sorry.” He said.
I winced. ‘His voice has no emotion in it what so ever. It’s like he’s been drained of every happy fiber in his body.’ I ran into the bathroom and grabbed a towel. I walked over and gave it to Tai. He looked at it and slowly took it and placed it on his head. His movements were mechanical. Almost as if it wasn’t him actually doing the work. I watched him and decided that he wasn’t focusing enough to do the job himself. I reached out and gently placed my hands on the towel and started to rub it through his hair. Tai dropped his hands and just stood there and let me dry him off. He looked up at me. I wiped the towel over his face playfully and he actually smiled. I was glad that he was still capable of smiling, meant he wasn’t totally gone from reality. He sniffed and shivered a little. I realized that he must be still freezing. “Why don’t you go into my room and find something to wear while I make some tea.” He looked at me like he really didn’t know what I was talking about. He looked down at his soaked shirt and shorts.
“Oh, right. I’ll be back in a minute or two.” He then slowly strolled to my room and closed the door.
I looked after him. He really seemed out of it. Well, I’ll get to the bottom of it one way or another. He did say he wanted to talk to me. Should make this easier. It really disturbed me to see Tai like this. I always pictured him as a smiling care-free kid that was always happy. I let out a breath and walked into the kitchen and started to boil the water. Not really a challenge to my culinary abilities, but at 2:30 AM this was all I was going to do. The Water finally boiled and I made the tea. I walked into the living room area with two cups. Tai was sitting on the couch looking out the window. He seemed distant. I sat down and gave him a cup. He took it without acknowledging my presence much. “So.....you wanted to talk?” I prompted him hoping that it would help him open up for a conversation. He just drank his tea. “Tai?” I moved closer to him. I gently put a hand on his shoulder to see if he would react. He looked at me, and a tear slowly fell down his cheek. I wiped it away. “What’s wrong?” I was getting really concerned now, Tai wasn’t one to cry. He just looked down at the tea cup in his lap and shivered slightly. He must still be cold.
‘Since Tai isn’t using his courage I might as well use mine.’ I let my hand slide across his back and lifted my other arm across his chest. I pulled him to me and hugged him. “Tai it’s ok, you can tell me what’s wrong.” I felt him ease into my embrace. I don’t know why but I just felt content holding him there like that. Maybe he felt the same as he just sat there letting me hold him.
I really don’t know how long it was before I realized that Tai had fallen asleep in my arms.
I smiled, no one could match the innocent face that Tai had when he slept. He looked so peaceful and happy.
I gently laid him down on the couch and put the cups in the sink so I could wash them in the morning. I went and got a spare blanket from the closet and draped it over Tai. I couldn’t help but smile again as he snuggled into the blanket. He just had this vulnerable cuteness about him at that moment. ‘Vulnerable cuteness? What the hell is that? Ah I’m just tired, need sleep’ With that thought I slowly made my way to my room.
>----------------<
I was busily making some sort of breakfast food when Tai wandered to the counter in the kitchen area. I didn’t really have a set plan on what I was ‘cooking’, I just woke up. went into the kitchen and started to make whatever my hands wanted to. Surprising enough it seemed that my hands wanted pancakes for breakfast. I flipped the one currently in the skillet over.
“I never did understand how you were able to just do that.”
I looked at Tai with a lost expression. “What do you mean, do what?”
“THAT.” He stated and pointed as I flipped the pancake over again.
“Oh......Well it’s easy really, it’s all in the wrist.” I flipped it again and smiled at Tai and gave him a wink. He just smiled back. ‘THANK GOD! I thought I had lost him last night. Seems like he’s doing ok today.....at least I hope he is......Well just one way to find out, I think I’ll wait till after breakfast though. Tai always did think better on a full stomach.’ I smiled at that last thought, how many fights had they gotten into in the past just all because Tai hadn’t been fed right. “You hungry?” I looked up and over from the skillet at Tai. He was absolutely fixated on the food. ‘Hmmmmm.......time to have a little fun’ I flipped the pancake over. Tai’s eyes followed it’s small trip upward. I smiled wickedly. I flipped it up a little higher this time. Once again Tai’s eyes followed it’s journey through the air. I flipped it again, just a little higher. Tai’s gaze never faltered. I flipped it a couple more times, each time whipping it higher into the air, Tai followed with absolute precision. Without warning I sent the pancake sailing straight at him. I expected Tai to be shocked and for it to land smack dab in the middle of his face. However Tai is just a little more observant than I give him credit for.
Tai not only registered that the flying breakfast disk was coming his way, but grabbed a plate that was on the counter in front of him and successfully landed the spinning treat on the plate.
I stood there shocked, I couldn’t believe that Tai had acted so quickly. I looked at him, he just smiled at me with that award winning smile of his.
“Well since you obviously don’t want to cook this anymore, I assume that it’s ready for consumption.” He gave me a slight questioning look.
“eh.......yeah.......I guess.....” I really didn’t know what to say. I guess it was ready to be eaten since I did send it his way. I grabbed the plate next to me with the other already made pancakes on it and walked over to the counter with the syrup. Tai graciously accepted the syrup and poured a generous amount for himself and began to attack his food. “Want some milk?”
Tai was about to answer me verbally but thought better of it and just nodded his head. I got up and went to the fridge and poured two large glasses for us and returned to the counter. Just in time to see Tai finish off his fourth pancake. he took the glass from me and started to chug the bright white liquid down.
I started on my own food and Tai just sat there and watched me eat. He seemed so intent on just watching me, trying not to miss a single movement. I finally finished eating and started to clear away the dishes. I thought it time to get down to business and find out what had driven Tai to tears last night.
“So Tai......did you still want to talk?” Tai got a far away look in his eyes and seemed to be heavily considering telling me what it was. When he was finished weighing the pros and cons I didn’t like what I saw. He looked away from me before answering.
“Oh it was nothing really I just felt pent up in the apartment and needed to get out and to just try and rejoin the rest of the world. I was just really depressed from being in the house for a solid week.” He looked back at me but still avoided my gaze. I knew he was lying instantly. But if that was the way he was going to play it, I could play along for now. Eventually he would either break down and tell me, or I would get it out of him one way or another.
“That’s ok Tai, I know how you hate to be cooped up indoors for a long time.”
“Sorry for getting you up so late like that....I just needed to see someone that was still a part of life, you know to kinda help me rejoin the rest of the world.” He gave me a smile, but it was empty of all the real joy and enthusiasm it usually held.
“So how you feeling? You ok?” I had decided not to let him off that easy. I was going to find out, just sooner then Tai wanted me too.
“Yeah, I guess I’m ok....I’m not going to break down in tears if that’s what your asking.”
“Well you know you always did cry easily when you didn’t get your way.” I gave him a little daring stare. He took the bait.
“Are you implying that I’m a cry baby?” He narrowed his eyes at me and I knew that he was getting ready for an actual physical confrontation if need be.
“I’m just saying that you always get your way.”
*blink blink*
‘I guess he didn’t get that one....’ “Anyways Tai you know they say that it helps to tell others what’s going on. Not healthy to keep things bottled up inside, I should know.”
Tai’s confused expression darkened a little and he looked away again. “I told you I’m fine.”
Although he said he was fine he had practically growled at me when he said those words.
“Well you aren’t acting like you are fine, come on you know you can tell me. I AM you BEST friend” I stressed the words am and best so he would get the point that I am here to help him no matter what could be bothering him. “Tai please, I just want to help you”
“I know you are Matt.....it’s just that I.......I....”
He started to grasp for words. I knew I was close to getting him to give in and tell me. “Tai just take some time to think, the words will come, just say it slow and calmly.” I was practically pleading with him to get whatever it was off his chest.
“Matt.....I...”
*KNOCK KNOCK* “MATT? YOU HOME?”
We both glanced at the door. Tai looked away and was suddenly very interested in the fact that the couch had arm rests. I sighed and got up to answer the door. Sora has just about as good timing as Tai does. I was just about to grab the door when I suddenly felt that I wasn’t alone in the entrance hallway. I stopped and spun around to see Tai behind me, or rather right on top of me. He was literally right on my heels and almost knocked me down when I had stopped.
“You ok Tai?” he just nodded his head and gave me an embarrassed look. I turned back around and opened the door. “Hey SorAAAAAAA.........” *GLOMP*
“HEY MATT! Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
I struggled to get some breath into my lungs and looked at Tai. I didn’t want him to feel out of place with this little show of affection, him feeling unloved and alone and all. I glanced over my shoulder at him and was surprised at the expression on his face. Was that contempt? Maybe.... Jealousy? He saw me looking at him and quickly looked away. Just then Sora noticed Tai.
“Hey Tai. I didn’t know you were here. how have you been? I’m really sorry about you dad.”
Tai got that far away look in his eyes again. I knew that I was quickly losing him again. I didn’t want that, Tai might not tell anyone at this rate and bottle up these feelings up and then one day just snap. “Eh Sora? Could you maybe stop by a little later? Tai and I were talking about some stuff and we kinda left some things unsaid, so......” I let it trail off hoping she would get the hint.
“Oh? What kind of stuff? Maybe I could help.” She looked at Tai questioningly.
I looked at Tai. He muttered something under his breath. I’m not sure I heard him right.....but it sounded like ‘yeah, help me into a early grave you backstabbing traitor.’ I really don’t think that’s what he said, especially not about a friend, not about Sora. He looked up though when he realized we were looking at him for an answer. he gave us a Oscar winning smile, well it would have been genuine if it wasn’t me looking at him. I knew that it was a hollow smile with no happiness behind it at all.
“Oh ah...that’s ok Sora, I was just leaving anyways. I think Matt and I had pretty much wrapped up our discussion. I have to go now, my mom must be freaking out wondering where I am.” He bent down put his shoes on and ran by Sora. He turned around before he was completely out the door. “I’ll see you guys around sometime ok. Bye.” He waved and ran down the hallway to the elevator.
Sora looked after Tai. “It’s sad, his dad dieing in that car accident like that. He must be going through some rough stuff.” She looked back at me. “So handsome, whatcha doing today? Wanna go to the park or something?”
I was snapped back into focus. “Huh? Oh yeah sure just give me a few minutes to get dressed and we can go.” She walked in and as I was closing the door I couldn’t help but take one last look down the hallway. ‘oh Tai, why can’t you just trust me enough to tell me what’s wrong?’ I closed the door and went to get dressed.
Tsuzuku
Well how was that? was it any better than ‘What dreams may bring’? Yeah I know there is a lot left out and this is in no way near done. Just let me know if I have improved my writing technique any.
Ah yes I am HIGHLY aware that Tai was still wearing a pair of Matt’s pajama clothes when he left, that was intentional. Mmm’k? Yes and I do realize that I was EXTREMELY nice to Sora, well that is so far........*evil grin* things SHALL change.....later, besides I plan on making her like the ultimate bitch in ‘To Defy Destiny’ so........it kinda balances out, well no it doesn’t. it’ll never balance out till toei publicly takes back that damn ending.....sorry went into rant mode....
Words in between ’...’ and in italics means it is thought not said.
bold words are words said with strong emotions, such as anger and hate and so forth.
Words in between *.........* means it is an action.
Words in between {...........} means I’m being stupid and interjecting in the story to ruin the mood.
By Drakin Tenryu
Chapter 1: Knock at the door
HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!!!!!
Drakin