Welcome to my first solo Digimon fic. I hope you all enjoy it. Feedback is welcome, even flames. At least then I know you read the damn thing!
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon or any of its characters. They are owned by Toei/Bandai. I am just borrowing them for a little while. "Can Matt & Tai come out to play?" I am making no money off of this, so please don't sue. All you will get is a ridiculously high computer bill and a Wormmon plushie.
This is the first fic in my new series, 'You and No Other'. There will be many more to come.
Some notes: WARNING! This fic includes physical violence and heavy angst. You
have been warned.
Ages:
Jyou-18
Matt-17
Tai-16 1/2
Sora-17
Mimi-16
Koushiro-15
T.K.-13
Kari-13
Toshi-19
-the ages are not really that important to the story, but it gives you an idea.
Now on with the fic! :-P
Rrring, Rrring, Rrring
Yamato Ishida was lying on the bed as he heard the phone ring in the next room.
Rrring, Rrring, Rrring
"Go away," he muttered as he turned over and buried his head under his pillow.
Rrring, Rrring, Rrring
"Fine," grumbled Matt. He pulled himself off the bed and went to answer the phone.
"Yeah?"
"Matt?"
"Oh, T.K. It's you."
"Are you Okay?" T.K. asked his older brother.
"Yeah, I'm fine. What's up?"
"Well, I have to go to the mall this afternoon and I was wondering if you could give me a ride?"
"Um, sure bro. I've got nothing going on. 2 o'clock all right?"
"Yeah Matt, great. Thanks a lot! I owe you one."
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you then."
"'Kay. Bye."
"Bye, T.K." Matt hung up the phone and started back for his bed.
He stopped at his desk and picked up the glass frame perched atop it. Matt took it with him back over to his bed and lay back down. He stared at the photo within the frame and sighed. There they all were. All the Digidestined and their Digimon. Himself, Sora, Mimi, Jyou, Kari, Koushiro, T.K. and Tai...Tai. Taichi Kamiya, his best friend for years now. The one person he felt he could always talk to. The one person he could open up to if he needed. And the one person he loved. Matt sighed again.
He could never tell him how he felt. Nobody knew that he was gay; nobody but his father and his brother that is. He had a reputation to uphold. He was 'Mister popularity'. All the ladies loved him. He had a new girlfriend every week. He hung out in the popular circles. What would happen if they all found out? Besides, Tai wasn't exactly on the A-List at school. All his friends would wonder why he has hanging around Kamiya. Now that Matt thought about it, Tai didn't seem to have many friends at all. However, that didn't really matter; Matt wasn't ready to reveal his sexuality to the world so it was a moot point. But sitting around feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to help the situation anyway.
He glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was almost 2:00 pm. 'I had better get ready,' he thought to himself. 'T.K. will be waiting for me.'
Matt got off the bed, replaced the frame on his desk and stumbled into the bathroom. Now that he had actually promised his brother that he would drive him, he didn't want to go. But a promise is a promise. He splashed some cold water on his face, and started restyling his hair.
"Hmm, I should pick up some more hair gel while I am at the mall," said Matt to nobody in particular. He looked at himself in the mirror. "Not bad."
Matt walked through the apartment grabbing his jacket and his dad's car keys on the way by. He got in the car and started out to T.K.'s place.
~*~*~*~*
The two brothers walked through the huge glass doors of the mall. It was packed as usual. "Okay T.K. I'll meet you back here around let's say, 3:00 pm. Sound good to you?"
"Yeah Matt, that's fine." And with that T.K. was off and running.
Matt headed for the drugstore to pick up some more gel. As he was getting off the escalator, he saw Tai coming out of the record store. He didn't really think he could face him today. It was hard enough having had attended classes with him all year. Did the torture have to extend to the summer vacation as well? Couldn't he have at least one day of grace?
"Matt! Hey Matt!"
"I guess not," muttered Matt as a bundle of energy with brown hair ran up to him.
"What's up?"
"Hey Tai, not much."
"Are you here alone?"
"Not exactly, I gave T.K. a ride. He is around here somewhere."
"Oh, cool."
"What about you?"
"No, I am here with Toshi. He wanted to get a gift for his mother's birthday."
Matt cringed inwardly at the mention of that name. Toshiaki Asako, Tai's boyfriend. He had never met him before, but honestly, he had never had an overwhelming desire to do so.
"Oh," was all he said. He tried to hide the pain he felt inside. The last thing he needed to hear today was Tai talking about his boyfriend. But that wasn't Tai's fault.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" asked Tai with a smile on his face.
"Nothing, I don't think," Matt said. 'God, he has the most beautiful eyes.' He thought to himself.
"Well I was wondering if you wanted to come over? We could play video games, just hang out or whatever."
"What about Toshi?"
"He is going to his mother's for her birthday, so my Saturday is free. You could spend the night if you like."
"Um, yeah. That sounds good. What time would you like me-"
"Taichi!"
Tai whirled around to look behind him, a look of sheer terror on his face.
"Tai?" asked Matt. "What's wrong?" he placed a hand on Tai's arm.
"Taichi, where the hell are you!" a tall man with dark hair and blazing eyes was making his way through the milling crowds. He spotted his boyfriend and some blonde who hand his hands on him. He stalked up to them.
"Toshi, I-I'm sorry!" whispered Tai.
"When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it," said Toshi with an evil glint in his eye. "The next time I tell you to stay put, then do it!"
"Yes, Toshi," Tai cast his eyes to the ground.
Matt couldn't believe his ears. What the hell was going on? Just then, Toshiaki pulled Tai out of his grasp.
"Who the fuck are you?" he snarled at Matt.
"This is Yamato Ishida. He is a good friend of mine," said Tai meekly.
"Yeah I bet," Toshi laughed. "So you are the infamous Matt that I have heard so much about."
"Yamato," said Matt tonelessly glaring at Toshi. "Only my friends call me Matt."
Toshi laughed again. "Yes well, your little friend here and I have to be going. Isn't that right dearest?" he moved around Tai until he was standing directly behind him, wrapped his right arm around his neck and kissed his temple. Tai just closed his eyes as he felt the tall man's lips on his skin. It didn't appear to Matt to be a reaction of pleasure.
"Come on Taichi, let's go." But before he left, he walked up to Matt and leaned in close. Matt could feel his hot breath on his cheek. "Listen here pretty boy, stay away from my boyfriend. Tai belongs to me. Don't ever let me catch you with your hands on him again." He walked away laughing.
Tai looked at Matt. "I'll call you tomorrow morning, okay?"
But before Matt could respond, "Taichi. NOW!"
With a last look back at Matt, Tai ran off to catch up with Toshi.
Matt watched as Toshi grabbed Tai's arm and practically dragged him through the mall toward the entrance. He could tell that Tai was being yelled at, but couldn't make out was being said. A feeling of dread manifested itself in Matt's body as a shudder. What had he just witnessed? How could that asshole treat Tai like that? Tai was supposed to be his boyfriend, not his slave.
He had to get out of there. Matt decided to go out to the parking lot and wait by the car for T.K. But he couldn't get the image of Tai being dragged away as if he was some animal, out of his mind.
*~*~*~*
"Matt?"
Matt turned quickly at the sound of a voice behind him. It was his brother. "Oh, it's you."
"Good to see you too. You know, that is the second time you have said that to me. Who did you expect it to be?" asked T.K. with a little laugh.
"Never mind, you ready to go?"
"Yep," said the young blond getting into the car. And they pulled out of the parking lot...
They drove in silence for a bit until T.K. spoke up, "Hey did you know that Tai was at the mall? He was there with some big burly dude. He didn't look very friendly."
"He isn't," responded Matt.
"Huh?"
"I spoke to them. That big burly dude is Tai's boyfriend. His name is Toshi and he is an ass."
"Really? Oh."
Just then, Matt pulled up in front of T.K.'s apartment building.
"Hey, thanks again Matt. Um, can I ask you a question though?"
"Sure what is it?"
"Well if Tai's boyfriend is so mean, then why is he with him?"
"I don't know T.K. I just don't know."
*~*~*~*
Tai came flying through the front door of the apartment and tried to make a run for the bedroom, but Toshi was too quick for him and caught a handful of his jacket before he could get down the hall.
"No, Toshi! No, please!" screamed Taichi desperately trying to wrench himself away from the taller man's grasp. But it was to no avail. Toshi grabbed on to Tai with both hands and dragged him into the living room.
"Get over here!" he shoved Tai backwards and he landed on the sofa. This time Toshi took a hold of Tai's shirt and got right in his face.
"Who was that 'Matt' fellow you were talking to?"
Tai was shaking in fear. "Nobody Toshi, he is just a friend."
Toshi pulled Tai to his feet and slammed him against the wall. "Don't lie to me Taichi!"
"I'm not, I swear!" Tai was crying now. "He is an old friend of mine. I have know him since we were kids."
"Really," Toshi sneered.
He swung at Tai, his open hand connecting with Tai's face. There was a sickening crack as his head bounced back against the wall from the force of the impact. Blood started to flow from Tai's lip and his vision blurred for an instant.
"T-Toshi. I am telling the truth! Please listen to me!"
Toshi swung again, this time with his fist. Once again, he connected with Tai's face. Tai fell to the floor, his left eye already beginning to swell.
"You know what happens when you lie to me Taichi," said Toshi slowly advancing toward the smaller man.
Tai tried to scramble backwards to escape this maniac, but he had nowhere to go. He was roughly pulled to his feet and slapped down again.
"Toshi, I would never lie to you," Tai whimpered. "I love you."
"I'm sure you do my little darling. But if I ever see you even talking to Ishida again, you will regret it. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-Yes Toshi. Of course."
"Now I will just have to make sure that you won't forget."
Tai was frantic; he didn't know what to do. Toshi advanced toward him evil intent clearly written all over his face. He ducked as Toshi came at him. Tai reached blindly for something to defend himself with. His flailing hand came in contact with the glass ashtray on the living room table. He grabbed hold and threw it at his lover. Toshi put up his arm just in time as the hunk of glass flew at his head. It bounced off his arm and clattered to the floor. That only achieved in making him more furious.
"You little bitch!" he screamed.
Toshi rushed toward Tai, a murderous gleam in his eyes. "You will pay for that!"
He backhanded Tai again, and then jumped on top of him. Tai let out a painful cry as the air was knocked out of him. Toshi grabbed handfuls of his hair and started smashing his head against the floor. A dull thud echoed through the apartment, as the 16 year old's head thunked against the hard wood over and over again.
By this point, Taichi Kamiya was practically unconscious. He couldn't even feel the sharp pain coming from the back of his head anymore. He only knew how tired he was.
Toshi stopped his actions for a second as he got a look at the young man in his arms. He was no longer responsive. He dropped Tai back to the floor and laughed as he wiped his hands on his pants.
Toshiaki got up and exited the apartment slamming the door as he left, leaving a battered and bruised Tai lying alone on the floor in a pool of his own blood.
*~*~*~*
'Matt has been quiet all afternoon,' thought Mr. Ishida glancing at his eldest son. 'I wonder what's going on?'
"Matt?" he asked quietly so as not to startle him.
"Huh?" Matt looked in the direction of his father.
"Is everything all right?"
"Yeah fine, Dad. Why do you ask?"
"You just don't seem to be yourself today."
Matt shrugged his shoulders. "I'm ok."
"You know son, if there is anything you need to talk about I am here for you."
"I know Dad. Don't worry."
Mr. Ishida chuckled, "You may be getting older now Matt, but I am still your father. It is my job to worry."
"Thanks Dad. Why don't I start dinner?"
And with that, he got up and headed toward the kitchen.
*~*~*~*
Tai groaned softly as he began to regain consciousness. His brown eyes fluttered open and for a moment, he lay there staring at the ceiling. Then all of a sudden he realized where he was and sat up quickly eyes wide, quickly scanning the empty room. A sigh of relief escaped his lips and he toppled back down as pain lanced through his head.
"Oh my God," he gasped in pain clutching his head. Tai slowly sat back up and decided he needed to find out exactly what his injuries were. But that meant actually getting up, and the floor just seemed like the best place to be right now.
"Come on Kamiya. You have to get up before Mom and Dad get home." He sent up a silent prayer toward whichever Gods were listening that his parents and sister were still out, then gritted his teeth against the pain and stood up.
Tai stumbled through the darkened apartment into the bathroom. He looked in the mirror and groaned at what he saw. His left eye was swollen completely shut. His upper lip was swollen as well and split open. There was bruise on his cheek. And various cuts and bruises all over his face.
'How am I going to explain this?' he wondered. Then, he noticed his hair was matted down on one side. He touched it and his hand came away bloodied. "Oh shit."
Tai walked back to the living room and turned on the lamp. There on the floor was a small puddle of blood. His blood! No wonder his head hurt so much. Should he try to get help? Did he dare call the hospital? No, they would call his parents even if he told them not to; he was still a minor. OK, he was on his own then. Nobody could find out about this.
Tai went into the kitchen and grabbed an old rag from under the sink. He cleaned up the blood from the living room and hid the bloodied cloth in the bottom of the garbage can. Then he went back to the bathroom and took some aspirin. He then had to clean himself up. He turned on the shower, stripped down and got under the hot spray. He very gently washed off all the blood. He almost passed out trying to wash his hair, but he finally got clean. Of course, there was nothing he could do about the bruises and swelling, but he would come up with an excuse when the time came.
Tai then went around and made sure all the doors and windows were shut and locked. And he headed for bed. Even though it was only around 7:00pm by this point, he was exhausted. He got into a pair of pajamas, and crawled into bed. He still wasn't exactly sure what he would say to his parents tomorrow morning. He soon fell into a troubled sleep, plagued by dreams about his 'loving' boyfriend.
*~*~*~*
"Tai. Tai honey, it's time to get up," Mrs. Kamiya called from outside his door. "Are you going to sleep all day?"
Tai moaned and rolled over in his bed. He blinked at the sunlight streaming in through the window opposite his bed. He gingerly got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. After using the toilet, he walked out into the kitchen for breakfast...and stopped short as he heard a horrified gasp.
"My God Tai! What happened to your face!"
Mrs. Kamiya stood there with her hand over her mouth. She rushed over to her son.
Tai cringed. He had forgotten about his face. He had to come up with an excuse extremely quickly. "I'm all right Mom. Really I'm fine."
"Son, what happened?" Mr. Kamiya looked at Tai questioningly.
"I uh, fell. Yeah, I fell down the stairs. But I'm okay really. Don't worry."
"Don't worry? My son comes out with his face battered and I am not supposed to worry? My God, look at your eye." She turned Tai's face into the light to get a better look.
His eye was now completely swollen shut. He couldn't see out of it. And the sun was starting to give him a headache.
"Mom, please," he pulled his face away from her hands.
"Let me get you some ice," she walked over to the freezer. And came back with a towel filled with ice cubes. "Here, put this on your eye."
Tai sighed. "Fine," he reached out and took the towel. He had to admit that the frozen water felt good on his swollen face.
"I am not really hungry. I am going to take a shower. Is it still Okay for Matt to sleep over tonight?"
"Tai," his mother started. But Mr. Kamiya raised his hand.
"Sure Tai. It's fine."
"Thanks Dad."
The Kamiyas watched as their first-born disappeared down the hall.
Mrs. Kamiya turned on her husband. "Why did you stop me? You just want to let this go? Don't tell me you believe his story?"
"Now dear, just relax. Of course, I don't believe his story. But I don't want to force him to talk about it if he doesn't want to. When he is ready he will come to us."
"But, what do you think really happened?"
"I don't really know. But he looks like he might have been beaten up. I hope not."
"Oh God!" Mrs. Kamiya started to cry. "But, he is just a little boy!"
Mr. Kamiya shook his head. "Your little boy is growing up. He is going to be 17. He will be an adult soon."
"But he isn't yet. So where was that boyfriend of his while this was going on. He should be protecting my baby. Not letting him get hurt! I knew that Asako punk was no good for my boy!" Mrs. Kamiya spat out.
"Now, now. We don't know what the circumstances were. He probably was there. Maybe that was the reason he got in a fight in the first place."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, let's be truthful here for a minute. Tai is gay. And while we may accept it, others don't. Maybe it was some one who doesn't like gays."
"That's horrible!"
"Yes it is. But it happens all the time. So there is a very good chance that Tai's boyfriend doesn't look all that much better than he does."
Mrs. Kamiya sat down at the kitchen table, a troubled look on her face. Just then, Tai came out of his bedroom. His hair still wet from his shower.
"You guys are going to be gone all night?"
"Yes, we leave in a couple of hours. We will be back Sunday night. And your sister is at her friend's place, and will be spending the weekend there."
"Okay, I think I am going to go to Matt's for a while. Then we can head back over here. Is that all right?"
"Yes that is fine Tai," his mother looked at his face and thought she was going to brake down again. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah mom, I told you I'm fine. I'm going to call Matt." The brunette went over to the phone and dialed the number of his best friend...
"Hello?"
"May I please speak to Matt?"
"Sure, let me get him."
Tai heard Mr. Ishida bellow, "MATT! PHONE FOR YOU!"
That only made Tai's head hurt more, if that was possible.
"Hello?"
"Hey Matt!"
"Tai? Is that you?"
"Yeah, who do you think it is?"
"Um, it's just that I didn't expect you to call today."
"Why? I told you I would."
"Well, yeah but with what happened with Toshi and all."
"It's just a sleepover. Besides, I won't even see him today. He will be at his mother's, remember?"
"Look, Tai. I don't want to get you into trouble."
"It's fine. You still want to come right?"
"Of course."
"Then it's settled," said Tai with a little laugh. What are you doing right now though?"
"Nothing."
"Do you want to get together now? I thought maybe we could hang out at your place for a while. My parents have to pack and stuff for their weekend away. I wanted to get out of their hair."
"Um, sure. Nothing is going on here. Would you like me to pick you up?"
"Could you? That would be great!"
"No problem. Give me a minute. And I'll be by."
"Kay Matt, see you then."
~Click ~ wirrrrrrrrrrrr~
Matt stared at the phone the dial tone ringing out irritably from the receiver in his hand. He hung it up.
"Who was that Matt?"
"Oh, that was Tai. He invited me to sleep over at his house tonight. But we are going to hang here for a while. Is that Okay?"
"Sure, you need the car?"
"Yeah."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just didn't expect Tai to still want me to come over."
"Why? What happened?"
"Oh, it was nothing important."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, so I can borrow the car?"
"Get out of here." Mr. Ishida tossed his son his car keys, and Matt ran out of the room.
*~*~*~*
"I'll get it," yelled Tai racing down the hall at the sound of the doorbell.
"Matt!"
"Hey Tai," he stopped when he saw the state of his friend's face. "What the hell happened?"
"Oh it was nothing. Are you going to come in or just stand there?"
Matt followed Tai into the living room. "It doesn't look like nothing."
"Is that Matt?" they heard Tai's mother shout from the bedroom.
"Hello Mrs. Kamiya," Matt said back.
"You boys have fun tonight."
"We will thank you."
Then Matt turned on Tai. "Spill it Kamiya."
"What?" Tai feigned innocence.
"You look like you went 10 rounds with Mohamed Ali."
Just then, Tai realized he couldn't even tell Matt that he got beat up by his boyfriend. Nobody could know. Everyone would think he was a pussy, a baby. They would make fun of him. He couldn't handle that.
But Tai knew his friend was concerned. "I had a little accident. I fell down the stairs." He winced as the words left his mouth. It sounded lamer every time he said it.
"Fuck, Tai. Are you all right?"
"I think so. I did hit my head though."
"Have you been to the hospital?
"No."
"Then maybe we should go."
"No!"
"Tai."
"Matt, please. I said no. I can't go to the hospital," Tai was whispering so his parents couldn't hear in the next room.
"Do your mom and dad know?"
"Yeah they saw me this morning."
"Then what is the big secret if you fell down the stairs like you said you did? You can't mess around with stuff like this Tai. You might be seriously hurt."
"I'm fine, I swear. I'll make you a deal. If it looks like something is really wrong then you can take me to the hospital."
Matt released a long-suffering sigh. "Fine Tai. Are you ready to go?"
"Yep!" Tai's mood had brightened in the last 30 seconds.
Matt just shook his head. "Then get your ass in gear. I haven't got all day."
"Bye Mom, bye Dad!"
"Bye son! See you Sunday!"
*~*~*~*
"Hey Dad, we're back."
"Well hello Tai, nice to see you again," Mr. Ishida did a double take. "Tai! Are you all right?"
Tai groaned. He was so tired of everyone asking him the exact same question.
"Yes sir, I'm fine."
"He fell down the stairs Dad. But he won't go to the hospital."
Tai glared at the older boy.
"Is that true Tai?"
"Yes sir. I didn't really see the need. I'm fine-" Tai faltered and grabbed for the door frame as he almost blacked out.
"Tai!" Matt ran and caught him before he hit the ground.
"Bring him over here Matt," instructed Mr. Ishida.
Matt brought him over and sat him on the couch. "Didn't really see the need huh?"
"How are you feeling young man?"
"N-not so good," stammered Tai.
"Let's go," He helped Tai to stand up. "We're going to the hospital."
"What about his parents?" asked Matt.
"We will call them when we get Tai to a doctor."
*~*~*~*
"Mr. Kamiya?"
Matt's father looked up at the sound of the doctor's voice.
"No I am his friend's father, I brought him in. He was at my house when he collapsed. Is he going to be okay?"
"I really should speak to his parents."
"I understand, but they aren't here right now. They are out of town for the weekend. Now could you kindly tell me what is wrong with that young man in there?"
"Well sir, he had suffered a severe concussion. And he has numerous abrasions about his face and head. Do you know when or what happened?"
"It happened sometime last night. He told my son that he fell down the stairs."
"I see. To tell you the truth Mr...?"
"Ishida."
"To tell you the truth Mr. Ishida, I have seen this before. And all the signs point to abuse."
"Abuse? Are you insinuating that the Kamiyas-"
"No sir, I am just saying that it appears that somebody beat on that boy. And it is my job to contact the authorities seeing as he is only sixteen."
"Why don't you let me talk to him? I really don't think this has any thing to do with his parents or any family members."
"All right. But I really should call Children's Aid."
"I know, thank you for this chance."
"You can go in and talk to him now if you like."
The Ishidas went into Tai's room...
"Tai? Are you asleep?"
"Nope, come on in."
Matt noticed that Tai looked pale and tired.
"Tai, I need to talk to you man to man for a minute."
Tai looked past Matt to the dark-haired man behind him. Mr. Ishida came over and sat down in the chair beside Tai's bed.
"Tai, we know you didn't fall down the stairs."
The brunette looked away.
"No, don't. We want to help you Tai. You have to tell us what happened. The doctor thinks your parents beat you."
Tai looked up, a look of shock on his face. "No! They never!"
"I know that and you know that. But the doctors and nurses here don't know that. It is their job to tell somebody if they suspect abuse. So I need you to talk to me."
Tai let out a shuddering breath and his eyes filled with tears. "Okay," he whispered.
Matt came over and took hold of his hand.
"I admit it, I was beat up. But I swear it wasn't by my mom or dad."
"Who was it, Tai?"
"I-I can't tell you."
Matt spoke up. "Please, we only want to help you. Why are you protecting whoever did this to you?"
"People get in fights everyday. Why can't we leave it at that?" He looked from Matt to Mr. Ishida and back to Matt again. "It wasn't anyone in my family. My home life is just fine. You both know my parents they would never do anything like that. So you can tell that doctor that everything is fine. Okay?"
"Everything is not fine," mumbled Matt.
"Yamato," warned his father.
"Matt, come on. Just let it go, for me."
Matt let go of Tai's hand and walked out of the room.
"Matt!" Tai called after him.
The doctor popped his head through the door a second later. "Is everything all right?"
"Fine," said Tai not looking too happy at the moment.
"And how are you feeling Mr. Kamiya?"
"Fine," Tai said again.
"Not very talkative is he?" The doctor looked at Mr. Ishida, who motioned for the door.
"The doctor nodded, then looked back at Tai. "Well we stitched up the wound in your head but we are going to keep you here overnight for observation."
"Awww, no," whined Tai. " Matt is supposed to sleep over tonight!"
"Now, you have the whole summer for sleepovers. One night won't kill you," placated Mr. Ishida. "We should let you get some rest. I'll come back tomorrow to pick you up, all right?"
"Yes," mumbled Tai under his breath.
The two gentlemen turned to leave.
"Mr. Ishida?"
"Yes Tai?"
"Can you see if Matt will come back in for just a moment?"
"Sure Tai."
"Thanks," Tai snuggled down under the blankets.
Mr. Ishida walked back out into the hallway to find his son slumped against the wall just outside the door.
"Matt?"
"Hi,"
"Hi yourself. You okay?"
"No...God damn that Tai! He makes me so mad! Why would he just let something like this go on? We can help him, and he just wants to forget about it!"
"Sometimes people who need help think they can handle it on their own. Or maybe that if they don't cause any trouble, it will just go away. All you can do is be there for him when he needs you. You aren't going to be able to change his mind until he is ready to really face what is going on."
"It's so hard to see him like that."
Mr. Ishida looked pensive for a moment. "You like him don't you?"
"What?" Matt was startled by the question. That was the last thing he expected his father to say.
"I mean, really like him."
"Yes," was all Matt said.
"Have you told him how you feel?"
"God, no."
"Well why not?"
"He doesn't know I'm gay for one, and I'm not ready for anyone else to know. Then, how do I know that he will like me the same way? Maybe he isn't attracted to me."
"You won't know unless you try."
"Right, I'm sure his huge boyfriend won't mind me telling Tai that I love him. Maybe he will just step out of the way."
"Is Tai happy with this guy?"
"You know I really don't think so. You should see the way he treats Tai. I can't believe Tai just lies there and takes it."
Matt didn't realize exactly what he had just said, but Mr. Ishida did. He decided to keep his mouth shut for now. He didn't want Matt to go off half-cocked. They had no proof of any wrongdoing on the part of this boyfriend.
"Well, we have to get going son. Why don't you go and say goodbye to Tai? He wanted to talk to you."
Matt just nodded and pushed open the door.
"Matt, is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"I didn't think you were going to come back."
There was an awkward silence.
"Matt?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry."
Matt looked at his friend shocked. "Tai, you have nothing to be sorry for. I am the one who should be sorry for walking out a little while ago."
"That's okay. You are just moody," Tai flashed one of his patented grins.
Matt couldn't help but laugh out loud at this. But he had to know. "What are you sorry about?"
"I'm sorry I ruined our weekend," Tai said softly.
"Oh Tai. I don't care about the stupid sleepover. Your health is much more important to me."
"Really?"
"Of course. Just worry about getting well. I'll see you tomorrow when we come to pick you up," Matt turned to leave, but then turned back. "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you have the number where your mom and dad are? We really should cal them and let them know what is going on."
Tai shook his head. "Nope it's at home. My keys are in my shorts pocket if you want to go get it. It is by the phone."
"Sounds good," Matt fished Tai's keys out of the pocket and once again turned to leave.
"Matt?"
"Yes Tai?"
"Are we good?"
The blonde looked over his shoulder at the young man lying in the bed and smiled. "Yeah, we're good."
*~*~*~*
Matt into the Kamiya's apartment and grabbed the phone number, then he and his father drove home. They called Tai's parents to inform them that they admitted their son in the hospital. Mrs. Kamiya was worried, but Mr. Ishida convinced her that everything was fine. He would be released tomorrow. He also told them that Tai said he didn't fall, but got in a fight. He hung up saying that he and Matt would watch over Tai for the remainder of the weekend. With that out of the way, father and son sat back and relaxed.
Mr. Ishida looked over at his son who was slouching back in the cushion with his eyes closed. He patted his son on the knee.
"Just give it time Matt."
*~*~*~*
A week went by with no major incidents. Matt saw Tai around a few times. Tai even spent one afternoon at Matt's playing Diablo on the Playstation. And Matt spent said afternoon pinning for Tai. The usual.
Friday evening there was a party and some of the older kids were going. Jyou
and Sora would be there. Mimi was going as Jyou's date so she could go. And
Sora was bringing Koushiro.
(A/N: I definitely prefer Jyou & Koushiro, and Mimi & Sora together.
But this is just so that everyone can be at the lame-ass party. And besides
I am not going into any other couples yet, if at all. So for now it's all good.)
Matt wasn't going to go, but he found out from Sora that Toshi wanted to go so they would both be there. Now he would be too.
*~*~*~*
Matt was getting ready for the party Friday night when the phone rang. He ran to get it.
"Hello?"
"Matt?"
"Tai! How are you?"
"I'm good. You are going to the party tonight right?"
"Yep, I wouldn't miss it."
"Good. I was just checking. I'll see you there then."
"Okay, bye Tai."
"Bye Matt."
'That was a bit weird,' thought Matt. 'I wonder what that was all about?' he shrugged his shoulders and went back to prepping himself.
He would be wearing khaki pants and a white pullover. His hair would be gelled to perfection as usual. When he was satisfied in his appearance he glanced at the clock. It was almost time to go. He grabbed the car keys off the kitchen table and headed out downtown.
He turned down the appropriate street and saw the line-up of parked cars. "I guess this is the place," he said to himself. Matt parked the car and headed up the walkway.
Inside was insane. The music was so loud you could barely stand to be in the same room, the people were jammed in so tight you could barely move. There was dancing, drinking and smoking. Matt scanned the room for a glimpse of someone he knew. Preferably Tai.
Matt pushed his way into the kitchen to grab a soda. He saw some people he knew from school and from around the neighborhood. He ran into Koushiro.
"Hi Matt!" he screamed over the din of the music.
"Hey Koushiro. How long have you been here?"
"Not too long. The others are around here somewhere. Oh, there's Mimi."
Mimi saw them and came over. "Hey guys. Isn't this a great party?"
"Yeah, not too bad. Listen, have either of you seen Tai around?"
"Yes, he is in the living room," said Koushiro helpfully.
"Thanks. I'll see you later.
Mimi and Koushiro looked at each other. "He hasn't told Tai how he feels yet has he?"
Mimi shook her head. "What is taking that boy so long?"
"What is taking who so long?" Jyou and Sora came up to their friends.
"Oh, just Matt. He is running around here looking for Tai. He still hasn't talked to him yet," said Mimi airily.
"Now Mimi, be nice. Remember, he thinks that we don't know that he is gay. So he thinks he has to do this on her own," said Jyou still taking up the role of the responsible one.
"Yeah, but if he doesn't hurry up. I am going to tell Tai for him!" laughed Sora.
"You know what I can't believe? That Tai is the only one that doesn't know that Matt has feelings for him," said Koushiro thoughtfully...
Meanwhile, Matt had made his way through the crowd in the living room...
There he was!
Matt gasped as he saw Tai sitting on the couch. He was dressed in a pair of black dress pants, a dark blue dress shirt and a black leather jacket. He had somehow managed to tame his wild shock of hair for the evening. It was down tonight and framed his tiny face. A few strands fell into his eyes. Matt thought he looked absolutely beautiful.
The only problem was that his jerk-off of a boyfriend was sitting beside him. Toshi had one hand on Tai's knee and with the other he was smoking a cigarette. Every once in a while he would lean over a pick up a beer that was placed on the floor by his feet. Matt watched, as Toshi would make Tai take a sip after he did. And he even made Tai take a drag on his cigarette. Matt was furious. He knew that Tai only did it so that Toshi wouldn't get mad. But drinking and smoking? If Toshi wanted to, then let him, he was nineteen. But leave Tai alone, he was only sixteen!
"Matt! Matt Ishida!"
Matt jumped at the sound of his name and turned around to see Shay, a kid from his Math class. He looked back toward the couch and saw that thankfully it seemed that Toshi didn't hear his name being called out. But Tai did. He was looking right at him. He waved, said something to Toshi and got up. As he passed by the two boys, he motioned upstairs to Matt.
Matt turned back to his classmate. "Hey Shay. Look it is great to see you, but I have to go. Have a great time at the party."
Matt ran up the stairs in pursuit of Tai. When he got to the top of the stairs he felt a hand on his arm. He cried out. Laughter rang out from somewhere on his left. It was Tai.
"A little jumpy aren't you?" asked Tai smiling.
'It's good to see him smile,' thought Matt. 'He doesn't seem to do that much anymore.'
"How are you Tai?"
"Pretty good."
"You look great tonight Tai. I'm sure you've been turning heads all night."
Tai blushed, "Thanks Matt. You look nice too. I'm glad you came. I was hoping you would be here tonight."
"Really? Why?"
"Because you are my best friend, and we haven't really had the time to have a real conversation together."
"Yeah, I know."
Just then Joe came up the stairs on his way to the bathroom. "Hey Tai, Toshi is looking for you. I think he is on the way up. Just thought I would pass on the message." And with that he disappeared behind the door.
"Shit," muttered Tai. "Look Matt, I should go before Toshi gets mad. He has a very short temper."
The two boys heard shouting from the first floor. "God-damn it Taichi! Get down here. Don't make me come up there!"
Matt looked at Tai and saw the panic in his eyes. He had had enough.
"Tai, why do you stay with him? He treats you like you are dirt. Look at you. You are terrified. He has got you so scared of him that you'd do just about anything so as not to anger him!"
"Matt please, I have to go!" said Tai trying to head toward the stairs.
Matt grabbed on to his arm. "No Tai. Why are you so scared? Has he ever...hurt you..." his words died off as he realized what had been in front of him all along. He didn't know why he didn't see it before. Was it because it never occurred to him that Tai would let someone treat him like that, and do nothing about it? Or was it that his brain couldn't fathom the possibility that anyone would want to hurt such a beautiful angel like Tai? Whatever the reason he knew now, and he was going to put a stop to it. Tonight.
Tai had never answered his question. He just stood there and stared at the floor. "He has, hasn't he?"
"Yes," Tai whispered.
"Last week when you said you fell down the stairs, he beat you up didn't he?"
Tai just nodded.
"Oh Tai! Why didn't you tell me this was going on?"
"I couldn't. I didn't want anyone to know," Tai said meekly.
"You don't have to live like that. You are so much better than that. You could do much better than him. Someone who could make you happy!" Matt has almost shouting.
"Like who? Who would want a freak like me?"
"I would!" Matt said before he could stop the words from coming out of his mouth.
Tai looked at him wide eyed, "Matt?"
He didn't have a chance to respond as Tai's boyfriend came running up the stairs.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here? I figured I would find you with him."
"Toshi! I, I mean, we weren't-"
"Save it Taichi. I don't want to hear your whining. Just get over here," his eyes narrowed into slits as he glared at Tai. "Now."
Tai started forward and Toshi reached out and pulled him the rest of the way.
"What did I tell you about talking to Ishida, here?"
"Leave him alone!" shouted Matt.
"I am not talking to you! thundered Asako. I'll deal with you later."
"I said, leave him alone."
"Matt, no! Just let it be. It'll be okay," pleaded Tai.
Toshi grabbed a handful of Tai's hair and forced him to the ground. "What are you going to do 'Matt'?"
Matt felt his anger rise as he saw Tai on his knees, wincing in pain. "This," he said. Pushing Toshi back against the wall.
Toshi was unprepared for Matt's act of aggression and fell back, releasing his hold on Tai.
"Tai, come over here," Matt said holding out his hand. Tai slowly got up and went over to him.
"That's right Taichi, go see your new little boyfriend," he spat.
"No. He is your boyfriend, not mine. So why don't you start treating him like one? He is not some slave that you think you own. You have the honor of having the most beautiful, sweet, kind, caring person as your boyfriend; and you treat him like he is garbage. You don't deserve to have him!"
Toshi laughed. "How touching. You hear that Taichi? I don't deserve you. So tell me Ishida, who does? You?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. At least I would know how to treat him!" Matt just couldn't seem to keep his mouth shut tonight.
"Matt," Tai started. The two friends looked at each other for a moment.
It was during this briefest of interludes that Toshi made his move. He grabbed Tai and pulled him out of Matt's reach. Then whirled and punched him in the face. Tai collapsed in a heap. Toshi picked him back up, grabbed him from behind and pulled a switchblade from his pocket. Matt stared as he placed the blade menacingly against Tai's thin throat.
"Tai, no!" Matt screamed.
By this point, people had started to gather at the commotion. So, Matt turned to the closest person beside him, "Call the police. Hurry!" He then started inching forward toward Tai and his attacker.
"Stay back, or I swear I'll kill him!"
"Toshi, come on. This has gotten way out of control," Matt tried to placate the maniac holding Tai hostage.
"Stay back you bastard! I'll do it I swear!" as if to prove his point, Toshi press the blade into Tai's throat. Tai cried out as the blade pierced his skin and a thin trickle of blood slid down his neck.
"You don't think I know what is going on here? I can see the way you look at him. Hear the way you talk to him. Well, you can't have him. He is mine!" Toshi hissed. "Do you all hear me? He is mine!" He spun around dragging Tai with him. "All of you get back!"
"Everyone, give them room!" Matt instructed the crowd. 'This is insane,' he thought. 'How did any of them let it get this far?'
"Toshiaki, just calm down," Matt decided to try to reason with him again. He had to do something. This maniac still held Tai at knifepoint. "Nobody here wants to hurt you. Why don't you put the knife down and let Tai go?"
"Let him go? Oh, I don't think so. What happens when I release him? You all gang up on me. Na-uh. If I go down, princess here goes with me." Tai shuddered as he ran the cold, steel blade down his cheek. "You know," Toshi continued. "He really is quite breathtaking." He had a glazed look in his eyes.
Matt saw his chance. "Then why would you want to ruin that beautiful face? Give me the knife Toshi." Matt could hear the sirens in the background.
Toshi heard them too, and his mind snapped back. He tightened his grip on Tai's neck. 'Fuck, the cops are here. I have to get out of here.'
"If you want him so bad, go get him!" Toshi dragged Tai over to the stairwell and threw him down the stairs.
"Tai!" Matt screamed.
Toshi ran down the stairs, jumped over Tai's body at the bottom and vaulted for the door.
"Police! Nobody move!" Four uniformed police officers burst through the front. Toshi tried to push through them, but didn't get very far. "Whoa, hold on there son."
Matt came tearing downstairs. "Don't let him go!"
One of the officers came up to Matt who was kneeling next to Tai. "What is going on here? We got a report of someone with a knife?"
"Yes," said Matt. That guy you're holding. He was holding my friend by knifepoint. He threatened to kill him. Then he threw him down the stairs."
"Is your friend okay?"
"I think so," Matt said softly. He looked at Tai. He was sitting against the wall, crying now. "Toshi cut him with his knife though."
The officer came closer. He saw the blood seeping into Tai's collar. "Hey there," he said to Tai. "I just want to see the wound on your throat."
Tai let him look, then put his face in his hands and began to cry again.
"It doesn't look too bad, but we will have the medics look at him just in case. Are you a witness to everything that happened?"
Matt nodded, then sat up beside Tai and placed his arm around him letting him cry into his shoulder.
"What's your friend's name?"
"Taichi Kamiya."
The officer walked back to his comrades who still had Toshi in custody. "I understand you have been causing trouble for that young man over there." He turned him around, and pulled out his handcuffs. "What is your name?"
"I don't have to tell you anything!" Toshi hollered and then spat in the policeman's face.
"All right then, have it your way. You are under arrest for the attempted assault of Taichi Kamiya. "
*~*~*~*
Toshiaki Asako, was charged with assault and wielding a deadly weapon after Matt's and other party goer's testimony. He was sent to prison for 3 years, and got 5 years probation. Tai also got a restraining order put against him. He would hopefully never have to deal with Toshi ever again.
A week later Matt and Tai were sitting in Tai's living room just watching TV when Matt noticed that Tai was staring at him.
"What?" he asked. "Do I have something hanging from my nose?"
"No. I was just wondering something."
"What is it? You know you can ask me anything."
"Well the night of the party, you said something about, you wanting me."
"Yeah?" Matt wasn't sure where this was going.
"Well did you really mean that, or did you just say that to prove a point to Toshi?"
~silence~
"Matt?"
"I meant it." Matt turned away, he wasn't sure what Tai's reaction would be and he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
"Matt, you're gay?"
"Yeah, I have been for a while. I just didn't want anyone to know. You know, my reputation and all. But I really like you Tai."
"Good. Cause I really like you too."
Matt turned back to Tai, and saw him smiling. "Really?"
"Would I lie about something like that?" Tai paused for a moment. "I want to thank you for everything you did. With the whole Toshi situation, I mean."
"Don't mention it, I would do it again in a heat beat. But now that we are on the topic, Tai why would you let the abuse go on like that? Why didn't you get some help?"
"I couldn't. I didn't want everyone to know that Tai, the freak gets beat on by his boyfriend. I didn't need to give anyone another reason to hate me. And letting it happen? I am not sure. Toshi had me convinced that I was worthless, that nobody would ever want me so I was lucky that I had him. So then it sort of became a game to him. He had something to hold over me. He knew that I would do whatever he wanted."
"You know that he was full of shit. Tai, you are so special you couldn't even imagine. And anyone would be damn lucky to be the recipient of whatever love you have to give. I just hope that you still have love left to give."
"I think I still have a little left," Tai gave Matt one of his biggest grins.
Matt smiled back and took hold of Tai's hand. Looking into his big brown eyes, Matt said, "Tai. Would you go out with me?"
Tai let out a happy sob. "Yes! Oh, Matt!" he flung his arms around Matt's neck.
Matt breathed in Tai's scent. "Thank you Tai," he murmured against Tai's mass of hair.
"Thank you?"
"For making me the happiest person in the world."
Tai hugged him again.
"Tai?"
"Yes Matt?"
"Um, may I kiss you?"
"I think I would like that very much."
Matt caressed Tai's cheek and leaned in close. Their lips met, gently at first. Matt applied a bit more pressure and Tai made a little noise in the back of his throat. Matt then ran his tongue along Tai's teeth and Tai granted him access.
It was the most incredible feeling he had ever experienced. Sure he had French-kissed before, but not with someone he loved. Not with Tai. The two finally parted gasping for breath.
"Wow," Tai said smiling.
"Yeah wow," Matt, agreed.
"We will have to remember to do that again soon."
"As often as you like, beautiful." Matt put his arm around Tai and snuggled back into the couch. Finally with the one he loves.
~~Fin~~