Stillmatic
Disclaimers: you can't sue me, nah nah nah nah! See, i don't own digimon, and I'm not making any money offa this. So, if anyone wants to sue someone, go jump in front of moving vehicles – works really well (lotsa pity!).
Warnings: yamaken/kenato (KenxYamato/ YamatoxKen), Taidai (Tai x Daisuke), Takari (Takeru x Hikari), Yomi ( Yolei x Mimi) and other couplings. Severe Depression, Homophobia, Cutting, Child Abuse, Lemon Maybe....
The title Stillmatic comes from the new album by Nas, called Stillmatic. Stillmatic means to keep coming, or going on. Please check out his album. He's a really great guy... Ya know, he refuses to do beer commercials, keeps coming back to his hood to check up on people and he doesn't care what others think of him. Isn't he cool? I think so...
:::Stillmatic:::
Bubble Rain
Outside the downtown studio of the Teenage Wolves, rain poured relentlessly. Tiny droplets of sorrow and twisted mirth pattered in mixed time to fall to cement. Sunlight was hidden by cloud after cloud, and the city's pollution was trapped into the dreary scene. The onslaughts of rain sheets did however carry on into the studio.
" I'm just saying, we can't be the Teenage Wolves forever! I mean, by the time we reach true stardom, we'll be beyond Teenagers. I really think we should change the name now, rather than later," Hiroshi explained to the rest of the band. He leaned back against the door that lead into the tiny closet, standing at least a foot over the others.
"He does have a point," Yamato shrugged as he placed in his comment. Every month the band had a meeting, and this time they were discussing their name.
"But I like the name!" Mirobani cried. The tall, brunette with dazzling green eyes was draped across a keyboard, his arms folded around his precious instrument. The two other band members, Ryo and Yukana remained silent, each sitting in the small window seat.
"Why don't we finish this later. It's time to go, and I'm gonna be late," Yamato stood up from his spot on the floor, and gathered up his guitar. The others started to get up, murmuring different goodbyes. Matt was the last to leave the tiny closet and the recording equipment they had recently gotten. As he shut off the lights and stepped into the grubby hallway, he realized that Yukana had waited at the elevator door for him. Yukana held his bass guitar close to his chest and with closed eyes whispered something to himself. Raising an eyebrow, Yamato approached his friend and pressed the down button on the elevator.
"Thanks for waiting," Yamato said quietly, letting Yukana get in the elevator first. The short, blue haired boy with honey eyes stepped in cautiously, his shoulders quaking ever so slightly.
"I needed to tell you something," Yukana stated simply, shrugging his free shoulder.
"Well, shoot,"
" Lately things have gotten really complicated. My grandmother has gotten very sick, and my mom wants me to go and stay with her to keep her on her feet. I'm not going to be able to play with you guys for a while. I mean, my mom already didn't like me staying out so late, and then my grades started to drop. I just don't have enough time. In a month or so I'll be back from my grandmother's in China, and will only have to take a half day of school, and then I'll have time to play with you all," Yukana explained slowly, the word seeping out of his mouth in wavering tones.
"Just a month? Jesus, we have our tour starting up in two weeks! What the hell am I supposed to do without a bass, or backup vocals?" Yamato howled. The other boy stayed silent for a minute before answering.
" I know, I know. I'm sorry but I just don't have a choice on this one. It's not my fault my mom wants me to take care of my grandma!" he replied stiffly, turning to face Yamato, whose pale face was completely unreadable, " I do know someone who can replace me while I'm gone. He's a great guitarist and has a sweet voice with enough encouragement. I swear, he taught me everything I know about playing a guitar."
"Will he play with us?" Yamato asked quietly. Yukana scuffled his feet against the floor.
"Maybe. He's nice enough, and he isn't attached to anybody, I think. But, he can get a little touchy,"
Yamato stood, his mind working. He made no move to reply as the elevator reached the lobby.
"Look, here's the place that he's performing tonight. He'll go onstage about 9 with a band called Paradise. You can be mad at me all you damn well please, but it won't help the situation," Yukana stated haughtily and shoved a business card into Yamato's hand. Yukana didn't wait for his friend to say anything, but instead hustled out the elevator and rushed across the tiled floor for the exit.
"I'm not mad at you!" Matt yelled after him. The retreating figure stopped, and turned at the door.
"I know!"
-----------------------
By the time Yamato entered the small bar and dance club where this 'great' guitarist was performing, the place was packed with all sorts of people. Workmen fresh off of construction, businessmen, young rave goers, and even families had flocked to the bar, and according to the bartender, all because of this band Paradise. The bar had one main dance floor which was littered with people jumping up and down, trying to keep up with a near impossible beat set by the DJ. The bar was on the right side of the door as soon as you came in, and created a sort of hallway into the dance floor. Cubbies in the wall surrounding the dance floor were filled with booths and tables. There was another hallway which lead to the kitchens, the restrooms, an emergency exit and to the stage, which was at the head of the floor. Right now the stage was hidden behind a mass of bright yellow and red curtain.
At 8:50, the DJ's rhythm slowed down until it disappeared completely, signaling the coming onstage performance. As the DJ quickly packed up his equipment, people flocked to the dance floor and booths, trying to get the best possible seats. Yamato stood at the doorway briefly, taking in the scene before him. Slowly he made his way over to a still unoccupied chair near the side of the room. The 17 year old climbed onto the high chair, folded his arms and waited for the show to start.
Suddenly, at 9 exactly, a direct beat wavered out into the air, followed by more beats, and then... guitar. In the back round, seemingly church bells sounded, but the guitar strings were the center of the music. Each chord struck deep into Yamato's soul, the trail leaving more emotion behind than any other music had before. Once the chord was struck, the sound left Yamato craving more. A broad grin soon glowed on his face. Once the intro had faded into the rest of the piece, the curtains opened.
A tall girl with black hair highlighted with green stood at the center of the stage, next to the mic stand. She was wearing a gorgeous purple skirt that covered her legs entirely and stamped with a Chinese dragon print. Her white tank top and pearl necklace contrasted deeply with her tan skin. She eyes were decorated with black eyeliner and bright glossy purple eye shadow.
To her left was the bass guitarist, who wore a simple white dress shirt which was half tucked into baggy black pants. He was the shortest of the five people on stage, with his brown hair spiked back. Behind the vocalist was the drummer, who was practically hidden beneath her drums, but her long brown hair streamed out from under a blue flamed beanie*. The keyboardist was in the far corner and half out of line of sight. He seemed to be of a strong build with firm, well balanced muscles. His shirt was bright orange and red mesh shirt and black jeans. His blonde hair stuck out at all angles, and slight circles were under his eyes.
The guitarist was to the right of the vocalist. His face was hidden as he was bend over his guitar for the moment, carefully strumming each string. A microphone was set up for him and his guitar. The guitar was a simple acoustic, but somehow the boy had managed to make it half sound electric. The boy wore a tight black shirt with long sleeves, which dipped around the neck to reveal a cord with a stone latched to it. His shirt fell over extremely tight, dark blue leather pants that tied up on one side with a black cord. Black boots were just visible under the pant's bell-bottom. His hair hung down a bit past his ears, the indigo locks gleaming like silk in the light. Then, the lyrics began.
// Beneath you the land crumbles
The weight of tears and unvoiced screams
It breaks take you down under without me
Tumbling down you go... on, and on
Faces surround you
Why must they mock us?
So then you let die her soul
Is she haunting you still?
No matter how long ago
You have to cry for her now
And the land makes you tumble
Forcing memories from your mind
The mountains trapping you in time
Take an answer from the unknown
Chorus: I won't sit here
I can't stand here
Why won't you let yourself go? \\
The girl's voice floated into the air, the voice unwavering and melodic. Her voice burbled with a still rustic edge, and the words came forth as heart felt sounds. The guitar works were now buried underneath the lyrics, but the chords helped bring out and sharpen the girl's words. At the chorus, his voice slowly came in. The lyrics then stopped again, and the beat and guitar took control again. That's when the guitarist lifted his head to the crowd. His pale face seemed delicate and even fragile in the light, but a hard core about him gave him spirit. His hair half fell across his face and even from far away the silky strands were delectable. A dash of blue paint had been swiped across his face, and someone had given him bright blue highlights to his indigo hair. Suddenly Yamato gasped.
The guitarist had opened his eyes to reveal tranquil violet eyes with glossy features of hope and twinges of darkness. It was Ken! Yamato's eyes clung onto the youthful form of his longtime crush, his blue orbs hungrily lacing up the tight pants. The child prodigy, keeper of the crest of Kindness, and a seemingly withdrawn 15 year old was playing the best out of the thousands of guitarists Yamato had met. But how did Ken end up here? Yamato hadn't seen or heard too much from the young man for at least a year or so. After the final battle against Malo-Myostismon, the two generations of DigiDestined had split up. The older group hadn't really done anything as a group for a long time, but Taichi and Yamato both saw each other everyday and were still best friends. The younger DigiDestined still had regular meetings, and often went out as a group, but there were some social clashes in the group. Takeru, Hikari and Miyako were all in the popular crew, while Daisuke and Iori were sort of middlemen, half popular. Ken was the loner of the class, but he mostly hung out with Daisuke. Like Taichi and Yamato, they had stayed close over the years. Because of the social class, it made going out for the younger DigiDestined hard.
The last time Yamato had seen Ken for more than five minutes was after the time Taichi and Daisuke had hooked up. Taichi was going over to his boyfriend's (Davis's) and Yamato, having nothing better to do, came along. The three of them sat around Daisuke's house for a bit, playing video games and just talking, when Daisuke got a brilliant plan to call Ken over. Ken came over and soon they had gotten into the liquor cabinet. Eventually, Ken and Yamato got left watching a movie while Taichi and Daisuke made out in the kitchen. Yamato interrupted his thoughts as the vocals started up again.
// You and Me
We're standing on forever
I wanna move up ahead with you
No matter what someone says to me and you
Let's not live in forever, please
I just wanna go on till I've got nowhere left to go
We can take our simple shelter in our arms
Someday the words will come
To teach you how to walk
The twisting steps of ivory vines
Surrounds the setting sun
(Chorus)
A new life will end
Before it sees the light
I know we're gonna crawl
Until I know to walk
Trust the stranger
Trust the Messages of winter sand
So I won't stand here
I can't sit and watch you die
Why won't you let go?
Why won't you let go?
I can't
I won't
I don't wanna see you cry
I don't want to listen
Trust the messages of winter sand
We'll be okay
Okay (x4)
Why won't you just let go? \\
The final chorus differed from the others, in that it was more powerful and sunk into your heart deeply. The singer's eyes were closed as she grasped the mic in frustration at whomever she was singing about, but her voice was still pure and stung like metal wool to your soul. The music continued on a bit after the vocals ended, but the last guitar chord rang deep into the night. Immediately following the song came immense applause, and the whole audience stood to acknowledge the band, who bowed graciously.
The rest of the night was a blur. At least 12 more songs followed, each with a different rhythm and difficulty, but each had the same effect on you as the first. By 11:35, the band was taking their final bows and crowds filtering out the doors, the air bubbling with excited talk about the band's performance. Yamato was the last person to stand up from his seat, having sunken in once the music started. He quickly walked over to the hallway that lead to the stage, waiting for Ken to immerge.
Around 11:45, a rather sleepy and tousled looking Ken came round the hallway. He stopped shortly and grinned happily to see Matt waiting for him.
"Hey! I thought I saw you out there tonight! What's up?" Ken chirped happily, coming to walk with Yamato to the exit.
"Long time no see. I heard about a great guitarist and came down to see who it was. I didn't know you played the guitar, otherwise I woulda picked you up a long time ago," Yamato replied, returning the smile.
" I started playing when I was ten, and kept on after that. It's the only thing that's survived from my childhood. I joined up with these guys about four months ago when their guitarist quit for another band. We went touring a bit, but now I'm looking forward to a break. This is our last performance until our keyboardist and drummer get out of college, which is in five months." Ken answered thoughtfully, grabbing a black sweater and a blue beanie* from the coat rack next to the door.
"I never imagined you living the rock star life," Yamato remarked softly, bracing himself for the rainy weather outside the bar.
"Neither, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try," Ken's smile glittered, even through the rain. The two began to walk to Matt's car, which was parked on the sidewalk.
"Hey, why don't you come and get a cup of coffee with me. I can drive you home afterwards if you like," Yamato offered smoothly.
"Sure! It'd be nice to catch up again," Ken agreed, and got into the car, carefully placing his guitar in the backseat.
The ride to the nearby Vic's Coffee house was quiet, and well thought. The roads were still packed on a Thursday night, but the traffic wasn't so bad. Inside the shop, the pair ordered and sat down at a table for two.
"So, what have you been up to lately?" Ken inquired directly, his glazed violet eyes trimming over Yamato's body.
"Nothing much. I'm getting ready to take entrance exams to collage, and trying to keep the band going. We've got a huge crowd, but we haven't done anything new lately. I really loved hearing you play. I'll admit it inspired me," Yamato chuckled at his statement, leaning back in his chair. Ken immediately flushed a bright red before stammering a thank you.
"But, other than that, everything's still same old same old. Today my guitarist told me he has to go away for a month, so I'm out scoping the town for a replacement."
"I'd be happy to substitute for you. I found the rock star life is kind of fun, and I think it's good to play with different bands," Ken offered resolutely. Yamato looked up in surprise.
"Really? That's what I was going to ask you! Cool, now I can stop looking," Yamato responded, leaning forward to thank the waitress who brought their coffees.
The two chattered on about life and where things were going with each of them. It was well past 1 when they decided to go home. Yamato kept stealing glances at the younger man, his eyes dancing over the lithe body.
(Yamato POV)
Geez, It's been so long since I last saw him I forgot how much I liked him. He's always smiling now, and he looks so full of life, it's almost like he's a fountain of happiness. You'd never be able to tell he was once a tyrant; he looks so innocent and normal. But he still has that twinge of dark around him. Not that I mind. That's what's always made him so sexy.
He's speaking to me now, though I'm not listening. His lips, are so perfect and smooth, it makes you just want to smoother them with kisses. After a year or so, I guess my crush still hasn't gone away, and I think it blossoming even more.
We're nearing his apartment complex now, and the air is filled with silence. I wonder what it'll be like to see him every week now? To hear him play and sing...
I stop the car and he's slowly clambering out, his cute butt wiggling right in front of my eyes. It's going to be so hard not to love him even more. I'm not even sure if he's gay or bi. He's never dating anyone, but he did turn Miyako down. I get out and follow him to the door.
"Thanks for driving me home, Yamato. We should get together more often," Ken says quietly, looking suddenly lost and morose in front of his complex door. Hmmm... I'd like that.
"Here's my number. Call me sometime okay? I'll see you on Tuesday," I reply gently, pressing a piece of paper with my number on it to him. He's responding now, but I can't seem to hear him. All I can see is his lips moving. And then, suddenly, before I know what I'm doing, I'm kissing him, my lips grazing gently his lips. His eyes shut and he accepts the kiss, his honey lips spreading to welcome me in. I'm about to stick my tongue in, when Ken suddenly stiffens and backs away, his eyes fluttering open quickly. He quickly moves away and opens the door into his complex. He's about to slip from sight, when I grab his wrist from around the door.
"Was that okay?" I whisper softly.
"I don't know," He answers quietly, his face unreadable.
------------------
*Beanies are those hats that are usually made of cotton with cool patterns that cover your ears... they're your regular winter hat mostly. If you still don't get it, email me and I'll send you a scan of my beanie.
Can I continue?
--Samsara
Disclaimers: you can't sue me, nah nah nah nah! See, i don't own digimon, and I'm not making any money offa this. So, if anyone wants to sue someone, go jump in front of moving vehicles – works really well (lotsa pity!).
Warnings: yamaken/kenato (KenxYamato/ YamatoxKen), Taidai (Tai x Daisuke), Takari (Takeru x Hikari), Yomi ( Yolei x Mimi) and other couplings. Severe Depression, Homophobia, Cutting, Child Abuse, Lemon Maybe....
The title Stillmatic comes from the new album by Nas, called Stillmatic. Stillmatic means to keep coming, or going on. Please check out his album. He's a really great guy... Ya know, he refuses to do beer commercials, keeps coming back to his hood to check up on people and he doesn't care what others think of him. Isn't he cool? I think so...
:::Stillmatic:::
Bubble Rain
Outside the downtown studio of the Teenage Wolves, rain poured relentlessly. Tiny droplets of sorrow and twisted mirth pattered in mixed time to fall to cement. Sunlight was hidden by cloud after cloud, and the city's pollution was trapped into the dreary scene. The onslaughts of rain sheets did however carry on into the studio.
" I'm just saying, we can't be the Teenage Wolves forever! I mean, by the time we reach true stardom, we'll be beyond Teenagers. I really think we should change the name now, rather than later," Hiroshi explained to the rest of the band. He leaned back against the door that lead into the tiny closet, standing at least a foot over the others.
"He does have a point," Yamato shrugged as he placed in his comment. Every month the band had a meeting, and this time they were discussing their name.
"But I like the name!" Mirobani cried. The tall, brunette with dazzling green eyes was draped across a keyboard, his arms folded around his precious instrument. The two other band members, Ryo and Yukana remained silent, each sitting in the small window seat.
"Why don't we finish this later. It's time to go, and I'm gonna be late," Yamato stood up from his spot on the floor, and gathered up his guitar. The others started to get up, murmuring different goodbyes. Matt was the last to leave the tiny closet and the recording equipment they had recently gotten. As he shut off the lights and stepped into the grubby hallway, he realized that Yukana had waited at the elevator door for him. Yukana held his bass guitar close to his chest and with closed eyes whispered something to himself. Raising an eyebrow, Yamato approached his friend and pressed the down button on the elevator.
"Thanks for waiting," Yamato said quietly, letting Yukana get in the elevator first. The short, blue haired boy with honey eyes stepped in cautiously, his shoulders quaking ever so slightly.
"I needed to tell you something," Yukana stated simply, shrugging his free shoulder.
"Well, shoot,"
" Lately things have gotten really complicated. My grandmother has gotten very sick, and my mom wants me to go and stay with her to keep her on her feet. I'm not going to be able to play with you guys for a while. I mean, my mom already didn't like me staying out so late, and then my grades started to drop. I just don't have enough time. In a month or so I'll be back from my grandmother's in China, and will only have to take a half day of school, and then I'll have time to play with you all," Yukana explained slowly, the word seeping out of his mouth in wavering tones.
"Just a month? Jesus, we have our tour starting up in two weeks! What the hell am I supposed to do without a bass, or backup vocals?" Yamato howled. The other boy stayed silent for a minute before answering.
" I know, I know. I'm sorry but I just don't have a choice on this one. It's not my fault my mom wants me to take care of my grandma!" he replied stiffly, turning to face Yamato, whose pale face was completely unreadable, " I do know someone who can replace me while I'm gone. He's a great guitarist and has a sweet voice with enough encouragement. I swear, he taught me everything I know about playing a guitar."
"Will he play with us?" Yamato asked quietly. Yukana scuffled his feet against the floor.
"Maybe. He's nice enough, and he isn't attached to anybody, I think. But, he can get a little touchy,"
Yamato stood, his mind working. He made no move to reply as the elevator reached the lobby.
"Look, here's the place that he's performing tonight. He'll go onstage about 9 with a band called Paradise. You can be mad at me all you damn well please, but it won't help the situation," Yukana stated haughtily and shoved a business card into Yamato's hand. Yukana didn't wait for his friend to say anything, but instead hustled out the elevator and rushed across the tiled floor for the exit.
"I'm not mad at you!" Matt yelled after him. The retreating figure stopped, and turned at the door.
"I know!"
-----------------------
By the time Yamato entered the small bar and dance club where this 'great' guitarist was performing, the place was packed with all sorts of people. Workmen fresh off of construction, businessmen, young rave goers, and even families had flocked to the bar, and according to the bartender, all because of this band Paradise. The bar had one main dance floor which was littered with people jumping up and down, trying to keep up with a near impossible beat set by the DJ. The bar was on the right side of the door as soon as you came in, and created a sort of hallway into the dance floor. Cubbies in the wall surrounding the dance floor were filled with booths and tables. There was another hallway which lead to the kitchens, the restrooms, an emergency exit and to the stage, which was at the head of the floor. Right now the stage was hidden behind a mass of bright yellow and red curtain.
At 8:50, the DJ's rhythm slowed down until it disappeared completely, signaling the coming onstage performance. As the DJ quickly packed up his equipment, people flocked to the dance floor and booths, trying to get the best possible seats. Yamato stood at the doorway briefly, taking in the scene before him. Slowly he made his way over to a still unoccupied chair near the side of the room. The 17 year old climbed onto the high chair, folded his arms and waited for the show to start.
Suddenly, at 9 exactly, a direct beat wavered out into the air, followed by more beats, and then... guitar. In the back round, seemingly church bells sounded, but the guitar strings were the center of the music. Each chord struck deep into Yamato's soul, the trail leaving more emotion behind than any other music had before. Once the chord was struck, the sound left Yamato craving more. A broad grin soon glowed on his face. Once the intro had faded into the rest of the piece, the curtains opened.
A tall girl with black hair highlighted with green stood at the center of the stage, next to the mic stand. She was wearing a gorgeous purple skirt that covered her legs entirely and stamped with a Chinese dragon print. Her white tank top and pearl necklace contrasted deeply with her tan skin. She eyes were decorated with black eyeliner and bright glossy purple eye shadow.
To her left was the bass guitarist, who wore a simple white dress shirt which was half tucked into baggy black pants. He was the shortest of the five people on stage, with his brown hair spiked back. Behind the vocalist was the drummer, who was practically hidden beneath her drums, but her long brown hair streamed out from under a blue flamed beanie*. The keyboardist was in the far corner and half out of line of sight. He seemed to be of a strong build with firm, well balanced muscles. His shirt was bright orange and red mesh shirt and black jeans. His blonde hair stuck out at all angles, and slight circles were under his eyes.
The guitarist was to the right of the vocalist. His face was hidden as he was bend over his guitar for the moment, carefully strumming each string. A microphone was set up for him and his guitar. The guitar was a simple acoustic, but somehow the boy had managed to make it half sound electric. The boy wore a tight black shirt with long sleeves, which dipped around the neck to reveal a cord with a stone latched to it. His shirt fell over extremely tight, dark blue leather pants that tied up on one side with a black cord. Black boots were just visible under the pant's bell-bottom. His hair hung down a bit past his ears, the indigo locks gleaming like silk in the light. Then, the lyrics began.
// Beneath you the land crumbles
The weight of tears and unvoiced screams
It breaks take you down under without me
Tumbling down you go... on, and on
Faces surround you
Why must they mock us?
So then you let die her soul
Is she haunting you still?
No matter how long ago
You have to cry for her now
And the land makes you tumble
Forcing memories from your mind
The mountains trapping you in time
Take an answer from the unknown
Chorus: I won't sit here
I can't stand here
Why won't you let yourself go? \\
The girl's voice floated into the air, the voice unwavering and melodic. Her voice burbled with a still rustic edge, and the words came forth as heart felt sounds. The guitar works were now buried underneath the lyrics, but the chords helped bring out and sharpen the girl's words. At the chorus, his voice slowly came in. The lyrics then stopped again, and the beat and guitar took control again. That's when the guitarist lifted his head to the crowd. His pale face seemed delicate and even fragile in the light, but a hard core about him gave him spirit. His hair half fell across his face and even from far away the silky strands were delectable. A dash of blue paint had been swiped across his face, and someone had given him bright blue highlights to his indigo hair. Suddenly Yamato gasped.
The guitarist had opened his eyes to reveal tranquil violet eyes with glossy features of hope and twinges of darkness. It was Ken! Yamato's eyes clung onto the youthful form of his longtime crush, his blue orbs hungrily lacing up the tight pants. The child prodigy, keeper of the crest of Kindness, and a seemingly withdrawn 15 year old was playing the best out of the thousands of guitarists Yamato had met. But how did Ken end up here? Yamato hadn't seen or heard too much from the young man for at least a year or so. After the final battle against Malo-Myostismon, the two generations of DigiDestined had split up. The older group hadn't really done anything as a group for a long time, but Taichi and Yamato both saw each other everyday and were still best friends. The younger DigiDestined still had regular meetings, and often went out as a group, but there were some social clashes in the group. Takeru, Hikari and Miyako were all in the popular crew, while Daisuke and Iori were sort of middlemen, half popular. Ken was the loner of the class, but he mostly hung out with Daisuke. Like Taichi and Yamato, they had stayed close over the years. Because of the social class, it made going out for the younger DigiDestined hard.
The last time Yamato had seen Ken for more than five minutes was after the time Taichi and Daisuke had hooked up. Taichi was going over to his boyfriend's (Davis's) and Yamato, having nothing better to do, came along. The three of them sat around Daisuke's house for a bit, playing video games and just talking, when Daisuke got a brilliant plan to call Ken over. Ken came over and soon they had gotten into the liquor cabinet. Eventually, Ken and Yamato got left watching a movie while Taichi and Daisuke made out in the kitchen. Yamato interrupted his thoughts as the vocals started up again.
// You and Me
We're standing on forever
I wanna move up ahead with you
No matter what someone says to me and you
Let's not live in forever, please
I just wanna go on till I've got nowhere left to go
We can take our simple shelter in our arms
Someday the words will come
To teach you how to walk
The twisting steps of ivory vines
Surrounds the setting sun
(Chorus)
A new life will end
Before it sees the light
I know we're gonna crawl
Until I know to walk
Trust the stranger
Trust the Messages of winter sand
So I won't stand here
I can't sit and watch you die
Why won't you let go?
Why won't you let go?
I can't
I won't
I don't wanna see you cry
I don't want to listen
Trust the messages of winter sand
We'll be okay
Okay (x4)
Why won't you just let go? \\
The final chorus differed from the others, in that it was more powerful and sunk into your heart deeply. The singer's eyes were closed as she grasped the mic in frustration at whomever she was singing about, but her voice was still pure and stung like metal wool to your soul. The music continued on a bit after the vocals ended, but the last guitar chord rang deep into the night. Immediately following the song came immense applause, and the whole audience stood to acknowledge the band, who bowed graciously.
The rest of the night was a blur. At least 12 more songs followed, each with a different rhythm and difficulty, but each had the same effect on you as the first. By 11:35, the band was taking their final bows and crowds filtering out the doors, the air bubbling with excited talk about the band's performance. Yamato was the last person to stand up from his seat, having sunken in once the music started. He quickly walked over to the hallway that lead to the stage, waiting for Ken to immerge.
Around 11:45, a rather sleepy and tousled looking Ken came round the hallway. He stopped shortly and grinned happily to see Matt waiting for him.
"Hey! I thought I saw you out there tonight! What's up?" Ken chirped happily, coming to walk with Yamato to the exit.
"Long time no see. I heard about a great guitarist and came down to see who it was. I didn't know you played the guitar, otherwise I woulda picked you up a long time ago," Yamato replied, returning the smile.
" I started playing when I was ten, and kept on after that. It's the only thing that's survived from my childhood. I joined up with these guys about four months ago when their guitarist quit for another band. We went touring a bit, but now I'm looking forward to a break. This is our last performance until our keyboardist and drummer get out of college, which is in five months." Ken answered thoughtfully, grabbing a black sweater and a blue beanie* from the coat rack next to the door.
"I never imagined you living the rock star life," Yamato remarked softly, bracing himself for the rainy weather outside the bar.
"Neither, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try," Ken's smile glittered, even through the rain. The two began to walk to Matt's car, which was parked on the sidewalk.
"Hey, why don't you come and get a cup of coffee with me. I can drive you home afterwards if you like," Yamato offered smoothly.
"Sure! It'd be nice to catch up again," Ken agreed, and got into the car, carefully placing his guitar in the backseat.
The ride to the nearby Vic's Coffee house was quiet, and well thought. The roads were still packed on a Thursday night, but the traffic wasn't so bad. Inside the shop, the pair ordered and sat down at a table for two.
"So, what have you been up to lately?" Ken inquired directly, his glazed violet eyes trimming over Yamato's body.
"Nothing much. I'm getting ready to take entrance exams to collage, and trying to keep the band going. We've got a huge crowd, but we haven't done anything new lately. I really loved hearing you play. I'll admit it inspired me," Yamato chuckled at his statement, leaning back in his chair. Ken immediately flushed a bright red before stammering a thank you.
"But, other than that, everything's still same old same old. Today my guitarist told me he has to go away for a month, so I'm out scoping the town for a replacement."
"I'd be happy to substitute for you. I found the rock star life is kind of fun, and I think it's good to play with different bands," Ken offered resolutely. Yamato looked up in surprise.
"Really? That's what I was going to ask you! Cool, now I can stop looking," Yamato responded, leaning forward to thank the waitress who brought their coffees.
The two chattered on about life and where things were going with each of them. It was well past 1 when they decided to go home. Yamato kept stealing glances at the younger man, his eyes dancing over the lithe body.
(Yamato POV)
Geez, It's been so long since I last saw him I forgot how much I liked him. He's always smiling now, and he looks so full of life, it's almost like he's a fountain of happiness. You'd never be able to tell he was once a tyrant; he looks so innocent and normal. But he still has that twinge of dark around him. Not that I mind. That's what's always made him so sexy.
He's speaking to me now, though I'm not listening. His lips, are so perfect and smooth, it makes you just want to smoother them with kisses. After a year or so, I guess my crush still hasn't gone away, and I think it blossoming even more.
We're nearing his apartment complex now, and the air is filled with silence. I wonder what it'll be like to see him every week now? To hear him play and sing...
I stop the car and he's slowly clambering out, his cute butt wiggling right in front of my eyes. It's going to be so hard not to love him even more. I'm not even sure if he's gay or bi. He's never dating anyone, but he did turn Miyako down. I get out and follow him to the door.
"Thanks for driving me home, Yamato. We should get together more often," Ken says quietly, looking suddenly lost and morose in front of his complex door. Hmmm... I'd like that.
"Here's my number. Call me sometime okay? I'll see you on Tuesday," I reply gently, pressing a piece of paper with my number on it to him. He's responding now, but I can't seem to hear him. All I can see is his lips moving. And then, suddenly, before I know what I'm doing, I'm kissing him, my lips grazing gently his lips. His eyes shut and he accepts the kiss, his honey lips spreading to welcome me in. I'm about to stick my tongue in, when Ken suddenly stiffens and backs away, his eyes fluttering open quickly. He quickly moves away and opens the door into his complex. He's about to slip from sight, when I grab his wrist from around the door.
"Was that okay?" I whisper softly.
"I don't know," He answers quietly, his face unreadable.
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*Beanies are those hats that are usually made of cotton with cool patterns that cover your ears... they're your regular winter hat mostly. If you still don't get it, email me and I'll send you a scan of my beanie.
Can I continue?
--Samsara