Speechless sapphire eyes started up at him. Stay, as in move in? They had only established that they felt the same for one another. Matt didn't know what to say. It felt too soon. He loved Tai for a long time but Matt didn't know how he felt about taking suck a huge step forward. Biting his lip he let his lungs deflate in a quiet sigh. Matt laid his head on the chest of the taller boy, remaining quiet and unsure of what he should say. He listened to the soft beats of Tai's heart. It beat gently but had an under tone of suppressed excitement. The constant drumming was hypnotising. Matt thought he could feel just how much he was loved by listening to it. Relaxing into Tai he didn't look up at him as he spoke, afraid of the look he'd have. He knew in a moment Tai would be looking at him with those pained puppy dog eyes of his.

"I don't know Tai… I'd have to go get my stuff from my father's and I don't know what he'd do…. He threw a plate at my head when he found that I was gay. I don't think he'd be too happy if he found out I was moving in with you…."

"He doesn't have to know that we're together; just tell him that I'm looking for a roommate to help cover the rent." Tai protested. He was starting to feel a bit rejected but wasn't going to give up so easily.

"I don't have a job; both he and you know that." Matt said.

No air escaped the taller boy's chest. He was holding his breath. Tightening his arms around the slender frame, he didn't want to let go of the boy. He always forgot how small Matt actually was in comparison to himself. It made him want to protect him all the more. The small frame leaned into him, a fair haired head tucking beneath his chin. Neither boy knew what to do at the moment. Tai wished Matt didn't have such a stubborn father. He understood that Matt was afraid but Tai knew he could help.

"Do you still have the key to your father's place?" Tai asked softly.

"It's at home. I don't have anything with me. I just threw my shoes on and got out of there before anything else could happen. Although, I know where the spare key is hidden." Matt replied, not sure where this was headed.

"Well, how about this then: we can go when your father is asleep, get as much of your stuff as you need, and get the hell out of there?" Tai's voice was deadly serious. Matt looked up at him as if he had gone crazy.

"Have you gone mad? My father would be pissed!" He yelled.

Tai smiled warmly to try and make the boy feel a bit better about the idea. "What I mean is I'll take you home. You go inside, pack as much as you can in a backpack or two, and come back out to the car. We'll get out of there together. Do you have another idea?"

Matt laid his head back down gently on Tai's shoulder. "Let's just leave it for now. I don't want to think about it…" His voice was small.

Placing a soft kiss upon his head, Tai let the topic drift off for the time being. He walked Matt over to the couch to sit and pulled him into his lap. Tai held him gently for what felt like hours. They sat together in silence.

Tai wanted to make all of Matt's problems go away somehow. He wanted to make everything better. For now he knew there wasn't much he was able to do for him.

Curling into the warm body, Matt let his mind drift off. The baggy clothes he wore provided a degree of comfort because they belonged to Tai. However, being so close to the other boy made him feel a different kind of calm. He didn't understand how Tai could always be so gentle but it was appreciated. Matt felt safe where he was, the argument with his father slipped into the back of his mind. The shattering plate on the wall and the fear slid away as he sat, wrapped in warm arms. Allowing his eyes to close, he relaxed against Tai. Hanging onto him with long slender fingers, he didn't want to let go, afraid the feeling of safety would leave him.

"Don't let me go…" His voice was tiny and barely audible.

Tai looked at him, a little surprised by the sudden vulnerability. Tightening his arms around him softly he held him close, leaning his head against his. He spoke softly,

"I won't Matt. Everything will be okay."

The boys remained where they were, entangled with one another.