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Battlefronts

Chapter 10

The door to the room I was attempting to sleep in opened abruptly.

"Want to explain why you've been sulking in here for the past two days?" Taka drawled, interrupting my brooding.

"I'm not sulking." I denied tiredly. I continued to stare at the roof, not even bothering to look at my best friend.

"I call bullshit." Taka said calmly, closing the bedroom door and engaging the lock. I just rolled on to my side facing the wall ignoring him.

Taka snorted and jumped onto the mattress next me. Pursing my lips, I continued to stare at the wall and refused to acknowledge his comment. A firm hand gripped my arm and pulled me around to face him. I refused to let me eyes meet his. Taka knew when I was upset and had this uncanny ability to make me talk.

His other hand tilted my face and he lowered his until I had no option but to look in his eyes. I tried to shrug him off and move away but he was so much stronger than me. I wasn't able to budge from his grip.

"What's going on?" He asked me softly.

"Let me go Taka." I growled and began to struggle hard against his grasp.

"Talk to me." He replied, never raising his voice or changing his tone. His hold on me didn't change despite my vigourous efforts to escape.

"I don't want to talk about it Taka." I responded fighting to keep a cool note in my voice. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect and came across as angry instead.

"Tough. I know it involves Tai and if you won't tell me, Kari will drag it out of him and I'll know either way. From the way he is avoiding Sora and Matt something happened between the two of you." Taka replied calmly.

"I said I don't want to talk about it." I snapped back.

A slow, mischievous smile spread across his face. A sense of foreboding flowed through me. That look always meant trouble. My struggling wasn't getting me anywhere.

"Hmmmm. Snubbing everyone. Shutting yourself in the room. Not eating except when we are all out of the place? Refusing to meet my eyes. Something bloody happened and from how red face your face is right now – you did something really embarrassing and are desperately avoiding the aftermath. Spill!" He ordered

"Leave me alone!" My voice cracked on the last word, and I closed my eyes as tears of humiliation began to well up.

"Wow. It must have been really bad!" Taka replied quietly.

"You wouldn't understand." I said in a low voice, a tear slipped out from behind my closed eyelids. His grip on me loosened and I turned back to the wall, trying hard to stem the tears that were escaping.

"T.K. It can't be as bad as you think. You know I won't judge you." Taka said, placing a hand on my arm.

Those simple words broke my resolve not to say anything. I shuddered once. "I made a pass at Tai and he rejected me." Misery washed over me and I once again I fought hard to hold in the tears that were threatening to fall again.

"How did you make a pass at him?" He asked me quietly.

"I kissed him. He said I was confused and projecting on him. I accused him of treating me like a kid and when he tried to calm me down I slipped off the rock I was sitting on and fell in the water. To top it all off he had to rescue me again." I replied despondently. The wall was starting to blur and I angrily dashed my hand across my eyes to rid myself of the damn tears.

"Oh T.K." Taka sighed and gently rubbed my back. For once the horror of being touched was overcome by the comfort my best friend was trying to impart on me.

"I'm such an idiot. This is the worst summer ever." I muttered, desperately wishing I could be anywhere but here. I wouldn't have made a fool of myself. I wouldn't have to spend time with that horrible female and my stupid brother. I'd happily put up with Makoto's incessant teasing as long as it was far away from here. I've never been so mortified in my entire life.

"I know it is awful and you're embarrassed but you need to stop wallowing in pity T.K. Walk out there and pretend that you don't care about what has happened. This isn't the end of the world – it might feel like it but it isn't." Taka said firmly.

"You don't know what this feels like Taka. Girls love you." I responded morosely.

A derisive snort met my ears. "I do not what it is like? Before I blossomed into the awesome person I am, girls would not give me the time of day. One particular girl laughed in my face and said I could be the last guy on Earth and she still wouldn't date me. As soon as I went through puberty she's decided that I'm now quite the catch and has been trying to get in my pants for the last two years." Taka said with amusement. "When I went through that I was embarrassed and ashamed and on that particular day I wished I was dead. You get through it. The best advice Yuki gave me was to hold my head up high and pretend that nothing happened. The whispering went away after a couple of weeks and I made it through unscathed. "

"You never told me about that." I said, looking over my shoulder at Taka.

My best friend shrugged once before answering. "You were going through your own stuff at the time T.K. I didn't want to burden you with everything that was going on with you know who. Back to the problem at hand - there are only four people that know what happened luckily. He doesn't see you that way and you can move on."

"What do you mean four people? Only you, Tai and I know." I said bolting upright. I clapped a hand over my mouth as nausea threatened to turn into the more physical act. My head spun and pulsed angrily.

Taka shook his head and handed me a glass of water. Once the nausea had passed, I took a small gulp and it seemed to help settle my rebellious tummy for a bit. "You honestly think Kari isn't going to bully Tai and find out what happened?" He said with a hint of mischief glinting in his eyes.

I groaned and put my head in my hands. "Could this get any worse?" I grumbled.

"Take these and suck it up princess. Once your stomach has settled we are eating, then packing a lot of food and going for a walk. The fresh air will do you the world of good." Taka said with a smirk and clapped me on the shoulder.

I groaned and fell back onto my pillow. Taka was one of the few people who knew how to pull my out of one of my moods. He was right of course…not that I would tell him that. Didn't want him to get a big head after all.

*ts*

"You told him what?!" Kari said staring at me like I had grown an extra head.

I stopped paddling and sat up on my board. "He was projecting on me Kari." I snapped back.

"You're a bloody idiot." Kari informed me with disgust. She was perched on her board with an ease that many envied, myself included. My sister was sweet and always wanted to help others. I was a little peeved that she was looking out for T.K. and not me.

"Kari. First of all, there is a big age gap and he is way too immature for my taste. Second – he is Matt's little brother. Finally, he's been through something bad and I've come to his rescue too many times so he sees me his knight in shining armour. He's not truly attracted to me." I said sharply. The rise and fall of the waves underneath helped to settle some of my hurt I was feeling. I'd done the right thing damnit and I didn't appreciate being told I was stupid.

"You have a bloody hero complex." Kari said with disgust. "T.K. can be a little immature sometimes but as you've said he's been through things that a kid our age shouldn't. I've been watching him and he's mellowed out since you two have been hanging out. He's not been as prickly as when he first got here…except with Sora. He trusts you and for god's sake Tai he defended you against a predator. That boy knows his own mind well and if he kissed you he wasn't being manipulative. Matt can be when he's trying to prove a point. He's not impulsive either. That's your speciality. You fucked up and you know it. And don't give me bullshit that you don't find him attractive. I've also seen the way you look at him when you don't think anyone is watching."

I stared at her with an open mouth. My baby sister was swearing at me? I blinked a couple of times before her last comments sunk in. "Hey! He's a good-looking kid but I don't think of him in that way! You know my type and he is definitely not it. Besides he's still a kid!" I snapped back stung beyond being careful.

"As you pointed out so eloquently two days ago – He's sixteen which means it is legal if you wanted to pursue a relationship. He's absolutely not a kid. You are trying to throw up roadblocks because you're afraid to admit that you do think he's more than a bit alright." Kari said tossing her wet hair over her shoulder. Her arms were folded across her chest and she had a superior look on her face.

"Kari. You don't know what he has been through. He needs a friend." I said, desperate for her to understand without me betraying T.K. and everything he had divulged to me.

"Actually, I do know what he has been through. Stop trying to wrap him up in cotton wool and protect him from the big bad world. He's a fucking fighter and has shown that many times! He doesn't need you acting like a martyr. Get off your bloody high horse and accept that your interested in him as more than a friend. He is your type but this time he is younger chronologically then your previous paramours. He's probably the only person that'll be able to keep you on your toes and challenge you. Now act your age and not your shoe size. If you're not careful I'll tell T.K. every embarrassing story possible about you!" Kari said sharply.

"You wouldn't!" I said outraged. I glared at her.

"Just watch me! In fact, I think that is exactly what I'll do." Kari said decisively. With that parting shot she paddled forward, chose a wave and surfed back to the shore.

Angrily I hit the water with my fist. "Damn it Kari! Get back here!" I shouted at her.

She was now on the shore and gave me the one fingered salute as she trotted off, board tucked under her arm. I growled to myself. There were quite a few embarrassing stories including the one where I had…uh oh! Quickly I paddled forward and quickly found a wave to take me back in. The sooner I stopped Kari the better!

*ts*

"Kari and I found this awesome little spot where we can spend some quality…" Taka's voice dropped off and he glanced at me slightly embarrassed.

"Where you two could go and make out without being caught?" I asked rolling my eyes.

Taka rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah…" He replied looking everywhere but at me.

"Relax Taka. I'm not going to bite off your head because you've found a girl you actually like. You two official or anything?" I said lying back on my towel and watching the waves dreamily. Of course, Taka had been right, some food and fresh air had resulted in me feeling a lot better.

Taka laughed a little before following my lead and lying back. "Hmmm. A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. How you feeling buddy?" He asked me, turning his head to watch me.

"Fine." I muttered. "You were right."

"What was that?!" He asked with delight. "T.K. actually admitting that someone had done something right? Be still my beating heart!"

"Shut up!" I growled at him. He just laughed and pushed me. I pushed him back and it didn't take long before everything devolved into a wrestling match. It took me a while but I managed to get the upper hand. I sat on Taka's back with a triumphant smirk as he struggled beneath me.

"Is this a boy thing?" Kari's voice was laced with amusement. Both of us whipped our heads around to look at the brunette. She was leaning against a tree, eyes dancing with suppressed laughter.

"Yup." Taka responded with a big smile. She flashed him a gorgeous smile before turning her attention to me. Reluctantly I got off my best friend's back and sat on my towel. Taka waved her over and she sat down next to him.

"My brother's an arse." Kari said turning to me with a sympathetic smile.

I shrugged my shoulders, a little uncomfortable. I didn't know her well enough to assess how to respond. She just laughed and punched my shoulder. I looked up at her confused. She didn't act like any girl I'd met before.

"I'm not going to bite your head off if you agree. It was like pulling teeth to get him to admit what he did. I could have kicked him for being such an insensitive prick." She said tilting her head to the side a little.

I looked down at the sand and bit my lip. Unfortunately, my face heated up and she gave a small knowing laugh. "I don't want to talk about it." I said quietly. Humiliation washed over me as I thought over everything that had happened.

"Hey. You don't need to say anything. I've got a wealth of embarrassing stories about Tai. I'm happy to share them especially if it makes you feel better. Being rejected sucks. You're a great guy T.K. If the three of us put our heads together I reckon we can come up with someone fun to have a nice fling with." She replied. I looked up at her completely confused.

"Huh?" I asked articulately. I wanted to facepalm after uttering that. Taka was laughing silently on the other side of Kari. Her eyes crinkled at the corners and she gave me a wonderful smile. Without looking she elbowed my best friend in the gut and he let out a woof of air. Without meaning to my mouth twitched and I broke into a small smile. It seemed she was definitely a match for my mischievous best friend.

"I don't want a fling Kari." I said finally. I looked at them both soberly. Taka sighed to himself and Kari tilted her head to the side again as she studied me.

"No fling. Want to hear some stories about the gaffes he has made?" She asked me cheerily.

"No." I replied. I gave them both a quick smile and laid back on my towel looking up to watch white fluffy clouds morph and scud across the side. It wasn't long before the pair of them settled next to me and for Taka long to initiate a cloud shape contest.

*ts*

I watched T.K. surreptitiously through out the meal. He looked a little pale but was doing his best to ignore everyone at the table. The only change in his behaviour was when he nudged Kari and shared a smirk with her when Taka muttered something to him. I sighed internally and returned my attention back to my dinner, pushing it around my plate. It seems Kari had lived up to her promise.

'Well you kind of deserve it Tai.' The voice inside my head sounded suspiciously like my nerdy friend Izzy. I moved slightly, uncomfortable with the voice's opinion.

'Well come on! Kari's right and you damn well know it. Your thoughts about T.K. have been anything but pure the last few days. You have been dreaming about him in some rather intimate ways.' I bit my lip as I mulled that particular thought over.

'He's only 16!' I finally responded back at the voice furiously.

'So? That didn't stop you last year when you hooked up with that kid…what was his name…Marcus!' My inner voice responded ruthlessly.

'I didn't know he was 16!' I retorted defensively.

'Didn't stop you when you found out though did it?' It taunted me back

I hunched my shoulders as I fought to control my temper at the traitorous voice. 'What does that have to do with anything!?'

'You need to man up and talk to T.K.' The voice said instead ignoring my indignant response.

'He needed a friend. Not me being a lech.' I thought furiously trying to defend my actions.

'Oh please. You enjoyed the kiss. And don't try and deny you didn't. He wasn't looking for a friend when he kissed you. You were too chicken shit to act on it no matter how brave your words were to Matt. He at least had the courage to admit to himself what he wanted and acted accordingly.' I squirmed as the voice needled me.

'You don't understand.' I grumbled back.

'Oh, I understand perfectly and you damn well know it! You're a coward.' It snapped back. I flinched at the low below my inner voice delivered.

'I'm not a coward.' I thought back miserably.

"Prove it. I dare you to speak to him. Oh that's right. You're too busy trying to be holier than thou. You certainly enjoyed Marcus so what's so different about T.K.? God forbid you actually try and develop an actual romantic relationship with him. You might have to let yourself be vulnerable.'

Without realising my face had started to burn which caught everyone's attention. I was so busy fighting with myself that when a hand landed on my shoulder I jumped and rocked the table. I looked up at my assailant like a deer in headlights.

Matt's face swum into focus and a concerned frown marred his handsome face. "Are you okay Tai?" he asked.

"What?" I asked with confusion.

"You've barely eaten. Are you okay?" Sora asked quietly.

"I'm fine!" I replied hastily.

Kari flashed me a look. I glared back at her daring her to say something.

"It doesn't taste good?" Matt's crestfallen tone caught my attention.

"No. It's good Matt." I tried to reassure my friend. The rest of the table agreed with me.

"You're not eating it." Matt pointed out with a sad look in those blue eyes.

With little enthusiasm I attempted to eat what was in front of me. Every mouthful felt like a lump of lead, struggling to slide down my throat. After half the plate was gone I pushed it away. "I'm wrong. I'm not feeling to well. I'm going to go have a quick bath. Sorry Matt." I said pushing myself away from the table.

'Coward!' My inner voice mocked me as a hurriedly left the room refusing to look at anyone.

*ts*

"That was weird wasn't it?" I asked Kari and Taka in a low voice as we huddled together in our room.

"Yeah. That's not like Tai at all." Kari said with a frown. "He eats anything!"

A knock on the door had us jumping apart a little guiltily. "Come in." Taka called out, the first of us to regain our composure.

The door opened to reveal my father. We all looked at him quietly. "Matt said Tai has been acting strangely these past few days. And he won't talk to Matt or Sora about what's troubling him. Do any of you know?" He asked, arms folded across his chest.

"I don't think he's feeling to well sir." Kari said respectfully.

Taka nodded emphatically and I tried to keep my face as bland as possible. There was not a snowballs chance in hell I was admitting to him what I had done!

"Hmmmm." My father said studying each of us in turn. Kari and I held firm under the scrutiny but Taka squirmed a little. He was too open and honest and was never good at keeping things secret. My father's lips pursed as he watched Taka.

"I'm sure he'll feel better in the morning. Sir." I said with an icy calm. Carefully I snuck a hand behind me and pinched Taka. This was our signal when we got in trouble to hold firm. Luckily, he didn't yelp this time.

The disbelieving looks we all received alerted to us that we'd be watched very carefully from now on. "I don't want the three of you hanging out in here with the door closed. Is that clear?"

I opened my mouth to give a scathing reply and was promptly pinched in warning by my best friend. He replied with a smile. "Of course, sir. Kari, T.K. and I were just going to go for a short walk if that is okay?"

My father's eyes narrowed and I bit my tongue to prevent myself from saying anything really rude. "Very well. No surfing this late at night and I don't want to hear that you've been doing…stuff." He finished lamely.

Without thinking I pretended to gag. Kari and Taka gave me warning looks but I ignored them. "Ewwww. What do you think we are going to do? Have a threesome. Gross." I growled, once again pretending to gag.

Surprisingly this earned me an embarrassed chuckle. "Fine. Point taken. Behave yourself and be back soon. I'm going to bed. It's been a long day. Good night."

"Good night!" We chorused, all relieved that he'd not reacted poorly to my rudeness.

As soon as he left and we heard his door shut we were up and out of the room like a shot. We left a bemused Sora and Matt behind as we raced out into the dark.

I whooped as we raced down the trail, causing the others to laugh.

"You're an idiot!" Taka shouted to me.

"And you're slow!" I yelled back over my shoulder putting on a burst of speed.

"Look out!" Kari's voice rang out behind me.

I turned my attention back to the front of me just as a collided with a solid form. There was a grunt of pain from my victim as we tumbled to the ground. I lay on top of the warm body, winded. A groan underneath me finally caught my attention and as I sucked in a breath to apologise I looked into hazy brown eyes.

I was pushed to the side as Kari and Taka tried to see if the older man was alright. He didn't move from where he lay on the ground and I felt a moment of guilt for not checking where I was going. "I'm fine." He muttered and pushed their hands away. "Let me catch my breath."

Taka nudged me with his foot before grabbing Kari's hand and bolting down the trail behind Tai and I. "Fucking traitor." I muttered under my breath.

"What?" Tai asked looking at me confused.

"Nothing." I snapped back before lurching to my feet. I stomped off as I remembered the embarrassment I had been feeling earlier.

"T.K. wait!" a voice said behind me.

I ignored the voice and kept walking down the side trail it took to get to my little beach. The one Tai always seemed to find me and run to my rescue…

I was so busy feeling angry/sorry for myself I stumbled when a hand gripped my arm and pulled me backwards into strong arms. I grunted with surprise and tried to pull out of his grasp. I wiggled around and almost succeeded when I placed a hand on his chest.

A hand touched my face and I froze in my struggles. I opened my mouth to scold my captor and suddenly warm, moist lips were on mine. A tongue gently probed and a hand snaked around my neck and fisted in my hair, deepening the kiss.

'Am I dreaming?'

END OF CHAPTER

Just a warning I am going flat out at the moment and struggling to find ANY time to write. I will update when I can but there are a couple of other stories I will need to update first.

Please reveiw. It helps me to focus my minutes of free time to write. Constructive criticism or suggestions are always welcome.

Love Stom xox

p.s. Updates for my other stories are in the works. Should be posted soon.