Wow been so long since I wrote for this. And this chapter's optional with all the drama. Kind of, since the last chapter ended quite nicely. But this was how it was meant to go.

To anon: Sorry for the late reply. It's been so long since your review but I'm still gonna reply it. No, I wasn't copying anyone's style, I have my own style and I stick to it, no matter how many reviews I get. And no, I didn't take your review as a flame because it wasn't. I took it as an opinion and a bit of con crit even before you said it was. Tai and Matt may not have seemed like themselves 'cause I'm using the Japanese version, and in my opinion, their characters are more developed there. I didn't watch the dub/English version, that's why I always use 'Taichi' and 'Yamato'. Negai Kanaeru Kagi (The Key to Granting Wishes) is Yamato's official character song, so I don't think I strayed out of character. But if you still think they're out of character then okay, that's your opinion. It's also fine if you think Taichi playing the violin in unbelievable, after all I didn't give his backstory. I appreciate you just said that, and didn't go into a long tirade like someone else, so thanks. As for the 'con crit' review, I assure you, that was a flame. The person insulted me and my profile when it didn't have anything to do with the story. And I'm not the only one who thinks this, my reviewers think so too, you can read what they say. I'd also like to assure you I do not ignore flames, because I do not run away. I did not ignore the flame, I posted my own reply in an Author's Note in Door. You can read that and why it pissed me off. But thanks for your opinion, I appreciate it. And yes partly because of another flame, I have written a story to explore Taichi's character. So, I really am not the type who ignores flames, even though I want to. I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression. Thank you for caring enough to write a review.

This should be the second last chapter of this story. Next should be the Epilogue, for it's time this story ended. Well, enjoy.

"…Really?"

Yamato blinked as he noticed the uncertain expression on Taichi's face, "Tai?" He questioned, frowning slightly, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing…" Taichi smiled.

"Liar," Yamato said, but without an accusing tone in his voice. His dark blue eyes softened and he rested a hand on Taichi's cheek. "Something's been bothering you since we left the park."

"What is it, Taichi?"

Taichi stared, then sighed, as if he couldn't believe he had been caught. He then turned his gaze back to Yamato, looking into those deep, concerned pools of blue, "It's just…sometimes I don't think I deserve you."

"…Huh?"

"Yamato, you're handsome, you're a pretty boy, you're famous and a rockstar," Taichi spoke slowly, meeting Yamato's confused eyes. "You could have anyone you want, and yet you picked me."

"What are you saying, Taichi?" Yamato felt a dose of fear rise in him. He wasn't- Taichi wasn't going to, was he? He couldn't be-

"I mean, I really love you, but sometimes…" Taichi sighed, then raised his serious gaze to Yamato. "Sometimes I can't help but think you deserve someone better, you know? Someone like Sora."

"…Why are you saying that?"

Taichi gave him a wry smile, "'Cause I was the one who helped her to confess to you," he revealed, causing Yamato's eyes to widen in surprise. "Yeah I know, ironic, huh? I don't know how I got so lucky to get you."

"I…" Yamato bit his lip, "Taichi…you…you aren't breaking up with me, aren't you?"

"Eh? Of course not!" Taichi said, surprised. "It's just that someone like Sora would be better-"

"You idiot!" Yamato glared at him, blue eyes filled with tears. Taichi's eyes grew wide as the blond rockstar yelled at him, "Yagami Taichi, you idiot! I don't love Sora! I love YOU!"

"Y-Yamato…"

"Haven't you thought about my feelings at all?" Yamato narrowed his eyes at Taichi, glaring hurtfully, "Especially after I told you I wrote my song for you?! I thought you would understand!"

"Yamato, I-" Taichi started as Yamato pushed him away and got off the bed, stalking angrily to the door. "Wait, Yamato!"

Yamato ignored the pin prick of déjà vu mixed with the irony of the situation. "Leave me alone!" He screamed as he stomped to the door, tears trailing down his face. He wasn't pretending this time-no, the hurt in his heart was real. "Don't follow me!"

It hurt, knowing that Taichi- that Taichi didn't trust him enough to believe their relationship would work. So what if Sora was a girl and Taichi was a guy? Didn't Taichi get it? He didn't love Sora! He loved that idiot, thick-headed brunet!

It was so damned ironic that after he had told Taichi that this was the best Valentines' Day ever, it was turning out to be the worst. It was so fucking ironic that Yamato wanted to laugh, but all he could manage was choked sobs from his throat.

The blond rockstar stopped at the door, but only because Taichi had wrapped his arms around him, preventing him from moving another step. "Yama-"

"Let go of me!" Yamato whirled around, glaring at Taichi so fiercely that the brown haired boy looked taken aback. He shoved Taichi away roughly as the brunet was distracted by his surprise, and continued on his path to the door. He could feel his past self resurfacing- that him who was insecure, who shoved everyone away because he didn't want to be hurt anymore. Yamato clenched his fist. He hated it, but couldn't find the strength to push it down.

"No!" Taichi yelled, grabbing his wrist before his hand could touch the doorknob. Yamato shot him a death glare but Taichi didn't back down this time, staring resolutely forward, "I'm not letting you go!" He gripped Yamato's wrist tightly, "I'm holding on tight so you don't run away from me!"

"Run away? Run away?!" Yamato exclaimed incredulously, "Look who was running away!"

Taichi's expression didn't falter- neither did his tight grip on Yamato. Yamato growled, and with strength fuelled by anger, dealt a hard punch to Taichi's stomach, causing him to gasp and lighten his hold on Yamato's wrist. The blond ripped his wrist away from the doubled over brunet.

"Y-Yamato-"

Yamato duly ignored Taichi, turning the doorknob and opening the door. He took one step out of Taichi's room but was pulled back in almost roughly, the sound of the door slamming following soon after.

Taichi slammed him against the now closed door and Yamato winced. He glared in disbelief up at the holder of courage as he felt Taichi pin him against the wall, detaining his wrists with his hands.

"Get the hell off me!"

"No." Taichi said tersely. He looked at Yamato, a dark anger in his brown eyes which would have surprised Yamato had he not been so pissed off. He tightened his grip on Yamato's wrists. "I've always believed actions speak louder than words."

With those words, he leaned down and captured Yamato's lips in a passionate, almost rough kiss. Yamato's eyes widened and he struggled in his trapped position, feeling fear rise in him. Although they had had equal strength in the past, Taichi was now an athlete and was probably stronger than him. He wouldn't be able to stop him if he decided to-

"Taichi, stop!" Yamato gasped a protest as he felt Taichi's hand slide up his shirt, tweaking his nipple, "Taichi-ah!"

"Yamato." Taichi growled lowly into Yamato's neck, a sound that made the blond freeze. "Do you believe me now?"

Taichi never…sounded like that. Yamato was reminded of the side of Taichi he had seen at the arcade just several hours ago- the Taichi who looked almost dangerous with that wild anger in his eyes. He felt himself begin to involuntarily shake, and stared up at his spiky haired boyfriend with tears spilling out of his fearful blue eyes.

"T-Taichi…"

Yamato was scared. He was scared of Taichi, fearful of his love. He was scared of the stranger he saw in front of him, inhabiting Taichi's body. The blond rockstar choked as sobs built up in his throat, his slender frame trembling. He wanted the old Taichi back, the Taichi who was gentle, sweet and kind, who understood him like no one else did, like nobody else could, the Taichi whom he could understand.

Taichi blinked his dark, angry eyes. He removed his mouth from Yamato's neck, looking down at Yamato. He blinked another time.

Yamato watched tearfully as the brunet's brown eyes widened, care and concern and love returning to them. "Oh god." Taichi whispered as he stared at the tears on Yamato's cheeks. "What have I done?"

"Yamato…" Taichi quickly released Yamato's wrists, raising his hands to Yamato's tear stained cheeks. His brown eyes softened, full of guilt, "Fuck, I really am the worst. I really am an idiot. I'm so sorry, Yamato…I really don't' deserve you."

Yamato choked, tears falling from his dark blue eyes as he stared at Taichi, "Don't say that anymore…" he whispered. "Just…hold me." He managed, giving in to his emotions. "So that I know you're here with me. That you aren't going to leave."

"I won't." Taichi said quickly. He bit his lip, then slid his hands down to Yamato's shoulders, pulling the blond against him, "I won't say that anymore if you don't want to hear it, Yamato."

"I'm so sorry." Taichi whispered as he held Yamato close to him, his brown eyes full of the deep regret in his low voice. "I'm so sorry, Yamato."

Yamato sobbed softly, burying his face into Taichi's chest as he clung desperately onto Taichi's shirt. Taichi was back. His love was back, holding him and comforting him and apologizing-when he was the one who should be apologizing. Taichi hadn't left him.

"Taichi," Yamato choked out, his voice hoarse with crying, "I just want to know one thing."

"What is it, Yamato?" Taichi said softly. "Ask away. I'll tell you anything you want to know. I won't keep anything from you anymore."

"Do you…" Yamato choked back a sob as he drew away from Taichi's soaked shirt, looking into the brown eyes of the one he loved. "Love me?"

Yamato never thought he'd be in this position one day, crying and asking his boyfriend if he loved him. He was acting like an insecure teenage girl and he hated it. But then, this wasn't about being girly. This was about being in love-possibly unrequited love.

What if Taichi didn't feel as intensely for him as he did him- what if Taichi didn't really love him but thought he did? Yamato didn't know how he would deal with that. He could deal with these rifts in their relationship, but he wouldn't be able to stand it if Taichi really didn't love him like he thought he did. Yamato bit his lip, feeling his eyes burn with tears.

"Yeah, I love you," Taichi said without hesitation, as he stared into Yamato's blue eyes which were filling up with tears, and Yamato could see the feelings Taichi held for him in his heart in his soft brown eyes. His hands clutched tightly onto Yamato's shoulders. "I really love you, Yamato."

"You're breaking my heart with your tears, because I love you so damn much…" Taichi murmured, brushing his thumb against a tear rolling down Yamato's cheek. "I'm really sorry, Yamato. Please don't cry anymore."

Breaking his heart- he was breaking Taichi's heart? Yamato chewed on his lip as he saw the shine of tears in Taichi's eyes. He had never wanted to break Taichi's heart. No matter how much Taichi hurt him, it would be fine. He was used to getting hurt and being alone. But Taichi wasn't. Taichi was always so bright and sunny, like the sun in Yamato's life. He wouldn't know such deep emotional pain. Yamato didn't want Taichi to go through the same pain he did. The pain of being hurt by someone you loved.

Yamato sniffed. He forced himself to inhale, pushing down all his sorrowful feelings, his feelings of insecurity and his fear which had accumulated from his years of being alone- and refused to fade away completely even when he had a new life, and someone he loved. He raised his hand and wiped his tears forcefully away.

"Yamato?"

"Taichi," Yamato began when he was ready, raising his red-rimmed blue eyes. Taichi was still staring at him with that love in his brown eyes which made Yamato's heart ache. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" Taichi asked. "I'm the one at fault."

"I'm the one to blame," Yamato contradicted guiltily. He cleared his throat, then met Taichi's worried brown eyes. "I shouldn't have stormed off like that."

"I made you angry, Yamato. You had every right to walk off like you did." Taichi replied with a sigh. "I was an idiot for stopping you."

"But you didn't know why I was angry, did you?" Yamato said, a wry smile on his lips.

Taichi shook his head hesitantly and Yamato smiled. He placed a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder. "Well, you can be dense sometimes so I'll tell you."

"Hey!" Taichi said indignantly and Yamato cracked a small grin.

"What? It's true."

Taichi pouted, "Fine, I'm dense," he said grumpily, "Now tell me you…not so dumb blond."

Yamato raised an eyebrow, "That's the best you could come up with?"

Taichi's pout deepened. "Oh shut up."

Yamato felt a grin curve his lips. It seemed that things were returning to normal. "Come on," he said as he grabbed Taichi's wrist. "This isn't exactly a comfortable position. Let's sit down on the bed, then we'll talk."

"Are you sure?" Taichi asked hesitantly as Yamato pulled him along.

Yamato blinked. Then he looked back at Taichi, giving him a genuine smile. "I trust you." He said simply. "You know that, right?"

"And I betrayed your trust," he heard Taichi murmur, almost too soft for him to hear. "I won't let you down again in the future."

Yamato smiled. He sat down on Taichi's bed, pulling Taichi down with him. "Do you know why I told you I wrote my song for you?"

"Why?"

"'Cause I wanted you to let you know how far I was willing to go for my-our love," Yamato said as he gripped Taichi's hand tightly. He shifted his gaze to Taichi's expectant brown eyes. "You told me we're in our new world, so I thought you understood."

"I thought you wanted to advance into this new world with me," Yamato confessed, as he locked his gaze with Taichi's. "That like me, you had believed in the racing beat of your heart. No matter what others thought about us, you would pursue this relationship with me, venture into our…unknown future, together."

"It was…so hard to write the song. But it was the only way I could think of to tell you my feelings. Though I chickened out in the end because I didn't want to ruin our friendship-"

"And I will." Taichi interrupted Yamato and the blond blinked. He smiled, "You don't have to say anything more, Yamato. I understand now."

"Is…that so?" Yamato attempted to remain casual. Though the subject of their conversation was anything but casual.

"Uhuh." Taichi nodded. His smile gained a sad edge, "I'm sorry you misunderstood, Yamato. I wasn't saying I didn't want to- that I didn't love you enough to pursue our relationship. I didn't mean that at all."

"I meant," Taichi said before Yamato could voice. Yamato blinked, then looked at him expectantly, "That I loved you. I wanted you to be happy, but I really wasn't sure you were happy with me."

"But I told you I was happy with you." Yamato said quietly.

"I was afraid you would change your mind," Taichi said. He sighed, placing a hand on the back of his head. "I was being a selfish idiot. We're both guys, so I was afraid in the future you would not want to be with me anymore, when things get tougher with societal expectations in our...patriarchal society. That you would rather be with a girl."

"So I thought…I might as well hasten the process now," Taichi said, meeting Yamato's slightly hurt gaze. "I'm sorry. I wasn't planning on breaking up with you or anything. I guess I just wanted to make sure you were willing to be with me, rather than someone like Sora, who also has feelings for you."

"I told you," Yamato said softly. "I don't love Sora, Taichi. I love you."

"Yeah, I've…realized that now." Taichi replied with a smile.

"My parents divorced," Yamato said suddenly. Taichi looked at him in surprise. The blond clenched his fist, taking a calming breath, and met Taichi's eyes. "Because of them, I don't believe in love in marriage. And I've never believed in love either, until I fell in love with you."

"So…saying I should be with Sora, whom I don't love," Yamato sighed, averting his gaze from Taichi's. "Suggesting that I should be with a girl like her so that society will accept me- it just, really hurt."

"I'm used to being unaccepted, being rejected. But this time, I thought it would be better since I would have you," Yamato's voice was soft, "If I…went the conventional route for the sake of being accepted by society, it…wouldn't be fair to Sora either. I don't want to…hurt her more than I already have."

"And," he added, looking up at Taichi, "It wouldn't be fair to you."

"I…" Taichi stared hesitantly. "Didn't know you felt that way…"

"I'm sorr-"

"Don't apologize!" Yamato said almost harshly and Taichi stopped in surprise. He sighed and withdrew his hand. "Just, don't. You just wanted the best for me."

"Because I love you." Taichi said.

"Yeah." Yamato replied. "Because you love me."

"So," Taichi said slowly, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "We're not getting married in the future?"

Yamato blinked. He turned his gaze to Taichi, who was looking at him with a serious gaze. "You believe in marriage, huh?" He said, lips curling, "Maybe I wouldn't mind, if it's you."

"Eh? But you said-"

Yamato raised an eyebrow, his customary smirk appearing on his lips. "What?" He drawled. "You don't want to marry me, Taichi? Jun will be so disappointed."

"I-uh-" Taichi blabbered, brown eyes wide, "I thought you didn't want-"

Yamato just shrugged. "I don't know if we'll be married in the future," he said simply. He shifted his gaze to Taichi. "But, I know you believe in marriage. So let's hope we'll be married, hmm, say, ten years down the road."

"T-Ten years?" Yamato smiled in amusement as Taichi started to count on his fingers, "T-That's pretty early…"

Yamato smirked. "It's good to be married early, isn't it?"

"I-I guess," Taichi said uncertainly. He regarded Yamato, swallowing, "Will you…really do that, Yamato? It's fine if we don't get married, really-"

"Stop being so selfless Taichi, you're making me feel guilty," Yamato said bluntly. Taichi stared, and he let a soft smile cross his lips, "Idiot. You want us to be married, don't you?"

"P-Perhaps…"

"I said I didn't believe in love in marriage; because my father's and mother's marriage didn't have love. I couldn't see the love that had brought them together," Yamato spoke as he stared at the ceiling. He sighed, then looked upon Taichi with a gentle smile. "But we're not like that, are we?"

"We aren't." Taichi reassured him with a smile. He reached out, touching the back of Yamato's hand. "I promise we won't be."

"Thank you Taichi." Yamato replied, gratefulness in his voice. His expression dampened slightly as a realization came to him, "But…if we have to make a sacrifice- if we have to sacrifice our future marriage for our families, you'll understand…won't you?"

"Of course!" Taichi said cheerfully, grinning. He clasped Yamato's hand, winking, "Hey, I don't really need marriage either! All I need is your love."

Yamato smiled. "And all I need is yours."

"Then we'll be fine!" The brown haired boy said, and Yamato smiled to see his sunny demeanour had returned. Taichi tilted his head slightly, smiling. "Though, it'll be nice if we got married."

"Yeah." Yamato admitted, laying back on the bed. "It would be."

"Hey Yamato…" Taichi said after the silence between them lasted for a while. He sounded nervous. "You haven't told me if you liked my surprise yet."

Yamato blinked. Really- hadn't he been obvious enough? But he smiled, and raised his back off the bed. "I loved it." He corrected Taichi. He smiled and raised his lips to Taichi's, "I love you."

"Look who's being cheesy." Taichi teased once he had gotten over his surprise and Yamato smirked.

"What can I say? I've been influenced by a romantic." Taichi blushed and Yamato laughed, smirking up at him, "A romantic violinist."

"Oh shut up, you're making me blush."

Yamato chuckled, and laid back down on the bed, resting his arms behind his head, smiling. "I love your music." He said honestly. "You should join my band."

"Nah, a violin isn't a suitable instrument for a band!"

"But you were playing my band's song." Yamato said. "We could get an electric violin."

Taichi shook his head. "I'd rather watch you." He said.

"Well," Yamato said, hiding his disappointment with a smile, "Play me another song then."

"Sure," Taichi agreed cheerfully, "What song do you want?"

"You can play your favorite song," Yamato said as he stretched out comfortably on Taichi's bed, a smile on his lips, "And do it properly this time."

He smiled, closing his eyes as Taichi moved off the bed. He soon came back and sat on the bed beside him, playing his favorite song smoothly. He sang softly, and Yamato found himself humming along with him, blue eyes closed in contentment at the soothing music.

"Your English teacher would be proud if he heard you." Yamato commented in wry amusement, his eyes closed.

Taichi just shrugged with a grin, "Well, it's a song! You have English in your songs too." He reminded.

Yamato opened his eyes. "Well, I'm glad I've been a good influence on your English capability." He said with a smile.

He closed his eyes again, and heard Taichi's voice. "Hey Yamato," Taichi sounded like he was smiling. "If we ever get married, can this be our wedding song?"

Yamato smiled. Taichi really wanted them to be married, huh? Well, he couldn't deny marriage was a much more appealing prospect if it was with Taichi.

"Sure."

"We'll have to hire people to play it for us," Taichi continued, "And someone to sing it too."

"Or we could sing it." Yamato said casually. He opened his eyes, to find Taichi looking at him in surprise, smiling, "But I think I'd be too nervous on that day to sing anything."

"Me too." Taichi agreed with a smile.

The relaxed atmosphere in their relationship had returned. Yamato felt a sudden gladness fill him. Taichi was still here with him. Taichi understood him. Taichi accepted him. And even if somehow, for some reason or another, they couldn't get married in the future, Yamato was sure Taichi would understand.

Because Taichi loved him.

Yamato smiled. He yawned, and Taichi turned his gaze to him. "Mind if I fall asleep on your bed?" The blond rockstar asked sleepily, closing his eyes. "I'm feeling tired."

"Go ahead," Taichi said generously. "I'll cuddle with you when you fall asleep."

Yamato cracked open one amused, blue eye, "Not now?"

"That would work too!" Taichi declared brightly.

"Awww," Yamato said, smirking, "That means I can't listen to your music, huh?"

"Eh…" Taichi looked torn.

Yamato grinned up at him, "C'mon," he patted the bed beside him. "Get your ass over here already Yagami."

Taichi stared. "You really like to torture me," he said wryly and Yamato laughed. The brunet shook his head, "Fine fine, if it's for you, Yama."

Yamato smirked. "Oh shut up and sleep with me."

"Hey, we have school tomorrow!" Taichi joked as he placed his violin back onto the table. He raised an eyebrow, brown eyes amused as he eyed Yamato, whose shirt was riding up his stomach. "Stop stretching out like that or I won't be able to resist!"

Yamato stared up at him with innocent blue eyes, his hands above his head. "Resist what?"

"…Yamato!"

Yamato laughed as Taichi swatted him playfully. "Alright, I'll be as still as a rock," he said in amusement. He then proceeded to lay absolutely still for the next few seconds.

Taichi stared, then sighed. "You're impossible Ishida…" he said wryly. "You sure you aren't drunk or anything?"

Yamato couldn't resist, "Yeah Tai baby, I'm drunk on our love."

"Is that my fault?" Taichi shook his head. He laid out on the bed beside Yamato, turning to the blond, smiling, "Am I giving you too much love?"

"Hmmm…" Yamato made a thoughtful noise. He gave Taichi a playful smirk, "Well, I don't think you're giving me enough. Why don't you give me more?"

Taichi stared as Yamato rolled his hips in a decidedly sexy way, "If I give you anymore, you'll be practically intoxicated." He managed weakly.

"Can't resist me, Yagami?" Yamato taunted, smirking as he felt Taichi's gaze travel down his body. He ran a hand through his blond hair, blue eyes as dark as the night shining in amusement. He gave a mock sigh. "Don't worry, I understand. I know I'm sexy and irresistible."

"Narcissist," Taichi accused, hitting Yamato lightly on the head, but he couldn't resist a grin, "Whatever, Ishida Yamato."

"Mhmm." Yamato smirked as Taichi muttered something about stupid, irresistible, tempting boyfriends. "I must say I admire your self-control, Yagami Taichi."

"Willpower is more like it," Taichi muttered more, and Yamato's lips quirked. "You're cuter when you don't talk."

"But you love me when I do."

But Taichi shook his head, "I love you either way," he said casually. He smiled and shifted to bring his arms around Yamato as they laid on the bed. "I guess I just love you."

"And I love you 'cause you're you." Yamato smiled, tilting his head. "Will you hold me, Taichi?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Taichi smirked slightly. Yamato rested his head against his chest and he smiled, holding the blond securely in his arms. "I'd hold you forever if it was possible, just like this."

Yamato smiled, feeling the insecurity that had plagued him for years slowly begin to fade away. "Goodnight, Taichi."

He smiled as he felt Taichi's lips curve into a smile against his forehead, his breath tickling his blond locks as he allowed his dark blue eyes to slip closed.

"Goodnight, Yamato. Happy Valentines' Day."

…And Yamato forgot all about his Valentines' Day Gift to Taichi =x