Shattered Illusions
Summary: Yamato ran away from a past full of pain and suffering. Then, he met Taichi- a stunning image of beauty. But then, any illusion, including the most stunning, can be shattered by the smallest whisper of emotion
D-Angel: The end of this story is approaching, finally! Originally, this Chapter was going to be in Taichi's POV, but I concluded that it would be a bit confusing and somewhat unprofessional. I also had another Chapter planned before this one, but when I started writing I realised that it was unnecessary and more of a filler than anything else. Lastly, this Chapter was going to be longer, but I decided to split it into two for the whole cliffhanger tension effect, hehe.
Anyways, thank you kindly for your reviews so far. Please read on and enjoy!
Chapter 13 November Rain
Yamato was addictively irresistible, or at least that was what Taichi had grown to learn since they had been living together. There was something magical about him. From the moment they had met Taichi had been drawn towards him like a moth to a flame, not caring for one moment that there was a possibility of getting burnt.
Taichi was surprised they had been together for almost a year. A lot had happened in that small space of time, but after learning about Yamato's troubled past, he felt an intense urge to protect him and give him the affection he knew he deserved. As the months flickered by, Yamato had gradually opened up more and more. Of course he would never reveal everything from his past, which Taichi didn't mind; there were always some skeletons that were best left in the closet.
A small sigh escaped from Taichi's lips as he stepped out the shower; the cool air felt like sharp razors against his skin. He grabbed a warm and fresh towel from the radiator, quickly drying himself all over before wrapping it around his waist, heading out into the living room.
Taichi's phone was resting on the coffee table next to the sofa; he glanced down at its display to check the time and date. November 1st, and it was almost 6.30pm. Last night and throughout the early hours of the morning, Yamato had been apprehensive, flinching at even the smallest creak coming from the bedsprings whenever Taichi had woken up and rolled over to check up on him. At 7am, when the morning light was shining through the flimsy curtains, Yamato climbed out of bed without breathing a word and slipped out the room just dressed in a pair of jeans.
"What's the matter?" Taichi had followed Yamato into the room next door several minutes later. Yamato was sat on the double sofa with a cigarette trapped between his lips. It took him several seconds before he glanced over at the doorway Taichi was stood at and responded to his question.
"Time's running out," Yamato spoke in a wistful voice. Taichi dug his fingernails into the palm of his hands as Yamato continued to gaze at him with piercing eyes.
"Then, let's run away," Taichi blurted out, under the pressure of listening to the hollow ticking coming from the clock in the kitchen, "Together."
Taichi watched as Yamato's hand gripped firmly onto the arm of the sofa, his teeth grinding together whilst one of his legs jiggled up and down apprehensively. It couldn't be helped; Taichi flinched as Yamato took a deep breath in before shaking his head from side to side.
"No. I'm through with that," Yamato's words should have sounded metallic, cold and dismissive, yet there was the smallest trace of emotion lingering within every syllable he uttered. "Besides, you can't leave your family, as much as it annoys you, they need you."
Taichi scratched the crown of his head, his cheeks flushing at the mention of his family. He knew he relied on them just as much they relied on him. Yamato was more than aware of that; he always knew how to force feed sense into most of Taichi's suggestions.
Almost robotically, Taichi started dragging his feet across the floor towards Yamato, until Yamato firmly said his name.
"After your lecture today go back to your Mother's house and spend the rest of the evening there. I'll come round later on," Yamato instructed with his eyes still locked onto Taichi's, who was stood motionless between the sofa and the bedroom doorway; his head swirling with heavy thoughts.
Yamato's cigarette had almost burnt down to the butt, yet he hadn't realised. Taichi was more than aware something was worrying him. Taichi did question him, asking why it was necessary for him to go to his Mum's house, but as usual Yamato's answers were sharp and vague. All Taichi knew was that Yamato wanted him out of the flat because he knew something deadly was going to happen.
Now, it was dark outside, and it was raining, a complete downpour. For that reason Taichi hadn't gone to his lecture, and because of his lazy nature he had been curled up in the warmth of his bed all day snoozing. November had never been his favourite month; to him it officially marked the beginning of winter when the sun would set long before 5pm and the weather seemed to be nothing but biting cold wind and rain.
Rain in November… November Rain, Taichi mused before chuckling- it happened to be the name of Yamato's favourite song. He had not been a big fan of Western music, until Yamato had introduced him to several bands and singers. Most the lyrics to the songs he loved were filled with poetic imagery and meaningful suggestions.
'And when your fears subside
And shadows still remain.
I know that you can love me,
When there's no one left to blame.'
As Taichi was humming the tune to Yamato's favourite song whilst watching the splotchy raindrops slide down the misted glass besides the front door, his phone rang and vibrated harshly in his hand making him jump, as if an electric shock had just shot through his fingers and up his arm. Taichi immediately answered the phone when he saw Yamato's name flashing up on the display screen.
"Yama," Taichi greeted warmly as his heart started to ease from its state of surprise.
"Tai, why aren't you at your Mum's?" Yamato's voice was shaky and laced with terror, Taichi had never heard him sound so alarmed before. His chest tightened as Yamato impatiently said his name.
"I-I overslept," Taichi admitted uneasily, wishing he had not when he heard Yamato swear loudly down the phone; not directly at Taichi, but obviously because he already knew he was in danger.
"Yama, I'm going to head over there in five minutes, I promise."
The moment the final syllable escaped from Taichi's lips a dull clinking sound resounding throughout the apartment, followed by an angry crash of thunder.
"Dammit," Taichi hissed as the lights went out and darkness enveloped him. The lightning outside had probably struck the power lines outside, he thought.
'So never mind the darkness,
We still can find a way.'
"Stay there," Yamato spoke with the sternness Taichi was familiar with whenever he was disciplined if he left his dirty clothes strewn around the apartment, "I'm coming over to you, now."
As the piercing dial tone replaced Yamato's fearful voice, the door swung open suddenly, slamming hard against the lobby wall. Seconds later, the lights flickered back on all at once, as if by magic. Three rain soaked men were stood at the open doorway; the shortest was stood between the two younger men. For a minute Taichi couldn't understand how they had managed to get in, until he realised that they must have known about the spare key hidden in one of the plant pots outside, besides the apartment door.
Taichi flinched as the grey headed man standing in the middle took a confident single step towards him, close enough that Taichi's nostrils could pick up his sickly strong musky scent, mingled with the aroma of fresh damp from the rainstorm outside.
'Cause nothin' lasts forever,
Even cold November rain.'
Judging by the bloodthirsty look in his eyes and the deadly smirk forming on his face, Taichi knew it had to be Zenaku.
Song Lyrics
"November Rain" By Guns N' Roses
D-Angel: Da da daaaa! Cliffhanger! I won't leave you all hanging for long, I promise. Best get the rainproof coats and tissues ready for the next Chapter, that's all I can say. Give me a couple of weeks, and I'll see if I can have the Chapter ready for uploading. As always, dearly appreciate your feedback and messages, many thanks to those who have been patiently sticking with me and this story for over 5 years now!
See you all next chapter my lovelys!
P.S. As always, let me know if you spot any spelling/grammar mistakes. Ta!
D-Angel
22/01/11