A/N: Hey, it's the second part! R&R please!
Tai Kamiya. Tai and Sora Kamiya. Tai and Sora. Sora Takenouchi was once again pondering the big mystery. She and Tai had been going out for almost a month now. They were the talk of the school, everyone saying they were so cute together and how they made such an awesome couple. But it didn't feel right, at least not to Sora and she suspected not to Tai either. Tai was more like a brother to her than anything. So why did everyone say they were perfect together?
The teacher finally entering the room followed by a thin golden-blonde boy distracted Sora from her thoughts. Noticing the drool coming from most of the other girls in the room, Sora mentally corrected herself. One dang hot thin golden-blonde haired boy.
"This is a new student. His name is Yamato Ishida. Do you have anything to say to your new classmates Mr. Ishida?"
"Not really," replied the boy in a cool voice.
"You should at least say hi," prompted the teacher.
"Whatever."
The teacher sighed long suffering, then continued. "Fine, have it your way. Sora, please stand up. Miss Takenouchi will be pleased to help you find your way around. Please take the seat behind her."
Sora watched speculatively as Yamato walked gracefully to his seat. He's a cool one, she thought admiringly. Looks like Tai may have some competition in the popularity and good looks division. She would have to introduce the two of them, just to see their reactions to each other. Noting the teacher was droning on about nothing important, Sora tuned him out. This might turn out to be a good week after all.
"I'm going to have one of my friends show you where your last class is, okay Matt?"
"Whatever."
"'Kay. Joe, this is Matt Ishida. Matt, Joe Kido."
Joe glanced up from his lunch at the blonde boy in front of him. "Nice to meet you Matt," said Joe, extending his hand to be shaken. Matt looked at it coolly but made no move to shake it. Joe shrugged and put it down. Sora broke in, doing her best to dispel the tension between the two of them.
"Matt's in advanced math. I'm supposed to be showing him around but I've got Mrs. Boll that period and you know how strict she is about being on time. So I was thinking maybe you could show him since you're going there anyway."
"Sure," replied Joe amiably. "No problem."
"I've already told you I don't need your help Sora," stated Matt flatly. Joe met his gaze and held it.
"You've never been here before, right?" he asked, pausing until Matt nodded an affirmative. "Then you must need a little help finding your way around, at least at first. Don't be so proud."
Matt turned his head and stared pointedly away. Joe shrugged and Sora sighed. Matt wasn't going to make a lot of friends if he kept going on like this.
Matt glanced furtively over his shoulder as he walked swiftly toward the school entrance. He just knew that that girl Sora was going to try following him home to find out where his house was. He'd seen her type before, too nice for their own good and he knew from experience that her type was dangerous to his type. They had a nasty habit of making him open up to them.
Matt was so busy making sure Sora wasn't behind him that he didn't even notice the two figures in front of him until he plowed into them and rebounded, sitting flat on his butt with a resounding thud. Muttering an apology he climbed to his feet, rubbing his butt gingerly. He started to continue in the same direction he had been heading but caught a glimpse of Sora and did an abrupt about-face, almost running into the girl behind him.
"Gee, you should be more careful! That's the second time you've almost run into me! Poor Izzy still isn't recovered from the first time," the pink-haired girl exclaimed, gesturing to the short redheaded boy who was just getting up beside her.
"Sorry," said Matt, casting a hunted look over his shoulder and starting to move on again. A small voice told him it was too late though. Well, actually it was a rather loud voice cheerfully greeting him.
"I thought you'd already left Matt! Oh hi Mimi, Izzy."
Matt turned around wanting to hang his head but instead sticking his nose as high in the air as he could with looking ridiculous. Since being rude, unresponsive and plain old running didn't get rid of this girl maybe arrogance would. She seemed oblivious to any hostility on his part though. Chattering all the time she pulled his address out of him and insisted they all walk him home, adding Joe to their group when he was spotted walking ahead of them.
They had only gone a short distance before Matt heard TK's voice calling a semi-cheerful greeting to him and an unfamiliar female voice calling to the others. Matt turned around to see TK. walking next to a girl with straight brown hair and a camera around her neck. Great, just what he needed. Another person he didn't know and had no desire to get to know. However, for TK's sake he did his best to put up a facade and act cheerful.
Though the move had been hard for Matt, it had been infinitely worse for TK. As soon as Matt knew for certain they were moving he had began the process of distancing himself from the few friends he had. By the time they had left he had so alienated his friends that they'd probably never want to talk to him again if they could, which was exactly Matt's plan. He hadn't told them he was moving though, or they would have understood what he was doing and why. That would have ruined everything. Matt considered a clean cut to be best. He would remember them for the good times they had together, not any painful goodbyes. It was best that way.
TK however, had gone through the pain of saying goodbye to the people who had been his friends since kindergarten. Matt had cautioned him against it but he insisted. Matt wasn't overly worried though. TK. made friends easily and was a very nice person. He'd have no problems at a new school. Sure he'd miss his own friends at first, but eventually their memories would fade and new friends would replace them. And apparently it was happening already.
Once the two younger children had caught up, the girl immediately extended her hand and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Kari Kamiya."
Matt took her hand, ignoring some looks from Joe and Sora and replied, "I'm Matt Ishida, TK's older brother. It's nice to meet you."
"Sure, he's nice and polite to Kari but he can't even say 'hi' to me," Matt heard Joe grumble. Matt ignored him.
"Did you have a good first day TK? Make any other new friends?"
"Yeah, sort of. I met a girl and boy named Yolei and Cody on the way to school today. They live in the same building as us but had to stay after for computer club. I met Kari because I sit next to her in homeroom. I also met another boy named Davis. I'm not sure I'd consider him a friend though. Looks like you made some friends too. Can I get an intro?"
"Sure. This is Sora Takenouchi, Mimi, Joe Kido and Izzy. And I wouldn't exactly call them friends either. In face, you could say they followed me home."
Mimi huffed indignantly and TK gave Matt a reproachful look. "You shouldn't' be so anti-social Matt. Things are unpleasant enough at home. You shouldn't be so stubborn about making life miserable for yourself at school too." Matt merely shrugged instead of saying 'whatever' like he would to anyone else.
"So how's Tai, Kari?" asked Sora. "Not too sick I hope?"
"He's fine. Just a little fever all blown out of proportion. He'll be totally bummed that he missed the only remotely interesting thing to happen this year."
"And what would that be?" asked a voice from an alley they were just passing. Sora jumped. The voice sounded vaguely familiar but she couldn't quite place it. Then, as the seven of them were surrounded by a group of tough-looking boys it all clicked into place.
It was 'The Fists' as they liked to call themselves. They were a group of bullies who seemed to get a kick out of tormenting innocent people. Their ringleader, Russell, was the first one who had spoken and he continued now. "Could you be referring to Blondie here and his little brat?" he asked, giving Matt a shove in the process.
Sora braced herself for an explosion but was shocked to see Matt just standing there with an expressionless look on his face. She glanced at TK to see if he might know what was wrong with his brother. Apparently he did because he looked concerned and more than slightly desperate.
"Oh, think you're tough do you?" asked one of the goons, giving Matt another shove. Matt just stared at him blankly. Sora grimaced. Time to take things into her own hands.
But before she could move, she felt her arms being grabbed roughly from behind as she was held in place by one the bullies. The others found the same thing happening to them until the only one left free was Matt.
The bullies all seemed majorly annoyed by his non-reaction to their pushiness. The one in front of him seemed especially irritated. He got an angry look on his face, and shoved Matt once again, this time so hard Matt fell.
Sora watched in horror as time seemed to slow while Matt fell, involuntarily putting his arms in front of him to catch himself. She saw it coming when Matt's left hand hit the ground the wrong way and bent at a strange angle. Matt didn't cry out, just remained eerily silent even though it was obvious his wrist was broken. The bully sneered and pulled back his foot to kick Matt. However, before his foot could connect, TK somehow managed to tear himself free from the person restraining him and blurred in front of Matt protectively, taking the kick for his big brother. His cry of pain seemed to jerk Matt out of his trance-like state. In a flash Matt was on his feet, standing in a protective stance between the thug and his little brother. "What in hell do you think you're doing?!" asked Matt in a low, dangerous voice. He had a vice grip on the front of the bully's shirt and was slowly but surely lifting him off the ground, using just his right arm.
"Uh, I...I..."
"Just what I thought. You don't have a clue. I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only. Stay away from my little brother. If I ever find you've hurt him again, your life will be snuffed out just like that," Matt said threateningly, snapping his fingers in the bully's face. "Do you understand me?"
The bully gulped and nodded hurriedly. "Perfectly sir," he squeaked nervously.
Matt nodded in satisfaction. He didn't notice the bully sneaking up on his exposed back since the bully who had been originally holding him back had reclaimed TK. A streak of colors intercepted him though, helpfully kicking his feet out from under him. That streak of color resolved into a rather slight boy with wild brown hair.
The bullies' collective eyes widened in fear and surprise and several even went so far as to start immediately backing away from the boy. "Clear out, now!" he ordered in a strong clear voice. "You're not needed here." The boy struck a menacing fighting stance. That was all that was needed for the bullies to break. The boy watched in undisguised amusement as the bullies scrambled to get away as fast as possible, stepping on each other heedlessly.
"Tai!" cried Sora joyfully.
"Great timing big bro!" added Kari.
Matt's voice cut through their elation though. It was as cold as it had been before but now it held a semblance of concern. "Are you all right TK?"
TK started guiltily. He had almost forgotten about Matt in the excitement. "I'm fine Matt, but..."
"I think the question we should be asking is, are you okay?" Tai moved next to Matt and inspected his wrist gently. "Your wrist is definitely broken." Matt stared at his wrist as if it was a foreign object he had never seen before in his life, then looked at Tai in the same way. Tai didn't budge though. "We'd better get you to the hospital."
"Why?" asked Matt.
"Most people do go to the hospital when they get hurt." Matt shook his head impatiently.
"No. Why should you care?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I'm not worth the trouble."
"Matt," TK interrupted in a small voice. "You're scaring me. You know I hate it when you're like this." Matt closed his eyes temporarily and when they opened again sense had flooded back into them.
"Sorry TK. If someone could just direct me to the nearest hospital I'll be on my way."
"It's pretty far away," said Tai. "I could give you a ride on my bike if you want."
"Yeah. Mom and Dad have the car but Tai's motorcycle isn't too bad," chimed in Kari, trying to ease the tension a little.
"I don't know you guys. A motorcycle isn't exactly the best mode of transportation for a broken wrist..." Joe looked worried. "Maybe we'd better call an ambulance."
Matt grimaced. "No way. I don't need one. I'd prefer the motorcycle. Besides, I'd rather not burden the ambulance. I'm fine for now, I just need to get this set. No big deal."
"Then let's get going!" Tai grabbed Matt's arm and started to pull him along. The others shrugged and followed, keeping pace easily. Luckily, the apartment where Tai and Kari lived was nearby and they reached it quickly. Tai gave Matt a helmet, put on his own, and then climbed on. Matt hesitated, looking at the motorcycle doubtfully, likely reconsidering his earlier decision.
"We could always go home and call an ambulance from there, or maybe get Mom or Dad to drive you to the hospital," suggested TK, knowing that would make up Matt's mind. Matt wrinkled his nose and shot TK a knowing look but got on the bike. "Hold on,' instructed Tai, starting the cycle. Matt obediently put an arm around Tai then waved an awkward good-bye to the others as the motorcycle started off down the street.
"That was quite strange," commented Izzy after Tai and Matt were out of sight. "How often does your brother get like that TK?"
"Anytime he feels threatened, either physically or emotionally. He's really sensitive behind his walls. Just about anything can hurt him. The counselor at our last school said he has a self-confidence problem. Don't tell him I told you that though; he'll see it as a betrayal since I'm the only one he told. Normally, I wouldn't tell you anything but for some strange reason I feel like I can trust you guys."
"You can TK," said Kari reassuringly. TK smiled wanly but he still looked extremely worried.
"I have an idea guys," said Joe. "How about we walk to my house and I'll drive us all to the hospital so we can check on Matt."
"Thanks Joe," replied TK gratefully as they set out again, this time heading for Joe's house and walking more briskly than before since before they'd had to keep to Matt's pace. "You guys are the best."
Tai braked for a red light and glanced at the boy behind him. He doesn't look too good, thought Tai worriedly. As if hearing Tai's thoughts the boy-Matt-spoke. "I'm fine. Don't worry about it." His pallor belied his words though and he looked like he was about to black out any minute now.
Tai sped forward when the light turned green causing Matt to tighten his grip. Tai was given further evidence that Matt wasn't feeling well when he leaned forward on Tai's back and rested his head on Tai's shoulder. The hospital was just ahead thank goodness. Tai parked as close to the emergency room as possible then pulled Matt along behind him.
It was fairly quiet inside. There was a mother holding a sobbing child, an older man with a nasty gash on his forehead and a girl with no visible injury being wheeled away on a stretcher. A fairly young looking nurse walked over to them almost immediately. "What seems to be the problem?" she asked kindly, directing her question toward Matt since Tai was quite obviously healthy and Matt wasn't.
Matt just continued to stare blankly at nothing in particular. Tai waved a hand in front of his face, then grinned wryly as Matt blinked vaguely at him. "Guess he's gone into shock or something," answered Tai for him. "His wrist is broken."
"I see. Could you possibly wait without any fainting episodes or such?" The nurse sounded vaguely annoyed and Tai guess that was what was wrong with the girl who had been wheeled away just as they entered and probably for no real reason.
"He endured a fifteen-minute motorcycle ride. This ought to be a walk in the park."
"Glad to hear it. Although I must say, a motorcycle isn't eh ideal mode of transportation for someone with a broken wrist. He could have injured himself more if he wasn't careful."
"It was the handiest way."
"No big deal, I was just commenting. I'm going to need you to fill out some papers. Is that alright?"
"I can try, but we've never even been properly introduced. I just happened to see him getting beat up on by a bunch of bullies."
"Oh, well, please try. Maybe he'll snap out of it a little."
Tai shrugged. "Ok. No problemo."
"Thank you. I'll be right back with the papers." The nurse walked off, stopped momentarily in an attempt to sooth the child and his mother, grabbed some papers and walked back. "Here. Fill these out," she said, handing Tai the papers.
Tai sighed as he looked at them. Guess I better see if he can answer for me. "Your name's Matt right?" The blonde boy looked at him blankly. Too kawaii! Tai's mind screamed and Tai blinked in unison with Matt. Where had that thought come from?
"Where am I and who are you?" said a very confused sounding voice. Tai focused on Matt and shuddered as he suppressed a mental squeal.
"We're at the hospital and I'm Taichi Kamiya," said Tai in answer to the boy's question.
"I'm Yamato Ishida."
"I thought your name was Matt."
"That just a nickname."
"Oh, well you can call me Tai. That's my nickname. Think you can write? I have no idea about these questions."
"Sure. My right wrist or hand or whatever isn't damaged."
The boys sat in relative silence after that, Matt filling out papers and Tai staring blankly off into space. The other patients were called and time seemed to drag to a standstill. Finally Matt was summoned. He handed the just complete papers to the nurse and let himself be led away. Tai had to restrain an impulse to go with him. He had to release his nervous tension somehow though, so he stood and paced. He didn't know hwy he should care so much about someone he had just met but for some strange reason he did.
That was how the others found him when they arrived at the hospital five minutes later. "Where's Matt? He's okay isn't he?" queried TK, sounding and looking concerned.
"He just got in about five minutes ago. Your Yamato was fine though the last I knew."
"I take it he introduced himself to you then? Why is it that everyone but me gets treated civilly?" complained Joe loudly.
"He was a little disoriented and he went into shock for a while. Maybe that's what it is," answered Tai soothingly. "Right now I don't think we can do anything but wait." The others nodded and settled down to wait.
"Oh my God, my parents are going to kill Matt!" exclaimed TK out of the blue.
"Why would they kill Matt if it wasn't his fault?" asked Izzy curiously.
"They always blame everything on Matt, no matter what. And we were supposed to come directly home from school! This is not good!"
"That's so mean, blaming matt for everything," complained Mimi. "No wonder he's not very friendly."
"Here TK. I'll walk to the phone with you and explain everything to your parents," volunteered Joe.
"Thanks," replied TK gratefully.
They walked off and then Izzy, Sora, Kari, and Mimi got in a quiet conversation. Tai resumed his pacing. Matt had better be all right! TK and Joe returned after a few moments, TK looking more than mildly ticked off and sat down. After what seemed to Tai to be days and days of walking back and forth, a doctor finally emerged from within the inner hospital.
"Who's here for Yamato Ishida?" he asked, seeming to be looking for an adult.
"We are!" chorused the group. "Is he all right?" they continued.
"Yes, it was a clean break and there were no problems setting it. But where are his parents? He is, after all, a minor and I need to speak to them."
"They're on their way," answered TK with a note of disdain in his voice. They hadn't even seemed to care when he told them Matt was at eh hospital.
"Are you related to him?"
"We're brothers. Can I see him?"
"Yes, but I'm afraid your friends will have to wait out here."
"Now wait just a minute!" protested Tai indignantly. "I drove him here and have been wearing a hole in the floor worrying about him and now I think I deserve to see him too!"
"I'm sorry young man, but-"
"Doctor," interrupted TK. "I'm not really feeling too well but I really want to see Matt. It would really help if Tai could come with me for support."
Tai looked closely at TK. He did look kind of pale and seemed to wavering slightly on his feet. TK ducked his head and summoned up a tear, letting it slide forlornly down his cheek. The doctor visibly softened. "Oh all right," he consented with a shake of his head. TK perked up a little but still looked unnaturally pale. "Follow me," said the doctor.
Tai and TK followed obediently. The doctor led them to room #124, motioned them inside and then quietly shut the door behind them. When they entered Matt was sitting on the hospital bed looking impatient.
"Hey TK. Are Mom and Dad here yet?"
"Not unless they arrived in the two minutes it took us to walk to your room."
"Oh," Matt said disappointedly. "Darn doctor won't let me go until he talks to them. Pushy old busybody."
"He almost didn't' let me in," complained Tai.
"Yeah. I had to pretend to be sick," added TK.
"Why'd you guys come anyway?" Matt asked, then blushed. Get your mind out of the gutter Ishida, he berated himself. Just because you're in the presence of one of the hottest guys you've ever seen doesn't mean a thing. Keep it clean.
"We didn't," answered Tai teasingly and Matt almost groaned. Instead he shot a glare at Tai and blushed even more.
"I don't know what you guys are thinking about and frankly I don't want to," said TK, noting the strange looks on their faces. Matt looked embarrassed and Tai looked...intense.
The tension in the room was dispelled when the doctor entered the room followed by Matt and TK's parents. Their father was nodding impatiently with their mother trailing along behind looking bored. Matt stood up and yawned lazily, steadying himself seemingly nonchalantly with his left hand. Only Tai saw the pain that momentarily flashed through his eyes, quickly masked by cold arrogance. Tai restrained the impulse to go to him and instead watched silently.
Matt, his parents, and his brother TK got out of the hospital in record time. Tai followed them, silent and unnoticed as a shadow. Tai watched as the four got in a car and drove off. His friends joined him but he paid them no mind.
Why do I feel so drawn to him? mused Tai. No girl has ever got me hooked so fast. But I can't be gay. I've never liked any other guys like that, so it must be just him. Maybe he's a girl in disguise. Naw, couldn't be. I need some sleep. Damned fever must be getting to me. I'm making mountains out of molehills. I'm just curious about him that's all. Yeah, that's it. "Tai?" A hesitant voice that he recognized as belonging to Sora broke into his thoughts. "I think we need to talk."
"What about?" asked Tai absently.
"Us."
That was the one word that got Tai's undivided attention. Here it comes, the moment of truth. She either feels the same as me and wants to end this farce or I've been imagining things and she wants to just get me alone. Either way, what will happen will happen.
The others, sensing a private conversation in the offing, backed away and began talking among themselves, giving Sora and Tai their privacy.
"Tai, this just isn't working for me," began Sora after taking a deep breath. "I don't know about you, and I don't want to break your heart if you're in love with me or something but-"
"I'm more like a brother to you than a boyfriend," finished Tai calmly.
"Exactly!" Sora was relieved. She hadn't wanted to hurt her best friend. He didn't seem bothered at all though.
"Got anybody else in mind?" asked Tai casually. Sora shook her head no. "Well, not to sound cheesy but I want us to still be friends."
"No doubt of that," answered Sora cheerfully. Tai then turned around and grinned at their friends.
"Ok, you can stop eavesdropping now. It's over."
"Eavesdrop? WE would never do a thing like that!" said Kari innocently.
"And I'm the Tooth fairy," answered Tai sarcastically.
"Ooo, can I see your wings?" asked Mimi in a cutesy little kid voice. Tai mock glared at her and everyone burst out laughing.
"So what'd you think of Matt and TK, Tai?" asked Sora after the laughter had died down.
"Well," hedged Tai, "I thought TK was a good kid."
"And Matt?" asked Izzy in his usual curious tone.
"He's okay I guess."
"If he's just 'ok' then why were you so worried about him and why did you insist on going to see him personally?" inquired Kari astutely.
"Um..." Tai fumbled for an answer that he didn't even know himself.
"I think Tai's got a crush!" squealed Mimi. And to Tai's shock he found himself blushing, something that only happened to him once in a blue moon. Maybe they won't notice, he thought hopefully.
"Gee Mimi, I think you're actually right for once. Tai's blushing!" noted Joe loudly.
"I do not you guys!" denied Tai desperately.
Wait a second. Denied desperately? Why am I denying? There's nothing to deny. Nada, zip, zilch, zero. And desperately? I'm not desperate. It ought to be 'stated calmly.' Tai restrained the urge to shake his fist at the sky. "I don't have a crush on Matt." Yes, that's better. Be calm and collected; don't let 'em see what you're thinking. Wait, what am I saying? I don't have anything to hide! It's not like I'm falling in love with him or anything.
But what if you are? said one treacherous corner of his mind. He turned on it with all his might, wishing he could shred it into little tiny pieces.
Who are you and what are you doing in my head? he demanded of it angrily.
Oh, well, I'm the little prophetic part of you that knows exactly what's going to happen.
Then tell me!
Sorry, can't. It breaks policy to give you too much information directly. I work better with little hints. I push and shove you just enough to get you pointed in the right direction and then let events take their natural course. Oh, by the by, I've set a memory erase bomb. I'm afraid you won't remember any of this in a moment, just the fact that you're falling in love with Yamato Ishida and will do anything in the world to get him to feel the same way about you. By the way, aforementioned memory erase bomb will go off in 3...2...1!
Tai lost his grip on awareness and spun away into darkness. Colors and scenes swirled around him until all he saw was a blonde haired, blue eyed boy that had just become his heart's only desire.
Tai blinked bleary eyes and peered around him inquisitively. He was in a car. Joe was driving, Izzy was curled up in the passenger seat, and Mimi and Kari were seated in the back with him. "Welcome back to the land of the living," greeted Kari.
"What happened?" questioned Tai groggily.
"Your fever got worse. You were delirious for a while. So we took you back into the hospital. A doctor looked you over, gave you a shot and then told us to take you home. You fell asleep in the car."
"Oh." Then a thought occurred to him. "What about my bike?!"
"Sora said she'd get it."
"That's a relief."
"We're there," interrupted Joe as he brought the car to a stop.
"Get well soon Tai," the others wished him as he and Kari exited the car.
"You can bet on it," he guaranteed. "I wouldn't miss tomorrow for the world."
A/N: I'm not sure the whole hospital/breaking wrist thing turned out entirely accurate, but I don't really have personal experience in that sort of thing and I don't consider it that important. Just a plot device basically. Chapter 2 and the epilogue coming soon!
Tai Kamiya. Tai and Sora Kamiya. Tai and Sora. Sora Takenouchi was once again pondering the big mystery. She and Tai had been going out for almost a month now. They were the talk of the school, everyone saying they were so cute together and how they made such an awesome couple. But it didn't feel right, at least not to Sora and she suspected not to Tai either. Tai was more like a brother to her than anything. So why did everyone say they were perfect together?
The teacher finally entering the room followed by a thin golden-blonde boy distracted Sora from her thoughts. Noticing the drool coming from most of the other girls in the room, Sora mentally corrected herself. One dang hot thin golden-blonde haired boy.
"This is a new student. His name is Yamato Ishida. Do you have anything to say to your new classmates Mr. Ishida?"
"Not really," replied the boy in a cool voice.
"You should at least say hi," prompted the teacher.
"Whatever."
The teacher sighed long suffering, then continued. "Fine, have it your way. Sora, please stand up. Miss Takenouchi will be pleased to help you find your way around. Please take the seat behind her."
Sora watched speculatively as Yamato walked gracefully to his seat. He's a cool one, she thought admiringly. Looks like Tai may have some competition in the popularity and good looks division. She would have to introduce the two of them, just to see their reactions to each other. Noting the teacher was droning on about nothing important, Sora tuned him out. This might turn out to be a good week after all.
"I'm going to have one of my friends show you where your last class is, okay Matt?"
"Whatever."
"'Kay. Joe, this is Matt Ishida. Matt, Joe Kido."
Joe glanced up from his lunch at the blonde boy in front of him. "Nice to meet you Matt," said Joe, extending his hand to be shaken. Matt looked at it coolly but made no move to shake it. Joe shrugged and put it down. Sora broke in, doing her best to dispel the tension between the two of them.
"Matt's in advanced math. I'm supposed to be showing him around but I've got Mrs. Boll that period and you know how strict she is about being on time. So I was thinking maybe you could show him since you're going there anyway."
"Sure," replied Joe amiably. "No problem."
"I've already told you I don't need your help Sora," stated Matt flatly. Joe met his gaze and held it.
"You've never been here before, right?" he asked, pausing until Matt nodded an affirmative. "Then you must need a little help finding your way around, at least at first. Don't be so proud."
Matt turned his head and stared pointedly away. Joe shrugged and Sora sighed. Matt wasn't going to make a lot of friends if he kept going on like this.
Matt glanced furtively over his shoulder as he walked swiftly toward the school entrance. He just knew that that girl Sora was going to try following him home to find out where his house was. He'd seen her type before, too nice for their own good and he knew from experience that her type was dangerous to his type. They had a nasty habit of making him open up to them.
Matt was so busy making sure Sora wasn't behind him that he didn't even notice the two figures in front of him until he plowed into them and rebounded, sitting flat on his butt with a resounding thud. Muttering an apology he climbed to his feet, rubbing his butt gingerly. He started to continue in the same direction he had been heading but caught a glimpse of Sora and did an abrupt about-face, almost running into the girl behind him.
"Gee, you should be more careful! That's the second time you've almost run into me! Poor Izzy still isn't recovered from the first time," the pink-haired girl exclaimed, gesturing to the short redheaded boy who was just getting up beside her.
"Sorry," said Matt, casting a hunted look over his shoulder and starting to move on again. A small voice told him it was too late though. Well, actually it was a rather loud voice cheerfully greeting him.
"I thought you'd already left Matt! Oh hi Mimi, Izzy."
Matt turned around wanting to hang his head but instead sticking his nose as high in the air as he could with looking ridiculous. Since being rude, unresponsive and plain old running didn't get rid of this girl maybe arrogance would. She seemed oblivious to any hostility on his part though. Chattering all the time she pulled his address out of him and insisted they all walk him home, adding Joe to their group when he was spotted walking ahead of them.
They had only gone a short distance before Matt heard TK's voice calling a semi-cheerful greeting to him and an unfamiliar female voice calling to the others. Matt turned around to see TK. walking next to a girl with straight brown hair and a camera around her neck. Great, just what he needed. Another person he didn't know and had no desire to get to know. However, for TK's sake he did his best to put up a facade and act cheerful.
Though the move had been hard for Matt, it had been infinitely worse for TK. As soon as Matt knew for certain they were moving he had began the process of distancing himself from the few friends he had. By the time they had left he had so alienated his friends that they'd probably never want to talk to him again if they could, which was exactly Matt's plan. He hadn't told them he was moving though, or they would have understood what he was doing and why. That would have ruined everything. Matt considered a clean cut to be best. He would remember them for the good times they had together, not any painful goodbyes. It was best that way.
TK however, had gone through the pain of saying goodbye to the people who had been his friends since kindergarten. Matt had cautioned him against it but he insisted. Matt wasn't overly worried though. TK. made friends easily and was a very nice person. He'd have no problems at a new school. Sure he'd miss his own friends at first, but eventually their memories would fade and new friends would replace them. And apparently it was happening already.
Once the two younger children had caught up, the girl immediately extended her hand and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Kari Kamiya."
Matt took her hand, ignoring some looks from Joe and Sora and replied, "I'm Matt Ishida, TK's older brother. It's nice to meet you."
"Sure, he's nice and polite to Kari but he can't even say 'hi' to me," Matt heard Joe grumble. Matt ignored him.
"Did you have a good first day TK? Make any other new friends?"
"Yeah, sort of. I met a girl and boy named Yolei and Cody on the way to school today. They live in the same building as us but had to stay after for computer club. I met Kari because I sit next to her in homeroom. I also met another boy named Davis. I'm not sure I'd consider him a friend though. Looks like you made some friends too. Can I get an intro?"
"Sure. This is Sora Takenouchi, Mimi, Joe Kido and Izzy. And I wouldn't exactly call them friends either. In face, you could say they followed me home."
Mimi huffed indignantly and TK gave Matt a reproachful look. "You shouldn't' be so anti-social Matt. Things are unpleasant enough at home. You shouldn't be so stubborn about making life miserable for yourself at school too." Matt merely shrugged instead of saying 'whatever' like he would to anyone else.
"So how's Tai, Kari?" asked Sora. "Not too sick I hope?"
"He's fine. Just a little fever all blown out of proportion. He'll be totally bummed that he missed the only remotely interesting thing to happen this year."
"And what would that be?" asked a voice from an alley they were just passing. Sora jumped. The voice sounded vaguely familiar but she couldn't quite place it. Then, as the seven of them were surrounded by a group of tough-looking boys it all clicked into place.
It was 'The Fists' as they liked to call themselves. They were a group of bullies who seemed to get a kick out of tormenting innocent people. Their ringleader, Russell, was the first one who had spoken and he continued now. "Could you be referring to Blondie here and his little brat?" he asked, giving Matt a shove in the process.
Sora braced herself for an explosion but was shocked to see Matt just standing there with an expressionless look on his face. She glanced at TK to see if he might know what was wrong with his brother. Apparently he did because he looked concerned and more than slightly desperate.
"Oh, think you're tough do you?" asked one of the goons, giving Matt another shove. Matt just stared at him blankly. Sora grimaced. Time to take things into her own hands.
But before she could move, she felt her arms being grabbed roughly from behind as she was held in place by one the bullies. The others found the same thing happening to them until the only one left free was Matt.
The bullies all seemed majorly annoyed by his non-reaction to their pushiness. The one in front of him seemed especially irritated. He got an angry look on his face, and shoved Matt once again, this time so hard Matt fell.
Sora watched in horror as time seemed to slow while Matt fell, involuntarily putting his arms in front of him to catch himself. She saw it coming when Matt's left hand hit the ground the wrong way and bent at a strange angle. Matt didn't cry out, just remained eerily silent even though it was obvious his wrist was broken. The bully sneered and pulled back his foot to kick Matt. However, before his foot could connect, TK somehow managed to tear himself free from the person restraining him and blurred in front of Matt protectively, taking the kick for his big brother. His cry of pain seemed to jerk Matt out of his trance-like state. In a flash Matt was on his feet, standing in a protective stance between the thug and his little brother. "What in hell do you think you're doing?!" asked Matt in a low, dangerous voice. He had a vice grip on the front of the bully's shirt and was slowly but surely lifting him off the ground, using just his right arm.
"Uh, I...I..."
"Just what I thought. You don't have a clue. I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only. Stay away from my little brother. If I ever find you've hurt him again, your life will be snuffed out just like that," Matt said threateningly, snapping his fingers in the bully's face. "Do you understand me?"
The bully gulped and nodded hurriedly. "Perfectly sir," he squeaked nervously.
Matt nodded in satisfaction. He didn't notice the bully sneaking up on his exposed back since the bully who had been originally holding him back had reclaimed TK. A streak of colors intercepted him though, helpfully kicking his feet out from under him. That streak of color resolved into a rather slight boy with wild brown hair.
The bullies' collective eyes widened in fear and surprise and several even went so far as to start immediately backing away from the boy. "Clear out, now!" he ordered in a strong clear voice. "You're not needed here." The boy struck a menacing fighting stance. That was all that was needed for the bullies to break. The boy watched in undisguised amusement as the bullies scrambled to get away as fast as possible, stepping on each other heedlessly.
"Tai!" cried Sora joyfully.
"Great timing big bro!" added Kari.
Matt's voice cut through their elation though. It was as cold as it had been before but now it held a semblance of concern. "Are you all right TK?"
TK started guiltily. He had almost forgotten about Matt in the excitement. "I'm fine Matt, but..."
"I think the question we should be asking is, are you okay?" Tai moved next to Matt and inspected his wrist gently. "Your wrist is definitely broken." Matt stared at his wrist as if it was a foreign object he had never seen before in his life, then looked at Tai in the same way. Tai didn't budge though. "We'd better get you to the hospital."
"Why?" asked Matt.
"Most people do go to the hospital when they get hurt." Matt shook his head impatiently.
"No. Why should you care?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I'm not worth the trouble."
"Matt," TK interrupted in a small voice. "You're scaring me. You know I hate it when you're like this." Matt closed his eyes temporarily and when they opened again sense had flooded back into them.
"Sorry TK. If someone could just direct me to the nearest hospital I'll be on my way."
"It's pretty far away," said Tai. "I could give you a ride on my bike if you want."
"Yeah. Mom and Dad have the car but Tai's motorcycle isn't too bad," chimed in Kari, trying to ease the tension a little.
"I don't know you guys. A motorcycle isn't exactly the best mode of transportation for a broken wrist..." Joe looked worried. "Maybe we'd better call an ambulance."
Matt grimaced. "No way. I don't need one. I'd prefer the motorcycle. Besides, I'd rather not burden the ambulance. I'm fine for now, I just need to get this set. No big deal."
"Then let's get going!" Tai grabbed Matt's arm and started to pull him along. The others shrugged and followed, keeping pace easily. Luckily, the apartment where Tai and Kari lived was nearby and they reached it quickly. Tai gave Matt a helmet, put on his own, and then climbed on. Matt hesitated, looking at the motorcycle doubtfully, likely reconsidering his earlier decision.
"We could always go home and call an ambulance from there, or maybe get Mom or Dad to drive you to the hospital," suggested TK, knowing that would make up Matt's mind. Matt wrinkled his nose and shot TK a knowing look but got on the bike. "Hold on,' instructed Tai, starting the cycle. Matt obediently put an arm around Tai then waved an awkward good-bye to the others as the motorcycle started off down the street.
"That was quite strange," commented Izzy after Tai and Matt were out of sight. "How often does your brother get like that TK?"
"Anytime he feels threatened, either physically or emotionally. He's really sensitive behind his walls. Just about anything can hurt him. The counselor at our last school said he has a self-confidence problem. Don't tell him I told you that though; he'll see it as a betrayal since I'm the only one he told. Normally, I wouldn't tell you anything but for some strange reason I feel like I can trust you guys."
"You can TK," said Kari reassuringly. TK smiled wanly but he still looked extremely worried.
"I have an idea guys," said Joe. "How about we walk to my house and I'll drive us all to the hospital so we can check on Matt."
"Thanks Joe," replied TK gratefully as they set out again, this time heading for Joe's house and walking more briskly than before since before they'd had to keep to Matt's pace. "You guys are the best."
Tai braked for a red light and glanced at the boy behind him. He doesn't look too good, thought Tai worriedly. As if hearing Tai's thoughts the boy-Matt-spoke. "I'm fine. Don't worry about it." His pallor belied his words though and he looked like he was about to black out any minute now.
Tai sped forward when the light turned green causing Matt to tighten his grip. Tai was given further evidence that Matt wasn't feeling well when he leaned forward on Tai's back and rested his head on Tai's shoulder. The hospital was just ahead thank goodness. Tai parked as close to the emergency room as possible then pulled Matt along behind him.
It was fairly quiet inside. There was a mother holding a sobbing child, an older man with a nasty gash on his forehead and a girl with no visible injury being wheeled away on a stretcher. A fairly young looking nurse walked over to them almost immediately. "What seems to be the problem?" she asked kindly, directing her question toward Matt since Tai was quite obviously healthy and Matt wasn't.
Matt just continued to stare blankly at nothing in particular. Tai waved a hand in front of his face, then grinned wryly as Matt blinked vaguely at him. "Guess he's gone into shock or something," answered Tai for him. "His wrist is broken."
"I see. Could you possibly wait without any fainting episodes or such?" The nurse sounded vaguely annoyed and Tai guess that was what was wrong with the girl who had been wheeled away just as they entered and probably for no real reason.
"He endured a fifteen-minute motorcycle ride. This ought to be a walk in the park."
"Glad to hear it. Although I must say, a motorcycle isn't eh ideal mode of transportation for someone with a broken wrist. He could have injured himself more if he wasn't careful."
"It was the handiest way."
"No big deal, I was just commenting. I'm going to need you to fill out some papers. Is that alright?"
"I can try, but we've never even been properly introduced. I just happened to see him getting beat up on by a bunch of bullies."
"Oh, well, please try. Maybe he'll snap out of it a little."
Tai shrugged. "Ok. No problemo."
"Thank you. I'll be right back with the papers." The nurse walked off, stopped momentarily in an attempt to sooth the child and his mother, grabbed some papers and walked back. "Here. Fill these out," she said, handing Tai the papers.
Tai sighed as he looked at them. Guess I better see if he can answer for me. "Your name's Matt right?" The blonde boy looked at him blankly. Too kawaii! Tai's mind screamed and Tai blinked in unison with Matt. Where had that thought come from?
"Where am I and who are you?" said a very confused sounding voice. Tai focused on Matt and shuddered as he suppressed a mental squeal.
"We're at the hospital and I'm Taichi Kamiya," said Tai in answer to the boy's question.
"I'm Yamato Ishida."
"I thought your name was Matt."
"That just a nickname."
"Oh, well you can call me Tai. That's my nickname. Think you can write? I have no idea about these questions."
"Sure. My right wrist or hand or whatever isn't damaged."
The boys sat in relative silence after that, Matt filling out papers and Tai staring blankly off into space. The other patients were called and time seemed to drag to a standstill. Finally Matt was summoned. He handed the just complete papers to the nurse and let himself be led away. Tai had to restrain an impulse to go with him. He had to release his nervous tension somehow though, so he stood and paced. He didn't know hwy he should care so much about someone he had just met but for some strange reason he did.
That was how the others found him when they arrived at the hospital five minutes later. "Where's Matt? He's okay isn't he?" queried TK, sounding and looking concerned.
"He just got in about five minutes ago. Your Yamato was fine though the last I knew."
"I take it he introduced himself to you then? Why is it that everyone but me gets treated civilly?" complained Joe loudly.
"He was a little disoriented and he went into shock for a while. Maybe that's what it is," answered Tai soothingly. "Right now I don't think we can do anything but wait." The others nodded and settled down to wait.
"Oh my God, my parents are going to kill Matt!" exclaimed TK out of the blue.
"Why would they kill Matt if it wasn't his fault?" asked Izzy curiously.
"They always blame everything on Matt, no matter what. And we were supposed to come directly home from school! This is not good!"
"That's so mean, blaming matt for everything," complained Mimi. "No wonder he's not very friendly."
"Here TK. I'll walk to the phone with you and explain everything to your parents," volunteered Joe.
"Thanks," replied TK gratefully.
They walked off and then Izzy, Sora, Kari, and Mimi got in a quiet conversation. Tai resumed his pacing. Matt had better be all right! TK and Joe returned after a few moments, TK looking more than mildly ticked off and sat down. After what seemed to Tai to be days and days of walking back and forth, a doctor finally emerged from within the inner hospital.
"Who's here for Yamato Ishida?" he asked, seeming to be looking for an adult.
"We are!" chorused the group. "Is he all right?" they continued.
"Yes, it was a clean break and there were no problems setting it. But where are his parents? He is, after all, a minor and I need to speak to them."
"They're on their way," answered TK with a note of disdain in his voice. They hadn't even seemed to care when he told them Matt was at eh hospital.
"Are you related to him?"
"We're brothers. Can I see him?"
"Yes, but I'm afraid your friends will have to wait out here."
"Now wait just a minute!" protested Tai indignantly. "I drove him here and have been wearing a hole in the floor worrying about him and now I think I deserve to see him too!"
"I'm sorry young man, but-"
"Doctor," interrupted TK. "I'm not really feeling too well but I really want to see Matt. It would really help if Tai could come with me for support."
Tai looked closely at TK. He did look kind of pale and seemed to wavering slightly on his feet. TK ducked his head and summoned up a tear, letting it slide forlornly down his cheek. The doctor visibly softened. "Oh all right," he consented with a shake of his head. TK perked up a little but still looked unnaturally pale. "Follow me," said the doctor.
Tai and TK followed obediently. The doctor led them to room #124, motioned them inside and then quietly shut the door behind them. When they entered Matt was sitting on the hospital bed looking impatient.
"Hey TK. Are Mom and Dad here yet?"
"Not unless they arrived in the two minutes it took us to walk to your room."
"Oh," Matt said disappointedly. "Darn doctor won't let me go until he talks to them. Pushy old busybody."
"He almost didn't' let me in," complained Tai.
"Yeah. I had to pretend to be sick," added TK.
"Why'd you guys come anyway?" Matt asked, then blushed. Get your mind out of the gutter Ishida, he berated himself. Just because you're in the presence of one of the hottest guys you've ever seen doesn't mean a thing. Keep it clean.
"We didn't," answered Tai teasingly and Matt almost groaned. Instead he shot a glare at Tai and blushed even more.
"I don't know what you guys are thinking about and frankly I don't want to," said TK, noting the strange looks on their faces. Matt looked embarrassed and Tai looked...intense.
The tension in the room was dispelled when the doctor entered the room followed by Matt and TK's parents. Their father was nodding impatiently with their mother trailing along behind looking bored. Matt stood up and yawned lazily, steadying himself seemingly nonchalantly with his left hand. Only Tai saw the pain that momentarily flashed through his eyes, quickly masked by cold arrogance. Tai restrained the impulse to go to him and instead watched silently.
Matt, his parents, and his brother TK got out of the hospital in record time. Tai followed them, silent and unnoticed as a shadow. Tai watched as the four got in a car and drove off. His friends joined him but he paid them no mind.
Why do I feel so drawn to him? mused Tai. No girl has ever got me hooked so fast. But I can't be gay. I've never liked any other guys like that, so it must be just him. Maybe he's a girl in disguise. Naw, couldn't be. I need some sleep. Damned fever must be getting to me. I'm making mountains out of molehills. I'm just curious about him that's all. Yeah, that's it. "Tai?" A hesitant voice that he recognized as belonging to Sora broke into his thoughts. "I think we need to talk."
"What about?" asked Tai absently.
"Us."
That was the one word that got Tai's undivided attention. Here it comes, the moment of truth. She either feels the same as me and wants to end this farce or I've been imagining things and she wants to just get me alone. Either way, what will happen will happen.
The others, sensing a private conversation in the offing, backed away and began talking among themselves, giving Sora and Tai their privacy.
"Tai, this just isn't working for me," began Sora after taking a deep breath. "I don't know about you, and I don't want to break your heart if you're in love with me or something but-"
"I'm more like a brother to you than a boyfriend," finished Tai calmly.
"Exactly!" Sora was relieved. She hadn't wanted to hurt her best friend. He didn't seem bothered at all though.
"Got anybody else in mind?" asked Tai casually. Sora shook her head no. "Well, not to sound cheesy but I want us to still be friends."
"No doubt of that," answered Sora cheerfully. Tai then turned around and grinned at their friends.
"Ok, you can stop eavesdropping now. It's over."
"Eavesdrop? WE would never do a thing like that!" said Kari innocently.
"And I'm the Tooth fairy," answered Tai sarcastically.
"Ooo, can I see your wings?" asked Mimi in a cutesy little kid voice. Tai mock glared at her and everyone burst out laughing.
"So what'd you think of Matt and TK, Tai?" asked Sora after the laughter had died down.
"Well," hedged Tai, "I thought TK was a good kid."
"And Matt?" asked Izzy in his usual curious tone.
"He's okay I guess."
"If he's just 'ok' then why were you so worried about him and why did you insist on going to see him personally?" inquired Kari astutely.
"Um..." Tai fumbled for an answer that he didn't even know himself.
"I think Tai's got a crush!" squealed Mimi. And to Tai's shock he found himself blushing, something that only happened to him once in a blue moon. Maybe they won't notice, he thought hopefully.
"Gee Mimi, I think you're actually right for once. Tai's blushing!" noted Joe loudly.
"I do not you guys!" denied Tai desperately.
Wait a second. Denied desperately? Why am I denying? There's nothing to deny. Nada, zip, zilch, zero. And desperately? I'm not desperate. It ought to be 'stated calmly.' Tai restrained the urge to shake his fist at the sky. "I don't have a crush on Matt." Yes, that's better. Be calm and collected; don't let 'em see what you're thinking. Wait, what am I saying? I don't have anything to hide! It's not like I'm falling in love with him or anything.
But what if you are? said one treacherous corner of his mind. He turned on it with all his might, wishing he could shred it into little tiny pieces.
Who are you and what are you doing in my head? he demanded of it angrily.
Oh, well, I'm the little prophetic part of you that knows exactly what's going to happen.
Then tell me!
Sorry, can't. It breaks policy to give you too much information directly. I work better with little hints. I push and shove you just enough to get you pointed in the right direction and then let events take their natural course. Oh, by the by, I've set a memory erase bomb. I'm afraid you won't remember any of this in a moment, just the fact that you're falling in love with Yamato Ishida and will do anything in the world to get him to feel the same way about you. By the way, aforementioned memory erase bomb will go off in 3...2...1!
Tai lost his grip on awareness and spun away into darkness. Colors and scenes swirled around him until all he saw was a blonde haired, blue eyed boy that had just become his heart's only desire.
Tai blinked bleary eyes and peered around him inquisitively. He was in a car. Joe was driving, Izzy was curled up in the passenger seat, and Mimi and Kari were seated in the back with him. "Welcome back to the land of the living," greeted Kari.
"What happened?" questioned Tai groggily.
"Your fever got worse. You were delirious for a while. So we took you back into the hospital. A doctor looked you over, gave you a shot and then told us to take you home. You fell asleep in the car."
"Oh." Then a thought occurred to him. "What about my bike?!"
"Sora said she'd get it."
"That's a relief."
"We're there," interrupted Joe as he brought the car to a stop.
"Get well soon Tai," the others wished him as he and Kari exited the car.
"You can bet on it," he guaranteed. "I wouldn't miss tomorrow for the world."
A/N: I'm not sure the whole hospital/breaking wrist thing turned out entirely accurate, but I don't really have personal experience in that sort of thing and I don't consider it that important. Just a plot device basically. Chapter 2 and the epilogue coming soon!