open arms4





Oh my God! Tell me its not Jun! Matt groaned. How did she find out I was here?

Don't look, but she's coming over here. RUN MATT!

It's too late Tai.

Jun bounds over to him, Sora just behind her.

I missed you soooo much Mattikins! She turns her attention to Tai.

You have got to tell me what its like living with Matt! Jun leads Tai away by the arm. Does he sleep in the nude?

How are you Matt?

What's going on Sora. Matt wasn't fooled one second by Sora making nice. She was up to something, but what?

I brought you a date. Now you can leave Tai and me alone.

Sorry sister. Tai and I are here together. And thats that. Matt scowls.

Sora smirks evilly. Let me put it another way. Have a good time with Jun, or I'll tell Tai exactly why you left, or should I say were fired from your band?

What do you know about that? Matt gasps his blue eyes widen with shock and fear.

I know plenty Matt. And remember how anti-gay Tai's father is. Maybe he'd like to know that his son's roommate is a queer. And that his roommate is....

Just shut up Sora. Matt scowls as he starts dancing with Jun. Tai, where are you? Rescue me?

Sora smirks with satisfaction as she watches Tai quickly leave, pain and sorrow etched on his noble features. Don't worry love. I'll make everything all right.

Tai buries his head on the cool cement steps, and sobs quietly in the darkness. I'm such a fool. I was going to tell him that I loved him. How could I think that somebody like Yamato Ishida could ever love me?
Some one sits down beside him.

Are you going to be okay Tai? Sora asks.

Tai looks into her compassion filled eyes.

I tried telling you. Matt hasn't changed a bit. He still doesn't care about other people.

Sora, would you like to dance? Tai asks, wiping away the last of his tears for something he can't have.

Of course. Come on Tai.

Tai was tired of pretending to be happy and enjoying himself. The perfect evening had turned into a sea of misery. He lost Yamato again. Worse yet, he had to put up with this oblivious girl, whose every flirt made his stomach hurt. He had put up with her throughout the dance, refusing to look at Yamato and Jun. He had put up with her hanging onto her arm as he walked her home.


Aren't you going to kiss me goodnight? Sora asks, turning her face towards him.



He kisses her on the cheek.

Tai, I meant like this. Sora presses her lips to his. Tai felt nothing but a coldness. Kissing was supposed to make you feel wonderful. Why do I feel like crying? I just feel so empty.

See you at lunch tomorrow. Sora says authoritatively.

Goodnight Sora.

Matt was waiting on the couch.

Tai, we have to talk.

I'm tired Matt. I'm sure your tired from your DATE! I'm going to bed.

Matt grabs his arm. Listen Tai, theres been a misunderstanding. Tai shakes him off.

Whatever. I'm going to bed. SLAM

Matt gazes longingly at the shut door. I can't lose him again. Sora, this is all your fault.

********

Matt slams the broom under the refrigerator. Tai had left the apartment early that morning, and Matt had missed another chance to explain. So he was taking his anger out on the dust. Sora's lucky that's shes a girl, otherwise BAM!
 Damn Spider! Matt holds his thumb gingerly as the tiny spider, no bigger than the head of a nail scurries across the floor. Matt steps on it, arresting its flight. That really hurts.

Are we going to the movies tonight Tai? Tai swallows his shiver of disgust. This is where I belong. Sora loves me. Matt could never love someone like me. I'm lucky to have her.



Matt's in trouble. The thoughts bounced through Tai's brain. Its as if he heard Matt calling for him. He gets up.

I have to go.

The girl makes a grab for his arm.

Tai, what's wrong?

Sorry Sora. Matt's in trouble. I have to go. Tai shakes her off.


But he continues his mad dash for home. Sora's cheeks flush with embarrassment. How dare he ruin their lunch together. Somehow, this is all Matt's fault. Sora scowled angrily. She was going to get what belonged to her.

Tai bursts into the apartment, fear clutching his heart in a death grip.



He isn't here. Oh God he isn't here. Get a grip Tai. You were probably over reacting. Matt's probably out having fun.

Tai walks over the kitchen, and stumbles on the still form lying unconscious on the floor.