guardian4

What do you mean? Matt's eyes darken, and he scowls.

Its just, you don't seem very happy with her. Tai explained weakly.

What do you know? Matt snapped. I've never even seen you date somebody!

Tai winces.

Because I want to be with somebody who loves me, not somebody who wants me for my money, or domestic skills. Tai's eyes narrowed.

I think we better drop this Tai.

Tai crosses his arms and turns away. Matt does the same thing, mirroring his actions.

This is stupid. Tai and Matt exclaim. Both jump, then smile guiltily.

We're too old to be doing this Matt. Tai stated.

I know. But its what we do best. Matt grinned wryly at his companion.

I think your right. But, Tai's eyes wander across his video collection. Why don't we have a boys night in?

Good plan. Matt smiles, and this time it reaches his blue eyes, making them sparkle happily.

Tai clutches his stomach, and tries to look pathetic.

Do you have anything to eat? All that running and stuff made me hungry. Puppy dog eyes beseech Matt.

Your a bottomless pit Tai! Hoping to break the strange fluttering in his heart, he shucks a pillow at Tai's face.

Tai throws it back at him, how good is it going to look, if the star witness faints from hunger? I can see the head lines now, Bodyguard starves witness to death. Celeberties celebrate new diet.

Matt grins. Tai, you are a riot. I'll make us some food, and you can pick out a movie.
*****
Whoa, there are a lot of people here.

This is a pretty big hearing Tai.

Fear was radiating from Tai's broad shoulders, although he was trying not to show it.

Matt reached for Tai's hand. Don't worry. I'll be with you.

Matt's encouraging blue gaze was on Tai constantly. Supporting him. Although in the corner of the courtroom, Tai could almost feel Matt next to him, just like last night. Tai could hear his steady breathing, the warmth from his body. The way he smiled softly in his sleep, so close, yet so far away in the chair next to the couch.

Thank you Mr. Kamiya. The judge stated. 5 minute recess.

Matt stood outside the courtroom door, waiting for Tai. He wasn't going to take any chances. A lot of things could happen in 5 minutes. Tai was kind of cute with those puppy dog brown eyes. It was nice to actually relax at home for once. With Sora it was always, take me here. Lets go there.

Sora put her arm on his, and he jumped a foot.

Oh, Matt. Theres an icky bug next to you! She whinned.

Matt smashed it with his shoe.

Oh, Matt, your so brave. Sora purred.

Tai stood behind the courhouse door, and blinked back the tears. How blind could Matt be? Should he tell him that Sora tried too.....Nah. He'd never believe me. Sora is everthing he could ever want.

I just killed a bug Sora, I didn't face down an army. Matt scowled.

But, I don't like the thought of you getting hurt. Sora told him.

I know, but Tai's our friend. He needs my protection.

Court is back in session. Matt scowled at Senator Ribbin. The punk was going down. Who knew how many murders were the result of this man? Wait a minute...where was Taichi?

A roar of disaproval went up, although some cheered.

ORDER! I will have order in my court. The defendant is released on a 1 million dollar bond, and his reputation in the comunity indicates he is not a flight risk.

Matt had enough. He exited the courtroom, ignored Sora, who was talking with a janitor, giggling softly.

Where was Tai? How could they let Senator Ribbin out on bound?

Ken! Wheres Tai? Matt asks frantically.

The dark haired boy stared fearfully at the larger angry blonde man in front of him. Those blue eyes were wild, and almost violent.

Wheres Tai! Matt gives him shake.

He went home.



He left right after he testified. Saw you talking with Sora. I'm supposed to thank you for protecting him last night.

Oh No!

Matt runs out of the courthouse. He pays little attention to Senator Ribbin making a grand speech to admiring newreporters. All he can think about it reaching Tai. Tai was in terrible danger, he could feel it. The terrible feeling in his gut, the acid taste in his mouth. Please let him be okay. Please

TAI! DON'T!

Tai's eyes widen with surprise. Hey Matt, whats....

Matt throws himself onto Tai, tackling him to the ground just as the apartment exploded into fiery death knoll.



LET ME GO! KARI! Tai screamed, trying to shake Matt's grip loose.

Matt grabs a firmer hold on Tai's neck, hooks his other arm around his waist and drags him away from the inferno. In the distance he can hear the whir of the fire engines.

No, Tai, I can't. Matt strokes the brown head gently as Tai begins to sob. staring at the rubble, Tai begins to yell.




DAD!



oh I'm mean, ain't I? It ain't over yet don't you worry.