guardian5


The blonde leaned over and shook Tai.

Come on Tai. Don't go to sleep on me yet. He pleads softly.

He receives a mumbled. I'm not.

Sighing, Matt goes around and opens the passenger door.

Come on Tai.

Getting no answer again, Matt sighs and struggles underneath Tai's almost dead weight.

They really drugged you up good, huh Tai. Matt carefully balances Tai in his arms, and struggles into the living room. Laying Tai gently on the couch, he sighs. Tai's beautiful sleeping face is peaceful, and happy. Poor Tai.

Ring

Ring

Matt dives for the phone. However, Tai continues his drugged sleep. The sedatives the paramedics gave him could have made an elephant take a nap.



Matt! Why are you at home? Did you forget?

Sora, I'm sorry, I had a....

Its always something, Isn't it! I rescheduled our appointment in one hour. Afterwards we can go to La' Medici's to celebrate. Sora announced.

I can't. Matt says this softly, but firmly as he gazes on the innocent sleeping face before him.

WHAT!? Matt the wedding is in 3 months. We need to pick out a tux!

Sora, Tai's parents and sister got killed today! He yells this as loudly as he could, while maintaining a whispering tone. How could she be so selfish?

What? Oh my God! What happened?

Matt swallowed the lump in his throat. It was a bomb, meant for Tai. Luckily he wasn't there.

How is he?

Sleeping right now. The doctors had to sedate him.

Since, he's sleeping, we can go out. Sora stated.





Sora, I can't leave him. He needs me.

What about me? She whined. Don't you love me Matt?

Yeah, of course I do. But Sora, somebodys trying to kill Tai. I need to be with him.

Fine. Have fun doing your job, while I'm sitting her all alone! Sora screamed, and slammed the phone down.

Matt sighed heavily, and sat down in the chair facing the couch. He and Tai both still smelled like smoke and fire. The chances of Tai waking up and showering before tomorrow were slim to none. I guess I could take off his clothes, he'd be more comfortable that way. He carefully unbuttons Tai's singed shirt and removes his shoes. Tai's your friend, you can handle this. Hesitating, he unbuttons Tai's jeans, and slides them off. There, now that wasn't so bad, was it Ishida?

Matt stares at the bronze chest intently, blushing. Come on Matt. This is Tai. Idiot. Tai's sedated, and I'm gawking at him like he's hot.
Matt saunters into the kitchen, and pours himself a glass of milk. The scream startles him, and the milk slides across the table like a river. Matt flys into the living room, gun drawn, scanning for intruders. Seeing none, he puts his gun back, and goes over to the still whimpering Tai.

He hesitates, then touches the boy gently on the shoulder.

Hazy brown eyes, open and seem to focus on Matt's concerned face.

Tai asks weakly.

I'm here Taichi.

Why did it have to happen to them? Tai sobs.

Oh Tai. Matt cradles him in his arms, and gently strokes his back.

It should have been me! He cried.

Matt rocks him softly. shhh, shhh. I'm here Taichi.

Tai relaxes and closes his eyes, comforted by Matt's voice and presence.



Yes Tai? The vulnerable quality in Tai's voice made his heart beat faster.

Please don't leave me again. Tai whisphers sleepily.

Don't worry Tai. I'm not going to leave you. Matt vowed softly.

Tai falls alseep, but Matt continues to cradle him safely in his arms. Matt continues to stare down at his angelic face. He traces Tai's soft lips with one finger. So kissable. Just one kiss never hurt anyone. Ishida, what the hell are you thinking? Your engaged, Tai's your friend, and you are not gay. He places Tai back gently on the couch.

Matt turns the shower into an Antarctic storm, the icicles stabbing his body.

What the hell is wrong with me?

*******
The shadow leaned over him, Matt continued to pretend he was asleep, waiting for the right moment to strike. It turned slightly, and Matt sprung like a tiger, pinoning the shadows arms.

God Matt! Trying to scare me? Matt relases Tai, and steps back.

Sorry Tai. Where did you get that get up? Matt eyes the black button down shirt and jeans. The jeans were a couple of inches too long, so Tai had rolled them, making him look like a 6 foot toddler.

Your closet, which by the way has absolutely nothing but black in it. Tai scratches his head. It's funny. I don't even remember taking off my clothes last night.

Matt blushes. I took them off for you. I wanted to make you more comfortable.

Matt looks away. Tai sprawls down on the couch and smiles up at him.

Your my friend Matt, I trust you.

Ding Dong

Door. I'll be back Tai. Looks at him sternly. Stay here.

Matt looks through the peephole and sees Ken's lean form. Matt slips quietly out the door.

Hey Ken, whats going on?

The young man's eyes are shadowed by lines of fatigue.

Ribbin has really deep pockets. I think that he has a good portion of the local government under his control, including the judge at the hearing.

God Damnit! Matt cried out.

I don't think that he's going to talk, but we have proof that Mr. Ribbin gave him a very nice sum. Ken stated.

So what happens now? Matt asks Ken.

The trial is going to be held in 6 weeks, and Matt, we cannot trust anyone. You have no idea how deep this corruption is. I'm even starting to wonder about the chief of police. Ken explains.

So we can't trust anyone, huh. the third voice joined into the conversation.

Tai! What the hell! How long have you been listening Matt yelled angerly.

Matt, I need to know what's going on. This is my life damnit! Tai swore angerly.

Go back inside! Matt yelled.



The impact of the exposion slammed them both on the ground. Matt recovered quickly and threw himself on top of Tai's still form as a shower of glass and debris rained down.