aaaa

Tai's grip tightened on the wheel of Matt's truck. It had been raining steadily for more than two hours. Matt was deep in thought, trying desperately to come up with a plan that would save Sora without leading to Tai's death.

Pull in here Tai. Matt gestures to the dilapidated motel on the edge of the Odabia city limits. Ken is meeting us here.

The attendant looked up from his solitaire game, he really didn't expect anyone to be out on a night like this. His eyes flutter with recognition as he takes in the gold hair plastered to the man's face, and the luminous blue eyes.

I'd like to rent a room. He announced.

The attendant tossed him a key. Room 231.

The man caught the key and placed it in his pocket.

How much?

The blonde threw some twenties on the table. Keep the change.

He turns to leave.



Are you Yamato Ishida, the rock star?

Matt turns and glowers at the attendant.

He lets the door slam shut behind him.

The attendant watches the blonde go over to the black truck, and take the hand of a wild haired man. They enter the room. He then turns around and picks up the phone.

Tai leaps on the bed, and begins bouncing on it. What's the plan Matt?

Matt watches Tai continue bouncing on the bed like a little kid, he can't help but smile. Ken should be here soon, and then were going to figure out what to do.

I hope he brings food! Tai stops bouncing and holds his stomach. I'm starving!

Matt leans over Tai and kisses him on the lips. You are a bottomless pit!

Tai winds his fingerss into Matt's golden strands. Kiss me again Yama?

knock

knock

Matt walks over to the door. Tai swears quietly.

Matt bursts into laughter. Tai, Tai. You aren't very patient either, are you.

Damn right I ain't. Tai states.

Matt corrected.

Well, in the words you Yamato Ishida, WHATEVER. Tai chuckles.

Matt peers into the peep hole. With a sigh of relief, he let the sad eyed gentlemen in his room.

Hope you guys are hungry. I brought Chinese!

Matt looks doubtfully at the white bag. Don't worry Matt. I know how much he can eat. I brought some junk food too

Hey, I'm a growing boy! Tai defended.

Tai is the only one who is really hungry. Matt is distracted, and Ken's mind is still on the boy laying silently at the hospital. But then again, nothing could take away Tai's appetite. With a sigh Tai reclines back onto the bed.

That was almost as good at Yama's cooking! Tai grinned and Matt.

Ken watched them carefully as Matt blushes. He turns to Matt. Ribbin's probably holding Sora somewhere in one of the vacant buildings he owns. Hands Matt a list. Koushiro was able to tap into his computer system. These three I've circled are the most probable.

I guess we should search those first then. Matt states quietly.

Tai leaps off the bed. Great lets go!

Ken looks at Matt, Matt looks at Tai, and shakes his head. Not this time Tai. Senator Ribbin and company are still out there looking for you.

But I can't just sit around and wait! Let me come with you.

You'll be safer here. Hands Tai his cell. If you need me, call this number, its Ken's cell.

Matt and Ken turn to leave. Ken walks out the door ahead.

Oh Tai? Matt smiles.

Matt grabs Tai by the shoulders and kisses him.

Be careful Yama. Tai murmured.

Matt pulls out of the parking lot, and begins to drive toward downtown Odabia. Ken swallows hesitantly, unsure on how to confront the blonde. What's going on with you two?

What do you mean? Matt asked carefully.

I saw the way you were looking at each other. And I saw you kiss him. Blue eyes glare at him, but Ken continues. I want to know what is going on.

It's between me and Tai. Nobody else. Matt growled.

Just be careful Matt. Tai doesn't need to be hurt anymore than he already is. Ken pleads. And what about Sora?

Mind your own business Ken! Matt snaps, and turns his concentration on driving. He always drove exceedingly fast, so Ken didn't say anything about the speed. Although fast, Matt was a very safe driver. If he hadn't become a security expert, Ken was sure that Matt would have become a race car driver.

I'm going to say one more thing before I shut up Matt. You need to find out who your heart belongs too. It isn't fair to Tai or to Sora. Ken blinks in shock as Matt goes through the red light.

uh, Matt? Red means stop.





Matt swallows, eyes still on the road. We don't have brakes anymore.


Ring ring

Tai cautiously answered. It had to be Matt. Who else?

Why Mr. Kamiya, what a pleasant surprise.

Tai shivers. What do you want Ribbin?

Actually I wanted to move up the exchange. I'm afraid that Matt is no longer able to help you.

What do you mean?

He's had an unfortunate accident.

You bastard.

Now now Mr. Kamiya. Come to the docks in one hour, alone. See you then.