Disclaimer: Don't own 'em *sniff*
Holding On: Part 6
***
Matt's POV
Well here I go, walking down the street towards the one place I had hoped never to see again. We, Taichi and I, are taking the long route to school, planning on getting there just after the bell so that I won't have to walk through the crowded school yard just yet. I'm grateful for that consideration, yet it won't help in the long run. The crowds are going to be just as thick at lunch, and just facing all those kids in the classroom is going to be torture. I don't even know half the kids in most of my classes, but at least I'm used to their faces. And it's not only having to face the multitudes of student bodies during the breaks that are going to make me very nervous, but that fact that I'm going to be stuck in a small, seemingly airless classroom that is filled with people. I am really hoping my claustrophobia doesn't decide to kick in over that. In conclusion, I'm a nervous wreck right now. I'm not scared, just very unsure of the situation and of how my body and brain are going to react.
At the moment I'm just trying not to think about all of that. Keeping my mind blank of all thought and just enjoying the fresh air. I don't get out much anymore due to the fact that I can't go anywhere without a close friend/relative/boyfriend with me because of my fear of strangers. Of course Taichi is with me now, walking beside me as we head to school. He's so sweet and considerate, hardly the boy I knew back in the Digiworld days. Back then we were always fighting in some form, usually ending up with me completely ignoring him, and him trying to get me to admit I'm wrong. Now it seems he's always trying to please me and make sure I'm comfortable and happy. He's so patient with me, most of the time, that I really don't know what to do. I feel like such a whiner and a baby, then feel guilty when Taichi tries to calm me down or make me feel better. I know he likes to comfort me, and I like it as well, but it makes me feel so pathetic. Oh well, seems as if there's nothing I can do about that now.
Okay, so those thoughts aren't helping my mood much either. Better to think about nothing at all. Finally looking up from the sidewalk that I had been staring at the whole way, I scan the park that we're cutting through. The school is just around a block from the other side of the park. It's a beautiful day actually, now that I take the time to notice I can feel how warm it is. The sun is fully out, not a cloud to be seen, which is wonderful weather for the winter. Even though the grass is mostly brown and there is only a few dead leaves hanging off of the scattered trees, it's still a beautiful place to be walking through. I sigh miserably, wishing I had the nerve to come out here more often, but this is one place I would absolutely refuse to come to as many weirdo's tend to hang out here. So I refuse to come to the park, and am terrified of being alone in the city because of the dark alleyways between every building. That only leaves my house that I feel safe in to be by myself. I really am pathetic.
A hand falls lightly on my shoulder, halting my steps. Blinking against my dreamy thoughts I finally focus in on the reason we had stopped. One, we were at the exit of the park, and two, I had been about to run straight into the fence at the side of the path. Shaking my head to clear it, I turn my head slightly to see Taichi staring back at me with worried expression, "You okay Yama-chan?"
"Um... Yeah... I was just thinking, s'all." I mumble, looking back at the ground and wishing I could just go home now.
Taichi remains silent for a few more seconds, then he shrugs a bit and starts walking again, me right beside him, "Alright then, we're almost there anyway, but I would like to get you there in one piece so try to watch where you're going, okay Love?"
Annoyed at how he was ordering me around again, but pleased with the way he called me 'Love' in public, I mutter a non descriptive word/grunt and lean slightly into him. I can almost feel Taichi's smile as he carefully wraps an arm around my waist, keeping me against him. His warm, protective body makes me feel better almost instantly and I let out another grateful sigh. We stay walking like that for the next block, ignoring the way some people looked at us since we didn't know them anyway, but when the school building came in sight Taichi let go of me and I reluctantly pulled away. It wouldn't do any good for kids to see us like that when I had enough problems to deal with already.
The hallways were quiet when we went through them, I guess we got here a little later than intended. First class was Math, which fortunately we had together so I didn't have to face my first class alone. Taichi was actually in all of my classes except fourth, in which I had computers and he had gym. But that wasn't too bad as Koushiro was in it with me and I usually sat beside him as we knew each other so well. I wonder if he's forgiven me yet for punching his nose in, I haven't spoken to him since then. I'm then snapped out of my thoughts once again as Taichi knocks on the classroom door and our teacher opens it.
Mr. Isaku frowns at us slightly, glancing at his watch, "Good to see you finally showed up Ishida. Only a few months late are we? Well get in there, you've got a lot of catching up to do. You too, Kamiya, I've warned you about being on time."
Flushing under the man's gaze, I quickly follow Taichi into the classroom. That teacher has never liked me, he always tries to make my life as miserable as he can. You'd think he'd have a little consideration for someone who had been raped! I notice Taichi glaring back over his shoulder as well, he can't be too happy about that comment, but I'm glad he has sense enough not to open his mouth. I didn't even glance at the rest of the class until I was seated at my usual desk by the window. That's when I noticed everyone was staring at me, many of the kids turning to whisper to their friends as they gave meaningful looks my way. All those eyes turned my way, seeming to pierce right into my very soul. Most of them were not very sympathetic either, in fact, they looked down right disgusted. Why...?
"Hey Ishida," The boy in front of me turned in his seat as Mr. Isaku turned to the board. Unsure of the sneer he was giving me, I just nodded in acknowledgement. I didn't know the guy, I just wanted him to turn back around and leave me alone. But he just sneered more, "Why'd you do it?"
"Huh?" I blinked in confusion. "Do what?" What was he talking about? I didn't do anything that I knew of.
He gave a snort, "You know, turn queer. Everyone knows how you gave yourself to that gang. I can't believe you bribed them to fool around with you like that, and then blame it on them! That's just sick man." The boy started laughing until the teacher glared over in our direction. Then the boy turned to face the front with one last whisper, "Faggot."
Well what the hell do you do when someone says something like that to you? What can you do? Me, I freeze. It's like I just can't comprehend what was said to me. No, he didn't say that, he couldn't have. It's impossible, I am not... I would never... No! No, no, no, no, NO! But... that would explain the weird looks... and... Did he say everyone thought that I... No... Please, it's not right. How could they think...? But they did. I... I... No, I can't think about it, I can't. I knew this day was going to be miserable, but why did this have to happen?
For the rest of the class I stared out the window, blank minded. I don't have the slightest idea what was taught to us, I don't even remember the bell going off to signal the end of class. All I could do was work at keeping those awful words from the guy in front of me out of my mind. But suddenly there was a hand on my shoulder and Taichi's voice cut through my daze, "Yama-chan, class is over. What's up?"
Slowly I turned my head to face him and saw the expected expression, worry and confusion. He didn't know, he didn't know all the awful things that were being said about me. Everyone knew except him. I forced a smile, hoping it satisfied him, and stood up. I can't break down, even if the only thing I want to do right now is burst into tears and feel his arms around me. But I can't, that's just shameful, and I don't want to ruin Taichi's illusions that this day will go alright. I have to make him believe that I was okay. Even if my thoughts were still going zero miles an hour.
"I'm..." I cleared my throat and avoided Taichi's look as my voice cracked, then tried again, "I'm fine Taichi, just was falling asleep in this boring class, I guess." My smile felt frozen and wrong, and I'm pretty sure that Taichi wasn't falling for it.
"You sure?" He wasn't being fooled, he always had told me he could read my slightest expressions like an open book.
I nod and start for the door, carefully not catching his eye as I knew his concerned look would send me over the edge. "yeah... yeah, I am. What do we have next?"
"Uh... okay, if you say so." He still doesn't believe me, but that's okay, as long as he drops the subject. "English... we have English next."
Good, a subject I can just shut my mind from. English was my best subject, so it didn't matter if I didn't pay attention for this class. Better not to let any unwanted thoughts slide through my mind, I just hope I don't suddenly freak.
As we walk through the hallways, I don't miss the stares being sent my way. Most groups of kids went silent as we pass by, only to start up whispered conversations once our backs are to them. They're all talking about me, how I... how I... No! I did nothing! It wasn't my fault! It wasn't... I'm not like that...
If Taichi noticed anything, he didn't mention it. In fact, he said nothing for our entire way there. I hope he's not angry with me for lying, saying I was okay when I wasn't. That would be just too much. I need him, I don't want him to be mad. But I don't want to sound like a baby by whining about what the other kids are saying about me. Even if they are really bad.
~*~
By the time we walked into the cafeteria for lunch, I was on the verge of a huge breakdown. Two more kids during English had asked me about if I had sold my body, and called me a fag. Their words were getting harder and harder to block out, they kept slipping into my mind, making me want to scream. Of course that would just make me seem crazier than they already thought me to be. And the looks and whispering weren't letting up one bit. I really wish Taichi wasn't so unobservant and would catch onto what was going on, that way I wouldn't have to feel like I'm keeping something from him, and maybe he could make things better.
My arm is almost yanked out of the socket as Taichi spots our friends at a far table and drags me to it. Balancing the tray of cafeteria food on the other hand, I glumly follow. When we slide into seats at the table I finally look up to see who's all here. There's just four of the digidestined group sitting, Mimi, Sora, Jyou and Koushiro, all of them stopping their conversation as we join them. I see the look they all share and quickly turn my attention back to my tray. I'm absolutely, one hundred percent not hungry, so all I do is shift bits of soggy noodles around with my chopsticks, ignoring everyone and everything around me. They know too.
Someone clears their throat, then there's silence until Taichi finally speaks up in an impatient tone, "What's up with you all today? Man, you're acting as if somebody died or something." I cringe at the thought. There are probably a million bullies in our school who would love to beat me dead from what they think I did.
"Tai, shut up. Matt? Are you okay?" Sora's voice softens as she questions me, but I ignore her, still intent on breaking up a long noodle into as many pieces as I can.
"Sure he's okay. Why wouldn't he be? So far we've managed to get through the day without a single incident, haven't we Yama?" Taichi sounds confused.
I shrug and answer monotonously, trying not to let my voice quiver with the emotions I was really feeling at being called a slut, bitch, fag and a million other names so far today, "Yeah."
I hear Mimi sigh dramatically from the far side of Taichi, "Well, this is just like old times isn't it? Matt acting the cool, tough guy and Tai dense as ever." My face flushes as I hold back my threatening tears. They're going to blow it, Taichi's going to find out and I'm going to feel like an idiot.
Jyou, sitting right across from me, tries to get my attention, "You mean Tai doesn't even know? How is that possible, it's all over the school!" Okay, he's the idiot, why can't they just keep their big mouths shut?! I don't want to hear about it, I don't even want to think about it.
Finally Taichi bangs his fist on the table, making me wince, "What the hell are you talking about?! What don't I know? I don't have a clue to what you guys are talking about!"
Okay, that's it! I can't take this anymore. I don't want to see Taichi's face when they tell him, I don't want to give even more for these gossips around me to talk about, and I sure as hell don't want to feel all those stares on me for another second! Jerking up from the table, I push the tray away with its untouched food, making up an excuse so that Taichi won't follow me, "Be right back Tai, just gonna go answer nature's call." I don't wait for his answer but walk out of the cafeteria as fast as I can without running. I wasn't lying to Taichi either, I'm going to the bathroom and answering nature's call, the call to let out my building angst.
"Hey watch it Pansy! Don't you dare touch me!" Some strange boy growls as I try to dodge him. Fuck... I can't take this anymore!
~*~
Tai's POV
Confused at Yamato's abrupt departure, I watch as his body disappears into the crowd. Then I turn to face the other four at the table, "Okay, what's going on? Tell me!" They all exchange that same look I had caught when we first sat down here. Something's up, and I'm sure it has to do with my Yama, with the way he's been acting. He's keeping something from me, something important the everyone else seems to know about. Maybe I really am dense, I mean how could the rest of the group know something about Yamato I don't? He hasn't spoken to any of them for awhile as far as I know!
Everybody at the table glances at one another, as if they're trying not to be the one to tell me what they know. Finally all eyes come to rest on Koushiro, the only one who hasn't spoken so far. He sighs reluctantly, "Fine, I shall inform him of the situation." His deep black eyes fall on me, "You are not going to be glad to hear this Tai, but since you obviously haven't been paying attention to the world around you, I shall try to make it clear. Just... don't blame me for what the others in the school vicinity have been saying. I want you to know first that none of us at this table or in the digidestined group agree or believe in it in the slightest." I don't say anything, but prepare for the worse and give the redhead my best glare, prompting him to get on with it. He clears his throat and continues, "Right... well it seems as if rumors have started spreading throughout the school, starting a few weeks ago by some unknown source."
When he stops I glare even harder, "What kind of rumors?" My voice is dead serious. If this is hurting Yama somehow...
Sora decides to pick up the explanation, probably figuring I wouldn't hit a girl if I got mad over this, "Tai, everybody is saying that Matt let himself get raped by those guys willingly. Or that he paid them to sexually abuse him."
"What?!" Is all that comes out of my mouth. I don't believe this. I don't believe this! How did I not hear about this sooner? What the hell is wrong with me? What the fuck is wrong with this school? Why would anyone say this about my sweet angel? How could they...? Fuck... I'm such an idiot! "Does... does Yama know?" Somehow I already know the answer to that.
"Well it's pretty obvious he does. He was looking pretty upset." Mimi informs me, crossing her arms as she glared at me. "I can't believe you didn't notice!"
Huh, you're not the only one. Oh no... poor Yama... so that's why he was acting like that. But why wouldn't he tell me? Kuso... I'm so mad, fuck this school! In fact... Quickly I hop up on the table before anyone could stop me and glare out over the students, "FUCK YOU!" I scream, before jumping back down and making a mad dash towards the door, leaving my friends behind to gape in astonishment. I have to find Yamato, I don't want him to hurt himself. I just know he's taking this really hard. Fuck me, why do I have to be so dense! I should have been able to see what was going on. At the very least, I should have talked to Yamato. I had seen how out of it he looked after first period. I just don't get one thing, why didn't he tell me? I know he trusts me, he said he did, so why wouldn't he tell me what was going on when I asked? Baka Taichi... Of course he wouldn't tell you, Yamato's always been like that. He doesn't want show weakness. And now... oh man, I should have seen it. Hold on Yama, I'm coming.
~*~
Matt's POV
Here I am, sitting on a dirty floor, in a dirty stall of the disgusting boys' room, biting my arm to keep from crying. If I cry, everyone will see my red eyes and tear stained face and know, know how pathetic I am, know what a baby and absolutely worthless shit head I am. Heh, funny how I get so upset over them calling me names, but can call myself them without a second thought. I hate myself. I completely abhor me.
Shit... why? Why, why, why? I would never let myself get abused like that, how could anyone even think that? No... don't think about it.
All my life I've been very good at closing myself off to the world, shutting down my mind so that no thought or emotion would show itself. It's my way of dealing with the world. Keep it out of my head and it will go away. All I need to do is take a deep breath, ignore the taste of blood from biting my arm so hard, and unfocus. Block out all thoughts, all the madness. Don't think about how fucked up I am, how everyone thinks that I'm a sick perverted faggot, how... how... Damnit! Just stop! Don't cry Matt... don't let the emotions overcome you. Don't cry... please...
It's just... so sudden. Everything was getting so much better, my nightmares were not nearly so frequent, and I had managed to get rid of most of my headaches... and now this. This... this is just breaking down my defenses faster than anything before. I've always taken pride in my image, how others see me. Of course that's all ruined now. I hate... hate...
"Yama-chan? You in here?" Taichi's whisper cuts through me like a knife. He knows now, he knows of my shame. And now he's looking for me... Well that did it, that burst the dam. Tears come pouring out of my eyes before I can stop them, and I choke back a sob, but I think Taichi hears it anyway. I see his shoes appear under the door of the stall I'm in as he tries to open the locked door. "Yama... let me in!" His voice sounds urgent, but I can't move, I just can't. If I do, I'm going to collapse to the floor, letting out my emotional pain all over the dirty tiles. I just choke some more on my silent tears and listen to him sigh. Then Taichi's tanned face appears under the door as he quickly slides underneath the opening. He sits up and stares at me with wide eyes at first, "Oh... Yama..."
I can't stand it anymore, I can't! I don't care if he sees me crying, it's not like he hasn't before. I don't care, I just need to feel his arms holding me, to feel how he cares. But before I can make a move, Taichi closes off the space between us and pulls me into his body, and I can't help sobbing into him, words flying out of my mouth almost incomprehensibly, "T-Tai-Taichi... I... I... didn't... l-l-let th-them... h-hur-hurt m-me... I'm... f-fag... b-b-bitch a-and..." I cut off, clutching onto Taichi's shirt for my life as my tears soak him. I'm such a damned baby, blubbering like this, but I just can't stop.
"Shh, Angel, I know..." Taichi tries to comfort me.
"No... no you... you d-don't kn-know... It... it hu-hurts, i-it hurts. They... th-they think... I... I..." Ugh, shut up Yamato, this is the stupidest thing to cry over. So they've been calling me names and... and think I go get other guys to... do things... to me... Shit, I know I shouldn't be this upset, but it does hurt me, it tears me up inside. I'm not fishing for sympathy, but at least I would like a little respect! After all I go through, and what it took just to face this small part of the world again, this is what I have to hear about. It's... it just hurts, why would they think something like that of me? I would never... I didn't... No... I just want to get away from their accusing, disgusted looks, their mocking whispers. Run... I've got to get out of here, I can't take it! I'm not strong enough! Let go... let me go! Let me go! Let me GO!
"YAMATO!! Stop it! Get a grip, this is not the time to be getting hysterical on me!" Taichi's yells cut through my hysteria, and I snap my eyes open, not realizing I had even closed them. The brown eyes infront of me are wide with worry and fear. I blink, trying to focus my spinning thoughts, and look away from him. I guess I got a little out of control. At least I've stopped crying... for the moment. And instead of the anguish I was feeling before, I feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. It's back... I can feel it worse than before... it's almost as strong as it was in the Digiworld. Taichi had me almost convinced that it would never come back like this, that I could face the world as long as he was near, but it didn't work out that way. Oh Kami... the darkness... Those stupid kids were just feeding it with their horrible rumors and names, and now it's trying to suck me down again. I don't know how much longer I can hang on. Do I even want to keep my grip on the edge if all those people that I would have to face every day hate me?
"Yama-chan? Are you... I mean, you don't look so good." I ignore Taichi's attempts to get me to look at him. I've hurt him enough since we first met, I don't deserve him... If everyone sees him with me, they'll be saying nasty things about him too. I don't want him to hurt like I am. Suddenly my head is snapped around and I find myself staring into the most serious look that I've ever seen in Taichi's eyes, "Damnit Yama, you are NOT going to do this to me! I know that look, and I'm not going to let you close yourself off again. I will not lose you like this, not after I almost lost you once before. Now snap out of it and talk to me!"
He's... he's scared. The keeper of courage is afraid... I haven't seen him like this since... since then. My heart melts at the sight of him trying to keep control of himself. No, I don't want to push him away, not after it took so long just to get him. But what would the others say... "Taichi... I... the other kids... they'll..." I look away once again, this time to stare dejectedly down at his hands holding my own.
"They will what, Angel?" He asks gently, reaching up one hand to brush his fingers along my cheek, cupping my chin to make me meet his eyes again. Feeling a little better at the contact and the gentle look in his eyes, I lean into his touch, wishing that we could stay this close forever.
I sigh, "They'll call you a... a fag too. And... and other stuff. It hurts, Taichi." Please don't leave me, please don't go Taichi.
To my surprise, Taichi lets out a gentle laugh, his eyes showing no remorse what so ever. "Do you think I care about that? Yama-chan... my Angel, I don't give a damn what any one of them says about us, as long as I have you. Is that what's got you so upset?" I nod hesitantly, not sure of what to say in this new light of things. Taichi sighs softly, "Listen to me, those names, they're just words. Words coming from a bunch of insensitive, naive, judgementel, self-centered, dumb ass jerks. They have no idea what we're feeling, and they don't care. In fact I've heard that people like that are scared of difference and just say and do things to protect themselves from that feeling of helplessness. It doesn't matter what they say you are or did, you know the truth. Who gives a shit about what all those strangers say, it's your real friends who count. I know what really happened; Izzy, Mimi, Sora, Kari, Takeru, Daisuke, Ken, Yolie, Iori, and Jyou all know who you really are and how wonderful and great you are. They're the ones you should be thinking of, just ignore the others. Once they see you're not bothered by their immaturity, they'll start to drop the matter and move on to more interesting stuff. I love you Yamato Ishida, and nothing's going to change that, especially all those uninformed assholes." Taichi finally stopped his grande speech/rant, apparently out of breath.
The only action I was capable of at that moment was to sit there in his arms and stare open mouthed. Was that Taichi speaking like that? But... but I guess he's right. Now that he's brought it to my attention, it is just a bunch of strangers and jerks that were acting like that. All of my real friends had approved of our relationship at some point or another. Then why had it hurt so much when others were telling me what they thought I had done? Maybe... maybe I was just afraid of losing Taichi. I thought if he heard about what they were saying about me, he'd want to stay away from me. That's why the darkness was coming back, I had thought that Taichi was going to leave me, and he's the only one keeping it at bay. Of course now I know that's just plain stupid, Taichi wouldn't leave me because of something like that. "Where'd... where did that all come from?" I finally asked, still trying to think all of this through.
Taichi looked surprised, "You know... I really don't know. It just sort of came out. But I meant every word of it." He did, I could see it, he was as sincere as Mimi ever was. Taichi was right, who cares what people said when they had no idea what they were talking about, he's always right. As long as I have my Taichi, I won't care.
Relaxing for the first time today, I give my wild haired koi a real smile and lean into his chest, inhaling to take in his wonderful scent, "I believe you Taichi. Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"No problem Yama-chan, just don't expect any more speeches of wisdom like that for a long time. That was just not me. But I'm glad I could help. And Angel...?"
I give a small laugh, "Yes Taichi?"
"Uh, can we get out of here now? It really stinks." I laugh again when I realize we're still in the bathroom. I had almost forgotten about that. Taichi's right, it does smell. I nod and he helps me to stand up. When I finally get my balance, I look at him to lead the way out, but he doesn't move. Instead, Taichi pulls me in for a passionate, warm kiss, pressing his lips gently but firmly against my own. Before I can react though, he pulls away and gives me a grin, "Come on, let's go." I just nod dumbly and follow, feeling much better. I could never doubt my love for Taichi, he's just so sweet and understanding, I really could never have lived without him.
By the time we made it out into the hallways, and were headed towards our lockers, I felt much better. The knots in my stomach loosened enough for me to breath easier, and I managed to ignore most of the looks sent our way by watching Taichi's body infront of me sway through the crowds. The rest of the day went pretty much the same, people swore at me as I passed and gave me evil stares, and I pretended I didn't hear or see them by focusing on my boyfriend. I still felt the pangs of hurt when I did hear them or catch a disgusted glance aimed at me, but they weren't tearing at my insides like before. Taichi wasn't going to leave me because of what the others thought, so I'll just try to think the same way.
At the end of classes, Taichi and I grabbed our books and headed straight for the front doors, him leading once again. I felt a lot safer being able to have in my sights anyway. I was about to let out a sigh of relief as Taichi pushed open the door when a hand jerked me around. I managed to let out half a yell before I was sent flying down to the floor, clutching my jaw.
~*~
Tai's POV
"See Yama, we made i-" A shout cut off my triumphant words and smile, Yamato's shout. Fearfully I spun around then gaped for a moment at the scene. My poor angel was curled up on the floor, face buried in his hands as a hulking brunette stood over him, preparing to set a kick in motion. Without a second thought I set my fist flying into the guy's stomach, making him gasp in pain and face me in surprise. I knew this guy, Nick, as one of my old buddies. I used to hang around with him and his gang when I wasn't with the digidestined group. Nick was worse than I ever was when it came to homosexuals. He hated them with a passion, and I like the idiot I was, had laughed right along with the other guys as he called out profanities to the gays that we knew of. Was I really like that? It seems like so long ago. Now I'm one of the 'fags', of course, he doesn't know that. Yet.
"What the fuck do you think you were doing to Matt?" I growled angrily, glaring up at Nick while I kneeled beside Yamato. The blonde didn't move, just lay there all curled up and shaking. This is definitely not something he needs right now for recovery, and I'm sure he's in shock. At least this time he's not screaming hysterically, so that's a good sign right?
The brute just stared down at me in his own sort of shock, looking as if he had just swallowed a mouse. Then he shook his head and smirked, "You had something queer following you, so I took care of it. Don't tell me you haven't heard about this mother fucker here?"
My mind froze for a second as I processed what he had just called my boyfriend, then turned away to look at Yamato, ignoring the other for the moment before I could let my rage take over and end up doing something stupid. "Did he hurt you very bad Yama?" I asked quietly, rubbing a gentle hand on his shoulder, "It's okay, I'm here now. I won't let them hurt you." I heard the gasp from the gathering crowd around us, but I ignored them, keeping my attention on the only thing that mattered to me. I felt Yamato stiffen, then his hands moved away to look at me. Bright blue eyes flickered around as he stared at all the people around him, before focusing back on me. "You okay?"
Yamato shuddered, then nodded slightly, "I... I think... so. Taichi... I... there's too many... around. I want to... go home, please?" His soft whisper was shaky, and he looked like he was having a bit of trouble breathing again.
"Yeah, of course." Sliding an arm around him slowly, I helped Yama to stand up and excited whispers started up from the small crowd of kids at the sight of Yamato leaning against me. Finally sure that my koi was well enough for now, I turned my gaze back on my former comrade. "You ever touch Yamato again, even turn you unworthy eyes his way, I'll make you regret it for the rest of your miserable, pathetic life, you got that?" My voice was low and menacing, and I meant every damned word of that threat.
"Tai, what... I mean, you're one of them? You're a fucking queer?" Nick looked absolutely disgusted, probably thinking of all the times he'd hung around with me.
The blonde beside me suddenly made a choked noise, "Tai-Taichi... I... I'm... s-sorry..." My arm tightened around him as I swore under my breath. He sounded so afraid, did he really think I was going to feel bad over some stupid names? I thought that whole speech thing I somehow managed to come up with had cleared that up. Or maybe he thought I still thought this guy my friend? Or that I would leave him... Ah fuck this.
Spinning around, I caught Yamato in both my arms, making him face me, and pressed my lips against his before anyone could blink. Yamato's blue eyes flew wide open in panic, but I didn't let him pull away until he relaxed enough to kiss me back a bit. Giving the shocked and confused boy my famous grin, I turned back to the now slacked jaw Nick. "Hmm, I guess my answer to that is an affirmative. I'm gay, deal with it. But any more shit out of you, or any of you homophobics out there, you'll be sorry to have messed with me or my beautiful koi." And with that I grabbed the thin blonde around the waist and walked out of the doors, through the crowd that seemed to just part for us. I know I may have made a mistake in showing such open affection in front of so many people, but it was worth it to see their faces. I'll just have to make sure not to get caught by myself in some dark alley way where they could beat the shit out of me... uh, better not to bring that up in front of Yama.
We were half way home before Yamato seemed to wake up out of his trance. Feeling pretty good about what I had just done, I grin over at him and peck his soft cheek, pulling him in closer to my side. "Wow... Taichi... I... that was... I mean..."
With a laugh, I kiss him again as he tries to catch up on what had just happened. He looks so cute when he's confused and blushing like this! "A promise is a promise," I tell him cheerily, "Besides, that was fun! The look on their faces, hehe. You'd have thought I had just told them I was the man in the moon!"
Smiling a small, wonderful, rare smile, Yamato looks down at his blue ring for a moment before wrapping his arm around me with a soft, "Thank you"
I just squeeze him in reply and lead him contentedly down the side of the street. It's funny to think that just a few months ago, I had been one of those kids making fun of two guys walking with their arms around each other. I've changed so much since Yamato confessed his love for me, and I find it almost impossible to think about what my life would be like without him now. I had always been sure that being gay as wrong, and had been right up there with Nick, picking on others like Yama. And now I'm one of them, as Nick had so nicely put it. I have to admit I love it, as long as I'm with my Angel.
We were almost to Yamato's apartment building, I could see it a few blocks down. Yamato sighed again, this time he sounded almost contented, and I turned my head to tell him once again how much I loved him, just to see that beautiful smile of his. Then suddenly my vision went black, followed by a heavy pain in the back of my head as Yama was pulled out of my arms. Faintly I heard his scream, and someone dragging me, but I didn't seem to be in control of my body anymore. Oh Kami... Yamato... what's going on? Someone's hurting him, oh no... this can't be happening! We had just gotten away from that! I've let him down... I have to help him, he'll hate me... Damnit! I can't... YAMATO!
The last thing I heard before I went into complete unconsciousness was the sound of a deep, familiar voice, "So Blondie, did ya miss me?" Yamato... I'm so sorry...
***
(A/N) Um... too be continued! Yeah, this'll wrap up within the
next two chapters (finally! ^_^). Hehe, Yama's going to stand up
for himself, so don't you worry! He'll protect his poor, zonked out
Taichi ^_^ Well, the crisis will most likely be over next chapter, then
for those of you who have been patiently(?) waiting for it, I'll stick
some lemony goodness into the very last chapter!! hehe, that should be
interesting to write ^^; Well, I'll try to get the next
chapter up soon, and I really appreciate your reviews!!! (My thanks
to all who have reviewed so far!)
