stonehearts

I'd like to thank everybody for their patience. I have been really having writers block lately! Thanks for your support


A pair of concerned blue eyes hovered inches from Tai's face.

Are you okay?

I'm alive. I think.

That's good. Matt smirked. The kid had spunk. He offers his hand. Can you stand?

Tai stares doubtfully at the pale hand offered in front of him. Matt notices his hesistantion and says bitterly. Look, if I wanted you hurt, I'd have just kept walking.

Tai gathers his trust, looking into those luminous blue eyes. I know. Matt helps him stand on shaky legs.

Tai oh Tai! Kari runs up, and hugs him tightly. He winces. Kari's large hazel eyes grow even larger. Sorry Tai.

Its okay. I'm alright.

But I thought that they were going to kill you! Her gazes turns toward the sullen blonde, the black tips of his hair falling into his eyes.

If it wasn't for him.....

A wave of graditude swept over Matt. A strange tingling feeling fluttered across his soul.

Thanks for the help. Tai limps over to the blonde.

The blonde glares at him for a moment, but then his cold blue eyes soften. He even smiles at Tai.

I'm Yamato. He holds out his hand.

Had they ever really seen each other before? So many other things had stood in the way. They had never even introduced themselves!

Tai grasps Yamato's hand. Thank you Yamato.

I'm Taichi, but call me Tai. Tai indicates his little sister. This is my little sister Kari.

A wave of dizziness passes over Tai. He would have smashed face first into the hard alley floor if Matt hadn't made a reflexive grab for him.

Easy Tai.

He looks concerned. Boy was he beat up pretty bad. Tai's lucky he isn't dead. If I hadn't come along......Yamato shudders. The thought of this boy, somebody he hardly knew dying, made him want to cry. Why do I feel so strongly close to him?

I'll help you home. Matt puts his arm underneath Tai's shoulder. They walk in a comfortable silence, Kari only a few feet ahead of them. Tai felt so good under his arm, leaning trustingly against him for support. True, he was dizzy, but it felt so good. When was the last time somebody had trusted him like that?
Tai was a perfect fit, his olive complexion contrasting against his own alabaster skin like ink on paper.

Matt says nothing, but watches concerned as Tai wheezes as they slowly climb up the stairs.

Not much further. Tai wheezes.

Matt nods, hoping that Tai doesn't collapse.

Kari unlocks the door.

Would you like to come in for a while? Hopeful brown eyes gaze into his.

Matt hesistates. Should he? Why not.

Tai continues to wheeze.

I think you better lie down Tai, where's your room? Matt asks.

Tai grins weakly, and gestures weakly at the couch. This is it.

Matt helps him sit down. Kari hovers next to her big brother, concern written on every line in her face.

Kari, would you go get some ice? Matt asks him.

Sure Matt. She scampers off to the kitchen.

Tai yelps in suprise and fear as Matt suddenly yanks his shirt up.

What are you doing!

Matt sighs. So much for trust. I want to make sure you didn't break any ribs. You're wheezing pretty bad.

He tenderly begins touching Tai's chest. Three or four huge purple bruises were already forming. Matt sighs again. This time in relief. No broken ribs. They were badly bruised, but not broken.

Your ribs aren't broken, just bruised.

Tai closes his eyes. Matt's touch was so firm, yet so gentle.

It still hurts like hell. Tai admits.

I'm going to get some ice on those bruises, keep the swelling down.

He mutters a thank you to Kari, and gently places the ice on Tai's chest.
Tai yelps loudly as the ice makes contact with his chest.

WOW thats cold!

Trust me, it'll start to feel good. Matt says southingly.

His blue eyes twinkle softly at Tai.

You really need to get some rest. Matt says.

I don't sleep very well. A shadow passes over Tai's normally sparkling brown eyes.

Why not? Matt is curious.

I keep having this bad dream. Tai explains weakly.

Matt gazes intently into Tai's brown eyes. What is it about?

Matt jumps up when the door clicks open.

Relax Matt, its just my mom. Tai offers weakly, gesturing at the door.

Matt sits back down, but every muscle is on guard.

She strolls into the apartment, her face draining of color as she sees her son lying on the couch, obviously beat up, and a hoodlum sitting next to him.

Tai! What happened! She rushes over to him.

He grins weakly at her. I got mugged. But Matt saved me! He gestures over to the blonde, a radiant smile lighting up his face. Mother this is Yamato Ishida, Matt, this is my mother Itsuse.

You go to Tai's school? She demanded.

Matt knew that she hated him on site. Nobody liked him, and that was the way he liked it. So why did it bother him so much that this woman hated him?

You really should leave now. Tai's mothers says.

He looks at Tai, but his eyes are cold and distant again. See you around.

Bye Matt. And thanks again. Tai gazes longingly at the shut door.

His mother paces back and forth in their small living room. I don't want that Yamato boy over here. In fact, I forbid either of you to have any contact with him!

Tai and Kari stare dumbfounded at their mother. But why? Tai splutters.

He is a bad person.

Tai couldn't believe his mother could be so judgmental. How do you know? You don't even know him!

I know his kind. Her gaze softens. I'm only looking out for you sweetie. You'll make other friends.

I already have other friends. Matt is my friend too.

That boy is nothing but trouble. He is no good Taichi. Please don't associate with him! His mother pleads.

Will be continued! ------