Hello again- it's that time again- time for another chapter of the Taiora goodness!
Anyway- keep those reviews coming! I enjoy them all!
You know the disclaimers by now ;)

Ch 3

The next morning Tilly woke the two up. After a simple breakfast Sora and Tai went for a short walk.
The morning was very enjoyable. There was a breeze and the harsh sun from yesterday was hidden behind the clouds.
When they returned to the house, they noticed a white horse tied to the hitching post in front of the porch area. Tai instantly recognized the horse as his brother's. The two walked inside the house to find Matt waiting for them.

"So there you are little brother. Good morning Miss Sora." He bowed and kissed her hand. He turned all his attention to Sora. She couldn't help but blush as he looked at her with those deep blue eyes of his.
Tai was jealous.
"What brings you here Matt?" Sora asked kindly motioning for them to take a seat in the parlor.
She excused herself for a moment and went into the kitchen to get some refreshments.
The two brothers sat alone and in silence. Matt's stare, however, said volumes to Tai.
"So.. Tai. This is where you've been. Trying to sweep her off her feet?"
"Matt, you don't know what you're talking about. And besides I don't have to do anything like that. She likes me for who I am and so does her father."
"You're not serious? He would allow his daughter, a delicate southern flower, to court a nothing like you?"
"Just remember you're the brother of this nothing."
Before the conversation went further Sora reentered with lemonade.
"Here you go- Tilly made it fresh!" She smiled setting the tray down and sitting across from the two boys who occupied the couch. "So how are things going Matt?" Sora asked. "you're feeling better? I really didn't mean to get you hurt the last time you were over."
"I'm fine, getting thrown off a horse nothing. Don't worry."
After a few minutes of talking Sora's father came back into the house. Sora got up suddenly and ran to him.
"Daddy I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I'll never do that again. I'm sorry…" She said as he opened his arms to her.
"I know pumpkin.. And I'm sorry too… I shouldn't have yelled at you." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "now with all that forgotten and forgiven what do you want to do today?"
"Well Matt and Tai are here." She said taking his hand and leading him into the parlor with the two boys.
"Well hello again Tai, I see you spent the night again. I hope you used the guest room- that old couch isn't comfortable anymore." He said smiling at Taichi. "And how are you Matt? It's been a while since we last saw you."
"I'm fine sir, just been busy as of late. I came to collect my brother who seems to have come here and then I was wanting to discuss things with you.. Privately, if you would have the time. I know how busy your schedule can be." Matt said.
"why of course. Sora why don't you run along. Tilly could use your help in the kitchen." Sora did as her father told her.
"Should I go as well?" Tai asked.
"No, Tai. I want you to hear what I have to say." Tai sat back down, much to Matt's dislike.
"now boys… I know what you're both thinking. And Matt I know what you are going to ask. Tai we talked about this a little yesterday. I just want to make one thing clear. You both have my blessings and permission to try and court my daughter. I'm not going to choose one over the other- because I want Sora to be happy and decide on her own. Therefore I will hold you two to respect her choice and her wishes."
Both boys nodded.

"Hey Tilly, what do you think Matt needed to talk to father about? He looked so serious about something." Sora asked as she sat on the counter while Tilly went about the cooking for the noon meal.
"it's not my place to say Sora- hun. But I have a good idea on the topics."
"What?"
"Sora. How old are you?"
"Sixteen, going on seventeen in a few months." She answered.
"And how old is Mast Taichi and his brother?"
"Matt just turned eighteen and Tai's a few months older than me." She replied. Then it dawned on her. "You.. You don't thing that…" They were talking to her father about courtship…. "NO!" She moaned.
"Come on darling, it was bound to happen sooner or later." Tilly smiled.
"I know but…"
"And I know you have a little crush on master Tai." Tilly said causing Sora to blush.
"Do not."
"It's ok Sora. It's only natural for a girl to like a boy and begin courtship."
"But what if daddy wants me to see Matt? I don't like Matt like I do Tai.. This is horrible tilly! What if…"
"Stop with the what if's- I know your father wouldn't force ya into anything. And in my opinion I say your father likes Tai a little better."
"Can't I just stay like this forever? I don't want to court anyone."
"Don't you want to be a mother honey?"
"No." She said as she broke down.
"Come here sweetie.. It's alright." Tilly said conform tying her confused and worried girl.
"Well if that's everything gentlemen, I need to get back to supervising the well construction. Good luck with the plantation work Matt.. It takes a lot of responsibility to keep things in order." The two boys walked out of the parlor after he left.

"She needs someone who can control her antics and provide for her Tai, besides I'm the oldest." Matt said.
"Matt… Sora doesn't need for someone to try and kill her spirit. Besides like her father said- it's her choice." Tai said as he stormed out of the parlor and went to go see Sora.
"Hey Tilly, how are you?" Tai waved.
"Master Tai, Master Matt." She said with respect. "I'm doing well this morning thank you. Miss Sora ran out back if you're looking for her." Matt quickly left out the back door. Tai meant to follow, but tilly grabbed his hand.
"She knows about the whole idea of courting one of you- she's scared.. don't make things worse for her by playing this like a game. She likes you a lot even loves ya probably. But don't fight with Matt in front of her- she won't like it."
"I agree tilly. But to Matt this is just a game to gain more power and money." Tilly nodded at Tai's statement and let go of his hand.
Matt was still looking for her as Tai exited the house.
"where did she go?" Matt asked a bit annoyed. Tai smiled. He knew exactly where she was. So he started walking. Matt followed.
They made their way down towards the creek that was near the slave quarters. Matt was uneasy about venturing there, but he followed anyways. Pride wasn't about to stop him.
There with a handful of slaves, Sora was helping wash some sheets and cloths from the house. Tai just smiled. She really didn't mind working… and he loved her for that. Matt however was appalled. And stormed over to her.
"Sora!" He yelled picking her up by grabbing her arms. Pulling her to her feet. She cringed as his grasp tightened and he dragged her out of the creek and away from the slaves.
Sora yelled in protest but Matt didn't listen. He threw her down on the banks and stared at her with angry eyes.
"What the hell are you doing? That's slaves work!"
"Matt stop it!" Tai said as he knelt down next to Sora and checked her bruised arms.
She couldn't help the tears from streaming down her face in fear of Matt's temper.
Matt just growled as he saw Sora clutch to Tai for protection.
"So I suppose you'll choose him now-" Matt sighed. "Look at him Sora- he's nothing! I can give you everything."
"I don't want it! And I don't care… Tai is a hundred times better than you are!" She cried as she held on to Tai.
Matt turned around and stormed off.

The surrounding area remained quiet. The slaves all stopped doing their tasks and were about to come to Sora's aid, but Tai stepped up instead. He just held her close.
"it's ok Sora, I'll be here for you. I'll take care of you… I love you Sora."
"Do you?" She asked in a whisper. Tai nodded. Kissing her forehead. "So do I." She smiled as he wiped away the tears.
"Come on, let's get you some dry cloths." Tai chuckled as he helped her up. Her dress skirt was soaked from all the splashing she had done.