Ryamon: Well boys and girls, this story almost over.
ALMOST being our keyword here. Read the bottom note. Anyway, I'm not going to waste more time, so let's just jump into the reviews.
Ryamon: We had A LOT of people with the same opinion about the last chapter.
CCPheonix: I agree with Patamon, violence isn't good. DON'T HURT ME! *hides behind Ryamon* I'm SO sorry about the Kei thing. I HATE HIM SO MUCH! But just to make sure, I made this chapter EXTRA good! And Kei flirting with Matt is not a pretty image.
vialana: Tai's WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY hotter then Kei, no doubt. And yes I did do that for a reason. =D And I can just imagine those two flirting like that.
madkornfan: You want more? You got more! =D
Peace Angel and Dark Angel: Glitch in the scores huh? You are right on the money. Just read and find out what happened. And there is no word to describe how awful Kei is.
Angel Chick: I updated as fast as I could. Glad you love it.
Death Stopper: Kei is horrible isn't he? Can't stand him!!!
Aero-Grrl: *closes Aero's Mouth* Every one hates Kei. It's unanimous. I wouldn't want you to have a breakdown so here's the chapter! =D
Sillie: Thanks! I really hate having him almost drown. STUPID KEI! Oh well, Yama is his own personal Superman.
Gay Witch: I love my cliffhangers, don't you? Lol
redvind: Whatever you do, do not hurt me! I'm too...something to die yet! I fixed it! Everything's all right now. Hope this chapter makes you happy! *glances warily at knife*
nEo-cHaN: Why does everyone want to kill me? *cries* I fixed it to make it all better! And I didn't do it. I was under the influence of cotton candy and the pink monkeys.
Angel Ran: Tai's not really happy with the outcome, let's say that. But he will be with this chapter. And they would look so cute actually flirting like that. I hate Kei, he will pay!
And that's it. Please don't hurt me yet, just read the chapter. Definitely my most favorite one yet. Full of pure Taito goodness, although I'm not sure it'd be considered fluff. Anyway, enjoy! And please read bottom note! XD
Tai's POV
**************************************************************************** **
"And the winner is....Kei Hirotami!" Sean announced to the crowd. I felt my jaw drop and saw Kei walk up to Sean. Sean started talking some more. "I failed. I don't believe this. I lost to Kei." I said to myself. How the hell did I lose to Kei? This makes no sense. 'Don't cry, whatever you do.' I scolded myself.
"What? Wait a second ladies and gentlemen. There seems to be a conflict with the judges' scores." Sean announced to everyone. I looked up and glanced down at Matt. He was talking rapidly to the guy next to him. Then he got up and walked over to the judge on the far right. He started talking to him. The judge shook his head. Matt started pointing at stuff on the paper and then starting talking to him again. The judge looked at Matt, then at the paper, then back to Matt. He slowly nodded and Matt grinned. He walked away from the table and jumped up on the runway next to Sean. He ripped the microphone out of his hand and whispered in his ear. Sean nodded and stepped out of Matt's way.
"Hey everybody, sorry about that." Matt greeted the crowd. They went wild just seeing Matt up there. Matt grinned and waved.
"As many of you may know, I am Yamato Ishida, lead singer of the Teenage Wolves." Matt introduced himself.
"Like we need an intro, Blondie. All we need is your number!" Someone screamed from the crowd. Matt grinned and shook his head.
"Apparently, we had some problems adding up our scores," he said while glaring at the other blond he had been talking to. "But we have fixed our mistake. So the REAL winner is....." He started saying. Damn it Yama, just say it!
"The winner is..Tai Kamiya!" Matt announced. Cheers erupted trough the store. 'I failed again.' I thought depressedly. I turned around to leave the runway when his words sunk in.
"What'd he say?" I asked as I stared into the crowd.
"Kamiya, get your hot self out here you dumbass!" Matt said as he grabbed my arm and dragged me out of line. Everything was all a daze as cameras flashed and people cheered. Sean made a grab for his microphone, but Matt stepped away from him. He walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"So Tai, tell us how it feels to be #1 model in Odaiba?" Matt asked, trying to hold back his laughter.
"Well, it's better then winning a soccer game." I replied, causing people in the audience to laugh.
"True. So why did you sign up for this contest anyway?" Matt asked me. I gave him a you-already-know look.
"Just play along." He whispered into my ear. I nodded and grinned.
"Well, I did this to prove a point really." I started out my explanation.
"What was your point?" Matt asked.
"A couple of weeks ago, my best friend said I couldn't do anything that wasn't a sport. I did this to prove that I was more then the dumb jock." I said, looking Matt in the eye. Matt stared at me and remained quiet for a bit. Suddenly he jerked out of his trance when he remembered where we were.
"Well, you proved your point, because you won!" Matt said as he drew something out of his pocket. He handed it to me.
"And here is your check for the prize money!" He declared as I opened it. I looked at it, read it, and then showed it to Matt. His face flushed and he snatched it away.
"Heh Heh, wrong paper." He said nervously and felt around in his pockets. He found the check and placed it into my hand.
"You will explain later." I whispered into his ear. He nodded and turned back to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2003 male model!" he pronounced as they cheered again. I grinned and walked off the runway. I headed back into the dressing room and found the 3 girls and TK waiting for me.
"TAI! YOU DID IT!" Mimi shouted cheerfully as she threw herself onto me. I smiled and pried her off of me. Then Sora did the same thing.
"I told you so! I knew you would win, no doubt." She gloated as she hugged me too. She let go off me on her own freewill. Then Kari mimicked them.
"Congratulations Tai." She said to me. I grinned and hugged her back.
"Thanks guys. Nice to have a trophy for something else." I said, admiring my gold model.
"Tai, what are you going to do with all the money?" TK asked me.
"Save to buy a car. After all, I start driving legally next year." I said.
"Sounds good. You gonna drive me and TK around when you do?" Kari asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't push your luck." I warned her. She just laughed at me. We were interrupted by a knock on the door. A man in a business suit walked in.
"Tai Kamiya?" He asked me.
"Yea that's me." I replied.
"I'm Mark Fletcher. I've been watching you through out the contest today." He introduced himself with that statement. Mimi had this excited look on her face, urging me to continue speaking to this guy.
"Um, I'm not sure what to say Mr. Fletcher." I replied truthfully.
"Please, call me Mark." He said.
"Ok. I don't mean to sound rude Mark, but what exactly does that mean?" I asked him. To my relief, he smiled and sat down.
"Sorry. Let me explain myself a bit better." He offered. I looked at Mimi and then nodded.
"I'm a model scout. I work for the Abercrombie & Fitch model company. I'm part of the group of people who go around and draft models." He explained.
"OH! I've heard about people like you. I get it now!" I said with a wide grin. I heard Mimi moan and shake her head. Mark just chuckled lightly.
"Yes. So anyway, the company sent me out here to draft some new models in for the summer and fall." Mark went on.
"Oh. I never noticed you were here." I replied. He nodded.
"My point is, I think that you would make a fine model." Mark said. That threw me off-guard. I didn't think he would tell me that.
"Thanks." I said, but he continued speaking.
"Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to be drafted into the next string of models for A&F." Mark said. I stared at him, then at Mimi, then at Kari, then Sora, then back to Mark.
"Do I have to answer now?" I asked him cautiously.
"Certainly not. Take your time. It's a big decision." Mark said.
"How will I contact you?" I asked him. He glanced at Mimi and then back at me.
"I'm sure Ms. Tachikawa can help you there." He replied with a wink at Mimi. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some papers. He placed them in my hands.
"What are these?" I asked as I leafed through them.
"Papers about the modeling program, ideas, and a contract if you do decide to do this." He explained as he pulled a card out of his pocket.
"And these are ways to get in touch with me." He handed it to me.
"Thanks very much Mark. I'll think about it. I need to talk to my parents and such though." I replied. He nodded and stood up.
"That's perfectly fine Tai. But please consider it. You would make an excellent model. Goodbye." He said as he left.
"Bye. And thanks." I called after him. I sat down on the couch and looked through the papers.
"Mimi, how do you know him?" I asked her. She jumped and blinked at me in surprise.
"Oh, Mark works for other companies besides A&F. He's also a friend of Daddy's." she replied.
"You sent him out here, didn't you?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.
"What?" she asked, pretending to be confused.
"You heard me. You sent Mark out to this contest to watch me didn't you?" I said with a smirk. She smiled.
"Well, sort of. Abercrombie and Fitch wanted to draft some models from other countries. They wanted to try Japan. I found this out after Sora told me about you and the contest. So I told Mark about the contest and about you. He agreed to come and watch. And look where that got you." She said triumphantly.
"True. That's very true." I said as I went back to looking over the papers.
"Think you'll do it, Tai?" TK asked me.
"I don't know. I would love to, but I don't know if I could." I replied.
"Did you just say you would love to?" Sora asked, shocked by my response.
"Yea. I actually enjoyed myself today. Modeling's not as bad as I thought it would be." I replied.
"That's just because you like to show off." She retorted. I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Tai, that's SO second grade, babe." Mimi mocked me. I grinned and shook my head.
"Do you think Mom and Dad will let you do this Tai?" Kari asked. I shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe. I'll figure it out eventually. I really hope so though." I told her just as another knock on the door came. Matt walked in and shut the door behind him.
"Damn people, wouldn't let me go right away." He grumbled to himself as he walked over to us.
"Hello to you too." I said sarcastically. He grinned and slung his arm over my shoulder.
"Hey. Congratulations. That was excellent." He said. He leaned over and put his mouth close to my ear.
"Any way of getting rid of the others?" he whispered to me. I looked at him and then at Sora. I raised my eyebrows and tilted my head to the door. She grinned and nodded.
"Hey guys, let's go down to the food court. I'm starving." She proclaimed as she walked towards the door. The others followed her as they continued to chatter about everything. Sora looked back at me, then at Matt, and winked before shutting the door. We sat in silence for a bit before I spoke.
"What did you want me to get rid of the others for?" I asked him. He shook his head.
"Just to talk to you." He replied.
"About what?"
"Look. I just wanna apologize for saying that stupid thing about you only being a jock."
"It sort of pissed me off."
"I know, and I have no clue why I said that." I sighed and stood up.
"You know, neither do I." I replied as I started walking around. He started to speak, but I cut him off.
"It actually sort of hurt. To actually know what my best friend thought of me." I laughed dryly.
"Here I thought you saw me as more then that. But instead, I'm just a dumb muscle-headed jock." I ended bitterly.
"Tai, I.........I didn't think you would actually take me serious." He said quietly. I snorted and turned away from him.
"Well, guess what. I did. So there." I said bitterly. I heard him stand up and walk towards me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me around.
"Quit being a jackass and listen to me." He said harshly. I twisted out of his grasp.
"Oh, so now I'M being a jackass?" I yelled at him.
"YES YOU ARE!" He yelled back. I cried out in rage and punched him in the arm. He growled back and slapped me. We soon were lying on the floor trying to beat each other up. It finally ended with me pinned on the floor between Matt and the couch. He stared at me long and hard for several minutes before I spoke.
"All right. I'm sorry." I sighed, struggling to get out of his reach. Yama became dangerously violent when he was angry.
"That's good." He said roughly as he got off of me and sat on the couch. He dragged me up next to him by my collar.
"So.....what was that note in your pocket about?" I asked him innocently.
"That? Well......um...I...." Matt desperately tried to explain without embarrassing himself.
"Mimi wrote me that. She believes that I love you." Matt said defeatedly.
"Well, do you?" He shrugged.
"Of course I do, you dork. You're my best friend." He replied. I shook my head.
"You know what I mean Yama." I said. He shrugged again.
"Before I answer that, I have a question for you." He said, ignoring the name.
"Go ahead."
"Who tried drowning you?" I shivered involuntarily.
"Kei." I replied after some time.
"Why?"
"Because he's a jerk."
"What was he trying to do?"
"He was trying to keep me out of the contest." Matt didn't expect that answer.
"And why the hell did he try that?"
"Because I guess he figured you would pick me over him." Matt rolled his eyes.
"Well, duh! I mean come on. Were you watching him? He was trying to flirt with me. And he sucked at it!" I burst into laughter.
"Kei? Was flirting with you?" I said in between giggles.
"You laugh like a girl you know that?"
"That's not the point."
"Yes it is."
"Oh shut up." We sat quiet again, just enjoying each other's company.
"Tai?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you kiss me?" Ah, the question of dread. I was really hoping he wouldn't ask me that.
"Um.....I thought you were Sora?" I replied uncertainly. He rolled his eyes.
"Bullshit. No really, what's the real reason?"
"I.....I really don't know." He took Mimi's note out of his pocket.
"Read this." He commanded as he placed it in my hand. I did what I was told, while Matt quietly watched me. I felt my face change from normal to horrified to embarrassed beyond reasoning. I handed it back to him without saying anything.
"Is what Mimi said true?" he asked me. I hesitated, then slightly nodded.
"You wanna know the real reason why Kei tried keeping me out of the contest?" I asked him. He nodded and motioned for me to continue.
"He wants you Matt. And I did too. He knew that I was better then him, so he figured if he got rid of me, you would pick him and become his boyfriend. Which is dumb because you're not even gay." I babbled on until he shut me up.
"What makes you think that I'm not?"
"And what's that suppose to mean?"
"What if I told you I didn't care?" I raised my eyebrow and glanced at him.
"Didn't care about what?"
"I didn't care that you kissed me." He was dead serious.
"Why wouldn't you? You tried saving me and I just took advantage of you like that." He shook his head and turned my face towards him.
"Think that it matters? I didn't care if you took advantage of me. It all just......felt sort of right, you know? Like, that we were supposed to do that." I felt the tears prickling at the back of my eyes but managed to blink them away.
"Matt, you don't understand. It was still wrong. I think you're making a mistake."
"How am I making a mistake?"
"You were in a state of shock and panic when I kissed you. You're just saying you liked it because you weren't thinking clearly." My voice started shaking. He shook his head.
"Tai, I was thinking perfectly clear and still am now. I'm in love with you." I shook my head, refusing to believe it.
"Matt, quit kidding around." I couldn't take it anymore. I started crying. AGAIN! How many more times am I going to cry today? You would think I'm a girl inside a boy body for god's sake!
"Tai, do you think I would joke about something like that?" He said angrily. I didn't respond to him. He sighed and put his hands on my shoulders, while I placed my head on his shoulder.
"Tai, do you remember when we first became friends?" I nodded into his shoulder.
"I said that we were best friends. You didn't want to believe it." He smiled a bit.
"You told me to prove it. So I started trying to do things to show you that you were my best friend." I nodded again.
"Then one day you and I were hanging out down at the park. Some older kids decided to pick on us. They started with you. The first one punched you." He continued. 'Please don't bring me back to that memory Matt.' I silently begged him. Obviously he couldn't hear me since it was silent, but you know what I mean.
"You didn't respond to him the first time. So he tried again by kicking you."
"And then you stepped in and told them to leave me alone. They ganged up on you and you took them on all at once. You beat them up pretty good too. But you got hurt also." I finished for him. (A/N: just a little FYI, they were about 8 when that happened.)
"Yea. I had a split lip and black eye. But then you said that I gave you my proof. So it didn't matter to me anymore."
"And here we are today." I finished monotonely. He nodded and sighed slightly. It was once again quiet.
"Did I ever thank you for doing that?" he shrugged.
"I don't remember. That was almost 7 years ago."
"Well, thanks. For everything you've done over those past years."
"Whatever." It was a short and crude response, but I knew what he really meant. More silence was amongst us.
"What does that story have to do with now?" I asked him. He lifted my face off of his shoulder.
"I'm going to give you proof, just like you always want." He said with a smirk.
"W-what exactly are you going to do?" I stammered. He didn't answer me. Instead, he cupped my face with his hand and connected his lips with mine. I froze and just sat there. I couldn't believe he was doing this. On his own free will! I slowly started kissing back. I felt his tongue run over my lips, begging for me to let it in. Of course, I complied and let him explore on his own. I would have loved for this moment to last forever, but unfortunately, we're humans so we had to stop to breathe. He was panting and I collapsed into his chest.
"There's your proof. I'm in love with you. I can't say how long, but I am. Always have I guess." He said to me. I nodded weakly.
"Wow." I whispered. Then I realized how much of an idiot I sounded like.
"If that's true....why didn't you tell me before?" I asked him. He shrugged and sighed again.
"I don't know. Just didn't want to face the risks."
"What risks?"
"Well, for one, what if you didn't feel the same way?"
"What if I say I don't?" He just gave me a look.
"Whatever Tai." I gave him a goofy grin and shrugged.
"Just asking." He shook his head and laughed.
"Sora and Mimi are right."
"About what?"
"You are too adorable for words at times." He grinned and pinched my cheek.
"OW! Don't do that." I mumbled as I massaged my cheek. He grinned again.
"Couldn't help myself."
"I'm so sure."
"So am I." I rolled my eyes and leaned my back against his chest.
"Anyway, what were your risks you were talking about?"
"Oh! Well, if you didn't feel the same way, I could have lost my best friend."
"Oh come on Matt. Do you really think your sexual preference would have made me change my opinion of you?" He shrugged.
"At the time being yes."
"Baka. You know that I wouldn't throw away a perfectly good friendship over something like that."
"That's what Draco said." I raised an eyebrow.
"Who's Draco?" I asked suspiciously.
"Ah, is Tai jealous?" he said in a baby voice.
"Yes. So who is he?"
"He's just a friend of mine."
"That blonde you were talking to at the judge table?" He nodded.
"Yep."
"What were you two talking about anyway?"
"Mostly you."
"What about me? How incredibly cute I am? Or how good of a soccer player I am?" He rolled his eyes and slapped me behind the head.
"Get over yourself. It wasn't anything like that."
"Then what was it?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because you're my best friend and you love me?" I gave him the puppy eyes that took me many years to perfect. He can't stand the puppy eyes. It's his only weakness.
"Whatever."
"You say that a lot you know that?"
"Are you going to shut up so I can talk?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now anyway"
"That's another thing you say a lot, anyway."
"TAI! SHUT UP!"
"Ok already, have a heart attack." I said under my breath. He shook his head and flipped me off.
"When and where?" I asked innocently.
"Later, your place." He answered just as innocently.
"Something for me to look forward to."
"Ok. So anyway, Draco had taken the note out of my pocket and read it. He started asking me questions about you and how I feel about you and blah blah blah. He basically helped me realize how I felt."
"I thought you said that you always knew." I said quietly. I couldn't help the hurt tone in my voice.
"I did, Hun. Trust me." He said as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Then why....." I drifted off. He was really confusing me now.
"I always knew. But I guess I was afraid to actually believe in those feelings. All I really needed was a push in the right direction. And Draco gave me that push I needed to be where we are now."
"Were you afraid of me?" I asked. 'Gah! My voice sounds so childish!' I scolded myself.
"Of course not. How could I be afraid of you?" I shrugged and snuggled closer into his chest.
"I don't know. But I'm glad you're not. And I'm glad that you love me."
"I'm glad I love you too." He grinned. I playfully glared at him.
"Ok, I'm also glad that you love me."
"That's better." We were met once again with the silence. Only this time, it was a peaceful silence rather then a tenseful one.
"Hey Matt?"
"Hmm?"
"Does that mean we're going out now?"
"I'm not sure. Do you want it to mean we are?"
"Yes. I did not spend this much time on hair and make-up just for you to kiss and run."
"Then it's settled. As of now, you and I are going out. With each other I mean." I nodded and closed my eyes.
"You tired or something?" I re-opened my eyes and looked up at him.
"Kind of. This day has been really stressful for me. What with Kei trying to kill me and me trying to figure out your feelings and all." I said with a yawn.
"Then why don't you take a nap? We don't have to be back at my apartment for about an hour." I nodded and made myself comfortable on his chest.
"There, that's better. Just be at peace with yourself." I just stared at him.
"Is your dad making you see that psychiatrist again?" He grinned and nodded.
"Of course. He doesn't realize it's all your fault I've been acting depressed lately." I just nodded and zoned out. After all, I was only half-awake. But I guess Matt could tell because he didn't say any more of the subject.
"Get some sleep, love." He said gently and kissed my forehead. And then it wasn't long after that I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, wrapped in the comfort and safety of my boyfriend's arms.
**************************************************************************** ** There will be an epilogue to follow in this story either tomorrow or Monday. Reviews please?
ALMOST being our keyword here. Read the bottom note. Anyway, I'm not going to waste more time, so let's just jump into the reviews.
Ryamon: We had A LOT of people with the same opinion about the last chapter.
CCPheonix: I agree with Patamon, violence isn't good. DON'T HURT ME! *hides behind Ryamon* I'm SO sorry about the Kei thing. I HATE HIM SO MUCH! But just to make sure, I made this chapter EXTRA good! And Kei flirting with Matt is not a pretty image.
vialana: Tai's WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY hotter then Kei, no doubt. And yes I did do that for a reason. =D And I can just imagine those two flirting like that.
madkornfan: You want more? You got more! =D
Peace Angel and Dark Angel: Glitch in the scores huh? You are right on the money. Just read and find out what happened. And there is no word to describe how awful Kei is.
Angel Chick: I updated as fast as I could. Glad you love it.
Death Stopper: Kei is horrible isn't he? Can't stand him!!!
Aero-Grrl: *closes Aero's Mouth* Every one hates Kei. It's unanimous. I wouldn't want you to have a breakdown so here's the chapter! =D
Sillie: Thanks! I really hate having him almost drown. STUPID KEI! Oh well, Yama is his own personal Superman.
Gay Witch: I love my cliffhangers, don't you? Lol
redvind: Whatever you do, do not hurt me! I'm too...something to die yet! I fixed it! Everything's all right now. Hope this chapter makes you happy! *glances warily at knife*
nEo-cHaN: Why does everyone want to kill me? *cries* I fixed it to make it all better! And I didn't do it. I was under the influence of cotton candy and the pink monkeys.
Angel Ran: Tai's not really happy with the outcome, let's say that. But he will be with this chapter. And they would look so cute actually flirting like that. I hate Kei, he will pay!
And that's it. Please don't hurt me yet, just read the chapter. Definitely my most favorite one yet. Full of pure Taito goodness, although I'm not sure it'd be considered fluff. Anyway, enjoy! And please read bottom note! XD
Tai's POV
**************************************************************************** **
"And the winner is....Kei Hirotami!" Sean announced to the crowd. I felt my jaw drop and saw Kei walk up to Sean. Sean started talking some more. "I failed. I don't believe this. I lost to Kei." I said to myself. How the hell did I lose to Kei? This makes no sense. 'Don't cry, whatever you do.' I scolded myself.
"What? Wait a second ladies and gentlemen. There seems to be a conflict with the judges' scores." Sean announced to everyone. I looked up and glanced down at Matt. He was talking rapidly to the guy next to him. Then he got up and walked over to the judge on the far right. He started talking to him. The judge shook his head. Matt started pointing at stuff on the paper and then starting talking to him again. The judge looked at Matt, then at the paper, then back to Matt. He slowly nodded and Matt grinned. He walked away from the table and jumped up on the runway next to Sean. He ripped the microphone out of his hand and whispered in his ear. Sean nodded and stepped out of Matt's way.
"Hey everybody, sorry about that." Matt greeted the crowd. They went wild just seeing Matt up there. Matt grinned and waved.
"As many of you may know, I am Yamato Ishida, lead singer of the Teenage Wolves." Matt introduced himself.
"Like we need an intro, Blondie. All we need is your number!" Someone screamed from the crowd. Matt grinned and shook his head.
"Apparently, we had some problems adding up our scores," he said while glaring at the other blond he had been talking to. "But we have fixed our mistake. So the REAL winner is....." He started saying. Damn it Yama, just say it!
"The winner is..Tai Kamiya!" Matt announced. Cheers erupted trough the store. 'I failed again.' I thought depressedly. I turned around to leave the runway when his words sunk in.
"What'd he say?" I asked as I stared into the crowd.
"Kamiya, get your hot self out here you dumbass!" Matt said as he grabbed my arm and dragged me out of line. Everything was all a daze as cameras flashed and people cheered. Sean made a grab for his microphone, but Matt stepped away from him. He walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"So Tai, tell us how it feels to be #1 model in Odaiba?" Matt asked, trying to hold back his laughter.
"Well, it's better then winning a soccer game." I replied, causing people in the audience to laugh.
"True. So why did you sign up for this contest anyway?" Matt asked me. I gave him a you-already-know look.
"Just play along." He whispered into my ear. I nodded and grinned.
"Well, I did this to prove a point really." I started out my explanation.
"What was your point?" Matt asked.
"A couple of weeks ago, my best friend said I couldn't do anything that wasn't a sport. I did this to prove that I was more then the dumb jock." I said, looking Matt in the eye. Matt stared at me and remained quiet for a bit. Suddenly he jerked out of his trance when he remembered where we were.
"Well, you proved your point, because you won!" Matt said as he drew something out of his pocket. He handed it to me.
"And here is your check for the prize money!" He declared as I opened it. I looked at it, read it, and then showed it to Matt. His face flushed and he snatched it away.
"Heh Heh, wrong paper." He said nervously and felt around in his pockets. He found the check and placed it into my hand.
"You will explain later." I whispered into his ear. He nodded and turned back to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2003 male model!" he pronounced as they cheered again. I grinned and walked off the runway. I headed back into the dressing room and found the 3 girls and TK waiting for me.
"TAI! YOU DID IT!" Mimi shouted cheerfully as she threw herself onto me. I smiled and pried her off of me. Then Sora did the same thing.
"I told you so! I knew you would win, no doubt." She gloated as she hugged me too. She let go off me on her own freewill. Then Kari mimicked them.
"Congratulations Tai." She said to me. I grinned and hugged her back.
"Thanks guys. Nice to have a trophy for something else." I said, admiring my gold model.
"Tai, what are you going to do with all the money?" TK asked me.
"Save to buy a car. After all, I start driving legally next year." I said.
"Sounds good. You gonna drive me and TK around when you do?" Kari asked. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't push your luck." I warned her. She just laughed at me. We were interrupted by a knock on the door. A man in a business suit walked in.
"Tai Kamiya?" He asked me.
"Yea that's me." I replied.
"I'm Mark Fletcher. I've been watching you through out the contest today." He introduced himself with that statement. Mimi had this excited look on her face, urging me to continue speaking to this guy.
"Um, I'm not sure what to say Mr. Fletcher." I replied truthfully.
"Please, call me Mark." He said.
"Ok. I don't mean to sound rude Mark, but what exactly does that mean?" I asked him. To my relief, he smiled and sat down.
"Sorry. Let me explain myself a bit better." He offered. I looked at Mimi and then nodded.
"I'm a model scout. I work for the Abercrombie & Fitch model company. I'm part of the group of people who go around and draft models." He explained.
"OH! I've heard about people like you. I get it now!" I said with a wide grin. I heard Mimi moan and shake her head. Mark just chuckled lightly.
"Yes. So anyway, the company sent me out here to draft some new models in for the summer and fall." Mark went on.
"Oh. I never noticed you were here." I replied. He nodded.
"My point is, I think that you would make a fine model." Mark said. That threw me off-guard. I didn't think he would tell me that.
"Thanks." I said, but he continued speaking.
"Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to be drafted into the next string of models for A&F." Mark said. I stared at him, then at Mimi, then at Kari, then Sora, then back to Mark.
"Do I have to answer now?" I asked him cautiously.
"Certainly not. Take your time. It's a big decision." Mark said.
"How will I contact you?" I asked him. He glanced at Mimi and then back at me.
"I'm sure Ms. Tachikawa can help you there." He replied with a wink at Mimi. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some papers. He placed them in my hands.
"What are these?" I asked as I leafed through them.
"Papers about the modeling program, ideas, and a contract if you do decide to do this." He explained as he pulled a card out of his pocket.
"And these are ways to get in touch with me." He handed it to me.
"Thanks very much Mark. I'll think about it. I need to talk to my parents and such though." I replied. He nodded and stood up.
"That's perfectly fine Tai. But please consider it. You would make an excellent model. Goodbye." He said as he left.
"Bye. And thanks." I called after him. I sat down on the couch and looked through the papers.
"Mimi, how do you know him?" I asked her. She jumped and blinked at me in surprise.
"Oh, Mark works for other companies besides A&F. He's also a friend of Daddy's." she replied.
"You sent him out here, didn't you?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.
"What?" she asked, pretending to be confused.
"You heard me. You sent Mark out to this contest to watch me didn't you?" I said with a smirk. She smiled.
"Well, sort of. Abercrombie and Fitch wanted to draft some models from other countries. They wanted to try Japan. I found this out after Sora told me about you and the contest. So I told Mark about the contest and about you. He agreed to come and watch. And look where that got you." She said triumphantly.
"True. That's very true." I said as I went back to looking over the papers.
"Think you'll do it, Tai?" TK asked me.
"I don't know. I would love to, but I don't know if I could." I replied.
"Did you just say you would love to?" Sora asked, shocked by my response.
"Yea. I actually enjoyed myself today. Modeling's not as bad as I thought it would be." I replied.
"That's just because you like to show off." She retorted. I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Tai, that's SO second grade, babe." Mimi mocked me. I grinned and shook my head.
"Do you think Mom and Dad will let you do this Tai?" Kari asked. I shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe. I'll figure it out eventually. I really hope so though." I told her just as another knock on the door came. Matt walked in and shut the door behind him.
"Damn people, wouldn't let me go right away." He grumbled to himself as he walked over to us.
"Hello to you too." I said sarcastically. He grinned and slung his arm over my shoulder.
"Hey. Congratulations. That was excellent." He said. He leaned over and put his mouth close to my ear.
"Any way of getting rid of the others?" he whispered to me. I looked at him and then at Sora. I raised my eyebrows and tilted my head to the door. She grinned and nodded.
"Hey guys, let's go down to the food court. I'm starving." She proclaimed as she walked towards the door. The others followed her as they continued to chatter about everything. Sora looked back at me, then at Matt, and winked before shutting the door. We sat in silence for a bit before I spoke.
"What did you want me to get rid of the others for?" I asked him. He shook his head.
"Just to talk to you." He replied.
"About what?"
"Look. I just wanna apologize for saying that stupid thing about you only being a jock."
"It sort of pissed me off."
"I know, and I have no clue why I said that." I sighed and stood up.
"You know, neither do I." I replied as I started walking around. He started to speak, but I cut him off.
"It actually sort of hurt. To actually know what my best friend thought of me." I laughed dryly.
"Here I thought you saw me as more then that. But instead, I'm just a dumb muscle-headed jock." I ended bitterly.
"Tai, I.........I didn't think you would actually take me serious." He said quietly. I snorted and turned away from him.
"Well, guess what. I did. So there." I said bitterly. I heard him stand up and walk towards me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me around.
"Quit being a jackass and listen to me." He said harshly. I twisted out of his grasp.
"Oh, so now I'M being a jackass?" I yelled at him.
"YES YOU ARE!" He yelled back. I cried out in rage and punched him in the arm. He growled back and slapped me. We soon were lying on the floor trying to beat each other up. It finally ended with me pinned on the floor between Matt and the couch. He stared at me long and hard for several minutes before I spoke.
"All right. I'm sorry." I sighed, struggling to get out of his reach. Yama became dangerously violent when he was angry.
"That's good." He said roughly as he got off of me and sat on the couch. He dragged me up next to him by my collar.
"So.....what was that note in your pocket about?" I asked him innocently.
"That? Well......um...I...." Matt desperately tried to explain without embarrassing himself.
"Mimi wrote me that. She believes that I love you." Matt said defeatedly.
"Well, do you?" He shrugged.
"Of course I do, you dork. You're my best friend." He replied. I shook my head.
"You know what I mean Yama." I said. He shrugged again.
"Before I answer that, I have a question for you." He said, ignoring the name.
"Go ahead."
"Who tried drowning you?" I shivered involuntarily.
"Kei." I replied after some time.
"Why?"
"Because he's a jerk."
"What was he trying to do?"
"He was trying to keep me out of the contest." Matt didn't expect that answer.
"And why the hell did he try that?"
"Because I guess he figured you would pick me over him." Matt rolled his eyes.
"Well, duh! I mean come on. Were you watching him? He was trying to flirt with me. And he sucked at it!" I burst into laughter.
"Kei? Was flirting with you?" I said in between giggles.
"You laugh like a girl you know that?"
"That's not the point."
"Yes it is."
"Oh shut up." We sat quiet again, just enjoying each other's company.
"Tai?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you kiss me?" Ah, the question of dread. I was really hoping he wouldn't ask me that.
"Um.....I thought you were Sora?" I replied uncertainly. He rolled his eyes.
"Bullshit. No really, what's the real reason?"
"I.....I really don't know." He took Mimi's note out of his pocket.
"Read this." He commanded as he placed it in my hand. I did what I was told, while Matt quietly watched me. I felt my face change from normal to horrified to embarrassed beyond reasoning. I handed it back to him without saying anything.
"Is what Mimi said true?" he asked me. I hesitated, then slightly nodded.
"You wanna know the real reason why Kei tried keeping me out of the contest?" I asked him. He nodded and motioned for me to continue.
"He wants you Matt. And I did too. He knew that I was better then him, so he figured if he got rid of me, you would pick him and become his boyfriend. Which is dumb because you're not even gay." I babbled on until he shut me up.
"What makes you think that I'm not?"
"And what's that suppose to mean?"
"What if I told you I didn't care?" I raised my eyebrow and glanced at him.
"Didn't care about what?"
"I didn't care that you kissed me." He was dead serious.
"Why wouldn't you? You tried saving me and I just took advantage of you like that." He shook his head and turned my face towards him.
"Think that it matters? I didn't care if you took advantage of me. It all just......felt sort of right, you know? Like, that we were supposed to do that." I felt the tears prickling at the back of my eyes but managed to blink them away.
"Matt, you don't understand. It was still wrong. I think you're making a mistake."
"How am I making a mistake?"
"You were in a state of shock and panic when I kissed you. You're just saying you liked it because you weren't thinking clearly." My voice started shaking. He shook his head.
"Tai, I was thinking perfectly clear and still am now. I'm in love with you." I shook my head, refusing to believe it.
"Matt, quit kidding around." I couldn't take it anymore. I started crying. AGAIN! How many more times am I going to cry today? You would think I'm a girl inside a boy body for god's sake!
"Tai, do you think I would joke about something like that?" He said angrily. I didn't respond to him. He sighed and put his hands on my shoulders, while I placed my head on his shoulder.
"Tai, do you remember when we first became friends?" I nodded into his shoulder.
"I said that we were best friends. You didn't want to believe it." He smiled a bit.
"You told me to prove it. So I started trying to do things to show you that you were my best friend." I nodded again.
"Then one day you and I were hanging out down at the park. Some older kids decided to pick on us. They started with you. The first one punched you." He continued. 'Please don't bring me back to that memory Matt.' I silently begged him. Obviously he couldn't hear me since it was silent, but you know what I mean.
"You didn't respond to him the first time. So he tried again by kicking you."
"And then you stepped in and told them to leave me alone. They ganged up on you and you took them on all at once. You beat them up pretty good too. But you got hurt also." I finished for him. (A/N: just a little FYI, they were about 8 when that happened.)
"Yea. I had a split lip and black eye. But then you said that I gave you my proof. So it didn't matter to me anymore."
"And here we are today." I finished monotonely. He nodded and sighed slightly. It was once again quiet.
"Did I ever thank you for doing that?" he shrugged.
"I don't remember. That was almost 7 years ago."
"Well, thanks. For everything you've done over those past years."
"Whatever." It was a short and crude response, but I knew what he really meant. More silence was amongst us.
"What does that story have to do with now?" I asked him. He lifted my face off of his shoulder.
"I'm going to give you proof, just like you always want." He said with a smirk.
"W-what exactly are you going to do?" I stammered. He didn't answer me. Instead, he cupped my face with his hand and connected his lips with mine. I froze and just sat there. I couldn't believe he was doing this. On his own free will! I slowly started kissing back. I felt his tongue run over my lips, begging for me to let it in. Of course, I complied and let him explore on his own. I would have loved for this moment to last forever, but unfortunately, we're humans so we had to stop to breathe. He was panting and I collapsed into his chest.
"There's your proof. I'm in love with you. I can't say how long, but I am. Always have I guess." He said to me. I nodded weakly.
"Wow." I whispered. Then I realized how much of an idiot I sounded like.
"If that's true....why didn't you tell me before?" I asked him. He shrugged and sighed again.
"I don't know. Just didn't want to face the risks."
"What risks?"
"Well, for one, what if you didn't feel the same way?"
"What if I say I don't?" He just gave me a look.
"Whatever Tai." I gave him a goofy grin and shrugged.
"Just asking." He shook his head and laughed.
"Sora and Mimi are right."
"About what?"
"You are too adorable for words at times." He grinned and pinched my cheek.
"OW! Don't do that." I mumbled as I massaged my cheek. He grinned again.
"Couldn't help myself."
"I'm so sure."
"So am I." I rolled my eyes and leaned my back against his chest.
"Anyway, what were your risks you were talking about?"
"Oh! Well, if you didn't feel the same way, I could have lost my best friend."
"Oh come on Matt. Do you really think your sexual preference would have made me change my opinion of you?" He shrugged.
"At the time being yes."
"Baka. You know that I wouldn't throw away a perfectly good friendship over something like that."
"That's what Draco said." I raised an eyebrow.
"Who's Draco?" I asked suspiciously.
"Ah, is Tai jealous?" he said in a baby voice.
"Yes. So who is he?"
"He's just a friend of mine."
"That blonde you were talking to at the judge table?" He nodded.
"Yep."
"What were you two talking about anyway?"
"Mostly you."
"What about me? How incredibly cute I am? Or how good of a soccer player I am?" He rolled his eyes and slapped me behind the head.
"Get over yourself. It wasn't anything like that."
"Then what was it?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"Because you're my best friend and you love me?" I gave him the puppy eyes that took me many years to perfect. He can't stand the puppy eyes. It's his only weakness.
"Whatever."
"You say that a lot you know that?"
"Are you going to shut up so I can talk?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now anyway"
"That's another thing you say a lot, anyway."
"TAI! SHUT UP!"
"Ok already, have a heart attack." I said under my breath. He shook his head and flipped me off.
"When and where?" I asked innocently.
"Later, your place." He answered just as innocently.
"Something for me to look forward to."
"Ok. So anyway, Draco had taken the note out of my pocket and read it. He started asking me questions about you and how I feel about you and blah blah blah. He basically helped me realize how I felt."
"I thought you said that you always knew." I said quietly. I couldn't help the hurt tone in my voice.
"I did, Hun. Trust me." He said as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Then why....." I drifted off. He was really confusing me now.
"I always knew. But I guess I was afraid to actually believe in those feelings. All I really needed was a push in the right direction. And Draco gave me that push I needed to be where we are now."
"Were you afraid of me?" I asked. 'Gah! My voice sounds so childish!' I scolded myself.
"Of course not. How could I be afraid of you?" I shrugged and snuggled closer into his chest.
"I don't know. But I'm glad you're not. And I'm glad that you love me."
"I'm glad I love you too." He grinned. I playfully glared at him.
"Ok, I'm also glad that you love me."
"That's better." We were met once again with the silence. Only this time, it was a peaceful silence rather then a tenseful one.
"Hey Matt?"
"Hmm?"
"Does that mean we're going out now?"
"I'm not sure. Do you want it to mean we are?"
"Yes. I did not spend this much time on hair and make-up just for you to kiss and run."
"Then it's settled. As of now, you and I are going out. With each other I mean." I nodded and closed my eyes.
"You tired or something?" I re-opened my eyes and looked up at him.
"Kind of. This day has been really stressful for me. What with Kei trying to kill me and me trying to figure out your feelings and all." I said with a yawn.
"Then why don't you take a nap? We don't have to be back at my apartment for about an hour." I nodded and made myself comfortable on his chest.
"There, that's better. Just be at peace with yourself." I just stared at him.
"Is your dad making you see that psychiatrist again?" He grinned and nodded.
"Of course. He doesn't realize it's all your fault I've been acting depressed lately." I just nodded and zoned out. After all, I was only half-awake. But I guess Matt could tell because he didn't say any more of the subject.
"Get some sleep, love." He said gently and kissed my forehead. And then it wasn't long after that I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, wrapped in the comfort and safety of my boyfriend's arms.
**************************************************************************** ** There will be an epilogue to follow in this story either tomorrow or Monday. Reviews please?
