Yeah, I'd figured that some ppl would be surprised.life isn't all fluff,
unfortunately, but oh well. But I did get positive feedback, and I thank
you all for that! Here's chapter 3, and by the way, there are gonna be 10
chapters for this fic, and I've already got 5 written, so expect updates
not far apart from each other, unless I say something. Anyway, here you
go.
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Most of my friends were probably wondering why I was in such a good mood the next day, despite the fact that my best friend left me the day before. It was a very good day overall. I didn't do my homework last night because I . . . well . . . eh, who cares. I am so going back to Ryan's place tonight. I actually paid attention in class today, so that when I got home I could do all of my homework quickly without getting stuck, so I could leave as soon as possible.
After I finished, I got dressed in black jeans with the same chains as yesterday and a black t-shirt with the words, "I'm not stressed; I'm just terribly terribly alert" in thick white letters. I grabbed my wallet and stuffed it in my back pocket, pulled on my shoes, and headed out the door, yelling at Kari that I'd be back in a few hours.
When I got to the ground floor, I stopped and looked around. I didn't remember to take note of where Ryan's place was.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath. I stood there for a few minutes, trying to recall at least how I started to go there yesterday. Finally, I decided on a certain road and took off down it.
After about a half hour's worth of wandering, I collapsed on a bench and rested for a minute, breathing heavily. Just then a group of good-looking and well-dressed guys passed me, talking amongst themselves. I caught some of their conversation, and heard, "going to the club . . . yeah, got lotsa money . . . no, my boyfriend will not be there!"
At this I was sure that they were heading to the same place I was trying to. I got up casually and waited until they were a bit in the distance, then started to follow them, this time taking note of where I was going. Soon I heard music thumping in the distance and decided to ditch the guys I was following and find my own way from there. With the music as my guide, I soon found myself in front of the same club that Ryan dragged me into yesterday.
I pushed myself inside, past the dancing bodies and towards the back of the place, where I went up the stairs and knocked on the wooden door and waited.
The door was opened by Chase, who said, "Hey, Tai, you don't gotta knock, just let yourself in."
"Okay, I'll remember that for future reference," I answered as he stepped aside and I walked in. The room didn't have as much smoke near the ceiling, and I wondered why. Chase seemed to be reading my mind because he went on. "Dan is apparently out at some concert tonight, while the rest are with some customers," he said, waggling his eyebrows at the last word. A laughed a little.
"Yeah, that's right, you should feel at home here." I turned around and Ryan walked through the door. "Made some good money tonight. What's say we take Tai here shopping?"
"Oh," I said. "I dunno . . ." The fact that two classic gay guys were gonna, as they say, 'educate' me in their ways freaked me out a little.
"Yeah, we can start the 'educating,'" said Chase. And before I could say another word, they each grabbed one of my arms and half-lifted half-dragged me out onto the street.
"Where should we start, then?" I asked, accepting the fact that they were gonna make me over and there was nothing I could do to stop them. "I do have some money, you guys don't have to spend any on me."
Chase frowned for a moment, and then said, "Alright then, let's start with your wardrobe."
"Not that there's anything wrong with it," added Ryan quickly when I started to protest, "but new clothes are always good. You're such a fucking hottie anyway, so anything would probably look stunning on you." He kissed behind my ear.
I shivered at the touch and blushed, then got him back by kissing at the joint where his shoulder and neck met. He laughed and we continued talking all the way to the mall near my home.
Once there, Ryan and Chase dragged me from store to store and I let them have their way with me. Actually, I was having a lot of fun. Though it was a kinda bust to my ego that I was letting two hot gay guys play dress- up with me, it was also kinda cool. I thought about back when Kari was little and she would make me play dress-up. 'Well, this is certainly different,' I thought amusedly.
I walked out of a dressing room, wearing a sort of 'punk' look. "Not bad," commented Ryan as I looked myself from side to side in the mirror. "Not bad at all. Punk and rock looks good on you. Makes you look real laid- back, y'know? Damn!" he exclaimed as I turned around and he got a full, er, back view. "You're so fucking sexy . . ." he whined breathlessly, which sent all the blood I had in my body to my face, and some to other places. "Let's get some more!"
I laughed and walked, or rather, got dragged with Ryan and Chase, buying clothes in this store and accessories in that. I could tell that they were having fun, like two little school girls playing with a brand-new doll. Later, as they were looking in the window of a shop talking rapidly about some other get-up they could dress me up in, the store across from me caught my eye. I walked closer, and saw that it was a tattoo and piercing shop. All of the sudden, I felt this dangerous rush run through me, and I found I had a great sense of daring. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Ryan and Chase with suspicious glints in their eyes. "Hey, Ryan, Chase . . . you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"You wanna get a tattoo?" guessed Chase. I shook my head.
"No. I want to get a piercing."
"Where?"
I paused to think, rubbing my chin with my thumb and forefinger. My first thought was ears, but you wouldn't be able to tell anyway 'cause of my hair. Eyebrow . . . hm, I'd like that, but then mom would see . . . tongue? I liked the sound of that, too, but would it hurt?
"I dunno, I was just deciding between tongue and eyebrow . . ." I finally decided. "but my mom would see if I got my eyebrow pierced and. . ."
"Why not get both?" Ryan spoke up matter-of-factly. I stared. "I mean, if you get your eyebrow pierced, there's nothing your mom can do about it, now, is there?"
"You're right," I agreed, the dangerous feeling becoming more powerful. "Let's go."
I walked in, then walked out a few minutes later proudly sporting a small silver ring in my left eyebrow and a silver stud on my tongue. My tongue still hurt a bit, but the guy said it would pass after a few hours and (which made Ryan laugh) to be careful when you're eating and not to try to swallow it.
I walked out of the mall a totally new person. I said good-bye to my friends, who were had quite a smug and proud aura around them, and walked home. As soon as I walked into the apartment, I ran quickly into my room, where I found Kari and Daisuke making out.
"Hey guys," I said, dropping my bags on the floor and collapsing at my desk. Dai and Kari sprang apart.
"T-Tai!" stuttered Daisuke. "W-What are you doing home?"
"Well, I said I'd be back in a couple of hours, so here I am. Actually," I said, looking at my watch, "I'm a few hours late. Oh well. Where's mom and dad?"
"They went out for dinner . . . and good thing, too, Tai, what did you do to your eyebrow?" exclaimed Kari, pointing near my forehead.
"What does it look like?" I shot back, surprised at her sharp tone. "I got my eyebrow pierced. So what?"
"So what? So what? Tai, you've been acting real strange since Matt left. I know you guys are best friends, but we miss Matt too, but you don't see Dai or anyone else running off to get their eyebrow pierced because TK left!" Daisuke fidgeted uncomfortably behind her. "What's mom gonna say?"
"Probably something along the lines of what you're saying, but I don't care, Kari, it's not like she can undo it. It's not even the worst thing I've done today." She stared at me incredulously. I sighed. "Look, I have made some changes in my life in the last few days, but it's nothing that wouldn't have happened sooner or later. Matt's departure had nothing to do with this. This was my decision. Mine. I can't tell you everything, but just accept this? Please? It would mean a lot."
Kari looked at me carefully for a moment, then sighed and threw her arms up in defeat. "Alright Tai, but expect a lecture from mom when they get home."
"Thanks, sis," I said, and wrapped my arms around her in a hug. Daisuke cleared his throat.
"Well, it looks like I should be going now. Bye Tai."
"Bye," I said. Kari walked Dai to the door. I lay down on my bed and let out a breath. I was just about to close my eyes when I heard a -SLAM- and I bolted upright to view a furious Kari standing by the doorway with her hands on her hips.
"The jig is up, Tai. I know you're hiding something from me. You had better tell me."
I sighed. I knew that she was not gonna let this one go. But, Kari was the person I could trust the most, with the exception of Matt, but he's not here anyway, and he's also the last person I want to know my secret.
"Okay, fine. But you have to promise me two things first."
"Alright," she said kindly, sitting down next to me.
"You have to promise not to tell anyone."
"Okay, I promise, what else?"
"You . . . you have to promise . . . not to hate me."
"Hate you? Why would I hate you, Tai? But okay, I promise that too. Now," she said softly, placing a hand on my knee. "What is it?"
I took a deep breath. "Kari, I . . . I'm . . . gay."
The silence was unbearable. 'Please, please say something,' I thought. But nothing. Tears started flowing freely down my cheeks. She hates me. She does. Inside, she's disgusted and horrified. I heard her inhale deeply.
"Well . . . that certainly wasn't what I expected. But you're my brother, Tai, of course I'm right here by your side."
I looked up in surprise. I was shocked by the kindness and understanding in her voice. "You mean . . . you don't think I'm sick?"
"Of course not, Tai. I love you. You're my big brother and I'll always accept you no matter what you are. Remember that." I looked into her eyes then and saw nothing but pure sincerity and feeling. I grabbed her into a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Kari. I love you so much, you know that, right?"
"I do. And if you ever need to talk, just come to me, okay?"
I nodded. "By the way, the eyebrow ring looks good on you. But you said that piercing your eyebrow wasn't the worst thing you did today," she said, and I grinned. "Tai did you get anything else pierced?"
"Yep."
"What?"
"Tongue."
Just then, I heard the door open and I jumped up. "I'm asleep," I told Kari, and quickly stripped down to my boxers and scrambled into bed. I heard Kari sigh exasperatedly and turn off the light before closing the door and going out to meet our parents.
I lay my head back on my pillow and closed my eyes. I felt really horrible for not telling Kari the entire truth, but honestly, I really didn't think she'd react as well when I tell her that I'm a prostitute-to-be. But really, I don't see how it's such a big deal. Most of the guys at school my age have had sex . . . with girls, though. I'm sixteen and don't have much of a chance of getting laid with any guys I might like (*cough* Yama *cough*). And I found a place where people like and maybe even want me, and at the same time, I'd be getting money for it. Sweet deal, huh?
On the other hand . . . eventually I'll probably become starved emotionally. What I'm getting myself into does not include any strings. There is no love involved, just lust, plain and simple. If I continue to do this, I may not ever find love. Oh well, I can always change if I want to, right? This is not permanent. But I am entering this blindly . . . I guess I'll stop eventually, but not before giving it a try first. Taichi Kamiya was never one to give up.
My thoughts then switched to Yama. I felt kind of bad for making such great friends the very same day that he left, but what the hell? He's gone for the time being, so why not make some new friends? It's not like I'm gonna forget about him. I can't forget him, he's my best friend, after all.
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I continued to go see the gang every day. We did lots of fun stuff together. We'd shop or go catch a flick at the movie theatre or visit the bedroom (^_^). The good thing about having such great friends is that they watch out for you. I had a couple of close calls with violent customers that were broken up by Ryan and Josh.
Speaking of customers, I actually don't go out that often, only maybe once or twice a week. Hell, Ryan and Josh and them go a few times a *night.* But it doesn't matter to me much. I *do* get a lot of money, though. I made $600 my first night, because the guy thought I was 'exceptional.' I gladly took any money given to me and spent it just as gladly. Josh, Chase, Shawn, and Ryan don't spend as much because they have to pay for rent, electricity, and water and all that, but they happily tagged along on most of my shopping trips. We even took a weekend and drove in Chase's red convertible to a concert by an awesome rock band that they recently introduced me to at the other end of the country. Of course, my folks were thoroughly pissed, but I could care less. I liked my new way of life. It's so much more relaxing and enjoyable. I spent many a night at Ryan's flat because I was too tired after a night of *very hard* work (^_^) and didn't come home until the nest day, and even then, it was only to do my homework and change.
Ryan says my change in attitude and style (for the better, though; he says I'm a lot more "loose") is more significant than my change in after-school activities. I became an all-out punk. I got the spiked-up hair, the black nail polish, the punky clothes, plus all the patented chains and studs that complete the look. I even wear black eye makeup, but not too much, because I don't very much like the idea of all that crap on my face.
That's another thing. I tend to swear a lot more than I used to, almost as much as Ryan. Also, I've been hanging out with the digidestined kids less and less, to the point that the only time I ever see them is in my classes, because I run to lunch, eat eat eat, then head for the library to do my homework assigned in my first two classes.
Surprisingly, my marks have improved a lot, so it's good to have my change in living viewed as 'bad' (by my parents) to be balanced out with something 'good.' I have turned into a rebel, and I reveled in the fact. It was exciting and thrilling, and very satisfying. I've even smoked a few pot joints when alone in the flat with Dan, but that didn't go anywhere. I may be a rebel, but I will not smoke. Cancer sticks are not for me.
I do drink alcohol now, though, almost daily, but I'm smart enough not to drink enough that I can't get home or that it starts to affect me negatively. I've only gotten drunk once, and that was at the rock concert. Josh calls me 'the good boy that's oh-so-naughty in bed.' Heh. And proud of it, too, Joshie-boy.
It worries me sometimes, though, that I don't see my 'old' friends as often anymore. I mean, my new friends are great, but it seems as though I don't know them anymore. For example, last week . . .
//Flashback//
*crash* My face met the ground with rapid speed, and my books scattered everywhere. "Shit!" I cried. I was gonna be late for class. I gathered my books up quickly, but then noticed my notebook was missing. I looked around, and came face-to-face with Sora.
"Here," she said, holding out my notebook. "You dropped this."
"Thanks," I said, taking it and beginning to walk away.
"Hey, Tai!"
I turned around impatiently. Sora stood uncomfortably, shifting her weight to her other foot. "What?" I asked.
"Umm . . . I was just wondering if you wanted to meet me and the rest after school. We're going to see that new action movie, and - "
"Sorry, already seen it," I said, cutting her off.
"Oh . . ." she mumbled, looking hurt, but I didn't notice. She tried again. "Uh . . . nice clothes, Tai. Where'd you get the money for them?"
"Just doing odds and ends," I answered, barely managing not to snicker as I said it. "Look, I gotta get to class, or my teacher will fucking kill me."
Sora's head shot up. "Language, Tai," she said.
I scoffed. "You're not my fucking mother, Sora, now I really have to go." I started to turn again but I felt a hand grip my wrist. I sighed. "Now what, Sora?" I said, rolling my black-lined eyes.
She looked at my eyes, as if searching for something, but then let go. "I never get to see you anymore, Tai. Call me sometime, okay?"
"Yeah, sure. Gotta run. Bye." I left her standing there by the stairs as I hurried away.
//End of Flashback//
Now that I think about it, I had been a bit harsh, but that was one of my bad days. I thought it was obvious. I had slept in, received a lecture from my first period teacher for being late, tripped and fell with all my books, and then Sora kept questioning me though I repeatedly told her that I had to leave. Stupid Sora. What the fuck does she know, anyway.
Despite my vow earlier in the month, I think about Matt less and less until it came to a point where I spent a week or more without a second thought about him.
But today, Izzy caught up to me after school when I was hurrying home. "Hey, Tai, do you need a ride tomorrow?" he asked, walking beside me.
I looked at him blankly, still walking. "Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I mean, I know you're mom's working so she can't give you a ride to the airport."
I blinked. The airport . . . ? Oh! Matt's coming home tomorrow. "Sure, Izzy, that'd be good, thanks."
"Anytime, I'll be round at 7." And with that, I nodded and kept on walking home, while Izzy stopped and probably watched my retreating back. Eh, who cares. But Matt . . . my god, look how the weeks went by. He's coming . . . tomorrow night? I had plans, but I guess I'll have to cancel them. I can just see the look on Matt's face when he sees me. Heh, that'll be a sight.
I raced on home and took the elevator to my floor. I was fumbling in my pockets for my key and quickly opened the door, rushing to my room and immediately starting to do my homework, not bothering to change my clothes. I'd promised Ryan I'd meet him at 4:00 today, which was in less then a half hour. I was just pulling on my shoes to leave when I heard the doorbell ring. I frowned. 'Did Kari forget her key again?'
I sauntered over to the door, unlocked it and pulled it open. "Kari, did you forget your key again? Honestly, I -" I stopped in mid-sentence. What was HE doing here?
"Matt?"
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Hehehe, now things are getting good. You know that shirt Tai was wearing at the start of this chapter? The one that said, "I'm not stressed, I'm just terribly terribly alert"? hehe, my friend said that to me and I thought it'd make the perfect t-shirt. I've got a thing for t-shirts with funny saying that I can't explain -_-;; . If you guys know any more, tell me! But for now, just review this chapter, k? REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW I think I've had too much sugar . . .
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Most of my friends were probably wondering why I was in such a good mood the next day, despite the fact that my best friend left me the day before. It was a very good day overall. I didn't do my homework last night because I . . . well . . . eh, who cares. I am so going back to Ryan's place tonight. I actually paid attention in class today, so that when I got home I could do all of my homework quickly without getting stuck, so I could leave as soon as possible.
After I finished, I got dressed in black jeans with the same chains as yesterday and a black t-shirt with the words, "I'm not stressed; I'm just terribly terribly alert" in thick white letters. I grabbed my wallet and stuffed it in my back pocket, pulled on my shoes, and headed out the door, yelling at Kari that I'd be back in a few hours.
When I got to the ground floor, I stopped and looked around. I didn't remember to take note of where Ryan's place was.
"Shit," I muttered under my breath. I stood there for a few minutes, trying to recall at least how I started to go there yesterday. Finally, I decided on a certain road and took off down it.
After about a half hour's worth of wandering, I collapsed on a bench and rested for a minute, breathing heavily. Just then a group of good-looking and well-dressed guys passed me, talking amongst themselves. I caught some of their conversation, and heard, "going to the club . . . yeah, got lotsa money . . . no, my boyfriend will not be there!"
At this I was sure that they were heading to the same place I was trying to. I got up casually and waited until they were a bit in the distance, then started to follow them, this time taking note of where I was going. Soon I heard music thumping in the distance and decided to ditch the guys I was following and find my own way from there. With the music as my guide, I soon found myself in front of the same club that Ryan dragged me into yesterday.
I pushed myself inside, past the dancing bodies and towards the back of the place, where I went up the stairs and knocked on the wooden door and waited.
The door was opened by Chase, who said, "Hey, Tai, you don't gotta knock, just let yourself in."
"Okay, I'll remember that for future reference," I answered as he stepped aside and I walked in. The room didn't have as much smoke near the ceiling, and I wondered why. Chase seemed to be reading my mind because he went on. "Dan is apparently out at some concert tonight, while the rest are with some customers," he said, waggling his eyebrows at the last word. A laughed a little.
"Yeah, that's right, you should feel at home here." I turned around and Ryan walked through the door. "Made some good money tonight. What's say we take Tai here shopping?"
"Oh," I said. "I dunno . . ." The fact that two classic gay guys were gonna, as they say, 'educate' me in their ways freaked me out a little.
"Yeah, we can start the 'educating,'" said Chase. And before I could say another word, they each grabbed one of my arms and half-lifted half-dragged me out onto the street.
"Where should we start, then?" I asked, accepting the fact that they were gonna make me over and there was nothing I could do to stop them. "I do have some money, you guys don't have to spend any on me."
Chase frowned for a moment, and then said, "Alright then, let's start with your wardrobe."
"Not that there's anything wrong with it," added Ryan quickly when I started to protest, "but new clothes are always good. You're such a fucking hottie anyway, so anything would probably look stunning on you." He kissed behind my ear.
I shivered at the touch and blushed, then got him back by kissing at the joint where his shoulder and neck met. He laughed and we continued talking all the way to the mall near my home.
Once there, Ryan and Chase dragged me from store to store and I let them have their way with me. Actually, I was having a lot of fun. Though it was a kinda bust to my ego that I was letting two hot gay guys play dress- up with me, it was also kinda cool. I thought about back when Kari was little and she would make me play dress-up. 'Well, this is certainly different,' I thought amusedly.
I walked out of a dressing room, wearing a sort of 'punk' look. "Not bad," commented Ryan as I looked myself from side to side in the mirror. "Not bad at all. Punk and rock looks good on you. Makes you look real laid- back, y'know? Damn!" he exclaimed as I turned around and he got a full, er, back view. "You're so fucking sexy . . ." he whined breathlessly, which sent all the blood I had in my body to my face, and some to other places. "Let's get some more!"
I laughed and walked, or rather, got dragged with Ryan and Chase, buying clothes in this store and accessories in that. I could tell that they were having fun, like two little school girls playing with a brand-new doll. Later, as they were looking in the window of a shop talking rapidly about some other get-up they could dress me up in, the store across from me caught my eye. I walked closer, and saw that it was a tattoo and piercing shop. All of the sudden, I felt this dangerous rush run through me, and I found I had a great sense of daring. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Ryan and Chase with suspicious glints in their eyes. "Hey, Ryan, Chase . . . you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"You wanna get a tattoo?" guessed Chase. I shook my head.
"No. I want to get a piercing."
"Where?"
I paused to think, rubbing my chin with my thumb and forefinger. My first thought was ears, but you wouldn't be able to tell anyway 'cause of my hair. Eyebrow . . . hm, I'd like that, but then mom would see . . . tongue? I liked the sound of that, too, but would it hurt?
"I dunno, I was just deciding between tongue and eyebrow . . ." I finally decided. "but my mom would see if I got my eyebrow pierced and. . ."
"Why not get both?" Ryan spoke up matter-of-factly. I stared. "I mean, if you get your eyebrow pierced, there's nothing your mom can do about it, now, is there?"
"You're right," I agreed, the dangerous feeling becoming more powerful. "Let's go."
I walked in, then walked out a few minutes later proudly sporting a small silver ring in my left eyebrow and a silver stud on my tongue. My tongue still hurt a bit, but the guy said it would pass after a few hours and (which made Ryan laugh) to be careful when you're eating and not to try to swallow it.
I walked out of the mall a totally new person. I said good-bye to my friends, who were had quite a smug and proud aura around them, and walked home. As soon as I walked into the apartment, I ran quickly into my room, where I found Kari and Daisuke making out.
"Hey guys," I said, dropping my bags on the floor and collapsing at my desk. Dai and Kari sprang apart.
"T-Tai!" stuttered Daisuke. "W-What are you doing home?"
"Well, I said I'd be back in a couple of hours, so here I am. Actually," I said, looking at my watch, "I'm a few hours late. Oh well. Where's mom and dad?"
"They went out for dinner . . . and good thing, too, Tai, what did you do to your eyebrow?" exclaimed Kari, pointing near my forehead.
"What does it look like?" I shot back, surprised at her sharp tone. "I got my eyebrow pierced. So what?"
"So what? So what? Tai, you've been acting real strange since Matt left. I know you guys are best friends, but we miss Matt too, but you don't see Dai or anyone else running off to get their eyebrow pierced because TK left!" Daisuke fidgeted uncomfortably behind her. "What's mom gonna say?"
"Probably something along the lines of what you're saying, but I don't care, Kari, it's not like she can undo it. It's not even the worst thing I've done today." She stared at me incredulously. I sighed. "Look, I have made some changes in my life in the last few days, but it's nothing that wouldn't have happened sooner or later. Matt's departure had nothing to do with this. This was my decision. Mine. I can't tell you everything, but just accept this? Please? It would mean a lot."
Kari looked at me carefully for a moment, then sighed and threw her arms up in defeat. "Alright Tai, but expect a lecture from mom when they get home."
"Thanks, sis," I said, and wrapped my arms around her in a hug. Daisuke cleared his throat.
"Well, it looks like I should be going now. Bye Tai."
"Bye," I said. Kari walked Dai to the door. I lay down on my bed and let out a breath. I was just about to close my eyes when I heard a -SLAM- and I bolted upright to view a furious Kari standing by the doorway with her hands on her hips.
"The jig is up, Tai. I know you're hiding something from me. You had better tell me."
I sighed. I knew that she was not gonna let this one go. But, Kari was the person I could trust the most, with the exception of Matt, but he's not here anyway, and he's also the last person I want to know my secret.
"Okay, fine. But you have to promise me two things first."
"Alright," she said kindly, sitting down next to me.
"You have to promise not to tell anyone."
"Okay, I promise, what else?"
"You . . . you have to promise . . . not to hate me."
"Hate you? Why would I hate you, Tai? But okay, I promise that too. Now," she said softly, placing a hand on my knee. "What is it?"
I took a deep breath. "Kari, I . . . I'm . . . gay."
The silence was unbearable. 'Please, please say something,' I thought. But nothing. Tears started flowing freely down my cheeks. She hates me. She does. Inside, she's disgusted and horrified. I heard her inhale deeply.
"Well . . . that certainly wasn't what I expected. But you're my brother, Tai, of course I'm right here by your side."
I looked up in surprise. I was shocked by the kindness and understanding in her voice. "You mean . . . you don't think I'm sick?"
"Of course not, Tai. I love you. You're my big brother and I'll always accept you no matter what you are. Remember that." I looked into her eyes then and saw nothing but pure sincerity and feeling. I grabbed her into a tight embrace.
"Thank you, Kari. I love you so much, you know that, right?"
"I do. And if you ever need to talk, just come to me, okay?"
I nodded. "By the way, the eyebrow ring looks good on you. But you said that piercing your eyebrow wasn't the worst thing you did today," she said, and I grinned. "Tai did you get anything else pierced?"
"Yep."
"What?"
"Tongue."
Just then, I heard the door open and I jumped up. "I'm asleep," I told Kari, and quickly stripped down to my boxers and scrambled into bed. I heard Kari sigh exasperatedly and turn off the light before closing the door and going out to meet our parents.
I lay my head back on my pillow and closed my eyes. I felt really horrible for not telling Kari the entire truth, but honestly, I really didn't think she'd react as well when I tell her that I'm a prostitute-to-be. But really, I don't see how it's such a big deal. Most of the guys at school my age have had sex . . . with girls, though. I'm sixteen and don't have much of a chance of getting laid with any guys I might like (*cough* Yama *cough*). And I found a place where people like and maybe even want me, and at the same time, I'd be getting money for it. Sweet deal, huh?
On the other hand . . . eventually I'll probably become starved emotionally. What I'm getting myself into does not include any strings. There is no love involved, just lust, plain and simple. If I continue to do this, I may not ever find love. Oh well, I can always change if I want to, right? This is not permanent. But I am entering this blindly . . . I guess I'll stop eventually, but not before giving it a try first. Taichi Kamiya was never one to give up.
My thoughts then switched to Yama. I felt kind of bad for making such great friends the very same day that he left, but what the hell? He's gone for the time being, so why not make some new friends? It's not like I'm gonna forget about him. I can't forget him, he's my best friend, after all.
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I continued to go see the gang every day. We did lots of fun stuff together. We'd shop or go catch a flick at the movie theatre or visit the bedroom (^_^). The good thing about having such great friends is that they watch out for you. I had a couple of close calls with violent customers that were broken up by Ryan and Josh.
Speaking of customers, I actually don't go out that often, only maybe once or twice a week. Hell, Ryan and Josh and them go a few times a *night.* But it doesn't matter to me much. I *do* get a lot of money, though. I made $600 my first night, because the guy thought I was 'exceptional.' I gladly took any money given to me and spent it just as gladly. Josh, Chase, Shawn, and Ryan don't spend as much because they have to pay for rent, electricity, and water and all that, but they happily tagged along on most of my shopping trips. We even took a weekend and drove in Chase's red convertible to a concert by an awesome rock band that they recently introduced me to at the other end of the country. Of course, my folks were thoroughly pissed, but I could care less. I liked my new way of life. It's so much more relaxing and enjoyable. I spent many a night at Ryan's flat because I was too tired after a night of *very hard* work (^_^) and didn't come home until the nest day, and even then, it was only to do my homework and change.
Ryan says my change in attitude and style (for the better, though; he says I'm a lot more "loose") is more significant than my change in after-school activities. I became an all-out punk. I got the spiked-up hair, the black nail polish, the punky clothes, plus all the patented chains and studs that complete the look. I even wear black eye makeup, but not too much, because I don't very much like the idea of all that crap on my face.
That's another thing. I tend to swear a lot more than I used to, almost as much as Ryan. Also, I've been hanging out with the digidestined kids less and less, to the point that the only time I ever see them is in my classes, because I run to lunch, eat eat eat, then head for the library to do my homework assigned in my first two classes.
Surprisingly, my marks have improved a lot, so it's good to have my change in living viewed as 'bad' (by my parents) to be balanced out with something 'good.' I have turned into a rebel, and I reveled in the fact. It was exciting and thrilling, and very satisfying. I've even smoked a few pot joints when alone in the flat with Dan, but that didn't go anywhere. I may be a rebel, but I will not smoke. Cancer sticks are not for me.
I do drink alcohol now, though, almost daily, but I'm smart enough not to drink enough that I can't get home or that it starts to affect me negatively. I've only gotten drunk once, and that was at the rock concert. Josh calls me 'the good boy that's oh-so-naughty in bed.' Heh. And proud of it, too, Joshie-boy.
It worries me sometimes, though, that I don't see my 'old' friends as often anymore. I mean, my new friends are great, but it seems as though I don't know them anymore. For example, last week . . .
//Flashback//
*crash* My face met the ground with rapid speed, and my books scattered everywhere. "Shit!" I cried. I was gonna be late for class. I gathered my books up quickly, but then noticed my notebook was missing. I looked around, and came face-to-face with Sora.
"Here," she said, holding out my notebook. "You dropped this."
"Thanks," I said, taking it and beginning to walk away.
"Hey, Tai!"
I turned around impatiently. Sora stood uncomfortably, shifting her weight to her other foot. "What?" I asked.
"Umm . . . I was just wondering if you wanted to meet me and the rest after school. We're going to see that new action movie, and - "
"Sorry, already seen it," I said, cutting her off.
"Oh . . ." she mumbled, looking hurt, but I didn't notice. She tried again. "Uh . . . nice clothes, Tai. Where'd you get the money for them?"
"Just doing odds and ends," I answered, barely managing not to snicker as I said it. "Look, I gotta get to class, or my teacher will fucking kill me."
Sora's head shot up. "Language, Tai," she said.
I scoffed. "You're not my fucking mother, Sora, now I really have to go." I started to turn again but I felt a hand grip my wrist. I sighed. "Now what, Sora?" I said, rolling my black-lined eyes.
She looked at my eyes, as if searching for something, but then let go. "I never get to see you anymore, Tai. Call me sometime, okay?"
"Yeah, sure. Gotta run. Bye." I left her standing there by the stairs as I hurried away.
//End of Flashback//
Now that I think about it, I had been a bit harsh, but that was one of my bad days. I thought it was obvious. I had slept in, received a lecture from my first period teacher for being late, tripped and fell with all my books, and then Sora kept questioning me though I repeatedly told her that I had to leave. Stupid Sora. What the fuck does she know, anyway.
Despite my vow earlier in the month, I think about Matt less and less until it came to a point where I spent a week or more without a second thought about him.
But today, Izzy caught up to me after school when I was hurrying home. "Hey, Tai, do you need a ride tomorrow?" he asked, walking beside me.
I looked at him blankly, still walking. "Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I mean, I know you're mom's working so she can't give you a ride to the airport."
I blinked. The airport . . . ? Oh! Matt's coming home tomorrow. "Sure, Izzy, that'd be good, thanks."
"Anytime, I'll be round at 7." And with that, I nodded and kept on walking home, while Izzy stopped and probably watched my retreating back. Eh, who cares. But Matt . . . my god, look how the weeks went by. He's coming . . . tomorrow night? I had plans, but I guess I'll have to cancel them. I can just see the look on Matt's face when he sees me. Heh, that'll be a sight.
I raced on home and took the elevator to my floor. I was fumbling in my pockets for my key and quickly opened the door, rushing to my room and immediately starting to do my homework, not bothering to change my clothes. I'd promised Ryan I'd meet him at 4:00 today, which was in less then a half hour. I was just pulling on my shoes to leave when I heard the doorbell ring. I frowned. 'Did Kari forget her key again?'
I sauntered over to the door, unlocked it and pulled it open. "Kari, did you forget your key again? Honestly, I -" I stopped in mid-sentence. What was HE doing here?
"Matt?"
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Hehehe, now things are getting good. You know that shirt Tai was wearing at the start of this chapter? The one that said, "I'm not stressed, I'm just terribly terribly alert"? hehe, my friend said that to me and I thought it'd make the perfect t-shirt. I've got a thing for t-shirts with funny saying that I can't explain -_-;; . If you guys know any more, tell me! But for now, just review this chapter, k? REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW I think I've had too much sugar . . .