LGF: Thank you for your reviews everyone!! Many of you did not fail to
mention how much of a bastard Tai was acting like. -_-;; I must say I
agree. He'll get his act together eventually. *sighs* I'm disappointed
in you Taichi, I really am.
Taichi: *bows head . . . and then runs off crying and screaming for Yama*
LGF: O_O TAICHI!!!! I'M SORRY!!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!! *starts running after him, arms flailing every which way* *pokes head back in door* Oh yeah, here's the next chappie. Enjoy ^_^ *runs off again, screaming like a fangirl*
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I was totally surprised when I saw Matt at my doorstep. He changed a bit too; his normally pale skin was a bit tanned, and his blonde hair had a few streaks of strands a slightly lighter shade then the rest. But it was still perfectly styled, as usual, and he had a huge grin on his face, making him look even more appealing. I almost drooled . . . (^_^)
But I was also a bit aggravated when he started criticizing me when he found that I had older friends. I hope he doesn't turn out like the others. Ugh, that would extremely suck.
Anyway, I was standing at the curb waiting for Chase and the others, trying to answer Matt's 'pointing-finger-at-me' questions while also trying to calm myself down. What if Ryan was hurt real bad? I remembered what Chase said on the phone . . .
//Flashback//
*RING RING*
Matt looked confused, looking around in hopes to see where the ringing was coming from, but I was already rummaging in my bag for the cell phone I bought last week with money I earned from some of my customers. "Sorry," I said apologetically. Matt nodded. I flipped open my cell phone.
"Yeah, Taichi."
"Taichi, it's me."
"Oh, hey Chase, listen, something, er, someone came up," I said smiling. I saw Matt smile to himself. "and I won't be able to come over as planned - "
"Tai, shut up and listen for a second! Go to the front of your building, right now."
My smile instantly vanished at his serious tone. "What? Why, what happened?"
"Ryan was confronted by Touya and his gang of fuckers. He got beat up pretty bad."
"Oh fuck," I breathed. Matt looked up, probably surprised at such language. Not that I cared at the moment; Touya was the leader of a group that we considered to be 'violent customers. He was also the one who tried to pick me up before Ryan and Josh 'rescued' me. "Oh, bloody hell, is he okay?"
"I dunno, he looked pretty bad, so Josh went and called the ambulance. He said the last thing Ryan said before he went unconscious is *your* name. Josh went into the ambulance with Ryan to the emergency room."
"Shit . . ." I was panicking now. Then I paused for a moment. "He said *my* name? Why would he do that?"
"I dunno, but I figure he'll want to see you when he wakes up. I drove off with Shawn and Dan right after the ambulance left. I'm taking my car out to your place, you hear?"
"Yeah, I'll be at the front, see you." I clicked the phone off and quickly started to pull on my shoes, while a very confused Yama bombarded me with questions.
//End Flashback// (A/N: I know this is a really bad flashback, but I didn't know how else to show what happened on the phone -_-;;)
At that moment, I heard a screeching sound behind us and I turned quickly. Seeing Chase in his red convertible, I jogged out onto the street and yelled, "Hey, over here!" and waved my arms.
Chase screeched to a halt beside me, and I jumped over the door and into the car. "See you later, Matt. Step on it!" I yelled.
I think Matt said something, but I didn't hear it 'cause we were already halfway down the street.
"Almost didn't recognize you with your uniform on. Makes you look even more like the 'good boy that's naughty in bed' like you are," commented Chase.
"Bet your customers would like that, eh?" joked Dan before inhaling a joint, and Chase laughed. I stared.
"How can you guys think of that at a time like this?" I yelled over the rushing wind.
Chase paused, then yelled back, "You're right, sorry Tai. We should be getting there soon . . ."
It's a miracle that we didn't run into any cops, 'cause we must've broken every speeding law that existed. The shiny red convertible left black tire marks as Chase wildly rounded corners and frequently changed lanes to pass other 'fucking slow' cars, as Chase called them as he honked and swore at the drivers and gripped his leather steering wheel tightly so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
When we finally pulled up by the E.R., I was the first to jump out of the car and run to the entrance. Josh was Ryan's best friend, but he was also almost like my mentor. Ryan was the one who introduced me to the rest, showed me the ropes, took me places, taught me . . . and all this prostitution stuff may seem insignificant to anybody else, but we created a bond that could never be broken. Which was why I burst into the emergency room with all my might and looked around.
I immediately spotted Josh, who was pacing back and forth near a set of swinging doors and looked up when he saw me. "Is he okay?" I asked, running up to him.
"I don't know, they just took him away, they wouldn't let me come with him!" That seemed to be his breaking point, because he suddenly burst into tears.
I was shocked. I've never seen Josh cry before. But somehow, I just reached over and hugged him, and he clung to me like a child would cling to a parent when it's lost it's favorite blankie. We stood there, Josh sobbing his eyes out and me patting his back and whispering reassuringly. When he calmed down, I pulled away, realizing that my own eyes were pretty damp. I wiped them quickly, and seeing black on my fingers I realized I had smudged my eyeliner. Oh, screw it.
Suddenly Chase spoke up, which made me jump. I had almost forgotten that he, Shawn, and Dan were standing behind me.
"Do you know anything?" he asked tentatively. Josh shook his head, his eyes suddenly angry.
"That guy over there won't tell me anything!" he cried, pointing to a blue- haired person in a white coat. Hold on, that guy looked familiar . . .
"Oh my god," I muttered, throwing my hands up in the air in frustration. I walked over to him. "Joe!"
The others looked surprised that I would know his name, and so did Joe. He realized it was me and quickly readjusted his glasses. "Tai! What are you doing here?"
"I should ask the same thing to you," I said none too politely, crossing my arms, but who gives a crap at this moment.
"I'm a trainee at this hospital. But what are *you* doing here?"
"I'm a friend of the guy that he was asking you about, too," I said gesturing over to Josh, who was now in tears again and hugging Shawn. "Please, Joe, don't you know anything?" I pleaded.
Joe looked me over, and then sighed. "Alright, fine." I called over to the rest of the guys and they came over quickly. "Is he gonna be okay?" asked Josh hopefully.
"Well, he has several head injuries, so he's got a concussion, but it's not too serious. He's lucky he got out when he did, from what you've told me," he nodded at Josh, "if he had been in that fight any longer there would have gotten some permanent brain damage. He's out cold right now, but should be awake before . . ." He looked at his wristwatch. ". . . before nightfall. We'll have to run some tests when he regains consciousness to make sure there will be no lasting effects."
"So he'll be okay?" I prompted. Joe nodded, and Josh leapt for joy and let out a whoop. He turned to me.
"Did you hear? HE'S GONNA BE OKAY!!!" he yelled joyfully, and Joe smiled. Josh then hugged me again; lifting me up like a father would his little girl.
"Yes, yes I heard, Josh, now put me down!" I laughed. Still laughing, he didn't even notice the surprised look on Joe's face when he kissed my cheek.
Joe looked at me expectantly, and I felt uneasy under his gaze. "Well . . . huh, that's weird, he's never done that before," I said, forcing a grin. "Should have expected it from Josh, he's always so hyper, the joker," I laughed.
Joe smiled a little, but did not look convinced. Shit. "Well, I must be going," he told me, then scurried away. I looked after him, mentally cursing at Josh for not thinking before acting. Friendly kisses were normal with us; we are, after all, gay prostitutes. I just hope Joe won't say anything. Shit, what am I thinking, the rest of the school will be buzzing with rumors that I'm gay by lunch hour tomorrow.
My thoughts turned to Matt. I felt really bad for leaving him there like that, really I did. A wave of guilt flooded through me as I imagined him trudging home, his head down. 'What kind of fucking best friend am I?' I thought angrily, fisting my fingers. But . . . if you think about it, this is just a really bad coincidence. I would still be with Matt right now, laughing and playing around like old times, but Ryan . . . I couldn't just leave him. I mean, with the limited information Chase had given me, I thought he was gonna die or something. Can you say, 'Panic Mode?'
I waited in silence with the others, waiting for Ryan to awake, when the doors opened and none other than Matt Ishida walked in.
"Whoa," said Chase quietly. "He's really -"
"Hey Matt, what are you doing here?" I asked loudly, giving Chase a look.
Matt turned his elegant head and saw me. "Oh, there you are, Tai. I was just worried about you; you took off so quickly. Is your friend alright?"
"Yeah, he should be okay," I said, standing up and walking over to Matt. "Just has a concussion. Joe was here before, and he said he was gonna be okay once he wakes up." I heard Chase clear his throat. "Oh, how rude of me," I said. "This is Josh, Chase, Shawn, and Dan, but don't go near him, he smells like crack." Dan made a noise of protest, and I smiled. "Just kidding, Dan. Guys, this is Matt, my best friend." I cringed inwardly. 'But I haven't really been one to him, have I?'
"Hey, Matt," said Chase cheerfully, waving slightly. I forced myself to hold back a laugh when I saw Shawn glare at him. Heh, if looks could kill, Chase would be six feet under right now. The rest also greeted Matt.
"Hi," said Matt. Then he turned to me. "Are you coming home soon, Tai? I thought we could catch up and stuff."
I winced. "You know I'd love to Matt, really, but I think I should stay here until Ryan wakes up, y'know?" I shifted uneasily.
"Hey, I understand. See you tomorrow in homeroom, then? I can't wait to see the others' faces when they see I'm here early."
"You bet," I said, slapping his back in a 'guy hug.' "See you then. It's good that you're back. Missed you, dude."
Matt's eyebrows wiggled a little, then smiled and said, "Yeah, bye Tai."
"Bye."
I waited until Matt's retreating back disappeared from my view, then sighed and collapsed into a hard plastic hospital chair between Chase and Shawn.
"Wow, no wonder you had a crush on him!" Chase whispered excitedly, but low enough so other people wouldn't hear. "You're one lucky guy, Tai."
"You won't be so lucky if you don't shut up right now," growled Shawn menacingly between clenched teeth.
"Aww, I'm sorry baby, I can make it up to you *in the bathroom* if you want," Chase whispered.
"Deal," said Shawn, standing up and a mischievous sparkle glinting in his eye. The rest of that sniggered none-too-quietly as they exaggerated their sneaking motions out the door, holding up fake guns and humming the theme song for 'Mission Impossible.'
A few minutes after they left, Joe walked in. "Ryan has woken up. You guys can go see him now," he said.
Josh and I jumped up quickly and ran for the door while Dan stayed so that he could tell Shawn and Chase when they got back from the, ahem, bathroom.
Josh found Ryan's room first. He was lying in a bed with a bandage around his head and an IV needle in his arm, but otherwise seemed okay. "Hey guys," he said, blue eyes looking relieved. "The fucking hospital people were freaking me out. Especially the blue-haired guy. He kept telling me how bad it *could've* been."
I laughed. "Same old Joe. He's one of my uh, friends from school and a trainee here. He, uh, tends to be pessimistic at times. But we're just glad you're okay."
"Yeah, my head still smarts, though," Ryan said, rubbing it with his free hand. He suddenly broke into a grin. "You look real fucking yummy in that school uniform, you know that? Makes you look even more like the - "
"Good boy who's naughty in bed, yes I know, Chase said the same thing," I finished for him, grinning exasperatedly.
"Where is Chase? And Shawn and Dan?" asked Ryan.
"Shawn and Chase took a little, um, *trip to the bathroom,*" said Josh jokingly, "and Dan is waiting for them to finish so he can tell them you're awake now."
"Ahh." Ryan nodded knowingly.
I smiled, but then turned serious again. "Ryan, what happened? All I know is that you got beat up. Why were you with Touya in the first place?"
"I wasn't," said Ryan adamantly. "I was standing by myself on the street, hoping to pick someone up, and he just came along. He asked if I wanted to get it on, and I said no. So then he called his cronies and they started to hit me . . . I tried to fight back, but there were too many . . ."
"There were a lot of them kicking at his head when Chase and I got there," spoke up Josh. "Ryan couldn't have fought them all by himself, but two or more people standing against them would make it not worth the fuss, so they backed off. That's when he said . . ." He trailed off.
"My name," I said softly. "Why did you say my name, Ryan?"
Ryan suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "I said your name? Oh . . . I, uh -"
"Ryan? Do you like, *like* Tai?" asked Josh seriously. Ryan blushed. "Okay then! I'll leave you two alone!" He got up and started walking out.
"Josh," Ryan called, but he had already gone and closed the door behind him. I looked at Ryan, but he wouldn't look at me back.
The silence was deafening.
"Ryan?" I asked quietly. Nothing. "Ryan . . . is what he said . . . true?" My words were kind, not accusing, and I think that's what made him look at me.
"Yes," he said shakily. He cleared his throat. "Yes, I do. Is that so wrong? I mean, you're beautiful, wonderful, loyal, funny, loving, full of spunk, and everything any guy could ever possibly hope of having." He looked down suddenly. "But of course, you don't feel the same way."
I was silent for a moment. "Don't I?" I said thoughtfully. Ryan moved his head up slowly to face me. I touched his cheek. Do I like him? Love him? Ryan, the one who showed me so much in the past month? Ryan, with the delicately angled face, smooth skin, and deep, deep, dark blue eyes . . .
"You know what?" I said softly. "Looking into your eyes now . . . I think I just might too . . ." Ryan's eyes widened, then fluttered closed when I moved a strand of his silky hair out of his eyes. I moved my face closer to his until my nose touched his briefly, which sent his eyes flying open again. He looked into my eyes adoringly, then kissed my lips gently.
It was the most wonderful kiss of my life, full of meaning and love, nothing like the ones I've ever gotten. When we pulled apart, Ryan smiled a true, happy smile and I felt one tugging at my own lips as well. I touched my lips, which still tingled from the short but sweet kiss. I sighed and leaned my forehead against his, and we remained like that for a long time.
After a few minutes of basking in each other's essence, a beeper went off on the clock next to Ryan's bed, which startled me and made me jump. Ryan laughed and looked at the clock, which was flashing 5:00. Ryan smiled and kissed my forehead gently, then spoke against it, "You should go. Tell the other's I'm going to sleep, okay? I'll see you all tomorrow, I hope. Especially you, Taichi," he whispered meaningfully, his voice full of emotion.
"Okay," I whispered back. I kissed him again, then stood up and held his hand.
"Bye," he said.
"Bye," I said back, and I slowly let go of his hand and when our fingers were no longer touching, I opened the door. Taking one last look, I left his room and went outside.
But unknown to Tai and Ryan, someone had been watching.
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*Mystery music plays* Dun dun dun . . .
LGF: Notice how he left Ryan just like he left Mattie in the first chapter?? ^_^
Yama: Yeah, no fair. Hey . . . *looks around* where is he anyway?
LGF: *shrugs* I dunno, I think he ran off looking for you when I told him he was being a bastard.
Yama: *flames in his eyes* HOW DARE YOU!!! TAICHI, BEAUTIFUL, WHERE'D YOU GOOO??????? *runs off looking for Taichi*
(walks in the door) Taichi: Hey has anyone seen Mattie?
LGF: -_-;; Oh, and to all my wonderful, wonderful reviewers *eyes are pleading* PLEASE DON'T HATE ME!!! You've still got faith in me, right? RIGHT?!?!?!?
What unknown eyes were watching the them? What will Matt do to find out more about Tai? And what of Tai and Ryan? Find out in the next episode of Digimon, Digital- *chokes* *cough* I mean, in the next chapter! In the meantime . . . REVIEW TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taichi: *bows head . . . and then runs off crying and screaming for Yama*
LGF: O_O TAICHI!!!! I'M SORRY!!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!! *starts running after him, arms flailing every which way* *pokes head back in door* Oh yeah, here's the next chappie. Enjoy ^_^ *runs off again, screaming like a fangirl*
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I was totally surprised when I saw Matt at my doorstep. He changed a bit too; his normally pale skin was a bit tanned, and his blonde hair had a few streaks of strands a slightly lighter shade then the rest. But it was still perfectly styled, as usual, and he had a huge grin on his face, making him look even more appealing. I almost drooled . . . (^_^)
But I was also a bit aggravated when he started criticizing me when he found that I had older friends. I hope he doesn't turn out like the others. Ugh, that would extremely suck.
Anyway, I was standing at the curb waiting for Chase and the others, trying to answer Matt's 'pointing-finger-at-me' questions while also trying to calm myself down. What if Ryan was hurt real bad? I remembered what Chase said on the phone . . .
//Flashback//
*RING RING*
Matt looked confused, looking around in hopes to see where the ringing was coming from, but I was already rummaging in my bag for the cell phone I bought last week with money I earned from some of my customers. "Sorry," I said apologetically. Matt nodded. I flipped open my cell phone.
"Yeah, Taichi."
"Taichi, it's me."
"Oh, hey Chase, listen, something, er, someone came up," I said smiling. I saw Matt smile to himself. "and I won't be able to come over as planned - "
"Tai, shut up and listen for a second! Go to the front of your building, right now."
My smile instantly vanished at his serious tone. "What? Why, what happened?"
"Ryan was confronted by Touya and his gang of fuckers. He got beat up pretty bad."
"Oh fuck," I breathed. Matt looked up, probably surprised at such language. Not that I cared at the moment; Touya was the leader of a group that we considered to be 'violent customers. He was also the one who tried to pick me up before Ryan and Josh 'rescued' me. "Oh, bloody hell, is he okay?"
"I dunno, he looked pretty bad, so Josh went and called the ambulance. He said the last thing Ryan said before he went unconscious is *your* name. Josh went into the ambulance with Ryan to the emergency room."
"Shit . . ." I was panicking now. Then I paused for a moment. "He said *my* name? Why would he do that?"
"I dunno, but I figure he'll want to see you when he wakes up. I drove off with Shawn and Dan right after the ambulance left. I'm taking my car out to your place, you hear?"
"Yeah, I'll be at the front, see you." I clicked the phone off and quickly started to pull on my shoes, while a very confused Yama bombarded me with questions.
//End Flashback// (A/N: I know this is a really bad flashback, but I didn't know how else to show what happened on the phone -_-;;)
At that moment, I heard a screeching sound behind us and I turned quickly. Seeing Chase in his red convertible, I jogged out onto the street and yelled, "Hey, over here!" and waved my arms.
Chase screeched to a halt beside me, and I jumped over the door and into the car. "See you later, Matt. Step on it!" I yelled.
I think Matt said something, but I didn't hear it 'cause we were already halfway down the street.
"Almost didn't recognize you with your uniform on. Makes you look even more like the 'good boy that's naughty in bed' like you are," commented Chase.
"Bet your customers would like that, eh?" joked Dan before inhaling a joint, and Chase laughed. I stared.
"How can you guys think of that at a time like this?" I yelled over the rushing wind.
Chase paused, then yelled back, "You're right, sorry Tai. We should be getting there soon . . ."
It's a miracle that we didn't run into any cops, 'cause we must've broken every speeding law that existed. The shiny red convertible left black tire marks as Chase wildly rounded corners and frequently changed lanes to pass other 'fucking slow' cars, as Chase called them as he honked and swore at the drivers and gripped his leather steering wheel tightly so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
When we finally pulled up by the E.R., I was the first to jump out of the car and run to the entrance. Josh was Ryan's best friend, but he was also almost like my mentor. Ryan was the one who introduced me to the rest, showed me the ropes, took me places, taught me . . . and all this prostitution stuff may seem insignificant to anybody else, but we created a bond that could never be broken. Which was why I burst into the emergency room with all my might and looked around.
I immediately spotted Josh, who was pacing back and forth near a set of swinging doors and looked up when he saw me. "Is he okay?" I asked, running up to him.
"I don't know, they just took him away, they wouldn't let me come with him!" That seemed to be his breaking point, because he suddenly burst into tears.
I was shocked. I've never seen Josh cry before. But somehow, I just reached over and hugged him, and he clung to me like a child would cling to a parent when it's lost it's favorite blankie. We stood there, Josh sobbing his eyes out and me patting his back and whispering reassuringly. When he calmed down, I pulled away, realizing that my own eyes were pretty damp. I wiped them quickly, and seeing black on my fingers I realized I had smudged my eyeliner. Oh, screw it.
Suddenly Chase spoke up, which made me jump. I had almost forgotten that he, Shawn, and Dan were standing behind me.
"Do you know anything?" he asked tentatively. Josh shook his head, his eyes suddenly angry.
"That guy over there won't tell me anything!" he cried, pointing to a blue- haired person in a white coat. Hold on, that guy looked familiar . . .
"Oh my god," I muttered, throwing my hands up in the air in frustration. I walked over to him. "Joe!"
The others looked surprised that I would know his name, and so did Joe. He realized it was me and quickly readjusted his glasses. "Tai! What are you doing here?"
"I should ask the same thing to you," I said none too politely, crossing my arms, but who gives a crap at this moment.
"I'm a trainee at this hospital. But what are *you* doing here?"
"I'm a friend of the guy that he was asking you about, too," I said gesturing over to Josh, who was now in tears again and hugging Shawn. "Please, Joe, don't you know anything?" I pleaded.
Joe looked me over, and then sighed. "Alright, fine." I called over to the rest of the guys and they came over quickly. "Is he gonna be okay?" asked Josh hopefully.
"Well, he has several head injuries, so he's got a concussion, but it's not too serious. He's lucky he got out when he did, from what you've told me," he nodded at Josh, "if he had been in that fight any longer there would have gotten some permanent brain damage. He's out cold right now, but should be awake before . . ." He looked at his wristwatch. ". . . before nightfall. We'll have to run some tests when he regains consciousness to make sure there will be no lasting effects."
"So he'll be okay?" I prompted. Joe nodded, and Josh leapt for joy and let out a whoop. He turned to me.
"Did you hear? HE'S GONNA BE OKAY!!!" he yelled joyfully, and Joe smiled. Josh then hugged me again; lifting me up like a father would his little girl.
"Yes, yes I heard, Josh, now put me down!" I laughed. Still laughing, he didn't even notice the surprised look on Joe's face when he kissed my cheek.
Joe looked at me expectantly, and I felt uneasy under his gaze. "Well . . . huh, that's weird, he's never done that before," I said, forcing a grin. "Should have expected it from Josh, he's always so hyper, the joker," I laughed.
Joe smiled a little, but did not look convinced. Shit. "Well, I must be going," he told me, then scurried away. I looked after him, mentally cursing at Josh for not thinking before acting. Friendly kisses were normal with us; we are, after all, gay prostitutes. I just hope Joe won't say anything. Shit, what am I thinking, the rest of the school will be buzzing with rumors that I'm gay by lunch hour tomorrow.
My thoughts turned to Matt. I felt really bad for leaving him there like that, really I did. A wave of guilt flooded through me as I imagined him trudging home, his head down. 'What kind of fucking best friend am I?' I thought angrily, fisting my fingers. But . . . if you think about it, this is just a really bad coincidence. I would still be with Matt right now, laughing and playing around like old times, but Ryan . . . I couldn't just leave him. I mean, with the limited information Chase had given me, I thought he was gonna die or something. Can you say, 'Panic Mode?'
I waited in silence with the others, waiting for Ryan to awake, when the doors opened and none other than Matt Ishida walked in.
"Whoa," said Chase quietly. "He's really -"
"Hey Matt, what are you doing here?" I asked loudly, giving Chase a look.
Matt turned his elegant head and saw me. "Oh, there you are, Tai. I was just worried about you; you took off so quickly. Is your friend alright?"
"Yeah, he should be okay," I said, standing up and walking over to Matt. "Just has a concussion. Joe was here before, and he said he was gonna be okay once he wakes up." I heard Chase clear his throat. "Oh, how rude of me," I said. "This is Josh, Chase, Shawn, and Dan, but don't go near him, he smells like crack." Dan made a noise of protest, and I smiled. "Just kidding, Dan. Guys, this is Matt, my best friend." I cringed inwardly. 'But I haven't really been one to him, have I?'
"Hey, Matt," said Chase cheerfully, waving slightly. I forced myself to hold back a laugh when I saw Shawn glare at him. Heh, if looks could kill, Chase would be six feet under right now. The rest also greeted Matt.
"Hi," said Matt. Then he turned to me. "Are you coming home soon, Tai? I thought we could catch up and stuff."
I winced. "You know I'd love to Matt, really, but I think I should stay here until Ryan wakes up, y'know?" I shifted uneasily.
"Hey, I understand. See you tomorrow in homeroom, then? I can't wait to see the others' faces when they see I'm here early."
"You bet," I said, slapping his back in a 'guy hug.' "See you then. It's good that you're back. Missed you, dude."
Matt's eyebrows wiggled a little, then smiled and said, "Yeah, bye Tai."
"Bye."
I waited until Matt's retreating back disappeared from my view, then sighed and collapsed into a hard plastic hospital chair between Chase and Shawn.
"Wow, no wonder you had a crush on him!" Chase whispered excitedly, but low enough so other people wouldn't hear. "You're one lucky guy, Tai."
"You won't be so lucky if you don't shut up right now," growled Shawn menacingly between clenched teeth.
"Aww, I'm sorry baby, I can make it up to you *in the bathroom* if you want," Chase whispered.
"Deal," said Shawn, standing up and a mischievous sparkle glinting in his eye. The rest of that sniggered none-too-quietly as they exaggerated their sneaking motions out the door, holding up fake guns and humming the theme song for 'Mission Impossible.'
A few minutes after they left, Joe walked in. "Ryan has woken up. You guys can go see him now," he said.
Josh and I jumped up quickly and ran for the door while Dan stayed so that he could tell Shawn and Chase when they got back from the, ahem, bathroom.
Josh found Ryan's room first. He was lying in a bed with a bandage around his head and an IV needle in his arm, but otherwise seemed okay. "Hey guys," he said, blue eyes looking relieved. "The fucking hospital people were freaking me out. Especially the blue-haired guy. He kept telling me how bad it *could've* been."
I laughed. "Same old Joe. He's one of my uh, friends from school and a trainee here. He, uh, tends to be pessimistic at times. But we're just glad you're okay."
"Yeah, my head still smarts, though," Ryan said, rubbing it with his free hand. He suddenly broke into a grin. "You look real fucking yummy in that school uniform, you know that? Makes you look even more like the - "
"Good boy who's naughty in bed, yes I know, Chase said the same thing," I finished for him, grinning exasperatedly.
"Where is Chase? And Shawn and Dan?" asked Ryan.
"Shawn and Chase took a little, um, *trip to the bathroom,*" said Josh jokingly, "and Dan is waiting for them to finish so he can tell them you're awake now."
"Ahh." Ryan nodded knowingly.
I smiled, but then turned serious again. "Ryan, what happened? All I know is that you got beat up. Why were you with Touya in the first place?"
"I wasn't," said Ryan adamantly. "I was standing by myself on the street, hoping to pick someone up, and he just came along. He asked if I wanted to get it on, and I said no. So then he called his cronies and they started to hit me . . . I tried to fight back, but there were too many . . ."
"There were a lot of them kicking at his head when Chase and I got there," spoke up Josh. "Ryan couldn't have fought them all by himself, but two or more people standing against them would make it not worth the fuss, so they backed off. That's when he said . . ." He trailed off.
"My name," I said softly. "Why did you say my name, Ryan?"
Ryan suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "I said your name? Oh . . . I, uh -"
"Ryan? Do you like, *like* Tai?" asked Josh seriously. Ryan blushed. "Okay then! I'll leave you two alone!" He got up and started walking out.
"Josh," Ryan called, but he had already gone and closed the door behind him. I looked at Ryan, but he wouldn't look at me back.
The silence was deafening.
"Ryan?" I asked quietly. Nothing. "Ryan . . . is what he said . . . true?" My words were kind, not accusing, and I think that's what made him look at me.
"Yes," he said shakily. He cleared his throat. "Yes, I do. Is that so wrong? I mean, you're beautiful, wonderful, loyal, funny, loving, full of spunk, and everything any guy could ever possibly hope of having." He looked down suddenly. "But of course, you don't feel the same way."
I was silent for a moment. "Don't I?" I said thoughtfully. Ryan moved his head up slowly to face me. I touched his cheek. Do I like him? Love him? Ryan, the one who showed me so much in the past month? Ryan, with the delicately angled face, smooth skin, and deep, deep, dark blue eyes . . .
"You know what?" I said softly. "Looking into your eyes now . . . I think I just might too . . ." Ryan's eyes widened, then fluttered closed when I moved a strand of his silky hair out of his eyes. I moved my face closer to his until my nose touched his briefly, which sent his eyes flying open again. He looked into my eyes adoringly, then kissed my lips gently.
It was the most wonderful kiss of my life, full of meaning and love, nothing like the ones I've ever gotten. When we pulled apart, Ryan smiled a true, happy smile and I felt one tugging at my own lips as well. I touched my lips, which still tingled from the short but sweet kiss. I sighed and leaned my forehead against his, and we remained like that for a long time.
After a few minutes of basking in each other's essence, a beeper went off on the clock next to Ryan's bed, which startled me and made me jump. Ryan laughed and looked at the clock, which was flashing 5:00. Ryan smiled and kissed my forehead gently, then spoke against it, "You should go. Tell the other's I'm going to sleep, okay? I'll see you all tomorrow, I hope. Especially you, Taichi," he whispered meaningfully, his voice full of emotion.
"Okay," I whispered back. I kissed him again, then stood up and held his hand.
"Bye," he said.
"Bye," I said back, and I slowly let go of his hand and when our fingers were no longer touching, I opened the door. Taking one last look, I left his room and went outside.
But unknown to Tai and Ryan, someone had been watching.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*Mystery music plays* Dun dun dun . . .
LGF: Notice how he left Ryan just like he left Mattie in the first chapter?? ^_^
Yama: Yeah, no fair. Hey . . . *looks around* where is he anyway?
LGF: *shrugs* I dunno, I think he ran off looking for you when I told him he was being a bastard.
Yama: *flames in his eyes* HOW DARE YOU!!! TAICHI, BEAUTIFUL, WHERE'D YOU GOOO??????? *runs off looking for Taichi*
(walks in the door) Taichi: Hey has anyone seen Mattie?
LGF: -_-;; Oh, and to all my wonderful, wonderful reviewers *eyes are pleading* PLEASE DON'T HATE ME!!! You've still got faith in me, right? RIGHT?!?!?!?
What unknown eyes were watching the them? What will Matt do to find out more about Tai? And what of Tai and Ryan? Find out in the next episode of Digimon, Digital- *chokes* *cough* I mean, in the next chapter! In the meantime . . . REVIEW TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!