LGF: Hey everybodee!! Ha HA, here I am with my next chapter!
Taichi: Yeah, at least she didn't as long as last time, so you can't complain now!
LGF: Thank you, Taichi. I wrote this while on the beautiful beach in Cuba. Did you miss me, Tai?
Taichi: 'Course! *gives LGF a hug* -Yama walks in- YAMA-CHAN!!! *runs into Matt's arms* - they walk off somewhere -
LGF: *pouts* Oh well. Anyway, I think the sun is good for taito fic writing. You should all try it! *laughs because she went to Cuba and you didn't* ^_^ Ya, I actually had this typed up and ready to go about a week ago, but lack of a phone connection kinda sets you back ^_^' stupid computer got all crapped up ONE DAY after I finished typing this. *sighs* Anyway . . .
All the support I've been getting is really encouraging. Wow I got over 100 reviews!!! *beams* I'm soo happee!! Here's a few shout-outs:
Tyson FoxFlame: Here is my reply to your rant of 'WHY AREN'T TAI AND YAMA TOGETHER YET AND WHY IS TAI HURT!?!?!?' hehehe . . . well Tai didn't get *that* hurt (thankfully ^_^), and Yama and Tai aren't together yet as a result of my love of drawing things out . . . hehehe I'm so evil *sadistic grin* Not to worry, things take a better turn in this chappie!!
Bishie Lovers R Us: Well, I'm glad my fic is reason for wild yelling and dancing ^_^ thanks for your review!
Lady Kamiya: hehehe, eww you got Tai's shirt all snotty! ^_^ again, thanks for your review!
Princess Swifty: *GASP* POOR YAMMIE! *gives Yama a hug* Lol, thanks for your review!
Bishou: I hope I didn't make you suffer too long! If people suffer . . . well, that means they won't review ^_^ Well, here's the next chappie!
Also thanks to everyone else that reviewed chapter 8: Sillie, nEo-cHaN, Redrum, Mira Black (yes! Lol, we can both rule over the kingdom of not- updating! lol I'm hyper . . . -_-;;), Heaven's Angel Chick, evilchild2, Redvind, starfall13, goggle head girl, Rotten Angel, Dark Willow aka Admiral2, Anime Writer2, Dreamer, Titanit Enozym, 'lol', and shadow-seraph. Thank you all! Also to Bishou: I was going over all my reviews and I saw yours, your first one, and I can't believe I never thanked you! ^_^ *big eyes* Thank you soo much, I am so touched that you liked it that much. *sniffle* anyway . . .
I'm dedicating this chapter to Lady Kamiya, Sillie, Tyson FoxFlame, nEo- cHaN, Anime Writer2, and Redrum, who have reviewed almost every single chapter in this fic thus far (yay Redrum! You reviewed all 8! *hands Redrum a big taito prize pack*) and have also reviewed my other stories. Thankies thankies to you all! Luv you guys!! ^_^
Yeah, anyway, so here's the next chapter. Umm . . . ya. Enjoy?
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I woke up the next morning and decided that I should tell Yamato what I was feeling. I walked to his apartment in a daze, everything seemed to blur except for his door once I reached it. Everything was so surreal; I could hear my breathing in my ears. I rang the doorbell and waited, still breathing heavily. I was about to leave when I heard the door open behind me and I heard *his* angry voice. "What do *you* want?" he growled. I turned back around.
I wasn't fazed though, somehow, by his edgy tone. Behind Matt, I noticed TK yelling at the teddy bear he was holding. I raised an eyebrow then turned my attention back to Matt. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Matt . . . I love you."
Our eyes were locked; my gaze unwavering, his unreadable. There was a long pause.
Too long. I touched Matt's shoulder and realized he was shaking. "Matt?" I asked tentatively.
"You sick freak!" He shoved my arm away. I looked at his eyes with a brokenhearted wonder, the usually calm sea in those orbs raging in a violent storm. "Get away from me and never come near me again!" He shoved me, hard, and slammed the door in my face.
Everything around me went all hazy, and I fell. I tripped over the railing of the outside hallway and fell, hurtling toward the ground . . .
*THUMP*
I opened my eyes, gasping for breath and feeling moisture run down my cheeks. Amongst my heavy breathing, I heaved a sigh of relief. "A dream," I muttered. "It was just a dream." I buried my face in my hands. I smiled for a minute at the image of what Takeru was doing in my dream, attempting to calm myself down. But then I did a double take.
I was . . . in Matt's apartment . . . on the floor, beside his couch, to be exact . . . and there was a smell of pancakes coming from the kitchen.
I blinked.
"Taichi?"
I jumped a mile, and warily looked towards the voice that haunted my dreams. Matt. Wearing his pink apron, no less.
"Matt?" I stuttered. Not only was I surprised, but that apron caused some kinky ideas to creep into my head. "I, I uh, how did . . . what . . ."
"I found you passed out at the park and, um, brought you here," the blonde said quietly. He was holding a spatula. "Er . . . you want some pancakes? I just made them."
I stared. Not that I appreciated Matt being so nice and all, but it was puzzling me why. I mean, he should hate me, like the rest of them. He does hate me. Doesn't he? And then there's Ryan . . . does he know? Did he see anything? Is that why he's being so friendly, because he knows we're broken up?
This was too much to think about right now. I had to escape.
"Matt, I . . . I gotta go," I stuttered, standing up, not able to put consonants together. I started to back away, in the direction of the door. "Um, I, I'm sorry . . . bye." I saw Matt advancing a bit on me, and my digital instincts suddenly took over and I bolted for the door. I managed to unlock it quickly and then ran like the wind. I think I heard Matt call my name, I dunno, but I was already down the hall and at the staircase anyway.
I knew this, running away from my problems, would not keep me at bay for long. It probably wasn't the smartest choice right now either, but I just couldn't face him. Not now. I had to work everything out with myself before talking to Matt.
I slowed down only when I reached my apartment building. I stopped in front of the double glass doors, panting with my hands on my knees. I saw a dark spot appear on the concrete below. I blinked, causing another tear to fall. Why was I crying?
Grumbling and cursing my emotional self to show this weakness, I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and trudged inside, dragging my legs up the stairs to my apartment. Though I was exhausted from running, I didn't feel like taking the elevator. It seemed so lonesome at the moment. Here at least I had the sounds of my footsteps echoing off the walls to focus on.
Once I reached my flat I fumbled for my keys in my pockets. I opened the door to enter into my home and kicked off my shoes, the familiarity of my surroundings comforting me somewhat. No one was home, so I headed straight for the couch, collapsed onto it and buried my face in a pillow. "Life is *such* a bitch," I grumbled into it.
"I agree."
I jumped a mile for the second time that day and fell off the couch in surprise. I looked up over the top of the coffee table tiredly. Dark blue eyes peered back at me.
"Your sister let me in," Ryan said before I could say anything. He got up from where he sat at the kitchen table and walked over, placing himself on the couch. "Tai . . . we have to talk."
"I know," I groaned as I pulled myself up to sit beside him. I sighed, leaning my head against the back of the couch. "About last night . . ."
"I'm sorry for getting all ticked off like that," he burst out. I looked at him and he looked mildly troubled. "All that alcohol . . . but I still think that - "
"– that we shouldn't go out anymore," I finished quietly. Ryan nodded.
"But we have grown close," he paused hesitantly. "I think we can still be friends, right? I mean, like we were before I, you know, asked you out. Besides," a smile broke out on his face. "I can tell you're still totally hung up on Matt." I grinned despite myself. "Speaking of which, what took you so long, coming home from his place? It's not that far, is it?"
"Well, I – hold on, how did you know I was at Matt's?" I asked incredulously.
"Well, when I left you I was, naturally, totally and drunkenly pissed, so I went and uh, called up your place for some reason," he said uncomfortably. "Uh . . . Kari answered. I said some nasty shit to her about . . . stuff. I apologized when I came here, though," he reassured me when I gave him a you-better-apologize-or-else look. "I kind of just sulked in the bushes after that. I saw Matt come. He . . . stayed at your side for a while, just watching you. Then he hauled you onto his shoulders and lugged you off in the same direction he was going originally, with some difficulty, I might add." I smiled, knowing that Matt is not known for his athletic ability. "Kari told me that you were at his place, which I kinda guessed already." He paused. "You're really lucky to have a friend like him, Tai."
"I know," I mumbled. I paused for a moment to absorb everything. Matt . . . watched me? Why? Could he . . . is it possible . . .
"I really think he likes you," said Ryan quietly, as if reading my thoughts. "You should talk to him. I'm guessing you didn't this morning?"
I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "No . . . I wanted to sort things out with you first."
Ryan looked up and gave me an appreciative smile. "Thanks . . ."
A comfortable silence passed between us, which gave me time to think. So, Ryan and I weren't going out anymore. It's for the best, I think. Besides, I loved Matt. Probably . . . no, definitely, I was in love with him all along. It almost seemed as if I used Ryan to take out my emotional frustration on.
I suddenly felt incredibly guilty.
I cleared my throat. "Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry for all of this. I feel like I've used you as my toy while I've loved Matt all along." I turned my head, not wanting to look Ryan in the eye. Broken up or not, we still cared about each other very much and I hated to break his heart. He, for one, had actually been in love with me.
"Hey, don't sweat it," Ryan said softly, breaking me out of my reverie. "You're not the only one."
I'm not the only – huh? I must have voiced my thoughts out loud because Ryan chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I, um . . ." He suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable, and started fiddling with his thumbs. "I, I-don't-think-I- ever-really-got-over-my-crush-on-Josh," he said really fast.
I had no idea how I managed to understand that, but I did, and I couldn't help it, my face broke out into a wild grin. "No way! Really? That's great! I mean . . ." I stopped, seeing the wry look on Ryan's face. "I mean, sorry man. Must be real tough on you." Ugh, that was *so* stupid. I felt like pounding my head into the wall, which I knew to be very solid. I smiled to show my support.
"Looks like we're in the same boat," Ryan commented sarcastically, but smiling a bit now too. Relieved, I let out the breath I had been holding. He paused. "Except that you actually *have* a chance with Matt. Josh and I will never happen," he said mournfully.
My head shot up. "Hey, don't say that! I mean, think about it, has Josh gone out with anyone since you were together?" He shook his head. "See? Maybe he's been having trouble getting over you too. Maybe he didn't want to. Maybe – " I paused, thinking. "Hey, don't you think he was a little *too* enthusiastic that day in the hospital, when we first got together? Remember how he practically fled from the room, to 'leave us alone?' I bet you any money he was faking it. Oh, forget that," I added again. "in the waiting room, when I first arrived? He totally broke down and started to . . . he started to cry, Ryan."
Ryan's eyes widened. "He cried?" he asked softly. I nodded.
"Sobbed was more like it. He just literally, broke down. And when Joe, the blue-haired guy, told us that you were okay, he practically jumped for joy and ran to your room full-speed."
Ryan turned his head and stared at the wall. "I never would've guessed," he said in that same, soft voice that held so many emotions. "He seemed so contained when he actually came to my room. Almost as if . . . nothing too bad had happened. And I haven't seen him cry since we were thirteen, when his folks disowned him. Oh my god," he slapped his hand to his forehead. "If all this is true, then it must've broken his heart when we got together. Hell, I bet he didn't even like it when I, er, 'showed you the ropes' that day we met. Oh god . . ." he moaned. Then he laughed bitterly. "This has messed up so much."
I nodded, suddenly remembering something. "I've also been an ass to all my friends. Gotta go get all of *their* trust back too," I grumbled. "Looks like we've both got some talking to do," I said, half-sarcastically, half- sympathetically.
"I agree with ya on that one. I better go then," he said, standing up and heading towards the door. "See ya."
"Wait, Ryan?" Ryan stopped, his hand resting on the doorknob. "Thanks for coming," I said sincerely. "I'm glad we worked this out. I'm glad . . . I'm glad we're still friends."
Ryan grinned, walked back over and pulled me into a hug. "Me too, buddy," he said, and I could detect the smile and the relief in his voice.
I hugged him back. It was over. But it was a happy ending, for us anyway. When we pulled apart, he gave me one last kiss on my cheek and smiled. I smiled back. "Bye," I said.
"Bye," he said back, and he turned the doorknob . . .
. . . to come face-to-face with a certain tall, sexy, blue-eyed blonde I knew, who had his arm raised, poised to knock. And he had a look of shock on his face.
We must've all blinked simultaneously. Matt stared at me, his beautiful pool-blue eyes searching mine. I stared back. Ryan broke the silence by clearing his throat, which, disappointedly, broke the surreal feeling Matt was creating in my mind.
"I'm, ah, gonna go now . . ." said Ryan, sliding toward the exit. "Um, good luck, Tai."
I nodded, only me and Ryan knowing what he meant. Ryan exited quickly, leaving Matt and I to stare at each other again. His eyes . . . his face . . . his face.
He was just . . . so beautiful.
God, how I'd missed this.
"Matt," I croaked, my throat suddenly tight. I saw him open his beautiful lips to say something, but my arms were latched around his neck in a second. I felt his arms encircle my waist, pulling us into a desperate hug. In a second, I simply melted in his arms. I had dreamed of this, in the good dreams. I breathed in, inhaling his wonderful, intoxicating scent. I was under his spell, I knew it. No one else had this much of an affect on me.
"Tai," he whispered against my neck, and I gasped and let out a sob at the same time.
"God, Matt," I choked, pulling him tighter, another sob escaping me as I ached for the contact I've avoided for the past weeks. "Oh God, Matt, I'm so sorry, so sorry . . ."
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LGF: TA-DA!!!
Taichi: YEEEAAAHHH!!! *tackles Yama* I'VE FINALLY GOT HIM BOTH ON AND OFF SCENES!!!
LGF: *grins evilly* Hehehe . . . or so you think . . .
Yamato + Tai: *murderous looks*
LGF: *looks around* What? *suddenly gets an idea and scribbles something on a piece of paper*
Taichi: *ignores LGF for the time being, looks down as apron materializes on Matt* Um . . . nice apron, Yama . . .
Yamato: *looks down and blushes* What the hell?!?
LGF: Hehehehe . . . I AM THE ALMIGHTY AUTHOR, FEEL MY WRATH!!!
Taichi and Yamato: *clutch each other and start screaming wide-eyed like little girls* AAAHHHH!!! *run away*
LGF: Hehehehe . . . anyway, to my faithful reviewers, thank you all so much!!! You guys are so great, you feedback has been greatly appreciated! Just a few more chapters to go, yay! And it didn't take me as long to post this one as it did before! See, I'm improving! ^_^' Although there *is* a plot hole: miraculously, both Taichi and Ryan fail to have hangovers that morning. *shrugs* I found the plot hole when I was finished writing this chapter, and didn't feel like going back and having Taichi throw up all over Matt's carpet or something, and *then* leave. *THAT* would be weird. I'm too lazy to go back and change it, anyways. -_-;;
Anyway, please review you guys!!! Remember, reviews = a happy LGF = faster updates!! So what are y'all waiting for?!? Go, go on, review!! NOW! ^-^
~ TBC ~
~ Lil Gold Fishie ~
I like fudge
Taichi: Yeah, at least she didn't as long as last time, so you can't complain now!
LGF: Thank you, Taichi. I wrote this while on the beautiful beach in Cuba. Did you miss me, Tai?
Taichi: 'Course! *gives LGF a hug* -Yama walks in- YAMA-CHAN!!! *runs into Matt's arms* - they walk off somewhere -
LGF: *pouts* Oh well. Anyway, I think the sun is good for taito fic writing. You should all try it! *laughs because she went to Cuba and you didn't* ^_^ Ya, I actually had this typed up and ready to go about a week ago, but lack of a phone connection kinda sets you back ^_^' stupid computer got all crapped up ONE DAY after I finished typing this. *sighs* Anyway . . .
All the support I've been getting is really encouraging. Wow I got over 100 reviews!!! *beams* I'm soo happee!! Here's a few shout-outs:
Tyson FoxFlame: Here is my reply to your rant of 'WHY AREN'T TAI AND YAMA TOGETHER YET AND WHY IS TAI HURT!?!?!?' hehehe . . . well Tai didn't get *that* hurt (thankfully ^_^), and Yama and Tai aren't together yet as a result of my love of drawing things out . . . hehehe I'm so evil *sadistic grin* Not to worry, things take a better turn in this chappie!!
Bishie Lovers R Us: Well, I'm glad my fic is reason for wild yelling and dancing ^_^ thanks for your review!
Lady Kamiya: hehehe, eww you got Tai's shirt all snotty! ^_^ again, thanks for your review!
Princess Swifty: *GASP* POOR YAMMIE! *gives Yama a hug* Lol, thanks for your review!
Bishou: I hope I didn't make you suffer too long! If people suffer . . . well, that means they won't review ^_^ Well, here's the next chappie!
Also thanks to everyone else that reviewed chapter 8: Sillie, nEo-cHaN, Redrum, Mira Black (yes! Lol, we can both rule over the kingdom of not- updating! lol I'm hyper . . . -_-;;), Heaven's Angel Chick, evilchild2, Redvind, starfall13, goggle head girl, Rotten Angel, Dark Willow aka Admiral2, Anime Writer2, Dreamer, Titanit Enozym, 'lol', and shadow-seraph. Thank you all! Also to Bishou: I was going over all my reviews and I saw yours, your first one, and I can't believe I never thanked you! ^_^ *big eyes* Thank you soo much, I am so touched that you liked it that much. *sniffle* anyway . . .
I'm dedicating this chapter to Lady Kamiya, Sillie, Tyson FoxFlame, nEo- cHaN, Anime Writer2, and Redrum, who have reviewed almost every single chapter in this fic thus far (yay Redrum! You reviewed all 8! *hands Redrum a big taito prize pack*) and have also reviewed my other stories. Thankies thankies to you all! Luv you guys!! ^_^
Yeah, anyway, so here's the next chapter. Umm . . . ya. Enjoy?
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I woke up the next morning and decided that I should tell Yamato what I was feeling. I walked to his apartment in a daze, everything seemed to blur except for his door once I reached it. Everything was so surreal; I could hear my breathing in my ears. I rang the doorbell and waited, still breathing heavily. I was about to leave when I heard the door open behind me and I heard *his* angry voice. "What do *you* want?" he growled. I turned back around.
I wasn't fazed though, somehow, by his edgy tone. Behind Matt, I noticed TK yelling at the teddy bear he was holding. I raised an eyebrow then turned my attention back to Matt. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Matt . . . I love you."
Our eyes were locked; my gaze unwavering, his unreadable. There was a long pause.
Too long. I touched Matt's shoulder and realized he was shaking. "Matt?" I asked tentatively.
"You sick freak!" He shoved my arm away. I looked at his eyes with a brokenhearted wonder, the usually calm sea in those orbs raging in a violent storm. "Get away from me and never come near me again!" He shoved me, hard, and slammed the door in my face.
Everything around me went all hazy, and I fell. I tripped over the railing of the outside hallway and fell, hurtling toward the ground . . .
*THUMP*
I opened my eyes, gasping for breath and feeling moisture run down my cheeks. Amongst my heavy breathing, I heaved a sigh of relief. "A dream," I muttered. "It was just a dream." I buried my face in my hands. I smiled for a minute at the image of what Takeru was doing in my dream, attempting to calm myself down. But then I did a double take.
I was . . . in Matt's apartment . . . on the floor, beside his couch, to be exact . . . and there was a smell of pancakes coming from the kitchen.
I blinked.
"Taichi?"
I jumped a mile, and warily looked towards the voice that haunted my dreams. Matt. Wearing his pink apron, no less.
"Matt?" I stuttered. Not only was I surprised, but that apron caused some kinky ideas to creep into my head. "I, I uh, how did . . . what . . ."
"I found you passed out at the park and, um, brought you here," the blonde said quietly. He was holding a spatula. "Er . . . you want some pancakes? I just made them."
I stared. Not that I appreciated Matt being so nice and all, but it was puzzling me why. I mean, he should hate me, like the rest of them. He does hate me. Doesn't he? And then there's Ryan . . . does he know? Did he see anything? Is that why he's being so friendly, because he knows we're broken up?
This was too much to think about right now. I had to escape.
"Matt, I . . . I gotta go," I stuttered, standing up, not able to put consonants together. I started to back away, in the direction of the door. "Um, I, I'm sorry . . . bye." I saw Matt advancing a bit on me, and my digital instincts suddenly took over and I bolted for the door. I managed to unlock it quickly and then ran like the wind. I think I heard Matt call my name, I dunno, but I was already down the hall and at the staircase anyway.
I knew this, running away from my problems, would not keep me at bay for long. It probably wasn't the smartest choice right now either, but I just couldn't face him. Not now. I had to work everything out with myself before talking to Matt.
I slowed down only when I reached my apartment building. I stopped in front of the double glass doors, panting with my hands on my knees. I saw a dark spot appear on the concrete below. I blinked, causing another tear to fall. Why was I crying?
Grumbling and cursing my emotional self to show this weakness, I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and trudged inside, dragging my legs up the stairs to my apartment. Though I was exhausted from running, I didn't feel like taking the elevator. It seemed so lonesome at the moment. Here at least I had the sounds of my footsteps echoing off the walls to focus on.
Once I reached my flat I fumbled for my keys in my pockets. I opened the door to enter into my home and kicked off my shoes, the familiarity of my surroundings comforting me somewhat. No one was home, so I headed straight for the couch, collapsed onto it and buried my face in a pillow. "Life is *such* a bitch," I grumbled into it.
"I agree."
I jumped a mile for the second time that day and fell off the couch in surprise. I looked up over the top of the coffee table tiredly. Dark blue eyes peered back at me.
"Your sister let me in," Ryan said before I could say anything. He got up from where he sat at the kitchen table and walked over, placing himself on the couch. "Tai . . . we have to talk."
"I know," I groaned as I pulled myself up to sit beside him. I sighed, leaning my head against the back of the couch. "About last night . . ."
"I'm sorry for getting all ticked off like that," he burst out. I looked at him and he looked mildly troubled. "All that alcohol . . . but I still think that - "
"– that we shouldn't go out anymore," I finished quietly. Ryan nodded.
"But we have grown close," he paused hesitantly. "I think we can still be friends, right? I mean, like we were before I, you know, asked you out. Besides," a smile broke out on his face. "I can tell you're still totally hung up on Matt." I grinned despite myself. "Speaking of which, what took you so long, coming home from his place? It's not that far, is it?"
"Well, I – hold on, how did you know I was at Matt's?" I asked incredulously.
"Well, when I left you I was, naturally, totally and drunkenly pissed, so I went and uh, called up your place for some reason," he said uncomfortably. "Uh . . . Kari answered. I said some nasty shit to her about . . . stuff. I apologized when I came here, though," he reassured me when I gave him a you-better-apologize-or-else look. "I kind of just sulked in the bushes after that. I saw Matt come. He . . . stayed at your side for a while, just watching you. Then he hauled you onto his shoulders and lugged you off in the same direction he was going originally, with some difficulty, I might add." I smiled, knowing that Matt is not known for his athletic ability. "Kari told me that you were at his place, which I kinda guessed already." He paused. "You're really lucky to have a friend like him, Tai."
"I know," I mumbled. I paused for a moment to absorb everything. Matt . . . watched me? Why? Could he . . . is it possible . . .
"I really think he likes you," said Ryan quietly, as if reading my thoughts. "You should talk to him. I'm guessing you didn't this morning?"
I sighed, running my hand through my hair. "No . . . I wanted to sort things out with you first."
Ryan looked up and gave me an appreciative smile. "Thanks . . ."
A comfortable silence passed between us, which gave me time to think. So, Ryan and I weren't going out anymore. It's for the best, I think. Besides, I loved Matt. Probably . . . no, definitely, I was in love with him all along. It almost seemed as if I used Ryan to take out my emotional frustration on.
I suddenly felt incredibly guilty.
I cleared my throat. "Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry for all of this. I feel like I've used you as my toy while I've loved Matt all along." I turned my head, not wanting to look Ryan in the eye. Broken up or not, we still cared about each other very much and I hated to break his heart. He, for one, had actually been in love with me.
"Hey, don't sweat it," Ryan said softly, breaking me out of my reverie. "You're not the only one."
I'm not the only – huh? I must have voiced my thoughts out loud because Ryan chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I, um . . ." He suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable, and started fiddling with his thumbs. "I, I-don't-think-I- ever-really-got-over-my-crush-on-Josh," he said really fast.
I had no idea how I managed to understand that, but I did, and I couldn't help it, my face broke out into a wild grin. "No way! Really? That's great! I mean . . ." I stopped, seeing the wry look on Ryan's face. "I mean, sorry man. Must be real tough on you." Ugh, that was *so* stupid. I felt like pounding my head into the wall, which I knew to be very solid. I smiled to show my support.
"Looks like we're in the same boat," Ryan commented sarcastically, but smiling a bit now too. Relieved, I let out the breath I had been holding. He paused. "Except that you actually *have* a chance with Matt. Josh and I will never happen," he said mournfully.
My head shot up. "Hey, don't say that! I mean, think about it, has Josh gone out with anyone since you were together?" He shook his head. "See? Maybe he's been having trouble getting over you too. Maybe he didn't want to. Maybe – " I paused, thinking. "Hey, don't you think he was a little *too* enthusiastic that day in the hospital, when we first got together? Remember how he practically fled from the room, to 'leave us alone?' I bet you any money he was faking it. Oh, forget that," I added again. "in the waiting room, when I first arrived? He totally broke down and started to . . . he started to cry, Ryan."
Ryan's eyes widened. "He cried?" he asked softly. I nodded.
"Sobbed was more like it. He just literally, broke down. And when Joe, the blue-haired guy, told us that you were okay, he practically jumped for joy and ran to your room full-speed."
Ryan turned his head and stared at the wall. "I never would've guessed," he said in that same, soft voice that held so many emotions. "He seemed so contained when he actually came to my room. Almost as if . . . nothing too bad had happened. And I haven't seen him cry since we were thirteen, when his folks disowned him. Oh my god," he slapped his hand to his forehead. "If all this is true, then it must've broken his heart when we got together. Hell, I bet he didn't even like it when I, er, 'showed you the ropes' that day we met. Oh god . . ." he moaned. Then he laughed bitterly. "This has messed up so much."
I nodded, suddenly remembering something. "I've also been an ass to all my friends. Gotta go get all of *their* trust back too," I grumbled. "Looks like we've both got some talking to do," I said, half-sarcastically, half- sympathetically.
"I agree with ya on that one. I better go then," he said, standing up and heading towards the door. "See ya."
"Wait, Ryan?" Ryan stopped, his hand resting on the doorknob. "Thanks for coming," I said sincerely. "I'm glad we worked this out. I'm glad . . . I'm glad we're still friends."
Ryan grinned, walked back over and pulled me into a hug. "Me too, buddy," he said, and I could detect the smile and the relief in his voice.
I hugged him back. It was over. But it was a happy ending, for us anyway. When we pulled apart, he gave me one last kiss on my cheek and smiled. I smiled back. "Bye," I said.
"Bye," he said back, and he turned the doorknob . . .
. . . to come face-to-face with a certain tall, sexy, blue-eyed blonde I knew, who had his arm raised, poised to knock. And he had a look of shock on his face.
We must've all blinked simultaneously. Matt stared at me, his beautiful pool-blue eyes searching mine. I stared back. Ryan broke the silence by clearing his throat, which, disappointedly, broke the surreal feeling Matt was creating in my mind.
"I'm, ah, gonna go now . . ." said Ryan, sliding toward the exit. "Um, good luck, Tai."
I nodded, only me and Ryan knowing what he meant. Ryan exited quickly, leaving Matt and I to stare at each other again. His eyes . . . his face . . . his face.
He was just . . . so beautiful.
God, how I'd missed this.
"Matt," I croaked, my throat suddenly tight. I saw him open his beautiful lips to say something, but my arms were latched around his neck in a second. I felt his arms encircle my waist, pulling us into a desperate hug. In a second, I simply melted in his arms. I had dreamed of this, in the good dreams. I breathed in, inhaling his wonderful, intoxicating scent. I was under his spell, I knew it. No one else had this much of an affect on me.
"Tai," he whispered against my neck, and I gasped and let out a sob at the same time.
"God, Matt," I choked, pulling him tighter, another sob escaping me as I ached for the contact I've avoided for the past weeks. "Oh God, Matt, I'm so sorry, so sorry . . ."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
LGF: TA-DA!!!
Taichi: YEEEAAAHHH!!! *tackles Yama* I'VE FINALLY GOT HIM BOTH ON AND OFF SCENES!!!
LGF: *grins evilly* Hehehe . . . or so you think . . .
Yamato + Tai: *murderous looks*
LGF: *looks around* What? *suddenly gets an idea and scribbles something on a piece of paper*
Taichi: *ignores LGF for the time being, looks down as apron materializes on Matt* Um . . . nice apron, Yama . . .
Yamato: *looks down and blushes* What the hell?!?
LGF: Hehehehe . . . I AM THE ALMIGHTY AUTHOR, FEEL MY WRATH!!!
Taichi and Yamato: *clutch each other and start screaming wide-eyed like little girls* AAAHHHH!!! *run away*
LGF: Hehehehe . . . anyway, to my faithful reviewers, thank you all so much!!! You guys are so great, you feedback has been greatly appreciated! Just a few more chapters to go, yay! And it didn't take me as long to post this one as it did before! See, I'm improving! ^_^' Although there *is* a plot hole: miraculously, both Taichi and Ryan fail to have hangovers that morning. *shrugs* I found the plot hole when I was finished writing this chapter, and didn't feel like going back and having Taichi throw up all over Matt's carpet or something, and *then* leave. *THAT* would be weird. I'm too lazy to go back and change it, anyways. -_-;;
Anyway, please review you guys!!! Remember, reviews = a happy LGF = faster updates!! So what are y'all waiting for?!? Go, go on, review!! NOW! ^-^
~ TBC ~
~ Lil Gold Fishie ~
I like fudge