Calico Neko: Give me one or two chapters and you'll find out how Matt's father will react. That part is coming soon.

gizmo-396: Hehe, I like that review! I think Tk being a writter suits him.

Digi-Girl101: Thanks for the review and I have updated!

JyouraKoumi: I checked it out and it's very colourful and I have to admit, I don't understand some things but I did enjoy your story "til death do we part."

Broken Angel01: Thank you. I'm glad you read it but I hope you didn't feel as though you had to do so. I tend to let my mind go faster then my typing skills allow me, which tends for some of the mistakes but not all. I find them, after I posted but...to go back and correct them once the story is posted is troublesome. I wish you could just highlight the mistakes and presto...thansk for the review.

Earth wiccan: I did, I did, I really really did write some more. thanks for the review! hehe

Nikki1: Most of the stories I've read with Matt's father, his dad is always set up to be this bad guy. I never got that impression in the storyline. Workaholic but I always felt that he would do what he could for his sons. Remember the camping trip? If he didn't care, he'd never would have taken Matt or his friends. His mother needs a brake from Matt's silent treatment so I do plan on him going to her for help...of course his father might push him in that directions. So be prepared for more parent interaction. I'll think about a spin off story of Matt and this lady but right now, I just want to try and focus on this story. I love Matt and Tai, they are completely different that they balance each other out. Tai is such an easy character because life is a joke and he can take it as much as give it out.

cheers

"I can't believe you still have this!" Tk held up a crayon drawling he did in forth grade.

"I was saving it," Matt glanced over his brother's shoulder, "When I have kids, I want to give them that picture to keep all the monsters away."

"Funny."

"You think?" Matt raised an eyebrow, "This here lil brother is why you are on your way to be a writer not an artist. Your drawing skills suck!"

Tk rolled his blue eyes before returning to the box in front of him. "So tell me once more why are we cleaning out the closet?"

"Because I'm grounded and it's on my list and you are trying to convince dad to give you money for the computer…"

"Laptop."

"Same thing."

"Different, ask Izzy." Tk held up a picture album. "I don't remember seeing this before."

Matt looked over after setting another box on the floor in front of Tk. "That's dad's album before we were born."

Tk blew the dust off the cover and flipped through the pages, "Dad looked like a geek."

"I think he was…"

"How'd we end up so cool?"

"Grandpa."

"Oh," Tk smiled, "Do you think when we are as old as our parents our children will think the same of us?"

"Yours maybe, but not mine."

"Oh?"

"Mine will know I'm cool." Matt winked.

"Delusional as always," Tk shook his head. He placed the album aside before returning to the box. He glanced over his shoulder as Matt brought before him another box.

"Tk," Matt said softly, almost a whisper.

"Huh?" Tk pulled out an old toaster from on of the boxes Matt sat down near him.

"Do you think I'd be a good dad?"

"Doubt it, you're a lousy brother." Tk mumbled but looked up when Matt did not reply.

"Seriously," Matt sighed. "Do you think you and I even have a chance because of our parents' mistakes?"

"Sure, maybe better then mum and dad. After all, we learned from their mistakes, didn't we? I mean, you remember more then I do and it stuck with you longer. I'm sure we are going to make our mistakes but I doubt that mum and dad will have a negative affect on us in adulthood." Tk looked at his brother careful. "What brought that question on?"

"Just thinking, I guess." Matt shrugged.

"Matt?"

"Hmmm?"

"You okay, right?"

"Yeah fine, why?"

"Because you've been strange ever since dad grounded you."

"Oi, I forgot you never been grounded. Punishment has a bad effect on children, Teek. Makes them think all kinds of things." Matt winked.

"Think you're clever?" Tk rolled his eyes. "I've been grounded before…it's just been a while."

"Hmm?" Matt smirked. "Ha, look at this!"

Matt reached inside a box he just set on the floor, pulled out a wrapped gift, and handed it his brother.

"Granny's sweaters." Tk wrinkled his nose. "I forgot I hid that."

"You should be ashamed; she went through a lot of time making this for you." Matt said softly.

"Don't give me that shit. You stuck yours in the dryer so it would shrink and I had to wear it!" Tk hissed, throwing the package back into the box.

"Dad doesn't like you swearing." Matt went back to the closet.

"Doesn't like you swearing either," Tk reminded him.

"Whatever."

"Exactly how I feel." Tk looked over at his brother, "I'm hungry."

"We are almost done."

"Done doing what? All we are doing is putting things into other boxes!"

"Well throw something away."

"No way. Dad will suddenly have an urge to look for the very thing I throw away."

"But you're his angel. You can't do wrong…" Matt mocked.

"Again shall I remind you that you are a lousy brother?" Tk hissed, standing up to stretch his legs.

"I should just toss everything away." Matt looked around at the scattered boxes, "He never goes in the closet so what's the use in keeping things as a memory?"

"So he'll have them when he forgets," Tk shrugged. "Come on, I'm starving."

"Hmm, "Matt murmur. "I'll have to write dad a note so he doesn't freak out or something and then we can go get something to eat. "

"Where?"

"Dunno. Where do you want to go?" Matt asked, sticking a note by the door for his father.

"Anywhere with food is fine with me."

"Matt!" Tai caught up to his friend, "You're out of the apartment!"

"No food," Matt grinned, "Dad can hardly find fault in my desperation in seeking out something to fill this emptiness in my stomach called hunger."

"I'm here too!" Tk waved his hand in front of Tai.

"I see you, just seeing how long it took before you begged to be recognized by the almighty Tai."

"You are so full of shi…" Tk was cut off by his brother's hand.

"Hey, what'd I tell you about swearing?" Matt asked, removing his hand from his brother's mouth.

"You do it!"

"I'm a hypocrite; we've been through this before. Do as I say and not as I do." Matt smirked, "After all, it is my responsible as an older brother to set an example for you. You should learn from my mistakes are well as my…"

"Spare me!" Tk shook his head.

"Glad I don't have an older brother," Tai smiled.

"It's great isn't it?" Matt asked.

"Can't think of anything better then having the power to boss and manipulate the younger siblings." Tai agreed.

"You two are mental." Tk glared.

"Yet we don't see a problem with that." Tai smiled brightly. "Where are you two going?"

"To the Diner," Matt shrugged. "Want to join us?"

"I don't know Matt." Tai shook his fuzzy head, "Mum is making a killer dinner." He sighed, "I feel like a cat that's crossing out his nine lives. I keep asking myself, what makes mum feel the need to cook. Does she hate us? Did we do something wrong before we could walk or talk? Was she implanted by some Alien magnetic microchip that gives her bad cooking recipes when the wind blows three decrees to the west before blowing to the east?"

"Tai?" Matt asked.

"Yeah?"

"Do you want to join us?" Matt asked more slowly.

"Oh, definitely!" Tai grinned.

"That was one of the best meals I had ever tasted!" Tai grinned, putting a toothpick between his teeth.

"You say that every time you eat here," Matt sighed, pushing his empty plate away. He glanced over at his brother who continued to soak up his plate with a dinner role. "Don't you ever stop eating?"

"I told you that I was hungry," Tk continue to hold his attention on his plate.

"Man, even I don't eat that much!" Tai shook his bushy head.

"Guess who!" A hand slipped over Tai's eyes.

"Hmm..who could it be?" Tai tapped that table. "Who do I know with hairy, smelly hands?"

"MY HANDS ARE NOT SMELLY NOR ARE THEY HAIRY!" Mimi placed her hands on her hips as she shouted down at Tai.

"Relax, Meems!" Tai glanced around. "I was joking!"

"I told everyone we should have called to see if you three wanted to join," Sora spoke up from behind Mimi. "The whole gang is practically here now!."

"Slide over," Davis took a chair from another table and placed it beside Tai. Tk slid his chair closer to Matt.

"I don't think everyone is going to fit," Matt frowned.

"Sure we will!" Kari smiled, putting her chair between Tk and Matt, now making them slide apart.

"I'll sit here," Yolei lugged her chair between Davis and Tk.

"I'm not moving anymore." Tk declared.

Sora picked a spot beside Matt, Izzy sat beside her and Joe sat beside Izzy and Tai, completing the circle.

"No elbow room." Davis looked around.

"Hey, we're done eating." Tai shrugged.

"I could eat another…" Tk started.

"Teeks, I can't see how you can even have room for an ice cube." Matt raised an eyebrow.

The new arrivals placed their orders, Tk order another helping of dessert.

"How are you doing with your studies?" Izzy asked Tai over the conversations that others had worked up with another.

"Good, that term paper you helped me with really paid off!" Tai grinned.

"I'm having trouble in Science," Davis put in. "We are studying rocks. Rocks! Who cares what kind they are, they still break windows if you throw them!"

"Then don't throw them…" Tk rolled his eyes.

"Oh I went shopping!" Mimi held up a store bag she was carrying when she entered the Diner. "I found this cute little blouse!" She held it up.

"That is nice!" Yolei practically drooled. "Where did you get it?"

"Oh um…well…." Mimi looked over at Sora, "I can't remember."

"I went shopping with Meems and I swear we hit every shop that was ever made." Sora pushed a strain of her red hair behind an ear.

"I'm working on getting a laptop," Tk told them. "I've been doing some small chores trying to save up enough money."

"I can give you mine!" Mimi smiled brightly, "Daddy is buying me a custom made laptop!"

"Err…thanks but I'd rather not be seen carrying around a pink laptop," Tk gave her a lopsided grin.

"What's wrong with pink?" Mimi asked. "I'll have you know that pink is an exceptional colour! It has a lot of meaning behind it and it…"

"I don't want a pink computer!" Tk shook his head. "Sorry, it was very generous of you to think of me but…"

"Save it." Mimi held up her hand.

"I think it's really admirable of you to work for something, Tk." Kari smiled shyly at the blonde, "It shows real maturity."

Davis nearly choked on his sandwich. "I can be mature!" He coughed out.

"I know." Kari grinned while the others hid their smile.

"I can!" Davis looked around that table.

"So…how's tennis?" Joe looked over at Sora.

"Great!" Sora smiled, "I didn't think it was possible but I love the game more then soccer."

"Trader," Tai mumbled.

Sora glanced at Tai, "I don't have to worry about ball hogs in tennis."

"Ballhogs?" Tai glared at her.

"How's class coming for you Joe?" Soras choose to ignore her friend.

"Actually quite well. We were practicing drawing blood the other day," Joe said.

"Gross." Mimi put in.

"I actually didn't faint. Not even a little spell. I came to the conclusion that the experience with nose bleeds from Tai and Matt had actually been useful."

"Glad to know my bruised nose helped you out." Tai grinned.

"And Matt's bloody lip and black eye," Joe nodded, "Can't forget that time when you hit him with the bat."

"I said I was sorry! It was an accident!" Tai looked around, "It was!"

"We know…" Izzy started to say when a cell phone tune came from under the table.

"Not mine," Mimi looked down at her purse.

"It's mine," Matt stood up, "Sorry, I'll be back." He walked away from the table to the doors of the Diner. Outside he found a few picnic tables that he found a sat on top.

"Why would anyone call him?" Yolei asked, still able to see Matt through the large windows, "Every time I call he keeps to single syllables words like: Hmmm….maybe and whatever."

"He says the exact same thing to me!" Davis stared at her.

"Is it me or…" Tai leaned into the table to keep his voice down, "is he acting weird?"

"I've noticed it too," Tk nodded his head. "This afternoon he asked if we'd make good dads."

"I hope you lied and told him that you two would!" Sora winked.

"He asked me about how I'd feel if my parents gave me up and didn't die," Izzy nodded.

"Matt talking about feelings is totally freaky!" Mimi eyes grew huge.

"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," Joe cut in.

"You know what I think?" Tai ignored him. "I think this whole thing about being a senior is getting to him. I think he is going through Senior High Crisis."

"I don't think there is a thing." Izzy frowned.

"I'd understand," Sora sighed, "It's scary knowing that this is it. This is the last year we have school. We are going to be faced with adulthood. I mean, we are all going to take different paths."

"You're going to make me cry and ruin my eye make up!'' Mimi sniffled.

"I'll go talk to him," Joe stood up and followed the same path Matt did.

"The other day," Tk frowned, "He pushed me out of the kitchen so he could talk to this lady. He has never done that before. Like Yolie said, he sticks to simple words that even if I were listening in, I couldn't cipher the meanings of his conversations."

"Maybe we need to show him how much he means to us," Sora looked around the table.

"You mean, be extra nice to him?" Davis asked.

"Well, yeah. You know how sensitive he is…" Sora went on.

"Hardly." Davis snorted. "He doesn't care what anyone thinks, that's why everyone thinks he's so cool."

"You don't know him like we do, Davis." Tai looked at his friend. "Sora may have a point."

"I take it that you were talking to her?" Joe sat down beside Matt on top of the table. Matt was watching the traffic pass him, lost in thought.

"Yeah," Matt whispered.

"So…" Joe slapped his hands on his legs, "What have you decided?"

Matt gave a small chuckle, "I don't know man. I just don't know."

"Have you talked to your dad?" Joe asked. "Maybe he can help you sort things out."

"No, not yet." Matt frowned. "I guess I'm not as brave as I thought I was. I keep trying to find the right way of saying it, but it always ends the same."

"Maybe there isn't a right way to say something like this to your dad." Joe shrugged, "Do you want me to be there when you tell him or…do you want me to talk to him?"

Matt shook his head and turned his attention to the traffic. Joe watched as cars passed, stopped at the traffic light before continuing on their own destinations. "They say that every life is like a book of three. Three novels. One is a book of the past, which you can always review it. The second is a book of present, a book that is always being written. The third is the book of future which is locked away never to be read. I really wish I could get a hold of that book to see what lies ahead. I wish I knew what the right decision is, what do I pick?"

"Well…" Joe frowned, "What do you feel you nee to do? Maybe it's not about picking but just doing what is right."

"But I don't know what is right and what isn't." Matt turned to his friend. "I know what I want to do, but I don't know if I have what it takes to do it."

"And what do you want to do?" Joe asked. "I've known you for a long time Matt. You adapted to many things. If you want to do something, your bullhead enough to do it. So…what's stopping you this time?"

Matt shrugged his broad shoulders, "I had my future planned. I knew what I going to do after high school and now…"

"Sometimes you can't always go by the plan. It's like a map of your life and on the map there is a bridge but before you the bridge collapse. What do you do? You find another way to get where you are going. That's all. It may not be this cleared out path and it may take longer to get to where ever you want to go but in the end, you are exactly where you are suppose to be."

It started to drizzle on the way home. Everyone seemed to go his or her own way once leaving the Diner. Tk, Izzy, Mimi, Yolei all walked together. Joe went his way, walking with Davis. Tai, Matt and Kari walked home together. Kari held an umbrella and was chatting on the cell phone with Mimi as she walked in front of her brother and his best friend.

"You and Joe had a long talk," Tai eyed his friend.

"Yeah, I suppose we did." Matt said softly.

"He's an easy person to talk to, that Joe is." Tai nodded his head.

"Yeah, he is." Matt agreed.

Matt stopped at the steps of Tai's house, watching as Kari skipped up the stairs. She turned and waved a good-bye to Matt before closing the door. Tai continued to stare at Matt.

"What?" Matt looked at him, no longer able to endure his stare.

"When are you going to let me help you?" Tai asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, whatever is going on with you. When are you going to let me try and help you out?"

"There isn't anything…"

"Don't start with the bullshit, Matt." Tai glared at him, "We all know it. Everyone of knows something's amidst. We are your friends. Stop building a brick wall for us to tare down and just open the bloody door. Why do you have to make is so difficult?"

"Tai.."

"No." Tai cut him off. "If it was me…"

"If it were you, I'd let you alone until you wanted to tell me." Matt interrupted with a sharp glare.

"Like hell you would, you'd beat the answers out of me." Tai smirked and Matt's stare soften. "Come on Matt. We've been through a lot and I never abandon you before."

"It's not that easy this time, Tai." Matt put a hand through his hair.

Tai nodded, taking a seat on the wet stone surface of his stairs. "Of course it isn't. We are hardly kids anymore. Simplicity left us a long time ago." Tai patted the stone surface, "So talk. Hard to believe but I am a good listener. Maybe I can help or know someone who can."

Matt sighed and sat down beside his friend. "You can't help me Tai. This time, I'm over my head."

"Try me." Tai shrugged. "Try me and I'll amaze you!"