Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me. I am BROKE.

Summary: Matt is an escort. An ESCORT! Not a hooker, as most people choose to believe. That is until he meets Taichi Yagami and his remaining morals seem to desert him. Taito! Rating for sexual scenes and language.

Chapter 3 - A Hard Day's Night

"What the hell?!"

Tai raised his eyebrows pointedly as no response came, feeling unreasonably angry at the two other men. The mere image of the blond kneeling in front of a half-naked Daisuke, hands clasped on his loosened belt, was making him green with envy. And also making him feel a little ill.

"What the fuck?! I thought he was your friend!" Tai spluttered, looking at the two in complete surprise, eyes scanning Matt's ruffled form with distaste.

"Well no, he's not really my friend. Actually I only met him tonight," Daisuke explained, beginning to look as though he was highly uncomfortable with the whole situation. His was shifting distractedly, suddenly feeling very exposed under the brunette's angry glare.

Tai paused, looking between the other two with mounting bewilderment.

"What?!" he yelped, completely thrown by the confession. He shook his head in disbelief, beginning to feel more confused by the second.

"He's an escort Tai. I hired him for you to make Ikato jealous. You didn't think someone would just pose as your boyfriend for free, did you?" Daisuke asked, incredulous.

Tai winced as he realised it was an incredibly good point, his face growing gradually redder. He blinked, eyes flickering from Daisuke to Matt in surprise as he digested the information.

"You hired someone?! You hired a fucking hooker!" he exclaimed a moment later, waving his arm angrily in Matt's direction, who had instantly turned brick red.

"I am NOT a hooker!" Matt growled, eyes now glaring so fiercely, that it was a wonder they hadn't burnt a hole in Tai's head. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was people assuming he was a prostitute.

Tai however, merely laughed bitterly, looking over the scene before him with disgust.

"Not a hooker?! Ha! You sure look like one to me," he replied acidly, raising his eyebrows at Daisuke's half naked form.

Matt flinched, immediately silenced. He gulped, trying to swallow the lump forming in his throat as he flushed with shame.

"Tai!" Daisuke yelled angrily, noticing the wounded look that flashed across Matt's face.

"What?! I call it as I see it! And Ikato was definitely right about you too! You've been after Matt all night," Tai continued accusingly, looking at the mahogany haired boy with narrowed eyes.

Daisuke however, merely shrugged half-heartedly.

"Couldn't help it. He's gorgeous," he admitted, winking in Matt's direction and attempting to lighten the mood.

"Despite the fact that he's pretending to be my boyfriend!" Tai growled, obviously not at all amused by Daisuke's antics.

"Yes. Pretending! Your not actually dating! I don't know why your getting so worked up!"

Tai was silent for a moment, quietly contemplating why he was he was taking Yamato's business so personally. He had only met the blond a few hours before, but had been immediately intrigued by his angelic appearance and feisty attitude. The phrase 'looks can be deceiving' couldn't be more correct when concerning the blond, and it had instantly interested him.

"Anyone could have seen you!" he finally burst out, frustration clearly evident in his tone of voice, despite his best efforts to contain it. He knew he sounded jealous, but he couldn't stop himself. As far as he was concerned, for the night at least, Matt was his boyfriend.

"Nobody saw us Tai," Daisuke insisted rationally, rolling his eyes

"I can't believe this. You even got all defensive when I implied you looked like a prostitute! And now look at you!" Tai cried at the blond, looking at him with an expression of deep disappointment.

That look alone made Matt feel worse than any amount of alcohol could. It was no wonder Tai found him repulsive; he even disgusted himself.

"I'm just going to go. I'm r-really sorry," he choked, trying to hold back the flood of tears that were threatening to spill down his cheeks. His stomach was churning, causing him to sway dangerously as he clambered to his feet, trying desperately to avoid the eyes of the other two men.

"Wait Matt, I'll take you!" Daisuke said, moving protectively to his side.

Tai scowl only deepened, critical eyes scanning the two with annoyance.

"Or even better, Tai can take you," the mahogany haired boy continued, ignoring the look of pure indignation that crossed Tai's face.

"It's fine. I said I'll get the bus," Matt replied, hurt once more by the horrified expression Tai had made by the mere thought of spending anymore time with him.

"Matt, I don't think your in any condition to go anywhere," Daisuke said gently, gesturing to his slightly swaying form.

"I'm fine," the blond replied. Although in truth he didn't think he could feel any worse.

He was biting his tongue to swallow his tears, trying to maintain what little composure he had left. His drinking session had well and truly come back to bite him in the ass, and Tai certainly wasn't improving matters. He just had to get away, before he broke down completely.

Trying desperately to avoid the brunette's critical gaze, Matt stalked dramatically towards the exit, ignoring Daisuke's concerned calls behind him…

"So…what do you want to do?" Matt asked tentatively, a couple of hours later. He shifted uncomfortably in his bar stool as a hand trailed slowly up his arm and cursed himself for asking such a suggestive question.

"Hmm, what do you think, beautiful?" the man replied, smirking slightly and looking him up and down in appreciation, while sipping delicately on his whiskey.

"Uh how about we go somewhere? As in the cinema!" the blond cried quickly with a nervous laugh, smile so strained he was beginning to feel an ache in his jaw. He was looking determinedly in the other direction, unwilling to make eye contact with his newest client, in fear the man would take the opportunity to kiss him.

However, as far as customers went, Matt had seen far worse. The man was perhaps mid-thirties, with fading coppery hair and cold grey eyes. He was looking at the blond with a calculating expression, but had not yet tried anything inappropriate, which Matt was becoming increasingly grateful for. He didn't think he'd be able to stomach any intimate contact with the client.

"I didn't pay to sit next to you in a cinema for hours, darling. Besides this bar is fine," the man said with faint amusement, moving impossibly closer to the swaying blond.

Matt could feel the man's smoky breath on his cheek and resisted the urge to recoil, the smell of tobacco shrouding his senses. The sickening smell was not helping his drunken condition, and instead was only serving to make him feel worse.

His head had still been spinning when he'd got off the bus, but had he figured that he may as well go out with the next client, having left the party quite early. However, with his vision blurring and a thirty-five year old man puffing his smelly breath in his face, Matt was beginning to regret his decision.

"Um I'm not feeling well at the moment," he said, trying to ignore the fact that Mr Smoky was tracing his face with his fingers, hand caressing his cheek. Matt resisted the urge to roll his eyes, angry that everyone always felt the need to touch him all the time. Even Tai had been very touchy-feely, although that had seemed to have been for Ikato's benefit.

"Don't worry baby. I can help you feel better," Mr Smoky drawled, lips nipping on Matt's pale neck.

"Um no, I'm good thanks. I'm actually starting to feel better," the blond replied quickly, attempting not to heave.

"Are you sure? You look a little pale. I could give you a massage. Anywhere you want?" Mr Smoky said suggestively, hands tracing small circles on Matt's back, ignoring the shudder of response.

Usually Matt was much better at handling similar customers, but his stomach was protesting loudly to the personal contact. The previous activities of the night had obviously shaken him more than he initially realised, as he was suddenly feeling very cheap and disgusted with himself. Not to mention disgusted by his client.

Suddenly having Tai use him to make Ikato jealous, didn't seem so bad.

"No I don't want a massage! I want my money! It's been a hour and I want to go home!" Matt cried, desperation so clear in his voice that he was even making himself cringe.

"Ok blondie. You don't have to get wound up! Here's your payment," Mr Smoky replied, eyebrows raised as he handed over the money.

"Great, thanks," the blond said hastily, jumping to his feet and swaying slightly with the sudden movement. A strong arm gripped his arm and Matt leant into it, his stomach churning and vision swimming. He obviously hadn't recovered quite as much as he thought he had, for the stench of smoke and alcohol in the bar was making him want to hurl.

"You know, I've got to say I'm surprised; I was told your always really professional, but it's so obvious your completely plastered. Just let me take you home," Mr Smoky ordered, not loosening his hold on Matt's wrist as he guided him towards the exit, other hand moving to rest on the small of his back.

"Um no, I'm good thanks," the blond replied forcefully, attempting to draw away from the man's grasp, but finding himself too weak to do so.

"I'm just taking you home."

Mr Smoky hooked an arm his waist and steadied him, hand dancing triumphantly along Matt's side. The blond frowned slightly but did not pull away, feeling too nauseous to put up any real resistance. He allowed himself to be dragged, blond head lolling as he moved, only dimly aware that he was now being led down a street.

"I think…I s-should…get myself home," Matt said blearily, tugging himself away from the groping hands weakly.

"I said I'll help you," Mr Smoky replied determinedly.

He pulled the blond into him forcefully, hand gripping a pale wrist to stop prevent any escape.

However, Matt merely collapsed into him, becoming dizzy with the sudden movement. His stomach lurched and he cringed, feeling bile rise in his throat.

The blond retched violently and clung unsteadily to Mr Smoky for support, before proceeding to be sick all over him…

Matt collapsed on the sidewalk, chest heaving. His stomach had begun to settle now that it was rid of the alcohol, but his head still span uncomfortably. He cringed at the mere thought of his client, who was probably now storming home with the contents of Matt's stomach all over him. As soon as the blond had been sick, Mr Smoky had pushed him away violently, cursing in annoyance. He had immediately left, not seeming to care that the blond was left sick and drunk in the middle of nowhere.

Matt could hardly blame him. His behaviour hadn't exactly been professional. In fact it had been completely appalling by anyone's standards.

Groaning at his own foolishness, the blond closed his eyes tightly, attempting to block out the unpleasant thoughts that were invading his mind. He wanted to do nothing but rest, and fully intended to do just that, despite the fact he was in the middle of a deserted sidewalk.

Swaying subconsciously from side to side, Matt swore he heard a distant voice calling his name, but merely blinked, body slumping to the side until he rested on something warm and hard. Feeling his eyes flutter closed once again in comfort, the blond was completely unprepared for the voice that vibrated next to his ear.

"Hey Matt? Are you OK?" Tai asked, hand coming to rest on Matt's forehead.

After jumping about three feet into the air, the blond swivelled towards the brunette, finding him crouched on the ground, pressed against him. Feeling completely foolish for not having noticed his presence, Matt gaped, unsure of what to say.

"I just saw what happened. Are you feeling better now?" Tai asked, staring at the blond in concern.

"Yea I'm fine. Much better now I was sick. My head is still spinning a bit though," Matt admitted, clambering to his feet to try and illustrate his good health. Tai nodded slightly in relief, glad that the blond was at least able to stand upright unattended.

"Not surprised," the brunette commented, watching Matt with a growing smile. He stood up next to him, face twisting as he tried to contain his amused expression.

"What?!" Matt yelped defensively, beginning to wonder why the brunette was smirking. He looked himself over, checking to see whether his pants had fallen down, or something equally embarrassing. However, he found nothing wrong, so just stared at the brunette in bewilderment.

"You being sick over that pervert was the funniest thing I've ever seen!" Tai laughed, clapping the blond playfully on the back, clearly not noticing that he was still unstable.

Matt staggered forward slightly and glared, only causing the brunette to laugh harder.

"You've been following me?!" Matt cried, levelling the brunette with a accusing glare.

"Only a little," Tai grinned, obviously still amused by the thought of the blond being sick all over his client. He was looking him with a new found respect, obviously now certain that the blond had somewhat recovered.

"Why?!" Matt asked, squinting at the brunette through the darkness.

"Because I felt bad for what I said about you, and you weren't looking too good when you left."

Matt raised his eyebrows, clearly not convinced by the explanation. Tai hadn't seemed at all sympathetic when the blond had left the party, despite the fact that he had been pale and staggering.

" ... And also because Dai made me," Tai admitted sheepishly after a pause, smile now far more nervous and bashful than it had been previously.

"Nice to know you care," Matt replied acidly, fully aware that he sounded angry and bitter. Hell, he was angry and bitter. But all his dignity had already been lost, so he saw no point in trying to hide it.

"Sorry, but I came to make it up to you."

"Fuck off!" Matt cried, wrapping the jacket around himself tightly and stalking off.

"Your still upset with me then?" Tai asked, sighing heavily and running his hand through his hair in aggravation.

"No shit Sherlock!" Matt yelled, long legs carrying him quickly down the road.

"Look, I'm sorry for basically calling you a whore. I was obviously wrong!"

"Yea you fucking well were. I don't jump in bed with just anybody."

"Who do you jump in bed with then?" Tai asked, quirking an eyebrow and surveying the blond, who was looking desperately in another direction, attempting to disguise his flaming cheeks.

"People I like! And you are certainly not one of them!" Matt replied acidly, choosing to ignore the fact that it was a complete lie. Yes, the brunette was as annoying as hell, but he would have no problem at all with sleeping with him.

"So if I asked, you wouldn't sleep with me then?" Tai said, spinning the blond around mid-step and pressing him against a wall.

Matt gasped, air knocked out of his lungs with the strength of the impact. He shivered at the close contact, unease clawing at his stomach. His heart was thumping into his throat as Tai's hand caressed the soft skin of his hip, creeping up his shirt.

Ignoring the fluttery feelings that were spreading throughout his body, Matt growled in anger, pushing the bushy haired man away with renewed strength. How dare Tai try and take advantage of him when he was in a vulnerable state.

"Don't touch me! Your not a client anymore! You can't touch me like that!" Matt growled, hoping that the blush staining his cheeks could be mistaken for flaming anger. The last thing he needed was Tai knowing how much he effected him.

"So you let all clients touch you like that?!" the brunette asked, raising his eyebrows.

"It's my job! Why do you I was letting you practically feel me up at the party?"

"I thought you weren't a prostitute?"

"I'm not. I have never slept with a client!" Matt yelled in exasperation.

"And Daisuke?"

"I didn't sleep with him. And anyway, technically you were the client, not Daisuke!" the blond said sharply, growing more annoyed by the minute. He knew that hooking up with Dai was not the cleverest of decisions, and he didn't need the brunette to go on about it. He was already well aware that he had screwed up.

"Well how about I take you on a date to make up for it?" Tai suggested casually, completely throwing the blond with the turn around of conversation topics.

"A date? You don't even like me! An hour ago you were calling me a whore!"

"Look, I said sorry. After I followed you tonight it became obvious that your not as easy as I first thought, especially after the way you handled that client. I may have misjudged you when Dai announced you as an escort. I was just a bit surprised. Besides you kind of…intrigue me."

"I'm not going to sleep with you," Matt replied instantly, surveying Tai with narrowed eyes.

"God, you don't half jump to conclusions. I wouldn't want to sleep with you. Well ok, I would. But honestly no funny business! Just a date!" Tai insisted, holding in hands up in joke defence.

"I don't have time. Sorry. I need to work," Matt said stubbornly, the dramatic effect somewhat ruined as he almost staggered into a lamppost. However, to his immense relief, Tai choose not to comment, although he did still grin widely in amusement.

Matt merely glared, immediately sobering the brunette once more.

"Well how about I pay you then? That's basically what an escort does, right? Goes on dates for money?" Tai continued, surprising the blond greatly with his willingness to pay for his company. Did Tai not see what he had just done to his last client?

"I cost a lot," Matt said, in a last ditch attempt to persuade the brunette to leave him alone.

However the bushy haired boy merely grinned, eyes flashing over Matt's body in appreciation.

"I don't doubt it," he replied.

"Look, I don't feel very well, I just want to go home," the blonde replied tiredly, choosing to ignore Tai's suggestive comment. He was really feeling too drained to argue and knew that if the bushy-haired boy persisted, he would no longer have the energy to resist. As much as he hated to admit it, he was beginning to enjoy Tai's company.

"You can come to mine if you want. It's only a few minutes away," the brunette said hesitantly, awaiting Matt's angry refusal. But to his immense surprise, the blond merely looked at him inquisitively, swaying slightly as he walked. He had paled once more, eyes blinking blearily as he attempted to stay on the sidewalk.

"Your inviting me back to your apartment?" he asked, looking thoroughly thrown by Tai's offer.

"Yes. No. Well maybe," the brunette said, smiling sheepishly.

Matt blinked in surprise, silently wondering if the excessive amounts of alcohol had made him slightly delusional. He certainly hoped he wasn't imaging the offer, as small butterflies of excitement had already exploded in the pit of his stomach. Or maybe it was just all the drink making him feel ill again.

"No funny business?" Matt asked hesitantly, ignoring the sensible voice in his head that was screaming at him to just go home. He didn't know what it was about Tai, but the blond always found himself completely unnerved and excited by his mere presence. He just couldn't pass up the offer to stay with him for the night. After all he might never see him again, a thought that (to his immense annoyance) saddened him greatly.

"No funny business. Your going to have to mind my roommates though. They can be a little rowdy, especially with a gorgeous stranger such as yourself, coming to stay," Tai explained, grinning at the blushing blond.

"Oh OK," Matt replied, trying with great difficulty to stride instead of stagger down the road. Needless to say, by the look of pure amusement on Tai's face, he was failing miserably.

"Do you want help?" the brunette asked innocently, eyes alight with playful laughter.

"No," Matt answered sharply, despite the painful spinning of his head.

"Jesus, you are so hot and cold. You said you'd come back to my apartment, but refuse help getting there. Are you purposely trying to be confusing?"

"No! I just don't need help," Matt insisted stubbornly, silently wishing that he should get some kind of medal for his lie-telling abilities. Never in his entire life, had he spewed out so much crap in one night. He was actually beginning to think he was incapable of telling the truth without getting defensive, something that usually involved Tai getting his head bitten off.

"Why won't you just let me help you? Because I don't think walking in a zigzag is the normal thing to do," the brunette said sarcastically, ignoring the glare Matt had turned to shoot at him.

Unfortunately for the blond, he was so busy glaring that he didn't notice the bin he was rapidly approaching in front of him.

Throwing his arms up in surprise, Matt crashed straight into it, completely loosing his balance. He fell backwards as litter scattered over the road, before landing painfully on his ass. Letting out a howl of horror, he looked up Tai, who was trying desperately to disguise his amusement with a concerned expression.

"Fine! I need help!" Matt hissed from his place on the floor, glaring so fiercely he was practically squinting.

"Really?" Tai asked with fake surprise, eyes positively alight with glee. "Want a hand?"

"I think I need more than a hand," the blond mumbled in reply.

"No denying that," the brunette said happily, encircling a hand around Matt's waist.

Gripping tightly on slender hips, Tai immediately heaved the shrieking blond into his arms, ignoring the hands that were clinging painfully to his collar.

"I said a hand. I'm not an invalid!"

"You right about that. I'm sure invalids can walk better than you can at the moment," the brunette replied coolly, walking slowly towards his apartment. Although the blond was incredibly light, Tai feared that if he went any faster, Matt's stomach would begin to protest. And if possible, having the blond be sick over him, was something he'd rather avoid.

"Well you wanted to help me, and now you are. Happy now?!" Matt asked bitterly, clutching Tai's shirt tightly in fear of falling, although that was something he would never admit.

"Yep. Very much so," the brunette grinned, carrying the blond happily back to his apartment…

To be continued…

A/N Ok so not much of a cliff-hanger, but still.

Man this chapter really was a bitch to write. I kept writing different bits separately in random orders, so it took me ages to link everything properly, which is probably why things don't quite add up quite as well as I would have liked. I was trying desperately to improve this, but ended up giving up. I apologise for my laziness.

Ok rant over. Thanks to everyone whose reviewed so far, I really appreciate it. I'm also going to start replying to reviews, so review:)