Okay, I know I haven't updated in forever, but I've been thinking a lot how I want this story to go. I sort of knew the details of the plot from the beginning, but I was sure until now just how I wanted to add it in. Plus there's been some issues with the site where first I couldn't upload my documents, then there was an error whenever I tried to update... *sigh* But it's over now! :)

Also, though I am a full-blooded Taiora fan, I don't hate Matt. He's one of my favorite characters actually. I'm hoping this story will show that.

JUST BE YOURSELF

CHAPTER FOUR

"Why, hello, Tai." Sora's mother greeted him with a smile. "It's good to see you again."

"Nice to see you too." he greeted. "Is Sora home?"

"Yup, she's up in her room."

"Thanks." Tai said as she let him in and he headed down the hallway. Tai hesitated for a moment and then knocked on her door.

"Come in." she answered.

Tai opened the door onto Sora sitting on her bed, taking notes on one of their school-assigned books that he had yet to open, and tried to smile. "Hi."

She looked up. She seemed a little surprised. "Oh. Hey, Tai. What are you doing here?"

Tai walked into her room and sat down in the chair by her computer desk, trying to make this into a casual visit. Actually, now that he was here he couldn't remember exactly why he'd wanted to come in the first place.

He shrugged to let Sora know that he was there just to be there. It wouldn't be the first time he'd come over just to hang out.

"How was your date with Matt?" It was out of his mouth before he could stop it. But Tai was pleased at least that his subconscious had managed to cover any hint of bitterness that was in the thought.

Sora seemed to fidget a little as if she knew this would be a touchy subject. But then, why should she? If she did she wouldn't have invited him over to help her get ready. In Tai's mind that was a peace treaty of some sort. Because, though he was sure she knew she'd hurt his feelings, he couldn't believe that Sora could ever be that cruel.

"It was nice."

It was nice? Tai thought indignantly Surely Matt had showed her a better time than that.

Oh, screw it. Sora thought. This was Tai she was talking to! He could handle the details.

"It was pretty great actually," she went on, a smile breaking across her face. "We went out for lunch and then he was going to have his dad bring me home because he had practice with his band, but he let me come along and watch their rehearsal. You should come to one of their concerts sometime. They sound really good. Matt sure has come out of his shell a lot. I'd never be able to sing in front of a crowd."

Matt? Come out of his shell? Tai had never thought of Matt as shy. He was just sort of a private person.

He had to admit to himself that his heart was sinking a little. Sora seemed so happy. Tai would be the first to say what a great guy Matt was, but... why Matt? Of all the people Sora could have chosen to go out with...

...

Matt sighed and flopped back onto his bed. They'd had a hard rehearsal and his throat was a little sore. But that would be the last one for a little while.

For the whole next week before the concert he and the rest of his band were shifted into Zen mode. They now had to trust in their skills. It had been Andre's idea and from what Matt could tell, it worked. This way they could pour all their energy out into the performance.

Maybe he was a little biased, but Matt thought they sounded pretty damn good for a garage band.

Matt looked up when he heard someone knock on his doorframe. He didn't think his dad was home yet.

"Oh, hey TK. I didn't know you were here."

"Uh, yeah..." TK looked a little awkward standing in his doorway. Or this house actually. Usually the only times TK came over was to see Matt. It was hard to set things up with their dad because he worked such crazy hours. Therefore TK didn't see their father too much and tried to spend even less time in his house. If possible he would always try to meet his brother somewhere else.

"What's up?"

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about." his brother answered switching from foot to foot.

Matt motioned that he come in.

TK sat down, took a deep breath, and launched right in. "Matt, why did you decide to date Sora? You had to have notice Tai had a thing for her."

Matt blinked. "What brought this on all of a sudden?"

TK blushed and explained how he'd kind of blown up on Izzy that afternoon.

Matt sighed and laid back down. "Boy, do I have a lot to tell you..."

...

Sora had decided not to beat around the many, many bushes as well.

"Tai? Are you alright with me going out with Matt. I mean, really alright."

"Yeah, of course. It's fine." he answered easily, but she'd seen him hesitate.

She hurriedly mumbled out something about how she didn't want it to be awkward that she was dating his best friend.

Really? Tai thought. That's why you think it's awkward?

Meanwhile Sora was nearly screaming inside her head, Come on Tai! Why can't you tell me it's not fine? I thought you had the crest of courage! She felt guilty almost immediately.

That dark little voice in the back of her head whispered, Look who's talking.

...

TK left Matt a little confused and not all that sure he approved of his brother's plans.

Sure, it proved that he really was deserving of the crest of friendship, but he couldn't help but feel that, from here on out, no matter what happened, somebody was going to end up getting their heart broken.

Review please!

I thank anyone who sticks with this story despite the fact that I'm so awful at updating... ^^'

For anyone who's confused... well, this story was meant to do that. But hey, at least I know where the plot's going now! :)

It shall all be explained in due time my followers... in due time...

I don't own Digimon!