Tai was bored. This wasn't and unnatural occurrence, but today, he was just bored out of his skull. The thought of phoning Matt to come over was tempting, but so was the thought of luring the alluring Michael Ford to his house. A slight smile crept onto his attractive face, pulling his irresistible lips into a full, all out grin. Looks like a boring day suddenly got a lot less boring.

Just as he was about to pick up the phone, an arm wrapped around his bare chest, pulling him closer to the other's body. Tai winced, rolling his orbs of fiery brown before he rolled over and smiled. "Hey there. I was just gonna call you," he lied perfectly, sending a breathtaking smile in the direction of his not-to-mysterious guest.

"Right," Matt rolled his eyes, flopping down on his boyfriend's bed, pulling him closer. "Wanna do something today?"

"Whatever," Tai shrugged, burying his head in Matt's warm chest. "Was either you or Michael."

"So glad to know you're limiting yourselves to blonds," Matt laughed for a moment. "I've always been a sucker for dark haired creatures."

"That would explain why you were groping Shin at my soccer game then," Tai spat spitefully as he rolled over, completely ignoring the handsome musician that had his arms wrapped around him

"Oh don't be like that. For Christ sakes Tai. How about at my concert when you were sucking the tonsils out of mybrother?"

Tai sighed and pressed his face against Matt's arm. "Can you blame me? He's so damn cute."

Matt bopped him on the head. "And he has a hard-one for Daisuke."

Tai looked over his shoulder, an impish grin on his face. "I wonder where they got that from?"

Matt hummed softly as he lightly began to trailed kisses down Tai's shoulder, ignoring what he had just said. Tai's grin grew wider and he turned toward Matt suddenly, catching him surprised. As if a testament of his superiority, he climbed on top of him. "Hey, I didn't say you could ignore me."

Matt gulped and bucked, trying to get his lover off. "T-Tai, come on. You know I don't like it when you get that way!"

Tai bent over, sucking on Matt's chin, nibbling softly. "I think you need to be taught a lesson."

Matt laughed painfully. "Come on! I'm not into that type of thing."

Tai's grin grew enormously. "But I love it and isn't it your job to keep me happy?" that grin soon turned into something seductively sultry as Tai bent down, kissing and sucking and licking at Matt's flesh, smiling every so often as he heard the blond moan in complete ecstasy.

He could literally feel Matt withering underneath him. He lightly tugged at Matt's trademark black top, pulling it above his head as he continued his assault on his lovers pale silk skin. The one thing he would forever be certain of, was the fact Matt had the softest skin he had ever felt.

Then, with feather light touches, Tai had Matt literally begging under him. But they had been together far too long and Tai knew exactly what to do to get Matt especially riled up. Seven solid years of fucking the brains out of one another would do that.

"O-ooh Tai," Matt panted as his slowly nipped at the skin on his chest; a hidden pleasure point Tai had discovered less than a year ago. He used this area shamelessly and usually resolved to inflicting it whenever he wanted to get his way. Matt never had that type of advantage on Tai and Tai would be dammed it he ever let him find one. Tai knew he was great at foreplay and he wore that like a badge of pride.

Suddenly, right in the middle of his steamy ministrations, Tai abruptly halted, causing Matt to moan in protest. "On second though, I think I just might phone up Michael."

"Fuck you Tai," Matt managed to pant out, inhaling sharply as he shakily pushed his golden locks from his eyes. He didn't really like the fact Tai could manipulate his body, turning it against him the way he always did, but he knew that he was better in bed so he would let Tai have all the fun he wanted. When it got straight down to it, Matt knew he was the only one that could satisfy the hunger Tai had. But still, Tai had a certain something that continued to drive Matt back to him.

"Now now now Matt. Isn't that Shin's job?" Tai asked him in complete innocence. His large orbs of molten amber were practically pouting down on the blond haired musician. Matt groaned as Tai picked up the phone, dialing Michael's summer home.

"Tai stop screwing around and put down the phone," Matt have commanded and pleaded. Seeing his boyfriend completely ignoring him, Matt hissed. But jealousy wasn't allowed in their relationship. They'd both slept around far too many times for that. But still, every single time Matt would catch a glimpse at his boyfriend with another guy, he couldn't help the small spark of envy he felt toward the new flavor of the day and most probably the night.

Then again, he had his share of bedtime partners as well. There were certain advantages to being in one of the most popular bands in Japan. Though, Tai was at least a hundred times better than every single one of them combined. But Matt would rather chew off his own arm than admit that to the heavenly tease straddling his waist.

"Hi Michael!" he heard Tai exclaim happily as he shut his eyes, moaning silently. He never fully understood why Tai got off on torturing him this way. "I'm fine! You?" he replied after a few seconds pause. Matt opened one cerulean eye as he felt Tai's lips press themselves down on his own, smirking when he stopped only to respond.

Matt suddenly donned a mischievous grin on his face as he hastily flipped Tai over onto his back. The brunette never faltered in his conversation with the blond American. "Yea, so I was thinking," Tai continued as Matt successfully rid himself of his shirt, pressing his thin frame down on Tai's electing a small gasp. "No, no I'm okay," Tai quickly muttered as his completely cool exterior began to deteriorate. "But like I was saying, do you want to catch a movie with me sometime. There's this new film down at the theater," he seemed to coax.

Matt simply rolled his eyes again, kissing Tai's throat savagely, not caring if it did interrupt his conversation. Maybe the American idiot would get a clue and reject Tai's offer. But the second Tai smiled, muttering the word 'great' into the receiver in a dangerously playful tone, Matt winced.

When Tai hung up the phone, a large smile was etched into his face. He opened his mouth, but Matt interrupted, "Don't say a bloody thing Taichi Yagami," he threatened, glaring down at him. Tai just chuckled, a deep, throaty chuckle that made the hairs on the back of Matt's head, stand up on end.

"Poor little Matt, all resentful and bitter," he pouted once again, causing Matt to moan inwardly.

"Shut up and kiss me," Matt literally ordered, pressing his body against Tai's forcefully, extracting a low groan of pleasure. He kissed him deeply, never getting enough of the intense flavor that was always lingering on Tai. That delicious mix between sugar and spice. It was Tai's personality down to a tee. Flirty and passionate. It was what he had fallen hard for.

"You know, we really should have been born in the late sixties early seventies," Tai sighed as Matt continued to kiss him. "We're swingers you know?"

"I'll be whatever you want me to be if you'll just shut up and stop moving around," Matt half hissed as Tai chuckled again. Even after all these years, Matt had no idea why he felt this way about Tai. They cheated on each other, they slept around every occasion they had, lied, bickered and broke up every second week. But after all that, they still came back together.

Whether it was the fact Tai could do things most other people wouldn't even believe were humanly possible or the fact whenever they were together, all their problems seemed to vanish for a few hours, Matt always wanted Tai to be with him. No matter how many men got a piece of what was his, he never minded as much as long as Tai came back to him in the end.


--- --- ---


It was a bright, sunny afternoon as a couple perched on top of a table was surveying the people who walked by them. Or more precisely, the males who walked by them. The one blond was looking and the brunette was trying to help, though he seemed to be more annoyed then anything. "Him?" the brunette, Tai, asked exasperated. They had been at this for about an hour and it had gotten dull after the first five minutes.

Matt shook his blond head as a cute blunette passed them. "Nah, don't like the hair," Matt scanned the area, setting his blue eyes to the work of searching for new meat. If there was nothing else he appreciated about his boyfriend, it was the fact that they worked as a team when one or the other wanted a certain guy; that made things easier for the pair.

Tai groaned. "How long are we going to be scouting for a guy?" He pushed his hair off his forehead and stood, folding his arms. "You know, I--"

Matt waved his hand in Tai's direction. Just the person he had expected had walked out in full-view. "Shh! Him!" he pointed to the couple walking into the park who were caught up in each other.

Tai raised a perfect eyebrow. "Ken?"

"No!" Matt hissed. "Daisuke!" He licked his lips as his eyes narrowed on his prey. The perfectly built Daisuke, who might one day rival Tai in looks. But as a fresh teenager, he was just too cute to pass. "That's who I want. That's who I've wanted for a long time."

Tai looked at him wearily. "You want to break up that?" he raised his hand to indicate to the sappy scene before them itself. "They've probably never even kissed before. And they both are as innocent as heaven itself."

Matt turned to face his boyfriend, a disgruntled look on his face. There was one way he was getting out of this one. Not one tiny chance. "That's why. He's so cute," Matt paused, turning his head to look at the couple. "I wonder what he tastes like..."

Tai narrowed his eyes. "Fine. I'll help you with this if you help me with my Izzy situation."

Matt grinned. Tai had been trying to sucker Izzy into bed for as long as the two of them had been together, but Izzy was too hard headed to even see the affection his Tai gave him. "Deal. But do you think Izzy will finally go for you?"

Tai matched his grin and winked. "Only one way to find out."

Matt sighed, suddenly not wanting to agree to this deal. Izzy, Matt's rival (though the other didn't know about it), was so close to his Tai... but getting Daisuke was just as great a prize too... "You know what to do then?" Tai nodded and the pair set off for the couple.


--- --- ---


(earlier)

Daisuke was warm and comfortable, resting on his bed and up against a something. The morning sun was filtering through the shades and his body was telling him to get up. But it was so damn nice here. "Mm," murmured Daisuke, giving into the need to wake, and rubbing his face into the warm something (pillow?).

"Mm?" the pillow murmured back to him. Daisuke's eyes shot open and a blush ensued on his tan cheeks. Ken was wrapped in his arms, mumbling something in his sleep. His chest moved with his deep breathing and his body was relaxed against his own. It was perfect.

They had taken their relationship a step "closer". Before the most they had done was kissing and very light petting and here they are, sleeping in the same bed (though neither had traveled beyond the kissing and petting. That was reserved for a later date.)

It was nice to know that there was someone out there that fit him so perfectly (just like the missing piece of pie). Someone who would always be there for him and who would love him forever. It was great.

"Hm? Are you awake?" whispered Daisuke in his Love's ear. Ken giggled a little and rubbed his face in Daisuke's arm. "Maybe. What's it to you?"

Daisuke grinned and nibbled on Ken's shoulder. He forced himself not to laugh at the blush that crept on Ken's skin. It was too cute. "I think we should get up."

"Why?" came from the sleepy Ken.

Daisuke lifted his head and looked at the clock, it read 11:23am. "Damn!" he cried, sitting up and shaking Ken. "We're almost late for the movie."

Ken groaned but sat up anyway. "This is what I get," he mumbled to himself as he shook his head and ran a hand through his errant hair.

Daisuke rolled his eyes and grabbed his boyfriend's hand. "Come on already!" he pulled Ken to a standing position and started for the door.

"I-I-"

Daisuke shook his head. "Don't worry, I have money."

"B-But!"

Daisuke threw a look over his shoulder and grinned. "I told your mother yesterday so we don't need to leave a note."

Ken sighed in defeat. Why the hell did he do that? Or more importantly, how the hell did he do that? Ken allowed himself to be dragged out of the apartment and down the street to the local movie theatre. It was nice getting out with Daisuke and he was happy for it. Daisuke always brought such an innocence with him that it was refreshing to him.

"Here it is! Planet of the Horses!"

Ken looked at his love and raised a brow. How did he manage to pick out the stupidest movies and why was he always so excited to see them?

"It's a great movie! I've seen it a million times!"

Ken shook his head. He had thought about the risks of getting involved romantically with this redhead and this had been one of them. He could deal with this, he could. He was mentally strong enough to withstand a boring movie with probably little to no plot what so ever.

"Besides," whispered Daisuke into his ear, "it's dark and cold in there and I might need something to... warm me up."

Ken smirked as his other brow raised. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad…


--- --- ---


Daisuke sighed and stretched as he walked out of the theatre, Ken attached to his side. It wasn't too bad of a film and having Ken to snuggle up to him was nice. And Ken had been a good sport through it all, not complaining one bit as Daisuke started to kissing and tease him in the almost deserted theatre.

"Yo! Daisuke!" cried Matt, walking up to the couple with a generous smile. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Daisuke exchanged a look with Ken, who shrugged. Daisuke looked at Matt and smiled. "Fine. Where to?"

"Come," answered Matt, placing a hand on the small of his back and all but dragging him with him. Once they were around a corner and out of hearing range from Ken, Matt said, "Look, there's something you need to now about him."

Daisuke frowned. "About who?"

"Ken," he hissed, looking around the corner as if to see if Ken was listening.

Daisuke tried to do the same, but Matt stopped him, shaking his head in warning. "He'll get suspicious..."

Daisuke sighed and crossed his arms. "What's this about my Ken?"

A strange look crossed Mat's face and Daisuke wasn't sure if it was worry or a smirk. "Look," Matt ground out, "I want you to keep your boyfriend away from mine!"

That blew Daisuke's mind and he was only able to utter, "Huh?" Ken and Tai? No way. Ken belonged to him, with him... He knew that much at least. Ken would never, ever hurt him... He wouldn't!

"Keep. Him. Away. From. Tai!" Matt was now in his face, shoving a finger in his chest, and an angry expression on his face.

Daisuke blinked. "Keep Ken away from Tai? Why would I want to do that? Ken would never betray me!" Matt arched a brow and looked back around the corner. His mouth dropped open and he pointed to what he saw.

Daisuke humoured him by walking over and looking around the corner. His world literally dropped from beneath his feet as what he saw. His Ken was kissing Tai and was looking quite happy about it. He backed up. "I-I--" he jumped as he felt Matt's hands enclosed on his shoulder.

"The bastards!"

Daisuke pulled out of his grip and ran the couple, forcing his way in between the two. "Stop it!" he cried, tears in his eyes. He looked over at Ken, who had a puzzled look on his face and he snarled, "What the fuck were you two doing?"

"Dai--"

"No!" he shook his head and looked between the two. "What can I say? You two want to be together? Fine! Go for it! Have a nice life!" he turned around and stormed away, oblivious of Ken calling out to him.


--- ------




"Do you have to?"

"Yes, I told you already."

"But I don't want you to go!"

"Then you'll have to deal."

"But I don't wanna!"

"Joe! Come on! This is for a good cause after all."

"I know. But do you have to?"

"Yes!" Izzy sighed exasperatedly as he looked into the endless black of his boyfriend's eyes. "If he doesn't pass math this year, he won't be able to get into the college classes he wants to! And besides Joe, he's our friend!"

"I know, I know. I just don't want you to leave! That's all. Can you blame me?"

Izzy began to laugh. His rich red hair spilling over his eyes as Joe took it upon himself to gently rid his love's face of the soft strands that were obstructing his view. "You know, you're impossible. Simply impossible."

"Thank you," Joe smiled, pulling his short genius into his arms, wrapping him up safely. The redhead buried his head into the warmth of his taller love, sighing blissfully. It was a rare occasion where they could just be alone together, marveling in each other's silence.

With Joe continually studying to become the doctor his father desired and Izzy taking his advanced classes, there was just no time! But they were always together. Always studying together, just cuddling late at night. They had that fairy tale romance. Throw in med school and computer meetings, you had their lives.

"I'll only be gone for two hours. After that, I'll be back and I'm all yours," Izzy smiled seductively, even though there was a light blush painting across his pale skin.

"Mmm, just the way I like you," Joe replied, bringing his lips down on the bundle cradled in his arms. Something started to beep in the background, but it was ignored for a long while. The only thing that seemed to phase the peaceful duo was the fact they had to surface for air (regrettably).

"I'll be back later Joe," Izzy promised, slipping out of his arms as he straightened his burnt auburn shirt, as he passed a hand through his mess of a mop he called hair and grabbed his bag with all his study books. "Bye."

"See you," the blue haired teen smiled appreciatively, running his eyes over the lean figure that was his boyfriend. Brilliant, deep and drop dead gorgeous. Joe sighed. He was lucky. Very, very lucky.


--- --- ---


"That's it Tai!" Matt hollered as he stormed into the apartment that belonged to his longtime lover.

"What is it honey?" Tai quipped as he slowly picked up the shirt that was on his bed. A dark lavender that set off his eyes brilliantly. Matt was literally fuming as his face burned an unbearable crimson.

"You know what Tai! Gendo! You slept with Gendo!" he very nearly screamed, trying desperately to keep his anger in check.

"Yes, why, I do believe I did," Tai lightly tapped his chin in mock reminiscence.

"What have I told you about my band members! They're the only people I put a limitation on! But no! You just had to go and fuck my drummer!"

"Now Matt, don't get all bent out of shape," Tai rolled his eyes, throwing the shirt on over his head. His was getting ready for Izzy! He needed his precious time to prepare!

"You put a restriction on Izzy, I put one on my band members, I've respected yours, why couldn't you do mine!?" Matt hissed.

"Well when your goddamn drummer comes up and gropes the living shit out of me, what the hell am I supposed to do?" Tai's eyes darken significantly. The awing shade of rich brown was suddenly drown out by a sea of black.

"Push him away!" Matt offered the suggestion in an enraged growl. Tai waved him off, but Matt grabbed his wrist, yanking the slightly shorter boy to his chest. "How the hell would you feel if all day at band practice I had to hear how 'Gendo got a piece of my boyfriend's ass'?"

"I wouldn't know now would I?" Tai lipped icily, ripping his arm away from Matt's close to steel grip.

"It feels like shit okay? Never again Tai, I'm dead serious! I swear, if I hear any other band member marveling over your body, not even Satan himself will be able to keep me away from Izzy!"

"You wouldn't," Tai snarled, shoving Matt into his wall. A wicked smile twisted to his lips.

"You wouldn't try me because you do know I'd do it."

Tai hissed as Matt pushed him back watching as his brunette lover lightly stumbled back. With a mock kiss, Matt turned toward the door, already ready to leave. "You're just jealous," Tai snapped as Matt was halfway out the door.

"What?" the blond shot out as he turned on his heels, facing a smirking Tai.

"You're just jealous that maybe I'll find someone better than you, and that I'd leave you for one of them," he chuckled bitterly. "That's why you don't want me sleeping with them. You're jealous that one of them might be better than you!"

"You have no idea what you're talking about Tai. Stop thinking before it gets your pretty little head all dizzy," Matt retorted acidly, expertly flipping his hair out of his eyes. "You're just not smart enough to be making all these accusation! In fact, you're just not smart enough!"

"Yea, I know. I sleep with you," Tai's voice took on a dangerously icy tone. "And I made you my first," he said almost regretfully.

"Aw baby," Matt almost cajoled, his voice turning sweeter than sugar. He strode over to the leering brunette, gently taking his face in his hands. Tai snapped his neck out of the embrace, but Matt patiently took his prize back, smiling serenely. "I was your first and I will be your last. You always come back to me in the end."

To add one final blow, Matt tenderly kissed Tai full on the lips, smothering the soccer player with so much raw emotion, that it took his breath away. Matt was positive that if he had pulled away a second later, Tai would have passed out. Slowly, Matt leaned down, licking his brunette's lips to gather as much of Tai's unique taste of as he could, smiled, then turned once again, walking out of the room.

As soon as Tai heard the door slam, he screamed in frustration, smashing his fist into the wall as he cursed Matt. "Fuck you Ishida," he hissed, inhaling sharply. Matt did this all the time to him. It was one of the many things he hated about the blond.

But collecting himself, Tai regained his composure, wiping his lips harshly before walking into the living room. He had to set up the study area. Izzy would be here soon. And if he knew Izzy, (which he did) he would be there at exactly eight. Always punctual. A trait Tai admired in him. He knew that even if he got up fours hours before his supposed meeting, he would still be twenty minutes late. It was just the way things worked out for him.

He shrugged, dropping his math book on the coffee table as he searched around for some spare paper and a few pencils. A thing about himself that he didn't particularly enjoy was the fact whenever he got frustrated, he had a tendency to snap things. Twenty pencils a month kind of became a lot in the long run.

Then, at exactly eight on the dot, there was a polite rap on the door. Tai smiled brightly as he waited a little. Finally judging that it was an okay time, he got up, opened the door and plastered on one of his award winning smiles. "Izzy!"

"Hey Tai," the very shorter boy greeted, giving him a content grin, bordering on sheer foolishness. Tai could feel his insides melting as he resisted the urge to just sigh dreamily.

"Come on in! Make yourself comfortable! How are you? Want anything to drink?" questions such as these were just formalities. Tai knew perfectly well that Izzy would always drink water and that he would just reply 'fine'.

"Water please. And I'm doing pretty good. Can't complain. You?"

"Some old. The plague released upon humanity, also known as my bastard boyfriend was here," he sighed deeply. Looking at Izzy, he saw the most overwhelming amount of sympathy possible portrayed in those ebony depths. He swore he could stare into those eyes forever and still find something new to love.

Izzy coughed uneasily as he scratched the back of his head nervously. "So, what were we doing last week again?" Izzy asked quietly as Tai handed him a bottle of water, while he opted for a can of Pepsi.

"Geometry," Tai made a face as Izzy laughed. The mood just went from heavy to breezy in less than three seconds flat.

"It's not that bad Tai!" he argued pointlessly, enjoying the small match they were engaging in.

"Says you who was doing this in preschool!" Tai shot back, taking an indignant sip of his soda, winking in the process. Izzy laughed again.

"Come on, I know you can do this!" Izzy encouraged as he lightly shook his shoulder. "You're bright Tai, I have faith in your abilities."

Tai smiled brightly, his heart suddenly pounding at an unheard of rate. He knew his lips were curving upward, but he was twitching, almost violently. This felt so unbelievably right! God how the brunette just wanted to kiss the smile off that redhead's face! But, instead he opted for the pointless little babble that infected his mind every single time Izzy was within a hundred-meter radius. See, he did know math.

"That color looks good on you," he semi choked, semi stuttered. He wanted to kick himself. He hated sounding so… so… idiotic…

"Thanks Tai," Izzy grinned, looking down at the ginger shirt that really brought out the color of his hair. "Joe said the same thing."

Ah yes… Joe. The small obstacle that stood between Tai and the one thing he desired most in the world. He was still trying to find out how to tear the Siamese twins apart. Not even all his schemes worked out the way he intended.

"That's nice," his voice dropped. "So, what about those spheres!" Izzy chuckled fondly. Opening the thick textbook, Izzy began to explain theory after theory, question after question, blah after blah. Absolutely nothing was penetrating the brunette's skull.

The only thing that Tai was even remotely interested in was Izzy himself. God, if Izzy were math, then Tai would be passing with flying colors. He knew absolutely everything about the genius. The way that he had one piece of hair that never seemed to fit behind his ear, the one that would fall in front of his eyes every time he looked down.

The way he bites his bottom lip whenever he's concentrating on something for too long. Then the way he wrinkles his nose after he solved it. The mirth that radiated in his eyes afterward was something truly beautiful and rare. It was something Tai could never forget.

Or maybe it was the way that he would always fidget and could never stay in the same position for more than a few seconds. That was something Tai was just itching to find out if it was true. God, how many things did he love about this redheaded wonder?

"Here, you try now," Izzy encouraged, handing Tai the pencil he was holding. "I wrote down the steps for you to follow."

"You handwriting is so messy, I can barely read it!" Tai joked. "I've always wondered why you genius folk have such scribble writing. If you're so smart, shouldn't you have figured out that us stupid people can't read it?"

Izzy laughed again. Something Tai prided himself on was the fact he could always make Izzy laugh. "For starters, my handwriting's not messy. It's cramped and small and blotchy…"

"A.K.A messy," Tai interrupted, winking as Izzy rolled his eyes.

"Yes, you common folk always assume that," this time, Tai laughed. Shaking his head of rich chocolate hair, Tai reached over (considering Izzy was left-handed) and gently removed the writing implement from between his fingers. "Hey, what happened to your hand?" he asked, taking Tai's hand in his own.

For the first time, Tai noticed that all the knuckles on his right hand were chaffed and red. It looked rather painful, but the pain just wasn't registering with the brunette.

A million excuses popped into Tai's head, but looking over at Izzy, only the truth surfaced. "I hit the wall."

"Yes, I can see that Tai, but why?" the shorter boy asked again. He looked almost pained and Tai jerked his hand away, regretting the loss of contact. When there was no reply, Izzy took a guess. "It was Matt wasn't it?" the expression on the handsome brunette's face was answer enough for Izzy as he bit his lip slightly. "What happened Tai?"

"I don't like talking about it okay? Could we just pretend this never happened? I mean, wow! Look at all these fascinating prisms!" Tai gulped, trying to change the subject. If his companion ventured further, one thing would lead to another and he would eventually find out a part of Tai, Tai himself never wanted the genius to learn.

Izzy gave his a skeptical look, but honored his wishes. "Sure. If you say so Tai, but…"

"Please," he begged, "just drop it okay?" Izzy nodded deftly. "It's just I don't want you getting involved in any of this. And don't worry, it's something I can handle."

"I believe you Tai. I always have," Izzy smiled. Tai's stomach did a flip-flop.

"Listen Izzy, I hate to sound rude, but this stuff just isn't sticking tonight. Or last week or any time in the present future. I'm just not good at math."

"Don't say that Tai! I know you can do this stuff if you just applied yourself! Ok, imagine this. If you study a little harder and try, no matter what you get on your next test, I'll do whatever you want! That sound reasonable to you?"

Tai almost groaned, wanting to repeatedly smash himself over the head to avoid the thoughts that were rapidly flying into his head. "God you should have not said that!" a very faint blush crept to Tai's cheeks, but the natural coloring of his skin hid it fabulously.

Izzy gave him a sideways glanced and shrugged to himself. "Okay then… well, I really don't know how I can make this worth your while."

'Just you smiling makes this worth my while,' Tai thought inwardly. But… "Well, how about this. Why don't we put away the books for now and just hang out a little. We could watch a movie or something! It's been a while since we last, well, chilled!" Tai smiled, closing his eyes.

"That sounds great," Izzy agreed. "What do you want to see?"

"Anything you do oh wise tutor! Is there any like, math films that won't bore the hell out us, yet prep me at the same time?"

"I have no idea. Maybe we should make one!" Izzy joked as he walked over and sat by Tai who was fiddling with his movie case, extracting two cases.

"We have Disney!" he stated proudly, showing the two films he so carefully selected. "Your pick, Lion King or Fox And The Hound? But I warn you, I cry during the latter. A lot."

"Then the latter it is," Izzy winked. "It'll be interesting to see what breaks the tough Taichi Yagami!"

"Well I'll tell you now. I'm a helpless romantic and excess sap makes me tear."

Izzy laughed out loud as Tai popped in the movie. Both boys jumped back on the couch that was directly in front of the TV and watched the film in complete silence. And as promised, half an hour into the film Tai began to sniff and Izzy himself felt his eyes watering.

Almost as if in a daze, Izzy lowered his head onto Tai, snuggling up close to the warmth his companion radiated. His head fit perfectly into the nook of Tai's neck and he was at that perfect height for leaning the rest of his body against him, all while not disturbing the other's view.

Subconsciously, Tai laced his fingers into Izzy's hair, playing around with the incredibly soft strands that were falling in between his fingers, caressing his palm. He heard and felt Izzy sigh blissfully as the redhead snuggled up even closer, completely burying his face into Tai's shirt, inhaling deeply.

Tai wanted to say something so badly, but didn't want to interrupt the beyond perfect moment that was going on between them. There was this aura of intense peace that fluttered around in the air and Tai was floating between heaven and hell. Fighting off the pangs that were demanding he gathered this perfect creature and kiss him till his toes curled, Tai took a giant leap and hesitantly, very hesitantly rested his head upon Izzy's.

Izzy's breathing was strong on Tai's chest as the pattern changed into one of almost rhythmic proportions. "I-I-zzy…" Tai did everything but cross his fingers, waiting for the reply.

"Hum?" he muttered in a daze, his large black eyes heavily lined with sleep. It was now or never in Tai's mind. With all the grace that would put a swooping hawk to shame, he captured Izzy's lips with his own in a fiery embrace. One that seemed to rock the very foundation of the apartment building.

There was this moment's awkwardness for both boys, one, even though as experienced as he was, felt as if this was the first time he had even done this, even thought he was far, far from it. The nervousness, the hesitance, he felt it all amplified to the billionth degree and was quite literally hanging by a thin thread waiting. Just waiting for some type of response.

Then, in what had to be the world's most flawless moment, Tai felt Izzy's lips press back into his, returning the slightly clumsy kiss with just as much grace as would be expected from him. It was Tai who had regrettably ended the sweet show of absolute devotion, staring down into the orbs of darkness that had captured his heart.

His bottom lip was trembling, quivering unstoppably and Tai closed his eyes, licking his lips slightly. That had been wonderful. It was missing all the bare lust that accompanied Matt's kisses, yet held such profound zeal that when Tai opened his eyes again, he was petrified that he would find Izzy missing and would have to come to terms with the fact his kiss had been all a dream.

But once his sparkling pools of never-ending molten chocolate opened timidly, he indeed saw Izzy, just staring up at him, looking baffled and content and in a state of perpetual bliss. He put that dreamy gaze on his face. Not Joe, him. And then when Izzy leaned up, bringing their lips into contact again, Tai wrapped his arms around the smaller boy's waist, crushing their bodies together. No objections were cast, complaints muffled in the haze of passion.

Voila. Heaven was attained.

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