"Oh my God!" Daisuke sobbed into Takeru's waiting shoulder. "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!!"

Takeru patted his friends back nervously. Daisuke, the big, tough, strong leader, was crying his eyes out and mumbling non-sense to him. Him! They were enemies, said Daisuke when he was fighting for Hikari. But Daisuke had dropped that when he started to go out with Ken. Of all people, Ken. And strangely enough, he and Daisuke became closer, maybe even best friends.

But... still not close enough.

He supposed it made sense; Daisuke somehow realized he could never get Hikari and was lonely and Ken needed someone. With Daisuke there, who could not have wanted to snatch him up?

Snatched up right under my nose...

It was awfully pathetic, this crush he had on Daisuke. It had been there since the two first meet and had only served to grow larger as they fought together. How long has it been? Five years? Six? And it was still there.

It was so obvious that Ken knew about it, had even smirked at him when he saw him, as if saying, "Na-Na, I caught him and you didn't!" Ken even went so far as to plan their dates on days he knew Daisuke and himself were going to hang out. And of course Daisuke broke all those dates with him cheerfully.

But here he was, in his arms, holding him tight. Not Ken. Just the smell of him was intoxicating. This was where he belonged, so close and tight to his heart.

As Takeru looked down at the redheads shaking form, he wondered briefly what had happened. Daisuke burst into his room, crying. When he asked him what was wrong, Daisuke grabbed him, almost pushing him down. And that's how they stayed.

"Daisuke? Please tell me what's wrong..."

Daisuke pulled away slowly and took a couple more sobs. He shook his head. "It's Ken... I saw him!"

Ken? The calculating Ken hurting his prized possession? "What did he... do?"

Daisuke broke out into a big sob as he said, "I saw him with Tai! He was kissing Tai! And he didn't even defend himself when I went up to them!" Daisuke threw his arms around Takeru's shoulders again as he continued his sobbing. "I thought he loved me!"

Takeru patted Daisuke's back. Tai kissed Ken? His brother and Tai must be up to something. In all this years of living with and around the couple, he knew them like the back of his hands. Either Tai wants Ken or... his brother wants Daisuke.

The thought of his brother's claws on his Daisuke made him see red. It was hard enough to know Ken was all over him but... He knew Matt would just dump him, probably worse for wear.

As if on cue, the front door slammed open and shut. "I'm home!" his brother's voice called.

Takeru pulled away from Daisuke. "I have to go talk to my brother... I'll be back in a couple of minutes. 'Kay?"

Daisuke sniffed and nodded.

Takeru opened his bedroom door and shut it quietly. Lucky for him his mother wouldn't be home until late.

"Hi squirt!" his brother said, turning to him as he walked into the kitchen.

Takeru smiled tightly but didn't say anything. Instead he grabbed his brother's collar and dragged him into his Mother's bedroom. "What the fuck to do you think you're doing to my Daisuke? He's in my room, bawling his eyes out because of Tai!"

Matt smirked. "Your Daisuke? Hmm. When was he ever your Daisuke?"

"Shut up," Takeru hissed, his blue eyes clouded with anger. "I know you two are up to something so just spill it and leave Daisuke alone!"

"I just want to have some fun," Matt said nonchalantly. "And besides, I'm doing this for you too." At his brother's arched brow, he continued, "Just think. After I sleep with him, he'll probably feel force about himself... And then you can sweep him up and save him! You've always wanted to save him, right?"

"Matt…" he growled but settled into silence. But his brother was right, of course. Just the thought that Daisuke came to him of all people set his heart a-flutter.

"Takeru..." said Daisuke, standing in the doorway.

Both boys whirled around. "H-How long have you been standing there?" stuttered Takeru.

Daisuke blinked with red, puffy eyes. "Just walked up. Why?"

Matt shook his head and favoured the redhead with his heartthrob smile. "What can we do for you?"

Daisuke looked at Takeru. "Sorry for bothering you. I should be getting home."

Takeru opened his mouth but Matt stepped in. "Let me walk you home," he offered, looking back to his fuming brother.

Daisuke looked up to Matt and smiled. "Thanks."


--- --- ---


"So... are you all alone?" Matt asked as he stepped into Daisuke's apartment.

Daisuke nodded and bent down to take off his shoes. He set them in an orderly fashion and shuffled into the kitchen. Matt followed him. "Want anything?" Daisuke asked over his shoulder.

"Nah. When are your parents coming home?"

Daisuke sighed. "Not for a couple of days. They went on vacation..." He trailed off as he opened the fridge. "I was supposed to go with them but No! I had to stay behind with that... that bastard!"

Matt grinned inwardly. Cute. "Well..." he started walking over to the redhead ever-so-slowly, "I know how we can... pay them back, so to speak..."

Daisuke's head shot up and he looked at Matt with sudden interest. "How?" he asked, pushing the fridge door shut.

Matt grinned. For however noble Daisuke was, he had known he would fall for anything named as revenge. It was a lovely though. He cupped Daisuke's cheek. "Let's do exactly what they did to us." He lowered his lips on the redhead's, sighing in the blissful contact.

Daisuke gasped but didn't fight the kiss. In fact, he closed his own eyes and leaned into the blonds embrace. Ken had kissed him like this; had run his tongue along his lips, begging for entrance. Daisuke opened his mouth at the memory.

Matt groaned as his tongue plunged into his lover's sweet, honey-filled mouth and ran along the warm insides, mapping and playing with Daisuke's tongue.

Daisuke pulled away, dazed and gasping for breath. "Matt," he huffed. "Maybe we should... go to my room?"

Matt grinned. "Point the way."


--- --- ---


"Matt…" Daisuke moaned as his shirt was almost viciously pulled off his lithe frame. Matt was never one for all the pointless foreplay Tai loved to engage in, but still, he had his moments. The absence of lip-to-lip contact caused Matt to growl and he pushed the smaller boy down to the ground, kissing and teasing the redhead's ear. "You're very beautiful, you know that?"

Daisuke opened his eyes to see Matt hover over him, a serious look on his face. Matt, Tai's boyfriend. Matt, the person he had thought hated him. The same Matt who wouldn't be caught dead with someone as plain as him had just called him beautiful. Something happened in Daisuke, a click so silent in his mind. Someone appreciated him, thought him worthy. Called him beautiful. It was too much for him and he wrapped his hands in Matt's blond hair, pulling his lips onto of his own. This fit perfectly, at least for the time being.

Matt moved his hands up well-defined chest, caressing Daisuke ever so lightly, teasing him with well-placed kisses that trailed from the redhead's mouth down to a nipple. He brought his head up, a smile on his lips. "Are you sure you want to continue? I can stop. I don't want to force you if you don't want to do this..." he trailed off, kissing the nipple and teasing it lightly with his tongue.

Daisuke gasped, withering under the slight caress and feeling like an idiot for doing so. I must look so pathetic to him... I must... But it felt too good to let it end right now. A little kissing, a little petting, this was bliss to the young man who wanted to so forget the earlier events of the day. "N-No! Don't stop... I don't want you to stop..."

Matt suppressed a small laugh at the cute boy sprawled under him. If this is what Tai sees whenever he insists on foreplay, he could understand why he liked it. The power rush was almost too much for him. Sitting up, he stripped his own self of his shirt and tossed it to the side, before coming back down to capture Daisuke's lips once again, all the while rubbing both chests together. It was a splendid feeling.

Daisuke wrapped his arms around Matt's shoulders, holding him close to his own heart. Never had Ken and he gotten so far before; both would be too shy after a couple of heated kisses. And as Matt started to suck and tease his nipple, the feeling was almost overwhelming to him. "Matt," he gasped again, trying to understand what was happening inside his body.

Matt chuckled against the bronze skin. "Hold your horses," he said with a grin. "I want to play a bit more before we finish this."

Daisuke let his hands travel down the length of Matt's chest, to rest at his pants, tugging gently. "But Matt…"

Matt brushed Daisuke's hair off his face and placed a kiss in the middle of his forehead. "You're too cute, you know."

"Beautiful," Daisuke purred.

"Beautiful," Matt affirmed. He slide his hands down the redheads body to cup the rounded flesh below, rubbing his body against the other boy's, and settling down to tease the other nipple into a hard peak.

"AH!" moaned Daisuke, who moved so that Matt was between his legs. He thrust his hips up, grating it against the elder boys erection and was gratified with a moan.

"Daisuke, Daisuke..." he whispered as his kisses lead him down the muscular stomach, stopping just short of his jeans. He brought his hands around to unbutton and unzip the jeans, letting Daisuke's erection string free. Silently, he tugged the jeans until they were free of Daisuke's person.

"Please Matt… Please," Daisuke begged, withering for just one touch of Matt's magical fingers.

Matt sat up again and took out a small tub of something, setting it to the side as he unbuttons his own jeans, letting his erect penis free and pulling the jeans off of him. "Daisuke," he said to get the redhead's attention, "this will hurt a lot at first. Do you still want to go through with it?"

Daisuke nodded, closing his eyes. Matt leaned over and kissed his nose before sitting back up. "Whatever you command," he grabbed the tub and opened it to ooze some of the clear gel out on his fingers. "Ready?"

When Daisuke nodded, he pushed the first slick finger into the redhead's tight opening. Daisuke gasped at the coolness and pain the finger brought in. It felt wrong… painful… but most importantly it hurt so much… this wasn't what this was supposed to feel like, it was supposed to be sweet and gentle and… not this!

As if reading his thoughts, Matt said, "Relax, it'll feel better if you relax." With that piece of advice, he drew his finger back out and then in again. He repeated this process until Daisuke was able to calm himself and suddenly it didn't feel so back, it almost felt... good.

When Matt added another finger, he hardly felt it. And soon he was sweaty and gasping, begging Matt for more.

"Just one more," Matt whispered as he added another finger to the mix. It was almost too delicious for Daisuke to take. And when the fingers brushed up against... something, he felt as if he was going to loose control.

Too soon, Matt pulled away, leaving Daisuke withering and panting for more. The feeling was wonderful, the best thing he had ever felt. Matt chuckled fondly as he looked down at the utterly enticing vision pinned beneath him. God how he just wanted to screw him and then leave, but there was something biting down on him that almost commanded that he take this slowly… though, his self control was quickly fading, almost to the point Matt thought he no longer possessed it.

"Daisuke," he inhaled sharply, muttering the name in a seductive purr, causing the shorter boy to moan a little. Without really asking, Matt gathered the boy in his arms, the bronzed skinned boy's legs wrapping around Matt's waist almost instinctively. He lifted Daisuke's back off the floor in one motion, gracefully catching him as he moved a little, not enough to cause Daisuke discomfort, but just enough so that he tightly clutched onto the blonds shoulders.

It was then Matt made a sharp turn, blatantly ignoring Daisuke's bed as he rammed the brunette into the wall, causing him to gasp loudly. A sharp stinging sensation sprung into his back, causing him to yelp a little. It was then a completely different sensation of pain ripped into him. It quite literally tore through his stomach, reaching his throat as he screamed, letting his head fall onto Matt's shoulder. He couldn't stop from crying as Matt shifted a little, getting both himself and his young now lover accustomed to the feeling.

"You okay?" Matt whispered as Daisuke bit down on his shoulder, shaking his head violently. His breathing had changed drastically, almost into pants as he dug his nails into Matt's back.

"It hurts… so much…" Daisuke managed to cry weakly. Another violent scream erupted from his throat as Matt, bored of waiting for him to grow used to the fact he was penetrated, thrust upward, not only causing Daisuke to slide along his still fully embedding member, but also considering he was pinned tightly up against his wall, his skin drug along chaffing his back slightly.

"Shh," Matt chided, pushing his head back, capturing his lips once again. He pressed himself closer to Daisuke, swallowing the cry of pain he let loose, thrusting upward once again.

"Matt please…" Daisuke begged, squeezing onto his shoulders tightly, his nails almost drawing blood. "Please…"

"Please what?" Matt teased, attacking his neck with savage kisses. "Go on? Stop?" when Daisuke's tears hit his shoulder, the blond sighed inwardly, stopping mid thrust as he grabbed him tightly, removing himself from his body as he lied his young lover on his bed.

Daisuke's body twitched slightly at the loss of Matt, but the smaller boy barely noticed it through all the still searing pain. Matt slowly took his place on top of the boy again, kissing him deeply as he gently brushed his fingers over his chest. It was probably a minute later he had the brunette relaxed enough so he could speak without breaking down.

"Are you okay?" he asked again as Daisuke squeezed his eyes shut, nodding slightly. "Okay then," Matt smiled, using his thumbs to rub small patterns over Daisuke's hips, easing them into the bed as he began trailing kisses up and down his stomach.

That completely hazy, bliss induced fog began to drown out Daisuke again, and this time when Matt entered him, the pain was significantly less. It felt better than the last time, almost pleasurable this time. But as soon as Matt saw that he wasn't madly spasming anymore, he almost cruelly pounded himself into Daisuke.

The desired effect Matt was going for was suddenly achieved as Daisuke's muscles instinctively clamped down on him, sending the blonds mind packing. The brunette's mouth was almost intoxicating now and Matt couldn't be apart from it for more than a second without feeling empty.

It was slowly, so slowly, that Matt pulled away from Daisuke's mouth, teeth now toying with the skin as he nibbled on the auburn haired boy's face, taking the little sounds of absolute pleasure as an agreement to continue. Every part of Daisuke burned, almost painfully as Matt's skin brushed against his. The contact was absolutely divine and every time Matt would pull away for a second, Daisuke felt cold… so very, very cold.

And when Matt was fully convinced Daisuke was completely relaxed with him inside him, he moved again. This time, no cries of pain were heard, only the most adorable purrs Matt had ever heard. Even the faintest movement caused the brunette to shiver, the sensations sending waves of heat through Daisuke's body.

"Matt…" he gasped, choking on the word as he threw his head back, letting it collide with his pillow. The blond was absolutely too far gone to respond to anything the gorgeous creature beneath him was saying as he continued his assault on his flesh, ranking his nails across the tanned skinned boy's back, loving the way Daisuke moved beneath him. It was the slight twitching Daisuke's body continued to do that made Matt absolutely wild. Just when he thought he was in complete control, Daisuke would move and his senses melted.

He hadn't felt this way in a long time. In fact, he could barely even remember when he felt this alive fucking the brains out of someone. Everything just felt so cozy, peaceful, even though the scene was far, far from it. It was wild, reckless, yet beautiful in it's own way.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Daisuke gasped loudly, his back arching almost contortionistly. Matt had just done something absolutely wonderful that made his vision blur for a split second. And when the blond smirked and continued his assault on that one area, Daisuke though he would absolutely die.

His speech at that point had been cut down to mere nothingness. His body had gone completely limp and he definitely did not want Matt to stop what he was doing. His body just screamed for more of that delicious contact that was driving him delirious.

And much to his content, Matt didn't stop. Not once. Not even to give the brunette a chance to breathe correctly. He just kept hammering into that one spot that made Daisuke's insides melt, his body temperature rise to an almost uncanny level, his mind absolute fade out… he was in heaven.

Matt, being the one to notice the smaller details of this, smiled to himself as he deeply kissed Daisuke's lips, ramming into him so hard the younger boy literally screamed out. He didn't stop this pace, he only continued, assaulting Daisuke's body in the most pleasurable way imaginable.

'This,' Matt thought, 'is amusing…'


--- --- ---


Izzy woke up to the slightly buzzing sound coming from some unknown source. He moaned a little, thoroughly annoyed that he had been woken up from his cozy slumber. He squeezed his eyes shut, once again cuddling up to the pillow that was so warm and soft and utterly comfortable. He felt himself smiling as the arms that were draped around his waist squeezed him closer, allowing his silent plea of closeness to be granted.

But every moment has to eventually end and Izzy's did all to quickly once he realized just exactly what it was he was snuggled up to. His face flushed a hundred different shades of red as his eyes snapped open, his brain now processing his surroundings. He didn't move. He was practically frozen on the spot. But he managed to look up slightly, still blushing an incredible red.

He almost gasped. He subconsciously shifted slightly so that he was now completely looking up, right into the still sleeping face of Taichi Yagami. A small sound escaped his suddenly dry throat as the memories of the previous night came flooding back. He couldn't have… but he did… he kissed Tai… he kissed Tai!

Almost immediately, he buried his face into the fabric of Tai's shirt, completely ashamed with himself. He couldn't bring himself to look at the boy that he was sleeping next to, even though every single fiber in his body was practically begging him to. So finally losing out with the pathetic and relatively short battle with this head, he looked up. His breath quite literally taken away.

His gaze was almost instantly locked with the incredibly handsome brunette in his view. He had never fully seen Tai this way before. He looked so peaceful just trapped in his dream world, safely tucked away where nothing could hurt him, nothing could get at him. He was gorgeous. This was a decision that was made up immediately in Izzy's mind. The boy he had known practically his entire life, the boy that he tutored in math, the boy that he had just recently kissed was beautiful.

Izzy ran his eyes along Tai's face, taking in everything as if he were gazing at a rare and exotic sculpture. He blushed a little more when his mind, completely against his will, kept insisting a sculptor must have had a say in something this… perfect.

Tai had exquisite cheekbones, ones that were perfectly angled on his dark complexion. His skin was almost the color of caramel. Years of running around under the blazing sun would eventually add up and it did. Oh God it did… his nose was centered just right, breathing in deeply. An indicator of his still slumbering mode.

But the thing Izzy was both thankful and resentful to, was the fact Tai's eyes were closed. The short genius was positive that if Tai had been awake, he would have just died. But he wished that Tai were awake. He loved Tai's eyes. This was something that even he admitted to himself. They were almost a two toned brown, the deepest and most awing shade he had ever encountered.

They sparkled whenever he spoke, never betraying his true feelings. They quite literally took anyone's breath away and suddenly, Izzy felt himself battling a small twitch of envy toward Matt. The blond could gaze into those bottomless depths all he wanted and could bask in the warmth they radiated. Matt didn't even realize how lucky he was for snatching up Tai.

Before Izzy could even stop himself, he inched his way closer to the brunette's face, hesitantly lifting his fingers as he gently brought them down on Tai's cheek. Even that faint action caused a tremor to run through Izzy; up his spine and right down his legs. He could feel the buzzing that his skin was doing and he realized he was too far-gone to pull back and act rational.

Inhaling shakily, Izzy let his fingers completely stroke Tai's skin, loving the sensations that were washing over him. But it seemed that Lady Luck wasn't on his side that morning, for what he feared the most happened. Tai's eyes slowly fluttered open, blinking several times as he tried to focus on the ball of red that was right in front of him.

Even though Izzy felt himself getting punched in the stomach from all the emotions that were tackling him at that very moment, he couldn't help himself from subconsciously thinking that Tai was absolutely adorable when he woke up. His usually wild locks of hair all tangled and strew around his face, his eyes lined with faint traces of sleep. He was… breathtaking…

"Izzy?" he slurred, blinking once again. He wasn't completely sure if what he was gazing at was in fact Izzy, or just some wild dream of his. But when the blushing redhead suddenly muttered something under his breath, he was sure it was indeed real.

"I'm sorry, I'm really, really sorry Tai," Izzy jumbled his speech as he practically propelled himself off the brunette, passing a hand through his knotted hair wanting to die right on the spot. He reached down, grabbing his textbooks as he shoved them violently into his schoolbag, then turned to face him, still that uncanny shade of crimson. "I… I didn't mean to… oh God I'm just sorry," he mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut as he turned to the door wanting to make a hasty escape.

But Tai would have none of that. He leisurely got off the couch and caught the genius' hand in his, freezing him on the spot. "I'm not," he muttered, carefully yanking his hand closer to his body. Izzy followed the motion and was suddenly millimeters away from Tai's body. His blush just deepened. The brunette simply took his free hand and gently brought Izzy's face to his, looking at him with those piercingly gorgeous eyes.

"Wha… what?" Izzy stuttered, shaking uncontrollably. God how he wanted to crawl under something and erase everyone's memories of himself. He squeezed his eyes shut once again, biting down hard on his lip. He was still shaking as Tai smiled, gently stroking his cheek, removing a strand of loose hair. This little motion caused Izzy to shiver slightly and he opened his eyes, catching Tai's face looking at him with the deepest amount of care he had ever seen.

"I said, I'm not," he repeated, once again brushing a feather-light touch across the shorter boy's face. The redhead wanted to moan in protest once those skilled fingers left his face and he consciously leaned up to meet his hand, not wanting the contact to end ever.

Slowly, Tai cupped Izzy's cheeks with both his hands, gathering his face almost worshipfully. Tai never was the patient type, yet he found himself exuding more self-control than he though he contained. Tenderly, he brought his thumbs over to softly caress Izzy's lips, smiling to himself once he saw the shorter boy's eyes shut blissfully. Losing himself in the sensations that were fogging his brain, Tai began to lean down, bringing his lips back into that sweet contact that he wanted desperately.

It took Izzy a moment to realize what was happening again, his schoolbag dropping to the wooden floor with a thud that was ignored by both. It was only when Izzy leaned up on his tiptoes to adjust more to Tai's height, did the duo finally lose themselves in the wild taste of each other's mouths.

Izzy was the first to react as he wrapped his arms around Tai's neck, easing the pain of his position slightly as Tai's sturdy arms snaked their way around his waist, pulling him as physically close to him as possible. Small moans of ecstasy escaped their semi-parted lips as they both deepened the kiss, wanting to explore more of the others simply delicious taste. Tongues tentatively touched and wrapped their way around the other, sometimes sucking slightly.

When both regretfully broke for air, they were both panting lightly. Izzy, once again buried his head in Tai's shirt, taking a deep breath as Tai tightened his hold on the genius. He wasn't letting him escape so soon. He wanted him to stay with him forever, never letting him go. But when Izzy pulled away, looking up at Tai slightly flushed, did he let his hands fall to his sides almost numbly.

"I have to go…" Izzy muttered hastily, grabbing his bag once again as he exited the apartment almost in a dash. Tai must have stood there for almost ten minutes, just staring off into nothing. Then he broke out into the goofiest grin, falling backward right onto the couch.

"YES!" he cheered, feeling more alive now than he ever had in his life. He couldn't even begin to tell you how long he had just sat there for, looking exactly like a fool in love. You probably could have stabbed him with a red-hot poker and he would have just smiled at you.

"Yo, earth to Tai!" someone shouted breaking him from his trance.

"Hun?" he muttered, blinking a few times. He was faced with two of the bluest eyes he had ever seen, surrounded by a mane of shimmering hair. "Matt!" he cried overjoyed, throwing his arms around his boyfriend's neck as he kissed him deeply.

"Woah, what was that for?" the blond mumbled afterward, thankful he was kneeling down. He was positive that kiss would have sent him tumbling to the ground. Tai just gave him another one of his smiles, hugging him tightly.

This time, when he kissed Matt, the blond was ready for it and within a minute both were lying comfortably on Tai's bed, hands roaming freely. The amount of passion Tai was giving Matt made the blond melt into a puddle of almost nothingness.

But afterward, as Matt wrapped his arms around the extremely drowsy, sweat slicked brunette, he smiled to himself, kissing the top of Tai's head tenderly. He was just lying awake, basking in their most recent love making session that had quite literally blown his mind. His lover was amazing… in every sense of the word.

"Tai," Matt muttered to him, getting a muffled sound from his sleeping lover. Matt smiled, wrapping his arm around his waist as he pulled him in closer. "Nothing, just go to bed."

"'K…" Tai garbled, snuggling up to Matt's chest, his hair tickling the blonde's chest. It was times like these Matt was so thankful he had Tai. As much as he denied it to the world, he wouldn't know what to do if he couldn't have Tai.

So, pulling himself closer to the sleeping bundle in his arms, Matt gently placed his head on Tai's and closed his eyes, eventually fall asleep listening to the brunette's steady breathing.


--- --- ---


(earlier)

It was with the utmost regret that Matt left Daisuke that morning. The young brunette had been absolutely incredible and walking away from him was something that took a great deal of willpower in Matt's case. As the sun gently streamed through the open window, Matt awoke, gathered his clothes, dressed then walked out of the Motomiya apartment.

He probably wasn't even walking for five minutes when he bumped into someone, both of them stumbling back slightly. "Sorry," they both replied in unison. "Joe?" Matt asked once he saw who he had hit.

"I'm sorry Matt," Joe muttered, passing a hand through his hair.

"God Joe what happened to you!? You look horrible!" Matt exclaimed, which he did. The bluenette's hair was disheveled, not the usually neat was it always was. He had deep bags under his dark eyes, mashing horribly with his pale complexion.

"Matt," he began, slightly unsure how to begin. "This might seem a little odd to ask, but have you seen Izzy? He said he would be back at ten yesterday and he never came back. I'm worried… a lot…" his words were laced with a deeper fear than he was letting on, but Matt sensed them instantly. Now seemed like the perfect time to help follow through with his promise.

Trying not to smile too much, Matt brought his fist back and just let it rip, hitting the doctor in waiting right in the cheek. "Don't you ever mention that name in my presence again!" he barked, balling both his fists to his side, reaching down to grab the collar of his shirt. He bared his teeth, looking every bit the vengeful boyfriend.

"What the hell?" Joe hissed, pushing Matt off him. "What the hell was that for?"

"You boyfriend," he growled, "he… he…" Matt turned on the tears, collapsing right into Joe's arms. "Tai… him… both of them…"

"What?" Joe asked softly, not knowing exactly what to do with the weeping blond in his arms. Hesitantly he wrapped his arms around him awkwardly, patting his back almost mechanically.

"I caught them… kissing… doing more… God… his hands were all over Tai… God, how could I have been so stupid? I bet they were like, let's pull the old, 'tutoring' bit on them…" Matt made the most awful sobbing sound he could muster.

"What?" Joe gasped, pulling his arms off Matt, using his strong hands to grab his shoulders, shaking him slightly. "Are you sure?"

Matt just nodded weakly, crying a fresh batch of tears. "I saw them… they were in his bed…" he shook his head violently, releasing more of the fake tears, "and I thought he loved me… God I was such a fool!" Matt screamed, reburying his face into the folds of the taller boy's shirt.

"I have to go," Joe stated bluntly, ripping Matt off him as he got up, numbly walking off in the opposite direction. As soon as Matt saw he was far enough, he stopped his crying and began to laugh. God it was so easy to screw around with people's emotions. Especially his friends.


--- --- ---


Izzy had practically run back to the apartment he usually shared with Joe. The guilt was literally pressing itself down on his heart, causing him the most agonizing pain he could ever begin to imagine was possible. And to make matters worse, all he could think about was how wonderful it felt to have Tai's lips against his.

He was effectively pacing around the living room, just waiting for Joe to come back. Then, he would apologize to him, they would kiss and everything would be all right. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him right? Sadly, that was the result of over an hour of deep pondering. So much for being the genius…

It was around noon when he finally heard the keys scratching against to doorknob and he was all to relieved when he saw his boyfriend enter the house. But as soon as their eyes locked, Izzy knew Joe already knew. "Joe…" he began as he approached him quickly.

"Get away from me," he spat, turning away from him.

"Listen, I'm sorry! I didn't know things would turn out the way they did!"

"Really, so you're not going to deny you spent the night with Tai? You're not going to make up some huge story? Come on Izzy! Say something!" he ordered in a tone Izzy had never heard from him before. Quite frankly, it scared the redhead slightly.

"I'm not going to lie to you Joe…" he started, but was interrupted by the snort that escaped Joe's lips.

"Go away!" he stated venomously. "Get the hell away from me."

"Joe, I said I was sorry! What more do you want me to do?" Izzy spoke up fiercely, although his words were laced with desperation. The bluenette turned to look down at his companion. His eyes were as hard as agates. They held no sympathy or compassion, just a deep seeded disgust and betrayal.

"Just tell me it's not true," he said quickly, grabbing Izzy's hands in his own. Joe's hands were trembling violently as he spoke, his voice cracking slightly. "Just tell me nothing happened… please Izzy…"

The redhead's head fell, gazing at his shoes as he winced, tearing his hands free from Joe's. "I can't Joe… I can't lie to you… you deserve better than that."

"Then at least tell me it meant nothing!" at the silence that almost haunted the air, Joe took a step back, his body almost completely paralyzed.

"I'm sorry…" Izzy muttered once again, right before he walked back. "I'm so sorry Joe…" his eyes squeezed shut as he fought back tears, inhaling sharply.

"Get. Out," Joe's voice was ice. Izzy didn't even bother trying to fight back, trying to keep him. He just took his bag, opened the door and let it shut quietly behind him. It wasn't until he got to the elevator that he felt tears roll off his cheek. Hot little droplets were spilling off his pale face and once the doors opened, the second he stepped in and the machine began to move he hit the stop button, completely collapsing, breaking down into heart wracking sobs that tore his throat as they escaped.

His whole world was collapsing around him and for once in his life, Izzy had no idea how to fix it. He couldn't think coherently enough to piece together anything. The only solution that he gladly embraced was crying. And cry he did.


--- --- ---


Daisuke woke up cold, naked, and most importantly, alone in the middle of his bed. His head hurt from the few hours of sleep he managed to get and absently, his arm felt around for that unfamiliar warmth that had been with him that night.

Ken...

Daisuke's eyes shot open and he groaned as the memories of Ken's betrayal hit him. And what had he done with that information? He had gone and slept with Matt; he was worse then Ken! He was sick! Disgusting! Now Ken would never want him...

Sobs over-took him as he hunched into the bed, trying to bury the world of hurt away. If only he hadn't been so stupid... if only he...

But he was and it did happen. There was no turning away from that reality, Daisuke knew. It hurt. It hurt a great deal. And for once in his young life, he felt a certainty: it would hurt for as long as he lived.

A knock at the door gathered his attention. "Dai? Daisuke? It's Takeru, are you alright?"

Daisuke gasped as he quickly tried to cover himself. His cloths were spread out about the space of his room and he gathered them up as he said, "T-Takeru! Give me a minute." He had his cloths on a second later and he spent the rest of the minute trying to make his crying less evident.

That's all Takeru needs to know, that I slept with his brother. He'd probably never talk to me after that one. And since Takeru was Daisuke's only best friend, after Ken of course, he didn't want to strain or wreak that relationship. It was bad enough that he had shown up to his friends' apartment, crying like a baby.

Rushing to the door, he threw it open and plastered a smile on his face. "Takeru. How's it going?" Takeru walked into the room. "Why don't you come in?" Daisuke offered, sarcastically.

"Daisuke," Takeru started after turning to the redhead.

"Really, I don't feel like going out or doing anything," Daisuke interjected, looking everywhere but at Takeru. "I think I'm coming down with something." He coughed into his hand and looked up at the blond, hoping he'd catch the hint.

Takeru sighed and walked up to Daisuke, pushing him down to the bed and sitting down next to him. "I'm sorry," he said simply, looking at his hands.

Daisuke coughed for real, repeating, "I'm sorry?"

Takeru looked at the ceiling. "Matt called me and told me what happened. I'm sorry."

Daisuke looked at him shocked. "H-he told you?"

Takeru nodded and looked at the redhead. "I wish I had known. I would have..." He clenched his fists and swore under his breath.

Daisuke blinked. He had never seen his friend like this; gone was his usual 'nothing can faze me' persona, replaced with a furious hell demon. Was he mad at him...? "Takeru, I --"

Takeru shook his head. "I'm not mad at you; I don't think I could ever be. It's that idiot of a brother."

"Then... why are you mad?" Daisuke asked quietly, the sudden feeling of tears welling up in his eyes. He looked down at his shoes to prevent Takeru from noticing.

Takeru did notice, however and he wrapped his arms around Daisuke's protectively, cradling him to his chest. "I'm mad because he hurt you. I'm mad because he was an idiot." He sighed and kissed Daisuke's head, rocking the redhead back and forth. Daisuke enjoyed the feeling and soon his eyes drooped shut, secure in the knowledge that he was protected from everything. "And I'm mad because he got something I've only dreams of."

Daisuke gasped and pulled away from the wrath and protection. "What…"

Takeru bit his bottom lip, chewing on it worriedly. "I-I I'll show you!" He inched closer, clasping Daisuke's face in his hands and clumsily pressing his lips to the redheads. Ever so softly, as not to scare his love, Takeru nibbled on the bottom lip until he felt Daisuke give into the kiss, opening his mouth. Takeru's tongue traveled into the waiting mouth, filling it, mapping it, and playing with Daisuke's own tongue.

Daisuke pushed away first, coming up for breath. "I-I never knew. I thought you and Hikari..." he trailed off.

Takeru nodded sadly. "I know. I was too scared that you'd think I was disgusting to tell you," he admitted. "And when you started to go out with Ken, I felt there was nothing I could do."

"Takeru..."

Takeru looked at him suddenly. "But you and Ken broke up!" His eyes blazed as he took Daisuke's hands. "I won't treat you badly like that, I won't hurt you! I promise. If you just give me a chance... I know you could love me as much as, if not more then, Ken!"

"Takeru... I..." Daisuke looked into the sky-blue eyes and saw the love in those eyes. Almost without his permission, he heard himself saying, "I don't know... Maybe..."

Takeru broke open into a large smile, wrapping his arms around the redhead and plopping some kisses on his shoulder. "Thank you! Thank you! I won't let you down! I promise."

Daisuke laughed slightly. "How about breakfast then?"

"I shall cook whatever you shall command," Takeru said, placing his hands on his hips and a goofy smile now replacing the prior one.

"Hm," sounded Daisuke. "I think I want bacon and eggs."

Takeru nodded. "Of course. Just sit right there and I'll get it done for you." He stood and walked to the door. He turned back to Daisuke. "Now stay there."


--- --- ---


The phone rang as Takeru was finishing up Daisuke's eggs. "I'll get it!" he called to Daisuke. Setting the pan down, he ran to pick the phone up. "Hello?"

"Ah, is Daisuke there?"

Takeru groaned internally. Ken, just who I wanted to call. Slowly, he felt any hopes of being with Daisuke fly away. Maybe Matt was right, maybe all the teasing about being 'just a friend' was right. Maybe Daisuke wasn't his because he wouldn't fight for me. Maybe... But Daisuke came to him always whenever something was wrong, laughed and talked to him always. It was always him. And Ken... Ken didn't matter! Shouldn't matter! Won't matter anymore! "Maybe. Why?"

"I really need to talk to him. There's been a misunderstanding between us," said a strained Ken.

Takeru smirked, his resolve set. "What did Daisuke misunderstand? It sounds pretty clear to me."

"No! You don't --"

"Bye, Ken." Takeru clicked the phone off and set it back in the holder. He sighed, scratched his head, and plated the eggs, moving to the table to set the food down. "Daisuke?"

Daisuke walked in a moment later, busy putting his shirt on. Takeru breath caught in his throat at the sight of his naked chest and he turned away to prevent his blush from showing.

"Not shy are you?" teased Daisuke. He pulled their shirt down and smoothed out the winkles as much as he cared to. "Who was that?"

Takeru shook his head and gulped. "A telemarketer. I just told him you weren't interested."

Daisuke nodded. "The damn bastards always calling here as if we've ever bought anything they sold." Daisuke smiled slightly and sat down at the table. "Looks good."

Takeru nodded and sat across from Daisuke.

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