Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. .

Thanks for the reviews. This is the last chapter. ^^


Remorseful Pride
Chapter 3: Trademark Grin


What is he doing here?

Hello to you too, Yamato, Taichi said, bowing slightly in good manners.

My voice seemed to disappear. Or so it seemed. It amazes me how I could fall for such a trap. Takeru picked me up on purpose; why else would we go to the Yagami apartment?

You look nice.

Don't try flattering me, Taichi! I snapped, my arms crossing automatically at the build of tension within my body.

He sighed and shook his head, tilting it slightly. Maybe I should leave

Hikari said, tugging on the sleeve of Takeru's shirt. We'll slip out for a few minutes. We need to rent the movies anyway.

They left at the uncanny moment before either of us could refuse. So there we were, opposite ends of the room with our eyes both to the ground. It's aberrant to be in such a situation, especially compared to before, when neither of us would think about leaving the other apart for too long. It's astonishing how things could change so quickly, how the incredible spark between two slowly fades and turns into nothing but a chore. When did that occur? When I began noticing this drift and wrapped myself into my music?

Are you going to even talk to me?

I merely shrugged, focusing my attention upon a picture frame taken with Hikari and Taichi near a swing set. It was the only thing that kept me from making a fool out of my self and running into Taichi's arms, apologizing merciless.

What do I have to do to make you talk to me? he asked softly, his voice wavering slightly.

Without glancing up, I asked, Where's your Tasumi?

I broke up with him a few weeks ago. Been living here ever since.

My head rose in surprise, meeting with his forgiving chocolate eyes. You did?

He nodded and had taken a seat on the couch, resting his head on his hands. I could feel his intense stare on my side.

I'm so sorry, about everything.

I attempted ignoring the matter, which surmised successful at the time. The words seemed so hollow, but I knew in my heart, that they meant dearly. I felt as if I had to hear them again, and again, which I knew wouldn't happen. He shouldn't even be saying he's sorry. The destruction of my bass guitar was an accident, although he had deserted me afterwards.

Maybe it was for the best. Nothing would have changed if he hadn't left me for half a year. I wouldn't be where I am now.

You know what? I can't take this silence, nor do I need to stand it.

He stood abruptly, storming towards the door. I could only watch him walk past me, but at the ever so slightly brush of his shoulder, something snapped in me. Something that I hadn't felt for a long time. It must have been in the Digital World, when Taichi was fighting Piedmon and I was on my way with Jyou to help him.

I think my pride was enduring a push aside.

I cried out. My hand latched onto his shoulder and spun him around so that he was face to face with me.

His face grew soft and relaxed, unlike the pinched tightness that was present only moments ago. A tan hand trailed to my cheek, caressing ever so slightly. I melted into the gentle touch, nuzzling softly against his grasp.

I'm the one who's sorry––sorry for not being the boyfriend that I should have been.

Oh Yamato, he whispered, his hand wandering to my back, pulling me into a soft embrace.

I was being so selfish. Leaning into his physique, I softly began stroking his leg, trying to blink away the many tears that began escaping. Light sobs eluded my dry lips, and I was grateful when Taichi drew me closer to him, to the point where I could feel his breathing upon my forehead.

It's okay. We'll work on everything.

It's not okay, Taichi. My pride, it––

He silenced my soon-to-be panicked state with a soft kiss. It was warm, tender––nothing I had felt in what seemed to be an eternity. When he drew back, he smiled and pulled me into his embrace once again.

I'm sorry, Taichi. I––

That's all I needed to hear, koi. That's all I needed to hear.

Once again, his warm lips collided with my own, in a way that I hadn't felt imaginable. There was something warm glowing inside of me. The spark has returned.

***

Feels content, doesn't it?

Taichi's head tilted slightly and leaned down where it contacted with my lips. The hands that I begged to touch me, did, leaving a breathtaking feeling in my groin. I whimpered as he ended the contact, falling into his sturdy embrace.

It does, my koi. It does, he whispered, arising from the bed we had been sitting on. He turned to me, wearing a grin that surprised me into believing he was up to something. Everyone knew that trademark grin. Anyone who didn't, couldn't be considered a companion, nonetheless a close friend or lover.

I watched him descend the room after he had told me to wait in there whilst he fetched my present. Subconsciously, I scanned the room, noting few changes to the way it had been before Taichi moved out. There was a new picture frame on the dresser; the picture inside being only a month old. We had taken it the day after Taichi forgave me . Never before did we have a picture of the two of us standing together. At the time, it never stroke me as odd, but now, I can't imagine falling asleep without the beautiful photograph.

My thoughts were interrupted when Taichi reentered the room, grinning that trademark once again. He held his hand behind the doorway, so that I couldn't see what on Earth he was holding.

Close your eyes.

I couldn't help but laugh at the corniness of it all. No longer did I feel like Cinderella, seeing her prince, but felt as if I were in one of those romance comedies, finally dignifying my love for the perfect man. The thought only made me laugh harder, which also caused Taichi to laugh too.

As I closed my eyes and continued to laugh, I could hear Taichi's unquiet footsteps along the carpet as he approached me.

Hold out yours hands, but keep your eyes shut, Yama.

Obeying his wishes, only a few giggles continued escaping my lips. Taichi was now quiet, setting something slowly onto my hands. It wasn't too heavy, nor too light. The texture was smooth, cool feeling as my fingers ran along it. My laughter died down as the subject of interest filled my senses.

I already knew what it was.

Opening my eyes, I found myself staring at a bass guitar. It was shiny, with it's usual four strings and twenty-one frets. A beautiful black color, as well.

I gasped, You found me an Aira!

Is that good or bad? he asked, taking a seat next to me on the bed.

For a moment, I stared at the beautiful instrument. Glancing up, a smile formed onto my lips, causing me to set the instrument down. It's wonderful, Taichi. It's so beautiful.

He glanced into my eyes, looking a tad nervous. It seemed as if he briefly thought I was lying and was just being nice to not upset him, which was completely untrue. Slowly, he reached across my lap and took the instrument once more, resting it on the two of our legs. Flipping it over, he pointed into the corner where delicate handwriting was placed.

I had it inscribed. I know it's nothing compared to your old one, but––

Oh Taichi! I immediately covered a hand over his mouth and leaned forward to read the inscription. It read:

To my dearest Yamato,
May we never lose ours souls again
Love always, Taichi

Reading that brought an emotion I rarely felt. A pure joy inside my heart, resulting in a burst of tears. I jumped into Taichi's embrace, causing him to fall back against the bed. The bass guitar was set gently to the side of the bed before Taichi had flipped me over and we began kissing erotically.

It was the first night in seven months that we made love.

Now, as my lover rested his strong body against mine, deep in sleep, I looked at the room before me. It is complete. There isn't a piece missing like before, which was Taichi. He is here now. By my side. Breathing into my hair. His arms wrapped around my lean body.

The remorse and pride within me finally gave up, earning me my soul mate in safe return. There's always a battle between the two, and oddly enough, they are exact opposites. For now, there is a fine balance, leaving me content in my life once more. Hopefully the balance will last long, but with Taichi at my side, I can only predict it will. It will last a lifetime, just as our love.


The End


Special thanks to ColourBlind KoNy for helping me with the description of the bass. She's awesome =)

*sighs* I think this is my favorite Taito I have ever written. I hope everyone has enjoyed it. I couldn't help but write a sweet, sappy one this time! Too many angsts lately, even though this did have plenty of angst...

Anyway, thank you for the many reviews! Hope the ending was satisfying.