Tai X Matt

AN: So the winner of the poll was Tai X Matt! Here's the story as promised. It ended up being a lot longer then I planned, but I hope you all enjoy anyway!

Disclaimer: this story contains a large amount of swearing. It's a re-write of another story from media, what that is I'll reveal at the end as I feel knowing where it's from kinda ruins the story (although if you've seen it I expect it'll be pretty obvious). This is meant to be a silly 'how characters would react if they knew about shipping culture' story, I have nothing against shippers (since I am one myself :P) so in other words don't take this too seriously.

Also Jono if you're interested in ing. Think that's all from me, so enjoy!

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“I wonder what boring stuff we’ll need to put up with this time,” Matt walked beside Tai, a bored look stretched across his face. Tai didn't blame him, after all he felt the same. School assemblies were the worst, always the same stuff, never anything interesting.

“We could always ditch,” Tai suggested.

“Nah, I would rather deal with Diaboromon again then get another detention.”

“Even though it was the Digimon and I that did all the work,” Izzy barged his way between the two friends, with his trademark laptop held tightly in front of his chest.

Tai snickered, “Hey! It was a team effort!”

Over the last year the three boys had grown incredibly close, especially considering their differing interests. It was no secret what brought them together, after all spending the equivalent of a few months in a foreign world with strange creatures is perhaps the best bonding experience anyone could ask for. Not to mention their recent endeavours saving the world from a computer virus set to launch missiles all around the world. It wasn't just these three boys that were close, all eight of the children had bonded during the time, not only with each other but with their partners as well.

Partners they may never see again…

Tai shook his head at the thought. He knew Agumon was safe, and that was all that matters. Their bond was too strong for the gate between worlds to remain shut forever, he just has to wait for the day it reopens.

Tai pushed those thoughts to the side as he continued to joke with his friends, making his way to the assembly hall and taking a seat.

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“Alright, and as always we’ll end the assembly with a club spotlight. Presenting today on behalf of the art club is Mimi,” the school principal gestured to the young girl, the golden tan from her recent trip to Hawaii gleaming in the lights from the room. Mimi always had an aura to her, and today was no different. Matt turned to Izzy next to him, and couldn't help but laugh a little.

“Dude, ask her out already,” he shoved the smaller boy a bit, making him blush slightly.

“I would, but she's moving to America soon. I don't think it's optimal to start a long distance relationship at this point in time,” Izzy avoided eye with his two friends on either side of him. Before the boys could press further, they were interrupted by the topic of discussion herself.

“Thanks so much,” she started, taking the microphone from the principal’s hands. Flicking her long dark hair behind her shoulder, she began her speech.

“Hey everyone! I'm Mimi, and today I'll be talking on behalf of the art club. I'm not actually a member, but I was asked to present their wonderful work for them! Currently all the art students have been practicing an art style known as ‘Yaoi’. The style draws inspiration from the emotion and beauty of love that is commonly looked down upon. This can be seen in Shino’s piece, ‘Tai and Matt - Love After the War’,” Mimi flawlessly clicked a button and the screen behind her changed to show an image of Tai and Matt, embracing each other, the torn-up internet and Omnimon behind them. A collective ‘Awwww’ stretched across the hall.

“The fuck?” Matt turned to Tai, who shared his confused expression.

“You see, in Yaoi the seme, also known as the top, is shown dominating the uke, or the bottom. This can be shown in our younger student Yolei’s piece titled ‘Boizu Rabu’,” Mimi again clicked the button, changing the picture to one of Tai holding onto Matt, the two staring deep into each other’s eyes.

“Why the fuck am I the bottom?” the irritation in Matt’s voice made Izzy slide back in his chair, giving him a good view of Tai.

“That’s what you're fucking concerned about?” Tai’s voice matched his friend as their confusion grew.

“Finally we have here a piece titled ‘Matt, Tai, Agumon and Gabumon’,” Mimi gave one click of the button as the final picture loaded. In the background, Gabumon covered Agumon’s eyes as Tai and Matt lay together in the foreground shirtless. Tai pinned Matt down while Matt had his arms wrapped around the goggle head’s waist. The ‘awwwww’ from the audience seemed to echo not only through the hall, but through Matt’s mind as well. What on Earth was going on?

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“I mean, Matt and Tai aren't gay, right?” Izzy had separated from the boys after the assembly and had met up with Joe.

“They would tell us if they were. But why would the art kids draw them like that?” the taller boy adjusted his glasses, trying to make sense of the situation.

“I think it's cute,” both boys turned in surprise to see Kari ing in on their discussion.

“You're… ok with those pictures of your brother?” Joe looked at the young girl in confusion as she smiled back sweetly.

“Yeah. I mean if the art kids want to draw them then they should.”

“But if it happened to Matt and Tai, could it also happen to the rest of us guys?”

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Taking a deep breath in, Tai opened the door. If he wanted to get this problem sorted, he had to go to the source. Barging in, he entered the art room, gathering the attention of everyone present.

“Uhh, excuse me, but why?” Tai motioned to a wall displaying various images of himself and Matt, ranging from innocent to quite the opposite.

“Hi Tai,” a girl answered as a few others started whispering together and giggling.

Before Tai could respond, someone with clearly the same idea as him barged into the room.

“Alright, what is going on? I'm not gay, and neither is Tai,” Matt’s entrance was met with further whispering amongst the art club, which only seemed to make him angrier, “This can’t go on! What if my dad finds out?”

The lack of response made the two boys leave, unable to determine how to possibly rectify the situation.

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TK reread the email again and again, trying to make sense of the images Kari had sent him. His obsession didn't go unnoticed however. Playing a bowl of udon in front of the young boy, his mother sat next to him and began eating.

“What's the matter TK? You know you can talk to me about anything.”

“Its Matt. He…,” TK stopped himself, not knowing how to go on, but instead slid his shiny new D-Terminal over to his mother, allowing her to see for herself.

“Kari said it happened at school,” he muttered quietly.

His mother placed an arm around her son, “It's alright. I want this household to be progressive, so ask me anything.”

“I just don't get how it's decided.”

“Well it's a combination of genetics, hormones, environmental influences-"

“No like why the art kids chose my brother and Tai to be gay.”

Nancy paused and looked at the concerned look on her son’s face, “The… the art kids pick?” TK turned to his mother, looking more confused. “Uhh, yeah. The art kids pick who’s gay. That's how it's always been,” she let out a small laugh, hoping her son didn't pick up on her limited knowledge on the subject.

“So you know about Yaoi?”

“Of course I do!”

The two of them finished their dinner and separated. Picking up the phone, Nancy sighed and began dialing.

“Hi Hiroaki. I know we haven't talked for awhile. It's just… there's something you need to know about our son…”

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Tai sat at the dinner table across from his sister. Kari had been smiling at him all evening for who knows what reason. But he didn't have time to think about that. He had to deal with the problem at school, hopefully without involving his parents.

His dad was home early tonight, so it would be a rare dinner with the entire family present. His mum lay out the plates as Tai’s gaze drifted to the window, thinking about how to deal with everything that's going on.

“What's the matter sweetie? You’ve usually finished half your dinner by now,” his mum joked, sitting down opposite his father.

“Nothing, don't worry about it,” Tai muttered, turning away from the window and taking a bite to eat.

“Well son, we heard that a certain someone is gay,” Tai’s dad said quite proudly. This comment caused Tai to instinctively throw his face straight into the bowl of rice he was eating.

“We've never been more proud of you,” his mother continued, “In fact, we want to give you 10 000 yen. We just love you so much.”

Kari started complaining about not getting money, but her voice was a distant echo in Tai’s mind, much more quiet than the insanity currently taking place.

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The following week was not easy for the two boys. All the kids at school seem obsessed with the art students’ work. The school even starts selling prints of the couple to fund further art supplies. Matt and Tai are the talk of the school, and bringing joy to everyone’s life. Everyone except for Matt and Tai that is. Matt especially was finding it hard. His father didn't approve of the boys, despite Matt’s attempts to explain he isn't gay.

“So you don't know anything either?” Sora walked beside Mimi as the two girls chatted, with Kari following not far behind.

“Well, I think it's cute! But I don't know why they draw them, maybe they were inspired by that thing with Diaboromon a few months back.”

Sora still ed that day. She regretted being stubborn after hearing the recap and watching some videos people recorded online. Maybe if she had turned up and fought alongside them none of this would be happening.

“It's just… I know Tai used to have a crush on me, and Matt… I was positive he was straight…,” Sora muttered to herself, but was interrupted by a young boy racing up to the group. His spiky hair housed a pair of cheap goggles, making him look almost like a younger Tai.

“Kari! Kari! You have to come quick!” the boy exclaimed, catching his breath, “It's your brother! He's about to have sex with his boyfriend!”

The girls all gave each other concerned looks before Sora attempted to sort out what was going on, “Kari, who is this?”

“Davis. Tai coaches his soccer team and he's in my class. We should probably follow him.”

The girls all nodded and followed the young boy to the oval. There, in the middle of a circle of students was Tai and Matt, having a classic punch out.

“I told you to stay away from me!” Matt yelled, pushing Tai.

“What’s your fucking deal? Think I want to be near you, you dick?” Tai yelled back, pushing him harder.

“Guy stop!” forcing her way to the front, Sora yelled as loud as she could to gather everyone’s attention, “Stop fighting right now or you'll get into serious trouble!”

Speak of the devil, a teacher had walked over to see what all the commotion was. The gathering was quickly broken up, with Tai and Matt being sent to the principal’s office.

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Matt sat with his arms folded, looking away from Tai. It was just like all those fights back in the digital world all over again. He could feel a bruise starting to form in his left eye, but he knew it couldn't be as bad as the one he gave Tai on his left shoulder.

“Hello, Mr Ishida? Matt got into a fight with his boyfriend,” the principal explained on the phone. At the mention of the word ‘boyfriend’, both Matt and Tai let out a huge sigh. At least they were on the same page about something.

“Probably a lover's quarrel. We won't be disciplining them since they are gay and we want to be ive, so instead we’ll be sending them home early with some money.”

“Goddamnit,” Matt muttered under his breath. He knew how his father would react to all this, and it wasn't going to be pretty. He had to stop all of this once and for all.

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Matt sighed, ringing the doorbell. After a brief moment of silence, he was greeted by the smiling face of Kari.

“It’s Matt! Hey mum, it's Matt!” she yelled out excitedly.

“Awww hello Matt,” Yuuko stepped out of the kitchen and smiled at the young boy.

“Is Tai home?” Matt asked. He tried to keep a straight face, not letting their optimism get to him.

“He sure is. He's in his room playing video games. Come on in and say hi.”

Matt walked inside and started heading for Tai’s room.

“Oh but, maybe keep the door open, alright?”

Matt clenched his fist and did his best to ignore the remark while heading to Tai’s room.

“They're so gay,” Yuuko muttered to her daughter and returned to the kitchen.

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The screen went red with blood as Tai’s character fell to the ground, the words ‘You Lose’ filling the screen.

“Fuck!” he yelled, throwing his controller on the ground. At that moment, his door opened with a creek.

“Hey…,” Matt muttered, stepping into the boy’s room.

Great, just what he needed after losing the level.

“The fuck you doing here? I thought we both were trying to stay away from each other.”

“We need to put a stop to this.”

“Yeah, and how do you propose that Mr. Know-it-all?”

“We have to come out and say we’re gay.”

Tai stared at his ‘best friend’ for a few seconds, in complete disbelief.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Dude, look. If we say we’re gay, then we can break up. Everyone will stop saying we’re a great couple and bam problem solved.”

Tai thought for a second. The plan made sense, which wasn't a great sign since usually the plans Tai thinks make sense find a way to backfire. But what else do they have?

“So, we just stage a fake break up at school?” he asked, looking at Matt.

“Yeah dude. But I need you to really try to make it seem real. You're not the greatest actor.”

Although Tai didn't like to it it, the arts wasn't exactly his area of expertise. His singing was subpar at best, and he often got overly excited or overcome with laughter when trying to lie.

“I'm not sure I can do it…,” he muttered under his breath, but his self doubt was caught by Matt. The blonde placed his hand on Tai’s shoulder, and smiled at him.

“You can do it Tai! We’ve done much harder things than this together, we'll be fine.”

Tai smiled and nodded in agreement.

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“I've done some research into it all,” Izzy explained, “and Yaoi is just an art form where people like to fictionalize two guys in a relationship.”

“Why though?” Joe questioned.

“I'm not sure. All that matters is there is nothing about it that make Tai and Matt actually gay.”

“Aww I kinda wanted my brother to be gay… I'll let TK know as well,” Kari sighed and pulled out her D-Terminal.

“Bet you're happy Matt is straight,” Mimi giggled, causing Sora to blush and look to the floor.

Before the conversation could continue, the group was interrupted by the loud entrance of Matt and Tai. The entire hallway of students turned their attention to the bickering pair.

“Look, it's just not going to work,” Matt exclaimed in a loud voice, allowing it to echo throughout the hallway.

“Why not?” Tai responded. His face was serious, with concern all over it.

“I'm sorry, but we can't keep lying to ourselves,” with that statement Matt turned his head to address the crowd, “yes, we are gay, but we do not belong together.”

“Don't belong together? What changed?” panic clouded Tai’s face.

“It's just people are different, that’s all.”

“Oh yeah, then who is Mike?”

Matt stopped for a second. This wasn't part of the plan. Was Tai taking this whole ‘acting’ thing too far?

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw your phone last night Matt. I saw you texting Mike about hooking up with him!”

“Dude, uhh, that’s not what happened. Look, I just think it's for the best-"

“Don't use this lame shit on me. You're trying to make me not feel bad by telling me how to feel.”

Matt leaned into Tai, talking at a lower volume, “Dude, don't make me out to be the bad guy here. You're taking it too far.”

“You're never the bad guy, huh? Always trying to do what's best. Is that why you split from the group back when the dark masters attacked? Left me to deal with everything?”

“This wasn't part of the plan!”

“Well you know what? Love doesn't follow a plan!”

“Yeah!” Davis yelled, cheering for his role model.

Tears started to roll down Tai’s eyes, “I tried to let you in, but I should've known you had an ice Digimon for a reason. You're cold.”

Tai turned and walked away. He couldn't help but give a grin, that was the best performance he had done in his life! Nothing was more believable than that.

“Tai!” Sora ran up and called to him, not before turning to Matt, giving him an angry look. She ran after the goggle head, leaving Matt alone, surrounded by the mass of people which slowly started dispersing. Matt stood alone, looking at the ground.

“Seriously? The fuck man?”

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The news of the break up spread like wildfire, along with its heartbreak. The fan art didn't stop, but instead changed to heartbreaking break up scenes featuring the two boys. The only person that seemed to be happy was Matt’s father.

“They broke up? Thank God! Oh, he's home now I better go,” Hiroaki removed the phone from his head as he watched his son removed his shoes.

“Hey kiddo! How was… school...” His excitement quickly stopped as he saw how sad Matt looked. He couldn't do anything but watch as he walked to his room and closed the door.

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Tai couldn't believe how well he pulled off the fake break up. He walked into school smiling, but that smile quickly faded. Seeing the many sad faces of the students he walked past, he couldn't help but wonder if breaking up was really the right decision.

Tai sighed. Was this how Matt felt that day he came to see him? He knocked, and was greeted by the stern look of Mr. Ishida.

“Is Matt here sir?” Tai muttered.

“Why can't you just leave him alone?” Mr. Ishida looked at the sad boy for a few seconds, then sighed, “he's in his room. Five minutes, that’s all you have.”

Tai opened the door to the sound of a guitar being strummed, before stopping to adjust the tune. Tai took a deep breath in.

“Hey man.”

“What are you doing here?” Matt didn't turn around, and continued to work on tuning his guitar.

“I thought things would get better if we broke up, but they're not. So I'm thinking we should get back together.”

Matt stopped fiddling with the instrument and turned his head to look at the door, “Dude, I'm not gay, and neither are you!”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You think you can pull that shit you pulled at school? Saying I'm cold? And I'll just forget about it and be your friend again?”

“You said to make it seem real!”

“Not too real! Now everyone will think I'm a cheater! I'll never get a girlfriend!”

It was this moment Tai realised he took it too far. Tai paused, assessing the situation before continuing.

“I'm sorry. It's just… you made me believe in myself in a way I've only ever felt with Agumon by my side. I didn't think I could do that, but I did. You, changed something in me, and I want to help fix whatever is hurting you now. You gave me courage Matt, now I want to return friendship.”

“I can't be something just because everyone else wants me to be. Find someone else to be gay with!”

Tai let out a sigh, “Alright Matt…”

He closed the door and walked outside the house, ing Matt’s father on the way, who sat at their dining room table, a bottle of beer in his hands muttering to himself.

‘I can see they're both hurting. But I just don't understand it. Why did it have to be my son?’ he thought staring at the bottle.

‘Then again, it's my son. I can't just abandon him.’

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Matt had moved to his bed, and sat down staring at the ceiling. The door opened and his father walked in, taking a place at the end of the bed.

“Son, you need to listen to me. You can't fight being gay. I used to think it was a choice, but the art kids pick who they pick and that's that. I don't understand, but I do know if you try to resist it you’'ll be miserable your entire life. Everyone was so proud, but I couldn't do the same. But I want to be proud too. I like gay Matt. I love you so much. Here's 10 000 yen,” Hiroaki placed the money on Matt's bed, then left the room to leave his son in peace.

_____________________

“Great game Tai!” a member high fived the goggle head, but Tai didn't share the enthusiasm. He knew he didn't play well, and he knew exactly why. Grabbing his bag, he started to head home, before seeing a blonde boy standing at the edge of the soccer stadium. As Tai approached, Matt turned around, holding out his hand. Tai walked up and held his hand, beginning the journey home.

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Maybe we should go away

Put our cares aside for just a day

The world we face can't make us cry

Not if we are strong like Matt and Tai

Let's go back to when we were new

Weren't we such happy people too?

Life was simple, problems but a lie

We had it all, a lot like Matt and Tai

And in the darkness we wish to have

A perfect love like Tai and Matt

We must fight or loves a goner

We must hold Tai and Matt with the highest honour!

I hope you know when you are down

That you turned my life around

Just like the quote that Shakespeare had

I’m your Tai, and you're my Matt

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Hope you enjoyed my silly one shot. If it wasn't obvious from the story of the fan art I threw together, this is a retelling of the South Park episode Tweek X Craig. If you haven't seen it, I would highly recommend it even if you don't usually watch the show. It does a fantastic job at both pointing out the flaws and benefits of shipping culture, and spawned what I believe to be one of the most realistic cannon homosexual couples in all media.

Anyway hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!