[RP Log] Tai and Iori
What: Tai starts joining Iori for his morning runs and Iori opens up
Why: Friends are always nice to have
When: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Who: Iori and Tai
Where: One of the parks down by the bay
Status: Complete
Iori sat stretched across a park bench, doing warm ups while he waited for Tai to show up. The older boy had started running with him a couple days ago, and he'd kept up well. He didn't seem to mind too much about having to get about at 5 am, either. The incredibly early time might seem inconvenient and crazy to most, but with school on most days, Iori had to get up early enough to run, shower, eat breakfast, and get to the high school. Normally he didn't mind getting up early since he was an early riser, but he'd barely gotten any sleep in the past couple of days and it was beginning to show.
Taichi didn't mind getting out of bed early, remembering when he had used to do so. He had fallen down on it and his team had not let it rest for one second. He was enjoying the company as well, having Iori for company and learning more about the boy. And there still was plenty of time to get to work before his first class started.
Iori swung his legs off the bench, getting ready to stand, as he saw Tai come into view. He waved at the other to get his attention, glad to have another person to distract him from his thoughts. Usually he'd listen to techno music when running, but that would be bad for two reasons. He had no problem tuning out the music, therefore defeating the purpose of it, and because it reminded him of Ichijouji. The older chosen was someone he shouldn't be thinking about, definitely shouldn't have been talking to; he seemed to be breaking his own rules in abundance for the last couple of days.
"Hey Iori," Taichi flashed a grin as he waved to the other, eyes falling on the younger boy. He had been enjoying his time running with him and learning so many things he hadn't known before.
"Morning, Tai." The younger brunet greeted. He opened his mouth to say something else, but a sudden yawn caught him. He covered it was a hand. "Sorry," he sheepishly apologized, "I don't know where that came from. So, you ready to go?"
At that he laughed lightly. "So even you get tired, just don't be falling asleep in class. I hear about it in the teacher lounge." Tai flashed a grin at him. "Well let’s go."
"Yeah, it's amazing," Iori commented dryly, "I smile, I yawn; it's almost like I'm human." He covered his mouth as he mocked a shocked gasp, widening his already large green eyes. He laughed, and then began to slowly jog down the path. "You know, it's still hard to believe you're a teacher now, even when I have gym class with you."
At that a short laugh escaped. "Start spreading the rumor that I'm nice and I'll make you the tackling dummy for American football," Tai flashed a grin to assure Iori that he was joking. It had been unusual to be certain, teaching so many of the younger chosen but he had quickly gotten used to it. If they got used to it, though, he wasn't sure. He never did ask. Keeping up his pace he focused forward. "Hey, you want to come to the digital world with me next weekend? I haven't checked on Agumon lately."
"Hmmm?" The younger boy half-mindedly commented; so much for another person keeping his thoughts on track. "Oh, sure," he easily agreed. "It'd do Armadimon some good to spend a couple hours in the DigiWorld." He was usually hesitant to journey to the parallel world, only porting over when it was necessary. Tai would be with him, though, and it made him feel more relaxed about going over.
"Great," he glanced over, his gaze locking on the other. It felt good to be running again despite the increased soreness. It could have been so much worse, and come to think of worse things his bruise was starting to get better. He hoped Iori wouldn't tell Hikari about it. "Man, it feels like this week has been so long."
"Yeah," he agreed, voice turning morose. "I agree with you on that. And just think, the week's still not over." No, it was far from over; even when it ended, he'd continue to feel horrible. He didn't know what to do to fix it, though. He'd already let the metaphorical genie out of the bottle.
"If I wasn't your teacher I'd suggest we both play a little hooky." Hearing the tone to his voice he turned his head. "Something up?"
Iori chuckled at that. "Thanks, but no thanks. I've already had my rebellion streak." He paused at the question. Slowing, he met the other's eyes, contemplating talking to Tai. The older man seemed like a reliable choice. Taking a chance he asked, "If I ask you something, it'll stay between us, right?"
"Yeah," he nodded his head. It felt good to be talking to someone and it seemed that Iori wanted to talk. If there was one thing he knew how to do it was keep a secret between friends. Years ago he kept plenty of Koushiro’s and Yamato's secrets but those days were over, at least with Yamato. "I swear I won't tell anyone."
"Thank you," he replied sincerely, "I really appreciate that." Iori took a moment to collect his thoughts and put together what he wanted to ask. "When... when I was dating Ichijouji, what did you think? I mean, like your impression on the relationship... I guess."
"I figured I wouldn't want anyone judging me if I was in the position," his mind went back to the semi-relationship with Yamato, the way it had fallen apart. Well, he certainly wasn't the best example. "But you always seemed kinda sad to me. And when everything else went wrong I guess I couldn't stop thinking about my own screw ups."
"But, you didn't think it was... stupid? Like, it was a really bad choice?" It had always seemed like most people, especially his teammates, had seen it as one of the dumbest things he'd done.
"It's never stupid to love someone, no matter how it ends or what people think," he might as well have been preaching at himself because the talk was sure sounding like one he should give himself. "If you loved him then it wasn't stupid. Listen Iori, if it ever gets too much my place is always open. It's a big apartment and I've got two extra rooms that I don't use. Even if you just need someone to listen, I can be home in a few minutes from the bar."
Iori was both surprised and touched by the gesture. He'd grown apart from the rest of the group over the year, and he and Tai had never been particularly close to begin with. Here he was, though, offering to make time and room for Iori whenever he needed it. It made him feel even worse, knowing that Tai thought he was worth putting things aside for. Which was probably why, instead of saying a grateful thank you like he'd meant to, he blurted out: "I'm cheating on Noriko.... emotionally." He tacked on the last word after a few minutes of silence.
Tai stopped and placed his hands on Iori's shoulders. "You still feel for him?" He asked, glancing over at the younger boy. Right now Iori wasn't his student, wasn't a younger member of the group of those chosen to protect the digital world, he was a friend that needed someone and Tai was more than willing to be that someone.
Shamefaced, Iori nodded. "I talked to him again. I know I shouldn't have but... he got me a present for my birthday. I didn't know what to think... still don't... I'm a horrible person, aren't I?"
Tai shook his head at that. "You know what Iori; I'm still in love with someone I shouldn't be either. I know he doesn't feel the same about me but I can't stop it. I know that doesn't make me bad, just human. He was a big part of your life so you can't just forget about him. It's hard getting over someone even if you do move on." Placing his hand on his cheek he tilted the younger one's head up. "That's why you have friends to help you through this," reaching around him he hugged the small boy, having a feeling he needed it.
Iori tensed up as arms suddenly wrapped around him. He slowly relaxed into the embrace, bringing his own arms up to loosely hug Tai back. "Thanks..."
"That's what friends are for," he gave a slightly halting smile at that. Friends... something he had thought he had been severely lacking lately only to realize they were right in front of his face. Takeru, Michael, Iori... sure, they weren't Yamato or Koushiro but they were just as important. "Iori, I'm serious about that invite. Any time you need me."
"Thanks," he repeated again. Pulling away from the older chosen, he tried to force a smile. "Well, we'd better get going again, otherwise we'll be late." He started back into a jog, looking over his shoulder to Tai.
"Yeah," he gave a nod of his head, hurrying after Iori to keep up with him. He had a feeling that that little exchange had helped him as much as it had helped the other.
Why: Friends are always nice to have
When: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Who: Iori and Tai
Where: One of the parks down by the bay
Status: Complete
Iori sat stretched across a park bench, doing warm ups while he waited for Tai to show up. The older boy had started running with him a couple days ago, and he'd kept up well. He didn't seem to mind too much about having to get about at 5 am, either. The incredibly early time might seem inconvenient and crazy to most, but with school on most days, Iori had to get up early enough to run, shower, eat breakfast, and get to the high school. Normally he didn't mind getting up early since he was an early riser, but he'd barely gotten any sleep in the past couple of days and it was beginning to show.
Taichi didn't mind getting out of bed early, remembering when he had used to do so. He had fallen down on it and his team had not let it rest for one second. He was enjoying the company as well, having Iori for company and learning more about the boy. And there still was plenty of time to get to work before his first class started.
Iori swung his legs off the bench, getting ready to stand, as he saw Tai come into view. He waved at the other to get his attention, glad to have another person to distract him from his thoughts. Usually he'd listen to techno music when running, but that would be bad for two reasons. He had no problem tuning out the music, therefore defeating the purpose of it, and because it reminded him of Ichijouji. The older chosen was someone he shouldn't be thinking about, definitely shouldn't have been talking to; he seemed to be breaking his own rules in abundance for the last couple of days.
"Hey Iori," Taichi flashed a grin as he waved to the other, eyes falling on the younger boy. He had been enjoying his time running with him and learning so many things he hadn't known before.
"Morning, Tai." The younger brunet greeted. He opened his mouth to say something else, but a sudden yawn caught him. He covered it was a hand. "Sorry," he sheepishly apologized, "I don't know where that came from. So, you ready to go?"
At that he laughed lightly. "So even you get tired, just don't be falling asleep in class. I hear about it in the teacher lounge." Tai flashed a grin at him. "Well let’s go."
"Yeah, it's amazing," Iori commented dryly, "I smile, I yawn; it's almost like I'm human." He covered his mouth as he mocked a shocked gasp, widening his already large green eyes. He laughed, and then began to slowly jog down the path. "You know, it's still hard to believe you're a teacher now, even when I have gym class with you."
At that a short laugh escaped. "Start spreading the rumor that I'm nice and I'll make you the tackling dummy for American football," Tai flashed a grin to assure Iori that he was joking. It had been unusual to be certain, teaching so many of the younger chosen but he had quickly gotten used to it. If they got used to it, though, he wasn't sure. He never did ask. Keeping up his pace he focused forward. "Hey, you want to come to the digital world with me next weekend? I haven't checked on Agumon lately."
"Hmmm?" The younger boy half-mindedly commented; so much for another person keeping his thoughts on track. "Oh, sure," he easily agreed. "It'd do Armadimon some good to spend a couple hours in the DigiWorld." He was usually hesitant to journey to the parallel world, only porting over when it was necessary. Tai would be with him, though, and it made him feel more relaxed about going over.
"Great," he glanced over, his gaze locking on the other. It felt good to be running again despite the increased soreness. It could have been so much worse, and come to think of worse things his bruise was starting to get better. He hoped Iori wouldn't tell Hikari about it. "Man, it feels like this week has been so long."
"Yeah," he agreed, voice turning morose. "I agree with you on that. And just think, the week's still not over." No, it was far from over; even when it ended, he'd continue to feel horrible. He didn't know what to do to fix it, though. He'd already let the metaphorical genie out of the bottle.
"If I wasn't your teacher I'd suggest we both play a little hooky." Hearing the tone to his voice he turned his head. "Something up?"
Iori chuckled at that. "Thanks, but no thanks. I've already had my rebellion streak." He paused at the question. Slowing, he met the other's eyes, contemplating talking to Tai. The older man seemed like a reliable choice. Taking a chance he asked, "If I ask you something, it'll stay between us, right?"
"Yeah," he nodded his head. It felt good to be talking to someone and it seemed that Iori wanted to talk. If there was one thing he knew how to do it was keep a secret between friends. Years ago he kept plenty of Koushiro’s and Yamato's secrets but those days were over, at least with Yamato. "I swear I won't tell anyone."
"Thank you," he replied sincerely, "I really appreciate that." Iori took a moment to collect his thoughts and put together what he wanted to ask. "When... when I was dating Ichijouji, what did you think? I mean, like your impression on the relationship... I guess."
"I figured I wouldn't want anyone judging me if I was in the position," his mind went back to the semi-relationship with Yamato, the way it had fallen apart. Well, he certainly wasn't the best example. "But you always seemed kinda sad to me. And when everything else went wrong I guess I couldn't stop thinking about my own screw ups."
"But, you didn't think it was... stupid? Like, it was a really bad choice?" It had always seemed like most people, especially his teammates, had seen it as one of the dumbest things he'd done.
"It's never stupid to love someone, no matter how it ends or what people think," he might as well have been preaching at himself because the talk was sure sounding like one he should give himself. "If you loved him then it wasn't stupid. Listen Iori, if it ever gets too much my place is always open. It's a big apartment and I've got two extra rooms that I don't use. Even if you just need someone to listen, I can be home in a few minutes from the bar."
Iori was both surprised and touched by the gesture. He'd grown apart from the rest of the group over the year, and he and Tai had never been particularly close to begin with. Here he was, though, offering to make time and room for Iori whenever he needed it. It made him feel even worse, knowing that Tai thought he was worth putting things aside for. Which was probably why, instead of saying a grateful thank you like he'd meant to, he blurted out: "I'm cheating on Noriko.... emotionally." He tacked on the last word after a few minutes of silence.
Tai stopped and placed his hands on Iori's shoulders. "You still feel for him?" He asked, glancing over at the younger boy. Right now Iori wasn't his student, wasn't a younger member of the group of those chosen to protect the digital world, he was a friend that needed someone and Tai was more than willing to be that someone.
Shamefaced, Iori nodded. "I talked to him again. I know I shouldn't have but... he got me a present for my birthday. I didn't know what to think... still don't... I'm a horrible person, aren't I?"
Tai shook his head at that. "You know what Iori; I'm still in love with someone I shouldn't be either. I know he doesn't feel the same about me but I can't stop it. I know that doesn't make me bad, just human. He was a big part of your life so you can't just forget about him. It's hard getting over someone even if you do move on." Placing his hand on his cheek he tilted the younger one's head up. "That's why you have friends to help you through this," reaching around him he hugged the small boy, having a feeling he needed it.
Iori tensed up as arms suddenly wrapped around him. He slowly relaxed into the embrace, bringing his own arms up to loosely hug Tai back. "Thanks..."
"That's what friends are for," he gave a slightly halting smile at that. Friends... something he had thought he had been severely lacking lately only to realize they were right in front of his face. Takeru, Michael, Iori... sure, they weren't Yamato or Koushiro but they were just as important. "Iori, I'm serious about that invite. Any time you need me."
"Thanks," he repeated again. Pulling away from the older chosen, he tried to force a smile. "Well, we'd better get going again, otherwise we'll be late." He started back into a jog, looking over his shoulder to Tai.
"Yeah," he gave a nod of his head, hurrying after Iori to keep up with him. He had a feeling that that little exchange had helped him as much as it had helped the other.