Taito

Taito is the slash ship between Taichi "Tai" Yagami and Yamato "Matt" Ishida from the Digimon fandom.

Canon
In episode 8 of Adventure 01, even though they fight a lot in this episode, there's also a lot of major touching between them; they hug and hold hands both at the beginning and the end of the episode. Plus, in this episode Matt cries in front of Tai. Matt is usually very closed off, so the fact that he could open up to Tai like that definitely means something.

In 'The Prophecy', Matt and Tai holding hands while they get shot by what other characters call "Cupid's Arrows" and "arrows of love." In a very emotional voice, Matt offers to hold onto Tai in case he's scared, and Tai says he'll do the same for him.

In 'The Crest of Friendship', Tai never gives up hope that Matt will come to help him, and then Matt shows up and holds Tai in his arms. They start talking about how much they mean to each other and how they'll never let anything come between them again. Matt cries during this scene, even though earlier in the episode, he said that he never wanted to let anyone see him cry. The strength of their bond with each other actually causes their crests to glow and heals the Digimon so that they can win the battle. When Matt and Tai run off together, their arms are still around each other.

In Adventure 02, they still good friends, though the audience doesn't get to see much of either of them because the series is not as focused on them. The Matt/Sora/Tai love triangle implications are also much more present.

In Digimon Tri, there are some scenes where Matt could possibly like Tai as more than a friend. In Digimon Tri: Reunion, when Mimi is reuniting with the gang Matt stares at Tai with some kind of unusual smile. At some point when Matt and Tai are fighting, Mimi states "there just like an old married couple." Then Matt and Tai get flustered at that. In Digimon Tri: Confession, Matt is discussing to Tai about Omnimon and then blushes. Then in Digimon Tri: Future, Matt confesses to Gabumon about how much he cares about Tai. Sounding like he was the most depressed about Tais disappearance.

Quotes
"Matt: Scared, Tai? Tai: No, not at all. How about you, Matt? Matt: 'Course not. Piece of cake. But maybe I'll just hang onto you, to make sure you don't chicken out or anything. Tai: Yeah, right. I'll do the same for you, buddy."

- American Dub of Matt and Tai, as they prepare to be hit with arrows in episode 38 of season 1. "Matt: Tai! Tai: Matt! You made it! I can't believe you're here... Matt: Yeah, I made it, Tai. Hang in there, buddy! Tai: I never doubted you for a second, Matt. I know it didn't always seem that way. Matt: Thank you, Tai. For believing in me. I'm just sorry I was so late. Tai, you have to know how much our friendship has always meant to me, and I swear nothing will ever come between us again."

- American Dub version of Matt and Tai's reunion in Adventure 01.

Fanon
It is the most popular slash ship in the Digimon fandom, mostly due to their close but occasionally tumultuous relationship. It rivals Taiora and Sorato. It is speculated that Matt and Tai might have had romantic feelings for each other in Adventure 02, but were just too young to admit it. After the release of the Digimon Tri movies, Taito gained a newfound increase in popularity.

Fandom
FAN FICTION