Heya folks! Sorry about the hold up with 'Spirits Within' - it's a little difficult trying to get the next chapter down so it meets my stamp of approval (i know i write them, but i sometimes come up with a oad of dribble). In the mean time, I've got a three-piece for you to try. Inspired by the fact I had my room painted recently.The next two chapters are being worked on as I upload this, and I'm positive how this is going to end. Anyways!

Disclaimer: I don't own it. Honestly.

Paint - Beginning

"Rude, uncaring sourpuss!"

"Immature, idiotic loudmouth."

They had been at it for over half an hour.

"Well at least I know how to have fun!" Tyson stuck his tongue out and crossed his arms with a hmph.

"You call this fun?" Kai replied with a scowl. "I'd rather be listening to Voltaire rant about how my betrayal will 'cost me dearly' than do this.

"You've been living here six months and you still haven't done it!"

"Please explain why this should concern me again."

"But Kai! You need to paint your room! It's got no personality to it! I mean, it looks more like a hotel room than a bedroom - and it just isn't right! Don't you guys agree?"

Silence.

"Guys?"

It was at this point Tyson had realised that the others had left. Probably when the argument started.

It had taken one month to get to this point. After finding out Kai's room hadn't been painted one evening on a casual comment (even though the Russian blader had moved back into the mansion once Voltaire would be firmly stuck behind bars), Tyson had taken it as his sworn duty to get it done. Nobody, including Tyson himself, knew why the bluenette wanted to do this so badly - but after a month of constant pestering (which Kai ignored), a near constant puppy-dog look to him for a week (which Kai ignored), and threats (which Kai ignored), everyone wished Kai would give in already.

It seemed that neither one of them would surrender without a fight -and after an insult (on Kai's behalf in one of his snappier moods) that Tyson couldn't keep quiet for an entire day, Tyson found his chance.

A bet was made.

Kai lost.

Being a man who stuck to his word (no matter how much he hated it), the Russian gave Tyson one day to get it done - and, after using a mixture of the techniques Kai ignored, he was able to rally support off the former BBA Revolutions team.

Rei (pestering), Max (just by asking), Kenny (puppy-dog look), Hilary (pestering) and Daichi (threats), had come down around an hour ago to help prepare.

Paints of various colours were by the door, brushes were put near the window, the floor had been covered, and the furniture had either been taken out, or protected as well. It was all sorted, except from getting help from Kai himself. One comment let to another, and before they knew it, a full scale argument started.

The others had taken their chance and left before they were roped in any further.

They did, however, leave a note for Tyson on top of his things. It had taken another ten minutes, of ranting and Kai pointing it out, to find it but he got the basic idea when he opened it.

'Hey Tyson!

How ya doin? Just thought we'd leave you two to finish the job after you calm down! Hope you don't mind!'

Max had started it off, Tyson practically able to see the innocent smile of his face as the hyper blonde wrote it.

'Though I'm sure you don't when it comes to some alone time with Kai,'

Followed by Rei, whose suggestive meaning left Tyson confused. What had he meant by that?

'I sweat you two act like a married couple sometimes! Even the others agree! It was sweet seeing it at first, but it got old quickly. Just remember not to do anything too stupid - it must be hard, but give it a shot!'

Then Hilary. A married couple though? He and Kai weren't like that...they just argued sometimes...a bit...often...most of the time...but what had that got to do with anything?

'I'll be going over Dragoon for you with Dizzi like you asked, and we'll be back in around two hours - just be careful with Kai, alright?'

Be careful with Kai? What the...Kenny had joined in? What was everyone going on about? It was pretty cool of him to check out his beyblade though.

'And don't get all lovey-dovey! It's really gross!'

...lovey-dovey?...lovey-dovey?...when he got his hands on Daichi that little runt wouldn't know what -

"Could I see that?" A voice from over his shoulder startled Tyson into jumping about two-foot, and putting a hand over his heart as it screamed in protest.

It took him a few seconds to turn around after that, but by the time he did, Kai was standing there with a slight smirk.

"You could have warned me next time! Are you trying to kill me!"

Kai rolled his eyes and took a step closer. "Could I see that Kinomiya?" He repeated in a strange tone that made Tyson feel his cheeks heat up and take a step back.

"I erm...n-no, you can't read it!" he mumbled, looking everywhere but at the Russian. He was not going to suffer at the hands of his friends' words.

"And why not Kinomiya?" Kai asked with that strange tone again. It seemed almost playful, but that word never went with Kai. Right? The Russian had taken another step closer at this point.

"It's erm..." he stalled for an excuse. Kai was not going to get his letter, but the way how the speaking part of his brain had turned off, it was becoming increasingly hard not to give in. "...its...its...its not too erm...important. Just saying that they're going for about two hours..."

Tyson took another step back, reaching the wall and cutting off any exit points in case Kai got mad.

"...and maybe I erm...should go too?"

The question was left hanging in the air for a while, but when he heard no reply Tyson looked up. Torn between staying where he was and bolting for the door to get away from the effect Kai was suddenly having on his head, Kai had stepped forward once more so they were nearly touching. The bluenette noticed a flash of something unrecognisable running through his lilac-grey eyes. Disappointment?

'But why would he be disappointed that I thought I should go? I mean, it's not like he should bother right?'

That flash left as quickly as it was seen though - and was replaced with cold determination.

"Kinomiya." Kai started, pulling Tyson's chin up with his hand with an uncharacteristic softness. "I had to put up with annoying looks, useless threats, and immature pestering for an entire month so you could paint my room."

Well at least he noticed.

"Then, when you finally got me here (against my own wishes I might add) set up the place so I would have to sleep in an uncomfortable guest room, and get the paint out - you want to leave?"

That left Tyson speechless. Whether it was the fact that Kai's voice was held with the same fire the Russian usually reserved for the Beystadium, that the hand used to get Tyson to look at him had not been removed but just moved to his cheek, or how he was about five centimetres from kissing the man in front of him, he didn't know - but he didn't get to find out.

Kai had finally moved from his spot and took a step back - Tyson suddenly feeling lost without the extra body heat (how was he so warm?), yet left with a slight blush.

"Well you don't get a choice." Kai continued the looked away. "Grab a paintbrush and a tin of red paint, and start painting."

The tone he used left no room for protests.

"Consider it extra curriculum training."

End of Beginning

Two more chapters to come!

Reviewers get free valentines chocolate P

Lokie