Transition Period

Beyblade

Kai X Julia

Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Two-Shot

Rated T

For: Sabrina Maddie Granger

(Bold letters- for example, The -means that a major scene change has occurred. I know most writers don't do this, but I just wanted to be creative. I don't own Beyblade or it's characters, obviously, just this story. Enjoy!)

Part One:

It was another windy and bitterly freezing day in Bey city. Minus some pedestrians, a few of cops, and the city workers pouring salt on the streets, not many people were out. Well, it wasn't just the extreme cold keeping people indoors.

The roads had iced over pretty badly about three days ago, and on top of that, it had snowed 2-3ft in the past 12-24 hours and more was expected come nightfall. Just like its accompanying friends, icicles hung in sheet-like layers from everything they could.

In a neighborhood, not too far from downtown, stood a set of small, one-story houses. At the end of the street stood a white abode with a midnight colored roof. In it lived a tall and muscular gentleman in his mid-twenties. This man had a reputation for being antisocial and cold. When people noticed him, he often gave off a fierce aura that said, "Don't bother me" and while that was true in most situations, he wasn't always like that.

The sound of swiftly running water filled the semi-clean home. Down the small hallway, in a good-sized bathroom, dripping wet and very calloused hands ran over and through strands of thick, sudsy two-tone hair. While it was moved around, the jet black began to mix with a slew of dark blue-gray, carbon metal colored bangs. As the suds of Suave's Caffeine & Chia Infusian washed away, a vibrating noise came from the adjacent toilet lid, then a ringtone began playing the first Verse, the Chorus, and the second Verse of "Find Me" by Boyce Avenue.

So many nights trying to hide it

But now I stay awake just pleading for more

To think this heart was divided

I'm losing sleep 'cause I can't ignore

Feeling your touch all around

Peacefully hearing the sound

Of silence around us, I'm so glad we found us this way, yeah

Find me, here in your arms

Now I'm wondering where you've always been

And blindly, I came to you

Knowing you'd breathe new life from within

I can't get enough of you, oh

I want to be where you are

In times of need I just want you to stay

I leave a note on your car

When I can't find the right words to say

Hearing your voice all around

The last place we're going is down

I'll blindly follow, knowing you're leading the way, yeah

Knowing who it was, the pale male turned off the steaming water with a squeak of the knob and practically flung open the sheer shower curtains as the ringtone played again. He smiled lightly at the warmth the music made him feel; who it made him think of. At that, the carmine-eyed youth felt his cheeks burn up. Was he blushing, or was that just the heat from his shower? He didn't care and didn't give it a second thought. He quickly picked up his phone and pressed 'Answer.'

"Hello, my Beautiful Spanish Goddess. Good morning," he said, rather cheerfully. Obviously, the often stoic man was only like this around her.

"Kai Hiwatari, it's nearly April. How in the world is this possible?" came a young, and apparently irritated, woman's voice over the phone.

So, this is how we're going to start our day, really? he thought, mentally groaning at her moody attitude. UGH! he internally let out.

He continued to listen to her complaints about the cold and well, everything, as well as everyone else, minus him of course. He dreaded the days when she was like this, but he loved her. This man had gone through anything you could think of and put up with whatever and anyone because of it. He wouldn't change a thing about it though. He knew it was all a part of being with her, and he was going to stick with her no matter what, just like he did with everything else in his life.

"Julia, we're in the middle of what's called a Cold Snap, and we get one or two of them every year. And you complain about them, every year," spoke her boyfriend of nearly seven years. Kai could feel the icy glare she was giving him through the phone, and he found it absolutely hilarious. Why, because he enjoyed messing with her. If he couldn't pick on her he wouldn't know what to do. He carefully stepped out of the shower and grabbed the red towel on the nearby counter to dry himself off. After that, he put on his green boxers.

"I know I do, I'm sorry. Anyhow, what are you up to?"

"Nothing really. Got up about an hour ago, had coffee in this awesome mug some beautiful girl made me for Christmas last year, and I got a shower. I'm just going to wing it. Don't feel like planning anything today," Kai said as he made the way into his bedroom. He pulled out a black, long-sleeved button-up and a pair of black jeans from the closet.

"Nice, and okay," Julia said. He could tell by her tone that she was blushing. Good, he had succeeded in his mission.

Kai put the phone on 'Speaker' as he set it on his King-sized bed and got dressed. Along with the nice jeans and pressed shirt, came a bright crimson belt, a dark purple tie, his black double band wrist watch, his black Timberland boots, and a simple red comb that he kept in the pocket of his shirt.

Though moving around, he listened attentively while his lovely girlfriend chattered away. He didn't mind what she talked about as long as her mood improved, no offense to the 26-year-old. There were times where she was an utter pain in the butt, then again, he could be too.

The 26 1/2-year-old then strode down the hall and into the spacious living room of the home that he shared with nobody, not yet anyway. As he plopped down onto the roomy, white couch a very familiar noise filled his ears. He knew what it was and immediately said,

"Uh, I hear wind. Please say you're near the heater in your house," He sounded angry but the girl on the other end knew better.

"I'm just walking to the store to get stuff for dinner. Don't worry, I'll be fine," Kai bolted to his feet, his knees brushing against the footrest in front of him, now he was upset.

"Honey, what the hell?! It's dangerous out," Julia could tell because the tone of his voice made her flinch. She didn't like it when he was upset or mad at her. "Why didn't you tell me you needed to go somewhere? I would've come and got you. No offense, but right now, it's much easier for me to get around than it is for you," he added sternly. Julia knew he meant well and that he had a good point, but still.

"You don't need to drive me everywhere. I'm capable, my legs and arms work. I'm half blind, not immobile. No offense to those that are. Besides, I'm almost there,"

Kai rolled his eyes while he reached behind one of the pillows next to him. He grabbed something small, put his hand up to the phone, and loudly jangled what he held into the receiver.

"Hear that," he said, half-joking, and shoved the keys into his pocket.

"Wait, what are you doing?"

"Where are you at? I know you can't see street signs, so tell me your surroundings," he said, now climbing into his little gray car. He knew Julia could hear what was going on but he didn't care.

"Um, you're not doing what I think you are, are you?"

"Jules!" That time, Julia jumped as the vibrations of his scream and his fist slamming to the steering wheel sent shocking currents through her body.

"I'm coming to get your stubborn ass. That's what I'm doing," he spat after a bit of silence.

"… I'm in front of Elmore's Fabric Store which is across the street from an Arby's," he finally heard Julia say, her voice a bit shaky. Kai started his car and backed slowly out of the driveway.

Julia Fernandez was inside the fabric shop so she would stay warm. On top of everything else, she didn't need to fight off a cold or the flu too. The store was quiet, minus the modern Country and Pop music playing lowly through its numerous intercoms. She could hear her knee-high boots drumming on the speckled beige and yellow tiles as she made her way through the many large aisles.

While looking through the yarn section, the orange and brown haired brunette felt dizzy and tired all of the sudden, she became breathless as well. She immediately sat on the floor. The all-leg woman removed the white scarf and black trench coat that she was wearing, revealing her fitted red sweater and dark blue jeans. The straight leg jeans hugged her body like a glove, and at this moment that wasn't a good thing. Maybe she should've wore those sweatpants. They'd have looked horrible on her in her opinion, but at least she'd be able to cool down and do her breathing exercises properly. No, Julia hadn't gained any weight; she'd actually lost some but because of what happened a while back her body was much weaker.

That's when it all changed, she thought, her heart pounding loudly. She leaned back, supporting herself against the massive shelving units. Not a day went by when she didn't think about that tragedy.

It had been two weeks since New Years. Just beyond the winter covered woods, near the riverside, perched a large house on top of a huge hill. A shadowy Bey city lurked off in the distance. Although the sun was out, you couldn't feel its heat. To the residents, this Sunday afternoon was no different from the others.

Inside the expensive brick dwelling, it was around one o'clock, and Julia was cheerfully doing housework while their folks were out. Yes, she still lived with her parents and twin brother, who was upstairs cleaning the bathrooms, but she had plans to move out soon.

While dusting the DVD and CD shelves she sang along to David Bowie's "Ashes To Ashes" on her iPod. It was an older model Raul had given her back in October, but she didn't care how old it was. After all, it was the thought that counted and she loved that thing, treasured it really. As she hummed the Chorus, the bright jewel-green eyed woman felt a couple of taps on her firm shoulders. She turned around to see Raul pointing down to her lit up cellphone, which he held in his hand. She removed her earbuds, placing them around her neck, as she heard him say,

"It's, Kai."

"Thanks," she said with a warm smile, and happily put the phone up to her ear. Raul went back upstairs to continue cleaning.

"Hello, hello," Julia said cheerfully.

"Hey, Jules. Just called to see what you were up to," came a deep, but also slightly muffled voice. Jules, that was his nickname for her and oh how she loved hearing it. She could hear the swift wind on the other side of the line and instantly knew Kai was in his car with the windows down.

"I'm doing housework. We're cleaning up for the week,"

"Oh, how fun," he said sarcastically.

"What are you up to?" she asked, a bit curious.

"I, am on my way to work,"

"Work? But it's Sunday. You're supposed to be off. Ya know, out enjoying yourself or at home being lazy. Not to mention, you've already worked a six-day week. Seriously, what is wrong with your boss?"

"I know, I know. I feel the exact same way, but one of the guys somehow got hurt while driving one of the warehouse's stupid, barely functioning forklifts and I have to go fill-in. I feel bad for the guy, wait, no I don't. I swear, some of the people I work with, they're morons. I should be out by seven o'clock tonight. Keyword, should. I hate my job. I need some happiness," It was then that an idea popped into his head. "After work, you wanna hang out?" Her heart fluttered and her cheeks flushed with joy.

"That'd be wonderful, Honey!" Kai smiled at the excitement in her voice, and he in-turn became excited too. Not to say that he wasn't always excited to see her, he was. Knowing she was happy always made him smile, end of story.

"Okay, I'll stop by when I'm off," he said.

"I look forward to it,"

"Me too. I'm here, I gotta let you go and go clock-in,"

"I hope you have a good shift,"

"Thanks. I love you,"

"You're welcome. I love you too, Honey. Bye,"

"Bye, Baby," he said and hung up.

Pulling the phone from her ear, Julia could tell that Kai was not looking forward to this.

Poor guy, she thought, dreading it for him.

7:00 PM came and Julia lie on her neatly made bed, hands behind her head and ankles crossed, as she reluctantly listened to the annoying toc-tic of her alarm clock that stood atop her tall, white dresser. Normally she would be listening to music of some sort. Maybe an Evanescence playlist or some of Justin Timberlake's old stuff, but she didn't want to drown out the world, namely her boyfriend's car.

He should be here any minute now, she thought, eyeing the clock. The proverbial butterflies flew around like crazy in her stomach.

"Are you trying to give me ideas?" came a playful and yet seductive voice. Julia sat up and swiftly looked at her window. There she saw Kai holding onto the windowsill. Julia said nothing to him. She only watched as he effortlessly climbed through and his heavy and grimy work boots pounded on her floor.

"Well, they know I'm here," Kai said, looking down at her rug covered floor.

"We have a front door," she said, walking up to him. He looked at her.

"Hn,"

"Kai!"

"Okay, okay. I promise next time I'll use the front door like I usually do. I just wanted to make my entry special and see you smile," Thinking about it, Julia did smile. She had to admit it was amusing watching him do that. It's something she definitely wouldn't forget and would always look back on with a giggly grin.

"That's what I wanted to see," Kai said and happily pulled her into his strong arms. She looked into his eyes and laid her head on his broad shoulders. He then began to gently rock her from side to side in his tight hold. He didn't want to dance, he just wanted to hold her close, in a warm hug.

"I want you to smile and laugh when you're with me. You don't do that enough," he said softly.

"I know. I want you to do the same when you're with me," she sweetly stated, his happy heartbeat pounding through her delicate fingers. Man, she loved being in his arms. Kai lovingly kissed the top of her forehead. Now that he was taller than her it was easy to do so. He happily nuzzled his face into her Strawberry scented hair, stopping their movements.

"I know, and I do," he finally said.

"Kai?" Feeling movement beneath him, he moved away and looked at her.

"Hm?"

"Wanna see a movie next time you come up?"

"I actually have a movie I want to take you to in a bit,"

"What movie?" He smirked playfully.

"It's a surprise,"

"Babe-" He put a finger to her plump pink lips, cutely shushing her. Kai pointed to her door and said,

"Go tell your parents we're leaving and that you'll be home by midnight,"

"Why midnight?"

"It's a long movie," he said with a small shrug.

The tall woman turned and started the way to her door. She felt his firm but loving gaze on her as she moved.

"Julia," At the call of her name she turned around, her emotion-filled eyes silently meeting his.

"Julia? Julia," Came Kai's desperate voice, and he was desperate. Why was he though? "Come on, look at me. Open your eyes," he added. Oh, that's why.

"When I heard the shelves fall over, I ran to see what happened and found her unconscious," Kai heard the eighty-year-old clerk say while he kneeled next to him.

When Kai had arrived, he'd heard someone yelling for help and not seeing his soulmate through the windows, made him jolt out of the car. With the loud slam of his door, he ran inside to find the cashier getting the stuff that fell from the top of the shelves off of her. Kai dashed and took over the moment he laid eyes on the situation.

"I understand. Thank you for clearing away the yarn and other stuff," Kai said.

"I hope she'll be alright,"

"She should be fine," Kai said matter-of-factly. He was trying to keep his composure but the somber tone still found a way to drip from his tongue.

"Are you telling me that or yourself," the man said, picking up on it. Kai got where he was coming from.

The quiet man gazed longingly at Julia one more time before carefully taking her into his arms and carrying her towards the door. The man, who Kai figured was the owner, followed him and ran in front of him to hold the door open. He followed Kai outside too, luckily the car wasn't locked.

"Sorry about the mess," Kai said as the man opened his passenger side door. He gently placed the woman inside and buckled her in.

"It's all right. She's not the first person to have an accident in there," he said. He was trying to cheer him up. He watched as Kai shut the door and went over to the driver's side and slid in.

"I'll come by and clean it up, but first I need to get her home,"

"She comes first. I'll clean this up," Kai wasn't going to argue with that.

"Understood, sir,"

"Good luck," Kai nodded thankfully and started his car.

While driving away, Kai watched as the man went back inside and grabbed the mop and a bucket.

Driving down the streets, Kai didn't play any music. Now obviously was not the time for it, nor did he even want it on. He looked at her periodically, worry blanketing his already expressive eyes. He watched her chest move steadily up and down and listened as best he could to her breathing.

While rolling into his driveway, he saw her eyebrows twitch and her eyes become half-lidded. Seeing this, he happily smiled at her, as if to say "Hey," but those orbs closed again, signaling the need for more sleep. Getting out of the car, Kai immediately went and unlocked his front door.

He steadily carried Julia to his room and, after removing her shoes, made her comfortable. Sitting at her side, he gripped her right hand, tenderly rubbing the back of it with his thumb.

"Julia, you're at my place, okay? You're safe. I'll always keep you safe," he told her soothingly.

In the stillness, Kai bent down and softly kissed her lips. Deep in his heart, he prayed that she'd wake up sooner than later.

To be continued...

Please R & R? I hope you love it. Part Two will be posted soon. :)