Stone Cold

Chapter 4: Runaway

Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblade, nor the picture that inspired this fic. Runaway does not belong to me it belongs to Linkin Park. This chapter is dedicated to my buddies, some who are reading this and some who aren't. Guys we've done it. just a little longer and it will allbe over. Thanks for helping me through my bad times, you guys are the best.

Summary: Kai, Ray, Max, Tyson and Kenny are all within the top ranks of their proffessions. Kai, Tyson and Max are friends from school, Kenny is Max's Software provider, Ray has been employed by Max to help decorate his home. Kai and Ray meet and things start to heat up. Kai/Ray all the way. Finally some action, hehehehe.

Silver-winged-angle:Let me just say thank you for that review, it had me in stitches for most of the night...that could have been the espresso I was given, which turned out to be a bad idea grumbles about friends and their stupid experimentation word of warning espresso with dollops of sugar and a couple of bars of chocolate are not the best combination when you have to keep quiet. Flip! That stuff hit me harder than a train, I swear I was bouncing off the walls...anyway, I'm going to stop rambling since I can't think straight right now, thank the heavens I don't have to do anything technical right now...okay the picture, my friend...not the one who's bright idea it was to give me the espresso grumbles... sent me a fanart pic ( she does this often and some of them are really just too sweet for words) of the guys sitting in what looked like a warehouse, why did this particular pic inspire me...Kai was right next to Ray, which was a distance away from the others, and she also sent another pic which practically gave me a heart attack...what it was I won't go into, people here are innocent and I wish I hadn't seen it...okay it wasn't that bad, but when you catch your other friend (staying at your place and making you high on all things caffeinated) making out with her boyfriend, in your bed to boot, then you open that specific email and see that exact thing...its creepy...did I mention they were on my bed. I disinfected it afterwards. Anyway..I'm rambling again. Ouch, that sounded sore. Hope it gets better soon. 'Swimmingly' is an expression, it's like saying everything is perfect..or something along those lines. Kevin isn't my fav character, but I can't see Ray going in with Mariah because if I had my way she would be...yeah...I don't really like her. You'll also see in this chapter why a certain other white tiger member wasn't used. I admit I don't go to clubs, but some of my older friends do/did and they filled me in on that cheeky grin plus I looked up on the net. Oaky you caught me on the Ray thing...Kai is a dude, a secretly sensitive guy who is trying to find...a what the heck...they were listening in because they werw curious and human nature dictates that one will always pay attention to what makes them curious...lets leave that there...I don't think I would be allowed to go further into that...could be a one shot though...nah messes the story. It does help in the fact that if there are people out there who know what I am talking about they can understand, also it gives the characters more of a realistic feel, I find I prefer characters who have similar experiences to me. Heres the update, keep reviewing they really are turning into one of the highlights of my week ;)

Chi no Hana: Glad you like it.

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Max turned to Ray. " You gonna tell me what happened there."

Ray looked to the ground." Family problems."

Max frowned." What kind of problems?"

Ray sighed and sat down on one of the few chairs in the room." Not the type I wanna talk about." Max sat down next to him." I have a degree in Psycology, maybe I can help you. " Ray smiled." Thanks, but the last thing I want is a shrink." Max nodded." Then how about a friend?" Ray looked at him." You swear not to tell a soul." Max nodded. Ray sighed once more." Its a long story, the problems started when I turned ten, I wasn't the first born so there were certain rules that had to be followed..."

Max listened silently, he made sure not to interrupt or make Ray feel bad, the psycologist in him told him that this is what the other wanted, needed. A release from what was on his mind, the side of him that was Max listened in horror as Ray told him, the more the Chinese male said, the more Max's mind shouted that he couldn't do it. Ray wouldn't stand a chance.

' Kai and Ray can never be a match.'

" Well, we're here." Tyson announced. Ray glanced out the window of Tyson's 4x4. He smiled as he recognised the place, silently glad he had decided on smart casual, always go for smart casual. He waited till Tyson parked the 4x4 and switched the engine off before he got out. He stepped out and onto the tar. He watched as a sleek Jaguar parked next in the other free spot. He frowned slightly, he couldn't really see the driver as they stepped out. The unknown other walked up to them, their pace slow and calculated. Ray tensed, his muscles becoming taut, if this person turned out to be a threat, he would deal with them, just as he had been trained to. Just as his more 'primitive' side came out an overhead street light illuminated and the ray of artificial light bathed the others face.

Ray relaxed. It was Kai. Tyson stood next to Ray, a grin on his face." Almost thought you weren't coming." Kai just gave a huff and walked past him. Tyson shook his head and followed. Ray watched the two of them, from the back he could mistake them for other people, people he vaguely rememebered from his past, people he didn't want to remember. He felt someone touch his arm, relaxed muscles went taut again. His eyes focused on the other, forcing the muscles to relax as his keen eyesight sent the image to his brain, which inturn registered the person to be Max." Comeon, it is cold." Ray nodded and followed him, when he was a metre away from the door he felt a shiver run up his spine. He stopped just short of the entrance and turned to look out into the darkness. His eyes scanned it, even though he knew he wouldn't be able to see much, he did it anyway. It comforted him. Once his mind was satisfied that all was well he turned and walked in. Oblivious to the eyes that were watching him.

The four sat, one on each side of the table. They had just finished their meal and were wating for the bill, so they had started to talk, well Tyson and Max mostly anyway. Tyson glanced at their silent guest, amber eyes were unfocused and dull, making the unusual eyes seem dead. He would change that.

" So Ray, tell us something about yourself." Ray glanced up, eyes coming back into focus as his mind was pulled from its haven." What would you like to know?" Tyson seemed to think about it before he answered." Where were you born?" " Well I was born in an isolated village in the mountains." The others nodded, Kai paying close attention even thought he seemed to be looking at the table." Do you have siblings? What was it like there...that kind of stuff."

Max watched as Ray stiffened at the mention of siblings, Max had been dreading this ever since Ray told him about his 'problems'. Ray's expression was blank, his eyes dulled slightly, but his voice remained the same, for a moment Max wondered if Tyson or Kai had noticed the change, but he realised they hadn't. Tyson was not very perseptive, and Kai wasn't paying attention. Not to mention Ray was refusing to make eye contact, settling on looking over Tyson's shoulder.

" It was alright, I guess. My parents believed in discipline and all that, they were very traditional, the whole village was very traditional. I was the second born. I have an older brother." Tyson nodded." What's his name?" Ray gave a start, his eyes widening and his tanned face going pale." Lee." Tyson looked confused, Max seemed to be as well, Kai glanced up at the change of pitch and looked in the direction which Ray was focused on. All turned to look at whatever had caught both of their attention.

A young man with wild black hair walked their way, he, much like Ray, had feline features though his eyes were more an orangy tinge than the amber that Ray's were. He walked to their table and stood right infront of Ray, Ray looked down, not meeting his eyes." Ray, follow me outside, I wish to speak to you in private." Ray was about to shake his head, but was stopped as the other growled." Now Ray!"

Ray nodded as he mumbled an apology to his stunned companions. He stood and followed the other out. For a full minute they sat there in shock, then Tyson stood and stormed after them. Max looked to Kai and nodded. Kai followed Tyson, to stop him from doing anything stupid and Max quickly paid the waiter before following them.

Kai held Tyson from charging at the two figures around the corner. The two had followed them, keeping hidden, round the corner of the restaurant. He watched as the two talked, just catching what was being said. What he heard he didn't like.

"Ray Kon, what the hell are you doing! Don't tell me you haven't been getting the summons because I delivered them personally. You carry on like this and you're going to make even more of a disgrace of yourself and our family. It's bad enough you were involved in that incident, then you ranaway, now you refuse to return. It's lucky you are second born otherwise our parents wouldn't live down the shame. A disobedient son as well as an...unclean one."

Kai heard Ray suddenly growl, it wasn't as deep as the others, but it was a growl none the less.

"And I told you Lee, and Mom and Dad. It was not my fault. You wouldn't believe me, you never believed me. You sided with him, becaue he was fathers friend. You deserted you're own brother! Now you want to preach to me about how disgraceful I am and what a disappointment I am! Who is more of a digrace? A wronged person, or a dilsoyal brother? You knew it happened, but you said it was my fault, I made him act like that. "

SLAP

Kai watched with mixed emotions as the younger sibling shakily placed a hand over the now throbbing cheek. How could an older, not to mention bigger, brother so easily hit him? The blow looked as if it was a motion he did often, the ease in which he lifted his hand and brought it down reminded Kai of other people with as much concern about the damage that blow would do. He felt another presence and glanced behind him. Max stood, eyes shimmering in anger, he glanced at Tyson, who was in shock. Kai growled and stood. He was going to put an end to this, before it got worse.

The two siblings looked up as they heard another approaching. Orange eyes narrowed in anger at the interuption, amber widened as the mind behind them realised who it was.' Not him, please no.'

Kai now stood before the two, eyes hard and cold as they focused on the older man." So you are Lee, Ray's older brother. Not much of an older brother if you ask me." Lee growled at him." No one asked your opinion. Now get lost this does not concern you." Kai grinned, but there was no mirth." Now you see, that is where you are wrong. If you mess with my friends then it does concern me." Lee just ignored him and began to speak to Ray again.

" Well are you going to come home, or do I have to drag you back?" Ray just looked at the floor, fighting the trembling that had possesed his legs, and the rest of him. Kai answered though." He's going home, with his friends. We will drop him off at his place."

Lee growled." Stay out of this outsider, you have no idea what is happening so stuff off." Kai shook his head." I understand exactly what I am seeing. I see a coward of a man bullying his younger brother. I dont like bullies."

Max and Tyson walked up, Max going to Ray while Tyson joined Kai." I suggest you leave now." Lee growled. " Fine, Ray I'll be seeing you soon. You better have made up your mind by then."

He turned and left, melting into the darkness.

"Bastard." Tyson hissed before turning to check on their new friend. Kai nodded and followed.

Max was kneeling infront of Ray, Ray had given in to his legs weakness and was kneeling. Max gently lifted his head to look at the bruised cheek. He tutted at the swelling and cut near the cheek bone." That looks like it hurt, how about you stay at one of our places, you may have gotten a concussion, and I'm sure you would like some company." Ray shuddered as he took a deep breath." I'm sorry you guys had to see that, Lee isn't known for having a control over his temper, he tends to lash out when he's angry. You really shouldn't have gotten involved." Tyson helped him up as he started to stand, all were worried he'd fall down again." No sweat, you're our buddy and we look out for our own. Besides, even if you weren't our friend we would have helped you. No one has a right to treat someone like that." Ray gave a soft smile, it wasn't much but it was a start.

They walked to the cars and Ray was seated on the one seat as they discussed what they were going to do, and where Ray would stay for the night.

"Okay, if he carries on you can get a restraining order." Tyson offered. Kai shook his head." That's not a guarantee he will stay away. Its a piece of paper, it cant stop him if he's serious." Max nodded. " Then Ray will stay with one of us till this is sorted out, hows that?" They nodded and looked at Ray, he sighed." You don't have to do this, I'll just lock the doors and that kind of stuff, you don't need to trouble yourselves." Kai shook his head, surprising the other two." Not happening, he's the same size as me, and probabaly the same weight too. He can break the door down even if it is locked." Ray shuddered slightly, that was not the nicest of thoughts.

"So then where will Ray stay?" Tyson asked. The other two frowned at him, then Max gasped and Kai frowned." He can't stay with Tyson cause Tyson will be out most of the time. I have lectures and private talks, I doubt he'll be allowed to sit in them and I don't have a good security system, plus he can find my house in the paper easily."

Kai shrugged." He can stay with me. I can work from home and if I need to go in he can stay in my office with me. The building has one of the best security systems, as does my house, and I can tell my receptionist that she mustn't allow anyone who is not an associate or worker of the corporation,or has arranged a meeting with me, in. Simple as that."

The other two grinned and nodded. They had both been hoping Kai would offer. Max just hoped they wouldn't regret it, he knew Ray's 'problem' and it had changed a lot of things in his mind, then again, the young Chinese man was strong, even if he didn't realise it himself, and maybe all he needed was someone who would understand atleast a fraction of what he had experienced, who better than Kai. They had a lot in common, maybe it would work out.

Atleast, he hoped so.

tbc

Yeah, I have gotten over my semi-writers block! The next chap is more of a Kai/Ray get to know eachother. And you get to find out what his house and office look like. This is gonna be so fun, here comes a chapter full of descriptions! For those who don't like those kind of chaps, please humour my urges, those who do like them... this is dedicated to you. Read and review...pretty please. Night night.