Well, here's another of my updates, yes, I'm going to try to update everything this week for the pleasure of my reviewers. Since I don't really have much else to do, I say what the heck. So, here you guys go, chapter 4, enjoy.
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Kenny didn't know what he was going to do if he kept doing poorly on his practice entrance exams. His mother was really going to rant when she found out about his latest grade. Not only that, but she was going to push him into studying more. Which meant it would practically be anywhere from two weeks to a month before he was able to see Tala again. If only there were someone he could get help on his math, well...not that he didn't understand the material, but someone to help him focus and stop going blank every time he tried doing it.
Turning a corner, Kenny continued down the dark and quite empty streets on his way home, the moon and stars were his only companions. Things were like this every night he went home from his juku school, but tonight for some reason...it felt different. He couldn't pinpoint the feeling until he felt the hand on his shoulder. Kenny's body froze up completely causing him to be unable to turn around.
His heart rate sped up immediately, feeling the hand tighten slightly on his shoulder. Closing his eyes, Kenny began praying that he wasn't about to get robbed, raped, or kidnapped. Of all nights for him to have this happen to him, it had to be that night. Were there forces out to get him, or what? This was the last thing he needed, or all things.
"Excuse me," a voice said. Kenny could speak if he wanted to. He just hoped that if the guy wanted money, he takes it and have nothing else to do with him. "Hey, are you okay?"
Kenny wanted to retort of course he wasn't okay with being kidnapped, raped, or robbed late at night, but he didn't want to be beat on top of things. Anyway, he doubted that if he wanted to speak, he would be able to say anything. Whatever words in his throat stuck there, and refused to come out.
The hand on his shoulder turned him around to face the person who held him captive. Now he was going to discover some old, perverted looking man with a leer on his face that was going to tell him that he had nothing to worry about and drag him into an alley to have his way with Kenny.
But instead of seeing that sort of image, Kenny was taken back by the very handsome young man no more than a year or two older standing in front of him. He was much taller than Kenny, maybe about Tala and Kai's height. His hair and eyes both reminded Kenny of the moonlight, as his light eyes flickered over Kenny with concern. For a second, Kenny had this déjà vu feeling that he and this male had met before. But Kenny distinctly could not place where.
"Are you okay?" the male asked again, his voice tinged with an accent as he spoke in Japanese to Kenny.
"I...I..." Kenny relaxed, feeling just a little foolish for the way he was behaving. "I'm fine. You just startled me slightly."
"I didn't mean to startle you like this. But you dropped this." The guy held up a paper that Kenny almost didn't recognize until he was the grade on it, and realized it was his practice exam test.
"Oh! That's my test. I didn't know I dropped it," Kenny flushed. The guy took his hand off of Kenny's shoulder and smiled at Kenny with a light smile while Kenny bowed a quick thank you.
It wasn't a bad thing to lose the thing but his mother really wanted to see that grade and she would get on his case about losing it. Then go on this guilt trip that whoever found the test would see how poorly her son was and would be ashamed if it was someone she knew that found it.
"You don't have to thank me," the moonlight haired boy said.
"You don't know you saved me from more lecturing than I needed tonight," Kenny said, taking the paper from the other. "My mother would have had even more of a fit if she learned I lost this practice test."
"I see, well you should be more careful next time," the boy said. "Well, I suppose it's getting late, I should get going."
"Hey," Kenny found himself saying. For some reason, he couldn't shake that feeling that he and this boy had met before. The moonlight haired guy turned to look at Kenny with a curious look, which caused Kenny to flush slightly, a little embarrassed that it might sound different when asked, but he needed to know if they've met. "I...have you ever seen me before?"
"Have I..." the guy trailed off for a second in thought, before shaking his head. "No, I don't think so."
"I have this strong déjà vu feeling that we've met before. Like in the past, maybe I'm mistaking you for someone else."
"By chance have you ever been to Russia," the boy replied in a light humorous tone. "Maybe it was there or a dream."
Immediately as the male said that, the image of the first world championships came to mind when Rei was battling the Demolition Boys Bryan, the cold and ruthless blader that was taught by the Biovolt organization to focus on taking down his opponent rather than his opponent's beyblade. The battle had been in Bryan's favor until Rei managed to turn the tables on his opponent, winning the match, a very powerful upset for the Russian team, and the fate of the world resting on Tyson and Tala's battle.
"Now I remember," Kenny said, looking up at the now identified member of the former Demolition Boys. He had no doubt now that this was Bryan, but he seemed different now than back then. "We did meet in Russia, three years ago."
"Three years ago?" Bryan frowned, thinking over the information.
"Three years ago, the world championships in Russia. I'm part of the Bladebreakers, my name is Kenny Shinoda," Kenny introduced. "And you're Bryan, right?"
"You're from the Bladebreakers...I remember you," Bryan nodded. "I wouldn't have expected to run into one of you so late at night."
"I just came from some lessons. May I ask by chance what you're doing in Japan, walking so late at night?" Kenny asked.
The surprise of seeing Bryan in Japan was not overlapped by his remembrance that Bryan and Tala once had a relationship. What if Bryan tracked Tala down to Japan in order to make amends for the past in hopes that they could have a relationship again? And then Bryan was to find out that he and Tala were going together, what then? Would Bryan dislike Kenny for taking Tala away from him?
"Me? Well, once Tala, Spencer, Ian, and I went our separate ways a while ago, I wondered what everyone was doing, so I've been tracking everyone down. And then I learned that Tala was here in Japan and came to visit him," Bryan said with a smile. "He seems to be doing well."
Kenny saw a flash of sadness enter Bryan's eyes momentarily before he shook his head, a smile returning to his face. "Bryan, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Bryan said softly, turning his eyes away, but Kenny could tell that something bothered him, or dampened his mood a trite. After a minute, he turned his eyes back to Kenny. "You know, you shouldn't be walking home so late at night alone. You never know what might happen to you. How about I walk you home, where do you live?"
"I..."
"You don't have to be suspicious of me," Bryan said, taking Kenny's hesitation as a sign the brunette was hesitant to say. "I've changed. I'm not the same as when I was with Biovolt, you don't have to worry. If you want, I will only walk you a few blocks, will that suffice?"
Kenny felt a flush of embarrassment color his cheeks as he looked down. He hadn't meant to make Bryan feel as though he wasn't trusted. Kenny knew that if it hadn't been for Biovolt, Tala, Bryan, Spencer, and Ian would not have turned out the way they were when the Bladebreakers met them. People could, and often did change from former personas and lifestyles, Bryan was no exception to this rule.
"I didn't mean to stall like that. I do believe you have changed. And I know it's not your fault for what you did in the past. I don't blame you. It would be very nice of you to walk me home, thank you Bryan," Kenny said with a bow.
"You know...if you really don't feel comfortable with me..." Bryan started until Kenny shook his head.
"I'm fine, and I do trust you," Kenny replied. "I stay a few blocks from here, not that far, but I guess you are right about walking home at night alone."
Kenny found a grateful look within those moonlight eyes as he began walking, Bryan following him as Kenny continued in his trip home. The walk for a long minute was silent, the sound of their footsteps feeling the space of talking. Kenny wondered if Bryan had been able to find Tala. He figured that it might be a welcomed surprise for Tala. But...then again, this was the same guy that broke up with Tala. His boyfriend might not take too nicely to an ex love showing up again after all this time, especially with it being Bryan.
Kenny had this feeling that Tala and Bryan did not break on good terms. Remembering a year ago before he and Tala were together and the way he talked about Bryan...Tala seemed both hurt and pissed off with their break up. Which in a way put a while between him and Kenny's growing relationship; if it could have been called a relationship at the time. Of course Tala changed, but Kenny had no idea of knowing if his feelings about Bryan were still as negative or could he forgive his former teammate.
"Kenny?" Bryan's voice broke through Kenny's thoughts, the brunette looking up at the slightly older teen.
"What were you saying, I'm sorry," Kenny apologized.
"I didn't say anything," Bryan said. "I just wanted to ask you something." Kenny watched the Russian shift his eyes back to the sky, the look of sadness that was there earlier now returned in full force. "Do you and the other Bladebreakers see Tala often?"
"Well...I suppose that we do on occasions," Kenny answered. "He doesn't stay close to me or the others, so we don't see him every day." Kenny was going to hold back with letting Bryan know that Tala was his boyfriend until he learned the reason for the other's question. "Why do you ask?"
"I just wanted to know. It's been a while since we've seen each other I wanted to know whether or not he's changed from when we were back at the abbey. Tala is a very private person, so if you don't really know much, then that's okay too," Bryan said.
"Well...if you want to know my opinion...I think he has changed a lot. When he came here to Japan a year ago, he was impossible to get around because of all those defenses he built up. Everyone figured that he wouldn't stay long. At one time, they would have been right, but he came back and stayed. And he slowly began to trust those around him. I think that Tala would be happy to know that you came looking for him," Kenny smiled.
"I wish that was true," Bryan sighed. "I went and saw him yesterday."
"You did? What happened?" Kenny was anxious to know what happened. "Was he shocked to see you?"
"Shocked? I don't think I would use that word. Tala was more pissed off to see me than happy. You could see his eyes turn cold when he asked me what I was doing here, and why did I decide to show up now. I didn't stay long because I didn't want to upset him any further."
"I'm sure that..." Kenny really didn't know what to say. That sound exactly what the old Tala would say to his ex. Could...that be what was on Tala's mind yesterday night that he didn't want to talk to Kenny about?
"You don't have to cheer me up about it," Bryan assured. "I should have known that things between us were not going to be that easy to patch up. I doubt that he can figure any of my intentions to be something other than selfish." Kenny didn't know what to say, so silence fell between them once again. The rest of the walk to Kenny's house was in thought on how he could get Tala to talk to Bryan on level terms.
Bryan deserved a second chance to redeem himself. They probably knew each other much longer than Kenny knew Tala. More than likely they grew up at the abbey, much like Kai said that he had. Maybe he could get Kai's opinion the situation, and then figure out what to do. Looking up from his thoughts, Kenny realized they were coming up on his house. He could see the lights still on in the kitchen, knowing his mother was waiting up for him.
"My house is up ahead," Kenny pointed to the house with the light on. "Thanks for walking me home, Bryan."
"It was no problem," Bryan smiled.
"Where are you staying? You have somewhere to go, don't you?" Kenny worried.
"Right now, I've found a nice place to stay for awhile," Bryan said with another smile. Momentarily it faulted again. "Kenny, may I ask you a favor?"
"Of course, Bryan, go ahead," Kenny nodded.
"Well...I don't want to upset Tala anymore than he is now. I was just wondering that if you see him anytime soon...could you not mention that we met tonight. I don't know what he may think, so..." Bryan bit his bottom lip nervously, an act that seemed out of place with the Russian. Kenny would never have imagined Bryan doing such a thing.
"I understand, and I won't say a word," Kenny said.
"Thank you Kenny," Bryan sighed.
"Um...you know...if you want to talk more about Tala with me, I have a few minutes after school before I have my evening class. There's a café near Tala's house that I like to go to...if you want...we can meet over there," Kenny voiced. "Since I'm closer to him, I could tell you more about him."
"That sounds nice. I think I would like that. I know where that café is, what time should I wait for you?" Bryan inquired.
"I get out of school at four, so I should be at the café by four fifteen. Just get us a table and wait for me. I have to go now before my mom thinks that I'm trying to run away from home or something. Good night, Bryan," Kenny said, waving Bryan good night as he headed for the house. Bryan turned away from the boy after waving good night, a smirk spreading across his face, replacing the smile that was there moments ago.
"Closer huh?" Bryan smirked. "I can fix that right quickly."
Bryan could not believe that the boy was so gullible enough to show someone practically a stranger where he lived. Now Bryan knew where the boy lived. The first part of his plan was already going smoothly. Once he got the boy's trust fully, then that's when the fun would begin. And he would teach the boy not to mess with something that didn't belong to him.
"I suppose that compared to me, he's just a toy after all," Bryan said to himself. Meanwhile, as Bryan walks back to where he's staying, thinking of his plans, Kenny walks into the house. Taking off his shoes and slipping into his slippers, he heads for the kitchen, where of course his mother is waiting for him. The minute he walks into the kitchen, his mother turns her head to look at him, with another one of those looks.
"You're home, finally, what took you so long?" she inquired.
"The teacher wanted to talk to me for a minute," Kenny replied, noticing the still hot miso soup with pickles and thinly sliced cooked beef.
"About?"
"My test," Kenny said, knowing it was to come, so when she reached out her hand, Kenny gave her the paper that was still in his. Looking down, he heard her gasp. And it was about to come.
"How could you make such a low grade on a practice exam? I can't believe that you can't do any better than that. How do you expect to get into Tokyo University with grades like this?" his mother said.
"I'm sorry. I'm going to do better," Kenny promised.
"Of course you are, because every day you don't have to go to juku, you're coming straight home and study. I will not have you making such horrendous grades on your practice exam. Do I make myself clear?" the woman said with a deep frown.
"Yes ma'am," Kenny all but muttered.
"And I don't want you hanging around those boys until your grades get better, do I make myself clear," his mother stated also.
"Sure, it's not like I need a life or friends anyway," Kenny said before he was able to recant the statement. His mother stared at him with wide eyes, as if he just spat a slew of curses at her. "I...I...I'm not hungry, I'm going to my room." Before his mother was able to say a word, he was already out the room, taking the stairs two by two until he reached his room and locked himself in.
"Chief?" Dizzi came on the screen, worry in her voice. "What's up?"
"Nothing," Kenny shook his head. "I'm just kind of tired, I'm going to bed."
He was going to hear it tomorrow. Why did he have to open his big mouth and say that? Of course he hated having to study so hard when it was only his parents that wanted him to go to Tokyo University. All he wanted to do was hang with his friends, be with Tala, and enjoy the little bit of his teenage years that he had left. He was sixteen didn't most sixteen year olds worry about love interests, popularity, and those reckless things that could get them grounded?
"Are you sure, Chief? Nothing you really want to talk about? I suppose it has to do with your mother, doesn't it?" Dizzi responded. "Well, I know when you feel like talking about it, you will tell me."
"Thanks Dizzi," Kenny smiled, glad to have her at times like that. She was sometimes a blessing when she wanted to be.
"So, anything interesting happen today?"
"Interesting?" Kenny let a smile cross his lips, as he dropped his bag on the floor and began to undress out of his school uniform. He supposed meeting up with another member of the Demolition Boys' team was interesting...but he knew how Dizzi had a penchant for overreacting about things, but like Tyson did. "Nothing really interesting happened, just the same things."
"You sure?" asked Dizzi.
"Positive," Kenny assured.
"I know you would lie to me, but I'm not going to get into it with you. Every time I turn around, you're acting more like that boyfriend of yours," Dizzi said.
The remark brought a giant grin out of Kenny as he pulled on a large shirt, which he had snagged from Tala. On nights when he couldn't be with Tala, he wore that shirt to remember all the nights they spent together during weekends, some holidays, and other events.
"Oh, I do huh. Well I'm sure that Tala would be happy to know that. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to sleep. I don't think I could study tonight if I had the energy to." Kenny pulled back the covers on his bed.
"That bad?" inquired Dizzi
"Not so much. I'll tell you about it tomorrow since of course I have to come home and study ridiculously until I'm smart enough to make the entrance exams." Kenny received a laugh from his computer before it turned itself off. Shaking his head, Kenny proceeded to turn off the lights and climb into bed. As he lay in bed drifting off to sleep, the brunette wondered what he could do to bring his boyfriend and his boyfriend's ex to mutual terms. What he didn't realize is that while he laid thinking of his plans, other plans surrounding him were being made.
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Rim: Okay, you guys, I have the funniest thing to tell you before I leave. My mom just came in while I was finishing this chapter and asked me bits about this story. And then she asked me who Kenny was going out with. And all I could say is "the red head". She went looking for a red haired girl on my Beyblade poster!!! LOL She left the room puzzled!!! That has to be the greatest highlight in the history of anything!! Now with that said and done, let me get out of here. Next update to work on Aster, and I know how you all are waiting for that. I'll see you there gang!
