Disclaimer: Would the owner of Beyblade write fanfic?
Rating: :) The usual
Notes: I feel really stupid...*Mutters* I saved my reviews for this, I saved my reviews for HoW, I saved my review for Obsidian Estate...but guess what I DIDN'T save my reviews for...Yeah. WoD. Go figure, right? *Sighs* Sorry. I'll try and save reviews so I can update soon. Meanwhile, this is chapter 4 of Dranzer, I'll write chapter 3 of OE next and chapter 9 of HoW tomorrow. Just so you know, this chapter takes place three months after Chapter 3. :)
Replies to ALL review ^.^:
Devlinn Reiko- ^.^ Huh. That's funny. I go away for a whole week and only ONE of my favorite fics gets update. That would be 30 Years. Which I've been waiting for since...who knows when. ^.^ Thanks for the review.
Bluumberry- 333 I'm really glad you like it. ^.^ Hey. Can you really imagine Rei ordering something at a bar? Well, not that I can imagine Max ordering anything either. Actually...he never ordered anything. Kai GAVE it to him. *Grin* Hehe. I was going to make it just one person who had taken Rei's job from him but I didn't think that be enough to really frustrate Rei. ^.^ *Tries her best to imagine Kai flirting with someone and grins* That's actually a really nice mental image. Kai the flirt *Snickers* If the whole thing with King hadn't gotten out of hand, I would have given you Rei's thoughts on what King said...But I needed a way to introduce Kenny and Tyson and that was my best chance. So...yeah. Of course Kai has dogs! ^.^ I would have given him a horse if I'd been able to bring the horse to the bar...but...Yeah. I love dogs and I love cats but I adore wolves and draft horses o.o Um...Let's think. The name of Kayla is the name of my friend who moved to Seattle a few years ago. She loved dogs. I just liked the word 'kin' so I named the Newfy that. Salem was actually my old cat but he disappeared in 2003...Mouse was his best friend. He's still alive. Lives two houses away. ^.^ *Is glad that people think her fics are different* I love writing fics that aren't following the path of others and I try to warp them a bit if they do follow others. ^.^ Thanks a ton for reviewing 333
Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus- You have no idea how much fun it is to type your name XD And I love getting it right when I type it out. ANYWAY. Glad you like and I'm REALLY glad you plan on reading and reviewing the later chapters! Thanks for reviewing!
Sarcasmcat- ^.^ I'm working on it. Glad you like it. Thanks for the review!
Shadows of Grey- ^.^; I'm working as fast as I can! I often post two chapters at a time if I find that I do have a chance to get on the computer for a long period of time. ^.^ Thank you VERY much for the compliment. I've probably never told my reviewers this...but every time someone says that I'm a good writer or anything along those lines, it helps me in writing my original stories. So thank you -very- much. Whoa! Wait! No! *Shakes head* Not more important than school! O.o I wouldn't be typing this if school was less important. I'd be an idiot and I wouldn't know how to write. No failing! Bad-bad. *Shuts up because she's failing math* I don't get it. I'm failing math but my teacher still wants me to go in to Integrated 2.0 next year o.o Anyway. Thanks for reviewing!
Kaiswings- No! You can't cry! *Searches frantically for a tissue but realizes that she used them all when she was sick. *Hugs* Don't cry! Thanks for reviewing!
Ashla- I feel weird replying to reviews from a few chapters ago...But oh-well! Glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for reviewing!
Filter Girl- ^.^ Yay. Another person thinks it's different! *Happy today* Thank you very much and thanks for reviewing!
Devlinn Reiko- heh. I wish my dogs were even as smart as TYSON. *Shakes head* Well. One of them, my baby, is a very smart dog. *Wonders if she still know the hand signals she taught him* *Sighs* We have a German Shepherd as well. And two golden retrievers. All three are pure-bred. My baby is the oldest, one of the golden retrievers. The second oldest is the stupidest dog ever. The youngest, the German Shepherd, is in between the other two. He's not even a year yet and he's smarter than the three year old moron. ^.^ Dale is my baby, named after Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Monte is the moron, named after the Monte Carlo (Which Dale raced) and the German Shepherd is Bristol, named after the short track. Which is the race of Chapter 9 for HoW! ^.^ Wow. I'm just talking a lot, aren't I. *Better shut up* Well, anyway. Thanks for reviewing! 33
Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus- ^.^ Thanks. I love cats too. Except for my ten-year-old who's been trying to sleep with me for the last week. I wont let him because, every time he shakes his head, black chunks of stuff flies from his ears and sticks to everything. They looks like burnt earwax and it's all over my sister's wall. O.o It's nasty. You can't even vacuum them off of the walls. They're stuck. *Shudders* ANYWAY! Thanks for reviewing! 3
Ashla- I'm trying to type two chapters at a time but I never finish the second o.o Thanks for reviewing!
anime AndrAIa- I don't recognize your name, Filter Girl, or Shadows of Grey. 33 New reviewers are almost as special as constant reviewers. Almost. Devlinn, Bluumberry, Sarcasmcat, and Ashla are constants 33 I think I recognize Kaiswings but I'm not sure. O.o Sorry Kaiswings. Anyway. Back to the review. ^.^ Glad you liked the chapter. I hope to get Chapter 5 up soon after this one. Thanks for reviewing!
Devlinn Reiko- ^.^ Do you sit on the comp and wait until the moment someone posts to read? Not that I'm complaining. I love it! I'm glad you reviewed right away. I wanted to wait until I got a review for Ch. 3 before I started Ch. 4 33 ^.- I was thinking about not doing that part but, once I had typed it out, I loved it, too. Hehe. Tyson's never going to let Kai forget it. *Snickers* I wanna thank you a million times, Dev. You've been an excellent reviewer and I always love reading your reviews, long or short. ^.^ Thanks a lot for your encouragement and thanks for sticking with me (Even if I haven't put DogsBody on hold at the library so I could finish Ch. 13) ^.^ Thanks for reviewing 33
I also want to thank Bluumberry and Shaka. You two have been a lot of help as well. ^.^ Thanks a ton for sticking with me.
--Dranzer-
4
Rei pushed the door of the Cat Rescue open and waved to the girl at the front desk. "See you later, Lin." Rei said.
"Have a good day, Rei." Lin said. She looked back at her computer for a moment and then, suddenly remembering something, she rushed to the door and pushed it open. "Rei! Wait!"
Rei stopped, turning around. "Yeah?" He called back.
"Could you call this man for me and tell him that his two cats are due for a check-up?" Lin asked, waving a piece of paper with a phone number in the air.
"Sure thing."
"Thanks a ton."
"No problem. Later."
"Bye."
Rei shut his apartment door behind him, tossing his jacket over the back of one of the dining room chairs. "Maybe I should go for a walk or something." Rei said to his apartment, gazing around. "After I call him that is." He said after a moment. Sighing, Rei picked up the portable phone, punched in the number on the slip of paper, and walked out to the little apartment's porch. After a few rings, someone answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Kai?" Rei seemed was shocked for a moment but it wore off. Kai -did- have two cats. In fact, when Lin had said that the man had two cats, his first thought had been of Kai. Not that his every other thought wasn't already of the silver-haired bartender.
"Rei?"
"Yeah. I'm supposed to be calling you to tell you that Salem and Mouse are due for check-ups. Lin never told me who I was calling." Rei said, smiling to himself as he stared out at the street.
"She wouldn't. She never gives more information than you need. I'm assuming you got the job, then?" Kai sounded pleased.
"Yeah. Thanks a lot, Kai. I'm starting to get used to it and it's a lot of fun. Sorry I haven't been around to see you guys in the last two months. We've been really busy with the cats. They're really fussy after being moved from the old building."
"When are they supposed to be moved back?" Kai asked.
"Next week."
"That's going to suck." Kai commented.
"Why do you say that?" Rei asked.
"Well, they're still fussy even after three of four months being there. How do you think they'll feel being moved again right after being settled in?"
"Good point. So...How've you been?" Rei wanted to know. He was leaning forward on the porch railing now, smiling to himself.
"Not too bad, actually. We've gotten a few more newcomers in the last month. All female though. That's never any fun." Kai responded.
"Why not?" Rei asked.
"Half of the females around here are sluts. Why else? And the male race is much better company."
"Are you telling me you're gay then?"
"I wont deny it. I have a growing hatred for women." Kai said. "Tyson, please don't overfeed Kin. He's fat enough already." Kai called.
"You at work already?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. Kenny wants to open up a bit early today since it's darker earlier and he wants to go to bed sooner tonight." Kai answered. He wondered for a moment at how Rei didn't seem to mind his answer to the former question but he shrugged it off when Rei spoke again.
"I think I'll come by in a while. I need to get out of the apartment for a change. I'll probably go for walk or something." Rei said.
"That'd be great. Maybe the girls will drool over you instead." Kai muttered.
"Hey. Don't go throwing your problems my way." Rei protested.
Kai laughed, causing Rei to smile again. "Why not? You seem to handle problems pretty well!"
"Not true. I handle problems horribly."
"You took care of your job problem!" Kai replied.
"No, Kai. YOU took care of my job problem." Rei retorted, chuckling. "Thanks again, Kai."
"Stop thanking me. I'm sick of being thanked for everything. There should be a better way for people to show their gratitude."
"Like?" Rei challenged.
"I don't know! Keeping their mouths shut?"
Rei didn't respond.
"That doesn't apply to you, Rei."
"Oh? But how else am I to show my gratitude?" Rei asked.
"Figure something else but if you ever thank me again..."
"What'll you do?"
"I don't know yet. Give me a moment to think..."
"Moment's over. What will you do if I thank you again?"
"Rei. Why don't you go for a walk and I'll figure something out while we wait for you?" Kai said, laughing.
"Fine, then. See you in a while. And, meanwhile, thanks again Kai."
"Rei!"
Rei hung up, smiling to himself.
When Rei opened the door to the bar, he was greeted by music and Tyson singing. Raising his eyebrows, he searched the room. Tyson was sitting by a speaker, singing his heart out and Max was perched on a table, laughing uncontrollably. Kenny was sitting on the stairs, typing away. Rei finally looked over to Kai who was sitting on the edge of the bar counter, smiling and shaking his head at Tyson and Max.
"Hey everyone." Rei greeted. Kai and Kenny looked over and greeted him while Max tried to contain his laughter. Tyson waved but kept singing to whatever he was listening to.
"Hey, Rei. Have a nice walk?" Kai asked.
"Yeah. Besides the point that some little terrier was trying to chase me through the park. Pretty amusing, actually. He couldn't keep up even when I was walking." Rei said, sitting on a stool near to where Kai was perched on the counter.
"Thirsty?" Kai asked.
"Terribly."
"Be right back, then." Kai got off the counter, slipping through the little swinging door to grab a glass from the other side. He filled it with water and took it to Rei before sitting on the stool next to his.
"Thanks."
Kai eyed him.
"Sorry, kind of forgot about that. You think of anything?"
"Sure you forgot. And -no-. I haven't thought of anything. If Tyson would calm down a bit, I might be able to -hear- myself think." Kai looked thoughtfully at Tyson. The navy-haired man was laying on the floor and singing with his eyes closed. Max had stopped laughing and caught Kai's eye. Kai nodded to him and Max grinned.
Getting off of the table, Max went to the radio and flipped it off. All that could be heard was Tyson yelling/singing the song at the top of his lungs. After a moment, he stopped and opened his eyes to find everyone watching him. "That. Is. NOT. Funny." Tyson said, sitting up.
"Sorry, Tyson, but it was." Kenny said, grinning.
"I hate you guys. Not you, Rei. I know you didn't do anything." Tyson said.
"Sure. Make Rei the good guy." Max said, grinning.
"Why not? He IS the good guy. Compared to all of you. And I KNOW you started it, Kai. Stop smiling! Damnit. I hate you all."
"We know." Max and Kenny both said.
"Oh, Kaa-ai." Someone called from the door.
"Damnit..." Kai muttered, rolling his eyes. "Look, Rei. It's the Slut Team." Kai growled. "Wanna meet them?"
"Not really." Rei murmured, glaring at the three women. The leader sneered at him, walking forward.
"Well, well. What do we have here? You must be -new-. We should teach you the rules." The woman's nose scrunched up as she looked down at Rei. "What should we teach you first? How about this: No one but -us- are allowed to sit by Kai."
"Fuck off, Victoria." Kai growled, his crimson eyes seeming to glow.
"Kai? I figured you'd -want- us to teach him the rules. I mean, you wouldn't want a low-life like -him- getting too close to you, would you?"
"If anyone's a low-life, it's you, Victoria. Either you leave Rei alone or get out of here. You've been irritating me since you came and I'm sick of you." Kai hissed, standing up.
"Oh, but Kai...We were going to give you something tonight. You'd like it. Why don't you let us show you..." One of Victoria's companions purred, stepping through the haze of Victoria's cigarette smoke.
"I don't want -any- of you anywhere -near- me. You either go somewhere else in the damned room or leave altogether." Kai snapped.
"You don't want it then? It'll be great, Kai...Trust us..." The third women hissed.
"Damnit, get the hell out of here!" Kai growled, stepping closer. "Now."
"But Kai, you know we'll be back..."
"No, Victoria. You wont." Kai growled. "The next time you so much as open the door of this bar, I'll drag you across the street myself. Now get -out-." Kai ordered.
With a final angry glare at Rei, the three women headed for the door. Victoria paused to look back at Kai. "I'll warn you now, Kai. You wont want to hang around him for too long. I heard he's never had a girlfriend before...And you know what that must mean..." Laughing harshly, Victoria glided out the door and slammed it shut behind her.
"Stupid slut..." Tyson snarled, getting up and moving to stand in front of Kai's stool. "Don't mind her, Kai. You know she's just as bad as her mother."
"Don't remind me." Kai muttered, sitting back down on the stool. "Her mother was horrid."
"You met her mother?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. That's why she came here. Her dear -mother- told her to." Kai responded.
"So, Rei. You really haven't ever had a girlfriend. Is what Victoria was implying...right then?" Tyson asked.
Rei reddened slightly. "Uhm..."
"We're not going to bother you about it, Rei. Both Max and I are anyway. Kai probably is too but who knows." Tyson only grinned when Kai kicked him. "Well, it's true. -You've- never dated either."
"So what?" Kai muttered.
"Was she right then, Rei?"
Rei dropped his eyes to the floor. "Yeah...I guess so."
"I kind of had a feeling. But don't even think about going after Max. He's mine." Tyson said.
Rei blushed. "I-"
"I was just kidding Rei. I know you wouldn't go after Max. Calm down. Oh, Kai. I was wondering. About what King said when Rei first came."
"What about it?" Kai looked at Tyson, eyes narrowed.
"-Were- you flirting with Rei?" Tyson asked. Before Rei could blink, Kai had chased Tyson to the other side of the room and had him in a headlock. "Hey! Come on, Kai! It was an innocent question!"
"I hate you, Tyson." Kai growled.
"No you don't! I'm your best friend, remember! We go way back!" Tyson declared.
"Too far, if you ask me." Kai retorted.
"Lemme go?"
"I don't know yet. I think I'll keep you here for a while." Kai responded, leaning on Tyson.
"Hey! If I lose my balance, you're going down with me!" Tyson yelled.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Meanie!" Tyson said, sounding purposely childish. When Kai leaned on Tyson even more, the younger man stumbled and fell. Kai released him, easily keeping his balance. From the floor, Tyson looked up at Kai. "I love you?"
"Yeah, right. I should have told Max that you had a huge crush on him when you told me in 8th grade." Kai said.
"Whoa! You had a crush on me in eighth grade? I thought it was just from 10th and on!" Max exclaimed, jumping off of the table where he'd re-seated himself.
"What, you never told him, Tyson?" Kai smirked.
"Uh...Well...No...I guess I never did..."
From where he was seated on his bar stool, Rei watched the scene before him, thinking about what Tyson had said. When King at spoken that first time, Rei hadn't thought that King meant it. But, as he thought about it now, he wondered if Kai -had- been flirting. -Tch. Yeah, right, Rei. Like Kai would want to flirt with you...You'd just lost you job to a fifteen year-old!- Rei told himself. But he couldn't help it...He really hoped that Kai might have been flirting with him. Yeah...throughout the month after he'd first met Kai, Rei had continued to visit the bar and slowly figured it out...He -was- starting to like Kai...Big time...'Like' being a bit of an understatement.
A booming bark sounded as Kayla and Kin tore around the corner of the catwalk-hall. Kenny yelped and rushed off the stairs and on to the bar counter. Being short, he was fairly scared of the two big dogs.
Kin and Kayla thundered down the stairs and split up. Kin ran to Rei, throwing his gigantic paws on to Rei's chest and rubbing his big head against Rei's chest. "Uhm...Hey there, Kin. Long-time no see."
Kayla rushed to Kai, barking as she leapt around him, her stub of a tail wagging frantically.
"What is it Kayla?" Kai asked, looking down at her. She continued to bark as she ran to Rei, shoving Kin aside and leaping straight in to Rei's lap. Rei blinked in shock, instinctively putting and arm on either side of the Rott to keep her from falling. Kin stood aside, waving his long black tail. "Kayla!" Kai called, quickly moving forward. "Sorry, Rei. She's a bit excited I guess. Kai pulled Kayla off of Rei's lap only to be shoved from behind by Kin. Kai cursed when his forehead struck Rei's.
Rei rubbed his forehead, trying to blink away the black spots the danced in his vision.
"Damnit. You alright, Rei?" Kai asked, stepping back again, once hand pressed to his forehead. He too was trying to blink was dancing black spots.
"Yeah, I think so. You?"
"Once I can see properly, I'll be fine." Kai responded.
"That hurt."
"Hell yeah."
"What happened?"
"Kin shoved Kai. And Kai, I think he did it on purpose." Kenny commented.
"No shit, Sherlock. I'll give you a head start, Kin. Run like hell." Kai said. Kin barked and bolted, leaping at the bar door to push it open and racing off into the night. "Screw the head start. I'll be back." Kai shot off after Kin.
"Might want to follow him before he strangles Kin." Kenny said.
"I suppose. We'll be back." Rei hurried to catch up with Kai.
Poor Kai. Even the -dogs- are picking on him. ^.^ Okay. I had a ton of fun typing that chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! I should have posted OE Ch. 3 and HoW Ch 9 by the time you're reading this. ^.^ Thanks a bunch for reading and please review.
Chapter Dedicated to Devlinn Reiko, Bluumberry, and Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus.
Rating: :) The usual
Notes: I feel really stupid...*Mutters* I saved my reviews for this, I saved my reviews for HoW, I saved my review for Obsidian Estate...but guess what I DIDN'T save my reviews for...Yeah. WoD. Go figure, right? *Sighs* Sorry. I'll try and save reviews so I can update soon. Meanwhile, this is chapter 4 of Dranzer, I'll write chapter 3 of OE next and chapter 9 of HoW tomorrow. Just so you know, this chapter takes place three months after Chapter 3. :)
Replies to ALL review ^.^:
Devlinn Reiko- ^.^ Huh. That's funny. I go away for a whole week and only ONE of my favorite fics gets update. That would be 30 Years. Which I've been waiting for since...who knows when. ^.^ Thanks for the review.
Bluumberry- 333 I'm really glad you like it. ^.^ Hey. Can you really imagine Rei ordering something at a bar? Well, not that I can imagine Max ordering anything either. Actually...he never ordered anything. Kai GAVE it to him. *Grin* Hehe. I was going to make it just one person who had taken Rei's job from him but I didn't think that be enough to really frustrate Rei. ^.^ *Tries her best to imagine Kai flirting with someone and grins* That's actually a really nice mental image. Kai the flirt *Snickers* If the whole thing with King hadn't gotten out of hand, I would have given you Rei's thoughts on what King said...But I needed a way to introduce Kenny and Tyson and that was my best chance. So...yeah. Of course Kai has dogs! ^.^ I would have given him a horse if I'd been able to bring the horse to the bar...but...Yeah. I love dogs and I love cats but I adore wolves and draft horses o.o Um...Let's think. The name of Kayla is the name of my friend who moved to Seattle a few years ago. She loved dogs. I just liked the word 'kin' so I named the Newfy that. Salem was actually my old cat but he disappeared in 2003...Mouse was his best friend. He's still alive. Lives two houses away. ^.^ *Is glad that people think her fics are different* I love writing fics that aren't following the path of others and I try to warp them a bit if they do follow others. ^.^ Thanks a ton for reviewing 333
Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus- You have no idea how much fun it is to type your name XD And I love getting it right when I type it out. ANYWAY. Glad you like and I'm REALLY glad you plan on reading and reviewing the later chapters! Thanks for reviewing!
Sarcasmcat- ^.^ I'm working on it. Glad you like it. Thanks for the review!
Shadows of Grey- ^.^; I'm working as fast as I can! I often post two chapters at a time if I find that I do have a chance to get on the computer for a long period of time. ^.^ Thank you VERY much for the compliment. I've probably never told my reviewers this...but every time someone says that I'm a good writer or anything along those lines, it helps me in writing my original stories. So thank you -very- much. Whoa! Wait! No! *Shakes head* Not more important than school! O.o I wouldn't be typing this if school was less important. I'd be an idiot and I wouldn't know how to write. No failing! Bad-bad. *Shuts up because she's failing math* I don't get it. I'm failing math but my teacher still wants me to go in to Integrated 2.0 next year o.o Anyway. Thanks for reviewing!
Kaiswings- No! You can't cry! *Searches frantically for a tissue but realizes that she used them all when she was sick. *Hugs* Don't cry! Thanks for reviewing!
Ashla- I feel weird replying to reviews from a few chapters ago...But oh-well! Glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for reviewing!
Filter Girl- ^.^ Yay. Another person thinks it's different! *Happy today* Thank you very much and thanks for reviewing!
Devlinn Reiko- heh. I wish my dogs were even as smart as TYSON. *Shakes head* Well. One of them, my baby, is a very smart dog. *Wonders if she still know the hand signals she taught him* *Sighs* We have a German Shepherd as well. And two golden retrievers. All three are pure-bred. My baby is the oldest, one of the golden retrievers. The second oldest is the stupidest dog ever. The youngest, the German Shepherd, is in between the other two. He's not even a year yet and he's smarter than the three year old moron. ^.^ Dale is my baby, named after Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Monte is the moron, named after the Monte Carlo (Which Dale raced) and the German Shepherd is Bristol, named after the short track. Which is the race of Chapter 9 for HoW! ^.^ Wow. I'm just talking a lot, aren't I. *Better shut up* Well, anyway. Thanks for reviewing! 33
Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus- ^.^ Thanks. I love cats too. Except for my ten-year-old who's been trying to sleep with me for the last week. I wont let him because, every time he shakes his head, black chunks of stuff flies from his ears and sticks to everything. They looks like burnt earwax and it's all over my sister's wall. O.o It's nasty. You can't even vacuum them off of the walls. They're stuck. *Shudders* ANYWAY! Thanks for reviewing! 3
Ashla- I'm trying to type two chapters at a time but I never finish the second o.o Thanks for reviewing!
anime AndrAIa- I don't recognize your name, Filter Girl, or Shadows of Grey. 33 New reviewers are almost as special as constant reviewers. Almost. Devlinn, Bluumberry, Sarcasmcat, and Ashla are constants 33 I think I recognize Kaiswings but I'm not sure. O.o Sorry Kaiswings. Anyway. Back to the review. ^.^ Glad you liked the chapter. I hope to get Chapter 5 up soon after this one. Thanks for reviewing!
Devlinn Reiko- ^.^ Do you sit on the comp and wait until the moment someone posts to read? Not that I'm complaining. I love it! I'm glad you reviewed right away. I wanted to wait until I got a review for Ch. 3 before I started Ch. 4 33 ^.- I was thinking about not doing that part but, once I had typed it out, I loved it, too. Hehe. Tyson's never going to let Kai forget it. *Snickers* I wanna thank you a million times, Dev. You've been an excellent reviewer and I always love reading your reviews, long or short. ^.^ Thanks a lot for your encouragement and thanks for sticking with me (Even if I haven't put DogsBody on hold at the library so I could finish Ch. 13) ^.^ Thanks for reviewing 33
I also want to thank Bluumberry and Shaka. You two have been a lot of help as well. ^.^ Thanks a ton for sticking with me.
--Dranzer-
4
Rei pushed the door of the Cat Rescue open and waved to the girl at the front desk. "See you later, Lin." Rei said.
"Have a good day, Rei." Lin said. She looked back at her computer for a moment and then, suddenly remembering something, she rushed to the door and pushed it open. "Rei! Wait!"
Rei stopped, turning around. "Yeah?" He called back.
"Could you call this man for me and tell him that his two cats are due for a check-up?" Lin asked, waving a piece of paper with a phone number in the air.
"Sure thing."
"Thanks a ton."
"No problem. Later."
"Bye."
Rei shut his apartment door behind him, tossing his jacket over the back of one of the dining room chairs. "Maybe I should go for a walk or something." Rei said to his apartment, gazing around. "After I call him that is." He said after a moment. Sighing, Rei picked up the portable phone, punched in the number on the slip of paper, and walked out to the little apartment's porch. After a few rings, someone answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Kai?" Rei seemed was shocked for a moment but it wore off. Kai -did- have two cats. In fact, when Lin had said that the man had two cats, his first thought had been of Kai. Not that his every other thought wasn't already of the silver-haired bartender.
"Rei?"
"Yeah. I'm supposed to be calling you to tell you that Salem and Mouse are due for check-ups. Lin never told me who I was calling." Rei said, smiling to himself as he stared out at the street.
"She wouldn't. She never gives more information than you need. I'm assuming you got the job, then?" Kai sounded pleased.
"Yeah. Thanks a lot, Kai. I'm starting to get used to it and it's a lot of fun. Sorry I haven't been around to see you guys in the last two months. We've been really busy with the cats. They're really fussy after being moved from the old building."
"When are they supposed to be moved back?" Kai asked.
"Next week."
"That's going to suck." Kai commented.
"Why do you say that?" Rei asked.
"Well, they're still fussy even after three of four months being there. How do you think they'll feel being moved again right after being settled in?"
"Good point. So...How've you been?" Rei wanted to know. He was leaning forward on the porch railing now, smiling to himself.
"Not too bad, actually. We've gotten a few more newcomers in the last month. All female though. That's never any fun." Kai responded.
"Why not?" Rei asked.
"Half of the females around here are sluts. Why else? And the male race is much better company."
"Are you telling me you're gay then?"
"I wont deny it. I have a growing hatred for women." Kai said. "Tyson, please don't overfeed Kin. He's fat enough already." Kai called.
"You at work already?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. Kenny wants to open up a bit early today since it's darker earlier and he wants to go to bed sooner tonight." Kai answered. He wondered for a moment at how Rei didn't seem to mind his answer to the former question but he shrugged it off when Rei spoke again.
"I think I'll come by in a while. I need to get out of the apartment for a change. I'll probably go for walk or something." Rei said.
"That'd be great. Maybe the girls will drool over you instead." Kai muttered.
"Hey. Don't go throwing your problems my way." Rei protested.
Kai laughed, causing Rei to smile again. "Why not? You seem to handle problems pretty well!"
"Not true. I handle problems horribly."
"You took care of your job problem!" Kai replied.
"No, Kai. YOU took care of my job problem." Rei retorted, chuckling. "Thanks again, Kai."
"Stop thanking me. I'm sick of being thanked for everything. There should be a better way for people to show their gratitude."
"Like?" Rei challenged.
"I don't know! Keeping their mouths shut?"
Rei didn't respond.
"That doesn't apply to you, Rei."
"Oh? But how else am I to show my gratitude?" Rei asked.
"Figure something else but if you ever thank me again..."
"What'll you do?"
"I don't know yet. Give me a moment to think..."
"Moment's over. What will you do if I thank you again?"
"Rei. Why don't you go for a walk and I'll figure something out while we wait for you?" Kai said, laughing.
"Fine, then. See you in a while. And, meanwhile, thanks again Kai."
"Rei!"
Rei hung up, smiling to himself.
When Rei opened the door to the bar, he was greeted by music and Tyson singing. Raising his eyebrows, he searched the room. Tyson was sitting by a speaker, singing his heart out and Max was perched on a table, laughing uncontrollably. Kenny was sitting on the stairs, typing away. Rei finally looked over to Kai who was sitting on the edge of the bar counter, smiling and shaking his head at Tyson and Max.
"Hey everyone." Rei greeted. Kai and Kenny looked over and greeted him while Max tried to contain his laughter. Tyson waved but kept singing to whatever he was listening to.
"Hey, Rei. Have a nice walk?" Kai asked.
"Yeah. Besides the point that some little terrier was trying to chase me through the park. Pretty amusing, actually. He couldn't keep up even when I was walking." Rei said, sitting on a stool near to where Kai was perched on the counter.
"Thirsty?" Kai asked.
"Terribly."
"Be right back, then." Kai got off the counter, slipping through the little swinging door to grab a glass from the other side. He filled it with water and took it to Rei before sitting on the stool next to his.
"Thanks."
Kai eyed him.
"Sorry, kind of forgot about that. You think of anything?"
"Sure you forgot. And -no-. I haven't thought of anything. If Tyson would calm down a bit, I might be able to -hear- myself think." Kai looked thoughtfully at Tyson. The navy-haired man was laying on the floor and singing with his eyes closed. Max had stopped laughing and caught Kai's eye. Kai nodded to him and Max grinned.
Getting off of the table, Max went to the radio and flipped it off. All that could be heard was Tyson yelling/singing the song at the top of his lungs. After a moment, he stopped and opened his eyes to find everyone watching him. "That. Is. NOT. Funny." Tyson said, sitting up.
"Sorry, Tyson, but it was." Kenny said, grinning.
"I hate you guys. Not you, Rei. I know you didn't do anything." Tyson said.
"Sure. Make Rei the good guy." Max said, grinning.
"Why not? He IS the good guy. Compared to all of you. And I KNOW you started it, Kai. Stop smiling! Damnit. I hate you all."
"We know." Max and Kenny both said.
"Oh, Kaa-ai." Someone called from the door.
"Damnit..." Kai muttered, rolling his eyes. "Look, Rei. It's the Slut Team." Kai growled. "Wanna meet them?"
"Not really." Rei murmured, glaring at the three women. The leader sneered at him, walking forward.
"Well, well. What do we have here? You must be -new-. We should teach you the rules." The woman's nose scrunched up as she looked down at Rei. "What should we teach you first? How about this: No one but -us- are allowed to sit by Kai."
"Fuck off, Victoria." Kai growled, his crimson eyes seeming to glow.
"Kai? I figured you'd -want- us to teach him the rules. I mean, you wouldn't want a low-life like -him- getting too close to you, would you?"
"If anyone's a low-life, it's you, Victoria. Either you leave Rei alone or get out of here. You've been irritating me since you came and I'm sick of you." Kai hissed, standing up.
"Oh, but Kai...We were going to give you something tonight. You'd like it. Why don't you let us show you..." One of Victoria's companions purred, stepping through the haze of Victoria's cigarette smoke.
"I don't want -any- of you anywhere -near- me. You either go somewhere else in the damned room or leave altogether." Kai snapped.
"You don't want it then? It'll be great, Kai...Trust us..." The third women hissed.
"Damnit, get the hell out of here!" Kai growled, stepping closer. "Now."
"But Kai, you know we'll be back..."
"No, Victoria. You wont." Kai growled. "The next time you so much as open the door of this bar, I'll drag you across the street myself. Now get -out-." Kai ordered.
With a final angry glare at Rei, the three women headed for the door. Victoria paused to look back at Kai. "I'll warn you now, Kai. You wont want to hang around him for too long. I heard he's never had a girlfriend before...And you know what that must mean..." Laughing harshly, Victoria glided out the door and slammed it shut behind her.
"Stupid slut..." Tyson snarled, getting up and moving to stand in front of Kai's stool. "Don't mind her, Kai. You know she's just as bad as her mother."
"Don't remind me." Kai muttered, sitting back down on the stool. "Her mother was horrid."
"You met her mother?" Rei asked.
"Yeah. That's why she came here. Her dear -mother- told her to." Kai responded.
"So, Rei. You really haven't ever had a girlfriend. Is what Victoria was implying...right then?" Tyson asked.
Rei reddened slightly. "Uhm..."
"We're not going to bother you about it, Rei. Both Max and I are anyway. Kai probably is too but who knows." Tyson only grinned when Kai kicked him. "Well, it's true. -You've- never dated either."
"So what?" Kai muttered.
"Was she right then, Rei?"
Rei dropped his eyes to the floor. "Yeah...I guess so."
"I kind of had a feeling. But don't even think about going after Max. He's mine." Tyson said.
Rei blushed. "I-"
"I was just kidding Rei. I know you wouldn't go after Max. Calm down. Oh, Kai. I was wondering. About what King said when Rei first came."
"What about it?" Kai looked at Tyson, eyes narrowed.
"-Were- you flirting with Rei?" Tyson asked. Before Rei could blink, Kai had chased Tyson to the other side of the room and had him in a headlock. "Hey! Come on, Kai! It was an innocent question!"
"I hate you, Tyson." Kai growled.
"No you don't! I'm your best friend, remember! We go way back!" Tyson declared.
"Too far, if you ask me." Kai retorted.
"Lemme go?"
"I don't know yet. I think I'll keep you here for a while." Kai responded, leaning on Tyson.
"Hey! If I lose my balance, you're going down with me!" Tyson yelled.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Meanie!" Tyson said, sounding purposely childish. When Kai leaned on Tyson even more, the younger man stumbled and fell. Kai released him, easily keeping his balance. From the floor, Tyson looked up at Kai. "I love you?"
"Yeah, right. I should have told Max that you had a huge crush on him when you told me in 8th grade." Kai said.
"Whoa! You had a crush on me in eighth grade? I thought it was just from 10th and on!" Max exclaimed, jumping off of the table where he'd re-seated himself.
"What, you never told him, Tyson?" Kai smirked.
"Uh...Well...No...I guess I never did..."
From where he was seated on his bar stool, Rei watched the scene before him, thinking about what Tyson had said. When King at spoken that first time, Rei hadn't thought that King meant it. But, as he thought about it now, he wondered if Kai -had- been flirting. -Tch. Yeah, right, Rei. Like Kai would want to flirt with you...You'd just lost you job to a fifteen year-old!- Rei told himself. But he couldn't help it...He really hoped that Kai might have been flirting with him. Yeah...throughout the month after he'd first met Kai, Rei had continued to visit the bar and slowly figured it out...He -was- starting to like Kai...Big time...'Like' being a bit of an understatement.
A booming bark sounded as Kayla and Kin tore around the corner of the catwalk-hall. Kenny yelped and rushed off the stairs and on to the bar counter. Being short, he was fairly scared of the two big dogs.
Kin and Kayla thundered down the stairs and split up. Kin ran to Rei, throwing his gigantic paws on to Rei's chest and rubbing his big head against Rei's chest. "Uhm...Hey there, Kin. Long-time no see."
Kayla rushed to Kai, barking as she leapt around him, her stub of a tail wagging frantically.
"What is it Kayla?" Kai asked, looking down at her. She continued to bark as she ran to Rei, shoving Kin aside and leaping straight in to Rei's lap. Rei blinked in shock, instinctively putting and arm on either side of the Rott to keep her from falling. Kin stood aside, waving his long black tail. "Kayla!" Kai called, quickly moving forward. "Sorry, Rei. She's a bit excited I guess. Kai pulled Kayla off of Rei's lap only to be shoved from behind by Kin. Kai cursed when his forehead struck Rei's.
Rei rubbed his forehead, trying to blink away the black spots the danced in his vision.
"Damnit. You alright, Rei?" Kai asked, stepping back again, once hand pressed to his forehead. He too was trying to blink was dancing black spots.
"Yeah, I think so. You?"
"Once I can see properly, I'll be fine." Kai responded.
"That hurt."
"Hell yeah."
"What happened?"
"Kin shoved Kai. And Kai, I think he did it on purpose." Kenny commented.
"No shit, Sherlock. I'll give you a head start, Kin. Run like hell." Kai said. Kin barked and bolted, leaping at the bar door to push it open and racing off into the night. "Screw the head start. I'll be back." Kai shot off after Kin.
"Might want to follow him before he strangles Kin." Kenny said.
"I suppose. We'll be back." Rei hurried to catch up with Kai.
Poor Kai. Even the -dogs- are picking on him. ^.^ Okay. I had a ton of fun typing that chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! I should have posted OE Ch. 3 and HoW Ch 9 by the time you're reading this. ^.^ Thanks a bunch for reading and please review.
Chapter Dedicated to Devlinn Reiko, Bluumberry, and Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus.