A/N: Sorry, again, for taking so long to update - time gets away from me a lot. Well, here's chapter four and you'll be happy to know that I'm already half-way through writing chapter five, so hopefully I won't take as long to update anymore :) I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 4

Rei POV

When I wake up I'm very warm and the change is so pleasant that I don't think to question it: until I feel something move under my head. I yelp and sit bolt upright twisting to see what it was that had moved. I'm astounded to find that I'm sitting between Tala's legs and had been leaning against him most comfortably; it was his breathing that had startled me. I laugh quietly at my foolishness and gently slide out of the bed, trying not to wake the pair (how they'd slept through my yelp will forever remain a mystery). Looking back at my two friends I'm filled with envy – they look so peaceful it hurts to watch them.

Tala is cocooned in Bryan's arms, held tight against his chest, and has a contented smile playing across his lips. They're so beautiful together that I feel my heart tighten painfully and I turn away quickly, tears pricking my eyes. I spot the clothes Tala had left for me, I can only assume, the night before. Time has sort of lost meaning recently – I guess sleeping for five days does that to you.

I suddenly realise something. Not only had I just been cuddled up to another couple, which is bad enough, but I'd been completely naked! Blood rushes to my cheeks even though I know they're still asleep and therefore can't see me. I quickly start to dress in Tala's clothes (not paying attention to what they are – just trying to put the right bits in the right places) and consider my revelation.

They must've climbed in next to me, because I'd fallen asleep in the bed alone.

But why?

If they were cold they could have snuggled up to each other with no need for my company.

What if they'd been worried that I was cold? That might explain it if their house didn't have an internal heating system, but it does and there's even a normal bar heater in here.

Hmm, what if they just like my company?

But then, I'd been starkers and it doesn't seem like that had bothered them…

Maybe they're exhibitionists?

Oh, get a grip! I slap myself mentally. I'm sure I'll come to some conclusion that makes sense eventually...in the mean time, I'm starving!

I go to the food beside the bed that's still steaming hot. I wonder if that means they haven't been here long…

Meh, I'm too hungry to bother thinking about it so I dig in and I'm halfway through my second huge helping of potato bake when I feel eyes on me. I turn to see Bryan watching me thoughtfully, his head tilted slightly to the side; he's absently stroking a hand along Tala's spine.

I smile at him and then continue eating, too hungry to be bothered by his staring.

It's some time (I don't truly know how long) before I hear Tala groan and I look up to see him stretch and snuggle closer to Bryan, who tightens his grip on the redhead and kisses his forehead. The gesture sends a sharp wave of envy, anger and then, most strangely of all, desire flooding through my body.

Unfortunately for me Bryan saw every emotion as it played on my face. When I chance a glance at his him, blushing at being caught, his expression astonishes me.

Full-blown lust is in every line and contour of his face, not to mention the way his body is moulded to Tala's. I suck in a sharp breath and try to puzzle out what it is that the falcon is trying to tell me: because there's no mistaking that there is something he wants me to know.

His eyes are a deep, smouldering, rich purple that is so unlike his normal eye colour that it scares me slightly; they're swirling too which is just as weird.

His jaw is locked tight and ticking so it seems that he's holding back…something…not sure what yet.

His arms are clutching Tala to him tightly, but not tightly enough to cause discomfort because the wolf is still asleep.

And Bryan's right leg is tucked between both of Tala's and moving slightly, rubbing – and I really don't want to go there.

I blush bright red and avoid Bryan's gaze as I lithely get to my feet (I'd been siting on the floor to eat) and put my plate next to the still-hot platter of food.

I glance back at the couple to see Bryan kissing along Tala's neck.

I quietly slip out of the room, trying to hold back tears, and run.

Bryan POV

I give Tala's neck one last nip before looking up to find Rei gone.

I groan in frustration: I'd been trying to show Rei how we feel about him, but all I managed was to spook him and now He knows where he is.

"Tala? Come on, baby, wake up." I give him another, harsher, nip and he yelps, jerking backwards and opening his eyes.

"Bryan! Why'd you stop?" he whines and rubs against my thigh.

I growl and pounce on him, always the dominant. "You seem to have forgotten that we have a guest," I manage to groan out before, with a mighty wrench of will, I roll off him and onto my feet beside the bed.

Tala lies there stunned and confused for a moment before he remembers. He jumps to his feet and looks around. "Where's Rei?!"

I chuckle at his worry-wart tone. "I tried to show him how he makes us feel, but he must've misunderstood because he bolted; and now he's wandering around this giant mansion with no idea of how to get out." I chuckle again as I remember that I actually do know where the little neko is: I can feel his presence like a tug that will poke at me until I find him.

"How can you laugh at a time like this?" Tala asks incredulously.

I smile at him. "Calm down Tala – I know exactly where he is, remember?" I tap my head for emphasis.

"Oh," he says with a sheepish expression on his face. "Well let's not waste any time then. Lead the way Hound Dog!" Tala strikes a pose of journeying forward, pointing his finger at the door: he's always such a goofball right after he wakes up – especially if it was sudden. I laugh at him before grabbing him into a bear hug.

He yelps and squirms. "Bryan! Now is not the time!"

I chuckle once more before I put him down and take his hand. "Let's go find our neko, shall we?" And I lead him out the door.

Rei POV

I run up the nearest staircase out of habit, trying to get to the roof, before I remember that there won't be anything up there – I'm not in Kai's mansion any more. I choke back another sob and turn around, running back down the staircase and then another one. I take a left turn and when I run past a window I realise that I'm not on the ground floor. God dammit, why do all my friends have to live in mansions?!

I giggle slightly hysterically at the image of Bryan and Tala trying to live in a studio apartment with no heater in winter. My thoughts betray me, however, as I try to imagine Kai living in the same one room apartment...with Brooklyn...

That did it I'm afraid. I collapse against the nearest wall and slide down until I'm sitting very much like I was when I was out in the blizzard; except now my arms are wrapped around my knees, my head buried in them as I try to hold myself together...I don't think it's working very well because the tears are streaming down my face. I gulp and gasp and sob and rub at my face until its red, trying to wipe away the evidence of my hurt.

I'm not sure how long I sit here, but I don't think it's been too long because I can soon hear Bryan and Tala calling my name, searching. I don't want them to find me like this, but my legs aren't obeying me so instead I'll just sit here and convulse with my heartbreak.

Tala POV

We call to Rei as we get closer to him so as not to startle the little neko-jin, but as soon as we hear his gasping sobs we forget all about being careful and run to him.

The sight of Rei curled against that wall, crying his heart out, breaks mine for a second time; and a glance at Bryan shows the same empathetic hurt on his face. However, we quickly push aside our own feelings and focus on Rei's as we kneel next to him, one on either side.

"Rei, can we help?" Bryan's voice is full of concern.

Rei tries to speak, croaks on his words and then settles for shaking his head and gasping out another sob. I give Bryan a significant look and he nods before scooping Rei up into his arms and nestling him close to his body, kissing his forehead.

Rei gives a surprised yelp and starts to squirm but Bryan holds onto him until he's calmed down and relaxes against his chest.

"Bryan...?" Rei's voice is small and hesitant, the questioning tone almost pitiful.

"Yes, neko?"

"...I don't deserve friends as good as you and Tala...I mean here you are picking up the pieces of poor lil' ol' me – you could spend centuries searching, but you'll never get them all, not even if I help you, I'm just not worth–"

I cut him off as I gently take his face in my hands, "Rei. You are worth it. You are worth more than I'm sure you could ever comprehend. We would spend centuries and more searching for you if we ever lost even a tiny sliver. We love you." I impulsively press my lips to Rei's and stroke his face and hair softly.

When I pull back his expression is rather shell-shocked, so I smile comfortingly at him.

"Are you okay?" Bryan murmurs.

Rei opens his mouth to speak, squeaks instead, and then closes it before blushing and hiding his face in Bryan's shirt, curling in on himself slightly. He mumbles something I can't hear and Bryan chuckles. I look at him questioningly.

"Rei is wondering why I'm not in a jealous rage right about now." I can hear the mirth in his voice and there's a sly grin on his face.

"Well why aren't you?" Rei's question is only a whisper, but this time I hear him.

Bryan chuckles again and tightens his grip on Rei. "You mustn't have been listening, Kitten: Tala said we love you – meaning me as well." Bryan then lowers his head and catches Rei's lips with his own for a short, and yet endearingly sweet, kiss. When he pulls away Rei flushes bright red and squirms slightly.

"Why? Why do you love me?" Rei tries to twist out of Bryan's hold but the falcon's arms don't budge an inch, so Rei gives it up, substituting running away with again hiding his face in Bryan's shirt.

I smile softly and stroke Rei's hair. "We love you because of the way you make us feel: like nothing will ever be right again unless you are a part of our lives. Listen Rei, you don't need to make any decisions right now – we just had to let you know how we feel. We've discussed this more than once before and there is no jealously between us where you are concerned." I gently turn his chin so I can look him in the eyes, "Okay?"

Rei blushes again but nods and nuzzles my hand slightly. I smile up at Bryan and tilt my head, asking a silent question. He nods in answer.

"Would like some time alone to think Rei, or would you – "

"No!" Rei's shout makes me jump slightly and as I start to pull my hand away Rei grabs it and holds on tightly. "No, please don't leave me alone," he looks imploringly between us and squeezes my hand with both of his.

Bryan nods slowly. "Okay Rei, we won't leave you alone. Where would you like to go?"

Rei appears to think for a minute before answering. "Well I've been inside for at least five days, probably longer: so would you mind if we went out somewhere? Like to the movies or dinner or something?" He blushes again and looks down. I don't think I've ever seen him go red this many times in less than an hour – it matches the colour of the shirt I've lent him, which reminds me.

"We'd be glad to go to the movies and dinner, Rei," I say and then grin over his head at Bryan. "But first you should probably have a look in a mirror."

A/N: Sorry for the cliffy, but it just seemed to fit :P Reviews are welcomed with open arms and internet hugs! Hope you liked it!