A/N: So, here's the next one. Again sorry if it seems a little rushed. This one is a little... different but I still hope you guys like it. Please R&R and lemme know what you think :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs.

Kage sang happily in her head as she cleaned up her mess. She looked over her shoulder and smiled as two familiar faces joined her in the kitchen.

"Morning, Kage." Kevin greeted sleepily, lifting his fist to rub an eye with a yawn. "Whatcha doin?"

The greenette paused and gawked as he stared at the massive amount of food on the kitchen table.

"Woah! What's all this?"

Kage laughed as he gestured around the table, pointing at all the food as she explained.

"Well, I'm sure you know what all this is; cereal, breakfast sandwiches, viili which is yoghurt, fruit salad, and coffee, tea and hot chocolate. These little things here are Karelian Piiraka, which are rye pies filled with rice pudding and egg – usually bigger but I've made little minis. Those there are blini pancakes with butter."

"Mmmm…. Looks yummy, Kage." Gary said with a big smile, immediately moving to sit at the table and help himself.

Kage laughed and looked back at Kevin, gesturing for him to sit.

"Please, sit. I'd like to know what you think."

Kevin blinked for a moment before ginning and moving to sit beside his friend.

"Don't mind if I do!" He said happily. When he had filled his plate he leaned forward and took a good, long, appreciative whiff.

"Mmmmm….!" The greenette hummed happily. "Hope it tastes as good as it smells!"

Kage smiled wide as she watched her friends eat. Said smile grew when Kevin and Gary's faces lit up happily.

"Wow!" Kevin cheered, popping another mouthful past his lips and speaking around it. "This is great Kage!"

"Is this Finnish breakfast?" Gary asked curiously before filling his mouth again as well.

Kage nodded, the smile still on her face.

"Commonly, yes. I'm very glad you like it boys!"

"Um-hm!" The other two agreed, proceeding to stuff their faces. Kage laughed and finished up her cleaning.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Kevin asked, looking up from his food after a while as he watched Kage leaning against the counters.

She shook her head.

"No. I ate a little while ago with Madame Chang before she left for work."

It amazed the silent blader that her and the White Tigers spent more time in the woman's house then she did. She was rarely ever home, some nights not even coming home at all. But she was a very kind and gentle woman and Mariah had been right when she'd said their aunt wouldn't mind her staying as the woman seemed to love Kage like one of her own. Admittedly, the silent teen was quite fond of her as well.

"Oh." The greenette said simply before finally going back to his breakfast.

Just then three more arrivals came into the room.

"Morning guys." Mariah said through a yawn.

"Morning." Ray and Lee added, both looking much more lively and awake.

"Morning." Kage greeted with a smile.

The three sat down around the table and blinked at the food in front of them.

"Wow, did you make this, Kage?" Mariah asked in slight surprise. Kage nodded.

"Smells great." Ray added, helping himself to a plateful. He gestured to the Karelian Piiraka and pancakes as he placed some on his plate. "What are these?"

Kage explained again and the new arrivals looked intrigued. After having tasted the foreign dishes, they all expressed opinions of approval much the same as the previous two had.

"So, day off today. What's on the Agenda Kage?"

A huge smile lit Kage's face.

"Actually, I've got some good news… well, good for me at least."

Mariah gave her a curious expression.

"Really? What's that?"

Kage's smile widened.

"The girls are coming for a visit."

Mariah's face brightened too.

"You mean your team? That's awesome, Kage! Where are they staying?"

Kage shrugged.

"Well they can stay here with us!"

"Riah…" Lee said a little wearily.

"What?" Mariah asked defensively. "We've got room! We just need to all double up is all. Besides hotels are expensive!"

"It's alright." Kage said. "They'll find a place."

Mariah turned a stern look on Lee and the ravenette stared at his sister for a moment before finally laughing and turning to Kage.

"No, it's alright. Really."

Mariah's face lit up again.

"See! Lee can stay with Kevin and Gary, one of the girls can stay with you and the other two can take Lee's room. No one's using it anyway."

Kage considered this for a few moments before eventually smiling and speaking again.

"Alright. If no one minds." After getting confirmation that no one did, Kage's smile widened again. "That will be a huge help. Thank you everyone."

"No big!" Mariah replied cheerfully. "So when do they get in?"

"Around lunch time." Kage confirmed.

Mariah glanced at the clock.

"OK. It'll be nice to see them again."

Kage sighed happily. Yes, it certainly would.

"Kage!"

Kage smiled brightly and opened her arms wide as a familiar redhead exited the plane. She laughed as Keisha ran towards her and thrust her arms around the silent teen.

"I missed you!" The little copper top exclaimed excitedly. Kage lifted her hand to playfully ruffle the copper curls with a smile. She then turned to the redhead's companion.

"It's nice to see you again, Kage." Max said with an amused laugh over his girlfriend's antics. Kage nodded and hugged the blonde as well.

"Save some for me."

The trio turned and Keisha grinned a one hundred watt grin as they watched Vilikosto's Captain approach.

"Demi!" Keisha exclaimed this time, rushing up to the brunette and hugging her tightly as well.

The Captain smiled softly and hugged the redhead back. When they pulled away, she turned to Kage and a smile was all that passed between them before hugging as well. Finally Demetra turned to Max.

"Max." She said simply, giving him a small nod. Max grinned knowingly.

"It's good to see you too Demetra." He said playfully. Demetra stared at him for a moment before gracing him with a rare, tiny smile.

"Victoria's flight doesn't get in for another hour so if you like, I can take you to get something to eat? The White Tigers are meeting us here around that time too."

Everyone agreed with Kage's suggestion and followed her as she lead the way through the crowded airport.

It was late afternoon and Vilikosto, The White Tigers, plus Max and Oliver – who had tagged along with Victoria on the trip – were all casually relaxing at the beach. Down by the water's edge, a ravenette pair stared out over the horizon.

"Legend says, he stood with his feet planted firmly on the ground while his hands held up the sky. He grew ten feet every day for eighteen thousand years until the earth and sky were thirty thousand miles apart. Then, exhausted, he fell asleep and never woke up."

Kage listened carefully, hanging onto every word, as Lee told her the ancient Chinese legend of Pangu, pointing out over the horizon as he spoke. When the story was finished, he went on to tell her another one of his favorite legends, but Kage wasn't listening this time – not that she didn't want to.

"I wonder if he even realizes how I feel…" She thought sadly to herself. "It would be so much easier if he did…. And easier again if I knew he felt the same way. But it's clear he doesn't. After all, if he did I would have noticed at least some sort of sign, right? Surely something he said or did would tip me off."

She watched Lee as he told her story after story. Oh how she loved his voice, loved to listen to him talk. If only she could talk back.

"He's so handsome….." She thought, resisting a dreamy sigh. "The way the afternoon sun plays over his features, the way his eyes sparkle and shine when he talks about his Country and things he's proud of… and that smile. That beautiful, wonderful, cat-like smile."

Kage couldn't resist a soft sigh and she felt her face burn hotly because of it. Thankfully however, Lee didn't hear it. He talked for a while longer until he finally turned back to her with that smile she loved so much. He paused however when he noticed the look on her face.

"Are you even listening?" He asked, looking and sounding a little awkward as he obviously tried to sound playful.

Kage blinked and few times to snap herself back to the here and now and nodded convincingly with a smile of her own.

Lee reached up and awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.

"Anyway… why don't we do something else?"

A little disappointed but determined not to show it, Kage smiled again and nodded, gesturing down the beach.

"A walk?" Lee guessed carefully, hoping he was right. When Kage's smile widened and she nodded, he gave her one in return. "Alright. Let's go for a walk."

Kage turned and followed in step with her companion as they continued down the beach, occasionally stopping to admire a creature in the shallow water or pick up an empty shell.

"I guess it doesn't matter if he knows how I feel or not." Kage thought optimistically. "At least I get moments like this with him. If he knew how I felt and didn't feel the same, it might create a rift between us… I'd rather have this than nothing. "

So pushing all thoughts from her mind, Kage walked and laughed with Lee as they simply enjoyed each other's company.

It was late at night and Kage, Lee, Mariah and Ray were out picking up some last minute forgotten groceries. The small group were laughing and talking together as they shopped, and to Kage nothing could have been more normal and right.

"We should pick up some more ingredients for those things you made for breakfast the other day, Kage." Kage gave Lee a surprised look and he smiled when he noticed. "I really liked it."

"Me too!" Mariah seconded.

"Agreed." Ray added with a small laugh. "Plus it's nice not to have to do the cooking for once."

Kage blinked at them for a minute before smiling back and nodding. Mariah passed her the note in her hand and fished a pen from her purse. The silent teen scribbled a quick list on the paper before handing it back to her.

"OK." Mariah began, sizing up the list. "We'll just grab these last few things and head back, it's getting pretty late and the stores should be closing soon."

Mariah and Ray walked on ahead and Kage made to follow but noticed that Lee was lagging behind a little and looked back at him with a confused expression. Slowing her step, she waited for him to catch up before walking beside him and tipping her head to one side.

"Lee? Something wrong?"

The ravenette didn't seem to notice her as he appeared to be lost in his own thoughts. Upon snapping her fingers in front of the teen's face however, he seemed to come out of his trance, blinking a few times before turning to face her.

"Hm? What?.. Sorry, just thinking about something."

Kage gave him a warm smile.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Lee returned the smile but his looked a little more forced.

"Nothing important." He replied softly.

Kage stared at him for a moment, somehow sensing that he wasn't finished. She soon realized she was right as he spoke again.

"Have you ever…. Wanted something, wanted it really badly, but couldn't figure out how to get it?"

Kage blinked at him for a few moments before smiling again, her smile softer than ever now as she nodded.

"All the time." She confirmed honestly, thinking of her feelings towards the ravenette.

Lee sighed.

"How do you deal with it? I mean, do you….. Ah! Never mind, it's stupid."

A hand came to rest on Lee's shoulder and he looked up into amethyst orbs. Their owner gave him an encouraging gesture and he took a deep breath before looking forward and continuing.

"Sometimes I think about it and… well it just seems so trivial, like I know I should be happy with what I've got. But then other days…. I can't help but think that it seems like everyone else has what they want so why can't I?"

Lee starred at the ground for a moment before looking back up at Kage.

"I know that doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but-"

Kage held up a hand to cut him off and gave him a smile when she lowered it.

"It does actually." She replied honestly. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person in the world who doesn't have that one little thing. But then other days I feel ashamed for not fully appreciating what I have. For being greedy."

Lee blinked at her.

"That's exactly how I feel." He said, slightly in awe. Kage smiled at him.

"You just have to take it one step at a time. It's human nature to want what we can't have. The richest man in the world will always long for something, even if he already has the world at his fingertips. The best you can do is take it one day at a time and hope for the best. You might not always get what you want but in the end, if you deserve it, you just might find that you get what you need."

Lee starred at Kage and this time there was a look of incomprehension. Kage resisted a sigh. She'd momentarily forgotten that Lee wasn't quite caught up with her lingo and she still had to, literally, spell everything out for him, making conversations between them take more the twice as long as they should.

Sensing her slight frustration for the first time, even though she tried very hard to hide it, Lee frowned deeply and turned away from her.

"I'm sorry." He groaned miserably. "I'm hopeless. Ya know what, don't bother, I probably won't understand anyway…"

Kage was instantly overcome with guilt and reached out to once again place a hand on her companion's shoulder, making him turn back to her again.

"It's alright." She spelled out. "I don't mind. I really enjoy talking to you Lee."

Lee seemed to relax at this and he watched carefully as Kage repeated what she'd said earlier. It took a while but when she was finally finished, his expression was a mixture of things that made Kage blush slightly; some the understood, some she didn't.

"You're absolutely right…" Lee whispered. "Thank you Kage…. You always know exactly what to say."

Biting her cheek nervously, Kage nodded once, positively giddy she'd managed to help Lee out. It was even more thrilling that the look in his eyes was one of utmost admiration and respect.

"Hey you guys! Hurry up! We've got everything we need, let's go home!"

Both teens looked forward, surprised by Mariah's words, before looking at each other, laughing, and jogging to catch up with the other two.

"So. What's your story girls? I mean… how did you come to know each other and become a team and…. Everything."

Kage smiled at Mariah's question and she turned to Victoria, who nodded and gave her a 'go ahead' gesture. The silent blader then turned back to the pinkette and began speaking as Victoria translated for those who didn't understand.

"We all grew up in an orphanage in Finland together, having been left there as babies. We started messing around with beyblades when we were about six or seven, a little younger for Keisha and Victoria. When I was about ten years old or so, an older guy showed up, claiming to be Demetra's biological brother come to take her home. Naturally, being who she is, and as close as we'd all grown together that point, she wasn't leaving without us. So, long story short; Breal adopted us all. We moved in with him and we've been together ever since."

When Victoria had finished translating, those who didn't already know the story looked greatly intrigued.

"Woooow." Mariah cooed. "You guys go way back then…. Like us!"

Kage smiled and nodded.

"Well, it was kinda short…." Mariah added, thoughtfully. "And hopefully we'll get a more detailed version one day, but for now, thanks girls! It's nice to know the basics of your background!"

"I wish we could say the same!" Keisha piped up. "Your turn!"

The White Tigers grinned and each took turns, even Gary, telling a bit about themselves and their past both individually and together. After a little more talk and laughter around the group, yawns began to erupt around the room until nearly everyone looked like they might pass out at any minute.

"I think that's a sign we should all be heading off to bed!" Ray said playfully.

Everyone agreed and got up to go get ready for bed. Mariah and Ray kept their room, Lee stayed with Gary and Kevin, Keisha and Victoria stayed in Lee's room and Oliver and Max bunked in the living room.

Once everyone had gotten ready and said their goodnights, they all head off to bed.

"Kage?"

Kage turned to her Captain with a questioning look, and the brunette gave her a serious expression.

"How are you? Really? Do you like it here in China?"

Kage stared for a minute before rolling onto her side and reaching up to insert an arm under her pillow. She nodded then and gave her Captain a smile.

"Good." Demetra said simply. "And are you getting much practice in?"

Kage thought back to her after school and weekend practices with the White Tigers and random challengers in the parks. Yes, aside from school work, eating, sleeping and occasional relaxation with the Chinese bladers, she was spending a lot of time with her blade.

"Yes, I am. Promise Demi. You know you don't have to worry about us."

"I know." Demetra confirmed, turning then and starring up at the ceiling for a minute before closing her eyes. "I know I don't have to but you know I will anyway…. I'm just glad you're all happy. That's all I ever really wanted. Good night Kage."

Kage smiled one last time before turning back around and snuggling under the sheets to get some much anticipated sleep.

"Get 'em Tori! Show 'em who's boss!"

Kage laughed and clapped as she cheered her teammates on. The little group of vacationers, plus the White Tigers were all in the park having playful battles with each other, and just then the amethyst eyed blader was cheering on Victoria and Kevin.

"Ready or not, here I come!" Victoria said with a grin. Kevin grinned as well.

"Bring it, sister!" He replied confidently.

Kage smiled happily at the two before turning to another dish where Ray was battling Demetra.

"You won't get me that easily!" Ray called with a smile as he dodged one of Demetra's attacks.

"We'll see about that." The other Captain replied, moving to attack again. Her voice and face were serious, but her eyes gave her away, showing she was actually enjoying herself much more than she was letting on. For once, there was nothing on the line. For once she could battle just for the sake of it and not worry too much about the outcome.

"Come on, Lee! Let's battle!"

Kage turned to see Keisha facing Lee across another dish with her launcher raised excitedly, a huge grin on her face. Lee was standing on the other side with a confident yet playful smile.

"Alright. But promise me you won't cry when I win."

Keisha laughed as her opponent lifted his launcher.

"I think I can handle it."

The two laughed and counted themselves down.

"Three, two, one! Let it rip!"

The two blades dropped into the dish just as Kage felt a vibration from a pouch on her belt. Reaching to pull out her cell phone, she starred at the screen for a moment before smiling and moving to answer.

"Who's that Kage?" Victoria cooed teasingly, having finished her battle and moving to stand beside the silent blader.

"Johnny." Kage replied, going back to her cell and replying to him.

"Johnny? Ooooo! What'd he say?"

Kage tipped her cell slightly so the brunette could see and said girl read it aloud.

"I heard there was a pretty Finnish girl in China. Awfully long way from home. I think she should have come to Scotland instead. Much closer to home, much better vacation spot if you ask me."

Victoria looked up at Kage with a huge, teasing grin.

"Aweee! He wants to see you!" She cooed playfully. Kage blushed but gave the brunette a suggestive gesture and a smile, gesturing to her cell. After replying to Johnny, telling him she liked China and further from home was necessary to gain more experience, she looked back at her friend again.

"I may have let it slip that you were here the last time I saw him." Victoria replied mischievously.

Kage smiled and shook her head but before anything else could be said, the Scot sent her another message and Victoria leaned over to read it once again.

"That's too bad. So when are you coming to visit me? Or am I going to have to get on a plane to come see you?"

The grin on the brunette's face was impossibly huge.

"Aweee!" She cooed excitedly now. "Kage, he's got it for you so bad!"

A little ways away, Lee frowned as he listened to the happenings just a few feet to the side. Something sickening churned in his stomach as he listened to Victoria read and talk. Johnny? Did they mean Johnny McGregor of the Majestics? Rich, powerful, handsome, popular, Johnny who had leagues of fan girls falling all over him Johnny? That Johnny had a crush on Kage?

Not good.

"Woah! Careful there tiger." Keisha said playfully as Lee's blade hit hers rather forcefully, slamming it brutally into the side of the dish. "This is just a friendly battle, remember?"

"Sorry…" The ravenette muttered.

Keisha blinked at him for a minute before giving him a small smile.

"It's OK." She replied, a little confused as to what had caused the sudden attitude change in her opponent.

"You know, come to think of it," Oliver began thoughtfully. "he's been talking about mademoiselle Kage quite a lot lately hasn't he, Cherie?"

Victoria grinned huge and nodded.

"Yep! Every time he comes to visit he always asks me if I've been talking to you, and he's always got something really nice or sweet to say! Of course, he pretends like it's just small talk, but it's kinda cute and kinda funny how he always seems to manage to bring your name up in most every conversation."

Lee felt a little demon inside him grow restless.

"Hey! Lee, what's wrong with you?" Lee blinked, pulling himself out of the conversation nearby to see Keisha pouting at him across the dish. "You're way tense and rough all of a sudden. Ease up will ya?"

Lee sighed heavily.

"Sorry." He said firmly this time. But there was still a deep frown on his face.

Keisha frowned too.

"You need to get your head in the game…"

"I know." He replied simply. However, when he unconsciously tuned into the convo nearby again, he felt his little demon go crazy.

"So, I have to ask; what do you think of our favorite Scot, mademoiselle?" Oliver asked the girl with a grin. Looking out the corner of his eye Lee saw her blush deeply and it made his frown deeper than ever.

"Well… he's really sweet…" She admitted shyly. "And he is very handsome…"

Lee felt his hands clench, gripping his pull cord and launcher tightly as his animalistic eyes slit dangerously.

"Ouch!"

Lee's gaze snapped back to his opponent again and he balked to see a tiny cut on her cheek now, the redhead reaching up to place her hand over it as she glared at him slightly. Looking down, his question was answered as he saw a chip in the dish, the broken piece laying on the ground next to the redhead's foot with a smear of blood on it. Guiltily, Lee opened his mouth to speak but Keisha cut him off.

"That's it!" She said angrily. "You're no fun at all, Lee! If you're going to take this seriously, then so am I! Totori! Attack!"

Lee's eyes widened as the huge purple swan rose from his opponent's blade and towered over him menacingly.

He tried to shake away his negative thoughts, to get his head back in the game but it proved harder than he'd thought and he wasn't quick enough.

"Galle-"

Lee was cut off as the bright purple blade struck his black one, sending it flying before he could even finish his bitbeast's name. He watched in shock and horror as his blade flew from the dish as if in slow motion, sailing past him and over his shoulder to land quite a distance behind him with a sickening clatter.

"Kei! Are you alright?"

Lee didn't turn around, he simply continued to stare blankly at his blade as Max approached his girlfriend, taking her face in his hands and examining the small cut on her cheek.

"I'm fine, Maxie." The redhead said a crossly, pulling her face away from him. She lifted her hand to her injured cheek and placed it over the cut, pulling it away to look at it before looking back up at Lee with a frown. "I don't know what that was all about, Lee, but it wasn't cool at all! You need to learn to control those mood swings or else soon enough, no one's gonna wanna be around you!"

Lee closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. He took a long, deep breath before opening his eyes again and walking up to his blade, bending and picking it up. When he straightened he closed his eyes again and frowned deeply.

"I'm sorry, Keisha." He muttered. Without another word, he walked away from them all and disappeared into a thicket of trees.

"What is wrong with me?" Lee scolded himself angrily. "I thought the days of letting my emotions get the better of me had passed! What if that had been a tournament battle or something?... Although there wouldn't have been gossiping girls around if it was but… still!"

"Knock, knock. Can I come up?"

Lee closed his eyes and frowned upon hearing his Captain's voice. He snorted at that.

Captain. Hmph. There had once been a time when he'd been Captain of The White Tigers. But those days were passed as well.

Eventually Lee released a heavy sigh and replied.

"Free Country." He muttered irritably.

Without another word, Ray bent his knees and easily sprung up into the high treetops, grabbing a nearby branch and hoisting himself up alongside his best friend.

"So." He said simply. "What's eatin' ya?"

"Nothing."

Ray gave him a dull stare.

"Are you really gonna try and pull that one on me?" He asked bluntly. "I know you better than that, Lee and you know it. So, come on. Out with it; what's bothering you? Cause you and I both know you don't lose control like that over nothing. Your emotions are causing you trouble for some reason…. It'll help to talk about it."

Lee's eyes and teeth clenched and his fists tightened at his sides as a growl formed in his throat.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Ray!" He growled angrily. "One minute I was having fun, like everyone else, the next I was angry and….. and something else!"

Ray starred at him.

"Something else?" He repeated in confusion. "Like what? Whatta ya mean?"

"I don't know." Lee answered again, his eyes still closed and fists clenched.

Ray stared for another moment before frowning and crossing an arm over his chest, his other hand lifted to place a finger to his chin thoughtfully.

"Well…. When did it start? What do you think brought on your mood change?"

Lee sighed heavily, an attempt to will his anger back a little.

"I think…. It started when Kage got that message."

"Huh?" Ray blinked once in confusion. "Message? You mean the ones from Johnny?"

"Yea." Lee replied simply.

Ray thought for a few minutes until something seemed to click and he had to fight back a grin.

"Lee…." He began slowly, carefully weighing his words. "What comes to your mind when you think of Kage?"

Lee's expression softened then and he opened his eyes, starring absently at the ground as his body seemed to relax considerably.

"I feel…. Calm when I'm around her. And things that usually matter don't… it's like all I want to do is make her happy, like my own feelings don't matter around her. Not to myself anyway. But to her it's the other way around; like she only cares about mine." He closed his eyes and a small smile came to his lips. "But she's like that with everyone. Kage always puts everyone else and their feelings and needs before her own. She's like the ideal human being; strong, brave, kind, fun and funny, talented… and beautiful."

"And what did you feel when you heard the way she and the others were talking about Johnny? About his obvious feelings for her and any possibility of her having feelings for him?"

Lee tensed again and his teeth once more clenched tightly.

"I felt angry." He replied quietly. "Angry and sick and… and…."

"Jealous?" Ray offered softly.

Lee's eyes opened again as a slightly surprised look came over his face, one mixed with realization.

"Yea…." He almost whispered. "That's it… that's what I felt…. Jealous.."

This time Ray did smile, a wide, toothy smile that made is sharp incisors peek out from under his curled lips.

"I don't think you've got anything to be really worried about, Lee." The Captain said a little playfully. "There's nothing wrong with you; nothing really abnormal anyway. I think the reason you felt the way you did, is the same reason you've been feeling and acting the way you have recently…"

Ray's head tipped to the side as he observed his friend with a smile.

"I think you've got feelings for a certain Finnish blader."

Lee's eyes widened as he turned to face his friend.

"Wha- You think so?"

Ray laughed and nodded.

"Yea, I think that's a pretty good guess. But, Lee… there's nothing wrong with that. And, I've been wrong before but, from what I can tell….. I think she's pretty fond of you too."

Lee starred at his best friend for a long time before finally turning away from him again.

"I…. don't think I've ever had feelings for anyone before…" He said softly. "Not like this. What….. what am I supposed to do, Ray?"

Ray smiled and reached out to place a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"That's up to you, dude." He said kindly. "But, as soon as you're feeling up to it, it might be a good idea to tell her how you feel."

Lee groaned lightly and leaned down to place his head in his hands.

"I can't do that…" He grumbled miserably. "I wouldn't even know where to begin.."

Ray chuckled.

"How about at the beginning?" He teased playfully. "Just tell her the truth. Whatever comes to mind. As long as it's the truth, you can't go wrong."

Lee looked up at Ray again.

"Is that what you did?" He asked, his expression as innocent as a child's. Ray blushed lightly.

"Well…. It was a little different for Mariah and I…" He replied, a little embarrassed. "We've known each other so long that…. When the time came, there really wasn't much we had to say. Besides… with us… we both kinda knew our feelings were mutual."

Lee looked crestfallen as he turned back to the ground again.

"Oh…" He said softly. Ray felt guilty.

"Hey…. That doesn't mean you should get discouraged. Like I said, just tell her the truth and what can possibly go wrong?"

Lee considered this for a long time until finally he seemed to relax and a smile came back to his face again. Looking back up at Ray, he gave his friend a grateful smile.

"Thanks Ray. You really helped me out."

Ray smiled happily.

"No problem! That's what friends are for! So, you ready to head back?"

Lee leaned back against the tree and starred out over the scene before him.

"Not just yet… I've still got a little thinking to do." Ray nodded and moved to jump down from the tree. "Ray? … Please pass along another apology to Keisha and the others for me."

Ray smiled.

"Sure thing."

That said the Captain jumped down from the tree and walked back to the others. Lee smiled as he starred out over the scene before him. Now that he finally understood what was causing the storm inside him, he hoped he'd be able to find a way to weather it.

Days later found The White Tigers bidding goodbye to their new friends with promises to write, call and otherwise keep in contact. Lee stood before Kage nervously though admittedly he was doing a good job of hiding it. She was going to Italy with her team to spend a few days with them before returning to China again. Lee wasn't particularly keen on the idea but unfortunately, there wasn't a whole hell of a lot he could do about it.

"Ah…. Kage?"

Kage tipped her head sideways questioningly and Lee's heartbeat sped up at the adorable look on her face. He was painfully aware of all the faces around them, even though they pretended not to be listening, but he knew better. In the end, the words he'd intended on saying fell short of his lips and the lion-tamer knew such a special and intimate conversation required a more private time and place. So, in the end, he smiled and gave her a hug.

"I hope you enjoy your trip." He said softly. "Things will be a little boring around here while you're gone."

Kage blinked over his shoulder as he hugged her but after a moment she smiled and hugged him back tightly with closed eyes. The two tried to ignore the coos and awes from their friends and both faces were a little pink when they pulled away, but they smiled at each other and bid a happy farewell nonetheless.

Lee turned to Keisha then.

"I'm sorry again for the other day." He said guiltily. "I really hope you can forgive me."

"Already have!" The redhead replied cheerfully, reaching out to hug the Chinese-bred blader. Lee was happy to see the cut on her cheek nearly all healed up as he hugged her back. When they pulled away, he bid farewell to the others as well before they turned and proceeded to board their plane.

"You're right, things sure are gonna be boring around here for the next few days." Mariah said, reaching up to wipe a few stray tears from her eyes. "I'm gonna miss those guys."

Lee smiled but said nothing. He had to admit, it worried him a little, and made his stomach churn sickeningly, to think that Kage was going to a place where the possibility of seeing his new romantic rival was a big one, but he also knew that not a whole lot could happen in such a short time and hoped that he'd be able to level the playing field when she returned. That out of the way, he forced himself to relax and simply think of the day when she'd be back and he'd be able to see her beautiful face again.

A/N: The beach part and Victoria/Oli's arrival was a scene in um... I believe ch 6-8, somewhere around there in the prequel to this story; "Incomplete". The chapter is called "Lessons" and it gives different parts of the trip, just from Victoria's point of view. If you want to see those scenes (if you haven't already) you can check it out in that story.