A/N: And I update again! I feel like exploding because I have so many ideas and I don't know which one to chose for what. This is a good thing, I think… Anyway, this chapter is dedicated to nellabean, an awesome writer and a big fan of Masamune's. Nella, please don't kill me if he out of character. ^^

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The story and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.


A Time to Love

Chapter 7: Not Quite Number One - Masamune x Madoka


"I can't believe it!" Masamune glared at the magazine in his hands. A few seconds of silence passed as he run his gaze over the page's content further more. "No way."

That being said, he threw it on the floor and crossed his arms in front of his chest, chocolate colored eyes narrowed into a glare at the offending object.

"They need to get their facts straight." How could they? Who did they think he was to humiliate him like that?

The boy collapsed into an armchair inside the room and run a hand through his dark hair. The annoyance in the tone was evident and a pair of aqua colored orbs watched as Masamune muttered and glared at the magazine. Madoka descended the spiral staircase holding a brown, cardboard box full of bey parts into her delicate hands. She put the box on one of the tables inside and turned towards the other occupant of the room.

It was clear as crystal that he hadn't acknowledged her presence so the girl walked in front of him, hands placed at her hips. Masamune moved his stare from the floor to her feet then back at the floor.

"Hey, Madoka," he murmured absent-mindedly as he fumbled with his sweatshirt's strings. It was obvious he didn't want to talk about it with her. The thought alone infuriated her.

Since when are we keeping secrets away from each other, hmm sugar?

"Hey, what's the matter?" she asked with concern. If he was acting so out of character then the reason had to be a really bad one. Usually, given to his impulsive nature, he'd just blurt out whatever he didn't like and all the others (most of the time getting in trouble for it, too).

His jaw clenched as he looked away, still refusing to meet her eyes.

Remembering the magazine, Madoka bent over to pick it up, let her gaze wander over the cover and when she found something about 'Top Ten BeyBladers' the girl tried her best not to show any sign of amusement. So this was it, the brunette thought as she opened the magazine at the indicated page. She then dropped the object from her hands.

This time, a giggle escaped her curled up lips. He grimaced at her laughter as her body shook in mirth.

"It's not that funny. It's not funny at all!" Masamune poignantly stated. Deciding that fumbling and pulling at his clothes' material weren't stress relieving enough, the boy dug his fingers into the armchair.

"Oh, but I think it is."

He glared further more. "Well, I don't think so."

Stubborn much?

The brunette quieted down and let her gloved hands wander to his shoulders. She raised a single eyebrow, lips barely moving when she whispered, "And why is it that, Masamune?"

Madoka's blue eyes narrowed as Masamune's fingers clutched the armrests, knuckles turning white from the grip's force.

"It's just that..." his voice died off. Madoka had dipped her head forward and pressed her lips against his.

His dark chocolate eyes widened but soon closed as he let out a content sound. He fell back into the armchair as his tense shoulders relaxed under Madoka's gentle hold. Masamune let her take the lead, the strain and stress dissipating from his muscles. All of him relaxed in her arms and Masamune wondered if kissing Madoka had always had that peculiar effect on him.

The dark haired boy's fingers clasped at the leather material of the armchair again as soon as he felt one of her small hands snake to the back of his neck, her fingers tracing different patterns on his skin. He tried not to laugh and threw his head further back with a groan.

Damn it, she knew he was ticklish there.

But as soon as the kiss started, it ended too, leaving both of them flushed and smiling. Madoka's plan of lifting his spirits had succeeded.

The girl stood back straight again and winked at the blader. "Who cares what they say anyway?"

She shook her head and laughed, turning to open a silver case located on her workbench. Madoka took out a polished Striker and handed it to Masamune, his hand curling around hers as soon as the bey touched the inside of his palm.

That wide, adorable grin was still on her lips, and Madoka continued, "You know that you'll always be my number one."

That being said, the short girl pecked him on the cheek and went to take a seat at the work table, starting working on a mud filled Leone and a badly scratched Pegasus. The brunette couldn't comprehend how Ginga and Kyouya could still go at it and not be fined for destroying the surrounding environment of Japan.

Masamune, still seated in the armchair, tucked Striker into a pocket and took one last glance at the article on the floor, sighing.

Top Ten World BeyBladers Of The Year:
They have talent, strong beys, and incredible Bey Spirit. Here is a short list of the top ten bladers that have stood out this year:

#10 – Masamune Kadoya. Thought he has a very energetic personality, great potential in equaling a Legend Blader in power, and he and his Striker are giving their all into battling, there is still a long way to the top. Better luck next year, Masamune.

"Thank you, Madoka."


A/N: Only God knows how long I wanted to write something for them. I hope you enjoyed it and that the idea wasn't that clichéd.

Have an awesome time, dearest,

BlackCatNeko999