Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade
So here I am again. Thank it for Rapid Puzzleshipper Saiko and Little A. Granger who supported me to finish this chapter in time because they were so eager to read it. I guess you too, huh? *winks*
Sorry for any grammar mistakes. I used to check over before update but even so I tend to slip over things.
Warning: I recommend you to not eat or drink anything while you read this because all the cocky, kinky and funny things I put in might make you cough up. Hehe. :P
As I checked, till now this is the longest chapter, so enjoy it because it will take time for me to write the next one. I have many ideas and need to put together the scenes. I made this with heart for you all, have fun! :)
~ CHAPTER 9 ~
Boys Will Be Boys
"You've gotta be kidding!"
"No, I'm not."
Max gaped at him. "You spent the afternoon with Kai and you two became friends?"
Takao scratched his head. "Well, I wouldn't say we are friends, yet… um, Kai is a little difficult, but we are getting close." he smiled confidently.
Rei gave a snort of snicker. "I cut down my hair the day I see the mighty Kai Hiwatari condescends to common people like us, but mostly to become your friend." he took a big bite of rice to his mouth.
"Yeah." Max laughed. "When we see red snow."
"You guys will flip over because I already did." Takao folded his arms before his chest.
"Did what?" Max asked.
"I invited Kai to our study-group this afternoon, and he said yes." Takao's face practically beamed as how proud he was at himself, and broke into a grin. "Oh, and that means your hair goes down Rei, sorry."
That comment had an amazing effect on his two friends. Max dropped his spoon in a gasp whilst Rei started pummelling his chest heavily as he coughed.
"No way!" Max goggled at Takao and went pale. He looked like Takao had just announced him that the world would empty out from sweets. "Are you nuts? That guy is a freak."
"You… invited… Kai Hiwatari?" Rei struggled for breath as tears brimmed his eyes. He gave himself another punch on his chest. "Seriously… Takao… you can't quit… magnetizing disaster, do you?"
The bluenette furrowed his eyebrows at them in displease. "I don't see a reason why couldn't Kai join our group? I mean come on guys, he is not a bloodthirsty vampire… okay, maybe he is a little scary at first sight, and he is cold, rough, anti-social and sometimes harsh, but he is a good person. I'm sure. He just needs friends to prove it."
The enthusiastic effect of Takao's heart-speech somehow failed because long silence followed. Then something clicked in Max's head as he blinked rapidly by realization.
"Kai Hiwatari comes to my house." he gaped. "Oh god… oh my god…" with a mad speed, he started stuffing his books in his bag, almost knocking over everything else that was on the table.
Rei had to grab his bowl of rice hastily before it would have landed on his lap.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Takao asked bewildered.
"I gotta go home, and fast. Please save my ass at Mr. Montgomery." the blonde gabbled and dropped his sandwich on the top of half-filled bag before tossed on it a fat book. Takao grimaced at the sound of 'slurch'.
"But you said you'd repair my bike." he looked disappointed.
"Sorry pal, but this is an emergency now." Max sent him an apologetic look. "I have to pack off my comics, I need to count my candies, have to pull out my laundry from under my bed… and dad will need a new tie. See you guys later." with that he buzzed off, a line of dust-storm left behind him.
"What's with him?" Takao wondered.
"I guess he meant that he needs to make a desperate house cleaning." said Rei as he went back eating in a now more calming mood.
Takao stared at his own meal musing, then he looked up at his friend.
"Say, Rei?"
"Hm?"
"Do you think it was a bad idea to invite Kai?"
The nekojin stopped eating and looked at Takao's fawn eyes. "No. You want to help for him and that's very nice, if you ask me. Don't worry, Max and I will stand by your side."
Takao beamed; he was glad he had such good friends.
"Thanks Rei. I knew I can count on you."
"No problem. Besides, if the house bursts into fire we say it was your idea." Rei flashed a toothy grin.
Takao sweat-drooped heavily. "Oh man."
~ * x ~ Ö ~ x * ~
The early afternoon found Rei sitting in Max's room… well, practically he was squirming on the floor, in lack of any 'normal' seat.
"Seriously Max, how messy did your room look like before you've cleaned up?" he pushed aside a big pile of comics so he could gain enough space to put down his backpack beside himself.
Max's room was up on the loft of the house, which he'd picked himself and furnished for his own taste so he could live his 'normal' teenager life. But for heaven's sake it looked like a hurricane had dashed around! You couldn't even drop a needle. The floor was covered by tossed-around piece of garments, Beyblade and other fantasy comics, not talking about the nearly emptied out bags of candy.
Rei spotted a dirty sock that hung on a bedside lamp, and there was some red, icky looking thing that leaked out from one of the chest of drawers – which he seriously didn't want to know what it was. The only part of the room that could be said acceptable was the ceiling, which was painted ocean blue. The bunch of dolphin wallpapers gave a clear explanation why was swimming Max's favourite sport.
The blonde was standing in the middle of the room, confused what should he pick up first. "I started packing away things but then I found my favourite comics that I'd lost months ago, and I dove into reading so deep that I totally forgot about time." he scratched his head sheepishly. He grabbed a heap of clothes and went to the wardrobe. He stuffed them in with some effort among the others, then quickly closed it and put a chair before the door to hold it.
"I suggest you to get a girlfriend, or at least a maid." Rei shook his head disapprovingly as he watched Max hide his comics in a tool box.
The blonde picked up all the sweets and candy drops he found on the floor and among his clothes, even found one in a holey sock. After a few minutes of thinking he decided to drop them in an empty vase that stood on the window.
"Blah-blah… says the one who twisted of all girls' head in the school, left no haunting chance for others." retorted Max teasingly as he dove under his bed to pull out a few underwear and some dirty socks. He flicked off the spiders before sank them in the laundry basket.
"I could give you a few tips." Rei's lips pulled into a sly smile.
Max rolled his eyes. "No thanks. I've no intention to perform competition with you in girls chasing… Now, where was I? Oh, I know. Take one last sweep."
He leant up to grab an old house flannel from the top of wardrobe, which had been laid there for who knew how long, and swiftly passed through the room. Rei sneezed loudly when something spicy itched his nose. He leant back to take a tissue from the desk but his fingers stuck to it when he palmed in a half chewed gum.
"Ugh…yuck." he shook his hand vigorously. "I guess I have to nap my study-meditation for later."
"Oh, just go ahead. It doesn't bother me. I'll go down making popcorn anyways till the others arrive." Max told him lightly over his shoulder before glanced around in the room contentedly. "Hm, I guess that will do."
"In this mess?!" Rei looked around disgracefully. "How on earth could I concentrate in such muck?"
"A good guest is not choosy." the blonde wagged a finger at him reprovingly before walked out the room.
Rei sent after him a nasty grimace.
~ * x ~ Ö ~ x * ~
Back in the dojo even Takao had his own personal trouble going through his preparation… namely, the dressing.
"Argh!... where the heck is it?" he fumbled around annoyed.
"T-man, what are you doi-" Gramps appeared on the door but stopped stunned. In his grandson's usually tidy bedroom a huge chaos had exploded. It seemed like the clothes had sprung out from the wardrobe as they laid all over. "Did I miss something? A tornado had escaped in while I was out?"
"Huh?" Takao looked around hastily. "Oh. I'm gonna clean that up later." he said while he was standing in front of the mirror, pulling on a red turtle-neck shirt.
"So what's the big fuss? Going out for a date with a hot blondy girl?" the old man wriggled his eyebrows cheekily.
"A date?" Takao looked at him ridiculously while he dug his arms now in a blue farmer jacket. He gave a snort of laugh. "Sheesh, Gramps give me a break. I've a meeting with the guys at Max's house, remember? Besides, I won't waste my time chasing after cackler girls like Rei does when I can do other fun things."
He turned back to start combing his hair back in a ponytail.
"Then why is the big preciseness around dressing up like a show-man?" Grandpa intrigued further.
Takao rolled his eyes. "It's nothing really… it's just that…" he blew a sigh. "there is this new guy, his name is Kai, and invited him to us because he has no friends, and I thought he could become part of our group. I know Max can be rather silly, more often than less, and even Rei has his own moments, and I don't want to scare him off, so I just want to make a good appearance for him, that's all."
"I see." Gramps nodded understanding. For a while he peered at his grandson's back with a distant look. Then he swung his kendo stick over his shoulder as he said brightly. "Well, I hope one day you'll introduce this Kai fellow of yours for me before I go up to big bamboo-paradise."
It took a whole minute for Takao to comprehend what did his kinky grandfather mean after he'd left, before his whole face turned bright red.
The dojo quivered under his loud scream of embarrassment.
"Grandpaaaaa! I told you it's not a date!"
~ * x ~ Ö ~ x * ~
Max carried a big bowl of fresh made popcorn in his hands on the way up to his room. He was humming to himself merrily. He opened the door and walked in to –
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
The whole popcorn sprung in the air and Max nearly flipped over with shock.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" he screamed as his fist grabbed to his chest.
Up on the ceiling there was Rei, sitting with crossed legs, his eyes closed as he was deep under his meditation… and for god shake he was levitating upside down!
"Rei!"
The nekojin opened an eye, answering calmly. "What? You were the one who said it doesn't bother you how do I meditate. And this was the only free space up here."
Silence.
… Then the roof of the house leapt up.
"BUT NOT ON THE CEILING!"
~ * x ~ Ö ~ x * ~
It was already six o'clock by the time Takao had arrived to his destination. Lack of bike it took him longer than expected, he just hoped he wouldn't get late. The pink and orange shade on the sky slowly turned navy blue colour and the lights of streetlamps lit on, one by one. He wondered if the others had arrived… if Kai had arrived already.
It's wasn't hard to guess which was Max's house. The yellow and green painted walls, blue window-frames, with red roof, and the big sign above the entrance: 'Mizuhara's Funny & Yummy Hobby Shop', was screaming about the typical Mizuhara's style which was unmistakable.
Before Takao could have stepped up to the door a black carriage stopped at the house. The coachman jumped down from the dickey-seat and opened the door.
"Kai!" Takao's face lit up when he spotted the dual haired male and ran up to him happily. "You came!"
"I never back out on my word Kinomiya." Kai greeted him impassively but he let go a faint smirk on his lips.
"Do you want me to wait for you sir?" asked the coachman.
"No, it's not necessary Dimitri. I'll walk back home." he gave a slight wave over his shoulder.
The carriage rolled off.
"Wow. Does everyone obey to all of your orders?" Takao asked marvellingly.
"Hn. Only those who are obedient." Kai marked sardonically, but Takao seemingly didn't come to realise the smug hint behind Kai's words because he said nothing.
The boys walked up to the door and stepped in. Even though the shop had officially closed by now, the filtering light from inside welcomed them. Takao almost had to close his eyes and hold back his breath when all that lickerish and eye-dazzling sweetness appeared before his eyes.
No wonder Max was an obsessed candy lover. This place was a paradise of all goodies. Left side stood in heaps the varied of bonbons, candies, gingerbreads, donuts, chocolates, and strudel dough along on the shelves, while right side were the set of party and fun objects. One a shelf stood in line gaudy birthday candles that burst into flames over and over again each time the celebrated tried to blow them away. Beside there were present boxes which gave weird noise if you tried to open: one started steaming, another gave tickling sounds like there was a bomb hid inside, the third one started shaking wildly if you touched, as if a beast was packed inside, there was another which jumped out of reach when you tried to catch and unwrap it, and there was a present box which simply re-wrapped itself over and over again, never letting to see what was in there. There were also many decorations, masks, and card games which started screeching 'CHEATER!' if someone didn't play a fair game.
The sweet caramel, honey and cinnamon filtered in Takao's nostrils, making him feel dazed. He looked at Kai who stood beside him and sweat-drooped when he saw how unimpressed and unaffected the dual haired male was. Could it be that Kai's olfactory didn't function at all? But before he could say anything to the stoic teen a man came out from the backroom.
"Aah, welcome boys! I assume you're Max's friends."
Mr. Mizuhara was a tall, paunchy man with friendly features. Just from his outlook, there were many things that Max inherited from his dad, except his hair, which was brown. That one came probably from his mother.
"Good afternoon Mr. Mizuhara." Takao said brightly. "My name is Takao Kinomiya and this is my friend, Kai Hiwatari."
The dual haired arched an eyebrow cockily at him. Since when did they become friends?
"Glad to to meet you. Max talked a lot about you." Mr. Mizuhara shook Takao's hand with grace.
Kai only gave a polite nod.
"Max is up in his room with your friend, Rei. Go up boys." Mr. Mizuhara ushered them towards the staircase.
"Rei is here, too? Cool! Come on Kai." the bluenette grabbed Kai's arm, who was busy staring at the odd, red-yellow patterned tie Mr. Mizuhara was wearing, and yanked him upstairs.
On the way up Kai wrenched his arm free.
"Man, Max is living on a loft. Isn't it cool Kai?" Takao said excited as he trotted up on the creaking wooden stairs.
"Weird taste, if you ask me." Kai marked with no fascination.
"Oh come on, don't be a sour-puss. It will be fun, and in the end I guarantee you wish to move in with us." he flashed back a goofy grin over his shoulder.
'God save me from that.' Kai thought and rolled his eyes.
"Hurry up Kai!"
Takao leapt over the last few stairs and burst open the door like a champion after a victorious battle. "Hey guys! We are here!" he smiled widely but paused when he looked around, and went confused. "Um… what happened?"
On the bed was sitting a peevish Max with crossed arms while Rei was on the floor, looking beyond lightheaded even to himself.
"You came a bit late Takao. You just missed the show." a nasty grin tugged on the curve of Rei's lips as he struggled to hold back laughing.
"Rei…" came the warning from Max.
"Oh you should have seen him Takao."
"Rei!"
"I had to feed him with sugar after he'd passed out from exhaustion by the big tantrum he made." he bit down on his lower lip while he remembered back how did he gave first-aid to the blonde teen. In short, he told Takao what happened.
"It was your fault!" scoffed at him Max.
"You were the one who said –"
"But not to hang upside down like a vampire and scare the shit out of me!"
"You should have seen your face!" Rei laughed.
Takao rolled his eyes.
"Guys would you stop bickering each other for a moment? I brought a new friend in our group." at the bluenette's announcement two pair of eyes turned on him. Then they crossed over his shoulder when the dual haired teen with his amazing crimson eyes appeared in the sight.
Big silence fell in the room.
"Guys, this is Kai Hiwatari." Takao's chest swelled with measureless proud at the dumbfound look in his friends. He looked like he'd fished out the gold fish. Then he turned to Kai. "I guess you already know Rei Kon, even though you didn't meet personally. And this is Max Mizuhara."
Rei gulped at the mention of his name. He resembled to a ruffled cat that was near to the edge to scoot up on the first tree.
Kai's blazing eyes scanned through the room and it felt like the temperature had rocked higher a few degree.
Max, who was the most cheerful and friendly one when it was about meeting new fellows, plus he wanted to play a good house-master before the well descended Kai, he walked up to him confidently.
"Nice to meet you Kai." he rose his fist. "Punch on it buddy."
BONK!
Max was lying flat on the floor before he even registered what had happened. Apparently, Kai's fist was fast as lightning.
"Max!" Rei rushed to the swooned teen's side and started tapping his cheek to make him come back to himself.
"What the hell man?!" Takao looked at Kai flabbergasted.
"He wanted to punch me." the dual haired crossed his arms.
"What? – Nooo. He just wanted to fist-bump with you… it's also a greetings form, like a handshake."
"Oh… still, he asked for it." Kai turned away with an uncaring shrug.
"Argh!"
"It's okay Takao. Nothing happened." Max assured him brightly when he managed to scramble to his feet with Rei's help. "I'm okay, really."
Takao gulped. "Um… I don't think so." he stared concerned at his friend's face whose eyes stood still crossed. He just didn't know how should he tell the bad news.
"Why? What's wrong?" the blonde touched his face in search.
"I'll take care of that." appeased Rei and ushered Max quickly to the bed to take care of him with his healing power.
Takao glanced at Kai and gestured towards them with a slight smile. "Heh. It's lucky to have a Healer in the group, isn't it?"
"Hn." Casting one glance at them, Kai made his way across the room and settled down in the corner, beside the window, and took out his sketchbook.
A ragged sigh left Takao's lungs as he stood there awkwardly.
Boy, this was definitely not a good start. He just hoped the upcoming events would be better.
Later the tension had eased up in the atmosphere as the boys started on their homework. Though, it didn't last long. The fresh smell of new-made popcorn, nut-muffins and jam donuts, which Max's dad had sent up for them, slowly drew closer the boys in the middle of the room. They sat in a circle as they tasted the delicious yummies.
This was the first time Kai had tasted popcorn, and even though he found it oddly amusing as the salty thing cracked loudly among his teeth, he still became liking better blackberry jam donuts.
Soon they forgot how boring and tiring learning could be and the topic soon travelled to chatting about more interesting things which had nothing to do with study.
"So, if you want to ask a girl out for a date, how do you do it?" asked Takao as he took new amount of popcorn in his mouth while he was lying on his stomach on the floor, elbowing above his History book.
"It's quite simple. First of all, you must show gallantry and politeness." explained Rei. "Girls are very sensitive - like flowers – they are fragile, and they like when a guy is gentle to them. Also, it's beneficial if you bring them flower. They prefer pretty stuff, like roses… or bonbons."
"Heh, that one can't be a problem for Maxie. He always carries a stuff of bonbons that would melt any girls." Takao directed his grin at the nibbling blonde.
"No way I would share my bonbons!" Max declared with protestation as if he took it a personal offence and quickly stuffed the last bite of donut in his mouth.
Rei laughed. "I think it can't be helped. Max's big love is his stomach."
"No, that's Takao. He can eat so much like a whale."
"Hey, that's not true!"
"Yes it is!" Max sing-sang.
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is!" he leant over and snatched off Takao's cap from his head.
"Hey give it back!" Takao reached after it but Max tugged it behind his back, and grinned in an elfish way.
"Try to get it back."
At that point Takao threw himself at Max who burst into laugh as they wrestled on the floor. Rei watched them with an amused expression written on his face whilst he shook his head. Those two could be so like kids. Even Kai stopped writing as he glanced up at them perplexedly. Never in his life had he seen such undisciplined and childish behaviour. How immature it was! Yet, there was something cosy and natural about the way the two friends fought playfully… And the more Kai watched Takao's embarrassed face and his desperate struggling to seize back his cap, while his face was turning to a delicate shade of red, he couldn't help but found it so adorable.
"Maaax, give it back!"
"Haha… not gonna!"
"You're such a stinker!"
"Why do you make such a big fuss? We won't laugh at your hair if you don't wear this sleazy cap for once."
If Takao's cheeks went redder now you could roast eggs on them. And the worst was that Kai was staring at him, too… he just could feel those intense crimson eyes on him, which for some reason gave him a sweltering feeling like he was naked. "Maybe… but I want it back!" he whined.
"Only if you answer for a question." Max said challengingly.
"What question?"
"Do you have a crush?"
Takao froze on his spot like an ice-statue. He was kneeling over Max, his hand was only inches from the blonde's which in he was holding his cap.
"So, do you have?" Max intrigued curiously.
"…J-just what kind of question is that? Of course not!" Takao spluttered flustered, but his stumbling tongue didn't obey as he wanted. Shit, what was wrong with him?
"Oh really? Then why are you blushing like a school girl?" Max wriggled his eyebrows cheekily at him. He put his sly face closer to Takao's teasingly.
The bluenette took the opportunity and quickly snatched back his cap from Max's grip. He sat back on the floor and pulled the cap over his head tight, wanting to disappear under it… especially from a certain person's eyes.
"That's only because you're teasing me." he snapped back defensively. "Like I would waste my time to chase after stupid girls."
"Aha! So it's a guy." Max sat up straight as he flicked his fingers.
Takao twitched on his spot as if a bee had stung him. Suddenly the temperature had rocked sky high in the room, but it seemed the others didn't feel anything about it. Or what it only him?
Pretending like he was learning, from the corner of his eye Kai peered curiously at the unfolding occurrents… it was starting to become interesting now.
"Urgh! Max, no!" Takao denied. "I'm not interested in anyone and I don't want to date no one!"
"Why not? You ain't planning to stay celibacy for your entire life, aren't you? And if it was a guy we wouldn't judge you just because you're gay." said Rei wisely, giving him a comforting smile. After all, in their world love relationship between same sex persons was acceptable.
But even that didn't help on Takao. His whole head was glowing in pure red now that was a question when would he blow up. "Can we drop this subject guys?" he mumbled.
"You were the one who started it." Max pointed out playfully.
"That's right."
"So what if I don't go on dates! Big deal." Takao rose straight his chest as he took control over his emotions and snapped detractingly. "…I doubt that Kai's had more dates in his pockets."
All eyes turned on the dual haired male curiously and this finally gave a mouse-hole for Takao to avert the topic from himself.
"I have better things to do than to bother with such crap." Kai said flatly as he rose his head pompously.
"Figures. Like becoming the best archer?" white fangs flashed from behind Rei's grin.
Crimson met amber eyes and suddenly a challenging gleam sparkled in them.
A smug smirk curved in Kai's lips. "Exactly."
Takao watched stunned the unfolding glare-battle that shot back and forth between the two males. Since when did Rei become so brave and dominant to dare Kai for a challenge?
"Oh wow, a death-glare. How scary." joked Max. "Kai is like a typical loner… he reminds me very much of a certain character who had a similar killer look as Kai. He was called the 'Ice Prince'. I guess I saw him in the Beyblade comics, he is an awesome blader… wait, what was his name?" Max turned around to fumble around in his box.
He completely missed the burning flames in Kai's eyes who took new aim now and it was Max's back. If it hadn't been for Takao, who caught the approaching eruption of the volcano in time, Max's butt would have roasted crispy.
"Um – Max. Why don't you go down and check if the pizza deliverer has arrived?" Takao grabbed his friend by his arm and pushed him eagerly to the door whilst making sure to keep up his bright face. Then he indicated for the raven haired. "Rei, would you help him?"
Luckily, the nekojin got the silent message from Takao's look and without a word he walked down with Max.
Takao closed the door and silence fell over the room. Kai had gone back to his writing and Takao watched him for a while.
Kai suddenly stiffened when he felt Takao's body lowering down close beside him and wriggled off a bit. The mixed scent of heavy storm and fresh wind, which reminded him of peppermint, and the comforting warmth that radiated from Takao's body awoke sinful feelings in Kai's system that was beyond the edge of fellow closeness. He felt this pleasurable feeling yesterday, too, when Takao visited him but couldn't figure out what kind of magic it was that the blue haired teen emitted. Was he even aware of his enticement he distressed Kai with?
Whatever. He was going to ignore it. He kept his gaze fixed hard on the paper.
"You shouldn't take seriously what Max said." Takao said. "He used to fool around a lot but he doesn't mean it. He was only playing you up. I guess it's because he got very excited when I told them you'd come, too. Normally, he is kind of spry but he becomes hyper when he gets very excited and then starts eating sweets which results him sugar-high and – "
"Kinomiya." Kai cut him off. "I try to learn. Do me a favour and shut your trap."
For a whole minute there was silence and Kai was glad for it. He didn't know whether it was because Takao was pissed or he was still staring at him as he worked, he did not care. However, his joyful peace didn't last long when Takao went on babbling again, like nothing happened.
"You know, I think you and Rei will get along with each other pretty well, and you know why?" he took a pause to wait if any response came from Kai.
Silence.
The young teen drifted so deep in his ponder that he didn't notice as Kai's pencil stopped moving and he tensed up. "Well, first of all, you two are in the same age which gives you guys are the oldest among us, and more serious, you could be our older brothers, haha… but not only that. I mean, you two have the same interest in archer and have equal abilities, but be careful with Rei because he is very good. If you wanna beat him –"
"Kinomiya."
Takao looked at Kai who had his eyes closed. Then he looked down and saw that the point of his pencil broke by the hard pressure on the paper.
He sweat-drooped. "Um… yeah?"
"Why does it make so hard for you to shut up?" came the calm ask but as Kai opened his eyes he bored them into Takao's sharply.
"And why is it so hard to make you speak?" he asked back daringly, without flinching.
Kai gazed searchingly those soft mahogany orbs, and he found himself lost in them.
'What does he want from me?' he asked himself.
"Dude, I'm trying to cheer you up but all you're doing is growing ice-thorns around yourself, as if the whole world would stab at you." Takao said reasonably. He drew up his knees and folded his arms around them. He added then softly. "Believe it or not, but I want you to have fun with us."
Kai tilted his head a bit. "Why?"
"Because I know how bad is to be left alone." Takao said solemnly.
Kai turned away his gaze with a distant look. "I don't used to have fun… I don't know how to do it."
"But you want to learn it." came the instant support. "And I'm here to help for you in that. Just trust me." he pounced on his chest encouragingly.
"Hn." a faint smirk revealed in Kai's lips. "And what makes you so sure about that?"
"Simple. You wouldn't have come, otherwise."
Kai looked at him surprised and their gaze held firm.
'Just how can it be that he knows me so well?'
~ * x ~ Ö ~ x * ~
Later in the evening Kai and Takao were walking back home together. First, Kai would have preferred to go alone, but not long after he had stepped out from Max's house he heard Takao's call as he jogged after him to catch up.
'So much for a peaceful walk.' He thought resignedly.
The streets had calmed down and the shimmering light of streetlamps threw cosy blanket over the sleeping city. Kai dug his hands in his pockets as he gazed upon the starry, navy blue sky.
"Pretty sight, huh?" Takao marked, mimicking Kai's gaze as he walked beside him slowly.
"Hn." Kai acknowledged with a brief nod. Strange, even though he tried very hard to keep up his cold attitude, Takao always managed to squeeze out an answer from him, even if it was the slightest bit.
Takao folded his hands behind his head. "I'm glad you came Kai. Without you, the party wouldn't have been complete." the older gave a shrug. "Seriously, I mean it. You have already developed a lot. I saw you smiling when Max accidently dropped a slice of pizza on Rei's head. It clearly shows that I'm doing a pretty good job on you with my charming effect." he grinned cockily.
"Don't let it go so much to your head Kinomiya." gave the mild warning Kai. "In your place I would better pay attention where do I put my feet, instead of being a show-off."
"Who is the show-off? And I told you to call me Tak –"
BONK!
Takao's head collided hard to a column of streetlamp.
"Ow! My nose!" the teen whimpered as tears brimmed his eyes. He snapped his hand to his nose which throbbed by pain. "Shit. That hurt."
"I warned you." chided Kai as he shook his head. Though, he couldn't hide the amusement from his face that was becoming more apparent. The pitiful look on Takao's face, as he was fondling his red nose that had grown now twice as big, it was just so funny.
"Shut up Kai!" the teen grumbled in a nosy tone. "It's not funny."
Damn, why did such things always happen to him?
Kai chuckled. "I guess that charming effect of yours works better when you're clumsy."
Takao glared at him hotly before turned up his nose and walked afore huffily. Kai stared after him then shrugged with nonchalant. If Takao decided to sulk over such nothingness he wouldn't indulge him. Besides, as much he'd got to know Takao's temper in this short time, the bluenette would reconcile sooner than he thought.
He didn't even miscalculate. Just as he reached the other side of the bridge that arced over the river Takao was already waiting for him. On his face there was a beaming smile.
"You're forgiven."
Kai rolled his eyes.
Together, they continued their way until they reached a crossroad where they had to go on separate ways. The dual haired automatically made his turn towards the direction of his home, not giving back a glance, and would have walked off if Takao's voice hadn't called him back.
"Wait, Kai." Takao rushed up to him. "Will we meet later?"
Kai looked in soft mahogany eyes that were sparkling with hope. How could he resist such eyes?
"Maybe." he said briefly.
"So it means I can come visit you?" Takao's enthusiasm grew stronger as he smiled up at him.
"Hn." Kai closed his eyes and turned off with a mischief smile on his lips. "Goodnight, Takao." with that he walked off in the glimmering light, his long white scarf fluttering after him freely.
Takao was standing still on his spot, not wanting to leave till the handsome teen disappeared in the romantic night. His heart soared with an incredible joy that he managed to earn Kai's friendship.
A happy smile was lingering on his lips.
'He called me Takao.'
* ~ ° End of Chapter, continue comes… ° ~ *
Heh, so how was it? I hope you had a good time reading it. I tried visualize how boys used to be like when they are among themselves. I know, it's weird that Max's room is so dirty while Takao is tidy, but I thought it's funny. As I heard, Japanese houses used to be very tidy because they walk around only clad in socks, and for them it's very important to keep cleanness in their house, so I thought I use this style in Takao's family, too. :)
In the next chapter, however, dark and heavy things gonna come… it's about time now. *eyes gleam devilishly* And since some of my nice supporters opened my eyes that how enjoyable is to write even dark and chaos in the story, to ruffle up the readers excitement even more, I decided I will set things afire, MUHAHAHA! *rubs hands eagerly*
I didn't write anything drastic till now, just slight ones, but now I want to try it. You will tell me if I do it good.
But don't worry, I'll keep up with humor as well, so that's won't be missed. And I'll put in more naughty TyKa-ness, too.
Till then, tell me how did you like this chapter, I'm happy to read your opinions. Moreover, are Kai, Tyson/Takao, and the others close to their original personality? I try to make them appear like they are in the show, though I think Max is a bit way too hyper, haha, but I love it. :)
Special Thanks to:
Rapid Puzzleshipper Saiko
Little. A. Granger
chibiduo
CorynOfHoole
And for Everyone who reads it! :)
Also, I recommend you to read Little. A. Granger fanfics and Rapid Puzzleshipper Saiko's story called 'Borderline'. They are awesome TyKa writers!
Bye-bye!
