Heya again all! Well, I've been assured by Mela-chan that Adriel isn't turning into a mary-sue, so I'm all better now. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I love you guys!

Kai: And she doesn't love easily...

Whatever, ignore him. So, DUO DO THE DISCLAIMER!

Duo: OKAY! Jeebus, no need to yell. Calli doesn't own anything except a box of fruits snacks and a pack of sour patch kids. Definatly doesn't own beyblade, or the song All About Us, or Sourpatch kids, or Skittles or-

Okay, I'm pretty sure those things are included in EVERYTHING! Anyway, on with the story! RAWR!

Chapter 14

All About Us

(Adriel's POV)

OH MY GOD! I kissed Kai! And this was no peck on the lips like the first time. Oh no, this was a full-blown FRENCH! Wow, to say I was excited would be the understatement of the year. I practically skipped down the hall to our room, and note, I don't skip often. I was on Cloud 9 and loving it! There was nothing that could bring me down right now!

The Phoenix likes you. How sweet.

Shit, I'd forgot about him. Well, right now, I wanted my happy moment, so Mr. Sadist would just have to deal with it.

Yeah, what do you care?

A smartass today are we? Normally, I would be offended.

Well, please, don't let me stop you.

Stay away from him, my dear.

I snorted and crossed my arms, scuffing my shoe across the floor. I shook my bangs from my face and smirked.

Or what?

I'll kill him too.

I came to a dead halt. What the hell did he just say? Kill Kai? And he sounded so calm about it, like he'd really have no problem doing it. I shook my head, letting out a deep sigh, and pushed open the door to our room. Phoenix pounced on me the moment my foot stepped over the threshold.

"Drel-Bear!" Have I ever told you how much I depise that nick-name? "Where the hell have you been?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at the water stains on my pants. I stared at her, a blank, dazed look on my face, then walked passed her and to the drawer hoousing our clothes. "Hey!"

"Yeah?" I rummaged through the drawer until I found a pair of red cotton shorts and a t-shirt. Shutting that drawer, I opened another and took out some dry underwear and a bra. Adding them to my shirt and shorts I crumpled them into a ball, stuffed them under my arm and headed to the bathroom.

"Where have you been? You know, Mai had a bitch fit when she came back from the store and you weren't here. Almost bit poor Lani's head off." I heard an affirmative 'hell yeah she did' from Lani, who was stretched out on the couch behind me. I opened the bathroom door, and pulled it shut behind me. I waited a moment, then cracked it open just enough for Phoenix to see the smirk plastered across my face.

"With Kai." I said, slamming the door. I laughed evily, as I could picture the open-mouth, shocked look on her face. Any minute now, she'd bang on the door demanding I explain. I few seconds later, a thud on the door confirmed that I knew my teammates all to well

(3rd POV)

"What exactly does that mean, Adriel Lyn Valkov?" Her only answer was the steady 'hiss' of running water. Phoenix twisted the door handle, growling when she found it locked. The blonde-haired Russian glared heatedly at the locked door, as if just by being there, it was mocking her predicament. Scowling, she huffed angrily and plopped down on the couch next to Lani's feet. The neko-jin glanced up from her book, eyebrow raised.

"Did she say she was with Kai?" Angry nod. "As in Kai Hiwatari?" Again, angry nod. "Why?" Angry nod and frustrated sigh.

"How the hell would I know Lani?" Phoenix snapped. Lani mumbled something about Phoenix being 'pissy when denied gossip' and Phoenix glared at her for the comment.

"Who was with Kai Hiwatari?" Melanie, dropping a soaked umbrella and slipping off her shoes, asked from the door. The brunette gathered the contents of her bags into her hands and dumped them on the table in front of her teammates. Scattered across the polished woods was an asortment of candies. Gummie bears, lollipops, suckers, Nerds, Sour candies, and Skittles.

"Adriel. What's all that for?" Lani answered the brunettes previously asked question and picked up a pack of Skittles, tearing them open and popping on into her mouth.

"Party. Drel? With Kai?" Two nods. "When?" Phoenix, muttered something to herself, fighting with a cursed box of Nerds, then said.

"Apparently all day, but we won't know for sure until she decides to COME OUTTA THE BATHROOM!" The blonde screamed the last part loud enough she was satisfied Adriel had heard her. She smirked proudly when the Russian came appeared to her left, rubbing her ears.

"Damn, Phoe! Where the hell you'd learn to scream like that?" Phoenix shrugged, tossing back a handful of Nerds.

"Russian Ghetto." Odd looks. "Seriously." More odd stares. "Fine, don't believe me, but wait until you end up there one day. You'll wish you could scream like that." Adriel laughed and plopped down in the chair, pulling her wavy, towel-dry hair over her shoulder and twisting it into a braid.

"You're physco Phoe-bear." The blonde stuck out her tongue and ripped open the other side of her Nerds. "So, what's this I hear about you being with Kai?" Adriel flushed crimson and muttered something through a mouthful of Skittles. "Come on, what?"

"Well, "Adriel swallowed her Skittles, licked her lips, and smirked brightly. "I was walking in the park-"

"In the rain?" Mel asked, sitting cross-legged in the chair across from her, stuffing her face with SourPatch Kids.

"Yes, in the rain. Well, I ran into this guy, Rei-"

"Whoo, nice sexy ass he's got." Adriel rolled her eyes.

"Thank you peanut gallery. Anyway, he asked if I was looking for someone and I said, kinda. So, we talked and the subject of Kai came up. And I was all like 'Hey I wanna see Kai!' and he was like 'Okay, let's go!'. So, we ended up in their room, the BladeBreakers, which was very messy and Rei introduced his team. They seemed nice, but there was this one girl, with brown hair and red eyes, she seemed like kinda a bitch but I didn't say anything cause-"

"Drel!" Glares

"Oh, sorry!" Nervous laugh. "Anyway, Rei pointed me in the direction of Kai's room and I went back there and found him on his bed. In his boxers. Playing guitar." Adriel smiled at the memory, cheeks stained rosey pink. "Then we talked for a while, and then he kissed me!" Phoenix stared at her in shock, then a smile spread across her face and she laughed evily.

"Was it a french?" She asked, watching her captain's face heat up. "Hm?"

"Maybe." Adriel muttered, grinning. She stood, stretched her cramped legs and tapped a finger on her chin in thought.

"Where are Mai and Shi?" She asked, glancing around the room for her missing teammates. Lan shrugged her shoulders, also standing to stretch.

"Shi went out a few hours ago and Mai should be back soon." Adriel mouthed and 'oh' and grabbed her shoes fom under her bed. Slipping them on, she grabbed a pack of Skittles and motioned to the others with her head.

"Come on." She headed toward the door. Hand rested on the handle, she turned to look at her three friends. "Come on." She said again, bouncing lightly on her heels.

"Where?" Mel asked, sliding a worn-out pair of Converse on her feet. Adriel rolled her eyes.

"The Lounge/Breakroom place down in the basement. I remember some kids talking about it earlier and I wanna check it out." She said, urging her friends out the door. Pulling it shut behind her, Adriel took her place between Mel and Phoenix and headed down the hall. Phoenix looped her arms through those of the two girls next to her, then asked.

"What eactly is it, Drel?" The black-haired girl shrugged and popped a Skittle in her mouth.

"Dunno, just heard there was suppose to be some cool stuff down there. So, we're going." She answered simply, using her knee to press the 'down' arrow on the elevator. The elevator 'dinged' loudly, the doors sliding open to allow them to pass through. Adriel led their way down the hall, stopping briefly as if to remember the way. She'd stop, tap her chin, nod, then move on. This process was repeated several times before they finally arrived on front of maroon-painted door. Adriel smiled and pushed it open. The fours girls' eyes widened at the sight. Dozens of kids, their age, some older and younger, were scattered about the room. A blonde and brunette were seated, indian-style, in front of a large plasma screen, locked in an intense PS2 match. Three black leather couches lined the creamy white walls. The floor was carpeted, a deep cherry red, with the kind that squishes under your feet. A circle bar table, complete with stools and all, was in the center of the room, a guy with dirty blonde hair and emerald green eyes working in the center. Lights flashed over head, and in the far back corners were two bey-stadiums, complete with countdown clocks and screens. Beanbag and butterfly chairs were all gathered around a currently unoccupied stage, mike and speakers setting of to the side. All in all, it was pretty impressive. Adriel smiled and made her way to the guy at the bar.

"So, what do ya got?" She asked, setting her head in her hands. The guy turned to her and smiled, drying off a glass with a dish towel.

"Well, we've got Cola, Orange Soda, water, Cream Soda, and Rootbeer." Adriel smirked.

"I thought so, I'll take two Colas, a Cream soda and a Rootbeer." The guy laughed and started on her drinks. Adriel turned from him and searched the room for her friends. Lan was seated in a pink beanbag next to Elea, the two in what look like deep conversation. Mel had taken the place of one of the boys playing the PS2 and was currently locked in battle. And Phoenix was...Adriel scrunched her nose and twirled around, spotting her seated across from someone who's back was to her. Recognizing them immediatly, she took the tray of drinks, thanked the guy, and made her way to Lani.

"Here." She said, holding out the Cream soda. "You're welcome." She said, walking off before the Neko-jin could reply. Next, she dropped off Mel's Cola(which the girl seemed not to notice) then walked over to Phoe, placing the other Cola in front of her.

"Here." She said, taking a sip of her Rootbeer. She turned to the girl seated across from her and smiled.

"Hey Torii." She said, taking a seat next to the other blonde. The girl smiled, sending Adriel a smile and a wave.

"'Sup Adriel?" Adriel laughed lightly, scanning the room again. Her eyes light up when they landed on the back of a former "big brother" She turned to Phoenix and Torii, set her drink on the table, and called to them as she left.

"I'll be right back." She said, headed off across the room. As she neared the teenager, she smiled to herself, and quieted her footsteps. Not that it really mattered, the music down here was loud enough for the Devil to hear. An impish grin spread across her features as she leaped into the air, arms wrapping around the unexpecting lavender-haired teen.

"Brian!" She shouted, gaining the attention of everyone included in Brian's group. The male Russian spun around, arms wrapping around Adriel's waist, lifting her into the air. Lavender eyes were narrowed in mock anger causing the grin on Adriel's face to grow. "How's life, my Bri?"

"Hn, as good as can be expected I suppose." He answered, setting her on her feet. He eyed her up and down, then twisted his finger, a silent command for her to turn in a circle. Adriel rolled her eyes, but complied. Nodding in satisfaction, Brian crossed his arms and smirked. "You look well. How have you been?" Adriel smiled and sat on the couch next to,

"Spence?!" She squealed and wrapped her arms around the blonde's next, giving him a tight squeeze.

"Did you just 'squee'?" Spencer asked, gently prying her off. She nodded and returned her attention to Brian.

"I've been good. Mai feeds me well and Phoe's grandma provides decent shelter. Oh, and I practice everyday!" Adriel exclaimed happily, nodding to the older teen. A small smile graced his lips, as he took the next to her. Adriel sank back into the couch, a long forgotten feeling settling over her. She closed her eyes and fell over, head resting on Brian's shoulder. "This is nice. Just like old times."

"Please tell me you guys aren't over here dicussing 'the old times'." A voice stated from in front of her. Her eyelids fluttered open and before her stood Tala, a smirk plastered acrss his face. He held a glass of Cola in one hand and was balancing a bowl of Cheetos in the other. He wore black basketball shorts and a red t-shirt and his cheeks were slightly flushed, given him a worn-out look.

"So what if we were?" Adriel asked, stealing his Cheetos. Naturally, the red-head protested, thus resulting a Cheeto-covered Brian. Both Valkov's donned that "I have cute really big eyes and I am SO sorry" puppy dog look. Brian only growled quietly and snatched the offending Cheeto from his shoulder and tossed it at Tala's head, leaving an orange stain on the boy's forehead. Tala stuck out his bottom lip and growled angrily, rubbing the heel of his hand across his forehead.

"Bastard." He muttered. He sat back and let his eyes wonder around the room. After a few times around, it seemed to him there would be nothing of interest down here, until, "Hey, isn't that blonde your teammate, Drel?" Adriel followed his gaze until it landed in Phoenix, who was up on stage, adjusting two microphones to her height. Adriel visiable paled and began to push Brian forward, squeezing her body behind his.

"Hey!" Phoenix called from the stage, waving a hand in Adriel's direction. "Come on, Drel! You gotta sing with me!" Adriel groaned and slipped out of the couch and slumped her way through the crowed and up onto stage. "Heya Drel!"

"I hate you." Adriel muttered, snatching the mic from her hand. "What we singing?" Phoenix smiled, then growled at the mic, then laughed.

"All about us. You take Elena's part and I'll take Yulia's" Adriel nodded and used her shoe to kick the 'play' button on the radio. The music started and she took a deep breath and sang. (Adriel Phoenix Both)

"They say, they don't trust
You, me, we, us
So we'll fall, if we must
Cause it's you, me
And it's all about, it's all about..."
"It's all about us (all about us)
It's all about
All about us (all about us)
There's a thing that they can't touch
'Cause ya know (ah ah)
It's all about us (all about us)
It's all about
All about us
all about us
We'll run away if we must
'Cause ya know
It's all about us (It's all about us)
It's all about love (It's all about us)
In you I can trust (It's all about us)
It's all about us"

"If they hurt you, they hurt me too
So we'll rise up, won't stop
And it's all about, it's all about"
-chorus-

"They don't know they can't see
Who we are
Fear is the enemy
Hold on tight, hold on to me
'Cause tonight"

-chorus-

"It's all about us (It's all about us)
It's all about love (It's all about us)
In you I can trust" (It's all about us)

"It's all about us..." Turned so they were back to back, both girls dropped their hands at the same time, eyes close and heads bowed. A cheer echoed through the crowd and Adriel felt a smile snake across her lips. When she heard Phoenix's giggles, she burst out laughing, clutching her side with her free hand. Calming her giggles, Adriel gave the crowd a mock bow and lew a few kisses, Phoenix mimicing her actions to her right.

"So, since I'm already up here, are there any request from this lovely crowd?" Adriel asked, tapping the toe of her shoe lightly on the stage. Adriel rolled her eyes at the first hand to shoot up.

"Yes, Tyson?" The midnight-haired boy stood up, a Joker's grin wide across his features.

"Well, I was just wondering if maybe we could get some poles to go with that-" Tyson's request was cut of when the door burst open and an out of breath and red-faced Mai appeared at the door, shaking slightly from the lack of oxygen getting to her lungs. Adriel and Phoenix dropped the mics and ran to their Italian teammate's side. Her usually neat hair was wind-blown and falling out of its loose pony-tail. Her face was flushed a rosey pink and her stormy gray eyes were glistening with tears. Adriel grabbed her arm, helping her regain her balance. Phoenix bent over so the two of them were eye level and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Mirage? What's the matter?" The blonde asked, turning her head to glare at the group that had gathered around them. "Do ya mind?" She hissed, shoving the nearest guy away. Tala pushed his way through the crowd and to Adriel's side. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he whispered in her ear.

"Is she alright?" Adriel shook her head, her braid slapping at her sides. Her eyes were wide and worry was etched into her features. She bent down to Mai's side and took a deep breath, hoping she could get Mirage to do the same thing.

"Mai." She said gently, giving her shoulder a soft squeeze. "Are you okay? Did something happen?" Mirage turned to face her captain and Adriel paled at the look in the Italian's storm cloud eyes. Something's not right. "Mai." She urged gently, part of her afraid of what the girl as going to say.

"Something happened alright." She said, her voice hoarse and crarcked. Adriel sent Phoenix a quick glance, a grim frown on her lips. Mirage licked her dry lips and sniffed, tears falling down her cheeks as she gripped Adriel's wrist. Adriel's mouth fell open at what Mai had to say next.

"Mr. Dickenson's dead."

Oh, plot twist! I bet ya never thought someone would kill the old guy. Well, it happens and I did. So, hope ya liked it! If you did, you should send me a review so that way I'll know. Oh jeebus, I am going to Eragon on Friday! Yeah, Murtagh! My fave character right there. Okay, so I guess that's it. Again, reviews are nice and greatly appreciated!

Hugs and Luvs,

Calli