Hi guys!

I finished the next chapter and even though it's shorter than the previous one, you gonna like it. ;)

Huge thanks for Rapid. P. Saiko, solitaireseraphim. silvertaciturn, Lizzy, ooli for the nice reviews. It's always a pleasure to read you all. :D

Also, I brought something beautiful for you all. I finished my new painting and this is gonna be the only and real book cover for this story. I painted the four main characters, Devon, Kai's mansion, the Black Forest, a little part of Livingston City, the demons. If you want to check how does it look in bigger, go up on my profile there is my name for Deviantart where you can find it.

Disclaimer: no, I never did steal Beyblade or kidnapped any of the original characters, even though I would like the idea, hehe…

Warnings: nothing terrible, yet I suggest you to keep your plushes close to yourself because family drama gonna happen here.

~ Chapter Twenty-one ~

Affection Locked in Steel

Kai was standing there like an ice statue. Cold sweat broke over him. The fury that emitted from Voltaire Hiwatari's piercing glare didn't promise anything good at all.

"Kai, I want to talk to you." said the beefy, old man in an ominous tone. He cast one critic look at the young blue haired teen beside Kai, then not bothering to put Takao down for one word, he turned around to walk back into the mansion.

Kai, wearing a face like a convict, turned to his lover.

"Are you in trouble?" Takao asked unsure.

Kai swallowed thickly. "Maybe. My grandfather doesn't take well strangers." he said lowly. There was a swelling lump in his throat he tried to gulp down as he glanced back nervously towards his golden-cage house.

"Really? Was that Voltaire Hiwatari? I could have guessed by the hair-bristling glare that why was it so familiar for me." Takao chuckled goofily but realised very soon that it was not the right time and place for jokes. He looked concerned at Kai who stared still stonily where his grandfather had disappeared. "Kai?"

"I'm gonna have a little talk with my grandpa." Kai declared finally. He turned back to his boyfriend with determination returning in his crimson eyes. "Go home."

"You sure?" Takao's mahogany eyes shone in worry.

Kai nodded. "I have to settle this on my own." a small smile stretched his lips in reassurance. He placed a hand on Takao's tanned cheek and stroked fondly. His fiery eyes silently telling 'I won't let anything come between us.'

Takao smiled. He was going to trust Kai, no matter what. "Okay. I see you tomorrow then." Kai's small nod was a promise for Takao, and to seal it he leant on his toes a bit to plant one last chaste kiss on those captivating lips.

Then he stalked off on the dimly lit, quirky path. He glanced back over his shoulder at Kai, gave him a triumphant sign, then he disappeared from the view.

Kai didn't move for a while. He was lingering on the sight of watching his blue haired love walking off. His heart was still beating languorously. He would have liked to spend more time with Takao if they had have the opportunity… but right now, a new challenge was waiting for him. Heavy weight settled over his chest, squeezing it tightly, as he turned back to the Hiwatari Mansion and began walking.

Confessing his feelings for Takao was like tip-toing around a mass of hot embers, weighing if he should walk through it or not… but facing his grandfather now was another story.

He was preparing himself for a tough and heavy argument which would be strewed with a vast of guilt, that's for sure. Even a tough guy like Kai was anxious to go face against the rules of his family, and damn if he would deny it, yet there was something with him that gave him the power to go straight through his barriers. He made a decision and this filled him with all the strength he needed.

Stepping inside the huge hall he instantly noticed how quiet it was. There were no servants up and doing in the rooms, and he didn't see Albert, either. That was no good. His grandpa had probably sent them off to bedtime so he could blow out his anger on his grandson without being eavesdropped. Even though Voltaire Hiwatari was nearly not the friendliest type of person as Tyson's grandpa, and was very restrained, and strict, actually he'd never lifted up his voice on Kai, or punished him. Still, Kai could tell his grandpa had the tendency how to make himself look so scary that would make everyone crawl into a corner trembling. Not once did Kai hear him shouting when he was talking to someone over business and things didn't go as he planned.

Taking a deep sigh, Kai walked heroically up on the main stairs to his grandpa's work room. He raised a fist to knock on the door but stopped in mid-air. He heard voices filtering out… more punctually, his grandfather was shouting at someone. This made Kai frown. There were two possibilities; whether his grandfather had gone extremely mad that he was rampaging to himself or he was letting off his steam on one of their poor servant. Kai voted for the last one because no matter how much he'd pulled the trigger out at the dominating old man, he knew it would take more than a few broken rules to make Voltaire's mind snap.

Then he heard another voice, which was polite and submissive. It made his heart wrench. Albert. Fear gripped his mind. If grandpa was hauling Albert up for it, too, then it meant he not only found out about him and Tyson.

He knocked tactfully and opened the door without waiting for answer. Stepping inside silence fell in the room as both men turned towards him. Albert was standing stiff in a saluting pose like he didn't dare to even move an inch, and was pale. Across the large-sized oak desk Voltaire was towering over him like a murderous eagle, with steely eyes.

Kai straightened himself more and ignoring his trembling nerves he walked up to beside Albert. He stole a quick glance at his faithful butler but the man seemed way too scared to take off his gaze from the older Hiwatari and Kai realised why. His grandpa was suspecting something about their little conspiracy and it was better if they didn't push his patience more.

Voltaire Hiwatari put back his hands behind himself and pulled out his chest which made him resemble to a big, wrathful turkey. "Now that my grandson has joined us too," he began his talk ominously. "would you tell me what has been going on in here in the last few months, behind my back? How can that happen that I get home and get to know that my grandson has abandoned his private lessons and is attending to school? Wandering alone on the streets like some corner-boy when demons and the most dreadful wizard is prowling freely somewhere. Yes, I know about it! The newspaper wrote everything!" he slammed his fat fist on the desk, on a former copy of the Panic on the Bonfire Festival front page. Both Kai and Albert gave a small jump and flinched.

Damn. Kai hoped his grandpa wouldn't look in the newspaper since he was always so busy to arrange other issues than reading.

"And when I arrive home what do I find here? My grandson is snogging in front of my house with some scrawny brat!" his furious eyes gleamed.

Kai flushed deep red to the tips of his ears. It was awkward that they had been caught in a very intimate moment, and he didn't even want to imagine what would have happened if they had dived deeper in their passion. Moreover, if his grandfather knew that not only was he attending to school but he'd gone to the ball where Devon had turned up, too – which he probably would get to know eventually. Plus, adding those many occasions when Kai sneaked out at nights, roaming around the streets and the family's old estate, the Black Forest… well, maybe those few things he should leave out from the confessing story.

What his grandpa didn't know, wouldn't hurt him, right?

He opened his mouth to come up with an explanation but Albert spoke before he could.

"I ask your apologise sir, everything what happened is my fault."

Kai's jaw dropped. Say what?! Why was he taking all the blame on himself? That could easily result him losing his job and have to leave the Hiwatari Mansion.

Voltaire quirked an eyebrow threateningly. "Really?"

"Yes Sir. It was my responsible to take care of the mansion and that everything goes routinely as you left for me, and also to keep an eye on your grandson's proper learning. I failed to fulfil my duty, therefore I shoulder the consequences." Albert rose his head like a self-sacrificing hero.

Voltaire furrowed his eyebrows. "I've disappointed on you, Albert. Such negligence I would have never expected from you. I'm curious to hear that how could such a little brat worm himself into my house and turn upside down the Hiwataris' life? I presume it has also something to do with you, right?"

"No, that's not true!" cut in Kai in hurry. He wouldn't let Albert carry out all this mess. "It was not Albert's fault! It was…"

"The entire cause is absolutely my fault because I let the kid inside." the butler went on babbling, not giving the chance for Kai to speak up. "One day he turned up at the gate, saying he brought the school homework for master Kai. You see sir, he is a curious boy, he wanted to meet my master personally and after long minutes of begging I let him in."

Kai was gaping at him with wide eyes. What the heck was he doing?! That's not how it happened! He remembered how many times Takao tried to get in to him before Albert finally gave in. The teen even climbed on a tree to get through the wall-fence but then he fell and Albert chased him off with a broom.

"Albert!" Kai snapped at him but the butler kept talking bluntly like his young master wasn't even there.

"It's obvious that my young master has been manipulated and thoroughly seduced by the Kinomiya boy's friendly charm. He can't be blamed for his curiosity that the boy awoke in him, since master Kai, as we know, has been secluded from people all these years. He is total innocent in this case. It's my fault because I didn't notice the emerging danger in this affair."

Like fuck I'm innocent! Kai thought.

While Voltaire was peering at him with calculating glare, Kai was open and closing his mouth like a gaping fish. He was on the edge to puke out his brain. He couldn't believe this! Albert was presenting the whole story like Kai was some meek, naïve, virgin princess, Takao was the seducing candy-man and Albert was the matchmaker. It was outrageous!

"That's not how it was!" he snapped at his butler. "You know that too!"

Albert still didn't look at him as he said calmly. "My dear master, it's very generous from you that you try to protect my honour, but let's face it; I gave rise to this happening and the least I can do is to shoulder whatever punishment your grandfather gives."

"No! No I won't let you do that!" Kai glared harshly, pointing a finger accusingly at him. His chest was rising and falling heavily as a, till now, unfamiliar emotion took over him. "I won't allow that you put all the responsibility on yourself as if I was a stupid kid who was fooled! I don't need your support! And I forbid you to tell false stories for my grandfather for my own good!"

He was a Hiwatari, and a Hiwatari never relied on anyone's protection. He walked straight, head high up and solid as a warrior, never sunk on his knees in front of anyone. Yet, he was ready to face the consequences and learn from his mistakes.

But Albert seemed just as stubborn as he was.

"I'm sorry young Kai, but I need to do this."

"Shut up!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible, either."

A pulsing vein throbbed on Kai's forehead. "Why not?"

"Because it seems you've become completely blind for your love." after long minutes of abandon Albert turned his gaze now at his young master.

Kai was shocked. Beneath the butler's wrinkled eyelashes warm emotions were glistening in his orbs. What Kai saw in them made him realise what was Albert offering… ever since the first day he'd stepped into the mansion, after his parents died, Albert was the closest person for Kai who had been taking care of him while his grandfather was off travelling; watched his steps, he was there when Kai unsoughtly needed him, invisible; and tried to give everything that could make Kai raise, learn, and become a strong, healthy, and happy man – as much possible it was for him among the walls. Albert was like a godfather for Kai and he was protecting him, like he always did. Kai's firm features melted and his gaze softened. Albert really cared for him; he would even risk his job.

"That's enough!"

Voltaire's hands slammed on the desk, cutting them off, and both men looked up startled, mouths snapping shut. Frozen silence fell in the room. Voltaire straightened back and cast his sharp eyes cautiously over them. None sinner dared to spoke one word as they waited anxiously the older Hiwatari's judgement.

"As I see, both of you are sinful in this affair." Voltaire growled lowly. He seemed to consider things, then he went on. "Albert. My opinion is still the same. You've caused disappointment for me and lost my trust. However, it's also true that you've been serving in this mansion for long years and I couldn't find anyone for your place who could arrange here things better."

Voltaire took pause. Kai and Albert held back their breaths.

"Furthermore, no matter what kind of circumstances or situations came up, you still took care of my grandson and kept an eye on him. That one, I can't lose from the view. So what I'm expecting is to never dare to mislead me again, if you want to stay in my house. I hope I made myself clear. Tomorrow morning I'll be having a business meeting so I wait my coffee right at eight o'clock and if my partner arrives escort him to the room. I'm finished, now go." he waved him off.

"Yes sir. Thank you very much. Goodnight." Albert deep-bowed then hurried out the door obediently.

Kai looked stunned. He couldn't believe it went so easy. A big relief washed over his heart, knowing that Albert wouldn't get fired because of him. However, his lightness didn't last long when his grandfather's soul-pressing gaze bore into him.

"About you…" Voltaire began darkly.

Kai gulped. Now that he knew Albert's position was safe it was his turn to save his own pride, and hold out for his beloved bluenette. Determination burnt in his eyes. He was ready for it.

He waited for his grandfather to toss the first shot so he could fight back, but Voltaire didn't say a word for a long while. They kept glaring at each other, as if both of them were trying to read the other one. In the end, Voltaire put his hands behind himself again and walked to the closest window. Turning his back to Kai he looked out over the lot of tiny, lamp-lit houses on the streets. The moon was rising high upon the starry sky.

"Would you tell me what was that I saw down there?"

"What do you think it was, grandpa?" Kai asked back disposedly, like it couldn't be more obvious. He didn't try to act as polite as Albert did, but he held back himself to be impudent until his grandpa didn't push him so far.

"Oh, so you think what you've done is completely appropriate, right?" the threatening challenge couldn't be more evident in Voltaire's piercing tone.

Kai tried to choose his words carefully, yet he spoke direct and plainly. "I think that I know what I do and I'm aware of my decisions. I have the right to choose who I love."

"Tch. Love. You're like your mother. She was sentimental and had a way too good heart for people to help them." Voltaire shook his head.

"My mom loved father, and he loved her just as much to do anything for her." Kai's voice rose an octave stronger and higher. His hands clenched into fists involuntarily as the bitter words left his mouth. An old ache tore up in his heart as he thought back to his parents.

"And what good resulted from that? They both died and they left you here alone, with me." Voltaire's gaze stared distantly out.

"Sorry if you feel like I'm only a burden on your shoulder!" Kai snapped with bitter grief.

"A burden?" his grandfather grumbled. "No. You never were a burden for me, but you don't know everything of me. What do you know about love?"

"I know more than you!" Kai shouted, giving out finally his raging emotions he'd held back. How could his grandfather say that? What did he know, he never was there! All what he cared was his stupid business, travelling all over the world. He was just like….. Kai's eyes suddenly grew wide in realization. Takao's father abandoned his son the same way. Kai remembered back when Kinomiya Grandpa told him that Takao's father had never healed the pain in his heart of losing his wife, and Takao's similar features made it even harder for him, therefore he buried himself deep in his career, with Hiro by his side. Even so, Takao received a present from them on his birthday… Ironic how much him and Takao were alike, despite their bickering. Could that mean that his grandpa –

Voltaire turned around and looked straight into Kai's eyes. The boy's breath hitched when he saw that beneath the worn-out, wrinkled eyelashes small, pearl teardrops were sitting. Never once had he seen his cold grandpa showing a tinge of emotion over the years.

"I'm not surprised that you think this way." Voltaire spoke slowly and somehow his voice didn't sound so rigid and rigorous anymore. Suddenly, sadness took over him. "But if that's how you feel, then why are you here? Why don't you leave me then?"

Dark burgundy bored into crimson orbs and made Kai speechless. He was standing on his spot suddenly empty and lost. He opened his lips but couldn't say a word. The question hit ruthlessly into his gut. He didn't know what to say. Until now, he hadn't thought that he meant more for his grandfather than an obligation he had to take care of by pity. But maybe there was still more in the old man what he was showing.

Voltaire walked back to his desk and slumped down his leather chair. He elbowed forward and buried his face into his hands. For long minutes he said no word. The sight was heart-wrenching. Suddenly, he looked like a tired old man who had taken way too much pain on his shoulder and not the strong, cold, fearful Hiwatari Lord he daily showed for people. He seemed broken.

All at once, awful feeling engulfed Kai. It was agonizing for him to watch his grandfather sink in himself so miserably. He was a dastard who was even ungrateful. His grandfather might not showed as much affection as Tyson's Grandpa did but he still cared for him enough to give him a safe home and provide school for him. If Kai thought about it, he hadn't been better to Tyson, either, when they first met.

Maybe there was something common in him and his grandfather, after all. The Hiwataris locked their hearts into steel for to protect themselves to show weakness.

Kai wanted to take back what he said; to say he was sorry, but the words somehow got stuck between his pressing lungs and aching heart.

Eventually, Voltaire rose his tormented face. The tears were still twinkling in his misty eyes. "I promised for you father that I'd take care of you if something happened to them." he said dejectedly. "I tried to keep my promise but I guess got tired of protecting you from all danger. You're nineteen years old now, you can take care of yourself. You're right that you're angry with me." he looked at the photo of his son and wife and their one year old boy that stood on the right side of his desk. He drew his fat hand over it gingerly. "I'm not a good grandfather. Never was."

"No, that's not true." Kai rasped weakly. He felt like someone tore his soul. He desperately tried to find a healing for their grief, to make things right again. If they could only start it over again. "You're a good man… I know, because you didn't send Albert off." he reasoned positively.

Voltaire's sharp features eased as he looked amused at Kai's response. A sad smile fainted on his lips. "No need to glaze over my faults, we both know the truth, my son."

Kai had never fought so hard to hold back the stinging tears in his eyes than now. He gulped before he decided to realise his stubborn pride. "Sorry that you had to disappoint in me, and that I was disobedient." he murmured.

Voltaire didn't seem angry with him anymore. He pursed his lips with a growl. "I guess it's thanks to your father. He was a big rebel, too."

Kai looked stunned. He didn't know where to put this strange answer. Was that a forgiveness from his grandfather? They had both poured out their hearts to each other, in the oddest and most unexpected way, so did that mean they were even now?

Voltaire entwined his fingers in front of himself and asked sternly. "Do you really love this boy?" he changed the topic.

Heat poured back into pale cheeks, yet Kai answered quick and bluntly. "Yes."

"Hmm…" Voltaire hummed in ponder. "What is his name? Kinomiya you said?"

"Kinomiya Takao."

"Is he related to Tatsuya Kinomiya, the most famous wizard guard?"

"He is his father." Kai nodded. "Takao's older brother, Hiro, is a wizard guard too, and Takao is a great promise of warrior as he's taking lessons from his grandfather."

Voltaire nodded again, then went silent. He was considering everything. Kai was waiting for his response with his breath holding back. He knew that his grandfather's answer would decide their fate; if it would be a disaster it would drew them further apart, if it's successful there was hope for them to develop a new family-relationship. And this would have an effect on his relationship with Takao, too.

Voltaire finally said.

"I want to meet this Takao."

* x ~ Ö ~ x *

"…Sure thing Grandpa."

A sigh of relief left Takao when he entered his bedroom and closed the door behind himself. He leant back against the door and smiled to himself. Finally alone. This day had been truly hectic. So many things had happened; misunderstandings, argument, fortune-telling, betray then make-up… they were even in danger again, but then….. a happy sigh left his broad chest as he thought back of the kiss.

Kai loved him.

Right now he felt like he was floating twenty feet above the ground without wings and could take down a whole army of Devon-like-wizards at once. His daydreaming dissolved only when he perked up at his cat, Kyo, who was eagerly rubbing his claws on the window.

"What is it Kyo?" Takao wondered as he made his way to him. On the way he dropped his blue yukata on the bed he'd fetched back from the tree trunk on the way home.

He stroked the soft fur on the little cat's face. Kyo purred softly in response. He looked out the window and espied what did catch his cat's curiosity so much. There was a folded letter on the ledge with a red flower placed on it. Takao quickly opened the window and took in the strange package. 'Who could have put it there?'

He looked at the flower in wonder. It was a fire lily. Strange, this flower didn't blossom in this period. He noticed that Kyo was very interested about the flower as he reached out his little paw with a 'meow'. Takao put down the flower to let the cat play away with it and opened the small letter to read the beautiful, curly written characters: 'Let's meet at the stone bridge before school. I'll wait for you there. Kai.'

A wide smile stretched over Takao's lips as he looked out up at the shining moon in the navy painted sky. Before his mind's eye appeared the dual-haired man with his entrancing crimson eyes and a white, long scarf fluttering around his broad shoulders. "I'll be there Kai."

Next chapter is coming up…

Ok, so that was it for now. It wasn't so tragic, right? Hehe. If you have anything to say for this chapter don't forget to leave a review. Thanks.

I hope you liked it and the cover painting, too. I wish everyone a Happy Halloween and I return soon with the next chapter. Bye!