Authors note: Yay, here we go again! Personally I think this is my best chapter so far, and I can´t wait to hear what you guys think! Kai and Tala get closer, for the first time comparing their world views. Next one is coming up in a weeks time :)
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As always, PLEASE PLEASE review, it means the world to me! :)
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MinijAkane: No worries, thank you so much for reviewing the last two chapter, means the world to me that you are still reading, liking and reviewing this! As for he car I know, I figured he had to make some sort of statement, and he is a guy after all, so what better way? XD Hope you´ll like this next one also!
Lyson: Hello again, thank you so much for letting me know that you are still reading this, and that think it is still on track. I am delighted to hear that you like the characterisation, means a lot! May I ask what it is that you don´t like about Rey? Just curious, he is so many peoples favourite among the original beyblade characters :)
NorthernShinigami: Thank you so much for reviewing the last two chapters, I am so happy that you think this is progressing the way it should :) Hope you´ll like this one also!
Jus a fan: Thank you so much for the review! Great that you liked the addition of Robert as a character, he does have a prominent role to play later on ;) Hope you´ll like this chapter also! :)
Stars in the Sky at Noon: WoopWoop! Your reviews seriously makes my day every time, thank you so much for writing all that out for me! As for Tala you are spot on, he is gonna start thinking now, gradually getting suspicious without realizing it. I am so happy you liked my version of Boris. I have always sort of wondered what he´d be like if you placed him in a law abiding environment, his creepiness considered. Besides he is the epitome of a nightmarish boss. There is definitely a betting pool XD As for Robert I am planning on giving him an important role(unless I change my mind again). I find his and Kai´s characters interesting together, so it is so great to hear that you thought this part was ok! As for Kai´s life unravelling I find that observation very interesting. It is as you say, he basically has it all, there is just this one secret that is threatening to ruin it all, causing him to come apart at the seams. I think this is also a big part of the development of his character, how he tries to build something, but his old self constantly comes back to ruin things, standing in distinct contrast to what he has with Tala. Great that you think the progress of the investigation is also ok, I have probably mentioned this before, but it is my first crime cantered fic, so I am sometimes a bit unsure :))) Anyways, thank you so so much for an absolutely brilliant review! You are seriously awesome!XD
Darkness-Phoenix: Thank you so much for yet another review! I have to say, I am so happy you liked Boris in this. Normally I hate writing him because it is so easy to just make him super bad without realizing. I think he is an interesting character, albeit very unpleasant! Thanks again :)
Asphyx-s: Thanks for yet another review, it really does mean a lot! Of course I did ;) Fantastic to hear that you are still liking this, but you mentioned editing. Would you mind being a bit more specific? It is great when people point out things that I can improve, only way to get better ;) Anyways, thanks a lot! :) Hope you´ll like this one also!
Angel yao: Thank you for another great review, no worries, I am just so happy that you are still reading and liking this! It is great news that you think Kai and Robert is an interesting dynamic, I am interested to see where this will end up myself :) As for Boris; who knows what is hiding behind that bookcase? He is a creep after all. Anyways, thanks again!:)
Skyresshun: Wow, thank you for yet another review! You have been reading and reviewing every chapter from the start, and I have to say that this really does mean a lot to me! I know, the suspense XD Tala is bound to be suspicious now, how can he not? Anyways, I am interested to hear your take on the next chapter also, it is my personal favourite so far! :) Thanks again!
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When the world goes dark
Chapter 24
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-Normal POV-
"I am a ballistics expert", Kai responded in his usual sexy drawl, eyes questioning.
Tala carefully slid the gun out of the pocket, turning it over in his hands. It was a devastatingly beautiful weapon; all sleek curves and gleaming metal surfaces. A Para-Ordnance P18.9, this particular one would be difficult to obtain, with a custom made suppressor and several modifications. It was not the standard version, and in general a gun rarely seen on the New York scene.
"Why are you bringing it home?" Tala wondered, checking the magazine out of habit.
To his surprise it was loaded.
"It is my personal weapon, I figured I´d keep it in the safe".
Tala nodded, weighting it in his hands before he put it back. He couldn´t stop stealing chaste glances at the other, gorgeous profile and all. The fact that he had bought a car, for them, it made his heart swell, and he smiled, squeezing the others thigh in a silent caress. Kai´s jaw visibly tightened at the touch, in a good way. The "we are going to fuck on the couch the moment we arrive home way".
"It is not the most common gun for a civilian", Tala said, sliding his hand further up Kai´s leg.
"Actually this is the first time I have handled one. They are sleek looking though, Mariah always wanted one but then she bought a Walter in stead".
Kai gave him a quick, tense look.
"Hn".
His voice was strained, tone clipped. When Tala leaned in close he was met by the now familiar, earthy scent of the other, a wonderfully intoxicating mix of leather and forest leaves that left him all dizzy and turned on every time. He hadn´t shaved in a couple of days, just the way Tala liked it, and he ran two fingers over the side of his face, enjoying the feel of what Oliver used to refer to as designer stubble. His hand came to rest just beside Kai´s crotch, trailing smooth circles over the rough fabric of his jeans. It was that pair again, Tala´s favourite on him. They way they hugged his hips, gahh it made him hard just thinking about it.
"You customized it yourself?"
Kai inhaled shakily, knuckles whitening as he clutched the steering wheel tightly. Tala couldn´t quite supress a satisfied smirk. There was something distinctly pleasing about being in control like this; Kai couldn´t do much about the situation because he was driving, which added a whole new dimension to Tala´s possibilities, and he wasn´t complaining.
"I….Yeah…".
Tala leaned in close, pressed a kiss against his jaw, one hand fisted in the thick, silky hair. Then he moved down Kai´s neck, collar bones, slid both hands underneath his t-shirt.
"Fuck….Tala….I am going to crash!"
He swerved a harsh left to avoid a slower vehicle, effectively causing Tala to accidentally end up almost on top of him.
"Well….you better concentrate harder then", he purred into Kai´s ear, voice playful.
He could feel the others breath hitch in his throat, jaw clenched and eyes all wide and heady. Something dark and ominous seemed to lurk in the mahogany depths, daring him to continuing his assault, promising all kinds of delicious scenarios once they arrived home. His striking features seemed even more exaggerated now that he was actually showing emotion, lips slightly parted and nostrils flared. Tala bit his lip, pretending not to notice that his right hand came to rest on the now very apparent bulge in the others jeans.
"How was work?"
Kai glanced at him, pupils dilated and eyes narrowed.
"Tala….", he warned.
Tala simply placed another kiss to his jaw, moving his hand in a circular motion.
"Yes?"
They looked at each other, eyes cloudy with a mix of desire and excitement. God how can I be this lucky Tala wondered, gaze fixed on Kai´s face as he grimly drove on, his breath slightly uneven. He took in every detail, from the dark eyebrows extenuating those striking eyes, to the straight nose, full lips, and the masculine curve of his jaw. The idea that this exquisite creature was his, and that he had the ability to affect him in such a way was exhilarating. Tension was building second by second, like an electrical current that was spiralling out of control, enhancing every sensation until it became almost unbearable.
"….I…..shit!" Kai exclaimed, his whole body rigid with tension as he tried to keep his eyes on the road.
Tala snickered knowingly, expertly stroking him through his jeans, taking immense pleasure in the others tortured expression. This was so fucking hot!
The car came to a screeching halt moments later as Kai abruptly stood on the breaks, sliding the Mercury Cougar in between two other cars in the parking garage underneath the building. He turned off the engine, slowly, deliberately turning his head to stare Tala square in the eye, mahogany depths burning.
Oh oh.
All advantages were gone now, but Tala couldn´t find it in himself to complain, especially not when he was thrown roughly onto his back, that hard, ripped body pressed snugly against his. Luckily for everyone involved they made it inside the apartment before all clothes came off, barely avoiding the elderly couple that occupied the parking space next to Tala´s. This was a different Kai from the one this morning, and he revelled in the fact that everything appeared to be back to normal, all thoughts and worries disappearing in a haze of need.
They ended up on the living room floor afterwards, curled up together with a few pillows and a duvet, watching television and eating Chinese takeout. Kai seemed absolutely delighted when Tala found "From dusk till dawn" surfing the channels, and remained stretched out on his stomach, eyes glued to the screen.
Tala could have watched him all night. He was naked, the only light coming from the television and a lamp in the kitchen. In the dark he got this dangerous look to him, the devil dancing in his eyes whenever they caught the light that particular way. George Clooney have nothing on you, Tala thought, tilting his head to the side in silent contemplation. When the snake dance appeared and After Dark billowed from the speakers he wasn´t even remotely interested in Salma Hayek.
The mood was just right, the music being that last component making the moment unforgettable. Shadows danced in his eyes, across his face. He melted effortlessly into the darkness surrounding them like it was second nature, and yet he stood out, demanded all the attention. The scene resembled a still taken from a noir movie, only with reds and blues shimmering in his eyes. Perfection had always struck Tala as something unachievable until this very second, were danger, allure, desire and an odd sense of vulnerability blended into one picturesque moment of absolute flawlessness.
The spell was only broken when the music faded out, the screen erupting in a magnificent and gory bloodbath. Tala barely registered it, eyes still glued to Kai who´s gaze was fixed on the screen again, totally engrossed.
What are you, he thought.
Who are you?
When the movie finally ended Tala was still drinking in the sight of him, revelling in the feel of him. Who are you? He wondered again, their eyes locking when he turned away from the television, setting it on mute.
"You put the gun in the safe?" Tala asked automatically, his FBI habits kicking in as per usual.
Kai yawned, leisurely stretching his back as he got to his feet. He wandered naked into the kitchen, shamelessly giving Tala the real view. It was odd how he could be so comfortable and open in his own skin, while his personality was more introvert, bordering on antisocial. In a sense he was a wandering contradiction, whatever that entailed.
Tala could hear him open the messenger bag to retrieve the weapon, before he padded into the bedroom, probably opening the gun locker.
It certainly was an unusual firearm for a civilian Tala reflected. A stainless steel finished Para-Ordnance P18.9 with a custom suppressor and modified sights. Even though Kai was a ballistics expert he hadn´t quite expected him to chose something like that for himself.
And why would he need a suppressor?
Then again he was a ballistics expert, part of his job was to know firearms, understand how they worked, with or without a silencer. It was only natural that he liked changing and modifying his gun, experimenting with various silencers and so on.
Still, he wasn´t quite sure why but the presence of the gun had made him think.
Perhaps he should bring Kai to the range one of these days. Come to think of it he had never seen the other in action before, he´d just always assumed he was an excellent shot. Kai was so….capable in everything he did. There was an understated elegance to every movement, like he did everything with practised ease. It would be interesting to see if that translated into his work, although Tala strongly suspected it did.
"So, you never answered my question, how was work?" Tala inquired when Kai returned, stretching out next to him on the floor.
Mahogany depths flashed with an emotion Tala couldn´t quite place, jaw tensing fractionally.
"It was…..fine", he responded eventually, voice sounding part relieved part puzzled.
Tala watched him attentively, stroking his face when he shuffled over, his head coming to rest on a pillow in Tala´s lap.
"Could have been worse", he added, looking thoughtful as he drowsily closed his eyes.
It had been a shitty day at work as far as Tala was concerned, but somehow that seemed to pale in comparison to his curiosity regarding Kai. There was so much he didn´t know about the other, an endless stream of questioned he wanted to ask. The man was an enigma in a sense, all dark, magnificent and mysterious. Even today, when they burst through the door at the address Parker had given them Kai had been his main focus, those unforgettable eyes hovering in his mind.
As it turned out Parker´s Allan had been Allan McKenzie, much to Tala´s despair. This effectively meant that all direct ties to the hit-man had been severed, leaving them with nothing. Emily York had ordered the hit because Nancy Denham refused selling her construction business. Then Allan McKenzie hired someone for her to eliminate not only Miss Denham, but five innocent people in order to hide the one kill that mattered. Shortly thereafter Tala tried to interrogate Emily York, and then McKenzie was arrested.
Just to be safe Miss York extended the contract to include the witnesses in her indictment and Allan McKenzie himself, simply to cover her own tracks. The timeline was clear to him now, and the case seemed to have lost some its complexity. It was simply a matter of understanding the people involved, that was how you figured out the bigger picture.
Frankly there were only two questions left to ask; who killed Emily York, and the identity of the hit-man with the almost superhuman skills.
"You worried about the case?" Kai wondered, voice surprisingly cautious.
Tala looked at him, smiled softly as he ran his fingers over the other´s face. He was relaxed, eyes holding a drowsy, satisfied gleam. Tala was vaguely reminded about one of the big cats again, how he was comfortably stretched out, sleepy yet aware. There was no doubt in Tala´s mind that despite his vulnerable position and sleepy expression he would be ready in a heartbeat if anyone tried to jump him.
"It is almost over…I think", Tala said, shuddering as Kai shifted slightly so that he could trail light patterns over Tala´s arm with one hand.
"The mess with McGregor….once it is cleared up, then I´ll be done".
He paused, took in Kai´s unreadable expression.
"For now anyway".
The other arched a curious eyebrow, even white teeth glinting.
"And the hit-man?"
Tala just shrugged, not really in the mood to even think about him, whoever he was. He had created enough problems, and he was long gone anyway.
"He is probably off on some tropical Island, enjoying himself", he mumbled bitterly.
Kai just snorted, looking part amused part thoughtful.
"We have stopped looking for him", Tala admitted, voice softening when he felt long elegant fingers wrap around his own, not letting go.
Funny, he reflected, how he only a month ago had missed someone to come home to. And now that someone was here, reclining in his lap and offering a feel of companionship that he suspected neither of them had experienced before. In the midst of the last few weeks craziness Kai had been somewhat of a constant, while at the same time adding a sense of excitement to an otherwise predictable existence.
"Perhaps it is for the best", Kai drawled, voice husky.
Tala looked at him, crimson and burgundy swirling in the mahogany depts. He felt drawn towards the other, those deep, dark and hypnotic eyes boring into him, pulling him in. Who are you, who are you really? Behind the striking looks and the cold demeanour he was someone else, part predator part vulnerable and afraid.
"I just….I don´t get it", Tala whispered, hands coming to rest on Kai´s chest.
He was pulled in for a chaste kiss moments later, as he felt Kai´s arms tighten where they snuggly gripped both his hands.
"He didn´t know these people, they never did anything to him. To kill for money…what kind of motivation is that?" He asked out loud, their fingers still interlaced.
When he looked down at Kai all softness was gone, replaced by an unreadable expression, eyes slightly troubled although they revealed nothing. His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed. Tala recognised the look, just like he had gotten familiar with all the quirks and actions other people didn´t notice. On first glance Kai was an impenetrable wall of ice, but once you looked, as in really looked, he became increasingly more expressive. The twitch of an eyebrow, a slight movement of the eyes. It was all in the details.
Currently the other disagreed with something Tala had said, eyes having taken on an oddly attractive, ominous shine.
"What…so you should only kill people after you get to know them?" He rasped, voice cool, bordering on sarcastic.
Tala supressed a heavy sigh.
"Well, when you put it like that it sounds pretty shitty", he agreed.
Kai looked at him, gaze softening fractionally.
"You ever… killed someone?" He then asked, eyes curious.
Tala swallowed, feeling momentarily uncomfortable. It was a naïve question to ask, but something about the way he phrased it was oddly endearing. Tala had been with the FBI for over six years. The first three had been undercover in a drug cartel, the last four as special agent, and then chief inspector, investigating the more complicated cases the bureau encountered.
Of course he had killed someone.
On several occasions.
"Yeah", he responded, feeling awkward.
Kai didn´t push, he simply continued to stare in that unnervingly intense way of his, the one that demanded an elaboration without him having to voice it out loud. A few luxurious strands of dark blue hair had fallen forward in his face, and Tala absently brushed them away, contemplating his own response.
"I have shot….I shot a drug dealer once….he was about to decapitate my partner….it….it was self defence".
Kai was still watching him, eyes clearly communicating that he knew there was more. Tala shifted uncomfortably, something tightening deep in his chest.
"Suffice to say that….that it wasn´t the only time".
The other simply tilted his head to the side, his thumb stroking Tala´s wrist. He seemed thoughtful, expression sharp and alert.
"Who decides when it is okay to kill then?" He questioned, voice serious, almost…melancholy?
"What makes it more okay for you to kill than for your hit-man to kill? A death is a death after all, in the end the result is the same".
Tala looked at him, perplexed by the turn their previously harmless conversation had taken. Somehow he had never expected Kai to challenge him like this, to question his worldview. He wasn´t used to philosophical discussions, not like this anyway, when things were so….personal. Watching life drain from someone's eyes, knowing it was your fault, knowing that somewhere out there people were grieving because of you…..It was a terrible feeling.
For Kai to start questioning it….. made Tala uncomfortable, and a little hurt.
No one had dared to before, and he found himself thrown off, perplexed by the whole situation. The other wasn´t delivering blame or anything, he was simply stating his opinion, but Tala still felt oddly shaken.
"The times I have…killed, it has been under attack. Situations were it was me or him. The hit-man, his reason for killing is money, power. It is an entirely different perspective", he said, voice coming off as slightly defensive.
Kai arched a sceptical eyebrow, eyes darkening.
"Money, that is the why….there is no reason".
"There is always a reason", Tala said.
Kai just looked at him, face once again a mask of impenetrable ice.
"Hn".
"The world has no reason. It is all just a series of coincidences, actions that lead to opposite reactions. There is no….meaning behind anything".
He sounded closed off, bitter, like he was in his own little bubble. Tala touched his hair, wondered yet again what drove him, how he had become this….cynical. The way he moved, cautions, like he was simply waiting for something to happen, not in an anxious manner, simply because he was used to being on edge, prepared. Something about his eyes told Tala that he had seen things, that life had not always been so easy for him. His world, the way he perceived things, differed from the norm because of that.
"That is a depressing perspective".
"It is the truth".
Tala pursed his lips, stared at him.
"Not for me".
That earned him a contemplative look, one of those Tala couldn´t quite interpret.
"You are…..you are probably a better person….than I am", he said, voice barely audible.
For a few moments he looked troubled, but it disappeared the moment it surfaced, leaving Tala wondering whether he had imagined it.
"At least you didn´t kill anyone", Tala said, smiled, touched his face.
That earned him an ironic snicker, and one of those looks again, where you could almost picture the devil dancing in his eyes.
"And you aren´t a bad person, you could never be", he added softly, smiling.
They looked at each other for some time, no one saying anything. Tala´s hands were still playing with Kai´s hair, while Kai idly traced patterns up Tala´s arm. It was a surprisingly comfortable silence. Everything considered. Tala couldn´t quite decide whether their discussion had been a disagreement or not. Something he had said or done had upset the other, caused him to start questioning everything Tala thought he stood for. Not that this was necessarily a bad thing, it just pushed him out of his comfort zone, made him more emotional. Especially because it was coming from that one special individual.
"I am sorry if I…if I hurt, that was not my intention", Kai said after a while, looking up at him, eyes cautious again, bordering on anxious.
Tala heaved a sigh, feeling somewhat touched by the admission.
"It is fine, no worries".
Kai smiled ever so slightly, fingers still curled loosely around Tala´s wrists. A silent moment of understanding passed between them, and the earlier tension dissipated, leaving a sense of comfortable familiarity in its wake.
"Your secrets", Tala said after a while.
"Will you tell me about them, eventually?"
Something chanced in his expression, the predator sharpening his claws as he contemplated who to sink his teeth into next. He is surprised Tala realized, he didn´t think I would notice, thought that he had all emotions and impulses under control.
"Perhaps".
It was all Tala needed really, that the possibility was there. If it happened now or in 10 years didn´t matter. He could wait, so long as he knew the other was actually considering the possibility.
"I can tell you my deepest darkest secret….", Tala purred, voice playful in an attempt at lightening the once again awkward mood.
Kai stared at him, looking part annoyed part curious.
"What, that you are a sex addict?"
"Don´t even go there Kai, you are worse….by far".
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of those full lips, perfect pale blue eyebrows quirking upwards in a silent challenge.
"Well…." Tala started, already regretting what he was about to say.
"Sometimes I listen to Madonna, like….some of her early stuff".
"You what?"
Kai stared at him, eyes narrowed in amused disbelief.
"You heard me", Tala snapped back.
The other snickered, eyes gleaming. His expression alone was enough to make it worth the embarrassment, and Tala grinned.
"There is this one song…..burning up…it is so great".
"You listen to it at the FBI?"
"Yeah, I think it is Balcov´s favourite…"