Season 2, Episode 12-13.
From being stuck on an island for a day and half, to Tyson being in the hospital for his leg for another few days, everything was as hectic as it could be. Once more they were all piled up on one another, only getting a small breather and break during the day when Tyson, Hilary, and Kenny were off at school now that his leg was better. Yet that still left the other three to stare at the walls in almost pure boredom, Grandpa no better or worse than before with his hovering.
The little 'tournament' was done, but that still left the threat of the Saint Shields looming over their heads. Kai's battle with Dunga the day before still fresh in their minds, with Hilary promising a more harsh training regime for them all to get them ready for whatever may be coming their way now, once she returned from school with Tyson and Kenny.
After breakfast, Max had decided he was going to head to his father's shop again to see him and Grandpa had another kendo class to teach. Somehow the other two had found themselves with a day to themselves for a few hours, seeing Max off out the front gates while the first morning class of Grandpa's kendo class started filing through shortly after their Golden child had wandered down the sidewalk on his own.
Now they were alone, left to do whatever, Ray just turned to look at Kai with a blank mind. What were they going to do for the next five hours alone?
Kai bounced from foot to foot, bursting at the seams. "What first!? Wanna go somewhere!? You tired!? Wanna stay here!?"
Ray just gave him a sloppy smirk, "Why would I be tired, I just got up." He chuckled before shrugging his shoulders, mind still blank on what to do at all.
"And I don't know, what do you want to do?"
Kai's head went round like a hyper hamster on a wheel. "Umm! Uhhhh!" The possibilities were endless! "WE COULD GO SOMEWHERE!"
Ray nodded back, he wouldn't mind getting a real look at Japan while he was there this time around.
"Okay, gonna go let Grandpa know we're leaving then we can go." He said, already turned around to head towards the dojo to let him know.
Kai shot past him, sprinting and leaving a trail of dust. He threw the sliding door open, where kids were swinging swords in unison and concentrated precision.
"GRAMPA! WE'RE OUT! BYE!"
Ray just blinked at the dust cloud and then about jumped out of his skin as Kai just reappeared in front of him like a flash. He'd never seen him move so fast before, when did Kai get that fast?
"I'll just follow you, you know this place better than I do."
Kai grabbed his wrist and pulled. "Okay! This place kinda sucks, just a normal little town but I'm sure we can find something you like!" He fired at warp speed.
"Aw, I kind of like it. It's a cute little town." Ray laughed with a pout on his lips, following Kai as he let him pull and tug his wrist while his heart kicked up harder in his chest.
After the night back at the waterfall, the heartbreak that had formed after finding out what he'd been doing to himself when they were separated started to lift a little. He just hoped Kai was actually happy again to be back with them all, even if their first week together had been nothing short of disastrous.
As they rounded the street corner a little light bulb went off over Ray's head, though he wasn't sure if he should even ask or bring it up to him. But that didn't stop his curiosity to know where Kai had lived while he was here, for the moment he'd keep his mouth shut about it though, lest he upset him.
"That's the park, you know that!" Kai pointed as he tried to play tour guide.
Ray nodded back. Why was he so cute when he was all excited like this, why was he even this excited to show him a park they'd been to before?
"With you living here before... Where is it you normally went to, before you met Tyson and Kenny?" He bit the bullet and asked, though was only half of what he originally wanted to ask.
Kai stopped in his tracks and turned with his expression wiped off. Why would he ask about that!?
"Oh. Around." He brushed off with an awkward laugh. "Oh! There's a random little pond around here, could show you that!" He tried to distract.
Ray sunk back a little but followed anyways, he knew he shouldn't have asked, he'd gone and upset him.
"Okay." He made sure to sound chirpier though, not wanting to soil Kai's mood any more than he probably just did. Feet chasing after him quickly.
Kai felt the weird atmosphere, for once reading it correctly. He made glances at him every few seconds. "I um. I always used to go there. Usually no one is there so was a nice little place to escape to." He offered, "I actually found Joey around there."
Ray perked up a little, "It is a nice little place, can see why you'd like it. How long did you have Joey, you never said before."
"Uhhh I think a little under a year?" He tried to remember.
"I see... Would it be weird if I told you I wanna see your headquarters?" He blurted out, "Like, I don't know what else to call it, but where you operated from?" Was that the right word? He wasn't sure, but he really wanted to see it.
Kai shifted uncomfortably. "Why?" He asked in a small voice. Why would Ray want a tour of how shit he was?
"Why not? I didn't meet you until after the tournament, been kind of curious to see everything from before that." Ray answered, "We don't have to though, if you don't want to."
Kai hesitated. No, he didn't want to at all. But Ray did.
"As you wish..." He said glumly as he walked with less luster in the direction of his old warehouse. He hoped to god they weren't still using it...
Keeping up walking beside him, Ray looked around at the harbor they started to come towards to. It really wasn't that far off from Tyson's house, the smell of the ocean hitting him.
"Had a nice view at least." He commented, noticing the sour mood he'd just put Kai in.
"Think they're still around, your... What would you call them?" He asked, genuinely confused at the proper name. He didn't want to just go off and say 'gang members' since Kai seemed to really dislike the fact he had even been the leader, but he'd already said they weren't really his friends either.
A shudder went down his neck. Individually, they were all as threatening as a cheesecake. Combine them all pissed off at him for ditching...
"No clue!" He squeaked.
Ray went quiet as he let Kai lead him up to one of the several warehouses lined up, its doors closed and looking no worse for wear compared to the others beside it.
"Can we go in?" He asked excitedly, head whipping beside him to take in Kai's nervous expression.
Kai died a little on the inside. "Wait here. Let me go check it out first." He said as he left Ray where he was. If anyone was in there, he wouldn't let them get their paws on him.
"Okay." Ray stood perfectly still, slightly buzzing on the inside.
For whatever reason this was really cool, being able to see a part of Kai's past like this. He also wouldn't have minded meeting his... Whatever they were, henchmen? Was that the right word to call them?
Kai snuck through the familiar doorway, eerily slipping back in time and feeling dirtier for it. His footsteps echoed off the high walls and ceilings. By the look of the dust and random shit on the floor, no one had been here in a long time. Maybe they relocated? Maybe they did disband?
Checking his imaginary watch on his wrist, tapping his foot, Ray let his arm down at his side with a tired sigh. Kai had been gone for ten minutes and still hadn't come back!
Maybe his people had been in there all along and they ambushed him!
With the thought planting itself in his head he rushed towards the doors Kai had slid open ten minutes ago, squeezing himself through the tiny gap that worked for Kai but was a bit snug for his own body to get through until he wiggled himself inside.
Heart slowing from its random bout of fear as he clocked Kai just walking around checking the place out, which wasn't really much but an empty and dirty warehouse with a beydish in the middle of the room.
Kai froze in his spot as he heard movement, heart picking up speed. His fist clenched, ready to throw a punch.
"How'd you even get this place?" Ray asked, not aware of the danger he'd put himself in by sneaking up on him like he had. Eyes still taking everything in, the high metal beams running across the ceiling and the dusty smell that had evaded his senses.
Wasn't really that exciting now he'd seen it, but then again he wasn't exactly sure what he'd been expecting.
Kai leapt out his skin. His brain didn't take in what was said or who said it, all it registered was someone was behind him. He spun and threw his fist out with everything he had.
With a quick step back, eyes slightly wide, Ray's hand came up and grabbed the fist that had come straight for his face. The palm of his hand taking the blow, which surprisingly stung a little given how tiny Kai was now. If it was last year he'd probably would have broken his hand.
"It's just me." He lowered Kai's hand from his face, keeping his hold on it still.
"RayJesusChrist!" He breathed out in a gasp, "I said wait outside!"
"I did, you were taking too long." Ray chuckled, "Didn't mean to scare you though."
Kai tried to get his soul to return to his paled body, shaking his hand out. "Sorry... Thought you were someone else."
"Nope, just me." Ray grinned, walking around him to keep looking about. "So, how did you get this place? Could use some redecorating, maybe a couch and some drapes."
"It technically belongs to me. Well, Voltaire. The fam. Whatever." He shrugged, "And I thought the same but... Could never decide on what to do with it."
Ray arched a brow as he looked at him over his shoulder, "Did he know you were doing this?"
Kai tensed. "I think he had a good idea... Not like I outright discussed it with him."
Ray nodded back, that was good enough for him.
Turning back around he stopped under one of the small windows to the right of the doors.
"Couch would have looked good right here, a small bookshelf in the corner, and a rug." He stated with a cheeky grin thrown over his shoulder at him, "And maybe a radio."
Kai rolled his eyes. "It was a gang hangout. Not a cute cafe." He said flatly. As his eyes rolled up, he pointed. "Ooooh this is where we hung Kenny from!"
"Wait... You hung him from the ceiling?!" Ray's jaw dropped, all he knew was Kenny had been kidnapped, not strung up by his toes.
Kai snorted. "Yeh..."
Ray's face wasn't sure what it wanted to do at the moment. Did he yell at him for it, or laugh about it? Was in the past, hadn't known him until after it happened. But still... His baby!
"How'd you even get him up that high?" He asked, eyes looking up at the metal beams again.
Suddenly Kai didn't care about the time he was awful to Kenny. "OH! Come with me! I'll show you my spot!" He lit up as he grabbed his wrist, dragging him again to start the ascent of climbing the old crates, remembering where the safe footing was as they reached higher.
Ray started to sweat a little, was he going to hang him up from the rafters too?!
"O-okay." He squeaked back.
Kai looked over his shoulder every few seconds to check on him. Ray was a pro at climbing. But was also a dumbass who broke stuff a lot. Pretty soon the ground and everything on it was looking smaller as they neared the ceiling.
Kai veered off to the huge crate that left just enough space between the top of it and the ceiling to give the ultimate cubby and look out spot.
He heaved himself up it, quickly turning to hold his hand out for Ray. Taking it without a second thought, picking himself up as Kai pulled him to stand with him. Looking out at everything below them, his hand still clutched in Kai's hold as a wide smile came over his face, turning to look at Kai beside him.
"I like it up here."
Kai smiled. "Me too. I basically lived up here. Slept here a fair few times as well."
The smile fell a little, that sounded awful. "I'm sorry..."
"For what?" He asked as he cocked a brow.
"That you had to do that." Ray answered, tugging Kai's hand a little as he moved to sit down, letting his legs hang off the side of the wide beam.
"Are you kidding!? It was the best!" Kai argued, "No one knew where I was!"
"Guess that's true." Ray snorted, "Just, I know what it's like to not have a place to really go to. Can get lonely, but that's the difference between you and me. I like people, you not so much." He joked.
Kai shifted closer. "Doesn't mean I don't get lonely..." He said quietly.
Ray scooched closer till their shoulders touched, "I know."
Kai's face heat up like the sun. "You uh... Anything you want to know? I'll tell you."
Ray tapped his chin with his finger as he went into thought, his weight slacking a little more into Kai's side. "Hmmm... How many members did you have, when you were running all this? How'd you even become their leader? Like, how did you meet them?"
Kai blinked. That was a lot of questions. "Uhhh in total there were like 10 of us. But a few of them were in and out for various reasons. We met by street battling. I kicked their asses. A lot. Somehow figured out we were all pissed off at the world I guess and one thing just lead to another."
Ray listened intently, his stomach bubbling a little with how badass that all sounded. Of course Kai kicked their asses, a lot, was only natural that he'd then be their leader.
"So how did Kenny and Tyson get all wrapped up in this?"
Kai shrugged while tensing. CAUSE THE ASSHOLE WANTED AND SUCCESSFULLY STOLE HIS TITLE.
"Don't remember..."
"Oh." Ray pouted a little, "Do you still have problems remembering things, or has pretty much everything come back?"
Kai tensed harder. "I think a lot of it came back, not all of it. But I don't even know, you know? Like is there more I don't remember? How would I know if I couldn't remember?"
"Got a point." Ray shrugged a little, "You hungry?"
"No." He lied, "Are you? Wanna go home?"
"Getting there, could go for something small." Ray answered, "But we don't have to go home if you wanted to go to a little cute café or something." He grinned.
He glared at him playfully. "Shame I didn't bring that sofa in here..."
"Is a shame." Ray continued to grin at him, almost stupidly. "Can always find one and bring it in though, maybe that rug and radio too. Think it'd really spruce the place up, along with a dusting."
"Pff, fuck that. There's a place near here that's really good. The old lady who works there loves me." He grinned.
"Sounds good to me." Ray picked himself to stand on the beam, looking back down and then up at Kai. "Do we just jump?" He asked with his stupid grin.
Kai grinned harder, time to shine. He bent his knees and leapt. Ray clapped for him mockingly, though that earlier bubbling in his belly began to fizz a little.
Ignoring it best he could he followed after him, landing on his feet and dusted off his pants as the dust and dirt kicked up on him.
"Lead the way, captain."
Kai gave a stupid nod. "It's jumping like that that would have made you hired by the Blade Sharks." He joked.
"Really?!" Ray's eyes sparkled a little, he'd never been in a gang before. Sounded kind of fun in all honesty. "Too late to join then?" He snickered.
Kai belted a laugh. "Bit late since it looks like we broke up. But yeh, I'd let you join. If you could keep your sass at bay."
Ray's hands went to his hips, "I don't have sass."
Kai put his hands on his hips back, smirking. "Oh yeh?" He said in his gang leader voice as he squared up to him.
A chill went down Ray's spine, but it was a good one, and went to standing his ground as Kai stepped up closer to him.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He pouted, keeping his hands on his hips.
Kai tutted taking a strong step forward to back him up against the wall. "Oh, you don't? I guess I'd have to work harder to show you who's boss..."
The fuses in Ray's brain were close to frying out, his feet taking him back for every step Kai took towards him. Part of him liked this, really, really liked this, while the other part wasn't so sure all of a sudden. Was Kai going to hang him up by his toes from the beams and leave him?
With his back touching the wall, his heart pounding in his ears, he tried his best not to just roll over and submit like a dog.
"Wouldn't I need to be a part of the gang for you to be considered my boss?" He asked around the lump that had caught in his throat.
Kai tilted his head from side to side thinking about it. "Well yes..." His smooth voice agreed, "But I'm also the captain..."
...That wasn't strictly true anymore. But. HE WAS CAPTAIN.
"Two different things though, if you think about it." Ray said, "And I already listen to you as my captain anyways."
Kai scoffed. "Like hell you do! Didn't do a good enough job reigning you in!"
"Oh please, I listen perfectly fine." Ray scoffed back, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned into the wall behind him.
Kai's hand slammed right next to Ray's right ear. "And yet, here you are still arguing back..."
Ray's already pounding heart skipped a beat, another chill running down his back as the fuses finally blew.
This felt oddly familiar...
"Am I?" He bat his lashes innocently with a fanged smirk.
"Mmhmm. Think you're too high risk to let you in..." He replied in a low almost purring voice. This was odd. Did friends do this?
Ray pouted at him, "Well that sucks, I wanted to be in a gang."
Kai smirked, scrapping his bottom lip with his teeth a little. "Well, can always prove yourself to me."
"Thought I just did that jumping from the roof?" Ray cocked a brow up, though wanted to rise to the challenge. He was gang material dammit!
"Okay, fine, tell me what I need to do."
Kai's smirk grew as his demon eyes glinted. "That's more like it..." He said deeper with their faces close together.
He pulled the hand away from the wall and turned himself, feeling taller as he walked towards the door of the warehouse.
Ray blinked a little, what the hell just happened? Where was he going?
"W-well what do I do?" He called as his legs felt too heavy to move at the moment.
Kai had been close, way too close, but he wasn't sure if he was happy he'd moved back before he moved in.
Kai shoved his hands in his pockets as he kept walking. "Will tell you when I've decided..." He said in a smug, smarmy voice that hadn't been overly present since their first months together.
"Ugh, fine..." Ray groaned, peeling his back off the wall and following after him. "We still going to that café, cus I'm starving now."
Kai rolled his eyes with his smirk still in place. Like hell he'd recruit him if the gang was still active. Would cause unrest among the rest of them in hours. Nah. Ray wasn't fit for a gang. Or more he didn't fit that life.
"Yeh, come on. I'll get you fed. I always take care of my boys."
"Aw, you're too kind." Ray snickered, watching as Kai easily squeezed himself between the door and wall back outside while he sucked in his stomach and went through the process of trying to squeeze himself through the tiny gap again to get out.
Kai turned around after hearing the metal door being struggled with and felt his smirk drop. "You uh, you okay there?" He asked as he tried not to laugh.
"Yeah, fine." Ray grunted back, his shoulder getting caught in the tiny space with his other stuck out along with one of his legs.
He wiggled some more, the door rattling but didn't want to just push it to give him more room because he didn't think it would move since it wasn't currently with him wiggling so hard.
His face paled a little, his wiggling dying down. "On second thought..."
Kai folded his arms and shook his head, admiring the view to mock later before going to jiggle the door open a little more.
"Ought to lay off the rice a little..."
Narrowing his eyes at him, the door not budging any wider like he expected it to, Ray huffed at the jab.
"It's not that, my shirt is caught on a nail or something." He whined, "And something has a hold of my hair too."
Kai snorted. "Uh huh. Wasn't that second helping you had for dinner yesterday. And breakfast this morning..." He mocked as he lifted and shoved to get the door open some more.
Putting a hand against the part that was pinning him, Ray helped shove it away, the rusty wheels squealing along the tracks and giving him some more breathing room.
"Are you calling me fat?!" He near enough shrieked, "I'm telling you, my shirt and hair are caught."
"Never called you fat." He denied, "Just... Beefy."
"I didn't change that much!" Ray argued, tugging at his shirt to get it off the nail or whatever it was that was holding him from getting out of the warehouse all the way.
"Tell your warehouse to let me go." He whined as he jerked the fabric loose, hearing it tear but at least he was free now aside from his hair.
"This is about as bad as Roberts castle..." He grumbled, taking hold of his wrap and tugged it just as hard, finally getting set completely free as he stumbled out of the door way, rubbing the back of his head to get rid of the slight sting.
Kai scoffed again, "Oh please! You look like one of the statues in Robert's castle!" He argued back as he went to check him over, "You okay? You hurt?"
Blushing, still rubbing the back of his head he nodded. "Yeah, just stings a little but it'll go away in a little bit."
Kai nodded, trying to get a look. "Guess my warehouse doesn't want you to join."
"I don't think I want to now either if it's going to be mean to me." Ray laughed, dropping his hand to his side with the blush only getting brighter on his face.
Kai smirked at him, patting his beefy shoulder. "Come on. That place does amazing pastries. It'll make it all better."
"Oh yeah, cus that's what I need. Just fatten me up some more." Ray grumbled.
Kai giggled a little. "I wasn't calling you fat."
"Mhmm, that's not how it sounded to me." Ray huffed at him, his stomach growling at just the wrong time. "But I am hungry..."
"And we're going! Geesh..." He sighed, "I was joking. You just eat a lot. But it all goes to those tree trunks of yours."
Ray's face turned as red as his headband, pulling at the short sleeves of his shirt as he followed him away from the mean warehouse.
Kai glanced at him and frowned. "What? It's a compliment!"
"I know, but it's not like I like the attention any. First Tyson was coping a feel after I got here. And once my arm was healed after breaking it, Mariah was always hanging off of me and feeling up on them. Then the other day while Max and I were out, this guy we walked by said something about it, was extremely awkward as all hell since he looked like he was at least two years older than us." He ranted off.
Kai's skin suddenly tinged green and his old gang leader vibes came back. "Who!? Where!?" He'd stab a fucker...
Ray shrugged his beefy shoulders back, "I don't know who, was just some kid we ran into at the video store."
Kai growled under his breath. That was his beefcake...
"Well... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. You just look good is all..."
His already burnt out fuses blew a second time, Kai thought he looked good?!
"You didn't, not like that guy did at least. It's fine. A-and thanks." He stuttered out, face heating up again.
"Welcome." He brushed off, walking silently to lead them to the little coffee shop.
As they came through the door of the little place, getting hit by the smell of coffee and pastries, Ray stuck to Kai's back. This really felt familiar again.
"Remember when we went to that little cafe in Italy, after the attack of the nuns?" He chuckled behind him.
"Ooooh yeh! That place was nice! What do you want?" He asked as he pointed at the menu.
"Ummm, the jasmine tea since this place actually has it. As for food, what do you normally get?"
Kai jolted in embarrassment. He'd asked for that in Italy and gotten green tea instead.
"Uhhh I don't know, whatever pastries they got? Seasonal stuff is usually good."
Ray shrugged his shoulders, "That's fine with me, I'm not picky."
Kai nodded, but died inside again. Why did he have to pick!? What if he picked the wrong one!? The pressure was too much.
"Okay. Go sit down, I'll bring it all over!" He said coolly before throwing himself at the little display of cakes and pastries they had and going in to mental turmoil about which to pick for him.
"You spoil me." Ray grinned as he went off to find a table, taking up one by the window and sighed a little sadly. It wasn't Italy, but it'd have to do.
As Kai eyed and panicked, a middle aged lady came out. "Oh, hi there! You ready to order?" She asked.
"Uh yeh! One jasmine tea, one of the house blend annnnnd... What's like the best thing you have here?" He asked.
"Well, our peach tart is our best seller right now."
"I need something savory too."
She tilted her head, "We do some pretty good paninis?"
Kai nodded, "Okay, so what's like the BEST one you do?"
"I... They're all pretty good?"
Kai narrowed his eyes. This wasn't helping. "Pretty good isn't best, is it?"
She frowned. "I guess it isn't..."
"He didn't say a preference so one of whatever you recommend the highest. He's never been here so, you know, pressure to impress. Okay? Oh! And one of the peach things too please!" He said sweetly. Ha! Boing flick! The responsibility just got passed to you, lady!
She lifted a brow at him, jotting an order down and gesturing for him to sit down. He skipped his way over, sliding in to his seat and resting his chin on his hands.
"You like this place!?" He asked.
"Eh, it's not Italy or Paris but it'll do." Ray answered as his shoulders lifted and fell a little, attention out the window beside them. "Does smell really good in here though, what'd you end up getting?" He asked, dragging his attention back to Kai across from him.
Kai jolted again. "I can cancel it and take you to an Italian place if you want!" He spat out as he went to get out his seat.
"No, no. Sit down you spazz, it's fine." Ray laughed as he grabbed his hand, pulling him back to sit down in his chair. "I'm sure the food is great, we can get Italian another time."
Kai flapped his hands. "Oh! Wait! I ordered you a panini! That's Italian!" He beamed. Technically that's what his King wanted.
"Then there ya go. Problem solved."
Kai pat himself on the back, settling back in to his seat. Letting the table go quiet for a moment, watching a few cars and people go by outside the window, the older woman came over with a tray filled with pastries and breads and their drinks.
Ray's eyes took it all in, that was a lot of food...
"Here you are boys, as requested." She smiled, slipping the tray down on the table between them before taking her leave.
Ray was still busy taking in the feast of carbs and calories Kai had just given them. And after making fun about how much he'd been eating the past few days too!
"You really trying to fatten me up here, aren't you?"
Kai lifted a brow. The hell was all this? He only ordered one sandwich and one cake. On the plus side, this made him look good, right? Ray loved eating. It all depended on if he liked it, or whether or not the lady got a tip or more bullshit from him.
"There ya go! Dig in!" He gestured as he picked up his coffee.
Ray sunk a little, was he supposed to eat all of this?! Truth was he kind of wanted to, but he didn't want to hear Kai cracking jokes either...
"Um..." Golden eyes darted, everything looked too good to pick one thing to start with, his stomach growling angrily at him to hurry up as his mouth watered.
Finally picking up the panini he took a bite, humming contently as he chewed and nodded. Holding it out to Kai to try as he swallowed.
"It's actually really good."
Kai hesitated. He did not want anything. But he didn't want any comments or lectures from him about being a stick either. He took it from him with a nod, taking a small bite and passing it back.
"Mm. Not bad." What was in that!? That was magical!
"How's your coffee?" Ray asked before taking another bite of the panini and placing it down to pick something else from their feast of sweets.
"Oooo, that cake looks good." He snatched up his fork, cutting a small piece off and held it out to him. "You try it first though."
Kai leaned back at the fork jabbed at his face. His brain decided not to make him take it with his own hand. Instead leaning forward and biting it off the fork like Ray was feeding him. He didn't realize even then he was being weird, because he got hit in the face with wonderous, peachy goodness.
Kai composed himself. "Decent."
Ray plopped a piece into his own mouth, his eyes lighting up and threw a playful scowl at him. "If you say so." He rolled his eyes at him, "Best peach cake I've ever had."
Kai nodded, feeling his own stomach growl out of nowhere as his eyes made love to it.
"What you want to try next?" Ray asked as he pointed at the food with the fork he just realized they'd been sharing, his face flushing bright red again. Wasn't the first time, was more of just not paying attention... Had Kai even paid attention to it?!
Kai squirmed and cracked quick. "You know, the first time was mainly crust." He lied, "Let me try the peach one again."
Ray cut up another piece for him, making sure to get less crust this time around though was sure the first piece hadn't had that much on it.
He held the fork back out over the table between them, face heating up and stomach bubbling all over again. This time he actually took the fork like a normal person, devouring it quickly and melting in to his seat.
As Kai took the fork, Ray went to another pastry he could just use his hands to eat with. Training later once the others returned was going to be a bitch and a half stuffed up on bread and sugar, but in the moment it was all worth it.
"We should get one of these for Mr. Granger." Kai said in a happy voice as he swallowed the peach perfection.
"Mhmm." Ray hummed back in agreement, enjoying the chocolate pastry that he picked up. "Should also probably head back soon, kids'll be home from school soon."
Kai choked. "What!? Already!?" That wasn't fair! It had only been like an hour, right?
"I think so..." Ray said, pulling out his phone and checking the time. "Yeah, got about an hour left. Time flies when you're having fun, right?"
Kai pouted and slumped in his seat. "Yeh... Fine. Let's get all this to go then..." He forced out in a glum voice.
"Can probably just lay around before they get back, let all this settle. And hide it from Tyson." Ray snickered back.
Kai nodded. Fuck everyone...
He got up and went to pay, ordering a whole peach tart to take home so he could have some with everyone later too and getting it all wrapped up. With their feast packed and wrapped up and paid for, the two made their way back to the Granger's house in silence.
Even if they hadn't done much, it felt like they'd done everything and then some.
"Put these up and find a spot to lay down?" Ray suggested once they came in through the gates.
"Yeh. I guess." Kai grumbled. Still sulking their time was almost up. Did they really need to beyblade anymore? Like really?
Ray frowned a little, feeling Kai's sour mood seeping into the air around them. "Book?" He questioned as they made it into the house, Ray going off to find the perfect hiding spot for their stash while taking one of the cream cheese rolls with him to munch on for the time being.
"Okay..." He floated off, haunting the hall to their room to fetch it like a good knight before floating back again.
"Outback?" Ray asked between bites of his roll, a bit of the cheese getting left behind on the corner of his mouth.
Kai nodded, floating his way out with a sad glance at the clock. Maybe if he quit, Ray would quit and they could just hang out like this all the time.
"What's wrong?" Ray finally cracked, sitting down on the back porch and patting the spot beside him.
Kai instantly flopped next to him. "We never get to do this anymore and when we do, it's never enough..." He whined.
"Oh..." Ray's shoulders fell forward a little, picking at the bread of the roll held between his hands in his lap, scattering crumbs over his shirt.
"Well, it's not like we can't do it when we get the chance to though. If there's somewhere you want to go or do, just ask. Not like I have much to do when the others are gone to start with."
Kai shrugged, "It's not that there's anywhere in particular. This is what I miss most anyway." He said as he held the book up a little.
"Then what're you waiting for?" Ray nudged him in the side, smiling at him in hopes it'd lift his mood a little.
It worked. Feeling the strain of the bites of peach tart in his gut, he flopped down to lay on the porch, flicking the book open to find their pages.
As Kai laid out beside him, his head next to his legs that he'd left to hang off the side of the porch, Ray went back to eating his roll while Kai started reading. Already getting lost in his voice and the accent that started rolling out of him that he'd missed, it sending shivers up and down his spine as his full belly got warm.
Sitting there, almost in a trance, he was quickly snapped out of it as Kai shifted beside him and stopped reading for a second until it started up again only for him to stop and shift. When it seemed he'd gotten comfortable again he began reading, getting through a few lines more before huffing and shifting like he had bugs crawling on him.
"You okay?" Ray asked as he looked down at him.
Kai cricked his neck. "Think I slept funny. Can't get comfy."
"Or the porch isn't the best place to lay down on." Ray suggested in an amused tone, probably didn't feel good since he was so bony now.
"You can um..." He started and stuttered to a stop, what was he even fixing to do? And why did he think Kai would even take his offer?!
"If it'll help, that is..." He couldn't bring himself to say it, patting his leg that was closest to Kai's head while his face burned hotter than it had all day.
Kai looked at him dumbly, eyes slowly moving to his leg. Oh god he'd be his own personal pillow... He should say no really. But he did offer. Would be super rude to refuse, right?
Yeh.
He shifted himself, lowering his unworthy head on to his muscular thigh and feeling himself liquify.
"Better?" Ray asked in a very off key squeak, the weight of Kai's head pressing into his leg as his hair covered the rest of his lap.
"Mhhmm!" Kai squeaked back. This must be how Greek kings and queens slept. On the most beautiful thighs in the land being fed grapes and shit.
A stupid grin came over Ray's burning face as he just stared down at him. This was nice, a little different, but nice all the same.
"Did you have a good time, being out with me and all?" He asked, fingers mindlessly going at the two-toned hair splayed across his lap and gently running through the strands.
Kai relaxed even more, book flipping on to his chest while he fought to stop his eyes rolling in his head. "Mmmmmmmmmmmm of course." He let out in a spaced out voice with his own wonky smile.
"Did you think of what you want me to do yet?" Ray asked in a weird tone, it having gone softer as if he were whispering to him. Fingers gently brushing through thick slate strands.
Kai's wonky smile got wonkier. He could think of plenty he wanted him to do. "Keep doing what you're doing..." He said dopily as his arms and shoulders burst in to noticeable goosebumps.
"That it? No, kidnapping nerds and hanging them by their toes or kicking random blader's asses in back alleys?" Ray asked in an amused tone, doing what Kai had first ordered him to do and wasn't fixing to stop.
"For now." He droned out, "I may ask something more grueling later."
"Ooooo, like what?"
Kai smirked. "Hmmm prove your loyalty to me."
Ray arched a brow, "How?" His head tilted a little to the side, Kai wasn't going to ask him to get down on his knees and bow to him was he?
"What do you think would be good?" He asked dumbly.
Honestly, he had no clue how to answer that. A light chuckle coming out of him as he shook his head, "I don't know. Never had to pledge my loyalty to anyone before. You're the boss, shouldn't you know what you want me to do?"
"Yeh. But it's you. You're different." He shrugged, still enjoying being petted.
"How so? And like, a good different or a bad different?" Ray questioned.
"Oh, good." He reassured, "Anyone else would have to sign their name in blood or something. I couldn't do that to you."
Ray's fingers paused for a minute, he was just kidding right?... Right?!
"That's a plus then. Well, when you think of something, let me know." He snickered, fingers going back into Kai's hair like he had been until his ears perked at the sound of shouting from inside the house behind them.
"Kids are home." He announced in a sigh, his shoulders coming forward a little but that didn't stop his fingers or trying to get Kai's head off his lap.
Kai groaned. "Okay. Prove your loyalty. Go kill them all." He said dryly as he pulled himself up.
"Yeahhhhh, no..." Ray snickered again, "I'd do anything for you but that."
"Hurt them a little?" He bargained.
Ray gave him a dull look, "That's not even funny, how can you even ask me to hurt our precious angels?" He asked in a sarcastic, mocking tone.
"Easily. I strung one up from the ceiling, remember. Character building." He laughed as he stood himself.
Ray bit the inside of his cheek to stifle his own laugh, it was terrible to think but the image of Kenny hanging from those warehouse rafters like a pinata was too much.
"If you say so." He rolled his eyes, holding his hands out for Kai to pick him up since his leg he'd been laying on fell asleep.
Kai held his hands out and pulled. Urgh, someone got heavy... He heaved harder, pulling Ray up who stumbled in to him after his dead legs failed to work.
"Sorry, should have warned you, legs asleep." Ray belted out a laugh as he pushed himself off Kai's chest, using his shoulders to stable his dead leg. "Good catch though."
Kai's hands went to his hips to help keep him steady. "You're fine. Tell me when they're good to go."
"Gonna be a minute, those stupid needles haven't set in yet... Oh never mind, there they are." Why were they so painful though?!
"Worst part about a limb falling asleep on you, ya know?" He huffed, trying to keep his weight off his tingling leg and foot.
Kai held his hips harder, wincing for him. "Best thing to do is keep wiggling your toes." He offered.
Ray's face paled, "But that makes it hurt worse." He whined through a small slightly distressed laugh, though wiggled his toes anyways.
"I know, I know." He cooed back, "But I was always told if you do that the blood starts going faster." He explained as his thumb rubbed his side in comfort.
Ray just nodded, the tingling kicking in harder to the point it really hurt until it very slowly started to go away and the numbness felt more like static on a TV screen.
"Okay... Think I'm good."
Kai chuckled and nodded at him. "Good. C'mon. Let's go face the music..."
"Kind of music sounds like that?" Ray cringed a little, pulling himself away and stepped carefully just in case he had misjudged the tingling.
Right at that moment, Tyson and Hilary's voices shrieked through the air.
"GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTT AND GO TRAIN!"
"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!"
"We sure we wanna go in there? They sound like they got in under control." Ray laughed nervously, going to the door anyways since the answer to his own question was NO. Hilary would just come out and start screaming at them, and his sensitive hearing could only handle so much screaming.
Kai shook his head. "Could run?"
"Ummm. Might be a problem after all those cakes and pastries we ate."
Kai nodded, looking defeated. Damn that peachy goodness...
"Training is gonna suck..." He muttered one more time before he forced his way inside, taking himself to the dojo to put his book away.
Seconds later, the rest of the gang stomped outside looking as enthused as Kai and Ray. Tyson even more pissed looking. Brown eyes stopped in the doorway, narrowing at Ray hard.
Ray stood, frozen as Hilary seemed to leer at him for... Whatever reason...
"What? I'm coming." He huffed at her, going to walk in though she didn't move out of his way.
Her wrist flew out, gripping his and hauling him in to the kitchen with her. She slammed the door shut and spun, folding her arms and glaring harder. Something she'd learned from Kai-kun...
Biting back the growl at being manhandled, Ray took a step back as he narrowed his eyes back. "The hell is your deal? I said I was coming." He snapped at her, keeping his voice low enough the others wouldn't hear even if they weren't in the house.
Hilary stamped towards him, "Awfully crabby for someone who just had suuuuuch a relaxing little afternoon..."
Ray arched a brow though stood his ground, the hell was she talking about? "Only crabby because you grabbed me, what's your deal Hil, just spit it out!"
She frowned harder. "What's my deal!? The question is what's your deal with Kai!?"
All at once Ray's entire body stiffened, the sweet food he'd eaten turning sour in his stomach as it churned violently. The only thing that he hoped hadn't given anything away was his face.
"I still don't know what you're talking about." He brushed off, sweating on the inside. Did she see them outside or something? Was she actually jealous of little old him?
She puffed her cheeks. "Oh like hell you don't! Tell me there's no secret and yet I come here and see you petting him like a cat in your lap! AND there was a very tender looking hug on the island! Care to explain yourself!?"
"Not really." Ray answered in a dry tone, "What Kai and I do isn't any of your business. You've only been around us for two months, and if you think going the way you have been is going to make him think twice about looking your way, then you should reevaluate how you want to act around us." He said in a low tone, taking a step towards her.
"Nobody enjoys the screaming or the yelling, and although we appreciate you trying to jump in, remember one thing. Kai is our captain and always will be, and he never had to scream at the top of his lungs to get us moving or doing what he asked." He finished, his tone having gone deeper as he stared her down.
Hilary squared up to him. "We're not talking about me. I want to know why he cold shoulders everyone but you." She said before her whole demeanor changed. "PLEASE!?"
Ray rolled his eyes, "Because I actually took the time to get to know him! It's that simple! There's no secret or anything special about it."
She rolled hers back. "Then why isn't Tyson and Max like that with him!?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "Ask him, not me." He said simply, going to push past her before he slipped something he'd regret.
She glared again. Fine. She would. After Training. And so, she waited. And waited, drilling the boys near enough into the ground through her bubbling suspicions and jealousy. She was hug-able dammit!
"Alright, I think we did a pretty stand up job today boys." She clapped her hands just before Max and Ray had the chance to end their match and collapse to the ground.
"We, she says..." Tyson grumbled as he rubbed his aching feet on the side beside Kai, sat with his arms folded and eyes closed while trying to hide he felt like ass.
"I heard that, Tyson!" She snapped before once more flicking to sweet and innocent as she clocked Kai sitting there like he was trying to block the world out.
"Kai, can I talk to you for a minute?" She bat her lashes.
From where he did fall to the ground, Ray's strained neck nearly spun back around to watch the shit fest this was about to be. Kai lifted his head. Oh!? Was she finally gonna give his damn captain hat back!? He gave a curt nod and waited.
She eyed the others, "ALONE?!"
They all scrambled onto their aching feet, Ray hesitating. Did he really leave him behind? Seemed like a cruel thing to do, but if he was fast enough he'd be able to beat the other two for the shower first tonight...
Kai arched a brow. If she was going to give his power back, he wanted an audience. Sadly, he wasn't given one as they left the two of them out there. Ray finally getting to know what hot water felt like for the first time in two months.
Outside, Hilary went over her game plan. There was something going on, she could smell it, and was determined to figure it out.
"So..." She started, getting closer with determination set in her eyes. "You and Ray seem pretty... Close."
Kai's head snapped up and paled. "Excuse me?" He asked in a dull tone.
"You and Ray, you seem close." Hilary repeated, "Why is that?" She asked with such an innocent tone it almost deserved an Oscar.
Kai stuttered. "W-well, we've known each other a long time and have stuff in common I guess?"
"You've known Max and Tyson for a long time too, but I don't see you giving them hugs." She countered in a sly tone.
Kai's face fell even more as his heart stopped, mindlessly rubbing his wrist. That was so much more than a hug.
He forced himself to frown. "What's it to you anyway?"
"Because I can't even get a simple 'hello' from you! I have tried to be friendly with you and you just give me the cold shoulder! Which is not very nice. But you'll lay your head in his lap!" She fired off, one minute in a calm civil tone, and the other filled with raging jealousy.
"Cause I don't know you!" He belted out, angry. Who did she think she was!?
"Well you didn't know them at first either, but you gave them a chance. Why won't you let me have one?" Hilary countered.
Kai saw red. "And if you had any idea about us, you'd know that took months and... Things... Happening! Why are you so desperate for me to like you anyways!?"
"Because I like you!" Hilary yelled back.
Kai tilted his head. "And when did I say I didn't like you!?"
Hilary's mouth opened for a second until it slowly closed, did he not get what she just said? "You haven't, but you also haven't given me a reason to think you do at all." She answered a bit dumbly before she shook her head, "But that's not what I meant when I said like... I-I like you, like you." She stuttered, her face warming up as she looked away from him.
"Am I not pretty enough? Or smart enough?"
The sound of thunder echoed in Kai's head. Something was wrong. Something horrible was happening. His face spelled the confusion. "Huh?"
Hilary stared at him again, how dense was this guy? Did she have to spell it out for him?! All looks and no brains? No brawn either, but they could fix that.
"What do you mean 'huh'?! I. Like. You. Seriously, not even Tyson is this dense." She huffed back, "So what's wrong with me, huh? What do other girls have I don't?" She demanded in her angry tone.
Kai broke in to an instant sweat, wanting to vomit. No. Nononononono. Go away, female.
"But. Why!?"
"You saved my life! And you're cute." She listed off. That was it though, all she really had to say.
Kai blinked at her, almost offended. "You barely know me and you're gonna say you like me!? How shallow are you!?"
"Oh, that's a funny thing to ask seeing as how you can't even grace anyone with a hello when they meet! How shallow are you?!" She countered. "And I've been trying to talk to you, get to know you, but clearly I'm nothing to you! None of us are but Ray! What, are you gay?" She asked almost in a snooty tone.
Kai froze to stone, insides shriveling to specks as his face looked like she'd just given him an almighty slap. Ray knew. But that was it. And that was how he wanted it to stay.
"N-no..." He denied almost pathetically.
Hilary narrowed her eyes as the air changed, she could smell something again. She stepped a little closer where he sat on the porch, as if it would be stamped on his forehead in rainbow lettering and glitter.
"You are!" She about gasped after a long good silence had come over them.
Of course! She could have smacked herself. The face paint, the tight clothes, the crop top she'd seen him in in that picture! It all made sense.
"Oh my gosh! Who else knows!?" She seemed to bounce and squeal in place, then another larger gasp left her as if she'd just thought of the winning answer for the jackpot.
"Oh my godddd, do you like him?! Is that why you were hugging him, are you two together? Wait... Is he gay? He doesn't really give off those vibes..."
Kai scuffled to get to his feet, feeling humiliated. His eyes watered ever so slightly and he could feel it, alongside the red hot heat in his face.
"Leave me alone..." He muttered as he went to run off.
"Wait no! I'm sorry, that was rude of me. It's really okay, I won't tell anyone if they don't know. It's not my place." She quickly cut over, grabbing him to stop him. "But if you like him you should at least say something."
He choked on his spit. "Are you crazy!? No! And you'd better not say a damn thing!" He spat at her defensively.
"Well, why not?" She seemed to pout at him, "And I promise, I won't. Scouts honor. But oh my godddd, you two would be so cute togetherrr!" She squealed even more, bouncing as she held his wrist.
"Knock it off! I never admitted that's how I felt about him!" He bit, trying to shake her off.
...Vice grip.
"Then what was with all that hugging back on the island, and you laying in his lap and letting him pet you?"
"That's personal!" He yelled even more angrily and defensively. "And I hurt my neck sleeping so couldn't get comfy..." He added with a blush.
She didn't seemed fooled, the smell in the air getting stronger. She'd figure this out on her own then.
"Okay. Sorry for prying." She let him go, stepping back.
Kai shifted. "...You didn't mention any of that to the others either, right?"
"No, of course not. Who do you take me for? I'm not some loudmouth." She flicked her wrist, offended.
Kai felt more worried. Oh god. Someone was gonna find out.
"Nooo?" He figured was the best response.
"Exactly! I can keep secrets like nobody's business." She didn't seem to notice the drawl or worry in his tone, bouncing back up in his space and leaning in close. Brown eyes sparkling.
"So do you like him or not? C'mon, dish the goods! He is pretty handsome, has those strong arms and legs." She wiggled her brows.
Kai frowned. What was with her only looking at appearance? "He's also a great person, listener and friend. Really fun. Skilled at a bunch of stuff and doesn't even realize it." He huffed at her.
!JACKPOT!
"Ohhhhh?" She wiggled her brows harder, leaning closer their faces were almost touching.
Kai leaned back, blushing hard again. "What!? Just saying!"
"Mhmmmmmmm." She hummed. Could practically feel the heat coming off his adorably gay painted cheeks.
Kai let out a whimper. Somehow through his masterfully crafted veil of secrecy, she had figured it out. His deepest, darkest secret.
"Know what you should do?" Hilary asked in a sly tone, getting so close Kai's back was pretty much bent almost in half now as she hovered over him on her tip toes.
"Should tell him!" She shouted.
He slammed a hand over her mouth. Ray had the ears of a hawk.
"SHHHHHHH! NO!"
Hilary jumped, talking even with his hands over her mouth. Though it wasn't audible in the slightest.
"Hey, showers all yours." Ray announced as he opened the front door, poking his head out.
He figured he'd come save him from her seeing as how they were still out there, though when he caught sight of Kai bent back and Hilary leaning over him with his hands on her mouth his gut instantly twisted.
Was she trying to kiss him?! How stupid was she?!
Kai met eyes with him and jolted like he'd just been caught red handed, wobbling and losing his balance falling backwards.
"Are you okay?!" Both Ray and Hilary shouted as his ass hit the porch.
Ray coming out to help him up while Hilary stood there. Watching... Ohhhh, things just kept getting smellier and smellier. And she was LIVING for it.
"Don't you have to go home?" Ray snapped at her over his shoulder, hand out to Kai.
"Oh! Yes. Of course. See you tomorrow boys!" She just smiled, the snippy attitude going over her head.
Her eyes darted to Kai's, giving him a look that told him to man up now before she turned on her heel and walked off with a bounce in her step. Kai took his hand, head spinning at everything that happened, was happening and what might happen.
He got to his trembling feet, gripping his hand hard. "I fell..."
"Are you okay?" Ray asked again, hoisting him to his feet. "The hell is her problem?"
"She uh... She uh..." He stuttered with a crack. Did he tell him about that!?
Ray's face went green instantly before it went insanely red. "Did she try to kiss you?!" He near enough screamed.
"NO!" He shrieked. He would never betray his king like that!
Ray simmered down, "Then what happened?"
Kai broke. God he hated stuff like this. "She said she liked me! Like, like-like!" He crumbled in a weird, pleading tone. It wasn't his fault! This time!
Ray blinked a few times, he kind of already figured that out on his own back on the island. And like back on the island he belted out a laugh, his sides cramping. Had to hand it to her though, she had some guts to just go right out and admit it while he still had yet to say a damn thing.
"Okay." His voice strained a little through his laughter, "But why was she in your face?"
"She wanted to know who I liked!"
And like that the laughter cut off, "Oh..." He let his hand go, as if he just remembered he'd been holding it till now. "So, guess she knows then?" He asked in a small voice, "That you're not into girls, at least."
Kai shrank and rubbed his arm. "She guessed..."
"So did I." Ray said with a slight shrug, "If she says anything I'll shave her head."
Kai made a face. "Is it that obvious!?" He asked sadly, "Does everyone know!?"
Ray shook his head at him, "Pretty sure Tyson doesn't know."
"He isn't everyone... He's an idiot!"
"This is true, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Even if they do know or not." Ray offered.
Kai shook his shoulders out. "I don't want people knowing I'm capable of caring for someone!" He pouted.
Ray gave him a look, "That's weird, but... If that's what you want." What else was he supposed to say, or even do?
Then, a sly grin crossed over his lips as his heart slammed in his chest. Nudging Kai in the side as his face burned.
"But, since everyone knows you love me so much, guess you're shit out of luck."
Kai got the just-got-slapped look again. Did they!? Hilary figured it out pretty quick. Did that mean others knew as well? Hell, did Ray know?
No. Nahhh he couldn't. He was too cool about it. But then that was typical Ray. Right?
Oh man, was the female right? Should he just bite the bullet and tell him? He just rejected Hilary and it didn't seem so bad. Maybe if Ray rejected him it would be fine too. Like a switch would just flip and turn it off.
He was a phoenix wielding fire... Guy! He had the balls of a lion! He could do this.
He straightened himself up to rigid straightness and tensed, "Ray." He barked out.
Ray coiled back at the bark, maybe he overstepped. Took one joke a bit too far. His already fast beating heart slammed harder, breaking out into a light sweat.
"Kai?" He parroted back through a dry throat.
Kai's own chest went in to overdrive. "I have something I need to tell you." He announced as he clenched his fists.
"Okay..." Ray squeaked. The hell was going on?!
Kai stared at him intensely. Just say it. But how? And what if the switch didn't turn off? What if it wasn't okay? What if it ruined everything and he never wanted to see him again!?
His mouth opened and closed a few times. "I HAVE TO SHOWER!" He yelled before bolting by him.
Ray blinked a few times at the empty space that had been where Kai was a second ago, only to turn and look back at the house as the door slammed shut.
The hell just happened?
"Yeah, you kind of stink..." He voiced to the air, heart slowing to its normal rhythm as he trudged after him inside to go sit it out and wait for dinner.