Welcome back and a happy Valentines day everybody! As promised part 2? Of last chapter.
Big thank you to Prognise for once again doing the cover photo for us, commissioned by Roy.
Hope ya'll are doin well, all that good stuff, and as always enjoy and see you next time!
Back outside they found themselves a few blocks over from the music store, this time it was a book store they had stepped inside of. The smells of the paperbacks and light coffee filling the air, and most importantly there was no awful screeching of someone trying to play a guitar.
Kai continued to bounce. Holding his hand tight while he kept looking at his other, not caring. "Holy shit! I can't believe it! I thought the only thing I could do was blade! I wonder when I started? I can't picture Voltaire giving me lessons? Wouldn't have been a piano at the abbey... I wonder how far I got!" He gushed as he swung Ray's arm.
"Why do incredible things always happen when I'm with you!?"
Ray blushed furiously, why hadn't he let go of Kai's hand?! But then again this was nice, the contact and Kai's excitement. He'd never get tired of seeing him bounce around like this, and really a part of him felt a little selfish because Kai was really only ever like this with him.
Maybe... Maybe Kai did like him back the way he liked him? It wasn't that he just needed him because of the bad stuff and the demons, but that he really liked him?!
…What if he did?!
A squeak came out of him in response, his throat closing up as his hand holding Kai's got a little tighter. Oh god... He was going to make a fool of himself somehow, had already had an almost slip earlier.
Maybe he was just reading this wrong to start with, again. That had to be it, what was there to like about him anyways when Kai was talented in so many different ways and he didn't know what a jukebox or keyboard was?
"Dunno..." He finally got out of him, reminding himself he needed to at least actually respond other than squeak and squawk at him.
Kai grinned. "I'll have to see if I can get the memory back, write you a piece."
"Hnnn!" Was all the sound he could produce back at him, wishing there was a light post he could run into.
"OOOOOHHH! They probably have piano books!" He shrieked as he dragged him as fast as he could, taking off round the store.
Ray followed, not like he had much of a choice in the matter. He was going to implode before the night was over, it was going to happen and then he'd fuck it all up and be back to square one. He could feel it...
Kai found the music section, trying to pull out books one hand, balancing it as best as he could. He was too buzzed to even really look. This was AWESOME!
His stomach let out an enormous growl out of nowhere, making his face fall. The hell!? Ray about fell over at the noise, a bit thankful for its random distraction but he'd take anything right now.
"Hungry?"
Kai blinked at him. He could have sworn he was full a moment ago. "I... I guess?" He blushed.
"Okay, did you find the book you wanted? We can go and get you something to eat, I'm kind of hungry myself."
Kai beamed. If he couldn't have the keyboard, he wanted something to mark the occasion. "Maybe this one! Looks like it would be good to try and jog the memory!" He held up, excited.
Ray just smiled, whatever made him happy. "That the only one you want?"
Kai glanced back. He wanted them ALL! "...Maybe one more?" He said in a tone that was asking his permission.
Ray scanned the shelves, taking into account the one Kai had already grabbed hold of. He had no clue what he was looking at or what he was even supposed to be looking for and plopped one off the middle shelf. Doing like Kai and flipping through it quickly one handed, just a bunch of weird characters on lines in different heights. All of it kind of looked the same to him, so he really didn't know if it would be right but he held it up to him anyways.
"What about this one?"
Kai narrowed his eyes at it to study it before he got all excited again and bounced. "Oh! Oh! I think I know what all that means!"
"So... This one then?" Ray asked a bit unsure; did he do good or not?
Kai swiped it from him, too jazzed. "Sure why not! I'll play it for you when I get a piano!" He screeched as he dragged him to the checkout
"Okay..." Ray squeaked again, his feet barely following as he was hauled away with him. Was this what getting swept off your feet meant?
With his purchases made and his high staying right up there, he pulled him out to the street.
"Let's go celebrate!"
"What do you want to eat?" Ray asked, feeling windswept after that entire whirlwind.
"Anything! The city is our oyster!" He almost skipped as he swung his bag.
As Ray went to speak, already making their way back down the busy sidewalks, something caught his sense of smell amongst the sweat and other bodies around them.
"Wouldn't happen to like Italian, would you?" He asked with a slight tilt to his head.
Kai stopped in his tracks, throwing his head in his direction starry eyed. "I love Italian!"
"Can smell a place not too far from here, wanna check it out?"
"Yes! Lead the way, Koshka!" He exclaimed, pushing Ray in front of him and holding his ponytail.
Ray rolled his eyes and fought himself from snapping at him for touching his hair, leading the way through the busy crowds as the smell got stronger. Around another block and to the right, with no idea where they were now, they approached the Italian restaurant sitting on the corner of the busy street with the option to dine inside or out under a large tarp overhang.
"Looks decent enough, now let go of my hair..." He had bit his tongue long enough, reaching back and pulling Kai around to stand beside him.
Kai let out a cheeky giggle. "Ooooooh, aren't I allowed to touch it?"
"You didn't ask." Ray jabbed back as he felt like he was just one more step closer to imploding. Already hearing the familiar fizz and popping in his head.
"Outside or inside?" He asked as he guided them up towards the doors and hostess station.
Kai pouted. "You can touch mine without asking..." He whined back, "Whichever you want! Might start getting chilly soon. Inside?"
"You've never complained before." Ray said with an eye roll, "And inside sounds good."
They stepped up into the small line waiting to give off their party number, the smell of the food getting almost overwhelming with the sounds of idle chatter and cutlery scraping against plates.
After moving up they were given a small buzzer that would alert them when a table was ready, finding a small bench off to the side where other patrons were waiting around with their own buzzers in their hands.
Luckily, the wait wasn't long, being only in a party of two, and were lead around towards the back to a small green faux leather booth. The menus placed down in front of them with the same greeting they got from their first food break, waiting for their waiter to come up to their table.
Kai looked around, taking it all in and still wriggling a little in his seat with a dumb smile. "This is nice!"
"Mhmm." Ray said as he looked at the menu, his jaw wanting to hit the floor. Why was it all so expensive?! Maybe they should have just gone back to Tony...
Kai studied the menu. Ooooooo, crab pasta! "You want appetizers!? It all looks so good!"
"It's also expensive as hell." Ray said almost in a whisper.
Kai grinned at him. "It's on my dick grand-pappy. Go nuts."
Ray snorted a little, shaking his head before laying his menu down for the two of them to look at.
"In that case, what about these?" He asked, pointing out fried mozzarella sticks.
Kai drooled. Oooooooo. "Yes. Absolutely."
"Annnnd..." Ray scanned the menu down again, pointing out another deep fried appetizer. "Onion rings?"
Kai nodded furiously. "Whatever you want!"
From across the restaurant, young baby blue eyes locked on the table, taking in long, dark hair and cracking a smirk. This shift was being kind to him. The blonde sisters at lunch, the caramel skinned guy an hour or so ago and now this...
He slithered over, smile ready and looking perfect. "Good evening, gentlemen... I'm Stefano, I'll be your waiter."
Ray glanced up, smiled back and glanced back down at the menu for a second. "I'll just have a water to drink, and we were wanting to start off with the mozzarella sticks and onion rings." He listed off.
Stef clicked his tongue. "Exactly what I was about to recommend... Great taste. And nothing better than a man who knows exactly what he wants..." He smirked as he jot the order down. "You want a little more time to look at the mains?"
"Yeah, I think so." Ray said without looking away from the menu until it clicked what he had said. What a weird thing to say...
"Sure thing. I'll be back in a few." He winked as he went off, Kai holding up a finger and opening his mouth to order a drink but... He was gone.
"Have an idea of what you want?" Ray asked once they were left alone again, thank God for that. The waiter was giving him a weird vibe.
Kai leaned over and pointed out a few. Crab linguine with chilli and parsley, good old fashioned meatball spaghetti or chicken in a cream sauce. Maybe it was the new city making him so damn hungry?
"One of these. Can't decide!"
"Spaghetti sounds good." Ray said as he took in Kai's options.
Kai nodded, obeying him. "Done. What about you?"
"Eh... Not sure... Kind of still full from that burger earlier and with two appetizers I don't really think I can eat anything more..." Ray trailed off as his face went slightly pale before he started to laugh almost nervously.
"Oh shit... I left the leftovers from the diner on the street."
Kai blinked before he burst out laughing. "Oops. Well, sucks to be Tyson!" He laughed before he clicked. Oops. He was also looking like a fat greedy asshole in front of beautiful Ray.
"Do you wanna share one between us then? I don't know how much I can eat either."
Ray blushed a little before he nodded slowly, "If you're fine with that."
"Only person I would share a plate with..." He answered back as he looked again over the menu, "Did you want to pick one?"
"I'm good with the spaghetti." Ray answered quickly.
Kai let out a breath of relief internally. Thank god. "M'kay, well I hope the waiter does his job and comes back. Didn't even get to ask for a drink."
"Are you serious?" Ray's jaw about fell open, "If he fucks up again don't tip him."
As if his ears were burning the cute grin came back with two glasses of water and a basket of mozzarella sticks. "Here we are, gents. The onion rings won't be far behind! Did you decide on a main dish?" He asked Ray.
Ray narrowed his eyes at him a little, why was he focusing on just him alone? Wasn't like Kai wasn't right there with him!
"Spaghetti, right Kai?" He asked, getting a nod back. "Just one plate of spaghetti will do it." He didn't even give the waiter a thank you, the weird vibes getting stronger the longer those blue eyes stared at him. Did he have something on his face, in his hair?
Kai glared too. He knew that look this guy was giving Ray. He almost hissed himself. "Yeh. The meatballs. And a sparkling water please."
The blue eyes glanced and forced a smile. "Sure. No problem." He said more flatly as he wrote it down, going back to Ray. "Bet you chose. Our restaurants best dish. Great taste, I'm telling ya..."
"Kind of agreed on it together..." Ray said, finding his insides squirming in a weird way, and not the kind of squirming they did when it came to Kai though it was almost familiar.
Stef ignored him, throwing him a wink. "Well let me get this in right away." He said smoothly as he left, Kai glaring after him. That asshole reminded him of someone...
Ray's skin pricked, why did he keep doing that? "Think he has a twitch in his eye, should probably get that looked at." Ray said as he watched him leave, cocking his head to the side a little. Least he had a nice ass.
Kai tensed and grew flushed with jealous anger. He knew that look as well!
"Needs to get more than that checked. Can't even work as a waiter properly..." He muttered gruffly.
"Then don't tip him." Ray said in almost a dull tone, picking out one of the mozzarella sticks and breaking it in half, stringing out the cheese in the middle.
"Oooooo." He giggled and popped one of the halves into his mouth, a bit of the stringy and melting cheese sticking to his chin.
Kai's sour face sweetened. Smirking at him. "You child... They good?"
"Mhmmm." Ray nodded as he chewed, taking a quick sip of his water. "Hot though."
Kai's brow lifted playfully, "Patience is a virtue."
"I'm afraid I don't have that." Ray grinned back before he leaned over the table, holding out the other half of his stick for him.
Kai grinned, leaning over and taking it between his teeth, pulling it off him as he sat back. "Phack thas hawt!" He laughed as he tried to bite it.
"I told you." Ray smiled dumbly as his cheeks turned just as hot as the sticks, "Patient is a virtue, Kai." He said in a sly tone.
Kai swallowed, the roof of his mouth only a little burnt. "I'm afraid I don't have that..."
Ray continued to grin like a dumbass at him, this had to be one of their best dates so far and it was only their fourth!
Plucking out another stick he broke it in half again, watching the cheese string out before handing Kai one half and putting the other to his own mouth to bite in at the same time.
"Heeeeeey! Sorry for the wait, guys! Here are your onion rings!" Stef came back just as Kai had his mouth full of cheese.
The waiter gave a chuckle and pat his back. "Eat up there, slim!"
Ray about choked on the stick in his mouth, eyes ready to fall out of his head. Just who the hell did this guy think he was?!
Kai choked as well, shifting out his touch. Great. Now he wasn't hungry... "Ordered a water..."
"You did! On its way!" He smiled as he skipped away.
"You okay?" Ray asked in a small apologetic tone once Stef was gone.
Kai nodded, sipping the flat water. "Mmhmm..."
"You look fine." Ray said, not sure if that was the right thing to say but felt he should say it.
Kai was doing his best; he was gaining weight back on him even if it was a slow process but Ray could see it. Maybe he was the only one who could, but Kai was starting to fill out again.
Kai shrugged and forced a smile. "Yeh, I don't care. You gonna dive in to those?" He asked as he nodded at the onion rings.
"I might have a few, need to save room for the spaghetti and all." Ray said as he eyed them, "Pretty happy with these right now." He said as he popped open another mozzarella stick.
Kai smirked harder and picked up a ring, shoving it in his face. Fuck that guy! He was getting there! Put on a kilo at his last weight check, and his food log was consistent.
"What do you wanna do for dinner tomorrow when we go out?" Ray asked once he devoured another cheese stick, leaving two left in the basket.
"Maybe something that isn't fried?" He suggested. "You had Chinese food in a while?"
"Not that I can think of recently no." Ray answered, finding the question a little odd. "Is that what you want?"
Kai shrugged. "Just trying to think of something you might like is all. Heard there's a Chinatown, but not sure where."
Ray's heart thudded, that was so sweet of him! He could kiss him! "Could just take you bird hunting, there's plenty of pigeons around here after all." Ray joked.
Kai's heart stopped. Was he serious? "Um. If you feel so inclined?"
"Are you serious? I was kidding." Ray said in a dull tone, "Chinese is fine with me if we can find the place."
Kai blushed. Whoops. "Ha… Was just kidding! You probably have better sense of what is good, will have a look later. Hankering some rice."
Ray rolled his eyes as he sat back in his booth, not sure if Kai was actually kidding or not knowing all the jokes he liked to crack about it. He really shouldn't have ever told him that, it was going to haunt him till he died.
"Okay, sounds good."
Blue eyes came back. "Fellas, dinner is served." He announced as he set down the plate, "Just like our Nonna used to make."
"Thanks." Ray said in about as a dismissive tone as he could muster, he missed Tony. Then something clicked, Kai had asked for a sparkling water, whatever the hell that was, and he still hadn't gotten one.
"Excuse me, could we have that water he asked for several times now?" He asked in a more harsh tone that he rarely used on strangers.
Stef hit his head. "Oh gosh, I am so sorry. Must be distracted..." He said in a cheesy, flirty tone while looking Ray up and down. "It's on the house, my pop owns the place," He slipped in, "Will bring it and some garlic bread."
Ray's skin crawled as he saw Stef checking him out, oh god he remembered that look from a year ago from similar blue eyes. Though when he got that look from Enrique it didn't bother him because it was all just fun, a little game, this guy though made him feel like he was a piece of meat on a platter. And oh goodie, another rich asshole. Maybe he was Enrique's cousin twice removed.
"Thanks..."
Kai growled at him. This wasn't even out of jealousy; this was just gross. "Think daddy will be happy when I complain about you harassing my friend rather than bringing us what we're paying for?" He snapped.
Stefano chuckled and waved his hands. "Harassing!? Oh, buddy-"
"Think you'll find in hospitality you're supposed to use sir."
His blue eyes rolled, "Fine. Sir. No harm was meant, allow me to fetch your drinks."
Kai smirked. Got him to call him sir...
Ray waited till Stef was out of ear shot, resisting the urge to fan himself over Kai. Who knew he'd get flustered when he went all angry and pissed off in a restaurant?
"Should have gone back to Tony." He said as he angrily stabbed a meatball with his fork, "Least he had actual class and didn't look at you like you were a piece of meat..." He said as he shoved his fork into the meatball all the way through. "And thank you, I've never really had that happen before."
Kai scoffed. "Oh whatever. People drool over you all the time. But you're welcome." He shrugged yet again as he stabbed up one himself.
"Pfft, like who?"
"Mariah, Enrique, Tony, that guy..."
Him.
"Salima..." He said with a growl.
"I'll give you Mariah, but I told you last year about Enrique. Not my type and I'm not his. And Tony was checking you out too, and I don't really know about Salima... Maybe..." He seemed to ponder it himself.
They hadn't really made that big of a connection for him to really think more of it, she was nice and he liked her as a friend but couldn't see it going any further than that.
"Think she likes Kane more anyways." He said with his own shrug.
Kai lifted a bitchy brow. "Mmhmm." Stupid pretty red haired hussy... He let out a deep huff. All of them were gorgeous...
"Good. Not good enough for you anyway." He blurted out with poison.
Ray rose a brow back, "Who is then?" He found himself asking before he could stop himself.
Kai panicked. He wasn't expecting to say anything, let alone a follow up question. "I dunno!" He shrieked, "Someone who treats you nice, I guess! Like real nice! Like a king!"
Ray agreed, everyone should have that with the person they were with. And he had that with him already, it was just that last and much bigger step they had to take that he wanted now.
Maybe Kai really did like him back in that way? Would it be too weird to ask outright? Then what if the answer was no? Then they'd be stuck in awkward silence until Stef brought them their tab and an even more awkward walk back to the others. Gramps said it was all about timing and once more it just didn't feel like the right time to bring it up.
"Guess you're right, wouldn't want to wind up with some who treats me like dirt."
"Anyone would be a complete asshole to treat you like that. Especially with how you kick." Kai smirked back.
...He'd done his fair share of treating Ray like dirt. Maybe he just wasn't meant to have a special someone in his life. Too much of a messed up dick. He really wished he could have a shot though... For Ray, he'd do anything.
Ray grinned at him, twirling some noodles around the end of his fork. "That impressed by it, huh?"
Kai blushed instantly, stumbling over his words. "Well, I-I mean yes! I don't think I can get my leg up that high!" He squeaked.
"Won't know unless you try one day, right?" Ray asked with a cheeky grin as he lifted up his fork, taking the noodles into his mouth.
Kai flushed harder, mirroring and taking his fork to the pasta. "Guess I'll have to. Don't think I'm that flexible though."
"I can show you, if you want." Ray offered, "It's really not that hard, just hurts the first few times."
Kai wriggled in his seat. That's what he hoped he'd say! "Sure! That'd be great! Like when!?"
Ray blinked at the explosion, the cheeky grin coming back. "Maybe tomorrow when we get back from exploring the city some more."
His eyes sparkled back. Wooooo! He picked stuff like that up pretty quick, maybe he'd be impressed and fall in love with him. They could kick their way through life together...
"Perfect! Better not walk too much. Muscle strain!" He said as he shoved his spaghetti in.
If someone came up to him and slapped him, Ray was sure the stupid grin on his face wouldn't even fall at the moment. This was great, really perfect in almost every possible way. If he could he'd make it that much more perfect, but again it was like he was standing at a crossroads with no real right answer.
As they continued to finish their dinner a thought shot through his head, maybe he could wiggle around the issue without being as obvious as he had to be.
"What time is it?" He asked quickly.
Kai got his phone out. "Almost six."
Ray did the math in his head, trying to think of what time the sun started to go down. The only downfall to traveling around so much, he got it messed up in his head at times just when the sun set.
"We should probably head back soon then, before it gets too dark out." He pitched hopefully.
Kai deflated a little. Oh good. It was over. "Yeh, sure. Guess so."
"Don't look so upset, still got tomorrow." Ray said at the look on Kai's face.
"Yehhhh, I know." Kai sighed back, pushing around one of the few meatballs left.
Ray felt a little bad, maybe this would go to shit before his grand plan. And then it also depended on when that asshole of a waiter returned, he still hadn't brought Kai his damn water out.
"Just don't tip him." Ray reminded a bit angrily at the mere thought of Stefano; that was such a stupid name...
"Ooooh, I wasn't planning on it." Kai smirked back. "Have to give it to em, this is good."
"Eh... Noodles were a bit dry; the sauce could use some more spice." Ray said as his nose scrunched up, "And one of the meatballs I had was like biting into a brick."
Kai blinked at him. Shit. "Yeh! Exactly what I thought!"
Ray cocked a brow, "Just saying, I know I can do better."
Kai lit up again. "When!?" Ooooooooooh! He definitely could!
"When I have a kitchen." Ray chuckled, "See if Gramps will let me in there one night, can make it for you guys."
"Can't wait... Nothing better than stuff you make." He smiled as he twirled up the last on his side of the plate.
"You flatter me, really. I'm not that great." Ray blushed as he grabbed up the last cheese sticks that he had saved for last.
Kai rest his chin on his hand. "Well, I've always loved everything you've ever made me. You definitely have a gift."
"Oh please..." Ray chuckled, the heat on his face getting hotter. "Thank you, and you have so many talents. So, should be a natural at a simple high kick. Right?"
Kai smirked at him. "Don't jinx me like that."
"I won't, you'll be fine." Ray grinned again before it fell a little, looking out into the restaurant for Stef. "You know what, we're gonna be late. Slap some money on the table and let's go."
Kai huffed. That god damn waiter was such a god damn... He turned in his seat, catching him on the other side of restaurant, not doing much.
"Hey! Enrique!" He called out to him huffily.
Ray stared for a second until a laugh tore out of him, "That's not Enrique." He wheezed, about ready to hit the table as tears came to the corners of his eyes.
Kai frowned at him. "I know it isn't?" He said back, tone confused.
Ray tried to breathe, laughing harder. "Yo-You just called him Enrique."
Kai's face turned mortified. Did he!? "No, I didn't!"
"Yes, yes you did!" Ray nodded, wheezing and unable to breathe at all. "Don't worry, he-he reminded me of Enrique too. And T-Tony reminded me of Oliver" His voice strained.
Kai made a face and opened his mouth before he turned to stone.
...Ooooooooooooooooohhhhhh shiiiiit...
Ray bit his lip, though that didn't do anything to stop his shoulders and chest from heaving as the laughter was contained. Like he was a shaken bottle of soda fixing to burst through the cap.
"Slap some money and let's go." He repeated between broken off chuckles, there was no way he wanted to even look at Stef in the face again.
Kai looked horrified at the concept. That wasn't allowed, was it? What if they got chased!? Police involved?!
He looked around, no one was looking. He grabbed his wallet and shoved a little more than enough on the table, grabbing his piano books and Ray's hand and dragging him in a fast walk. What a rush!
The second they got outside, Ray's laughter yet to subside the entire way that he was dragged outside, they paused and he tilted his head.
"I um... I have no idea where we are."
Kai looked around, buzzing from the small crime (maybe?) they had committed. "Wanna just get a cab?! Look it's the yellow ones like the movies!"
"Sounds good." Ray nodded, why didn't he think of that?!
Kai grinned, pulling Ray to the side of the road with him. "Hang on... I want to try something, just cause..."
He put his thumb and forefinger in his mouth and whistled as loud as he could, making eye contact with a tubby driver in a yellow cab, who pulled in.
"HA! Awesome! It worked!"
Ray wiggled a finger in his ear as his eardrums rang, "Mhmm... Thanks for that..."
Kai bounced a little again, "I feel like I'm in a movie!" He gushed as he did so.
He hadn't ever really traveled for fun. Was always for blading. Just training and competing in different places. He figured their little trip to the museum and stuff in Russia was the first.
The yellow cab stopped by them, making him let go of Ray's hand and open the door. "After you!"
"Why thank you." Ray bowed at him as he passed by and slipped into the back seat, smoothing out his shirt and hair again.
Kai slid in after, giving the gruff looking man who seemed to have no will to live the name of the hotel. He got a grunt back and the vehicle began to move. Huh... So that's how that felt.
As they started to drive, silence fell. The vibes from the sour driver killing the mood a little. Kai and Ray made eyes at each other, trying not to laugh a little at the weird vibe. They went to looking out their own windows, taking in the surroundings. The dull, quiet sound of the radio droning from the front. Kai's ears pricked. That wasn't English...
He listened harder, understanding it all. Was a news broadcast. He leaned over to catch the driver's ID on the dash. Chernov
["You Russian?"] He asked as he leaned forward a little.
The driver turned around and looked at him quickly over his shoulder. ["Yes, are you?"]
["Yep!"]
The driver suddenly surged in to life. ["You don't say! Where abouts?! What brings you to New York!?"]
Ray glanced between Kai and the driver, his limbs turning a little into goo at Kai's voice like it always did. He should have paid more attention to that one lesson from him.
His lips curled into a small smile as he watched and listened, not understanding a word between them, but enjoyed how the two of them just kept going off about one thing or another. It was rather cute.
The driver cackled. ["These hot shot New Yorkers think it gets cold here! Nothing but complaining! They would die in Vladivostok! Wimps!"]
["Pfff. I bet it doesn't even get that cold here, does it?"]
["Ahhh around zero Celsius, a little above or below."]
["Ooooh... How deathly cold..."]
Ray cocked his brow at the change of tone the other two were using now, Kai seemed in good spirits again. Possibly cracking a joke or something, by the sounds of it. Ray pouted at the thought, it better not be about him!
On cue, Kai gestured to Ray with his thumb. ["My best friend actually was in Moscow with me last winter! Took the cold like a champ! All he had was his slipper things like he has now... Not that you can see 'em, and a coat. And not one of those fancy coats that could keep you warm on Pluto, either!"]
Ray's brows furrowed; so they were talking about him?! Forget it, his grand plan was put back on hold if Kai was going to be an asshole after their wonderful day out today.
A pout set over his lips, turning his head to look out his window as he crossed his arms. Hoping his fuck off vibes came off as strong as Kai's did.
The driver laughed a little more and tried to get Ray's attention in the mirror. "You survived Russian winter then, ah?" His thick accent asked.
Ray's brow shot back up as the pout fell off his face when he turned to look at their driver. "I'm sorry?" He blinked a little.
"Your friend tell me you can handle harsh Russian winter. Not like these cowardly New Yorkers!" He elaborated.
"Oh... I suppose, didn't quite enjoy it though. Almost got stuck to a wet bench he picked out to sit on." Ray said, half wondering what was going on though didn't really question it as he jabbed a thumb at Kai like he had done to him earlier.
Is this what they were talking about? How well he could handle the cold? What the hell for?! Kai knew he hated the cold; he was part cat for heaven's sake!
Kai flapped and got excited, tongue going nuts as he went off on a thrilled tangent. The driver gasped and got visibly stoked as well.
"You went Master and Margarita park?! This book is part of our soul! You read, you go, you're one of us!"
Ray blinked a few more times; did he just say he was part Russian? Hell, he'd take it. "We haven't finished it yet, looking forward to getting home and doing that though." He said as a small hint to the chattering Russian in the backseat with him.
Kai flashed him a huge smile before he went back to the driver. "And he wants to learn Russian, too!" He told him proudly.
"Really!?"
Ray's cheeks warmed despite the AC in the cab, nodding slowly. "Da, been trying to learn bit by bit. He's a wonderful teacher."
Kai waved it off, dumb smile still on his face. "He flatters me! He still can't go rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr though! We'll get there though!"
"Ahhhhh yes, that is difficult for a lot of people..."
"Hey, I'm trying!" Ray slapped Kai in the side playfully.
Kai snapped his head to him. "That's what I'm saying! It's hard but you're gonna get it!" he protested back,
Ray looked him dead in the eye, "Rrrrrr, there, you happy?"
Kai turned to stone again as his mouth hung open, remaining frozen for a moment before he exploded. He lunged forward and pulled him in to him.
"You did it! When did it happen!? Why didn't you tell me!?"
With the sudden jerk and hold on him Ray's brain misfired; what did he do again? "J-just now..." He answered, that was the right answer right?
The driver took his hands off the wheel for a moment to clap for him. "Congratulations!"
Ray was pulled back, glittering red eyes in his face. "That's incredible!"
Ray stared, his brain gone to mush on him as his right hand searched out Kai's shirt and gripped it. He was too close, way too close. Closer than he had ever really been, and it didn't help they were in a cramped taxi with a cheeky Russian driver watching them.
"Heh... Thanks..." He said a bit uneasily, forcing his fingers to let go of Kai's shirt instead of pulling him into him like he wanted.
He cleared his throat a little, "How close are we?" He asked their driver, time was ticking.
The driver smiled and answered him in Russian. Kai snapping his eyes back to him and waiting to see if he got it. They'd learned numbers a little while back!
Ray ran what the driver had said to him, concentrating hard and it didn't help Kai was staring at him as if they were fixing to lose one of those game shows.
"Fifteen minutes, right?" He asked, a little unsure of himself but was also sure he was right. And if he was that was a relief in of itself, the street lamps were starting to kick on.
The two Russians cheered, Kai fixing to burst with pride. "Worst case, if there's a lot of traffic." The driver added.
Ray let out a breath, practically deflating like a balloon. Thank God, for several reasons. He still had to hunt Judy down and somehow convince Kai to go with him where he wanted to take him.
"Let's hope there's not." He said in another breath.
Luckily for him, there wasn't. Only eight minutes later, the driver pulled up at their hotel. Knocking off 25% of their bill for the enjoyment factor.
"You boys take care! Enjoy New York! Go to Russia again! Keep studying!" he reeled off as he waved. "And finish that book!"
"You too, spasiba!" Ray waved back as he climbed out after Kai, making sure they had their things this time. It would be horrible if they left his music books in the cab.
"That was fun."
"Was the best! The whole day has been a ride, huh!?" He skipped next to him.
"It really has." Ray agreed, wondering if it would be weird if he just grabbed his hand while they were walking or not. It was probably better that he had decided against it, seeing as how they were fixing to reunite with the others.
Now came the really tricky part of his master plan. How the hell did he unlatch Kai from him to get what he needed and still have him meet up with him again?! That wasn't suspicious at all!
"I uh... I have to find Judy real quick, why don't you take those to our room and I'll meet you there?" He said as he motioned to the bag of music books at Kai's side once they entered the building.
"Oh... Okay! Sure! Meet you up there in a bit!" he said in a weird sing song voice as he skipped off.
This was amazing. He felt like a new person almost! They'd had fun, they were in a faraway land, in a big city, sharing a hotel room again! This was like his dream come true! Just what he wanted!
Ray watched him go, his heart doing that painful thing it liked to do. Shaking it away he took off to find Judy, where the hell she was he had no clue but thankfully she liked to wear cheap perfume that was easily detected. He found her a few floors up, just a bit below where their rooms sat, still tinkering away with their blades.
"Judy!" He panted, rushing up to her. "Do you still have Driger's old attack ring?"
The blonde startled, taking a step back. "Oh... Hello Ray. I believe I do, yes. Why?"
"I need it!" Ray bounced, "Please."
She frowned at him. What on earth would he need that for? She was glad her Maxie wasn't as strange as some of his friends. "Sure, give me a moment and I'll find it."
"Okay!" Ray waited, already growing impatient as the woman turned away to look not even for a full on second. His foot tapping the floor, shifting where he stood from one to the other.
Judy snapped her head back to him, blonde hair swishing as she gave a look of disapproval. "Patience is a virtue, young man..." She said in a scolding tone.
Ray felt his chest puff up at her, as he pouted. Who the hell did this woman think she was talking to him like this?! He raised her sunshine boy for a good year and a half, wiped his tears when she abandoned him! And this was the thanks he got?
"Sorry..." He grumbled, not what he wanted to say but if she kept scowling at him then it'd just waste time.
She sniffed as she went back. That was more like it... Her heeled clacked as she pottered around, trying to remember where she put it.
"Ah! Here we are!" She said a bit more cheerfully as she held it up.
Ray's face beamed, "Thank you!" He snatched it from her, gone like a shot out of the room and back to the elevators before she could call back to him. Whatever she had to say, she could say it to the back of his head.
Jabbing his finger in the button for the elevator, shoving the attack ring in his pocket after looking it over and making sure it was indeed his old one and satisfied that it was, he bounced on the balls of his feet as the elevator rode down the shaft and the doors opened.
Jumping in, hitting the button for his floor he waited as the doors closed back up with him inside the metal death trap. Checking his phone quickly while he could, precious little time was ticking away. They were going to cut it close, hopefully Kai didn't think it a good idea to get in a shower since he'd been gone.
Reaching his desired floor, the doors reopening, he dashed down the halls to their room number and knocked on the door excitedly. The door opened, oddly pleasant smile greeting him.
"Hey! That was fast."
Ray wanted to roll his eyes, wasn't fast enough in his opinion. "Yeah, um..." He stalled. Now what? Just grab him and go? They'd been doing that all day already, so why not?
"Mind if I steal you again for a bit?" He asked in a weird squeak.
The keycard was out the slot in the wall in a hot second as he stepped out. "Sure!" What!? This day was going to get even better?!
Ray wanted to squeal; this was perfect! "This way! But hurry!" He called as he was already heading back down the hall to the elevator.
Kai bolted after him, following him in to the elevator and diving in with him. "Where we going? What's the hurry!?"
Ray gave him a fanged smile as he pushed the button for the roof, "It's a surprise."
Kai almost burst with excitement. A surprise?! For him!?
Ray debated whether he should have Kai close his eyes, but he bit the bullet since Kai was in a good mood and just following him wherever.
"Close your eyes." He instructed, "And no peeking."
A little excited noise escaped his throat as he slapped his hands over his eyes. What was this?! It wasn't his birthday!
Ray stood patiently for the first time since getting into the building, waiting for the elevators slow climb to the very top until it came to a slow stop and the doors opened with a ding.
"Okay, just... Follow my voice." He instructed once more as he backed out of the elevator, facing Kai. "Just walk forward."
Kai did as he was told, walking forward, resisting the urge to pull his hands away and look where he was going. Ray continued to guide him with his voice until they were as close to the top of the buildings edge he felt was safe.
The sky already in lighter blues, pinks, and soft oranges as the sun was just starting to make its dissent over the horizon and other tops of the building around them.
He maneuvered himself around behind Kai, standing behind his shoulder as his fanged smile got bigger. "Okay, you can open them now."
Kai brought his hands away, cracking them open before he let out a gasp. "Ooooooooooooooooooooooohh!"
Ray bit his bottom lip, his heart in his ears again as he wasn't sure what was harder to look away from at the moment. Until his eyes settled on the back of Kai's head, able to see just the side of his profile and the way his eyes had lit up.
Oh god, how much he loved him...
He quietly took a few steps back from him, getting out the attack ring from his pocket and dropped to a knee to wait for Kai to turn.
Red eyes scanned the scene. The colors were incredible. This was what he wanted to surprise him with? No one ever treated him as well as Ray did. Maybe why no one made him feel like Ray did. He was one of a kind.
He turned around to say something when his heart stopped and his face dropped.
"I'm really sorry it took so long to do this, but I wanted it to be special like last time. Make it as memorable as the first time, if you still wish to be my king?" Ray asked as he offered the attack ring up to him, his heart hurting with how fast it was beating and thankful for the sun going down when it did as it covered the blush on his face.
Kai's lip wobbled and his eyes welled up in an instant. He stepped up and dropped to his knees as well, throwing his arms round him and shoving his face in Ray's shoulder.
Being caught off guard slightly, a little stunned as well, Ray about dropped the attack ring as he fumbled to get a better grip on it before throwing his arms around Kai.
"I take this as a yes?" He asked with a small chuckle in the back of his throat.
Kai nodded in to his shoulder, trying not to bawl like a bitch. "I alread-" He started and quickly gave up when his voice ugly cried, going for squeezing him tighter instead.
Ray's heart clenched, wishing Kai would finish whatever he was fixing to say. Gently rubbing his back with one hand while his other went into his hair, holding him as close as he could.
Kai pulled himself together a little, everything as well as the smell of his shirt near enough setting him off. "I already feel like a king when I'm with you... Cause you're always there for me and so nice to me and stuff." He hiccupped.
Ray shifted, getting down on both his knees as his hands slipped around to hold Kai's arms as he pulled them away to look at one another. Tears in his own eyes. He'd give him the world if he could.
"You deserve someone who treats you like that, and you do the same for me. Only fair I return the favor, and I wouldn't want anyone else to be beside me like that." He said fondly, his right hand coming up to Kai's cheeks and wiping the tears that fell with his thumb.
Was this the time? Was it right in this moment that he could do it? It felt right, nothing had ever felt more right than this moment before. And this time, there were no distractions, no interruptions. Just them.
Kai heard his breath in his ear drums as his face melted in his hands while his eyes stared, mesmerized. They were outside. On a roof top. And yet the air felt like they were in a bubble.
"Ray..."
At the sound of his name coming from Kai's voice time seemed to freeze, this had to be it otherwise he didn't know what else he'd do. Either way, he'd implode if he didn't do something soon.
Without a word, the hand on Kai's cheek went towards the back of his hair like it had earlier that day when Kai had smacked himself into a lamp post. Once more, there were no distractions. Just him.
Pulling Kai in slowly towards him, following his own powerful and invisible tug while his heart hurt in a way it never had before, Ray's head tilted just slightly to give room so their noses didn't crush and lips were finally met.
A small noise left Kai's throat as their lips touched, sending sensations through his whole body he'd never felt or never knew existed. He leaned in to it a little more, keeping it soft and warm while his hands slid up to Ray's collarbone.
As new as this was, there was a familiarity to it as well. As if he had felt this before, his mind too cloudy to really recall when or where or even why, but the urge to stop and ask questions wasn't there as his mouth moved against Kai's.
Even that felt familiar yet different at the same time, like they already knew how to work in sync despite this being their first time. A spark of something shot down his spine, unsure of how far this was to go or when to even stop it now that it started. He never wanted it to stop.
Kai's timid hands moved up to his hair, just like Ray was doing to him. This felt like an outer body experience. It felt good and right. Like it was natural. Like their first time wasn't the first. Was this what love was? What it felt like? If this was it, he was sold.
Ray's body tensed before he could control it at Kai's fingers in his hair, then he reminded himself that it was fine, that he wanted this more than anything in his life. His body relaxed and almost fell into Kai's as a sigh passed his lips as they moved over Kai's again. The need for air coming in quick, not wanting to but having to he slowly pulled them apart like when they had fallen into each other.
At this point he couldn't even remember who initiated it, nor did he really care because Kai hadn't pushed him away. But now what? As much as he loved and wanted that to happen, the dread started to settle in his veins hard.
"Kai..." He breathed, a bit winded and trying to get himself back on Earth with everyone else.
"Yes?" He breathed back, just as winded and light headed.
Ray breathed heavier, unsure what to do but stare at him. Would it be bad if he did that again, told him he loved him?
"I..." He stuttered out, his eyes on Kai's as if they'd give him the strength or answers he was looking for within their beautiful color.
"I love you!" He all but spat out at him, that weight he had been carrying on his shoulders since Russia lifting all at once with the confession.
Kai could have cracked like a mirror there and then as he stared back. More tears escaping... So this was how it felt to hear that?
"I love you too."
Tears rolled down Ray's cheeks, his mouth twitching into a small smile before it fell and twitched back up.
"Do... Do you really?" He asked as he cried harder.
"Pretty sure." Kai nodded back. If it wasn't that, he didn't know what the hell it was.
Ray laughed on a sob that got caught in the back of his throat, why in a moment like this Kai had to be so Kai he didn't know but it was comforting in a way.
"What do we do then?" He asked once he settled down enough, wiping at his face with the back of his hands.
Kai's eyes darted around his face. "I... I was kind of assuming you knew that."
"Why would you think I'd know? This is my first time, I don't know."
Kai shrugged. "Well I just mean out of the two of us..."
Ray arched a confused brow until it kind of clicked, all the jealousy, all the little jabs and Kai's grand plan of trying to put Mariah and Enrique together back in Russia.
His heart fluttered a little before it came to a painful stop. That was a problem, Kai's jealousy. It had already come between them and the rest of the team, maybe he had read Grandpa's message wrong. That it wasn't a perfect moment he was waiting for but for a perfect time frame for when things wouldn't just crumble and turn to dust between their fingers. Did this mean he already had to let go just as soon as he had finally grabbed hold?
"I'm not sure... Not yet... I think we'd need to discuss it with the others... We have our team to think about too, if things were to go wrong somewhere we'd need to be able to still be around each other."
Kai jolted in panic. "What?! Why do they get to decide!?" Is that how it worked? You had to plead your case in front of people when it was none of their damn business? Didn't sound right...
Ray shook his head, "That's not what I'm saying, but with what's happened recently. The blow ups, the pushing and pulling and hurting them. I don't want that to accidentally happen again, and if Gramps finds out he'll be pissed that I didn't listen."
Kai's panic didn't falter, and for good reason. They'd all be against it... For all the reasons he just listed.
"So what!? They say no a-and then what!? We just have to forget about it!?"
"No, because I can't. I've already tried and it didn't work, that's why I was pulling back too. I wasn't sure if it would break what we had, if it'd break the team... Max already knows anyways, I don't think he'd have a problem with it so as much as Grandpa would right now." Ray continued to shake his head, pulling his bangs back from his face with a tired sigh.
This was the perfect way to end a perfect day, just ruin it completely.
"I want something with you, have been wanting something like this since I was laid up in that hospital and you were taking care of me. But I want to make sure it's the right time. That we can handle this."
Kai gripped hold of him. "Of course we can! If we both feel the same way, that's all that matters isn't it!?"
"I want to believe it does, I really do... But I'm not sure."
His worried face turned angry. "Then why the hell would you say anything!? You worry so much about what it might do to the team but don't care if you rip me apart!?"
"Stop." Ray said, grabbing his face so he'd look at him. "That's not it, and this is exactly what I'm trying to avoid doing to you. I don't want any of us to get hurt, understand that includes you too. You most of all, I've already fucked up before and I'm trying to keep from doing that again." He pleaded, his eyes getting wet again.
This was what he got when he acted on impulse when he didn't want to listen. Maybe there was some truth to patience was a virtue. It was too late now though, not that he'd take it back for anything. He just wanted to keep it from falling apart like this.
"I love you and I don't want to hurt you again; I'm trying to keep that from happening. So please stop." He begged, repeating himself in hopes what he said wouldn't just go over Kai's head.
Kai's face softened in his hands. "I don't want anything bad to happen either... But what are we gonna do now? What am I supposed to do if you decide you don't want me? I can't take that either!"
"Why would I do that?" Ray asked in a small chuckle as he gently rubbed Kai's cheeks with his thumbs. "You're all I've ever wanted."
Kai's eye twitched a little. "Then what are you saying? I don't get it!" He whined. So he wanted him but needed to talk to the others but was gonna do it anyway? Made no sense...
Ray's heart clenched, at this point he wasn't even sure himself. If they kept going like this they were just going to run in circles. He honestly didn't think the others would have a problem with it, Max surely wouldn't with how he had shoved them together today without a care in the world. It was Grandpa he feared that he'd be disappointed in him and be angry.
How hard would it be to hide it from him in his own house? That was the only issue he could see right now; they would just have to be careful. Maybe...
"We don't have to say anything, but if we're not going to then we need to be careful. Especially around Grandpa."
Kai instantly brightened. "We can do that!"
Ray wanted to believe him, hell he wanted to believe he'd be able to hold back but look at how well that already went.
"If you're sure." He settled on saying, passing the ball into Kai's court.
He'd just follow in step with him, do what he was happy with. He couldn't bear to hurt him again and having been so close to doing so just now, he was a little leery about this as a whole now.
Kai took up his hands. "Of course I'm sure! Whatever it takes! I promise, Ray! I'll do anything to make this work! Make you happy! I've never felt anything for anyone like I do for you! I'd never do anything to break it! I'd protect it with my life, like any good knight would!"
Ray smiled, he felt the same and that was a relief to hear that coming from Kai. Shifting on his aching knees and taking his hands from Kai's hold he threw his arms over his shoulders and fell into him again. Pressing their mouths back together a bit more urgently than tenderly, his fingers curling into the dark strands at the back of Kai's head. That powerful jolt surging down his back at such a simple touch of their lips together, he didn't think he'd ever get tired of it anytime soon.
They ended up on the floor of the roof, lips locked on each other like it was their life source until the pinks and purples in the sky turned a deep blue, the city lights cancelling out a carpet but leaving some in view.
When it finally settled in they had been out there far longer than they should have been, regrettably Ray pulled himself off Kai's body with his lips slightly swollen. Hovering over the top of him with a sloppy grin on his face.
"Think it's time we go back before they come looking."
Kai stared back, his amber eyes glowing in the dark almost with the stars hanging over him. "I love you..." He ignored, equally sloppy grin back.
Ray chuckled a little, leaning down and pecking him on the lips. "I love you too." He breathed softly against his lips; he really was never going to get enough of them.
"But we should go, c'mon." He pulled back before Kai could grab him and keep them there, holding his hand out for Kai to take once he was stood up.
Kai pouted, limbs like jelly, but somehow mustering up the strength to stand. "Guess it is getting a little chilly." He said almost convincingly to cover his disappointment that it was over.
"Just a bit, and here this is yours. Your majesty." Ray grinned as he picked up the almost forgotten attack ring from the rooftop floor, handing it to Kai with a small bow.
Kai took it with both hands and stared at his treasure. He wouldn't let anything happen to this one. Holding hands back to the elevator and on the ride down to their floor, having to let go once the doors slid open, they were greeted by the others rushing up to them.
"There you guys are, we've been looking everywhere for you!" Tyson groaned in a huff, "They want us in a conference room, c'mon." He waved them on to follow.
Max pivoted on his heels, Alan for once not at his side since they'd been reunited, doing a small look back at the two of them with a small smile on his face as he looked away.
Something seemed a bit different about them, they both looked like they were glowing right now. Hopefully, they had a good day today with each other.
Having no choice but to follow Tyson and Max to the conference room, Ray just shrugged his shoulders and carried on after them. Really, all he wanted to do was get to his and Kai's room and continue from where they left off on the rooftop. For now it had to wait, though that didn't stop the glow on his face from dying away or the butterflies in his belly to slow down any.
Getting to the conference room where Hilary, Kenny, and Judy were waiting on them all they joined them at the table near the back of the room. A small beydish sitting off to the side near the windows, with several couches pushed in the center of the room facing each other.
Standing side by side at the back end of the table, Judy place a small metal looking briefcase onto the table before the two of them. Opening it up to reveal their new and improved Dranzer and Driger blades.
"Here you are boys. We finished the repairs on Driger and Dranzer, they're better than new." Judy said with a proud tone to her words, Max standing at the end of the table with her.
Almost in unison, both Kai and Ray reached out and picked up their new blades. Staring at them quietly until Tyson did a double take into the metal brief case and back up at Judy.
"Where's Dragoon?"
"I'm afraid to say Dragoon and Draciel sustained a fair bit of damage." Judy informed.
"What?! How am I going to compete in tomorrow's tournament?" Tyson asked, his voice getting mixed in with a familiar chuckle coming from behind him in the doorway.
"I knew you'd react that way, Tyson." Max's father chuckled as he stepped into the conference room with them, Max rushing up to him from his mother's side.
Ray and Kai ended up glancing at one another at the mention of a tournament, both about ready to smack themselves in the forehead collectively. They had completely forgotten about it, especially after the day they had and all the plans they made for tomorrow seemed to get flushed down the drain right and there.
The moment they had locked eyes though the rest of what was going on in the room became nothing but white noise, the events of what transpired on the roof top not even minutes ago playing back in their heads that it felt like they were the only two standing in the conference room now.
A cheeky grin came over Ray's lips, clutching his new blade in his hand as he turned away from Kai's stare and walked up to the beydish near the window. Not once hearing a thing that had gone on between Tyson and Max's parents.
"I've gotta take Driger out for a little test spin, c'mon Kai, let's battle." He challenged as he stood over the rim of the dish.
Kai glanced at him with a look Ray had never really seen before, it sending a small spark down his spine.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Kai's lips as a filthy chuckle left his throat. "Are you sure? I don't want to send you back to the repair shop."
"I think I can take care of myself." Ray said with his own flirty tone, catching onto Kai's own.
Max gushed on the inside, wanting to smash their faces together to get it over with.
"Oh, can I be ref!?" Hilary called out excitedly, rushing her way over to the dish where Kai had come to stand on the opposite side of Ray and came to a sliding stop between the two.
"Are you guys ready?! Let's go!"
At the command, the two got into their launching positions, Hilary doing the countdown before they launched their blades into the dish at one another. Coming in contact the second the blades hit, the metal grinding against the other as before they were knocked back only to come together again in a second. Neither giving way to the other.
"Now this is what I call impressive, wow." Kenny went to drawl on, his voice becoming white noise in the two's ears again.
From nowhere Tyson came, shoving Hilary out of the way wanting to join in, not even getting his spare blade into his launcher when one of Judy's colleagues came running into the room.
"Mrs. Tate, we have an emergency!"
After the whirlwind of Tyson chasing after wanted criminals on a bike, to Max's childhood friend having helped said wanted criminals in stealing his mother's rock. Most, if not all of the good things that had happened during their time out seemed to drain out of them as they all returned back to the hotel. It had been a long day, was going to be an even longer one come tomorrow with the tournament that they had to go to now. They wouldn't be able to wiggle their way out of going, they needed to be there for Max.
Coming out of the bathroom, fresh from a shower to wash the day away and hopefully the sour mood that had clung to them, Ray rubbed a towel through his hair as he made his way to his bed dressed and ready to sleep.
"All yours." He said a bit mindlessly, too preoccupied with getting his hair dry to even notice Kai on the other bed watching him intently.
Kai shifted his way off the bed, giving a slight nod as he passed him in to the bathroom. Well, this sucked... He knew something was off about Alex. Andy? Whatever his name was.
Ray watched him go as he sat down on his bed, facing the bathroom door as it closed behind him.
They hadn't really talked more since the events on the roof unfolded, hadn't had the chance to at all but Ray felt like they needed to at least figure this out.
Were they together now? Was it just a spur of the moment feeling for Kai, and if not and they were something were they supposed to sleep apart like this or sleep with each other in the same bed?
For once, since last year, Ray didn't feel like sleeping in the same bed right at the start would be the best of ideas at all. This was like walking on glass barefoot, unsure where to step and what to do about any of it.
Getting lost in his head for however long Kai had been in the bathroom for, he hadn't even seen or heard him coming back into the room ready for bed. Kai sat himself on his own bed cross-legged, visibly uncomfortable. Somehow, Adam fucking everything up made jumping in with Ray feel inappropriate.
Feeling something close to an icy chill down his back as he felt eyes on him, Ray about jumped out of his own skin and almost ripping the hair he was braiding out of his head.
"When did you get back?!" He asked in a slight panic, his head snapping to Kai while trying to slow the thudding of his heart in his chest.
Kai jumped at his reaction. "Like... A minute and 45 seconds ago?"
"I didn't even realize..." Ray sighed, "Must have spaced out, sorry."
Kai waved it off. "No problem... You okay?"
"I don't know. Feel bad for Max, don't know what to do for him right now and I'm not sure about this." He said as he gestured between the two of them.
Kai's heart stopped and his face paled. "What do you mean!?"
Ray shrugged his shoulders a little, "Like... Are we supposed to sleep apart or together now?"
Kai could breathe again. Oh good, that kinda stuff. Not about them all together. "Well... I mean, not like we've never shared a bed before. But whatever you're comfortable with?" He offered.
"That's true, a bit different now though." He admitted.
Getting Kai's offer he wasn't sure what he wanted now, his earlier reservations about not sharing a bed leaving him as now all he wanted was to be beside him. Maybe it'd help ease the pain of seeing Max so broken hearted since they got back, he wasn't sure but he wanted Kai close. When they got home they may not be able to have that, this was his chance to soak it up while he could.
"Bed gets too cold without you." He waved him to come over.
In a blur, Ray's blanket lifted. As if he teleported, Kai was suddenly in next to him. Ray smiled a little as he got under the covers with him, getting close to his side as he curled up beside him.
"Guess you were right though; Alan was bad news."
"I guess we bit beast thieves can smell each other, heh heh..." He laughed awkwardly as he melted in to the bed.
Ray snorted, "Is that so?" He laughed, "And stop it, it wasn't your fault." He scorned lightly, inching just a tad closer to Kai's shoulder.
Kai rolled on to his side to face him. "Maybe it wasn't Alan's either. Who knows what the story is there. If he's a good friend of Max's, he can't be all bad."
"Maybe... Guess we'll find out tomorrow." Ray shrugged, "Just sucks either way."
"I know... But Max will be okay, he's got us."
Ray smiled at him, once more Kai was right. Max had them all, wouldn't take away the sting of what Alan did but he wasn't alone in this.
"Can you for once in your life, try not to be right all the time?" He fake pouted.
"Aw, you're not used to it yet?" He smirked as he edged closer to him.
"I think I'm too used to it." Ray grinned, staying still as Kai got closer and his breathing got slightly heavier. This was different, in all the best possible ways.
"Good. You'll be able to handle it then." He whispered as he leaned in and snatched a kiss.
Ray continued to grin into the kiss, moving himself closer till they were pressed against one another on their sides.
"I've always been able to handle you." He whispered back once they parted, not even sure how long they had been lip locked again.
"Long may you reign..." Kai replied, going in for more like he couldn't help himself.
"K-Kai." Ray giggled as his lips were attacked again, searching out his chest under the covers and pushed him off a bit. "We have to go to bed at some point."
"Uh huh. Later." Kai breathed out as he tried to go back. Kissing was fucking awesome! Who knew!?
Ray held him back, feeling him pushing to get close again. "I will send you back to your own bed." He gave an empty threat but wasn't sure what else to say to him.
Kai's face fell. He didn't want to? Oh... Okay...
"Oh..." Was all he could respond with.
Ray let out a huff as he rolled his eyes, was like dealing with a spoiled child at times. Without warning he pulled Kai by his night shirt into him, crashing their lips together where his fangs nicked Kai's bottom lip.
Letting out a noise of surprise, pain and pleasure simultaneously, Kai's groin fizzed awake, shifting his hips back before Ray caught it. Wow...
Ray felt him shifting, then the taste and smell of blood settled into his senses. Snapping the two of their faces away with a horrified look on his own, the bit of blood from Kai's bottom lip smeared as the taste of it lingered on his own mouth.
"Oh my god, are you okay? I-I didn't mean to, I'm so sorry!" He flapped.
"I'm fine, really!" He assured, trying to lull the beast back to its slumber while wiping his tender and lightly bleeding lip. Was it weird that had turned him on!?
"Are you sure, do you need ice?!" Ray continued to panic; they were going to have to be careful with his stupid daggers in his gum-line. He hadn't even thought about them hurting him.
Kai shook his head. Not for his lip, anyway... "It really isn't that bad! Little scrape."
"O-okay... I'm sorry." Ray repeated, feeling like he should even if it were just a little scrape. Maybe this was their cue to roll over and go to sleep now, before he made it worse and hurt him again.
Kai shrugged. "Was kinda nice!" He blurted out.
Ray blinked a little. He thought being bitten was nice? Personally, he never liked it when he got himself in the mouth, but whatever floated his captains boat he supposed.
"Know what else is nice?" He asked in a slight flirty tone, going to take the opportunity to stop this while he had the chance before they stayed up all night.
Kai's face went in a dumb trance. He was a lucky boy... "What's that?" He asked back just as flirty.
Ray smiled, got him, and pushed himself away from Kai and rolled over to where he put his back to him. "Sleep. Now good night."
Kai's face hung in bitter disappointment. But at least it slayed the beast. "Bites my face then goes to sleep..." He muttered huffily without realizing, outraged as he rolled himself over.
Ray nudged him with his foot under the covers, hearing that mutter. "Love you."
"Hn. Loveyoutoo." He grumbled back quickly.