Hi Folks, I'm back! I know it took me long for the next update, but it's finished! Have fun!

Warnings: none here

~ CHAPTER 16 ~

Living together in a small flat wasn't so easy as the boys had first thought. It wasn't like in the dojo where they could retire to their own room if they needed private space. Despite their long time friendship and had faced a lot of things together there were still things they weren't used to share. There came small problems they had to solve.

Like the kitchen. As Tyson started to feel more comfortable in Kai's place he began claiming the place of food as his own territory. He really was acting like a mother hen. Despite Kai didn't like the fact that he was kicked out of the kitchen most of the time whenever Tyson was busy around – it was his own flat after all – but he could agree that this situation would do good for Tyson's maturing. So he let the young teen rampage around whatever he wanted with one condition, if Tyson kept the place tidy and clean and not like a messed up stable.

Another problem that came into Kai's view was more bothersome than the kitchen question. Tyson's snoring. Oh yeah, he'd almost forgotten how loud the bluenette could be when they were travelling around the world during the tournaments. Strangely, Tyson's nightmares returned next night and after then, too, which made the teen end up sleeping with Kai, and whenever he did, his nightmares disappeared by the mere presence of the dual haired's protective arms around him. Secretly, neither of them minded because the circumstances gave unspoken access for them to shamelessly cuddle close to each other.

However, there was a tiny distraction about this whole adorable situation.

When Tyson was sleeping deep and peaceful he was a very loud snoring person. Oh for Heaven's sake. As much Kai loved this blue haired angel this was rubbing off on his own patience. He was contemplating that whether he should buy a pair of earmuffs or he was going to suffocate the boy with his pillow.

If all of this hadn't been enough, there was another thing that made Kai grumpy - in Tyson's words, a big burger of grouch. Kai never took well being told by someone what to do and even though he'd promised Tyson he would rest and not leave his flat, while the boy was at school, that didn't mean he wouldn't sneak out to train a bit. He was Kai Hiwatari, after all. However, his little sneaky plan fell into fiasco because it seemed Tyson had figured him out by now. He took both Dranzer and Dragoon's blade as he grabbed his schoolbag and walked to the door.

He turned back to Kai who was sitting on the coach in the living room with his legs casually stretched out while he was going through his book of studying.

"I'm going to give our blades to Kenny so he can fix them up."

A low grumble was the answer.

"I promised Gramps I'd check in after school but I'll be back till 5pm." Tyson went on cheerfully but Kai didn't even spare a glance at him.

He gave another grumble.

Tyson sighed and shook his head. "Please try to stay put and don't do anything crazy."

"Yes daddy." came the smug reply.

Oh, so he was on it again. Then he was going to get it back. There was no way Tyson would walk away without giving a snappy retort. "If you'll be a good little boy, daddy will bring you something sweet." with that Tyson was out the door quickly with a snicker. He wouldn't give the chance for Kai to swing his encyclopedia to his head.

In school Tyson handed their blades to Kenny who looked gobsmacked. "What in the world did you guys do?!"

Tyson scratched his head sheepishly. "You see… Kai and I got a little bit over-excited on our training."

There was no way he would tell Kenny that they'd battled in that old warehouse and when Kai collapsed and Tyson hurried to his side they both gave off control of their blades which ended up that they crashed onto each other on a wrong angle before they'd stopped spinning.

"A LITTLE?! I haven't seen Dragoon and Dranzer in such a bad shape since Bega's. What did you guys hit them on, a mountain?"

"Um… ops?"

"Ops? Is that all you can say?" Kenny raised a critical eyebrow at him.

"Can you fix them for us Chief?... Please?" Tyson put on his most innocent look.

The spectacled teen sighed. "Of course. But it's gonna take me for a while, maybe two weeks."

"Oh that's alright, Kai is in no condi – I mean, he has to concentrate on his own studying, too, so I guess we can wait a bit." Tyson gave himself a mental alert. Watch it Tyson, you almost blurted out the truth and the last thing you want is to deal with a pissed Kai who would make you run laps across the city.

Kenny gave him a searching look, as if he was suspecting something, but then he let it go. "You should study for our last exam, too. There is only one week now."

"Oh no, don't even mention it!" Tyson banged his forehead on his desk.

Next day Tyson was staying with Kai because he had a day off from school. There was a broken pipe and the whole corridor was flooded with water. Not that he had the luck to laze around as he wished. No, the teachers all were slave-drivers and filled them with homework till the weekend, plus there was that blasted exam they had to learn for. Kai was occupied with his own studying, too. He was laying on the coach reading, so Tyson's mood was kinda gloomy. He chewed on his pen then twirled it among his fingers. He scratched his head restlessly as he stared at his math homework.

He tried to focus. He really did, but his mind kept wandering off elsewhere which frustrated him, and the more he thought back of the happenings his cheeks got redder…

It happened yesterday evening after he'd come home – well, second home if he wanted to be honest. He'd checked in by Gramps after school so the old geezer could be eased that Tyson was still alive and didn't burn down anything at Kai's place, or ditched school… or did something stupid – not that Gramps was any better than him. In Tyson's opinion Gramps was the most dangerous driver on the road that he had no idea how could have anyone given Gramps a licence.

Whatever.

What surprised Gramps and made him very proud that for the first time Tyson was taking his kendo training and meditation seriously. Of course Gramps did not know that Tyson was only doing it because he seriously needed something he could worn off the extra energy which his raging hormones were causing. During training he could put his mind into peace and think less about Kai and his feelings for him.

Later when he'd got back to Kai's flat he found his stoic friend where he'd left him. He was still lounging on the coach, the sketchbook and his encyclopedia lay beside him while he was watching some action film on the tv, for the change.

"Hey Kai, how was your day?" Tyson asked sunnily.

Maybe it wasn't the right question because Kai only growled, again.

"Gramps made us dumplings for dinner, isn't that great?" he dropped his schoolbag and strolled to the kitchen, happily carrying the box of fresh made dumplings.

"Hn."

Tyson ignored Kai's gruff mood because he knew the dual haired was only sulking because of his staying-put-situation. Whenever Gramps made dumplings there was nothing that could turn down his happy mood. Also, he knew Kai liked them very much, too, no matter how hard he tried to deny it. Whenever Kai ate with them Tyson noticed how his stiff features turned soft by the taste of gusto.

After their delicious dinner they nestled down on the coach comfortably while Tyson re-changed the bandages on Kai's back. Thank goodness those bloody gashes were healing good and probably there wouldn't leave any scares, thanks for Gramps wonder-healing-lube and of course Tyson's nursing. Unfortunately, those horrible memories and the pain would never disappear from Kai's mind. The poor guy. Tyson could never understand how could someone be so cruel as Voltaire Hiwatari to send his own grandson to such a terrible place where they tortured children, and abused them both physical and mentally. Just how much had Kai, Tala and the others to endure before they could escape from Boris's influence?

It was awful. No wonder that Kai and the other Blitzkrieg Boyz kept everyone in one-arm length distance and acted cold. It was a habit they'd developed to protect themselves, but luckily they met on that sunset day and so much had changed in their lives… for Tyson too.

Tanned, gentle fingers caressed over taunted, pearl white skin. Tyson examined each scars among the fresh wounds with hazy eyes. He wanted to kiss away those scars, kiss away all those painful memories that had caused them. He wanted to hug the boy close to himself, and hold him in his arms, promising that no harm would come over him... not ever. Gods, he'd really become very protective, even though Kai was always the strong and hero type who saved their butts in trouble.

He felt how Kai's shoulder blades tensed then eased under his touches. His fingers were clenching the blanket tight. God, it must hurt badly, even if Kai didn't give any sound of pain, Tyson thought. He tried to be as careful as he could.

Actually, it was on the contrary. It was more the gently moving fingers than the pain Kai was feeling and put his self-control into test. The bluenette's careful hand felt so good on his skin, despite the sore, that he had to dug his fingers deep into the blanket. He swore Tyson was getting more and more experienced on his nursing and if he continued this way then it wouldn't take much for Kai to spun around, grab his wrists, and pin the cheeky teen on the pillows to show him a different way of nursing.

Tyson was fixing the end of bandage.

"They are healing pretty fine. Let's hope you won't need to be nursed if you end up battling with some tough guy again."

"Hn. The ones who are going to need nursing my opponents."

Tyson snorted. "Lofty as ever, and you guys call me cocky."

"Because you are." Kai smirked. Then he said determinedly. "I'll get into the finals, no matter what."

"I know." Tyson smiled. "I can't wait to have another battle like we had last time... it was amazing. Except, that we practically destroyed the stadium." he chuckled.

"Hm." Kai's mind wandered over their last battle they had in public. It was on the theatre. How amazing it would have been if they didn't have to hold back. If they could get back to that place again, where the sea washed around their feet and planets floated above them in the starry sky... just the two of them. Where their very souls pressed against each other and exploded in such life-power inside of them that they'd never felt before.

At that moment nothing seemed impossible. It was like they could do anything... anything they wished... anything what Kai wished... what did he wish? Crimson eyes shifted carefully around and gazed mystical at the long haired teen behind him. Kai recalled the scene when they stood at the bridge, close to each other, almost confessed his feelings before Boris blasted creeps had turned up.

This very new challenge was so much exciting... should he risk it now?

Kai reached over and took Tyson's hand. The bluenette instantly stopped what he was doing and looked at him. Their gaze held deep and intense. Tyson felt his heart do a back-flip and increased its speed rapidly. It was like those crimson orbs bored into his soul.

Slowly, their fingers started moving in a slow dance against each other. They entwined, stroked and held gently. It was thrilling. Why did this feel different now, Tyson wondered. Recently there'd been many times they held hands... okay, so it was more like a handshake or a friendly gesture but somehow this felt like they were... more?

Tyson looked at their joined hands, than back at Kai.

What were they truly?

His mind was suddenly full with bunch of hazy questions.

Then, out of his usual self, Kai spoke. "Do you remember the day we were at the bridge?"

"Yeah."

"Back then, I said I had a personal reason to take part on that cosplay."

"I-I remember." Tyson felt his throat go dry. He was sure his heart was going to jump out from his chest at this rate. His rational mind slipped away, he wasn't even sure he was still breathing. Kai's face was so close to his that he could clearly see every single eye-lashes. His mint scent made Tyson's hormones go wild.

Kai pressed his forehead against Tyson's and they closed their eyes. Their noses softly nudged each other.

"You're my ultimate challenge Kinomiya." Kai said huskily.

Gently, Kai placed a finger under the boy's chin and lifted it up. They opened their eyes half.

"Kai. I..." Tyson couldn't hold back anymore. Not here, not when they were alone and nothing and no one could interrupt them. Kai's face was only an inch from his and he knew the dual haired was waiting for him to take the last step. He desperately wanted to kiss those lips again, but this time for real.

Tyson leant forward wantonly –

Ring-ding-dong-bing...

Suddenly Tyson's phone played the most hilarious ringing song the world had ever heard. They boys wrenched apart startled. They stared wide eyes at each other, their breath caught in their throat. Where the heck was that idiotic song coming from, Kai wondered.

The next second Tyson sprang to his feet. "I-I'll get it!" he dashed to the kitchen and picked up his phone from the table hastily, almost dropping it in the process. Probably he was escaping from the embarrassing situation.

Tyson didn't need a mirror to know that his face was red like a crayfish, and his heart was hammering as if he'd run a marathon. "Hello?... Oh, hey Maxie! What's up? How's doing in America, did you get your new Draciel blade for test?... Oh, really? That's cool! You gotta show me it when you come back... N-no, I'm not busy..." he babbled agitated, twirling his finger around his long hair.

Behind him Kai was sitting on the coach, looked both annoyed and frustrated. When he heard who was on the other end of phone he couldn't help but mentally curse the blonde teen for his awfully bad timing. For God's sake this was becoming worse than a soap opera. Kai's eyes were shooting daggers and flames as he made a mental note to ban Max from eating his favourite mayonnaise and he was going to be a slave-driver with him on their next training...

The pen slipped out from Tyson's fingers. He just couldn't force his mind to focus on his homework. He was thinking about their almost-shared-kiss over and over again. He wanted it badly and there was the perfect opportunity. Still, he acted like a scared chicken running away.

Even after the phone call Tyson pretended like nothing had happened and started babbling about the very new defense ring Max got from his mom and that he would come back for his graduation. Kai didn't say a word or tried to hint about their little intimate moment but the look he gave was very grim. They continued where they'd left off and watched a film before they took their turn in the bathroom, but the air felt chilly around them. When they went to bed Tyson automatically nestled down on his spread out futon to avoid any more awkward situation between them.

He ran a hand through his long locks of hair. How could he be such an idiot? Then again, he wasn't sure if he gave into his feelings now it would turn out good for them. Stepping over the borderline between friendship and love was a huge step. After that, there was no way back. Would it change anything between them when they faced each other again on a real match? Could he put aside his feelings and think of Kai as his biggest rival when the time came?

That match meant so much for both of them, to experience that amazing feeling to be swept away into another dimension of power… but what if that bond broke with the change of their relationship? They might never get back to that place again. If that happened Kai wouldn't forgive him.

Dammit, it was such a complicated mess.

His thoughts got interrupted when Kai walked in the kitchen. It didn't miss Tyson's attention that the dual haired was moving more carefully, his legs buckled slightly, as if he was in another pain. Was Kai limping? Did he try to train while Tyson was off at school yesterday? No, he couldn't. Tyson took their blades to Kenny for service, except their bitchips, those he left at Kai. Critical times like these, it was safer to keep their bitbeasts by themselves.

Tyson frowned. Then what happened? He was sure if he asked Kai about it the dual haired would growl him down.

Kai made himself a cup of coffee to fresh up his over-worked brain. Having that tickling feeling that he was being watched he turned around and met mahogany eyes.

Tyson's cheeks flushed immediately. Damn, he got caught.

"What is it Kinomiya? Am I your next riddle of your homework?" Kai asked sardonically, raising an eyebrow.

The teen grinned cheekily. "Well I would rather spend hours figuring out you than math."

One point, Kai felt flattered that Tyson would like to spend more time to understand him, then again he was hinting that Kai was a complicated person. "Hn. Such witty spiel won't save you on the exams, so you better pay attention for your homework."

The bluenette groaned pitifully. "I know, but I was never good at math, and I can't get through these bunch of numbers and signs. Kenny is busy right now and Hilary got pissed at me after I neglected her a few times." he slumped on the chair.

Kai took a sip from the warm, bitterish liquid. It tasted good. "What is the task?"

"Linear equation… or something." Tyson grumbled.

"Then put it on blading tactic and the result will come easier."

Tyson frowned. "I don't get it. How would that work?"

Kai pulled over a chair and sat down beside the younger teen. He scanned over the task precisely then started explaining Tyson as easier way to solve it, just as he'd also done and it helped him to get over faster. "Try to see it as beyblade maneuvers. Look…" as Kai started showing the teen that it wasn't as complicated as it seemed, it clicked in Tyson's head.

Everyone thought the always-go-lucky bluenette was simply lazy, slow-minded and dumb, if it was out of his lovely sport, but Kai knew there was more in the teen. He was just unmotivated when something wasn't going for his taste and he only needed a good guiding to get it for himself.

"You're brilliant Kai! You're a better teacher than the others!" Tyson beamed at him.

The dual haired smirked. "Am I?"

"Sure do. Hilary often loses patience with me if I don't get it for the third time and yells at me. Kenny tends to explaining things nearly as boring as our teacher, but this way it's much easier and fun."

"Then I'm flattered because I usually don't do fun."

Tyson gave him a small nudge with his elbow. "Nah, you've been getting to it over the years. You can be kind of nice if you drop that wet-blanket act of yours."

Kai rolled his eyes. "Wiseguy."

"That's why I'm the champion." the boy grinned broadly.

"And you're cocky too."

"And that's why you're here to knock sense into me when I need it."

"Yeah, because if I didn't you would boast over the moon with your big mouth like Dragoon's blow." came the sarcastic remark but as Tyson started laughing Kai couldn't hold back to snicker, too.

Just watching Kai smile and laugh freely with him made Tyson's heart flutter once again. That handsome face with those vivid crimson eyes that shone with so much fire made the older teen look even more gorgeous. How could he keep himself away from his secret crush when he was smiling at him like that, which didn't happen often. There was no point to deny it for himself anymore… he was in complete in love with his stoic rival and friend.

Though, it wasn't like he could confess him now. Maybe one day. However, Tyson decided he would ignore both his rattling mind and his rampaging hormones this time and was simply going to enjoy this afternoon with Kai.

I know, I know. I'm kinda mean that I don't let them come together, but there is still more what will happen to them. ;)