Chapter 25 - The Rite of Spring
Tyson stumbled out of his front door still trying to rub the crud out of his eyes from waking.
Sooo...sleepy...
Grampa didn't know what he was talking about. It wasn't Call of Duty's fault...
He walked like a zombie, groaning like one too as he approached the familiar site at the usual corner.
"Morning Tyson!"
"Mooorning Chieeeef..."
"Call of Duty?"
"Shut up..."
The shorter one giggled.
"Not my fault you stayed up all night shooting things."
Tyson rolled his eyes.
"Not mine either. The man you want is Ray..."
"Well Ray's day doesn't start til noon so he can afford to do it."
"Whatever..."
He'd still meet him on the battlefield later tonight...had a score to settle.
They went on with their pleasant walk to school, and somehow the tiredness seemed to fade.
The air smelled fresh and sweet.
The crud from his eyes seemed to pass, taking away the veil of lethargy to reveal something that stirred joy...
Pale pink joy!
He smacked his hands to his face and let out an exaggerated gasp.
"It's cherry blossom time!"
Kenny just stared.
"You're just noticing now? We walked by a bunch of them already..."
"I've been deep in thought! But you know what that means, right?!"
Kenny nodded, the lethargy passed over to him now that the other had surged to his usual bubbly self.
x-x-x
With a buzz in his pocket Kai lazily fished out his phone and glanced at the screen as he leisurely sipped at his coffee.
[Tyson: YO! It's the most wonderful time of the year!]
... Had he just come out of hibernation or something? Christmas was like, four months ago...
[It is?]
Seconds later, a selfie with a dazzling grin, Kenny in a headlock and throwing up a peace sign came through, pink fluffy flowers behind him.
[Tyson: BLOOOOOMMMMS!]
Whilst the image on his screen caused his lips to curl some there was no sign of amusement or even so much as a slither of interest in the response he sent back.
[And? Happens every year Tyson.]
[Tyson: and every year we say we're going to have a team hanami party and we rarely ever do! Well I say NAY! This Sunday! No excuses! Bring Brooklyn! And food!]
With a blasé [K whatever] Kai looked over his mug to the redhead sipping on his own, bright eyes down on the day's horoscope where his finger was trailing along as he read.
"You working this Sunday?"
"Nnnnnnnope. Got the whole weekend off actually. Swapped with Jason."
Or Jeremy or...whatever his name was.
"K, well Granger's wanting to throw some hanami party this Sunday," he told him, setting his phone down on the table they were sat at and held onto his mug with both hands now for the warmth. "Wants us to bring some food along and whatever."
Teal eyes ripped up from the page he was reading.
"...Seriously!?"
The coil in his stomach wound tighter.
"Are they even blossoming yet!?"
Kai sent a drawled hum, picked up his phone again and showed him the photo that Tyson had sent through.
Brooklyn took it to see for himself. Blinking at it before he seemed to curl in to himself until the coil snapped.
He kicked his feet under the table, ecstatic look on his face.
"Yaaaaay! I always wanted to do one of those!"
The excitement warmed Kai's expression completely as he reached for his phone being offered back to him. "You've never been to one before?"
Brooklyn snorted and gave him a chuckle.
"Well I mean its pretty hard to have a party by yourself! Usually just walk around and enjoy the flowers myself but seeing other people with their picnics and stuff looks way more fun! OOOOOH what should we make!?"
"Hmm, how about that fried chicken you do?" Kai suggested, before his own eyes lit with excitement. "Oh oh! Or those prawn spring rolls you made that one time. Man they were good..."
A coy smile spread and Brooklyn's face turned bashful.
Uh. That was just the cherry on the top of a marvellous morning.
"If that's what you want that is what you shall get."
Kai's own smug look was hidden on the rim of his mug. He did like getting his own way. Those spring rolls were to die for... Would be wasted on Tyson though who would more than likely just inhale them and not savour the flavour.
"Think that'll be enough. Ray'll probably bring most of it so there's no need for us to bring loads."
Brooklyn swallowed some coffee and nodded.
"Oh, of course. Just a few bits and pieces to munch on..."
x-x-x
When Kai staggered sleepily down the stairs come Sunday morning, he lifted a dishevelled brow at the early clanking around in the kitchen.
...
Why was he not surprised? Every inch of counter space was taken as red hair moved in a blur from post to post, going from pans to the fridge, to the wooden boxes slowly being filled with the variety of stuff that looked like he'd spent hours on.
"Morning!"
"You were only supposed to do some spring rolls..." he groggily stated, rubbing some crap from one of his eyes where he stood in the doorway. "What's all this?"
Brooklyn bounced, feeling alive!
"And I made spring rolls! See!" He beamed as he threw himself at one of the lacquer boxes to show him.
"And I did plenty of fried chicken! And I made a few varieties of rice ball- LOOOOK I even got some dried cherry blossoms to decorate!" He gushed, abandoning the spring rolls for another box with shiny eyes.
"And I thought I should make some sushi rolls! And then I figured I'd better make something sweet for anyone with a sweet tooth so I whipped up a white chocolate matcha cake!"
"It's..." Too much. Unnecessary. Completely overboard. But at seeing the way Brooklyn's eyes were proudly sparkling at him the words Kai settled on were:
"...Great. I'm sure everyone'll love it."
Stepping further into the kitchen with a small smile in place he wrapped his arms around the others waist and pecked him on the lips.
"I'm gonna go shower, k?"
"Okay!"
He had to get on with the sandwiches.
Never knew who might not be feeling rice...
Keeping Brooklyn's gaze Kai leaned in again for another kiss, slower and softer this time, and whilst the eyes opposite had fluttered closed, one of Kai's remained peeking open as he sneakily reached to pinch a spring roll from a box on the counter. With fried goodness in his grasp he abruptly pulled away with a pop and turned heading straight for the door and to the stairs.
Brooklyn went weak at the knees.
Was this one of the best days of his life!? It could be!
Where was the brea-
...
His eyes went to the box, noticing a soldier down.
Ooooohhhh you sneaky, sexy bastard...
He stomped to the doorway.
"I see you Hiwatari! You just lost yourself the best shower head of your life!"
Upstairs Kai snorted at the scolding and popped in the last mouthful victoriously, licking at his fingers with a satisfied hum as he stepped into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Was worth it in his opinion. He probably wouldn't get another with Tyson around. And besides, was all just an empty threat anyways. Brook had said himself what he wanted he'd get so... Perhaps later he could get some shower head. Could even take it a step further if the redhead was on his best behaviour today...
x-x-x
"Hi guys!"
A variety of expressions greeted him as they took in the ridiculously perky looking guest carrying bags alongside the usual Sourpuss also acting like a pack horse.
"Hey Brooklyn. Kai." Max waved.
Brooklyn skipped the rest of the way, excitement soaring at the sight of the tarp laid down under a particularly beautiful tree.
He held in the sound of glee hanging in his throat as he set down his heavy bags.
"The heck is all that?" Tyson asked, nose going like a bloodhound before he too lit up.
"Its food!" He answered himself.
Brooklyn beamed, hand going to the back of his head.
"Ah just a few nibbles!"
"Heh! Yeah right! Could feed the whole park with all this!" Max chuckled. "Hey Ray! Come and have a look! Got yourself some friendly competition here!"
At hearing his name golden eyes glanced up from one of the cooler bags he was just rummaging in and widened at the amount of bags being set down around them.
The... the fresh hell was this?!
Brooklyn's face flushed with a glowy pink.
"What!? Don't be ridiculous! There's no way any of this dredge comes close to anything of Ray's. Just knew there was a human garbage disposal here so thought I'd help." He winked at Tyson.
"Aww you shouldn't have," Tyson gushed playing along before going on and having a rummage in the bags like a wild raccoon.
Ray wandered over, peering down as containers started to be pulled out though didn't want to appear too interested or remotely bothered by the 'competition.'
Least Brooklyn complimented him though and recognised that he was the chef of the group. Couldn't help but dance a little on the inside at that.
"What did ya bring?" He asked, looking up to the redhead now.
"Let's get it all out and you can see!"
Ray's face dropped with every passing lacquer box. There was only six of them. The hell?!
Brooklyn's happy little glowing flush got brighter as the impressed 'oooooh's came out with the removal of lids.
There were an array of sandwiches, sushi, fried chicken, spring rolls...
With Ray's contributions too they could feed a damn army!
"Definitely plenty to go around, huh?" Max offered to Ray in a light laugh who'd stayed quiet.
Brooklyn stood up, hands on his hips and taking a huge, cleansing breath and taking in the gorgeous atmosphere.
"Oooooh man! This spot is perfect! Thanks for arranging this Ty, juuuuust what the doctor ordered!"
Like. Years ago.
"If I knew we'd have all this food I'd have made up an excuse for a party ages ago!" Tyson stated, mouth already occupied with a spring roll.
Violet eyes twitched at the, how Brooklyn nicely put it, human garbage disposal. His usual cool tone coming from him at seeing his spring rolls be molested right now.
"How's about we get everything laid out first before you start stuffing your face?"
"MMMMMM! Is that prawn? Fuuck these are good!" Tyson swooned going to grab another. "Did you make these yourself Brook?"
"I did..." the extra serene smile beamed, thrilled his work was being enjoyed.
"Aw man! Kai, you are one lucky dude lemme tell ya!"
The clenched fist that had been by Kai's side relaxed at Tyson's words. Partly due to the compliment but also at the realisation their gatherings now were a completely different scene to how they were when he and Brooklyn first started all of this a year ago.
After his birthday back in August things just seemed to change. Everyone wasn't just being civil anymore to keep the peace, they were being nice and getting along because they genuinely wanted to be. They were friends. All of them. And that thought alone had a small smile now sitting upon his face.
He was lucky. Really. Not just for Brooklyn's skills in the kitchen but for a whole bunch of reasons. Sure they had their arguments but who didn't? It's always sorted out one way or another and then they're back all loved up again like nothing ever happened.
Bizarre really how things could just flip like a switch...
"Hn. Well. Leave some for the rest of us at least."
Brooklyn looked beside himself with glee.
What. A. Compliment!
Today was a blessing. Truly!
For the first time ever, he felt like part of a group. Accepted within a circle.
Sure, he tagged along to Sunday training. And he was included. But he always sat back unless asked.
It was a Bladebreaker training session after all.
But this was all leisure! A social soiree! And their arms were open to him!
"Oooooh relax Kai! Let the man eat! But you should eat something, you didn't have breakfast. What would you like? He asked as he scanned the tarp looking for paper plates.
"Surprise me," he answered, taking in all the food as Max handed a plate over to the redhead before speaking.
"Can't see much training going on today with all this grub," he commented which Tyson waved off as he tucked into some fried chicken.
"Ah nonsense Maxie, a pre-workout buffet will be giving us all the strength we need to really go for it! Who wants to spin?"
Brooklyn sank.
Well so much for just a social...
"I thought this was meant to be a party. Who trains at a party?"
Ray snorted. "Oh don't worry..." he reassured as he looked over his shoulder to make sure he was out of earshot, "Just a few friendlies to keep Chief happy and then we can laze."
He brightened up again.
"Oh! That's all right then. Kai will go!"
Kai nearly choked on a rice ball. "I will?"
"Of course!" He grinned, clapping his hands together. Watching him blade and win would be as alluring and sexy as watching him do a strip tease there and then. "Now which of you is brave enough to take on the king, hm!?"
Despite the mouthful of food a scoff came from Tyson all the same as he pointed to himself.
"I think you'll find Brookster, I'm the king around these parts. I'll take on the Sourpuss no problem."
Max wiggled where he sat in excitement. Kai and Tyson were always great to watch!
"Ooooh Kai do you accept the challenge?" he asked shooting his baby blues over to see violet ones roll.
"Pft. What challenge..." Kai taunted taking a sip from his soda can.
Brooklyn let a little noise as his belly fizzed.
Arggghhhhh fuckin' hell he was amazing!
That was his man...
"Go get him..."
"Mhm. And you're next." Kai sent over holding the same nonchalant arrogance as he set his can back down.
Brooklyn tensed, laughing awkwardly.
...Bit of a bold joke for Kai to make...
He waited for him to walk off with Tyson, jabbing each other as they went and Max going to ref.
He glanced over in time to catch amber eyes that quickly snapped away.
"So...what did you make?" He asked as he sat down next to him. "You know, every time we order Chinese Kai says it doesn't compare to the stuff you used to make."
"Really?" Ray pulled his face to him though seemed to brighten at the info. Kai always did take a decent plateful when he brought food for them all but usually never got more than a 'thanks, was good.'
Was nice to know how he really felt though, typical Kai singing his praises in private.
"Nothing all that fancy really... got some egg rolls, there's some Szechuan noodles in that one, some barbecue pork in that one..." he listed off as he pointed. "I never knew you were into cooking? I thought I was the only feeder of the group," he chuckled some, picking up some chicken.
Brooklyn salivated.
"May I?"
"O-of course?"
Did he think he had to ask?
Brooklyn's eyes sparkled as he picked up some of the Chinese feast.
"Yeh. I love cooking for people. Just myself feels like a lot of hassle to put that much effort in. But I don't know. I guess there's something really satisfying about feeding another person. They say the number one ingredient is love, right?"
Ray lightly laughed.
"Yeah, something like that... we'll have to share some recipes some time." He offered with a smile. "I'm always down to try some things."
Brooklyn wasn't listening. His face was coming.
"Oooooohhhh my Goooooddddd!"
He made another face of delight as he swallowed.
"That's it. Chinese take out is ruined forever. I hope you're happy."
Ray snorted.
"Get out of here, it's not thaat great..." he said bashfully as he played with some noodles with his chopsticks.
Whilst he'd held his reservations of the other, Ray truly had no reason to anymore and couldn't deny that he actually liked the guy now. Even with everything that had happened, Brooklyn had seemed to have slotted right in with them no matter how hard they'd all tried for him not to in the beginning.
He'd never be a Bladebreaker, but, he was definitely a friend now.
"What shall I try of yours?" he then asked. "Bring forth your best dish my fellow chef."
"Oooooh! Uhhh well. Kai raves about my spring rolls?" He offered, reaching over to the box to pass them to him.
Plucking one out he examined it briefly before taking a bite.
Had good colour... good crunch... Oh my...
Ray couldn't have suppressed the sound in his throat if he tried. The flavours now dancing around his taste buds having him feeling things.
"Wow... I can see why."
"You're too kind!" Brooklyn beamed.
Another happy customer.
He helped himself to more of Ray's offerings and chattered with him before he let out a snort.
"Shit. Have been paying zero attention to the game!"
"Isn't like they'll have noticed. Friendly match or not they always get way too into it to notice anything else going on around them," Ray told him, slurping up some noodles. "Think we know who's gonna take it anyways."
"C'mon Dragoon!" Tyson yelled in frustration as the dark blue blade smashed into his.
As always it was a pretty intense stand off between the two of them.
They weren't giving it 100% but, close enough...
"Let's finish this so we can get back to the grub!"
"Oh you hungry?" Kai teased. "Well, allow me! End it Dranzer!"
With another dance around the dish both blades ground into each other, sparks flying before the white blade was shoved from the dish and landed face down in the grass.
"Bon appetite," Kai smugly sent raising up his hand for Dranzer to retreat to.
Brooklyn shuddered.
"Woo! Hail to the King baby!" He cheered, punching the air.
Tyson threw a look over as he picked up his fallen friend.
Hey! That was his line...
"Well whatever I just ate!" he huffed in excuse.
"But c'mon then Brooklyn, avenge me! You're up!"
His fist and cheery demeanor soon got smacked down.
The hell?!
"Ha...ha...very funny Tyson. Come eat your disappointment away like a good boy now..."
Kai smirked.
"Yeah Tyson, it's too nice of a day for two of you to get your asses beat..."
Brooklyn shrank and gave him a pleading look at his attempt to goad him.
Why were they doing this?
He hadn't dared step to the dish with Kai since that day. Nor did he ever intend to.
Why would they even suggest such a thing?
Ray still beside him gave him a playful nudge.
"C'mon dude, it's just a friendly. Go wipe that smirk off his face."
"Yeah Brook we haven't seen you spin in ages!" Max added in encouragement.
He absorbed the verbal hugs.
But the delicious egg rolls in his stomach churned.
He gave Kai a nervous look.
"You sure?"
A brief unfazed nod was sent back. Whilst Kai understood the others hesitation it wasn't warranted at all. It had been over two years since their battle and he was more than over it so of course he was sure.
What had happened, happened, and it was all in the past now.
Resetting up his launcher Kai clicked Dranzer into place and was ready to go again. Was just a meaningless match anyways there was nothing to worry about.
... but then he locked with teal eyes and his heart seemed to stop.
Glancing up to see Brooklyn standing opposite the beydish to him felt like he'd just been punched in the gut and Kai's already fair complexion seemed to pale further.
What had he done?... Why did he suggest this?
His own stomach now twisted in knots at the familiar scene and the scar on his chest seemed to itch some just how it had done when the skin had been healing. He rubbed over it to diminish the prickling sensation and swallowed.
This was stupid. It was just Brooklyn! The guy he lived with, slept with, loved!
He needed to get a grip.
"You ready?"
Brooklyn felt himself sink even more seeing him touch his mark.
This wasn't right...
As he blinked, the image of Kai stood opposite him turned to torn clothes, cuts and bruises and a face of defiance burning in to the back of his eyelids.
It wasn't just Kai. He didn't feel good about this.
Why was he insisting?
It was fine...was fine. He would just 'dance around' as Kai had once accused him of and bow down in defeat...
"Yep..."
"Now don't be going easy on each other just cos you're all loved up, kay?" Tyson announced stepping up to the dish to play jazzman. "I want you to give it your all, especially you Brook, kick his cocky ass." he directed over to the redhead on his left with a hand covering his mouth though was loud enough for all to hear.
Brooklyn shot him a whimpering look.
Nooooooo!
He didn't want to...
"Three!"
Fuck!
"Two!"
Shit!
"One!"
He wanted to get down!
"Lettttt itttt rrriiiip!"
Brooklyn winced, closing his eyes and yanking at the ripcord.
Kai repeated the same movement and whilst having a clenched jaw was the norm during a launch he was sure he was close to cracking a tooth during this particular one.
Same with his heart rate. Whilst it was usual for his outer demeanour to appear cool, calm and collected, regardless of the opponent his heart pounded in his chest with adrenaline. He seemed to feel that beating even more so now even though there was nothing on the line here.
... or was there?
He still had his pride to think about... his rep...
Lover or not... friendly or not... He still wanted his bragging rights...
Only difference here now was he could kiss it all better after wiping the floor with him...
He smirked at the thought.
"Let's do it Dranzer!"
Brooklyn let the breath he was holding out.
Oh thank God.
Just...let him hit and lay down. Go back to spring rolls.
Just like last time, Kai's blue blade zig-zagged at him hard and fast.
But unlike last time, he wouldn't mirror that power back.
With the smack, Brooklyn's white blade ground against the other to put on something of a show at least before the blue gears collided.
The resistance was zero, white blade flinging and landing out to the side of Brooklyn like a Looney Tune cartoon.
Brooklyn let out a quiet breath of relief.
"Well damn. Someone has been practicing! Ah well..." he shrugged with his peaceful smile, going to pick up his blade.
Unlike last time, he'd lose to him gladly and willingly.
In complete unison, much to Kai's disliking, both he and Tyson spat out the exact same words.
"The hell was that?!"
He then shot his shorter team mate a look before continuing.
"You didn't even try then Brook."
Brooklyn stretched his back.
"Guess I've been out the saddle too long! Hey Max, wanna tag in?"
"No." Kai sent over his shoulder to the blonde before he'd even had a chance to move. "Pick up your blade and battle me properly."
Brooklyn pouted at the scolding.
"No thank you. I'm much more in the mood for some food..."
"I don't get why you'd wanna rush back for sub par spring rolls but whatever..."
To Kai's pleasure, just like he knew it would, Brooklyn turned back round and instantly bit.
"Excuuuuse me!? You were the one that asked for em!"
Kai looked down to his nails. "I did, though apparently the beydish isn't the only area you're slipping in..."
Brooklyn's brows shot up bitchily.
"Could say the same about you in some areas, but we're in company..." he said huffily, shooting a glance down to his zipper and up again.
To Brooklyn's pleasure, just like he knew he would, Kai spluttered.
"Oh really? Well I'm sure the neighbours would disagree!" Kai spat seeming to take great offence to that one.
Three sets of eyes kept darting from left to right to left with each smack of the word tennis before Tyson was the one to clear his throat.
"Guys, guys! You gonna go again or not?"
There was a silence as Kai stared over the dish and folded his arms in waiting.
"Well? Are we?"
Brooklyn gave him a glare, arms also folded and looking him up and down.
He'd eat his words just like one of his delicious and excellent spring rolls!
"Fine! Then you can take one of those spring rolls and shove it right up your ass!"
Kai bit back his smirk, going on to set up his blade and prepare to launch. He'd only been kidding of course but if it lit a fire under the redhead's ass then so be it.
"Whatever you say, dear."
Tyson snorted.
"Okay merry men, I want a proper match now... on three."
Both launchers were raised.
"Two!"
Stances locked as did eyes.
"One!"
The smirk Kai had fought back appeared in full as did a glint within bright violet.
"Let it rip!"
Brooklyn launched with eyes wide open.
Yooou bitch...
His white blade danced wildly round the dish, waiting for the other to make a move.
Kai's smile only deepened. There he was...
"Go Dranzer!"
The blue blade followed, going to smack into the other though it had dodged completely. "We still prancing around I see?" he taunted looking up from the dish over to Brooklyn.
Brooklyn's peacock eyes glowed as his own devilish smirk cracked.
"I am the Lord of the Dance said he..."
His blade circled round and smacked Dranzer up the ass.
As the other three watched on with excited eyes their own smiles appeared at the performance.
Was a little surreal to say the least, to see once again these two going head to head.
But only cheers of encouragement were sent their way really cementing in the complete change of heart they all had.
"C'mon Kai! You really gonna let him have you like that!"
"Go on Brooklyn! Show him who's the real champ!"
Like before, it was impossible to tell who was leading and who was following this little dance.
Until one of them chanced a little slap.
"Shame you've got two left feet. More likely to trip." Brooklyn grinned, giving him another clout.
Whilst the beating would usually have Kai's expression falter he remained just as playful as the other, going in with a twirl and a smack back of his own shortly after.
"Well lucky for me I always manage to fall on my feet and get right back up again."
Brooklyn sent him a wink as his blade circled him.
"Unless I've got you on your back..."
Kai didn't even want to know what looks were sitting on the faces behind him whilst a small flush sat upon his own.
"Finish it Dranzer!" he managed through curled lips.
Just wait 'til he got this guy home...
"Ohhhh there he goes, lookin' to finish first like always..." Brooklyn smirked harder, his blade speeding up and bounding a little like it was skipping away from him.
The tickled laugh that came from Kai was one that the others weren't even sure they'd ever heard from him before. Even with his deep-ish tone it was a giggle nonetheless...
Tyson was revelling in it. Seeing this side of his ex captain was both endearing yet hilarious.
"Still got that selfish streak then huh Kai?" He joined in with the jabs, stupid grin dancing on his face too.
"Apparently so," he smirked. "Never was one for messing around..."
Blue chased after white and ground into it once it had caught up. Sparks flying everywhere in the same manner when the two males locked eyes from a distance.
Why the two had refrained from stepping toe to toe again for so long made no sense to them now. They were having the most fun they'd had for some time now and it was doing what they both loved.
"That's fine by me, stud. I aim to please." Brooklyn tittered back, fighting fire with fire.
"Finish him off Zeus!"
And he would gladly do the same to Kai later.
The blades went at each other relentlessly, swinging each other round the dish, sparks and grinding getting more and more intense.
With a powerful collision, both blades ricocheted off each other and out the dish.
"And we have a tie!" Tyson announced in his best presenter voice. "Best two out of three?"
"I think that's enough Tyson," Kai said with a smile as he reached down to pick up his blade.
Brooklyn let out a flirty chuckle, feeling tipsy almost off the rush.
"Haven't got a third in ya, champ?"
"You'll get the third later, I've some mediocre spring rolls to attend to..." he teased, turning his back on him in true Hiwatari fashion with a shit eating grin on his face.
Brooklyn continued to stream giggles through his fizzing stomach.
"Ahhh...I love that asshole..." he sighed dreamily at Tyson.
"Nyeahh can see it a mile off buddy. Though what you see in him I've no clue..." Ty jokingly sent back as they meandered back to the grub.
"Insulting your food like that, pah! Y'know I've heard some crap come out of that guy's mouth but saying your spring rolls are mediocre takes top spot I gotta say."
Brooklyn flicked some stray red bangs out his face and smiled coyly.
"Oh, I know...and he'll pay for it."
Once they got to the tarp, Brooklyn sat himself beside Kai. His fingers pulled his chin to face him, planting a kiss on him while his other hand snatched the bitten in to spring roll.
At the loss between his fingers Kai's eyes snapped open wide and pulled back from the kiss in an instant.
"No! That's the last one!" he blurted out. "Give it back, now."
Brooklyn leaned back, quickly taking a loud, crunchy bite.
"Mmmmm...mediocrity..."
Kai's mouth gaped at the audacity.
"I-I was just kidding!" he whined going to swipe at the diminishing fried goodness though it was pulled away once again from his reach.
Brooklyn continued to make noises of foodgasmic delight.
"No shit. After you stole one this morning too?" He crunched. "Mmm kiss the cook."
He lifted his arm, kissing his bicep with an exaggerated mwah.
Kai didn't care that they had an audience here, the snickers in the background being ignored entirely as he lifted himself up and pounced on him. There was one bite left and it was going to be his dammit!
Brooklyn startled as he got shoved on his back, letting out a shriek before his nose scrunched up in chest-tingling laughter.
"Ah ah ah!" He scolded as he held his arm away, "Violence isn't the answer. Plead your case..."
"You love me," Kai started from where he'd paused on his chest. "And you want nothing more than my happiness."
He was absolutely right...
But no.
"Do I?"
His hand came towards his own mouth, opening wide.
Knowing that the others could only see him from the back, Kai just stared on, watching as the last bite got dangerously close to Brooklyn's mouth before wordlessly...
Sticking out his lower lip.
Brooklyn's stomach dropped instantly and his hand froze.
He'd never made that face before!
Nooooooo! Oh no! He never wanted him to make it again!
His fuckin heart...
...He was still an asshole though.
He puckered his lips, wanting payment upfront.
With a tut Kai obliged and quickly pecked one on him before opening up his own mouth for him to pop it right in.
All this for a fuckin' spring roll...
Luckily, he wasn't to be tortured any more. Brooklyn's pale fingers moving to feed him with his glorious creation.
The moment it touched his tongue Kai snapped his mouth shut and pushed himself off of him.
"Asshole..." he muttered as he crunched.
The other four sat with interchanging expressions of disgust, indigestion and reluctant gushing.
While none of them wanted to see their ex captain rolling around with a ginger, it did leave make them happy that his cold, black heart was taken to a point that he would do such a thing in their presence.
That had been the fear all along, that this would end in tears. But if anything, it seemed to make him a happier, less tightly clenched person.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn just chuckled, putting his arms behind his head and shifting himself to get comfy.
He lifted his head to watch the blue sky and the beautiful pink branches above them swaying ever so gently in the breeze, a few pale petals flittering down.
His toes curled.
Ahhhhhhhh this was utter bliss...
The beauty.
The battle which was hands down the most fun he'd ever had with the game.
Last time it was about destroying an enemy, but this time it was playful fun with a lover.
Tyson and Max's infectious laugh and Ray's soothing voice even felt blissful.
For the first time in his life, he was part of a unit, a circle.
Included.
Accepted.
Welcome.
With his eyes watering, he didn't know if there was anything that could beat the feeling he had right now...
x-x-x
"Oh god! Oh god!"
The furniture shook as his back slammed against the wall, Kai's strong hands holding his thighs while his own gripped round his neck, legs swinging uncontrollably from the impact.
Sweat continued to trickle down his back, Kai's own grunts of pleasure escaping him as he ignored the burning in his biceps and kept his hips pounding relentlessly into the other.
Fuck he was close. He could feel the rise within his stomach but after the comment from earlier he'd be gladly giving up first place to the other.
Brooklyn gave up trying to shout expletives. The impact was just making him chip his teeth.
Instead he just filled the room with intense and wild moans, feeling his toes starting to curl with every rough pound that slammed in to his currently abused prostate.
His body too hurled in to him, arms round his neck tightening like a python.
"Ohhhh fuck! Kai! I'm coming!"
At the confirmation he was drove into even faster so the other could catch up. The tightness gripping round him rivalling the grasp Kai had on clammy thighs at either side of him.
With one last moan from the redhead ricocheting off the walls a curse in Kai's own ecstasy joined him as he filled him completely.
Hips eventually came to a sloppy halt, the only sound now being heaving breaths and the steady footsteps of Kai carrying the other to the bed to drop the limp and lifeless body down heavily onto the mattress.
He gazed down to him sprawled out like a star fish, as pink as one too before cockily huffing a laugh.
"Said I was, slipping, in this area?" Kai panted out. "I think not..."
And with that he took himself off to shower, leaving Brooklyn to leisurely float down from his high on his own.
While the orgasmic high came down at the same speed it always did, the general high from the joys that Spring was bringing thus far was yet to fade.
Everything seemed bright, even though the passing week lead to the dropping petals to bid the blossoms farewell for another year.
At least there were flower showers to enjoy!
And currently, the blizzard of petals made the walk to the familiar office magical.
He sparkled, walking with a spring in his step through the less beautiful building, rapping his knuckle on the door before letting himself in as usual.
"Afternoon Stan, my man!"
Looking up from some paperwork on his desk Stan's expression warmed as he returned the beaming grin with a small smile of his own.
"Afternoon, Brooklyn. And how are we today?"
Brooklyn bounced over to his seat, flopping in to it.
"I. Am. Great! You go see any of the blossoms Staniel? They were particularly lovely this year, and fleeting."
"I did yes, had a walk with the wife and kids Saturday afternoon," he answered with the same smile to keep the pleasant atmosphere around them for as long as he possibly could.
Brooklyn had been doing so well as of late.
Every appointment for around several months now had gone off without a hitch with everything apparently going more than swimmingly in his little life. Seemed a shame to potentially throw a spanner in the works, but, was either a yes or no is all.
Was completely Brooklyn's choice on the matter and whatever that would be would be it.
Lots of encouragement if it was a yes, no further talk on it if it was a no.
Easy.
"So listen, Brooklyn, I actually have something to discuss today with you."
"Ohhhhh that's nice. Yehhhh I went with Kai and a group of our friends..." he ignored.
Damnit he thought social protocol dictated reciprocity!
The paperwork in Stan's hand glared up at him.
"Ah, sounds great. So as I was saying..." he continued with a small clear of his throat, straightening up the papers. "The reason why I brought forward our session a few days is because we've received some news that the higher ups thought you should be made aware of."
Suddenly Brooklyn stopped smiling.
Sentences to those effects never ended well for him.
"What now...?" He asked with dread heavy in his voice.
"Now now it is nothing to be overly concerned about," Stan quickly assured with a calming hand. "The decision is completely yours, and I cannot stress that enough. If you do not want anything to do with it then I simply pass the message on and that's the end of it. You can just forget about the news entirely."
It didn't stop the kid curling up in the chair to brace himself.
"Mmhmm?"
Stan himself took in a breath, thinking it best to perhaps drip feed the information rather than just laying it all out there.
"It's... regarding your mother," he hesitantly started, and with the predictable silence that followed he continued. "She's, due to go in for some surgery, and they were wanting to know if you wanted to go and see her beforehand..."
Brooklyn felt cold.
He took a while to uncurl, finding it hard to even take in what he'd said like there was a barrier between it and understanding.
He rubbed his arm.
"...What's wrong with her?"
"During some recent scans the doctors found something of minor concern," he told him, treading carefully with his tone. "As a precautionary they deemed it best to get her in to have it removed... it should be a standard procedure, but of course with all surgeries there's risks."
Brooklyn kept his eyes away.
"Don't see what that has to do with me..."
He was sent a sympathetic look that remained unseen.
"If you don't wish it to be, then it doesn't have to be," he repeated. "They just wanted to present you with the opportunity to see her if that was something that you wanted."
His hands gripped the fabric of his pants as his eyes began to sting and well.
"It isn't so much a matter if I want to see her!" He raised his voice at him, getting up to pace and rid himself if he could of some of this bad energy.
Stan lay the paperwork flat and gave him a moment.
He could understand the boy's reaction completely and he'd even mentioned the very point the redhead was making to his superiors himself but they'd insisted he was to be given the choice regardless. Liability, that's all this was. Should anything happen to the woman the last thing they wanted was to have not mentioned a thing and it fall back on them later. Was easy for them when they didn't have to be the one to deliver such news to the kid...
"I know this is going to bring up some bad memories for you Brooklyn... and that is why the decision is entirely yours. No one is going to try and convince you either way. So if you'd rather not due to what's happened in the past, I will simply inform them and that's that. No more will be said about it."
"Oh great! Simply inform them then!" He yelled, feeling hot in the face.
"You'd like me to tell them that you don't want to visit her?" Stan clarified.
Brooklyn started to pace.
No.
Yes.
...No.
Yes!
No...
"Yes."
He jumped at the sudden intrusion of the familiar voice.
He knew he wasn't meant to be here...
"I don't know! How serious is it!?"
Stan tensed at the outburst and redirected for a moment, standing from his desk to step to the water cooler in the corner.
"Let's just sit down for a moment and allow this to sink in," he gently said. "Here have some water."
Brooklyn took his sour, conflicted face over to him, accepting the gross paper cups that he'd come to hate over the years.
At least the water was cold...he liked cold water.
"I can appreciate this will feel like it's come from nowhere... you're out here living your life, and having a good time by the sounds! You said you were out with Kai this weekend? And your friends?" Stan beamed to him as he perched on the edge of his desk. "What did you guys get up to?"
Brooklyn instantly calmed down as his mind went back to sakura trees and happy times.
"We had a picnic. Our friend Ray and I made food for everyone. I even battled Kai again."
"Oh! And, how did that go?" he asked with slight uncertainty. This kid was going to put him into an early grave...
"I didn't want to..." he sighed, "he insisted and everyone else joined in. But..." he smirked, "it was wonderful...I think it might have even brought us even closer together, you know?"
Seeing the smile Stan mirrored it and gave him a small nod.
"Well that's great! So having gave something a second chance, you were able to turn an awful memory into a good one! Replacing the negative experience you once had, with something positive! And you two are even closer now because of it. That's great! I'm really proud of you buddy," he praised playfully nudging at his arm and hoping that slight hint there sunk in some.
Brooklyn smiled harder and more bashfully.
"Nyehhhhh, we really are perfect together..."
He sipped some water.
"Even if he said my spring rolls were crap...hn." he chuckled to himself.
Stan lightly laughed along with him, giving it a second for the penny to drop though it was clear his attempt at showing another side to all this had gone right over his little red head.
"Perhaps the same second chance could be applied in this particular situation... with your mother..."
The chuckle was gone.
How'd he fathom that?
Sure, he and Kai had made amends and then some. But that was a whole other kettle of fish.
That was for a reason. It had a purpose to go the way it did.
Was their calling.
But mom...
"That's different..."
"How so?" Stan gently challenged with a small tilt of his head.
He'd said he wasn't going to push him either way and he wasn't, but he at least wanted to encourage some thinking about this and not have Brooklyn jump straight into a decision based on the past.
It didn't matter that he was gentle.
The severity of the subject cancelled it out.
"Because it is!" He fired up, "Because I saw the error of my ways and took the step to right the wrong I inflicted! I didn't expect Kai to come to me arms open!"
His anger quickly jumped to upset, curling in on himself again.
"And because I can't go through that again!"
"Alright alright, say no more, son," Stan cooed, quickly standing from his perch and bending down slightly to throw a comforting arm across his shoulders. "That's absolutely fine. I'll pass it along. We don't have to speak about it again now. You've made your decision and that's it. Final."
Brooklyn leaned himself in to him a moment, letting the comfort quell some of the uneasiness and emotion before he finally nodded.
"Was there anything else...?"
He received a head shake in response. The arm coming away from him though Stan stepped in front to face him again.
"No, nothing important that we can't just go through next time," he told him. "So if you want to go on about your day you're welcome to... unless there was anything else you wanted to talk about?"
He thought about it.
The distraction of that wonderful Sunday should have been just the ticket. Was bursting to ramble on a second-by-second replay only a few minutes ago.
But now he just wasn't in the mood...
"No..."
"Alright then," Stan concluded with a small nod, sending him a warm smile. Could've gone better but, could've been a whole lot worse... "I guess I'll see you next week then. Remember you have my number if you need anything. Anything at all, just give me a call."
"M'kay..." he sighed gloomily, taking the cue to leave and skulking his way back through the flower petal showers from whence he came.
Only this time, it didn't seem quite so bright...