End of the Affair: Part Six-Summons
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dawn streaked across the morning sky, painting the charcoal pastel colors. The sea lapped gently against the cliff. Sea gulls cried anxiously, wheeling on the early morning breeze. Rei's ears twitched, registering the noise and bringing the neko-jin back into reality. Rei sat up groggily, staring out the sliding glass door at the endless sea. He winced slightly as tender areas started to pain and quickly lay back down. The movement next to him woke Kai. He cracked open a crimson eye, glaring at Rei sleepily. "Do you have to be so noisy?"
Rei yawned, and rolled over so that he was facing his lover. "Noisy? I don't think that was noisy compared to you screaming in my ear-"
Kai growled ferraly, warning Rei that it was time to shut up. Rei took the hint and started purring. Kai eyed him cautiously. "What would you like for breakfast?"
Absently, Rei played with a loose tangle of Kai's hair. "Breakfast? What are you making?"
Kai frowned. "I'm not making anthing. You're the cook."
Rei pouted. "After I let you do all that to me-"
Kai glared. "I believe it was you who wanted to 'do all that' in the first place."
Rei rolled onto his back, pawing at Kai's face. "Couldn't you make breakfast? Please?"
He looked imploringly up at the blunette. Kai continued to frown. "How bad do you hurt?"
Rei sat up and winced. "Very much, thank you."
Kai sat up and petted Rei's hair. "Poor, poor Kitten. I'll make breakfast."
Rei grinned and savored his victory, purring contentedly as Kai stroked him. "Pancakes," Rei murmured, still purring.
Kai muttered something, but started to get up. Rei flopped back on the make-shift bed, purring happily. "What do you think you're doing?" Kai asked, pulling on his pants.
Rei closed his eyes. "Breakfast in bed."
Kai snorted. "You wish."
He moved back over to the bed, pulling Rei up swiftly. Rei whimpered. "It can't hurt that bad."
Rei pulled out of his grasp, falling back onto the blankets. "And how would YOU know?" he whimpered, slithering back under the blankets.
Kai sighed and rolled his eyes. Rei pouted. "Breakfast in bed, Kai-kun. For me?"
Sighing again, Kai dropped down on his knees beside Rei, leaning over and planting a kiss on the neko-jin's forehead. "For you, koi."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Micheal paused. Now what did he do? Emily was staring at him, eyes fixed with indifference. He'd gotten this far- why wouldn't the words form? Why couldn't he just say what he'd been intent on saying? Metal scraped against the stones of the patio and he looked up. Emily was standing now, her gaze still stony.
"I should go now. I have places to be," she said blandly, her tone cold and steely.
She turned. In an instant, Micheal had shot up from his seat and grabbed her wrist, forcefully. She whirled around, intent on telling him off, but she found her mouth engaged in other activites. Micheal had wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, crushing her to him in an almost painful embrace. Her mind suddenly registered what was happening. He was kissing her.
Anger renewed the strength in her limbs and she shoved him away, propelling herself backwards out of his arms. He looked sorrowfully at her, letting the silence fester between them. She wanted to run right then, but something held her in place, even if only for a few seconds longer. That was all it took. "I love you, Emily."
She saw his mouth form the words, heard the awkward sounds, but she refused to listen to the meaning behind this. "No," she said brokenly, then turned and walked away as quickly as she could.
She had to get away from here, from him. This was too much too soon.
The sound of her footsteps died away as Micheal watched her retreating figure, then slowly turned away, not quite sure what had just happened or what he was supposed to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mariah woke, nestled amongst the linen covers of her bed. The drapes were drawn wide and morning sunlight filtered in, lacing bright patterns on her sheets. Propped against the cool of her pillow, she lay, remembering fondly a time when she had been doted upon in her childhood, remembering another scene that had played out much happier than this. Idly, she ran a finger down her arm, finding that some one had bound it with layers of cotton bandage. She tugged at a loose end, wanting to see the damage inflicted on her skin. She wanted to see the blood. She needed to know that she was still alive inside.
Footsteps sounded in the hall and she pricked her ears, hoping for a fleeting instant that Rei would come tip-toeing into the room, bearing breakfast on a silver platter. He had done that once, for their anniversary. The morning had been so beautiful and clear, and Rei had looked ethereal with the sunlight playing across his face and in his hair.
But today, this was not the case. Instead of her beloved Rei, her friends came tromping into her room, bearing cake and presents. She sat up slowly and cocked her head, studying each of their faces with intrest, wondering what had complied them to do such a thing.
First, there was Gary. He wore a silly grin plastered to his face and she knew that something good must have happened. His eyes were still closed, as usual, and he remained silent.
Next, there was Kevin, as short as always. Half of his face was hidden by his strewn bangs and his smirk, replaced by an unnaturally pleasant smile, seemed slightly refined and mysterious. His visible eye seemed almost to be sparkling with gladness.
And then there was Li. Bearing the cake, the leader of the White Tigers's face was hidden somewhat, but she could still make out the crinkles by his eyes that signified he was smiling.
"Happy Birthday Mariah," was all that was said.
She'd forgotten. She'd forgotten her own birthday because she's been wallowing in self-pity. She had spent so much time being sad, that she'd forgotten to acknowledge the happy things.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rei had barely finished his meal, when the tell-tale sound of tires on the gravel drive announced the arrival of a car. Curious, he looked to Kai, who was staring out the screen door. "They weren't supposed to come this early...," he murmured, trailing off.
He turned back to Rei. "Get dressed. You can't be seen in THAT state."
Rei stuck out his tongue, but Kai had turned back to the door. There was a bang and Rei presumed that someone had gotten out of the car. "Hurry up," Kai instructed, never taking his gaze away from the outside.
Rei scrambled into his pants and his T-shirt, noting the touch of nervousness in Kai's normally steady voice. Hastily binding his hair back in place, he joined Kai at the door.
Parked in the drive was a sleek black limosine. Beside it stood a tall, thin man, dressed completely in black. Rei assumed he was the driver. The man dusted himself off, then turned and started for the door. Kai shoved Rei behind him. "Hide."
Rei opened his mouth to question the order. "Now."
The word was said with such force that it could not be argued and Rei scampered off to hide. He paused on the stairwell, perking his ears to the conversation that was now taking place.
"Master Kai," a high, nasal voice said.
Rei presumed it belonged to the man. "Your Grandfather commands your return home immediately."
"What does he want?"
"Lord Voltar wishes to speak with you. Directly to you."
Kai remained stotic as the man emphasised his words with a pointed look. "He awaits your arrival," the man finished, gesturing to the car.
Kai grunted. "Fine."
He drew the door back, shutting it firmly in the man's face. With that he stormed towards the stairs, hastily by-passing Rei. The neko-jin caught up with him. "Are you leaving?" he asked.
Kai didn't reply. Instead, he disappeared into the bedroom. Rei paused, then proceeded after him. Kai had slammed his suitcase down on the bed and and was hastily throwing his belongings into it. Rei seated himself on the edge of the bed. "Why is it so important for him to talk to you?"
Again, Kai didn't respond. "Kai-kun, please talk to me."
Rei reached out, but Kai batted his hand away. "Not now."
Rei frowned. "If it's that important, why can't you tell me?"
"Because," Kai said with an exasperated sigh.
He disappeared into the ensuite, re-appearing a moment later with his tolietries. "Because isn't a reason Kai."
"It's none of your concern."
"Yes, it is. You're obviously upset. Tell me what's going on."
"It doesn't involve you, Rei. So just stay out of it."
"Kai. Please don't be like this-"
Kai paused his frantic packing, glancing down at Rei, who looked back up at him adoringly. "You're beautiful, Rei," Kai murmured, then resumed his packing.
"Kai! Don't change the subject-"
"Why not?"
The bluenette hauled up his suitcase, exiting the room swiftly and making for the stairs. Rei dashed after him. "Kai, don't do this to me! You said you wouldn't do this-"
Rei tugged urgently on Kai's arm, looking up at the taller boy with tears in his eyes. "Don't leave me alone again. Kai. You promised you wouldn't-"
"I have to, Rei."
Rei nuzzled Kai's arm, trying to stall his tears. "You- you-" he stuttered through his sudden case of the hiccups.
Kai gently took his koi in his arms, rubbing the crying boy's back tenderly. "Shh, Rei. It's okay."
"Don't leave me alone," Rei sobbed, burying his face in Kai's chest.
Kai stroked Rei's hair softly. "It can't be helped," he mumbled, sighing.
Rei clutched him tighter. "Don't go, Kai. Please, don't go."
The man was back at the door now. "Master Kai?"
The bluentte looked up. The man was slightly flustered, uncomfortable withthe intrusion into the situation inside. "Your Grandfather awaits you. I imagine he grows impatient."
Kai nodded and let Rei slip from his embrace. "No, Kai, please-"
The raven-haired boy clung pathetically to his arm, practically begging him not to leave.
"Rei, I have to."
"I won't let you," Rei whimpered.
Kai pulled himself free of Rei's grip and started for the door. Rei followed losely behind him. Kai merely rolled his eyes and pushed open the door. Rei darted past him, sprinting from the house to the car and launching himself inside through the open door. He turned and sat looking back at Kai. "Rei! What the hell are you doing?!" Kai barked, not liking the direction this had taken.
"I'm going with you!" Rei called back.
Kai gritted his teeth. He couldn't let Rei go. He didn't know what his grandfather wanted, and if the subject turned out to be something they disagreed on, the elderly man would surely become violent. Kai had seen it before. He couldn't risk it. "No! You're not!"
Rei stuck out his tongue and settled himself firmly on the seat. "Am so!"
The driver, who was still at the door, turned to Kai uncertainly. "Sir,we must leave. We're quite behind schedul-"
Kai slammed the cottage door and locked it, storming angrily to the car.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A/N: Duhn, duhn, duhn! The all dreaded trip to Kai's house! ^^U Sorry. Next couple of chaps will probably focus a lot more on Kai and Rei than anybody else, but I don't know if anybody's complaining. I'm certainly not going to just cut the other characters out of the story- their little side-stories have found themselves quite some plot. O.o Ne wayz, watch for even more characters to pop up and sooner or later, all the little stories are gonna tie in together. Next chap, the rating goes up to "R". ^^ Meh. I've said quite enough. Ja!)
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dawn streaked across the morning sky, painting the charcoal pastel colors. The sea lapped gently against the cliff. Sea gulls cried anxiously, wheeling on the early morning breeze. Rei's ears twitched, registering the noise and bringing the neko-jin back into reality. Rei sat up groggily, staring out the sliding glass door at the endless sea. He winced slightly as tender areas started to pain and quickly lay back down. The movement next to him woke Kai. He cracked open a crimson eye, glaring at Rei sleepily. "Do you have to be so noisy?"
Rei yawned, and rolled over so that he was facing his lover. "Noisy? I don't think that was noisy compared to you screaming in my ear-"
Kai growled ferraly, warning Rei that it was time to shut up. Rei took the hint and started purring. Kai eyed him cautiously. "What would you like for breakfast?"
Absently, Rei played with a loose tangle of Kai's hair. "Breakfast? What are you making?"
Kai frowned. "I'm not making anthing. You're the cook."
Rei pouted. "After I let you do all that to me-"
Kai glared. "I believe it was you who wanted to 'do all that' in the first place."
Rei rolled onto his back, pawing at Kai's face. "Couldn't you make breakfast? Please?"
He looked imploringly up at the blunette. Kai continued to frown. "How bad do you hurt?"
Rei sat up and winced. "Very much, thank you."
Kai sat up and petted Rei's hair. "Poor, poor Kitten. I'll make breakfast."
Rei grinned and savored his victory, purring contentedly as Kai stroked him. "Pancakes," Rei murmured, still purring.
Kai muttered something, but started to get up. Rei flopped back on the make-shift bed, purring happily. "What do you think you're doing?" Kai asked, pulling on his pants.
Rei closed his eyes. "Breakfast in bed."
Kai snorted. "You wish."
He moved back over to the bed, pulling Rei up swiftly. Rei whimpered. "It can't hurt that bad."
Rei pulled out of his grasp, falling back onto the blankets. "And how would YOU know?" he whimpered, slithering back under the blankets.
Kai sighed and rolled his eyes. Rei pouted. "Breakfast in bed, Kai-kun. For me?"
Sighing again, Kai dropped down on his knees beside Rei, leaning over and planting a kiss on the neko-jin's forehead. "For you, koi."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Micheal paused. Now what did he do? Emily was staring at him, eyes fixed with indifference. He'd gotten this far- why wouldn't the words form? Why couldn't he just say what he'd been intent on saying? Metal scraped against the stones of the patio and he looked up. Emily was standing now, her gaze still stony.
"I should go now. I have places to be," she said blandly, her tone cold and steely.
She turned. In an instant, Micheal had shot up from his seat and grabbed her wrist, forcefully. She whirled around, intent on telling him off, but she found her mouth engaged in other activites. Micheal had wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, crushing her to him in an almost painful embrace. Her mind suddenly registered what was happening. He was kissing her.
Anger renewed the strength in her limbs and she shoved him away, propelling herself backwards out of his arms. He looked sorrowfully at her, letting the silence fester between them. She wanted to run right then, but something held her in place, even if only for a few seconds longer. That was all it took. "I love you, Emily."
She saw his mouth form the words, heard the awkward sounds, but she refused to listen to the meaning behind this. "No," she said brokenly, then turned and walked away as quickly as she could.
She had to get away from here, from him. This was too much too soon.
The sound of her footsteps died away as Micheal watched her retreating figure, then slowly turned away, not quite sure what had just happened or what he was supposed to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mariah woke, nestled amongst the linen covers of her bed. The drapes were drawn wide and morning sunlight filtered in, lacing bright patterns on her sheets. Propped against the cool of her pillow, she lay, remembering fondly a time when she had been doted upon in her childhood, remembering another scene that had played out much happier than this. Idly, she ran a finger down her arm, finding that some one had bound it with layers of cotton bandage. She tugged at a loose end, wanting to see the damage inflicted on her skin. She wanted to see the blood. She needed to know that she was still alive inside.
Footsteps sounded in the hall and she pricked her ears, hoping for a fleeting instant that Rei would come tip-toeing into the room, bearing breakfast on a silver platter. He had done that once, for their anniversary. The morning had been so beautiful and clear, and Rei had looked ethereal with the sunlight playing across his face and in his hair.
But today, this was not the case. Instead of her beloved Rei, her friends came tromping into her room, bearing cake and presents. She sat up slowly and cocked her head, studying each of their faces with intrest, wondering what had complied them to do such a thing.
First, there was Gary. He wore a silly grin plastered to his face and she knew that something good must have happened. His eyes were still closed, as usual, and he remained silent.
Next, there was Kevin, as short as always. Half of his face was hidden by his strewn bangs and his smirk, replaced by an unnaturally pleasant smile, seemed slightly refined and mysterious. His visible eye seemed almost to be sparkling with gladness.
And then there was Li. Bearing the cake, the leader of the White Tigers's face was hidden somewhat, but she could still make out the crinkles by his eyes that signified he was smiling.
"Happy Birthday Mariah," was all that was said.
She'd forgotten. She'd forgotten her own birthday because she's been wallowing in self-pity. She had spent so much time being sad, that she'd forgotten to acknowledge the happy things.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rei had barely finished his meal, when the tell-tale sound of tires on the gravel drive announced the arrival of a car. Curious, he looked to Kai, who was staring out the screen door. "They weren't supposed to come this early...," he murmured, trailing off.
He turned back to Rei. "Get dressed. You can't be seen in THAT state."
Rei stuck out his tongue, but Kai had turned back to the door. There was a bang and Rei presumed that someone had gotten out of the car. "Hurry up," Kai instructed, never taking his gaze away from the outside.
Rei scrambled into his pants and his T-shirt, noting the touch of nervousness in Kai's normally steady voice. Hastily binding his hair back in place, he joined Kai at the door.
Parked in the drive was a sleek black limosine. Beside it stood a tall, thin man, dressed completely in black. Rei assumed he was the driver. The man dusted himself off, then turned and started for the door. Kai shoved Rei behind him. "Hide."
Rei opened his mouth to question the order. "Now."
The word was said with such force that it could not be argued and Rei scampered off to hide. He paused on the stairwell, perking his ears to the conversation that was now taking place.
"Master Kai," a high, nasal voice said.
Rei presumed it belonged to the man. "Your Grandfather commands your return home immediately."
"What does he want?"
"Lord Voltar wishes to speak with you. Directly to you."
Kai remained stotic as the man emphasised his words with a pointed look. "He awaits your arrival," the man finished, gesturing to the car.
Kai grunted. "Fine."
He drew the door back, shutting it firmly in the man's face. With that he stormed towards the stairs, hastily by-passing Rei. The neko-jin caught up with him. "Are you leaving?" he asked.
Kai didn't reply. Instead, he disappeared into the bedroom. Rei paused, then proceeded after him. Kai had slammed his suitcase down on the bed and and was hastily throwing his belongings into it. Rei seated himself on the edge of the bed. "Why is it so important for him to talk to you?"
Again, Kai didn't respond. "Kai-kun, please talk to me."
Rei reached out, but Kai batted his hand away. "Not now."
Rei frowned. "If it's that important, why can't you tell me?"
"Because," Kai said with an exasperated sigh.
He disappeared into the ensuite, re-appearing a moment later with his tolietries. "Because isn't a reason Kai."
"It's none of your concern."
"Yes, it is. You're obviously upset. Tell me what's going on."
"It doesn't involve you, Rei. So just stay out of it."
"Kai. Please don't be like this-"
Kai paused his frantic packing, glancing down at Rei, who looked back up at him adoringly. "You're beautiful, Rei," Kai murmured, then resumed his packing.
"Kai! Don't change the subject-"
"Why not?"
The bluenette hauled up his suitcase, exiting the room swiftly and making for the stairs. Rei dashed after him. "Kai, don't do this to me! You said you wouldn't do this-"
Rei tugged urgently on Kai's arm, looking up at the taller boy with tears in his eyes. "Don't leave me alone again. Kai. You promised you wouldn't-"
"I have to, Rei."
Rei nuzzled Kai's arm, trying to stall his tears. "You- you-" he stuttered through his sudden case of the hiccups.
Kai gently took his koi in his arms, rubbing the crying boy's back tenderly. "Shh, Rei. It's okay."
"Don't leave me alone," Rei sobbed, burying his face in Kai's chest.
Kai stroked Rei's hair softly. "It can't be helped," he mumbled, sighing.
Rei clutched him tighter. "Don't go, Kai. Please, don't go."
The man was back at the door now. "Master Kai?"
The bluentte looked up. The man was slightly flustered, uncomfortable withthe intrusion into the situation inside. "Your Grandfather awaits you. I imagine he grows impatient."
Kai nodded and let Rei slip from his embrace. "No, Kai, please-"
The raven-haired boy clung pathetically to his arm, practically begging him not to leave.
"Rei, I have to."
"I won't let you," Rei whimpered.
Kai pulled himself free of Rei's grip and started for the door. Rei followed losely behind him. Kai merely rolled his eyes and pushed open the door. Rei darted past him, sprinting from the house to the car and launching himself inside through the open door. He turned and sat looking back at Kai. "Rei! What the hell are you doing?!" Kai barked, not liking the direction this had taken.
"I'm going with you!" Rei called back.
Kai gritted his teeth. He couldn't let Rei go. He didn't know what his grandfather wanted, and if the subject turned out to be something they disagreed on, the elderly man would surely become violent. Kai had seen it before. He couldn't risk it. "No! You're not!"
Rei stuck out his tongue and settled himself firmly on the seat. "Am so!"
The driver, who was still at the door, turned to Kai uncertainly. "Sir,we must leave. We're quite behind schedul-"
Kai slammed the cottage door and locked it, storming angrily to the car.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A/N: Duhn, duhn, duhn! The all dreaded trip to Kai's house! ^^U Sorry. Next couple of chaps will probably focus a lot more on Kai and Rei than anybody else, but I don't know if anybody's complaining. I'm certainly not going to just cut the other characters out of the story- their little side-stories have found themselves quite some plot. O.o Ne wayz, watch for even more characters to pop up and sooner or later, all the little stories are gonna tie in together. Next chap, the rating goes up to "R". ^^ Meh. I've said quite enough. Ja!)
