BOO!! Hehe, don't mind me, I'm on medication from the nice men in white coats, hehe, yeah and guess what? It's the chapter you've been all waiting for!!! No, not finding out who stole the golden phoenix - I officially hate the spelling of that word -, no that comes later.. lot later.. or may be just later.. No this chapter is those eighteen hours our tiny koneko-chan gets to spend with our.. Phoenix. Ha! Oh, I don't think these drugs are doing what they're suppose to. oh well. Thank you for the reviews, bring big smile to darkness's face! Enjoy.
One Night.

Rei smiled as he watched Anasha play on the floor with her plastic tea set and her teddy bear, she seemed so at peace, a soft smile never leaving her face. Rei growled lightly at the thought of having to let her go back to Mariah in the morning. He hated giving her back, her company always made him feel better, nothing seemed like it was too much or too stressful for him. Everything seemed at peace with Anasha around.

He watched as Anasha held the teddy tight in her arms and briskly walked over to the window. Placing the teddy bear on the window ledge, she climbed up herself, falling twice onto her butt, which Rei just laughed at then looked out the window, hands and nose pressed against the glass. She looked around in awe then shrieked and clapped her hands in delight.

"Daddy, daddy, look!" Anasha cried pointing down against the window.

Rei stood with a sigh and walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder. He looked down and saw a red jaguar pull into the alley. The door opened from the back and Dalazark jumped out, clutching a bag to his chest. The driver's door opened and Kai came out looking around. Rei watched in delight as Kai walked round and picked Dalazark up in his arms then disappeared into the building.

Rei picked Anasha up and placed her on the sofa, then picked up all her toys and dropped them in her bedroom. He then made one last look around the house, making sure everything was okay. Anasha giggled at his actions, hugging the teddy closer to her. Rei brushed himself down and took in a deep breath. He was going to enjoy tonight.

The knock at the door brought Rei out of his thoughts and his skin, which made Anasha giggle even more. He walked slowly to the door, took a breath and opened it. A flash of orange rushed through his legs and into the lounge, where it settled on the couch next to Anasha. Anasha stared at Dalazark as he did then started giggling, followed by Dalazark.

"Sorry, he's a bit excited tonight." Kai apologised.

"It's okay." Rei replied.

He turned back to see Kai in a pair of figure tight jeans and a short sleeved polo neck, again wearing the snake pendent. The triangles that usually occupied his soft cheeks were no longer there, giving him that innocent vulnerable look once more. Rei smiled down at him before moving out the way to let him in.

"Please, come in." Rei offered.

Kai bowed slightly then walked in, moving into the lounge to watch Dalazark poke at Anasha's teddy bear, who revolted by hugging it closer to her while shaking her head in protest. Dalazark laughed at this and clapped his hands. Rei closed the door and walked over to stand next to Kai.

"Dalazark, Anasha, go to your room, let us talk in peace." Rei ordered, pointing to the spare bedroom.

"'Kay!" Anasha cried.

She jumped off the couch and took Dalazark's hand, pulling, causing him to topple to the floor. Anasha giggled and Dalazark giggled back before she picked him up and dragged him into her room. Once the door was shut, Rei collapsed onto the couch with a smile.

"That should keep them occupied for a while." Rei smiled.

"Suppose." Kai mumbled.

Kai kneeled down on the floor next to Rei, who looked down at him confused.

"I'm not going to bite if you sit on the couch, Kai." Rei joked.

Kai stiffened, "Sorry, old habit."

Kai got up and sat next to Rei, hands in his lap. Rei turned slightly to look at him, head resting on his hand.

"When I'm. 'bought', I'm usually told to sit on the floor, that way it makes them seem superior to me." Kai explained, looking down at the comfortable floor.

"Well, there will be none of that here. If you want you can leave and go out and enjoy yourself. I didn't buy you for my benefit, I did it for you, so you could get some time away from all that. I won't be offended if you leave." Rei assured Kai as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

"Thank you, and I will stay. I feel safe around you." Kai spoke quietly.

Rei smiled and an urge to touch Kai came over him; he could feel his chest tightening and his mouth drying as he stared at Kai's beautifully defined features. He let his eyes travel down to Kai's covered neck and down around the snake necklace and down to the belt on Kai's jeans. Rei absentmindedly licked his lips and took a deep breath as image after image filled his mind. Zachary. Rei shook his head and stood from the couch, couching away the thoughts.

"Dinner should be ready by now." Rei spoke out of the silence.

"I'll help you." Kai stood next to Rei.

They walked into the kitchen, where Rei pulled out a towel and moved to the oven. He watched as Kai opened cupboard after cupboard to find the plates. Rei smiled at Kai, he looked so innocent and relaxed at the moment, and it made Rei feel great. He opened the oven and pulled out the pizza, placing on the side. Kai placed four plates next to it, then looked up at Rei, an amused grin on his face.

"What? I had to pick something for the kids to eat as well, plus I bet it's been ages since you've had one." Rei grinned back.

"That is true." Kai replied.

Rei passed Kai a knife, "Could you cut it up please."

"Sure." Kai replied.

He took the knife and stood in front of the pizza. Rei turned round and pulled two beers out of the fridge then poured two squashes for Anasha and Dalazark. Hearing a squeak of pain, Rei turned to see Kai sucking his thumb, a pained expression on his face. Rei then proceeded to watch him as Kai carefully placed his fingers on the pizza, quickly removing and replacing them at times as he cut the pizza, his tongue licking his lips in concentration.

"Enjoying yourself?" Rei giggled.

"Shush, it's been a while." Kai smiled brightly at him.

Rei walked behind Kai and wrapped his arms around to take hold of Kai's, directing the knife, cutting the pizza. Rei could feel Kai shaking in his hold and decided to finish this quickly, though his body didn't want him to, feeling so warm and relaxed at the moment. Once finished, Rei moved Kai out the way and placed the pieces onto one of the plates. As he turned he noticed Kai was holding himself, looking into the distance.

"Are you okay, Kai?" Rei asked, as he walked up to him.

"When. when they did that. it was. it wasn't pleasant." Kai closed his eyes.

Rei moved forward and hugged Kai, who buried his head in his chest, "It's okay, nothing's going to happen to you here, I promise."

"I know." Kai whispered.

Rei pulled him away and kissed him on the forehead before turning to collect the drinks, "Could you bring the pizza through?"

"Okay."

Kai walked passed Rei as he walked back into the lounge, placing the drinks down on the table. He sat down and waited for Kai to put the pizza down and join him.

"Anasha, Dalazark! Food!" Rei shouted.

Squeals could be heard and the door to the spare room was flung open as Anasha and Dalazark rushed out and sat in front of the pizza, eager to start eating. Rei laughed at them and signalled for them to start. They both lunged forward and pulled a piece out each. Rei leaned forward and pulled out two, giving one to Kai, who smiled at him.

Rei grinned at the mess Anasha was making of her dress and let a small laugh escape at seeing Mariah's face as she tried to clean the stains out. Maybe he should hide the dress until next time so the stains won't come out. Rei attention turned to Kai as he carefully took a small bite, his free hand under his chin as to not drop anything. Rei's imagination run wild as the melted cheese stretched from the piece to Kai's mouth. The cheese finally broke and attached to Kai's pale chin.

They continued to consume the food, though slightly interrupted by Dalazark getting squash on his top, which follow him having to borrow one of Anasha's, which she blushed at. Rei sat back, full, and looked over at Kai who was also reclining against the couch. That's when Rei noticed a smudge of tomato sauce on the corner of Kai's lips.

Okay, so Rei wasn't entirely full, and it was too tempting not too. Rei captured Kai's chin in his hand and leaned forward to lick the sauce from Kai's lips. When is was gone, Rei didn't move back, in fact he leaned closer and captured Kai's lips in his. Feeling Kai respond immediately, Rei deepened the kiss, moving his lips with Kai's. Squabbling interrupting them and Rei looked up to see Anasha and Dalazark fighting over the last piece.

"Hey, stop fighting." Rei called.

Rei let go of a flushed Kai reluctantly and leaned forward to tear the piece in two and give a piece to each of them. They took it eagerly and began to bite them, smiling at each other. Rei turned back to see Kai resting on the couch, eyes closed. Smiling, Rei brushed a few strands out of his face and sat back, admiring his features once more.

Kai opened his eyes and looked into Rei. He got so lost in their wine depths that were surrounded by the heavenly blue of his hair that he didn't even acknowledge Anasha and Dalazark returning to their room. What he did notice was Kai moving over and placing his lips on his, waiting for a reply. Rei didn't have to think, he allowed his lips to press against Kai's and let his arms wrap around him and pull him closer.

As the passion and fire built in their innocent kiss, Rei moved to lay Kai down on the couch, delighting in feeling his petit form below him. Feeling Kai shiver and stiffen, Rei pulled away quickly, looking to see Kai's now scared and fearing eyes. Rei sat up and pulled Kai with him.

"What's the matter?" Rei whispered.

"I didn't like it, I'm sorry. Don't let him hurt me." Kai whispered.

"Who hurt you? Kai, what's wrong?" Rei was worried now.

"My grandfather. If people tell him that I wouldn't behave, he. he hurts me. Please, don't tell him, I beg you." Kai let tear run down his cheeks.

Rei pulled Kai close to, "Hey, it's okay, I won't tell him. I won't let him hurt you. It's okay, you're safe with me. Kai, if I do anything you don't want then just say, don't think you have to do anything just because I paid. This night was meant for you to relax, nothing more."

"I don't want this anymore! I don't want it! It hurts! I want to be loved! I don't want this anymore! Help me." Kai murmured through his sobs.

"Don't worry. I'm trying. Just hold on a little longer and everything will be fine. I promise." Rei whispered.

"When you left. I was told I was working double tomorrow. I don't want to do it! I can't do it!" Kai cried.

"Shh, it's okay. You're stronger than this Kai, I know you are. You can make it through this. If not for you, then me." Rei whispered.

"For you?" Kai repeated.

"I need you to make it through this. If you don't I don't think I could survive." Rei opened.

Kai pushed slowly away from Rei to look up at him, dumbfounded, "How?"

"Because I love you." Rei whispered.

Kai's pupil diluted at the words and his mouth opened in shock. Rei looked away from Kai, slightly upset at Kai's reaction, hoping for more, but deep down knowing that this was what he was going to get.

"I need to sleep." Kai whispered.

"You can use my room." Rei offered.

"I want you with me." Kai whispered.

Rei looked up shocked, until Kai replied, "I'm not used to being on my own."

Rei nodded and led Kai into the bedroom, where they stripped from their clothing and climbed under the covers. There, Kai moved up to rest on Rei's chest, soon falling to sleep. Rei let his hand slide onto Kai's back as he watched him sleep. Upset at Kai's outburst tonight, angered with Voltaire and exhilarated that he was able to be this close and intimate with such a special person.

Rei woke with a shock as the bed started to shake. He bolted up, forgetting about Kai and waking him up too. It was still very dark and Rei took a look over at the clock. it was two o'clock in the morning. Rei turned back to see Anasha and Dalazark standing at the end of the bed, each holding a stuffed toy. Kai sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"What's the matter, Anasha?" Rei yawned.

"We had nightmares." Anasha whispered, hiding behind her teddy bear.

"What about?" Kai asked.

"Ghosts." Dalazark squeaked.

"I'm guessing you want to sleep with us then." Rei sighed.

Anasha and Dalazark didn't reply, they just jumped under the cover between Kai and Rei. Anasha cuddling up to Rei and Dalazark to Kai, both immediately falling to sleep. Rei sighed and looked over at Kai, who was stroking Dalazark's hair. Kai looked up at Rei and smiled, before lying down and closing his eyes. Rei sighed at the sight, wishing things could stay as they were, then lay down to fall asleep once more.
Rei woke up the next morning yawning, after rubbing his eyes he looked over to stare into bright mahogany depths. Rei stared back, falling into a trance as Kai's depths drew him in. The wine deep orbs came closer to him then were sealed by pale eyelids as warm lips fell upon his own. Rei closed his eyes and fell into the sensation of those lips, letting his hands wrap around Kai's slim figure and pulled him closer. He shivered as Kai's hands sat upon his neck, pulling Rei closer and playing with the tiny strands of hair. Rei pulled away looking around the room then back down at Kai.

"Where are the kids?" Rei asked, concerned.

"In the lounge watching cartoons." Kai replied, still playing with Rei's hair.

"Good." Rei smirked.

Rei leaned down and captured Kai's lips, immediately taking control as his tongue slithered into Kai's mouth, on fire at the warmth and texture of Kai's mouth. Kai groaned into the kiss, pulling Rei closer to him, their bodies rocking against each other, forcing more ecstasy filled groaned from both of them. Rei pulled away to Kai's disappointment and placed a path of light kisses down Kai's neck, who threw his head back to give Rei more room. Rei licked a section of his neck before clamping down.

"No marking." Kai whispered.

Rei moved away and kissed the abused area. He placed his arms either side of Kai's face and began to play with the strands of his hair.

"You're so beautiful." Rei whispered, still in a trance.

"What's the time?" Kai asked.

Rei looked over, "Eight, plenty of time yet."

Bang. Rei squinted as the sound echoed around the apartment.

"Rei Kon! Open this door!" Mariah's voice came from behind the door.

"Rei?" Kai cocked an eyebrow.

"My real name." Rei mumbled.

He got out of bed and wrapped a dressing gown around him. He walked out into the lounge to see Anasha and Dalazark watching the television in awe. Rei opened the door and Mariah and Lee barged in. Mariah picked up Anasha.

"Hello, Anasha, how are you?" Mariah asked.

"Great!" Anasha called, hugging Mariah.

"Mariah, you have no right to barge into my place like that!" Rei yelled.

"I'll do what I want, Kon. Lee and I had plans for today and we needed Anasha. Waiting for your lazy butt was not part of our plans. Where's her stuff?" Mariah barked.

"In the bedroom." Rei growled.

"Lee?" Mariah asked.

Lee pushed past Rei and walked into the spare bedroom. Rei glared at Mariah, who turned away and looked down at Dalazark who was cowering on the couch.

"Who's the brat?" Mariah bit.

"He's mine." Kai called.

Mariah looked up to see Kai standing in the bedroom door wearing a shirt with his boxers. Mariah looked him up and down, disgusted. Kai just looked back with an emotionless glare. Lee walked back out and over to Mariah, now holding Anasha's suitcase.

"Now get out." Rei growled.

"Daddy!" Anasha cried.

She jumped out of Mariah's hold and into Rei's arms, hugging him tightly. Rei sighed as he held her tightly, hiding his face in her hair.

"Be a good girl and I'll see you in two weeks." Rei whispered.

"Love you, daddy." Anasha kissed him on the cheek.

"Love you too."

Rei put her down and waved to her as she walked out of the apartment with Mariah and Lee. He watched the door shut and lowered his head. A hand fell on his shoulder and Rei pulled Kai into a hug, breathing in his scent to relax him. Kai wrapped his arms around Rei, whispering to him.

"It's okay. Shh, it's okay, Rei."

"I hate her, I hate her so much." Rei whispered with a growl.

"I know, I know. But she's gone now and I'm here." Kai whispered.

Rei pulled away slightly to look at Kai.

"But you'll be gone in a few hours too." Rei whispered, stroking his face.

Kai placed a card into his hand, "Use this and you can see me whenever you want."

Rei looked down at the VIP card, shocked, "Thank you, why didn't you give me this before?"

"Because I didn't trust you then." Kai explained.

Rei looked at him, dumbfounded, and Kai leaned forward and kissed him, passionately, "My numbers on the back too."

Kai walked back to the bedroom as Rei looked on the back to see the number written in Kai's soft handwriting. Johnny was right, it did look like Voltiare's. exactly like Voltaire's. Rei put the card on the side and followed Kai into the bedroom. He watching him put on that snake necklace again.

"You like that, don't you." Rei asked.

"My grandfather gave it to me, he has one just like it. Said it was a bond between us." Kai clutched the pendant.

"I thought you didn't like him?"

"He may be a horrid man, but he's still my grandfather and I hold such respect for him." Kai fought back.

"What if he's just using you, again?" Rei put forth.

"Then I'm a fool, but at least, I'll know I stuck by my family and honoured my roots, no matter what."

"What if he did steal the Golden Phoenix and plants it all on you." Rei asked, knowing he was reaching his boundaries now.

"Then I'll go down for him." Kai said sadly.

Rei rushed forward and grabbed Kai's shoulder, forcing him to face him. Rei couldn't believe what he was hearing, Kai was willing to give his freedom for his grandfather, and Voltaire probably knew it too.

"You can't do that! You can't go down for something you didn't do! It wouldn't be right, and you'd be hurting a lot of people. you'd be hurting me." Rei cried.

"I know."

Kai leaned forward and planted a kiss on Rei's pouting lips.

"I'd better go." Kai whispered.

He walked out the door and picked up Dalazark.

"Come on then, let's get back before Auntie Rachael has a fit." Kai groaned under his weight.

Kai picked up his suitcase and walked to the front door, waiting for Rei. Rei came through; arms folded and opened the door for him. Kai stepped out and turned around.

"Thank you, you don't know how much this has meant to me." Kai whispered.

"Anytime." Rei mumbled, closing the door on Kai and falling to the floor; tears in his eyes.

. . . Anyone who wants to kill Mariah go sigh up over there *points to Mariah hunting day form* I hope you will consider it, big stress relief. Anywho, yup, Anasha's gone, Kai knows Rei's real name and Rei's.. being a typical koneko. Lol, hope you enjoyed and review for me and bring me more glorious smiles. and pills don't forget the pill. Hehehe!

Bye de Bye