~waves~ I'm back minna! Okay, I hope I'm not too late on updating again. I
just tend to update at random -_-; depends on when I get computer time.
Anou, let's get on with replies to reviews, ne?
AnimeFan: You like the ducks being murdered part, eh? Lol, well, it's funny as long as you're not being called it I guess ~giggles~
moon-light blossom: Thanks! Actually, I had three music midterms :P I did do well though, so I can't complain. Is this soon enough for an update? ~sweatdrops~
MistyEyes: Got it, Mariah. I think her name should be spelt right from now on . . . heh. Thanks for pointing that out!
White Nyako: ~giggles~ Mrs. Payne, eh? Enough said.
Killua kiken na: Although Rei blushing is totally adorable, I highly doubt he'd do it every too seconds. ~laughs~ So I'm glad you like how he's being blush-controlled. However, he will blush. I can't help it ~blinks innocently~ he's cute when he blushes. And long live Kai/Rei fics!
diamond dew: lol, now there's a fic idea, ne? Rei getting a tatoo saying he's property of Kai.
Flick: It does make it more believable, I guess. Never thought about it. lol. Well, here's you're skating part!
Tamayo: I'm glad you like it!
Wishful Thinker: Nope, not a mind reader. Just a girl playing the same piece as you, I guess. I like Fantasia! It's a lot easier than the other chart we've gotta play. The notes aren't as high -_-; Oi! Is it okay if I use those stories for ideas in later chapters? ~grins~ I can think of lots of little ways to expand on them . . .
Thanks to all who've read this. And now, chapter three!
Warnings: Kai/Rei shounen ai, Emily/Mariah bashing possible. (More Mariah than Emily.)
Disclaimer: In case you've forgotten, I don't own them. If I did, you'd know ~winks~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Musical Feelings: Skating
Rei squinted to gaze around the outdoor rink, grinning as he saw several familiar figures. He pulled his red jacket closer, returning Tyson's energetic wave.
"Rei! We were wondering when you'd show up!"
The Chinese boy chuckled, removing the skates that were slung over his shoulder.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late. It looks like everyone decided to come!"
Max nodded as a grin split his face. "I can't believe it! This is so awesome! Join on us on the rink later."
"Will do." Rei left the duo and made his way over to a bench. Various musicians greeted him, all heading for the same location; the rink in the middle of the park.
A gentle snow began to fall over the area as Rei seated himself. Slipping off his boots, the baritone player undid his black ice skates. As he stood to head for the ice, a shadowy figure off to the side caught his attention. The boy smiled and made his way over to them.
"'Evening Kai. So, you decided to come after all?"
Crimson orbs fixed on Rei. "Someone was very convincing." Kai replied sarcastically.
Blushing slightly at the comment, Rei shifted on his feet. "You wanna skate with me? I was just heading onto the ice."
"Hn."
"Please?"
Kai looked at Rei's pleading expression and sighed. "I'm not a very good skater." He admitted quietly.
"That's okay! I'm not either. Where I use to live in China, we never got snow or ice. Come on, it'd be fun."
" . . . "
"Please Kai?"
"Fine."
Golden eyes lit up. Rei waited while the other boy put on his skates, then took his hands and pulled him out onto the ice. They stumbled over a crack in the ice, and Rei laughed nervously. Slowly he got his feet moving, taking Kai in the same direction.
"This isn't too bad."
"I thought you weren't a good skater?" Kai raised an eyebrow. Rei ducked his head, continuing to skate in a backward direction.
"I said I wasn't a very good skater."
An amused smirk passed over Kai's features. The stoic teen observed his fellow musician silently, an odd sensation filling him. Kai felt . . . content?
"Eek!" Rei tripped over another crack, pulling them down onto the cold solid surface. He chuckled sheepishly, grinning at Kai. "Heh, sorry."
"It's okay."
They got to their feet, glancing at each other uncomfortably.
"Um, I'm going to go talk to Max and Tyson. Wanna come?" offered Rei. "They're just over there."
"Hn. That's okay. I think I'll take a break from this skating thing."
"Oh." The look of disappoint Rei wore was painfully obvious to his companion. "Okay. I'll catch you later?"
"Hn." Kai skated off, leaving Rei on the rink.
The Chinese boy sighed, making his way over to Tyson and Max. The two stood in one corner of the rink, Max trying to help Tyson skate.
"Hey guys." Rei dropped into a snow bank, focusing his eyes on the night sky above.
"Hey Rei!" Max greeted cheerfully. Then the blond frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? Oh . . . nothing . . . "
Tyson put his hands on his hips, glaring at his friend. "What a load of trash. Come on, tell us what's bothering you, Rei." Then he slipped, falling hard on his butt.
Max and Rei laughed. The Chinese boy sat up, raven hair falling into his eyes.
"It's Kai."
"Why are you letting that sourpuss bother you?" Tyson demanded as Max helped him up. "I don't even know why he's here. It's not like he enjoys these events."
"I convinced him to come." explained Rei, voice soft. "I don't know why I bother sometimes . . . "
Max smiled sympathetically. "I do." He glanced at Tyson, then whispered, "the same reason I try so hard with Tyson, right?"
"I-" Rei turned red in the face, staring up at the percussionist.
The other boy laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Take what as a yes? Maxy, what did you say?"
Max giggled, covering his mouth with a gloved hand. "Nothing Tyson."
The blue-haired boy grumbled. "Fine. Well, I'm going to get some hot cocoa. You two coming?"
Rei stood, shaking snowflakes from his hair. "Sure, that sounds good."
The trio skated over to the table, where Judy was pouring hot drinks. Max nudged Rei, motioning to the bench under a tree.
"You should get Kai some, he looks cold."
"I don-"
Shoving a cup into Rei's hands, Max pushed the Chinese boy along.
"Go."
Rei blushed, nodding hesitantly. He skated over to Kai, sliding to a stop in front of him. The stoic youth glanced up, shooting Rei a bored look.
"H-here." Holding out the steaming cup, Rei swallowed nervously. After a moment, Kai took the drink.
"Thanks."
Feeling encouraged, Rei took a seat next to him. He removed his skates, changing back into his boots. Kai watched him; eyes drinking in Rei's every move.
"Aren't you cold too?" Kai finally asked.
Rei smiled and pulled his knees to his chin. "Nah, I'm fine." He cocked his head slightly, hair wrap tumbling over his shoulder. "Emily not here? Usually she's attached herself to you."
"She's over there. Maybe she figured out that I don't want her around." Kai frowned suddenly, gaze landing on Rei. "What about Mariah?"
"Dunno." Rei said softly. "It's kinda weird, not having them around . . . "
"You miss her?"
Rei looked startled. "Mariah? Well, she is my friend, but that's all. It's just weird not having her hang onto my every word, you know?"
"I guess I can understand."
The two boys grew quiet, each lost in their private thoughts. Finally Rei broke it, smiling gently at Kai.
"So, what's your opinion on our band this year?"
"Hn. Certain musicians are good, but other's shouldn't be allowed near the instruments."
"What about me?"
Kai trained his eyes on the Chinese musician, a surge of emotions rushing through his body.
"You, play well." The Japanese boy said slowly. "In a few years, you'll be a great musician."
"You think so?" Rei blushed, eyes shining with delight at Kai's comment. "Thanks, that really means a lot to me."
The tiniest hint of a smile played across Kai's stoic features as the two became immersed in a light conversation.
*****
"Mariah!" Emily skidded to a stop, pulling on the other girl's arm.
"Just a minute Lee." Turning to face the red head, Mariah shot her an annoyed look. "What?"
"I want to know something."
" . . . ?"
"Why aren't you hanging around Rei?"
"REI'S HERE?!"
Emily sighed, shaking her head. "Gee, your Rei Radar must be broken. He's been here for about half an hour."
"Where is he?!"
"Hang on, I want to show you something." Lifting her arm, Emily pointed in the direction of Kai and Rei. "Look at them."
Mariah blinked. "Yeah . . . so?"
"You're hopeless, you *DO* realize that, right?"
"Are you going to tell me or not?"
"They're happy, Mariah. Kai never looks happy. They like to hang out together, maybe a little too much . . . "
Twirling in spot, Mariah rolled her eyes. "They're just friends Emily. Chill. Anyway, I'm going to go see Rei now! Thanks for telling me he was here!"
The pink-haired girl sped off towards the bench, not bothering to look back. Emily groaned.
"So much for that idea."
*****
A shiver coursed through Rei's body as a chilly wind passed. Kai noticed immediately, frowning.
"Rei, you're cold. You should go get hot cocoa . . . "
"No, I'm alright." Rei's delicate nose wrinkled as he tried to suppress a sneeze.
"No, you're cold." Kai leaned forward, giving the smaller baritone player a firm look. "Come on, I'll go with you."
"Ne, Kai I-" Rei stopped, breath catching as he gazed up into crimson pools.
Kai placed Rei's hand in his, pulling the Chinese youth from the bench. The raven-hair boy watched Kai's back wordlessly, lips parted slightly in an 'o'. Kai placed a cup in his hands, and Rei's expression turned to one of gratitude as the warmth seeped through his gloves.
"Thanks, Kai." whispered Rei, taking a hesitant sip.
"Hn." The Japanese boy shrugged, gazing off across the park. His gaze flickered back to Rei, noticing the smile on the other's lips. "What?"
"Nothing." Rei's grin widened. "Nothing at all, Kai."
Neither saw Mariah watching in shock a few feet away, or Emily's knowing look . . .
TBC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AnimeFan: You like the ducks being murdered part, eh? Lol, well, it's funny as long as you're not being called it I guess ~giggles~
moon-light blossom: Thanks! Actually, I had three music midterms :P I did do well though, so I can't complain. Is this soon enough for an update? ~sweatdrops~
MistyEyes: Got it, Mariah. I think her name should be spelt right from now on . . . heh. Thanks for pointing that out!
White Nyako: ~giggles~ Mrs. Payne, eh? Enough said.
Killua kiken na: Although Rei blushing is totally adorable, I highly doubt he'd do it every too seconds. ~laughs~ So I'm glad you like how he's being blush-controlled. However, he will blush. I can't help it ~blinks innocently~ he's cute when he blushes. And long live Kai/Rei fics!
diamond dew: lol, now there's a fic idea, ne? Rei getting a tatoo saying he's property of Kai.
Flick: It does make it more believable, I guess. Never thought about it. lol. Well, here's you're skating part!
Tamayo: I'm glad you like it!
Wishful Thinker: Nope, not a mind reader. Just a girl playing the same piece as you, I guess. I like Fantasia! It's a lot easier than the other chart we've gotta play. The notes aren't as high -_-; Oi! Is it okay if I use those stories for ideas in later chapters? ~grins~ I can think of lots of little ways to expand on them . . .
Thanks to all who've read this. And now, chapter three!
Warnings: Kai/Rei shounen ai, Emily/Mariah bashing possible. (More Mariah than Emily.)
Disclaimer: In case you've forgotten, I don't own them. If I did, you'd know ~winks~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Musical Feelings: Skating
Rei squinted to gaze around the outdoor rink, grinning as he saw several familiar figures. He pulled his red jacket closer, returning Tyson's energetic wave.
"Rei! We were wondering when you'd show up!"
The Chinese boy chuckled, removing the skates that were slung over his shoulder.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late. It looks like everyone decided to come!"
Max nodded as a grin split his face. "I can't believe it! This is so awesome! Join on us on the rink later."
"Will do." Rei left the duo and made his way over to a bench. Various musicians greeted him, all heading for the same location; the rink in the middle of the park.
A gentle snow began to fall over the area as Rei seated himself. Slipping off his boots, the baritone player undid his black ice skates. As he stood to head for the ice, a shadowy figure off to the side caught his attention. The boy smiled and made his way over to them.
"'Evening Kai. So, you decided to come after all?"
Crimson orbs fixed on Rei. "Someone was very convincing." Kai replied sarcastically.
Blushing slightly at the comment, Rei shifted on his feet. "You wanna skate with me? I was just heading onto the ice."
"Hn."
"Please?"
Kai looked at Rei's pleading expression and sighed. "I'm not a very good skater." He admitted quietly.
"That's okay! I'm not either. Where I use to live in China, we never got snow or ice. Come on, it'd be fun."
" . . . "
"Please Kai?"
"Fine."
Golden eyes lit up. Rei waited while the other boy put on his skates, then took his hands and pulled him out onto the ice. They stumbled over a crack in the ice, and Rei laughed nervously. Slowly he got his feet moving, taking Kai in the same direction.
"This isn't too bad."
"I thought you weren't a good skater?" Kai raised an eyebrow. Rei ducked his head, continuing to skate in a backward direction.
"I said I wasn't a very good skater."
An amused smirk passed over Kai's features. The stoic teen observed his fellow musician silently, an odd sensation filling him. Kai felt . . . content?
"Eek!" Rei tripped over another crack, pulling them down onto the cold solid surface. He chuckled sheepishly, grinning at Kai. "Heh, sorry."
"It's okay."
They got to their feet, glancing at each other uncomfortably.
"Um, I'm going to go talk to Max and Tyson. Wanna come?" offered Rei. "They're just over there."
"Hn. That's okay. I think I'll take a break from this skating thing."
"Oh." The look of disappoint Rei wore was painfully obvious to his companion. "Okay. I'll catch you later?"
"Hn." Kai skated off, leaving Rei on the rink.
The Chinese boy sighed, making his way over to Tyson and Max. The two stood in one corner of the rink, Max trying to help Tyson skate.
"Hey guys." Rei dropped into a snow bank, focusing his eyes on the night sky above.
"Hey Rei!" Max greeted cheerfully. Then the blond frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? Oh . . . nothing . . . "
Tyson put his hands on his hips, glaring at his friend. "What a load of trash. Come on, tell us what's bothering you, Rei." Then he slipped, falling hard on his butt.
Max and Rei laughed. The Chinese boy sat up, raven hair falling into his eyes.
"It's Kai."
"Why are you letting that sourpuss bother you?" Tyson demanded as Max helped him up. "I don't even know why he's here. It's not like he enjoys these events."
"I convinced him to come." explained Rei, voice soft. "I don't know why I bother sometimes . . . "
Max smiled sympathetically. "I do." He glanced at Tyson, then whispered, "the same reason I try so hard with Tyson, right?"
"I-" Rei turned red in the face, staring up at the percussionist.
The other boy laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Take what as a yes? Maxy, what did you say?"
Max giggled, covering his mouth with a gloved hand. "Nothing Tyson."
The blue-haired boy grumbled. "Fine. Well, I'm going to get some hot cocoa. You two coming?"
Rei stood, shaking snowflakes from his hair. "Sure, that sounds good."
The trio skated over to the table, where Judy was pouring hot drinks. Max nudged Rei, motioning to the bench under a tree.
"You should get Kai some, he looks cold."
"I don-"
Shoving a cup into Rei's hands, Max pushed the Chinese boy along.
"Go."
Rei blushed, nodding hesitantly. He skated over to Kai, sliding to a stop in front of him. The stoic youth glanced up, shooting Rei a bored look.
"H-here." Holding out the steaming cup, Rei swallowed nervously. After a moment, Kai took the drink.
"Thanks."
Feeling encouraged, Rei took a seat next to him. He removed his skates, changing back into his boots. Kai watched him; eyes drinking in Rei's every move.
"Aren't you cold too?" Kai finally asked.
Rei smiled and pulled his knees to his chin. "Nah, I'm fine." He cocked his head slightly, hair wrap tumbling over his shoulder. "Emily not here? Usually she's attached herself to you."
"She's over there. Maybe she figured out that I don't want her around." Kai frowned suddenly, gaze landing on Rei. "What about Mariah?"
"Dunno." Rei said softly. "It's kinda weird, not having them around . . . "
"You miss her?"
Rei looked startled. "Mariah? Well, she is my friend, but that's all. It's just weird not having her hang onto my every word, you know?"
"I guess I can understand."
The two boys grew quiet, each lost in their private thoughts. Finally Rei broke it, smiling gently at Kai.
"So, what's your opinion on our band this year?"
"Hn. Certain musicians are good, but other's shouldn't be allowed near the instruments."
"What about me?"
Kai trained his eyes on the Chinese musician, a surge of emotions rushing through his body.
"You, play well." The Japanese boy said slowly. "In a few years, you'll be a great musician."
"You think so?" Rei blushed, eyes shining with delight at Kai's comment. "Thanks, that really means a lot to me."
The tiniest hint of a smile played across Kai's stoic features as the two became immersed in a light conversation.
*****
"Mariah!" Emily skidded to a stop, pulling on the other girl's arm.
"Just a minute Lee." Turning to face the red head, Mariah shot her an annoyed look. "What?"
"I want to know something."
" . . . ?"
"Why aren't you hanging around Rei?"
"REI'S HERE?!"
Emily sighed, shaking her head. "Gee, your Rei Radar must be broken. He's been here for about half an hour."
"Where is he?!"
"Hang on, I want to show you something." Lifting her arm, Emily pointed in the direction of Kai and Rei. "Look at them."
Mariah blinked. "Yeah . . . so?"
"You're hopeless, you *DO* realize that, right?"
"Are you going to tell me or not?"
"They're happy, Mariah. Kai never looks happy. They like to hang out together, maybe a little too much . . . "
Twirling in spot, Mariah rolled her eyes. "They're just friends Emily. Chill. Anyway, I'm going to go see Rei now! Thanks for telling me he was here!"
The pink-haired girl sped off towards the bench, not bothering to look back. Emily groaned.
"So much for that idea."
*****
A shiver coursed through Rei's body as a chilly wind passed. Kai noticed immediately, frowning.
"Rei, you're cold. You should go get hot cocoa . . . "
"No, I'm alright." Rei's delicate nose wrinkled as he tried to suppress a sneeze.
"No, you're cold." Kai leaned forward, giving the smaller baritone player a firm look. "Come on, I'll go with you."
"Ne, Kai I-" Rei stopped, breath catching as he gazed up into crimson pools.
Kai placed Rei's hand in his, pulling the Chinese youth from the bench. The raven-hair boy watched Kai's back wordlessly, lips parted slightly in an 'o'. Kai placed a cup in his hands, and Rei's expression turned to one of gratitude as the warmth seeped through his gloves.
"Thanks, Kai." whispered Rei, taking a hesitant sip.
"Hn." The Japanese boy shrugged, gazing off across the park. His gaze flickered back to Rei, noticing the smile on the other's lips. "What?"
"Nothing." Rei's grin widened. "Nothing at all, Kai."
Neither saw Mariah watching in shock a few feet away, or Emily's knowing look . . .
TBC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~