(A/N: Well, this odd little...THING...was inspired by the first episode of Season 2 (V-force or whatever...). It's told in Kai's POV [first-person narrative] and reflects on the goings on in his life. This will be multi-chaptered (if anybody cares to read the rest of it. :p). This marks my first Beyblade fic since early January. It contains YAOI (Kare) and subtle mentions of masturbation so far. And by subtle, I mean BARELY THERE. The story will be rated higher in the future. I've used Tyson and Mariah's Japanese names (Takao and Mao respectively). I've been lead to believe that Tala's Japanese name is "Yuri", but if that's in correct, inform me and it will be changed. Finally, I've called the story "Return To Summer" because it's almost summer (here at least...) and last June was when I first watched Beyblade. Also, I've made it summer in the story, so...the title was just plain fitting. Please, enjoy the story and R&R with comment/questions. On with the fic!)
[...] =Flashback
/.../ =Thinking
Return to Summer
Chapter 1: Winter in July
One...two...three...four. Four skips and then it sank, plunging into the icy depths of the bay. I sighed and searched the stony beach for another rock. Despite the fact it was mid-July, I was swathed in an over-sized sweater given to me by Takao for my birthday. Honestly, I don't know why he even bothers. It's not like anyone else particularly cared. I skipped another stone.
The water rippled in the northern breeze amd seagulls cried out. The afternoon sky was clouded, adding to my destitution. Everything out here was so calm, so peaceful. Unlike me. Inside, I was reeling, trying to firgure out the mess that was now my life. After the BladeBreakers, my life had changed a lot.
Grandfather had lost Biovolt and millions of dollars in lawsuits,particularly from the Demolition Boys' parents. He'd sold the estate and we were now living in almost down-town Tokyo. It wasn't like we were poor - just down-sizing. Grandfather had 'retired' although, I do believe he was plotting some sort of "come-back" world-take over at one point. We'd kept the cottage up North, which is where I was now. Grandfather was currently on vacation in Hawaii.
I was completely alone here and that's just how I wanted it. I needed to think - to get back on track. Get back to "normal." Tokyo was always bustling, noisy and crowded, forcing you to flow with it, never giving you time to think. At home, thinking made my head spin. So, here I was.
My thoughts shifted back to the BladeBreakers. Max had gone to work with his mother in America; Rei had gone back to China; Kenny and Takao were gearing up for another school semester. I skipped another rock and watched it sink.
The Demolition Boys had disbanded; who knew what the other teams were up to. The White Tigers were probably enjoying some coaching from Rei; The All Starz were probably learning how spirit could be used in a bey-battle from Max and the Majestics were probably having chess tournaments in Robert's castle.
PLUNK! Another stone sank. Robert had actually invited me to play chess with him, which I'd flat out refused. As I said, I needed time to sort myself out.
After the team disbanded, Takao tried to keep in touch with me. I dare say, I was actually being to enjoy talking to the moron, but during moving and all, had lost contact with him. Part of me is glad I lost his number.
Needless to say, my time on the team changed me a lot. I've realized the importance of friendship - and its power. The BladeBreakers are my friends, whether they know it or not. Hey, don't expect me to tell them. I haven't changed that much. I smirked and skipped another stone. There, that was one problem figured out. Now, on to the next....
Rei. I'll admit it, Rei is the only member of the team I respected right from the start. He's confident (most of the time), easy-going, determined and, generally, fun to be around. His personality intrigues me, makes me wonder about him. Is it a front? Couldn't be - it's too natural.
When we were in Asia, he really broke down. He was upset that his former team mates - his friends - had turned against him. And, the first person he turned to for advice was me. I was shocked and angry and pleased all at once. Shocked, because he'd even thought about talking to me, angry because he was talking to me and pleased because he trusted me enough to show me his vunerable side.
I remember how he looked up at me, his golden eyes blurred with tears and all I wanted to do was hug him. HUG him? Why did I want to hug Rei? I told him he needed to sort out his loyalties and it'd be okay. I think I might have held his hand while I gave him my advice.
After that, I became even more confused. Sometimes, he'd try to stay as close to me as he could. Other times, he'd stay as far away as possible. Sometimes he'd smile when he saw me; other times, he'd completely ignore me. It made my head spin. My confusion wasn't 'resolved' until we got to Paris.
[ The door creaked open and I crept into the silent hotel room. Outside, the full moon glowed brightly. I peered about the room. Max...Takao...Good. Everyone was asleep. I crept in and shut the door softly. "Where have you been?"
I jumped and looked down at Rei, who was sprawled out on the sofa - now my make-shift bed. I narrowed my eyes. "None of your business, Rei. Go to bed," I hissed, keeping my voice low.
Rei sat up. He stared at me. "You had me worried. I thought something bad had happened to you."
I snorted. "Worry about yourself. Now, clear off."
I tredded across the room, untucking the sheets from the the corners of the couch. Rei watched me for a moment, then said, "You know, I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you."
I glared at him. "I can take care of myself."
His next action was unexpected. He placed his hand on my shoulder. I froze. He hauled himself up so that we were eye to eye. "I like you a lot, Kai. More than I probably should."
He took his hand off my shoulder and placed it on my cheek. He put his other hand on my right cheek. He closed his eyes and pulled my face toward his. My heart leapt into my throat. /My God, he's going to-/
His lips pressed against mine, for just a second and then he broke off, letting go of me. I stared wide-eyed at him as he lay on the couch and panted with breathlessness. At last he moved, sliding off the couch and slinking to the bed. We didn't say another word for a long time and then...Rei said quietly, "Good night, Kai." ]
I didn't sleep all that night. Inner turmoil had set in. Rei had kissed me. I was shocked and disgusted - with myself. I hadn't fought it and in fact, I'd enjoyed the brief contact. I wasn't supposed to like kissing Rei...was I? I wasn't supposed to keep replaying the scene in my head...wasn't supposed to want to kiss him again. And I definitely wasn't supposed to imagine having a hot-and-heavy make-out session with him. I remember the warm tingling feeling that spread from the pit of my stomach when I thought of that. I remember stroking that feeling, closing my eyes and knowing it was wrong.
Nothing more passed between us. Rei was cautious of me - wary even. Weeks passed, but it seemed like an eternity. Rei talked to me only when necessity called for it.
After my stint with the Demolition Boys, I (as everyone knows) re-joined the BladeBreakers. Rei hadn't shown it, but he'd been close to tears during the fight on the lake. The next day, when we held that stupid meeting, I was watching Rei and he was watching me. When all was said and done and the group had disappated, Rei and I were left alone. There was an awkward moment, and then, he was in my arms, sobbing into my shoulder. His fingers were curled into the fabric of my scarf. "Oh, God Kai," he sobbed. "Don't ever do that to me again!"
I frowned and skipped another stone. Rei liked me and my actions after Takao's defeat of Yuri told me I liked Rei. Max, Takao and Kenny had already left the locker room, and were now outside celebrating. I would have preferred Mao to have left, but I was so happy to see Rei, so relieved that he was okay, that I didn't much care. I held Rei as tightly as I could, blinking back tears. If Mao had been shocked by that, she must have nearly fainted when I titled Rei's face up and brushed out lips together in a chaste kiss. I had told him, "Aishiteru," and he smiled, but if he truly understood, I don't know. Later, Mao was plying him to find out what I'd said. She obviously didn't know Japanese and for that, I was thankful. Rei didn't tell her what it meant, but instead, smiled funnily at the pink-haired girl.
That had been late April. That had been the last time I'd seen or heard from Rei. I missed him. A lot, actually. Frustrated, I skipped another rock. Damn! I wish I'd figured this out sooner! We'd wasted so much valuable time and now, he was gone! The rock sank and I felt hot tears burn at the edges of my eyes. I turned away and headed back to the cottage.
[A/N: Well, hope you enjoyed chapter one. If you've got somethin' to say, drop me a line via review. ^_~ I'm always happy to hear from you.
~Angelblood]
[...] =Flashback
/.../ =Thinking
Return to Summer
Chapter 1: Winter in July
One...two...three...four. Four skips and then it sank, plunging into the icy depths of the bay. I sighed and searched the stony beach for another rock. Despite the fact it was mid-July, I was swathed in an over-sized sweater given to me by Takao for my birthday. Honestly, I don't know why he even bothers. It's not like anyone else particularly cared. I skipped another stone.
The water rippled in the northern breeze amd seagulls cried out. The afternoon sky was clouded, adding to my destitution. Everything out here was so calm, so peaceful. Unlike me. Inside, I was reeling, trying to firgure out the mess that was now my life. After the BladeBreakers, my life had changed a lot.
Grandfather had lost Biovolt and millions of dollars in lawsuits,particularly from the Demolition Boys' parents. He'd sold the estate and we were now living in almost down-town Tokyo. It wasn't like we were poor - just down-sizing. Grandfather had 'retired' although, I do believe he was plotting some sort of "come-back" world-take over at one point. We'd kept the cottage up North, which is where I was now. Grandfather was currently on vacation in Hawaii.
I was completely alone here and that's just how I wanted it. I needed to think - to get back on track. Get back to "normal." Tokyo was always bustling, noisy and crowded, forcing you to flow with it, never giving you time to think. At home, thinking made my head spin. So, here I was.
My thoughts shifted back to the BladeBreakers. Max had gone to work with his mother in America; Rei had gone back to China; Kenny and Takao were gearing up for another school semester. I skipped another rock and watched it sink.
The Demolition Boys had disbanded; who knew what the other teams were up to. The White Tigers were probably enjoying some coaching from Rei; The All Starz were probably learning how spirit could be used in a bey-battle from Max and the Majestics were probably having chess tournaments in Robert's castle.
PLUNK! Another stone sank. Robert had actually invited me to play chess with him, which I'd flat out refused. As I said, I needed time to sort myself out.
After the team disbanded, Takao tried to keep in touch with me. I dare say, I was actually being to enjoy talking to the moron, but during moving and all, had lost contact with him. Part of me is glad I lost his number.
Needless to say, my time on the team changed me a lot. I've realized the importance of friendship - and its power. The BladeBreakers are my friends, whether they know it or not. Hey, don't expect me to tell them. I haven't changed that much. I smirked and skipped another stone. There, that was one problem figured out. Now, on to the next....
Rei. I'll admit it, Rei is the only member of the team I respected right from the start. He's confident (most of the time), easy-going, determined and, generally, fun to be around. His personality intrigues me, makes me wonder about him. Is it a front? Couldn't be - it's too natural.
When we were in Asia, he really broke down. He was upset that his former team mates - his friends - had turned against him. And, the first person he turned to for advice was me. I was shocked and angry and pleased all at once. Shocked, because he'd even thought about talking to me, angry because he was talking to me and pleased because he trusted me enough to show me his vunerable side.
I remember how he looked up at me, his golden eyes blurred with tears and all I wanted to do was hug him. HUG him? Why did I want to hug Rei? I told him he needed to sort out his loyalties and it'd be okay. I think I might have held his hand while I gave him my advice.
After that, I became even more confused. Sometimes, he'd try to stay as close to me as he could. Other times, he'd stay as far away as possible. Sometimes he'd smile when he saw me; other times, he'd completely ignore me. It made my head spin. My confusion wasn't 'resolved' until we got to Paris.
[ The door creaked open and I crept into the silent hotel room. Outside, the full moon glowed brightly. I peered about the room. Max...Takao...Good. Everyone was asleep. I crept in and shut the door softly. "Where have you been?"
I jumped and looked down at Rei, who was sprawled out on the sofa - now my make-shift bed. I narrowed my eyes. "None of your business, Rei. Go to bed," I hissed, keeping my voice low.
Rei sat up. He stared at me. "You had me worried. I thought something bad had happened to you."
I snorted. "Worry about yourself. Now, clear off."
I tredded across the room, untucking the sheets from the the corners of the couch. Rei watched me for a moment, then said, "You know, I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you."
I glared at him. "I can take care of myself."
His next action was unexpected. He placed his hand on my shoulder. I froze. He hauled himself up so that we were eye to eye. "I like you a lot, Kai. More than I probably should."
He took his hand off my shoulder and placed it on my cheek. He put his other hand on my right cheek. He closed his eyes and pulled my face toward his. My heart leapt into my throat. /My God, he's going to-/
His lips pressed against mine, for just a second and then he broke off, letting go of me. I stared wide-eyed at him as he lay on the couch and panted with breathlessness. At last he moved, sliding off the couch and slinking to the bed. We didn't say another word for a long time and then...Rei said quietly, "Good night, Kai." ]
I didn't sleep all that night. Inner turmoil had set in. Rei had kissed me. I was shocked and disgusted - with myself. I hadn't fought it and in fact, I'd enjoyed the brief contact. I wasn't supposed to like kissing Rei...was I? I wasn't supposed to keep replaying the scene in my head...wasn't supposed to want to kiss him again. And I definitely wasn't supposed to imagine having a hot-and-heavy make-out session with him. I remember the warm tingling feeling that spread from the pit of my stomach when I thought of that. I remember stroking that feeling, closing my eyes and knowing it was wrong.
Nothing more passed between us. Rei was cautious of me - wary even. Weeks passed, but it seemed like an eternity. Rei talked to me only when necessity called for it.
After my stint with the Demolition Boys, I (as everyone knows) re-joined the BladeBreakers. Rei hadn't shown it, but he'd been close to tears during the fight on the lake. The next day, when we held that stupid meeting, I was watching Rei and he was watching me. When all was said and done and the group had disappated, Rei and I were left alone. There was an awkward moment, and then, he was in my arms, sobbing into my shoulder. His fingers were curled into the fabric of my scarf. "Oh, God Kai," he sobbed. "Don't ever do that to me again!"
I frowned and skipped another stone. Rei liked me and my actions after Takao's defeat of Yuri told me I liked Rei. Max, Takao and Kenny had already left the locker room, and were now outside celebrating. I would have preferred Mao to have left, but I was so happy to see Rei, so relieved that he was okay, that I didn't much care. I held Rei as tightly as I could, blinking back tears. If Mao had been shocked by that, she must have nearly fainted when I titled Rei's face up and brushed out lips together in a chaste kiss. I had told him, "Aishiteru," and he smiled, but if he truly understood, I don't know. Later, Mao was plying him to find out what I'd said. She obviously didn't know Japanese and for that, I was thankful. Rei didn't tell her what it meant, but instead, smiled funnily at the pink-haired girl.
That had been late April. That had been the last time I'd seen or heard from Rei. I missed him. A lot, actually. Frustrated, I skipped another rock. Damn! I wish I'd figured this out sooner! We'd wasted so much valuable time and now, he was gone! The rock sank and I felt hot tears burn at the edges of my eyes. I turned away and headed back to the cottage.
[A/N: Well, hope you enjoyed chapter one. If you've got somethin' to say, drop me a line via review. ^_~ I'm always happy to hear from you.
~Angelblood]
