WOOHOO!!!!! 111 REVIEWS AT LAST CHECK!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!! *hands out Kai flavoured lollipops* yes I did say Kai flavoured, it's my favourite. ;D Anyways, last chapter I got so many reviews. I know, it was very evil of me to do that to you all, but trust me, this will make it all worth your while. … wait a second … 22 REVIEWS FOR ONE CHAPTER! I REALLY DO LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! There is something very special for you all at the end of this chappie *big grin*. Enjoy.

Oh, and to all of you who thought Rei would go back to Mariah … even I am not that evil. And thank you for the peace offering KuriQuinn, I really do like sugar.

I shall leave you now to enjoy the fic.

Sorting Things Out

Bryan had watched his captain with curiosity and concern in his eyes ever since he'd come back from the meeting with the other captains. Tala hadn't stopped pacing and muttering darkly since then and Bryan wondered if it was indeed possible to wear a hole in the carpet if it was kept up for so long. He thought he could already see wooden floorboards.

"Tala," he tried futilely. The redhead didn't even look up from his cursing to glance in his direction. Bryan sighed and settled back to watch him continue pacing.

I know this has something to do with Kai. I heard Tala mutter his name. He must have pissed him off a lot this time. Bryan growled suddenly, his eyes narrowing and darkening. I swear if he's hurt him, I'll kill him, no matter how hard that may be.

Tala, contrary to his teammate's belief, actually heard the feral sound that emerged from his throat and glanced up startled at it. I guess I've worried him. Hmm, Bryan does care about us more than he lets on, but then, I always knew that.

There was a quick knock at the door that drew both their attention away from each other. "I'll get it," Tala offered. Bryan shrugged. Tala was already on his feet and moving over there.

Tala opened the door, curious as to who would be calling over. Who he found on the hotel room doorstep stunned him.

"Rei?"

The neko-jin looked close to tears, but he still managed to fidget nervously under his icy gaze. "I ... I know you may have other things to do ... but ... I was wondering if you maybe had a bit of time to help me out with something?"

Tala stared at the boy before him, shocked at the vulnerable stutter in his voice. Gods, what the fuck happened to him to make him like this? Tala's eyes widened as he suddenly thought of something. Gods no, he couldn't. Not even Kai could do something like this, could he? Tala's eyes turned cold when he realised that Kai could indeed reduce a person who cared about him to this state. Must be something he inherited from his grandfather.

Rei waited nervously for a reply, unaware of the thoughts rushing through the wolf's mind as he took in the shocking appearance of the haggard tiger on his doorstep. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. "Maybe I shouldn't have come," he whispered in a tiny voice, tears once again threatening to spill over.

Tala shook himself from his thoughts as he heard the miserable resignation in Rei's voice. "No, no come in. I told you I'd be here to talk whenever you needed it." Tala smiled gently at Rei and he couldn't tae it any more. Rei completely broke down. He grabbed onto Tala tightly and sobbed onto his shirt, oblivious to the amazed stare of his comforter.

Bryan raced around to the door, trying to see what was going on and stopped, stunned at the sight of Rei clinging like a lost child to his stoic captain, who himself looked just as lost and upset.

"Could you put on some coffee, Bryan," Tala asked, gently taking Rei into his arms and leading him inside. "We'll be needing it."

Bryan nodded, knowing that Tala needed time to deal with the stricken tiger. I know Kai's behind this one too. Fucking bastard. I'll bet he has no idea how badly he can hurt a person with just a single word, or even without words. Bryan shook his head, trying to rid himself of his furious thoughts, but it didn't seem to be working very well. He quickly set the water to boil and set everything up for their drinks then stood in the doorway between the sitting room and the mini kitchenette in their front room.

Tala had led Rei to one of the couches and sat with the raven-haired boy next to him, leaning on his shoulder, still sobbing rather violently. Tala caught Bryan's eye and sighed sadly. There was no doubt that this was all because of Kai and his heartlessness. He held Rei tighter to him and let the boy continue to cry his sorrows out before talking.

* * *

Kai still leaned against the wall in the hotel bathroom.

I fucked up so badly, how could I do that to him? Kai would have sobbed more, but he'd completely cried himself out. Now he was only left with that dreadful hollow feeling in his heart. And it's no less than I deserve. I deserve more. Tyson was right, he always has been, I'm a bastard. Rei was the only one who never believed that of me and I thought that I could live up to his expectations, but this only proves that I'm more like my grandfather than I'd hoped.

Kai shuddered at the thought and held his head in his hands.

Suddenly, he heard the door to the sitting room slam open and three familiar chattering voices carry through to the bathroom. He got up as Tyson called out, "Kai? Rei? You guys still here?"

Kai sighed and turned on the water, splashing his face to cover up the fact that he'd been crying. He looked at himself in the mirror and coldly inspected his appearance. He picked up his comb and quickly ran it through his hair a few times and breathed in deeply, making sure all his masks were back in place before opening the door to the bathroom then to the sitting room and going to face the rest of his team.

"Hey Kai." Max greeted him cheerfully.

Kai smirked at them. "How are your heads?" Tyson glared at him and Max blushed slightly. Kenny didn't even bother responding, trying as hard as he could to forget about the previous night. Kai had no sympathy for them whatsoever. "I did warn you," he said in his perfected 'I told you so' voice.

"Oh, like you've never done something that stupid," Tyson shot back at him.

"Oh but I have, which is why you should have listened to me instead of acting as stupidly as you did."

Tyson glared at him again, but he gave up when Max nodded at Kai's statements. He sighed. "Fine, we won't be doing that again."

"You better believe it," Kai muttered.

Max smiled sheepishly. "I guess we should have listened to you."

"Yeah. Look, I'm going out for a bit, do what you want."

Tyson looked a bit surprised. "Shouldn't we be training for the individual exhibition matches?"

Kai stared at him, as if wondering what the hell he was talking about. Woah, Tyson thought. This is something different. When has Kai ever forgotten about something that important, especially when it relates to beyblading? Something is definitely up with him.

Kai shook himself and nodded. "Yeah. Tomorrow is training non-stop. I've got the match list." Kai walked back into his room and grabbed the piece of paper before coming back out. "Tyson, you're up against Robert and Max you're with Emily."

They nodded and took a look at the rest of the matches. Max grinned. "Hey look, Rei's against Mariah. That'll be an interesting match."

"Yeah, and check out who you're up against Kai. Tala. Man, that'll definitely be a tough battle. He's good."

"I know, but I'm prepared. If you go anywhere make sure to leave a note or something. I don't know how long I'll be gone." Kai walked over to the door but was stopped by another of Tyson's questions.

"Hey, wait, where's Rei?"

"Rei?" Kai stiffened slightly and paused in his walk. "He's ... out somewhere. I think with the White Tigers. He didn't say." Kai let out a breath and opened the door. "Don't wait up." He closed the door quickly behind him, oblivious to the stares of his confused and concerned teammates behind him.

"What was that about?" Max asked curiously, turning back to the match list.

"I don't know Maxie." Tyson stared at the door with slightly narrowed eyes. But I want to find out. Something's up with Kai and I'm really starting to worry. Not to mention Rei. I'm worried about both of them. What are they hiding from us?

* * *

Tala listened in shock as Rei retold the events just prior to coming over to see him. Bryan sat on the other couch, listening in, but trying not to intrude in any way, even by making the slightest sound. Which was rather hard as his anger towards Kai continued growing as Rei spilled out his anguished tale.

"And then I hit him called him a fucking bastard and left," Rei finished. He looked up at Tala from his position of lying against his shoulder. "Gods, I can't believe I punched him, but then, I can't believe that he could be that cold. Even before he was never like that. What the hell could he have been thinking or feeling to act like that?" Rei sat up and sighed. "I really thought that he returned my feelings, after all, he did flirt back last night. I just don't understand what's going on with him. I know that everyone thinks he's this mean untouchable bastard, but I don't. He's not like that once you manage to break down his barriers. He let me in before, so why is he pushing me away now?" He curled up closer to Tala. "What if I was imagining everything?"

"You weren't," Tala assured him firmly. "You did get through to him and you're the only one I know who's gotten this close to him before, including me. He trusts you."

"S whay is he pushing me away?" Rei interrupted with a frustrated snarl. "I don't get it. Why doesn't he want me? I thought he felt the same … he kissed me, so what else was I supposed to think?"

Tala opened his mouth to reassure Rei once again, a bit tired himself of the repetitive cycle that Rei put him through, but he stopped when he noticed the strange look Rei was giving him. "What is it? Did you think of something that could make him act this way?"

Rei continued staring consideringly at Tala, the sudden thought that popped into his head running around and allowing him no respite. "What if he's still in love with someone else?" he whispered, hoping it not to be true.

Tala laughed, despite the look on Rei's face. "That's preposterous. Who on earth could Kai still be in love with?" Tala stopped laughing as he saw that Rei's serious expression didn't fade. His eyes widened suddenly as the tiger's insinuations finally clicked together in his mind. "No," he shook his head slowly. "It's not true."

"How can I know that?" Rei got up of the couch and backed away from Tala, tears threatening to spill again. "I know you still love him, why couldn't he feel the same?"

"We said our goodbye, there's nothing between us."

"I don't know that." Rei continued to back away, even as Tala reached out towards him.

"Rei, no you can't believe that. Kai doesn't love me. He gave me up to have you."

"But he doesn't want me, so how do I know that you're telling me the truth?" Tala froze at this and Rei shook his head. "I shouldn't have come, I'll leave you now."

"Rei! Wait!" Tala tried to catch his arm before he could leave but failed. "Rei, you have to believe me there is nothing going on." But Rei ignored him and ran out of the room and down the stairs.

Tala stared at the open door and at the neko-jin's swift departure before swearing. "Fuck!" He punched the wall, making Bryan jump. "Damn you Kai," he hissed darkly, grabbing his coat. "Go find Rei and see if you can talk some sense into him, or at least stop him from doing something stupid. I'm going to sort out my ex."

Bryan nodded and left a note by the phone for Ian and Spencer if they got back from their training early. "What should I say?"

"I don't know," Tala was halfway out the door. "Find some way to convince him to stay with you at least until I get back." Tala made his way out the door, oblivious to his teammate's confusion and distress.

"Kai's just goddamned lucky that he's not facing me right now. I've had enough of this shit." Bryan glared at the wall darkly before grabbing his own coat and slamming the door shut after he left.

* * *

The slate haired phoenix himself was wandering disconsolantly through the town mainstream areas. A few people stopped and stared as he passed, recognising him. A few brave souls approached him for an autograph and he barely thought about it as he quickly scribbled his name on a piece of paper for them. He did not even spare a thought for feeling disgusted at the way they would gush at him and smile in delight over a scrap piece of paper.

So of course, he was too caught up in his misery to notice as a familiar redhead sidled up to him and react before a punch was thrown his way.

Of course Tala's fist connecting with his face did spark a reaction out of him.

"What the fuck was that for?" he demanded, glaring, as he held his cheek. "That's twice today."

"So I heard," Tala told him coldly.

Kai stared at him in confusion then he paled as he finally realised where Rei had run off to earlier. "So you know."

"Yeah and by the gods I'm so pissed off with you right now."

"Why should you care about Rei?" Kai managed to grab Tala's fist before it connected this time. "Maybe we should take this somewhere more private. Pepople are starting to stare and wonder why the current championship winning captain is fighting with the former champion beyblade captain."

"Fine." Tala stalked off knowing that Kai was following him.

"So what exactly did Rei tell you?" Kai fell into step beside his old friend.

"Everything."

"Right." Kai nodded. "I thought as much. At least I don't have to tell you about that."

"You do still have a lot to spill however." Tala stopped talking and they walked in silence until they reached the park. Kai picked out a bench and Tala followed him and sat down.

"What do you want to know?"

"Why did you push him away? Not to sound selfish or anything, but why did you break up with me if you weren't in love with him?"

"Who said I wasn't?"

"Rei." Tala noticed the way Kai flinched guiltily. "He thinks that you're still in love with me. He came to that conclusion when he couldn't find any other way to figure out why you acted like you did." Tala laughed humourlessly. "I'm actually starting to consider that myself. So Kai, do you still love me?"

The spiteful tone to Tala's words struck a nerve in Kai. "I couldn't do that to him."

"Do what? Love him? Accept him? Be with him?" Tala glared. "Do you know how much you can hurt a person even without words?"

"Yes, I do know, which is why I didn't want Rei to get any closer."

"Why?"

"Because I'd only hurt him even more." Kai placed his head in his hands, groaning in anguish. "Gods Tala, I know how much I hurt you, I didn't want that to happen to anyone else. I never meant it to happen to you." Kai stared at him seriously. "I can't get into another relationship like that."

"We both knew it wouldn't last. I was just stupid enough to fall for you."

"That's not true. Under different circumstances —"

"But it wasn't under different circumstances," Tala interrupted him coldly. "But this one is. Don't fuck it up Kai. Rei's not me, he won't react the same, he isn't as easily deterred by your moods. He's more persistent and he's more loyal. He trusts you with everything he is and I know you do too. You don't get another chance like this."

"But I'll hurt him."

"Only if you intend to." Tala sighed and literally forced the next words from his mouth. "He loves you and I know you love him. You never loved me like that, that's why you didn't stay. The very fact that you're here, agonising over how you hurt him, tells me that."

Kai stared at his old love. "Tala … I … you're wrong. I did love you."

"Not like this." Tala steeled himself. "It was a nice fling, we had fun and we used each other to escape our troubles, but that isn't what a relationship has to be built on. That's why you broke up with me."

"And that's why I can't be with Rei. He's still vulnerable about everything that happened with Mariah."

"He's not a baby to be coddled. Rei's stronger than you're allowing him to be. Have faith in him."

"But what if I'm not strong enough to keep everything together?" Tala inhaled sharply as he finally came to the root of the problem. Kai continued on. "What if I screw things up again? What if he doesn't love me as much as I think?"

"I've heard all of this earlier." Kai looked up at the cold tone that Tala used. "And I'm quite sick of it. Seriously, you and Rei can be such whiners. What the fuck do you think this is? A story, some fantasy land where everything works out without either of you doing a thing? Take a fucking risk, you're the beyblade champions aren't you? Did you get this far without attempting anything, working hard and taking risks?"

"Don't lecture me Tala."

"Well it's about time someone smacked some sort of sense into your head. I can do that either literally or metaphorically. It's your choice." Tala cracked his knuckles threateningly, a clear indication of which he preferred.

Kai considered him. He's right. Why the hell am I acting like such a child? Hell, even Tyson would have been able to make less of a mess with any relationship of his. Kai grinned. "Sorry to disappoint, but I think I got the message."

"Darn," Tala muttered. "I was looking forward to punching you again."

Kai laughed at this. "Sorry for being such a …" he tried to think of a suitable euphemism for his actions, but couldn't find anything.

"Baby?" Tala suggested. Kai glared at him. "A cute baby though." Kai smirked.

"So where is Rei anyway?"

"Bryan should have caught up with him by now. I'll make sure he gets back to the hotel once I'm done having the same chat with him."

Kai nodded. "Sure. Thanks you Tala."

The redhead smiled. "Anytime my friend. Besides, this particular situation has given me a lot of needed experience for my psych courses."

"And here I thought you were experienced enough already." Tala glared at the jibe but smiled as Kai made his way back to his hotel. "I'll see you in two days."

Tala frowned and his eyes widened. Two days? He's not thinking of … His thoughts were interrupted by Kai's laugh.

"You perve. I was talking about the tournament."

Tala blushed. "It was an honest mistake. And like you weren't really thinking about that. Remember, I know you Kai."

"That's right, you do." Kai smirked once more before walking out of the park, leaving Tala alone with his disjointed thoughts and relieved emotions.

* * *

Rei wiped away his tears and looked around finally after running around for so long. He froze, his hand halfway to his face and paled. Where am I? He turned back around and didn't recognise anything he saw.

"This isn't good," he muttered.

"Well, it wouldn't be if I hadn't been following you." Rei looked to his side as he heard that emotionless voice.

"Bryan?"

He smirked. "Perceptive aren't you kitty-cat." Rei growled at the nickname. "Look, if you want to get back on your own, it's no skin off my back." Bryan turned around and smiled as he immediately heard the neko-jin cry out.

"Wait."

Bryan turned back around and grinned. "Ah, so the kitty-cat does need my help." Rei glared at him and started walking beside him.

"You're a sadistic brute."

"I thought you knew that already." Rei shivered slightly as he recalled who had given him the wounds that still ached him at times.

"I guess, but I get the feeling that you didn't have much choice in that."

"You'd be wrong in that feeling. Everything I ever did was my own choice. I was merely influenced by Biovolt, not completely controlled." He grinned. "Which is probably what made me more dangerous." Rei stared at him wide-eyed. Bryan grinned and tried to reassure him. "Don't worry though, I wouldn't kill you now."

"Thanks," Rei murmured with a slight waver in his voice. "I feel so muc better now."

"Rei, I'm playing with you." Bryan smirked at Rei's glare. "You're so easy to toy with sometimes. Your naivete must get annoying."

"What do you mean?" Rei's tone was frosty.

"Don't you find it hard to be so gullible? Your emotions are so easily read on your face, it's too easy to deceive you and even unintentionally mislead you. You showed that earlier."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your little scuffle with Kai." Bryan snorted in disgust. "I'm amazed that the bastard could be so easy on someone and still reduce them to tears. You must be weaker than I thought."

"What?" Rei glared darkly at Bryan. "I'm not weak."

"Then why do you let something so small affect you so much? I thought that you were worthy of my respect when you managed to beat me at the World Tournament, but I guess I was wrong." Bryan shrugged. "Not that it matters much to me anymore. You're just another part of my past to get rid of. A bit of a shame really, there are so few people I hold respect for now."

"Like I'd want your respect," Rei sniffed, ignoring Bryan.

"You still keep demeaning yourself further with your childish actions. You may not care about my respect, but do you have any for yourself? Do you really believe this is behaviour fitting of a beyblade champion?" Bryan noticed Rei's stiff posture. He smirked again. "I thought so."

"Then what do you suggest I do about it?"

"What anyone would do. Work out your problems like a normal person rather than crying about it." Bryan shrugged. "You could do nothing, like what I'm doing with my aspirations, and get nowhere, but I wouldn't advise it. You're a fighter, no one who controls a tiger spirit could be anything else, so why don't you fight for what you want?"

Rei looked at him curiously. "Fight for Kai? Wouldn't that suggest I have something to fight against?"

"Yeah. Kai's insecurities, and your own. Don't let fear drag you down now, it never has before. That's what I respected most about you Rei, you stared death in the face and didn't flinch."

"You're right." Rei grinned and looked around. "And you got us back. He looked up and saw that they were in fact just in front of his own hotel building. He took a deep breath.

"It's now or never Rei, but it's your choice, no one elses."

Rei smiled. "Thanks. And I hope you take some of your own advice with your own venture." Bryan looked shocked for a second before he recovered his composure and grinned.

"Perhaps, but I'm patient, I know I've still got more to do before I can get what I want, but you don't need anything more than a prod in the right direction." He gave Rei a slight push towards the hotel entrance and grinned as the tiger laughed and glowered playfully at him. "Good luck to you Rei." He turned and left the tiger to make his way to his room alone.

When Bryan arrived back at the hotel room, it was to find the rest of the team already there. Ian and Spencer had brought back pizza and they were digging in while watching something on the television. Tala was sitting on the side couch, glancing up at them occasionally with a small smile. He was the first to notice Bryan's entrance and gestured him to sit by him on the couch, passing him a slice of pizza.

"So how did you go?" Tala asked curiously.

"About as well as you it seems. You don't seem as pissed off now." Bryan took a bite, ignoring the dirty look Tala sent him.

"I'm not. Things worked out perfectly for everyone then."

Bryan looked at his captain sideways. "Not as perfect as it could have for some of us." Tala looked at him curiously and he shrugged. "Perhaps I'm not the only one who still needs a bit of time." Tala continued to look confused at Bryan's words, unaware of the secretive smile playing on the falcon's face.

* * *

(AN: You know, I so wanted to end things there, but you guys have been so nice and patient that I decided to extend the chapter. So consider this your 100 review special. Enjoy this next part, actually I know you will. Here's a hint … I'm inserting a big WARNING!!!! So anyone who's not 17 … you shouldn't be reading this anyway. ;D )

* * *

Kai lay on the bed with his eyes closed, letting the heavy music wash over him and calm him slightly. Not that he really needed it any more. For once, he finally knew what he wanted and he knew that he could have it and there was really nothing stopping him from getting it.

Except for the object of his desire itself.

If Rei refused him now … no, he would cross that bridge if he came to it. IF. Of course, he did have to apologise, he knew that, but he hoped that Rei wasn't still as pissed at him.

He snorted. Yeah right. I screwed up big time. I'm going to have to do a lot of groveling. Still, it'll be worth it. Kai smiled and leaned back further into the soft pillows and allowed himself to doze lightly. There would be no one bugging him either until much later tonight. Tyson and the others had decided to go out just a few minutes before he got home and wouldn't be back before eleven at the earliest. He was thinking of postponing training for an hour just for that considerate action, but only an hour. He couldn't let them get to lazy and slack, what kind of captain would he be then?

The music was still up so loud that he didn't hear the hotel door open, nor the door to the room. He was still caught up in his half doze and his thoughts that he didn't even notice when someone sat down beside him. However, when that someone straddled him, his eyes shot open and, surprisingly, he saw Rei smiling seductively, hovering just above him.

"Rei, what …?" he trailed off as Rei placed a gentle finger on his lips and leaned down.

"Don't talk, don't apologise, don't do anything, just let me do this." Rei removed his finger and replaced it with his soft lips, pressing down gently. Kai stared at him in shock before eagerly pressing back, his eyes slowly sliding closed. He reached up slowly, as if afraid this was yet another fantasy, to gently pull Rei's head down, deepening the gentle kiss.

Rei opened his mouth slightly and maneuvered Kai's lips open to hesitantly taste inside his cavity. Kai responded immediately by pulling Rei closer and brushing his own tongue against Rei's causing the boy above him to moan, which in turn sent shivers through his body.

"Gods Rei," he whispered, pulling away slightly to plant soft lingering kisses down Rei's jaw. The neko-jin arched his neck back and moaned in pleasure at Kai's actions. "I thought you wouldn't want to."

Rei smiled down at him. "If I recall correctly, you were the one who seemed most reluctant to pursue anything." He grinned as Kai blushed slightly. "I assume that you have changed your tune?"

Kai answered by grabbing him and pulling him down for another kiss. "We'll talk later," he breathed in Rei's ear after pulling away. Then he sucked on the slight protrusion of his jaw just below Rei's ear, eliciting a strong reaction in the boy above him.

"Gods Kai!" Rei pushed down against him and grabbed his shoulders. He pulled away and latched himself onto Kai's mouth again, his hands gently roaming down Kai's chest. Kai pulled Rei to lay completely on top of him so that they pushed against each other in their desire. Kai grinned into the passionate kiss as Rei moved against him, causing him to react to the friction.

"Ready for that already are you Rei?" he asked as Rei made his way licking down Kai's throat. Kai winced slightly and shivered in delight as Rei roughly scraped his incisors against his throat.

"Ready for what?' Rei asked innocently and looked down at Kai with big wide eyes. Kai knew he was acting, but the act had Kai completely turned on. He saw Rei's grin just before he turned them both over so he lay on top, furiously attacking at Rei's throat and chest once he managed to get the ties of his shirt undone in his haste. Kai sucked gently and licked down Rei's sternum as he trailed his hands down his now exposed sides. He smiled as he felt Rei's skin tingle and react. Rei was panting slightly now.

"Kai," he moaned. "Stop teasing me."

Kai grinned. "But I like teasing you." He was about to move back down when he felt Rei's hands pulling him up for another kiss. Kai grinned at the diversionary tactic then shivered as he felt Rei's hands slide up under the back of his shirt. He pulled away and took it off himself then reached down and finished pulling off Rei's. Then he held Rei's hands down and lowered his head to his chest again and continued where he was.

"Kai," Rei pouted even as he gasped in pleasure. He managed to free one hand from Kai's and, knowing it was impossible to distract Kai from his ministrations (and rather enjoying it himself), he ran his fingers through Kai's soft tangles of hair. Using his free hand, Kai reached down to Rei's waistband and slowly, gently slid his hand under.

"Kai, what are … Shit!" Rei's sudden jerk away from him startled Kai and he pulled away in confusion. He sat up and looked at Rei beneath him. Rei was staring at him with wide eyes.

"What happened, what did I …" Kai's eyes widened and he trailed off as he suddenly realised what he'd almost done. "Oh gods, Rei, I'm so sorry."

Rei shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'm sorry for overreacting." He blushed slightly. "I guess I wasn't expecting that."

"Rei, if you don't want to go any further —"

Rei cut Kai's concerned rambling off with a deep kiss. He pushed Kai down slightly and positioned them so he was now back on top. Kai smirked and allowed the tiger his small victory. He held the tiger by his waist and ran his hands teasingly down his chest and sides as Rei continued the pleasuring torture he'd practiced on the neko-jin. Kai shivered every time Rei's sharp teeth gently grazed his chest, or whenever his claws lightly brushed his sides, leaving his skin tingling.

Kai was busy caught up in his pleasure that he didn't notice as Rei slowly undid his belt and unzipped his pants. It wasn't until Rei pulled away slightly and grinned that he noticed something was up.

"Rei?" Rei only grinned and gave him a lingering passionate kiss. Kai's eyes opened wide as Rei used the distraction to completely unclothe him. Kai looked at him questioningly as Rei pulled back again and lowered his head. "What … oh fuck!"

Kai arched backwards and cried out as Rei licked gently on the tip of his penis. He continued to nip and suck, drawing frustrated growls from Kai. Rei laughed softly, causing Kai to arch again then snarl as Rei pulled back. "Getting impatient are we?" Rei inquired teasingly.

"Rei, you'd either better finish what you started, or I'll be forced to."

Rei's eyes glittered at the suggestion. "What do you mean 'or'? Next time, you get to do this." He grinned and licked his lips. "This time I'll do it though." He leaned back down and gently sucked on Kai's tip again, making the older boy cry out. He ran his tongue along the underside of the quivering piece then sucked down hard, getting aroused as he heard Kai's ecstatic moans.

Kai could feel himself sliding into his pool of desire. He'd never dreamed that anything could feel this blissful. "Rei," he called out haggardly, his voice heavy with lust. In response, his tiger lifted slightly and used his tongue to excite him further. Kai closed his eyes and threw his head back. "Oh gods," he called out just before he spiraled down into complete ecstasy.

Rei felt Kai's sudden shift and he quickly readied himself to take in his lover's juices.

Kai panted, his eyes still closed, trying to calm himself again from the most wonderful experience he'd ever had. "Fuck … Rei, how did you learn to do that?" Kai opened his eyes to look down at the neko-jin. Rei quickly ran his tongue over his lips, taking in any of Kai's excess semen, not realiseing what an erotic display it was for Kai. His breath hitched as he watched Rei crawl back up and lay on top of him.

"Nowhere. I've never actually done this before, but I do fantasise a lot … and then there's always books, pictures, tapes, various other multimedia." Rei flashed him a sultry grin and Kai grabbed him and pulled him down for a breathtaking kiss displaying Kai's desire for him. Kai could taste his own essence in Rei's mouth, which only caused to excite him again.

Rei responded eagerly then pulled back. "Kai?" Kai grunted in response, his lips once again occupied with Rei's neck. "Take me."

Kai froze as he heard those breathless words. "What?" he looked over at Rei in amazement. "You want me to …" Rei nodded. Kai kissed him passionately before drawing back. "You have to trust me."

"With everything I am." Even in his state of hazy desire, those few words struck Kai to his core and he placed a gentle loving kiss on Rei's lips.

"These will have to go then." Rei frowned suddenly before he felt Kai tugging at his pants. Grinning, he stripped himself completely and laid on the bed. Kai just stared at him, looking down at him. "Gods you're so beautiful." He couldn't say any more as Rei pulled him down for a kiss.

"Take me, now, please."

"Hold on." Kai pulled back and positioned himself above Rei. "I can't just do it without preparation. I'd hurt you.'

"I know it hurts, but I don't care." Kai stopped Rei before he could pull him down for another distracting kiss.

"No, I mean seriously hurt you. This is where the trust comes in." Kai reached down and gently moved his hands to Rei's buttocks. "Do you trust me with something as serious as this."

Rei nodded. "I do." Kai nodded and kissed him gently, distracting Rei so he could gently insert a finger and slowly stretch Rei. Rei pulled away sharply, a sudden panic in his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Shh, Rei, trust me. Just ignore it for now, okay. I promise, I won't hurt you." Kai gently reassured him and kissed him again, trailing wet kisses down his throat as he continued to prepare Rei for the intrusion. Rei tried to stop moving away, but the penetration sensation was unsettling and slightly painful to him.

"Kai … I … I don't know."

Kai looked up at him. "You don't want to?"

Rei hesitated. "I do, but I'm afraid."

"I won't hurt you." Kai kissed him softly. "But if you don't want to, then I won't." He was silenced again by Rei's mouth closing on his.

He trailed his other hand down Rei's chest teasing him even as he continued to stretch his opening. Kai pulled away. "I think you're all right now." Rei nodded. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Rei nodded again. Kai smiled. "Okay then. The first part is unsettling, but you'll get used to it."

Kai leaned over and opened one of the drawers, sticking his hand in and searching around for something. "What are you looking for?" Rei asked curiously. One usually didn't look around for things during sex, unless … no he wouldn't go down that path yet.

"Lube," Kai muttered. "I know there was a small bottle of lotion, or something, in one of these drawers." Kai closed the top drawer then opened the second and smiled in triumph. "Perfect, this is better than lotion." Rei stared at him curiously as Kai opened the small bottle of lubricant and quickly coated his erection. Rei blushed slightly as he watched this, but he didn't tear his eyes away from the sight.

"Hey, um, Kai, I know this is like a weird question, but have you ever …" Rei gestured vaguely with his hand and blushed as Kai looked over at him. "Well, you know. Have you ever thought about me and …" he gestured again, though a bit more specifically.

Kai finally got what he was asking and blushed bright red. He cleared his throat. "Um, do I really have to answer that right now?" Rei shrugged, but Kai could tell he was reluctant to let his question lie unanswered. He sighed. "Yes, I have."

"Really? When?"

Kai cleared his throat again. "Question time later." He could see Rei's disappointment, but he shrugged. "I already answered you."

Rei pouted. "Fine." Kai couldn't help himself, the tiger just looked so desirable laying there with that petulant expression on his face. He leaned over and ravaged his lips, grabbing Rei by the shoulders and pinning him to the bed. Rei eagerly wrapped his hands behind Kai's head and pushed himself against him.

"This may be a little painful," Kai whispered into Rei's ear. Once he got his lover's nod of assent, he slowly positioned himself and entered Rei. Rei gasped slightly and pulled back a bit. Kai calmed him and kissed him gently in a soothing manner, letting Rei get used to the intrusion.

"It's strange," Rei admitted, a waver in his voice. Kai pushed himself up slightly and Rei hissed. "Very strange."

"You'll get used to the feeling." Kai continued to slowly insert himself into Rei, moving the boy into a more comfortable position for both of them. Rei smiled nervously at him and gasped slightly when Kai completely moved in against him. "Feel a bit better?"

"Not really." Rei moved slightly, unaware of what that simple friction was doing to Kai, though aware that he was actually enjoying it too. Kai saw the uneasiness still in Rei's eyes and he gently kissed him, rocking forward slightly. He continued to kiss Rei until he felt sure that he was ready to completely get into this.

Kai moved forward slowly, every action causing a slight gasp from Rei, though these gradually grew smaller and less frequent. The two of them eventually found a stable and comfortable rhythm to move to. Still feeling the tension in the body beneath him, Kai continued to run his hands soothingly down Rei's sides and chest, while he placed the boy with his mouth and gentle kisses.

"Kai," Rei whispered.

"Yes?"

"Could you possibly, maybe go faster?" Rei blushed slightly and Kai grinned.

"Sure. Just tell me if you don't feel right."

"You think this feels natural?"

Kai laughed and once again descended on Rei's throat, moving slightly harder and faster against and inside his beloved. Rei moved against him, complimenting Kai's motion.

Rei suddenly gasped and arched back making Kai stare at him in worry. "What is it?"

"Kai, I swear, if you dare stop now I will rip your throat out with my teeth." Kai grinned in understanding. He'd found Rei's prostate.

"Didn't I tell you it got better?"

Rei didn't answer, he merely gasped as Kai moved into him again and again.

"Gods Kai, this is … oh gods." Kai could feel Rei's inner walls clenching and tightening even further, causing the phoenix to moan slightly in pleasure as he continued to move inside his tiger.

Rei shuddered slightly and cried out suddenly as his pleasure rose past it's peak and he dug his claws into Kai and bit down hard on his neck, drawing blood, as the blissful orgasmic sensations coursed through him.

Kai was in his own state of rapture, barely feeling the injuries caused by the tiger as he too was caught up in a whirlpool of sensations and emotions that could be released only with a great cry of pleasure.

* * *

Some time later, Rei lay snuggled up against Kai under the rumpled and soiled bed sheets, drowsing silently, listening to the faints strains of music that were still playing from when Kai was listening earlier.

Kai planted a gentle kiss on Rei's brow as he dozed and drew the tiger closer. "I love you Rei," he breathed into the neko-jin's ear.

"I love you Kai," Rei replied with a soft kiss.

AN: *squeals and blushes* I cannot believe I wrote that! I've never written a lemon in my life, only lime. Argh! What the hell was I on when I wrote that? *hides sugar* Yes, well, anyway, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed that. Now I shall retire and sleep a sleep filled with dreams of Rei and Kai … oh gods, I'm never going to get to sleep with those two in there!