He, he, I thoroughly enjoyed that last chapter, didn't you guys? I'm so glad my citrus was received rather well by all of you, I was extremely nervous, being my first and all. This chapter's sort of an intermediate chappie, as well as the next one, but they're humorous. I figured also that being a beyblade fic set in a tournament, I'd better actually have some of the sport in this.

Also, thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews *huge huggles for reviewers* you all put me in such a wonderful mood as soon as I read them. Praise and flattery is always gratefully accepted as well as gifts. Especially thank you to Shinwa no Akuma *huggles Kai and Rei plushies*, I love getting wonderful gifts and don't worry, I'll be updating 'Shadows Within the Fire' very soon.

Anyways, enough blathering and thanking of wonderful reviewers, on with the story

Training Day

Kai opened his eyes groggily, slowly becoming aware of everything, including the naked body spooned against him.

Kai smiled looking over at Rei. The tiger looked so beautiful. Sometime during the night his hair had fallen out of his braid and Kai began to play with it sleepily Rei groaned slightly and turned on his side, facing Kai.

Kai gently kissed his lips, feeling Rei stir gently. He moved onto his neck and down his chest, smiling as he heard the slight sleepy moans from Rei. Kai grinned suddenly as an idea came to him and he moved completely under the sheets and down along Rei's body, trailing his tongue down Rei's hard stomach and down further.

Kai grinned as he heard Rei's waking gasp.

"Oh," he groaned, the sound making Kai feel shivers of pleasure go through him. "Lee."

Kai shot up, his eyes wide. He ripped the sheet away and stared at Rei.

Molten golden eyes looked amusedly down at him. Kai growled as Rei's delightful laughter rang in his ears. He crawled up and pinned Rei to the bed.

"You were playing with me."

"It was an opportunity I just couldn't resist." Rei chucked at his scowl. "You should have seen the indignant expression on your face! It was fantastic."

"I'll bet." Kai pouted. "Fine. You don't get the wake up call I'd planned for you."

"Oh, Kai!" Rei looked at him with huge eyes. "Don't I at least get a kiss?" Kai couldn't take much more of the pitiful expression and sighed, relenting. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Rei's lips. Rei brought his hands up and pulled Kai down to deepen the kiss. The phoenix complied without protest.

"So," Kai breathed as he pulled away, "Who's name will you be calling out now?"

Rei smirked. "I guess it depends on how much you can convince me it should be you." He laughed as Kai immediately leant down again and proceeded to 'convince' him.

"I suppose it could be you then." Rei laughed as Kai poked his tongue out at him and sat up.

"We need a shower." Rei blushed at the suggestion and nodded. Kai grinned at his embarrassment and pulled him up from the bed and over to the bathroom, where, as soon as he entered, he was pushed up against the wall by Rei and pleasantly kissed.

"Rei," Kai moaned between kisses. "We really … should … get in."

Rei gave him one final kiss then moved away to the shower. He turned the water on then looked over his shoulder seductively at Kai and stepped under the spray after he tested it. Kai made sure the door was locked before stepping in behind Rei.

Rei shivered in delight as Kai slowly ran his hands over his shoulders and down his chest. Kai smiled at the reaction and languorously began to wash his lover, knowing that Rei was getting impatient as well as aroused by the actions.

"Kai." Rei growled and he turned around in his arms.

"Yes, my love?"

Rei looked at him in surprise. "Do you really love me?"

Kai smiled and nodded shyly. "I do. How could I not?" He kissed Rei's forehead. "You're beautiful. Kind. Persistent. Loyal." Kai grinned. "And you're great in bed."

"Hey!" Rei glared. "I'm going to ignore the fact that you're joking and take that as a compliment."

"But it was."

"I know … but the way you said it … that's not the only reason you want me is it?" Kai looked shocked that Rei could even think this. "I'm sorry," he quickly apologised, looking down. "I never should have suggested that."

Kai ran his fingers through Rei's long hair in a soothing manner. "I understand why you did and I promise I won't hurt you like that again."

Rei nodded. "Why did you say that?"

Kai looked away. "I was afraid. I didn't want to get close. I thought I'd hurt you, but all I was really doing was trying to avoid heartache myself. Only it backfired. Not being near you hurt more than being with you."

Rei kissed him passionately. "I love you and now that I have you I'm never leaving you, no matter what you say."

Kai grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He gave Rei a soft kiss then pulled away and reached over for the soap. He stopped as Rei gasped at something. "What's wrong?"

Rei pointed. "Your neck." Kai put a hand to his neck and felt the two small wounds there. He grinned at Rei.

"I guess you got a bit enthusiastic." Rei blushed and Kai smiled at him. "But I'm kind of glad. You've marked me as yours."

"I know, but I still feel a bit bad.'

Kai pulled him closer and leaned down slightly to brush past his ear. If it makes you feel any better, I'll return the favour." He felt Rei's smile just before he pushed his lover against the slippery wall and attached himself to his neck. Rei moaned in pleasure at the feeling and ran his hands down Kai's back.

"I think I did more than that too," Rei whispered as he felt the indentations of his nails on Kai's shoulder blades.

"Doesn't matter," Kai whispered against his neck.

"But I caused you pain."

"Not really." Kai looked up. "I'm sure I did more harm to you. Don't you feel a bit sore."

Rei smiled sheepishly. "I do a bit, but it's a nice feeling."

Kai grinned. "That it would be." He pulled away from Rei slightly. "Why don't I wash your hair again."

"Thanks." Rei turned around and grabbed the shampoo then handed it to Kai. "Make sure you get all the way to the roots."

"You don't trust me?"

"Kai, we're talking about my hair here. I love you, but I still want it to be kept in good condition."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure of it."

* * *

Kenny yawned and scuffled into the sitting room joining the two bedrooms. He slowly made his way over to the small kitchenette in the corner and boiled water to make coffee.

He glanced over as he heard something coming from the other room and shook his head, thinking he was still half-asleep. For surely, he did not just hear Kai laugh as he thought he had. He turned his attention back to the kettle as it boiled and poured himself a cup, putting in two teaspoons of coffee and no sugar or milk. He really needed to wake up, especially considering he once again thought he heard Kai laughing in the other room.

As Kenny sat down on the couch to sip at his coffee the door to the other room opened and Kai backed out, holding his hands before him, only half dressed. The door shut quickly behind him and Kenny heard Rei laugh triumphantly.

Kai banged quickly on the door. "Rei, let me back in now."

"Or you'll do what?" Kenny heard Rei ask teasingly through a crack in the door.

Kai grinned. "I think you know what I will, or rather won't do." Kenny's eyebrows shot up at this and he made a choking sound. Kai whirled around surprised to see him there. "Kenny … I … uh …"

Kenny was perhaps one of very few people in the world to manage to catch Kai off guard and see him flustered. He stared at the captain of the Bladebreakers in amazement as he blushed and stuttered his way towards and explanation. Kenny could also hear Rei's loud laughter coming through the crack in the door.

Kenny just shook his head and pointed to his coffee. "This isn't strong enough to deal with something like this in the morning. I must be still half-asleep, because I know I did not just hear and see what I thought I heard and saw.' Kenny shook his head again and got up to move back to his room. "I think I need more sleep." He stared quizzically at the stunned Kai from under his bangs one last time before shaking his head for the third time and reentering his own room with his coffee.

About an hour later, after Kenny felt he had woken up enough, there was a knock at the door and Kai came though. "Time to get up," he ordered gruffly.

Max, who was in a state of half-wakefulness at the time, yawned and nodded, stretching slightly and getting up and moving over to the bathroom. Tyson rolled over in his sleep and slumbered on. Kai glared at him.

"Tyson, get up now." He nudged the sleeping blader none too lightly. Tyson groaned and opened one eye then growled and pulled his blankets over his head. Kai returned the growl and stripped the blankets of the boy, who curled up into a tighter ball and moved away from his captain. "Tyson, I'm only warning you once. Get up now, or face the consequences."

Tyson shot up. Last time Kai said that he hadn't followed his captain's orders and the result wasn't pretty. "I'm up, he assured him.'

"Good. We start training in an hour. Rei's getting breakfast now, so I wouldn't be too long with getting ready."

Tyson drooled at the prospect of food and Kai shook his head in disgust before turning away and walking back out.

Throughout the exchange Kenny had been watching the phoenix very carefully and that crimson gaze had continually avoided his uncomfortably. The one time that he had looked at him, Kai had looked away almost immediately with a slight blush forming on his cheeks. Kenny had never seen him loose his cool so easily.

"I guess I must have really heard and saw what I thought I did," Kenny muttered, his face paling slightly at the prospect.

* * *

"Tyson, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

"What?" Tyson had tried to hold in his anger, but when Kai was the one yelling at him, it was rather hard.

"You're not working enough on your defence, your blade is completely vulnerable for an attack when you move like that." Kai demonstrated by shooting Dranzer into the dish and knocking Dragoon out with a single movement.

"Fine, what should I do then?" Tyson picked up his blade and glared at his captain.

"Work with Rei, see if you can defend against his agility. Rei, I want you to keep working on him until he is no longer leaving his blade unprotected." Rei nodded. "Max, you need to work on your attacks more, so you're with me." Max nodded and moved over so that Rei and Tyson could have the larger dish.

"So, what did you want me to work on?' Max asked cheerfully. Kai looked over at Kenny.

"What do you suggest?"

Kenny looked up. "Well, it seems that Max has been improving, but the modifications I made are more suitable for a defensive blade."

"That doesn't mean that you can't attack. The best defence is a good offence and the extra weight adds to the attack power, however, you can't rely on that alone as you have been doing."

Max nodded. "So what should I do?"

"Lets see how well you defend and attack against Dranzer, then I'll be able to see more." Kai set his blade in his shooter and moved away from the dish slightly, where he saw Tyson get knocked out of the ring for the third consecutive time.

"Right." Max set his Draciel in his launcher. "Ready when you are."

"Go." Kai and Max launched the blades. Kai studied Max's movements as Dranzer circled the blade. "You're falling back into old habits, you need to move around more."

"Got it." Draciel edged slightly towards the circling phoenix.

"Good, now the best chance you have is a quick surprise attack while your opponent lets down their own defence. Like I was berating Tyson, they let down their defence while they're attacking. You have a advantage being a defence blade in that you don't seem to do that, but because of that, your attacks lack the speed and sometimes even power to strike. Try it."

Dranzer stopped circling and moved in on Draciel. The tortoise took the opportunity to dodge and attack from the side, but Dranzer moved away and knocked Max's blade out of the dish.

"Too slow and your blade didn't have enough force behind it." Kai looked over to see Rei's blade fly out of the dish, to the shock of both opponents. He smiled. "Looks like Tyson finally got it. Now, I want you to work with Rei and see if you can manage to knock him out of the dish. Rei, you need to up your attack power slightly, so I want you to try and beat Max. Tyson, over here and show me what you've done." The three bladers moved and Kai faced off against Tyson.

"I want you to be able to predict Dranzer's attack and dodge it and knock me out of the dish with your own attack. Got it?"

Tyson nodded and set Dragoon in his launcher.

"Go." The two blades met in the middle of the ring then began spinning around. Dranzer moved in to attack and Dragoon managed to dodge aside. Kai smiled at the move and looked up to see Tyson grinning confidently. Dragoon moved in to attack and Kai saw a slight opening and took it, sending Dragoon into the side of the dish.

"You could have been knocked out then. Concentrate on all of your aspects: attack, defence, speed and endurance. You left yourself open for a split second. If you were only a bit faster or more defensive, I wouldn't have been able to do that."

Tyson nodded, actually taking in Kai's advice for once. Probably only because he wasn't yelling it at him, which was rather strange for the crimson eyed blader. Tyson kept his eyes glued to the dish and grinned slightly.

"Dragoon, Phantom Hurricane."

Kai narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out where Tyson could be attacking from. "Dranzer, dodge it." Kai's eyes widened as Dranzer only barely moved away before Dragoon flew by. "Attack."

Tyson grinned and Dragoon managed too not only dodge the attack, but use the force of Dranzer's attack momentum and split second vulnerability to his advantage as Dragoon swung back around and brushed against Dranzer's edge, sending the blade spinning off on a sharp tangent.

Kai smiled slightly at him and nodded his head in admiration. "Impressive." He caught his blade in his hand. "You actually listened for once."

Tyson grinned. "Yeah. See, if you weren't such a sourpuss at times, we'd get more enjoyment and lessons from our training."

"Don't push your luck. I want you to go and battle Max, see if you can overcome the defences of a defensive blade. Max, I want you to work on your own attacks and power in conjunction with your defensive maneuvers." The two of them nodded and headed for the dish. Rei walked over knowing what was coming. "Rei," Kai grinned. "You're with me."

Rei smirked at him. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

Kai indulged himself slightly before turning serious again and returning to the task at hand. "You lack power and force. You have speed, you have endurance, but both attack and defence are lacking because of this. Your defence is fine for the speed you blade at, the ring you have improves your maneuverability as well. I want to work on your attacking power though. It isn't enough to be able to dodge and endure attacks, you need to be able to make a final blow early in the match as well. Your endurance won't last you if your opponent has a very strong attack that manages to hit only once. You'll be out."

Rei nodded. "Right."

"I'm one of those opponents. If you can handle yourself against me and at least manage to last for a while against me, I'll know you've improved." Rei nodded again and set up his blade. "Go."

They both launched. Kai moved straight in for the kill and Drigger barely managed to dodge the swift powerful attack. "Not good enough Rei, you're not going to be able to outrun Dranzer forever." So saying, the phoenix circled quickly and touched a glancing blow to the tiger blade. Drigger wobbled slightly before straightening. "Your defence is weakened, thus your maneuverability and speed are down. You won't win this match." Dranzer struck again with a powerful blow and Drigger was sent flying.

Rei caught his blade and stared at it for a while. "How do I improve on this?"

"Use your strengths, both your bit's, yours and your blades, to your advantage and to your weaknesses advantage." Rei looked confused. "Find a way to make your speed add to your attacking and defending power rather than subtracting from it." Rei nodded. He pondered over this, staring down at the dish.

"Right, I think I'm ready to go again."

Kai nodded and set his blade in his launcher. "All right. Go." The two blades launched. Drigger shot out and began circling the dish. Dranzer followed, trying to knock the tiger out. Suddenly Drigger seemed to stop and switch directions. Kai frowned. Dranzer cut across the centre of the dish and Drigger met the phoenix in the middle. There was a collision and both blades were flung out to the side. Kai frowned again. The angle at which Rei's blade was shot out was slightly different than he expected. Dranzer began to wobble slightly.

"What did you do?" Kai asked curiously as they met again in the middle and the same thing seemed to happen. Dranzer's movements began to get slightly more erratic.

"Used my speed and maneuverability to my advantage, as well as my blade's endurance."

"You switched directions as you collided with my blade so that it was almost as though two attacks were made at the same time."

"Yep."

Kai nodded. "Very good. But not good enough to beat me. Dranzer! Fire Arrows!" Rei's eyes widened and Drigger was met with a powerful frontal assault that he couldn't avoid or dodge. Drigger was thrown into the side of the dish and began to wobble very erratically. "Against most other people, you wouldn't have lost, but then, I am your captain."

Rei grinned at Kai's egotistical show. "Of course." He moved over and picked up his slowing blade. "But then, I wouldn't have lost quite as easily against other people. I let you off easy."

"Whatever you think." Kai smirked at his lover and walked off to check on the other two bladers.

Rei stared after him with a smile, caught up in his own little world of fantasies. Kenny had to clear his throat quite a few times before Rei actually noticed he was there. Rei blushed when he noticed the younger boy.

"Uh, what is it Chief?"

"Just thought I'd let you know there will be another gathering tonight for the five beyblade teams. But this time, it's bladers only and it's only a short informal dinner, not an entire formal night."

Rei grinned. "Cool. Have you told the others yet."

"Not yet, they seemed a bit occupied at the moment." The two looked over and grinned at the fierce battle raging between the two best friends under the watchful eye of the stoic captain. "I was going to inform Kai now."

"Great, I'll come with you."

When Kai heard the news, he glanced quickly down at his watch and scowled. "This seriously cuts into our training time." He cleared his throat loudly and the two bladers managed to tear their attention away from the dish to look over at him. "We're all finished here. We're heading over to the same hall we were in two nights ago for another dinner."

"All right!" Tyson grinned and jumped excitedly in the air. "The food there was great."

"I'm surprised you remembered it," Max muttered. Tyson scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "When are we going?"

"Soon, so everyone has to quickly get changed and freshen up a bit." Kai waited for the nods of assent from the four members of his team then turned and walked back into the hotel. The others followed, smiling and talking excitedly about the dinner.

Rei suddenly noticed Max staring at him curiously. "What?"

"Nothing really, I've just been noticing all day that you've got some sort of mark on your neck. I was wondering what it was." Max, in all his innocent naivete, never realised the strangeness of the reactions he got from the other teammates.

Tyson narrowed his eyes suspiciously while Kenny stuffed a hand into his mouth to stop his laughter. Kai stumbled slightly, managing to catch the comment from way up the front and Rei flushed darkly and looked away guiltily.

"Uh, I really don't know Maxie, it could have been anything."

"Maybe a bug," Max suggested, drawing a choked cough from Kai and a muffled giggle from Kenny. "A mosquito perhaps."

"Could be," Rei muttered, still looking away and flushing even darker.

"Yeah, those nasty little suckers just attach themselves and never let up don't they Rei?" Tyson was watching his teammates' reactions carefully. Kai continued to cough and almost stumbled again while Rei grew even darker. However, Kenny couldn't help himself as he heard Tyson's comment, he cracked up and fell over on the floor laughing, much to the mortification of the two older Bladebreakers.

AN: I hate to say this, but my next chapter might be a while, I've got my HSC trial exams in like two days and I have to study. *mutters darkly about evil schools and tests* Hopefully I'll be able to at least write up the next few chapters and post them as soon as I can. My apologies in advance if the updates take a while, but trust me, the next chapters are very interesting and enjoyable and hopefully worth the wait.