A/N: Here's the last part of the story - I hope all of you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Laying underneath a tree in the park across from the hotel, Kai finally let himself relax. The tournament was officially finished, and his match with Tyson was over. Kai closed his eyes and felt Dranzer's calming presence wash over him. Everything ached, and his head was still swimming after pushing his limits. It was worth it, though. Distant sounds of the other teams rang in the air, but Kai tuned them out. He rolled his neck, sighing after a satisfying crack. The warmth of the grass acted like a heating pad on his sore muscles. It was almost a perfect place. Almost.
Even with his eyes shut, light seared into his eyeballs. Kai briefly considered shifting into the shade on the other side of the tree but decided it wouldn't be worth the effort. Just as he was about to drift off, someone plopped down next to him. Kai scowled at the intrusion that didn't move away. Whoever it was had a lot of guts.
"What are you doing down there Kai, or should I say, Mr. World Champion?" Tala chuckled at the younger Russian. A small smile crossed Kai's face.
"Hn."
Silence washed over the two bladers. After years of training to regain the title, it was finally theirs. The redhead laid on his side, so that he was facing Kai. Tala plucked blades of grass and threw them at the other blader playfully. "I can't believe we finally did it. I was getting worried that we'd never beat those brats."
"Mm hm." Kai turned over, so that he was facing Tala. Twin rubies met sapphires. The redhead threw one last handful of grass at the dual-haired blader. Rolling his eyes, Kai lifted one hand to swipe at a small blade that stuck to his nose. Tala pushed Kai's arm out of the way. He reached out and softly brushed off the grass. Instead of lowering his arm, Tala moved his hand, so that it was resting on the other's reddening cheek.
"Do you remember when we were at the amuse-"
"Ugh, there they are, Spencer, napping on the ground like children! As if they don't have two perfectly good rooms in a hotel right across the street!" Like clockwork, Bryan broke the simmering atmosphere as he and the blonde Russian approached. Kai quickly rolled onto his back again, putting both of his arms behind his head. His breathing quickened, and he felt a deep blush splash across his face. He closed his eyes and silently wished the ground would swallow him. Was Tala planning on kissing him again? No, he must be overthinking things.
Sighing, Tala dropped his hand to the ground. He narrowed his eyes on his incoming teammates. Curse Bryan and his impeccably bad timing. His low growl alerted the silver-haired Russian that he was on thin ice. Bryan, however, wasn't frightened in the least. Ignoring Tala's demeanor that screamed 'Back off, I'm busy,' Bryan put his hands in his pockets and kicked dirt in Kai's direction. Kai responded by raising his middle finger at the other.
"Normally," Bryan huffed, "I'd say, 'Fuck this,' and drag Spencer with me to a bar to get pissed, but the old man is being pushy. He wants you both back ASAP…something about needing the new reigning team to make a speech. Sounds like your job, Captain."
Hissing, Tala sat up and scowled. No one had made him talk to reporters before as the captain of the Demolition Boys. Although, that was probably because Boris didn't want him spilling any Abbey secrets. What was he even going to say? Maybe he could con Kai into it…
"No." Tala turned in surprise to the blue-haired blader.
"I didn't say anything." Kai raised an eyebrow challenging the other. Tala opened his mouth to retort but sighed when he realized he wasn't fooling the other. "Okay, maybe I was thinking it, but Kai, you could-"
"No." Tala pouted. There had to be a way out of this!
"Hm," a devilish smirk crossed Tala's face, "As your captain, I could order you to make the speech. You're technically the World Champion. We're just your loyal teammates."
"Loyal, my ass," Bryan snorted, "I'd kick Hiwatari to the curb at the first opportunity. You just say the word."
"Pretty tough talk from someone who warmed the bench all tournament. Better luck next year, Kuznetsov."
Spencer wrapped his arms around Bryan as he lunged for the youngest Russian. He frowned at Tala, mentally pleading with him to do something. Tala kicked Kai lightly in the leg and glared at Bryan.
"If you two are done being dicks, let's get this over with. If the old man thinks I'm going to ramble on for hours, then he has another thing coming."
XXXXXX
Wiping his brow, Mr. Dickenson took the microphone back from the Russian captain, who promptly strode past his teammates and through the hordes of shocked reporters. One by one, the other Russians followed, leaving the chairman alone on the stage. Mr. Dickenson knew that none of the Blitzkrieg Boys were big talkers, but Tala's speech barely lasted forty-five seconds! It was a far cry from the long press conferences with Tyson hamming it up in front of the cameras.
"Uh, well, thank you Tala for those strong and inspiring words. The Blitzkrieg Boys, everyone! Our new World Champions! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to help prepare for the BBA Ball tonight."
XXXXXX
Slipping on his suspenders, Kai sat on the edge of the bed. He ran a hand through his unruly hair as he waited for the others to finish getting ready. It was time for another dreadful party. Kai had a terrible feeling that Mr. Dickenson would make these parties a yearly tradition. At least there was no surprise trip planned this time. The new hotel had agreed to let the BBA use the ballroom. Kai was sure the staff would live to regret their decision if the winter holiday party was anything to go by. Mixing all of those personalities together in one place was a recipe for disaster. Throw in alcohol, and it was bound to be chaos.
As annoying as the situation was, Kai couldn't explain why the thought of going to the party made him nervous. He fidgeted in his slate dress shirt and starched black pants. It felt so formal, so unlike him. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and tried to fight the urge to change into his normal clothes. Should he put on his face paint? He didn't have much time, but he could squeeze it in if he hurried. Spencer was in the bathroom, but maybe he could run in there before Tala and Bryan were finished. It's not like the others weren't used to waiting for him.
Spencer opened the door and eyed his younger teammate. Kai was practically vibrating back and forth in anxious anticipation. It made the taller Russian smile, and he thought about Kai and Tala. With the tournament over, maybe he should give in and let Bryan try to get those two together. Wait, what was he thinking? Bryan? Play matchmaker? No, he had better be the one to give the dual-haired blader a small push. He'd have to corner Tala later.
"Hey Kai?"
"Hn." Kai tilted his head. His pale face was bare, making his confusion even more apparent. Spencer had to admit, his teammate was cute. At first glance, Kai seemed like the quintessential bad boy. If he were anyone else, his naivete might take away from his allure. However, Kai's innocence made him even more charming. Spencer could see why the redhead was attracted to him.
"You look nice - you should go without your face paint more often." Kai cocked his head to the side and looked at Spencer dubiously. "I'm sure Tala will agree with me once he sees you. I doubt he'll be able to keep his hands off of you," Spencer teased and chuckled when Kai turned pink.
"Yeah, right."
"I'm serious. At this rate, you'll have to fight off your admirers with a crowbar." A sharp knock on the door saved Kai from the conversation before it took an even more embarrassing turn.
"Let's go! Get your asses out here!" Bryan shouted through the door. Kai and Spencer moved out of the room to meet the other two. Tala gasped when Kai walked into the hallway, and Bryan let out a whistle.
"Damn, Hiwatari, did you sell your soul to the devil in order to be that hot? You're making the rest of us look bad! Couldn't you have kept on your clown makeup or picked an uglier shirt?"
"Leave him alone, Bryan," Spencer said as he quickly pulled the door closed. Kai's eyes widened as he realized that he no longer had the opportunity to dash back into the hotel room. "No one is going back to change. We're late, so we need to get going." With that, Spencer folded his arms over his chest and looked to Tala for backup.
"Ye-eah, no changing," the Russian captain stuttered and cleared his throat awkwardly. Kai pouted but didn't say anything. With that, the four teens took the elevator down to the main floor. As they walked, Kai subtly glanced at the others. The dual-haired blader was sure that Bryan was wrong and just messing with him. There was no way his looks could compete with Tala's broad shoulders, muscular arms, piercing blue eyes, and chiseled jawline. Next to Tala, Kai felt like a freak with crazy hair and blood red eyes.
"They're here!" someone shouted as the Blitzkrieg Boys entered the ballroom. Kai couldn't tell who it was, but frankly, he didn't care that much. He just had to keep his cool for a little while; then he could escape back upstairs. He prayed that people would respect his wishes and leave him alone.
As if to spite him, Tyson, Ray, Max, and Hilary ran up and threw their arms around him. At least Kenny had the decency to give him space! Even after years of being around them, Kai was still taken aback by their love of physical affection. The other Blitzkrieg Boys watched in amusement as Kai slowly peeled himself away from the other teens. Once he was freed, Kai gave a sigh of relief. Tyson, ever the touchy-feely kind of person, wasn't satisfied and held out his hand to shake Kai's. Wanting the whole experience to end, Kai decided his best course of action was to give in. He took his rival's outstretched hand and gave it a tiny squeeze. He frowned when Tyson didn't let it go. Typical.
"Congratulations, Buddy! You deserve the win, but I hope you're ready. Dragoon and I are going to kick your ass next year!"
Kai was about to respond to Tyson's trash talking, when the sound of a glass clinking interrupted the two of them. The bladers went to sit with their respective teams, so that they could listen to Mr. Dickenson's final speech of the season. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, so Kai let his mind wander. Tala looked amazing in his black button-up, and Kai couldn't help but wonder if the two of them would have time to talk alone. He shook his head. With his luck, there was no way that would happen. Maybe he blew his chance at the last party. Tala was sure to have found someone else by now - why would he wait for his awkward teammate to figure out his feelings?
Kai tuned in again as Mr. Dickenson half-heartedly pleaded with teams to be on their best behavior. Even the chairman seemed resigned to the fact that the party would be chaos. After he was finished, the music came on, and people rushed onto the dance floor. As Kai stood from his chair to get a drink, he was startled by a hand on his lower back. He turned to meet eyes with Michael. The American inched his hand lower and grinned mischievously.
"You must be a campfire. Because you're super hot and I want s'more." Baffled by the strange behavior, Kai wasn't sure how to respond.
"I'm always warm - my bitbeast is a phoenix." Bryan howled, and Spencer snorted. Unable to contain his jealousy, Tala stood, grabbed Kai's arm and dragged him away from the table. Kai could feel all eyes on him as the pair made their way out of the ballroom and into the hallway.
As soon as the two made it around the corner, Tala pushed Kai against the wall.
"The season's done, and I can't take it anymore!"
He gripped Kai's waist and smashed their lips together. Kai's earlier anxiety melted into a burning fire of passion. His hands roamed through red hair, twisting and pulling at it. He let out a groan, and Tala wasted no time slipping his tongue into the other's mouth. Needing more, Tala kissed down Kai's jaw and neck. Kai's vision went hazy as his senses were overloaded.
"Tala," he whined. The redhead stopped his kissing and thought through his options. Although Tala was happy to continue here in the empty hallway, he figured that Kai would appreciate more privacy.
"Forget the party; let's go upstairs. I want a chance to talk and be with you without anyone interrupting us." He held out a hand to Kai, who latched on firmly. Months of anticipation made this moment all the sweeter. The pair practically ran to the elevator, excited to see where their new relationship would go.
As the doors sealed the duo off from the world, Bryan and Spencer stepped out from around the corner.
"Fucking finally!" Bryan's voice echoed in the corridor. The two teammates smirked at each other before Bryan handed Spencer a large handful of cash. Spencer laughed and slapped him on the back with his other hand.
"Thank you. I knew they wouldn't last an hour." The tall Russian took out his wallet and slipped the money inside. Bryan narrowed his eyes and took out his flask. With Tala gone and the tournament over, he took a hearty swig before offering it to the blonde. Screw Dickenson's stupid rule of no alcohol.
"It was a cheap shot to convince Hiwatari not to wear his triangles. If I'd have known you had that up your sleeve, I would never have bet that they'd make it to 10pm."
"Even with the face paint, you still would've lost."
"Yeah, why's that?"
"Because Ray told Michael and five other bladers that they had a chance with Kai. It was only a matter of time before Tala got jealous enough to make a move. Seems like the cat was just as keen to get them together as we were."
"Damn it!"
"Don't be a sore loser, Kuznetsov. Just be glad that next year, they won't be dancing around each other."
"Ugh, I'll drink to that!"