Flower_on_thewind: Um hi everyone!!! This is my first Beyblade fic, and my
second fic ever to grace the net. *says unenthusiastically* Wow. I'm so
happy.
Duo: You know. I don't think I should have even grace existence.
Flower_on_thewind: Quiet you! Okay, some warnings before hand.
*My disclaimer: I do not own the anime cartoon Beyblade or any of its characters. But I do own this fic ^_^;
*I must warn you that there is a whole bunch of Yaoi/shonen-ai. There's one mean love square.um.if you can call that a love square.-_-; and.um.one REALLY weird pairing.
*MAJOR OCC-ness everyone!! I no matter how I tried, I couldn't get their personalities!! And I haven't watched the episode where they explain why Rei left the White Tigers.so if this doesn't make sense.deal with it. ~_^;
*My writing skills isn't that readable (so says a couple of people I know -_-;) so don't mind my over descriptive writing style. When I was writing this, I really had no idea where this would go, and I was kinda moody.so if it doesn't make any sense, keep reading and give this neophyte a chance!!!
*MAJOR OCC-NESS!!!
Duo: You said that already!!
Flower_on_thewind : Well that means REALLY watch out for it!!
Duo: Whatever.let's just get on with the story!!
Flower_on_thewind: or my attempts of one.
****************************************
"We all have to keep on practicing in order to win!" Kai's voice boomed with a low threatening edge to it.
"Yeah, well if we all keep on practicing, when are we going to have fun!?!?!" yelled a rather frustrated Tyson. They had been practicing for about hours and Tyson was becoming a little bored.
"Well, your lucky streak isn't going to hold up forever. You need to learn some actual skills."
"Yeah, well it doesn't mean we can't have a break once in a while!"
"GUYS, guys, guys!! Stop with the arguing!" Max interrupted while coming between the two boys. The two were arguing like there was no tomorrow.
"Max is right, we can't waste our time arguing." Kenny's reasonable voice jumped in. He was getting a major headache from all the yelling Tyson had been doing and the lack of sleep he had the night before.
"Hold up, everyone! How about this." Rei said suddenly, making his present's known to everyone again. It seems that staying quiet for a while makes people forget you're there. "We keep practicing for another half an hour and then have a breather."
"Great idea!!" Max agreed, his relief evident in his voice.
"Fine. In a half an hour we get a break." Tyson agreed closing the argument. Only a 'Humph' was the reply from Kai as all four went back to testing new strategies and experimenting new moves.
Exactly a half an hour later, Tyson grabbed his beyblade and ran off with Max and Kenny. He wanted to make the best out of his free time with his friends. Rei however kept practicing, as he wanted to be at his best even though he didn't have a bit-beast. There was one problem though.Kai.
Kai was a little angry that his team wasn't at the level he wanted them to be. With Tyson always fooling around with Max or Kenny, they couldn't do some of the things that he wanted to do. What really irked him was how far Tyson or Max has gotten without having the discipline a normal person would have at their level. While Kai rested against the wall, his foul mood was felt everywhere. It was distracting, especially to Rei who needed concentration.
Sighing in defeat, Rei gave up trying to practice. If only Kai would understand that Beyblading wasn't all about wining. Tyson only wanted to have some fun. Beyblading was supposed to be fun, but that wasn't what Kai thought. Wining. That was the only thing he thought about. right?
"Don't be so angry, Kai." Rei said softly as he rested beside Kai. "Tyson just needed a break. He's not use to practicing when his heart isn't in it." Which was very true. Kai made practicing seem like homework. It was like a problem you had to deal with.
"How can he act like such an amateur? Especially when this tournament is for those with great skill!" Kai suddenly exploded. He wasn't one to show his feelings, but everything seemed.unfair? Yes, it was unfair in that Tyson could become so great without working hard seemingly at all! Was it that he was jealous of Tyson? Was it that he was jealous of all of them? They had somebody who loved them. Tyson has his grandfather, Max has his dad, and Chief had his family, but what about him? He was stuck with a demanding grandfather who didn't care squat about him. His grandfather just wanted one thing. Perfection. Okay, maybe he was a little bit jealous.but was he forgetting someone?
"I know Tyson could act very energetic sometimes, but he's just trying to act his age." Rei reasoned not even knowing what Kai just realized. "As for his skills.I think his so good naturally because he battles with his heart. Weather if he's battling for pride's sake or for someone else, he battles with everything he has, holding back nothing! What can you expect of a Dragon?"
"... That can't be the only reason he became my rival in such a small amount of time. When I first met him, he had no clue about anything on Beyblades." There was a pause of silence between those two before Kai added quietly. "His skills could or already has surpassed mine. He beat me at the tournament. I was so sure I would win. But I didn't.I want to know how he did it."
"So this is what the lone wolf is worried about? You're afraid he's going to surpass you." Rei said a little surprised. He knew that Kai was competitive, but not a sore loser. Maybe he has lots of pride under that icy mask he wears. 'Maybe he hides a lot of things under that mask.!' It was true though. Kai was very mysterious and.well to put it simply, he keeps to himself. It was rare that he expressed any emotion other than being pissed off, or just being competitive. Rei suddenly felt very privileged.
"It's not just him too." Kai mumbled, not answering Rei's question. "Ever since I met any of you, I realized how my skills are compared to so many others." Rei kept quiet. He finally realized that Kai was starting to see how his skills weren't so far superior than everyone else's. After a while of silence, realization that Kai spoke of his emotions hit him like a waterfall. 'shit' he thought. He quickly put back his icy mask that had started to melt during his conversation with a certain Chinese boy.
Rei knew the moment when Kai put back his defenses. He had to admit he was kind of sad that Kai did. He actually liked to get to know Kai. 'Too bad he doesn't open up much.he needs to do it more often or he might explode' Rei took a couple of steps away from the grey/blue hair boy before stating, " The others probably won't come back till tonight. We might as well forget about practicing with them." And with that, Rei went back to practicing while Kai stayed where he was, deep in thought.
********************************************
Late in the afternoon, Kai was wandering about the building with no apparent destination in mind. He silently scolded himself for letting somebody in on his emotions. It just told him how weak he has become. He wasn't only disappointed in himself for having such personal conversation with someone else, but he was also disappointed about his mind. Deep in the recess of his mind, something told him that his conversation with the Chinese boy was a good thing and that he should do it more often. He cursed at himself some more because of that stupid.something that he couldn't quiet pinpoint what that craved to be released. All he knew was that something in that conversation did something to him that had to do with Rei. 'Could it be.that I.LIKE opening up or is it.something else?' suddenly grasping what he just thought, he decided physical punishment would be needed to regain his discipline. Quickly heading to the men's washroom and making sure no one was around, he promptly began bashing his head against the walls. When he finally accomplished getting a rather large bump on his forehead did he stop. 'What's wrong with me?' Deciding that he shouldn't think about anything anymore, he set a destination to practice his skills. After all, winning is everything.right?
It was mere luck that Rei was still practicing. Of course, he lived to Beyblade. If he had to go through this tournament without a bit beast, then he wanted to be at his absolute best. Then again, his mind kept wandering off to Kai and his sudden display of emotion. He couldn't help it! Heck the guy was mysterious and good looking. You'd be weird if you didn't. 'Whoa! Don't go there Rei. You might make your feelings about him worse.' Okay, so Rei was attracted to Kai. He has been for a long time now. He really hoped that this was all going to go away. Rei shook his head as he picked up his fallen Driger to once again launch it. He shouldn't dwell on that conversation. Nothing really important happened in it. 'Yeah, nothing but Kai opening up.to me.' Quickly he made his trail of thoughts head towards a different route. Not surprisingly, it went to the White Tigers. Okay, so he felt bad leaving them in the dust.Ha, the understatement of the year. He felt terrible because of.because of.No! Don't go there. He made himself concentrate on beyblading again. It was only five more minutes before he realized that someone else was in the room with him.
Kai really thought that Rei would have left to find Tyson. Figures.Rei was a lot like him in some ways. 'Juuuust great.I try to get him out of my head, and look what happens.' Kai silently watched as Rei practiced. His concentration seemed nowhere near as good as when Kai first met him. 'Probably thinking about his old team again.' Kai concluded while watching Rei's face. He watched Rei's golden eyes narrow when his beyblade didn't execute it's move right.They were piercing golden eyes that reminded him of a tiger's. His eyes wandered to his hair silky black hair, wondering if it was as soft as it looks-What the hell!?!?! Where did that come from!?!?!? The more Kai thought about it, the more he became aware on how good looking his Chinese friend really was. 'So I have an attractive teammate, that's all. It's not like I like him or anything. And it's not like my other teammates are anything to look at.' He watched the raven- haired boy until Rei grew tense with awareness.
"Kai! How long have you been there?" Rei asked a little surprised. 'Damn! I should have been more aware of my surroundings!'
"A couple of minutes." Came the short reply, which was a small white lie. He had really been standing there for about fifteen minutes.
"Oh.I see."
Just then, Tyson bounced into the room in a blur. Max and Kenny ran in after him. They all seemed a little excited, well with the exception of Tyson who was REALLY excited.
"You guys won't believe this!" Max exclaimed.
"The tournament is delayed for another day! That means we get another day off!!!" Tyson could barely contain himself from jumping around the walls.
"Who says we get a day off?" Kai said coolly.
"Aw! What d'ya mean by that?" Tyson asked
"Seeing that we didn't do much training today, we'll have to make it up tomorrow."
"WHAT!"
"You can't." mumbled Max after getting over the initial shock.
"Listen! As your captain, you should do as I say. If we are to win this tournament, we are going to practice. Like it or not."
"Awww, come on Kai! We trained so much in advance!" Tyson continued to whine, his words jumbling into nothing but annoying noise.
"How about this." Max's voice took on a passive tone. "If we train REALLY hard tonight, can we have tomorrow off?"
Kai obviously didn't like the idea, but surprisingly waited for the other inputs of his team. Rei was a little taken back at Kai's odd behavior.
"Sure, I don't mind." Rei finally said after thinking about it for a while. He really did need a break, physically and mentally.
"And I could get some time to upgrade Tyson's beyblade." Kenny chirped. Leave it to the chief to say something like that.
Kai sighed in defeat. "You're all a bunch of lazy bums."
"Yeah." Tyson said with a yawn. "I know."
So off they went, practicing vigorously with nothing on their minds but first place.
*********************************************
Later on that night, the blade breakers finally decided it was time to call it a night.
"I get the bed nearest to the window!" Tyson called as soon as they arrived to their room.
"Hey no fair! You got it yesterday." Max cried as he and Tyson raced for the window bed. Both reached their destination about the same time, so Tyson came up with a better way of determining who'd get dominance over the territory. He quickly grabbed the pillow and flung it towards Max's direction. Unfortunately, Tyson's aim was off.big time. The pillow smartly struck a tired Rei. He, being the only one who practice the most that day, was slightly irritated by this act.
"Okay, you both don't get the bed." Rei said with mock anger that could almost rival Kai's. "It's every person for themselves!" With that, Rei joined the pillow fight for the bed. Kai watched the three boys go at it in silence. He observed Tyson's competitive side took over and Max's determined blows aimed specifically on a certain Japanese boy. What Kai really paid attention to was Rei's happy laughter while gaining the upper edge on the other two boys. It was a nice boyish laugh that Kai wouldn't mind hearing for a long time. Wait a minute. Kai thought Rei's laughter was nice?!?!?! 'WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING??? Better yet, what am I feeling?' Kai didn't know what he felt for Rei. Rei was just a teammate. Nothing MORE and nothing less. Finally, when Rei had Tyson and Max in a pile on the ground, he announced himself the "King" of the bed ((Me: .clean all evil thoughts ppl!!! Cuz I know I have to.-_-; I'm such a perv. Duo: YOU BET YOU ARE!! Me: Oh shut up!! You're suppose to help me!)).
"You guys mind quieting down?" Kenny called from the other room. "I'm trying to work here!"
"What do you mean YOU'RE working here? I'm the one who's doing the work!!!!" Dizzy cried, starting the light bantering between computer and boy.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Rei got out of bed. Being with the White Tigers taught him how to be stealthy, so he didn't wake anyone in the process. He cast a weary eye on his teammates, having different thoughts for each. This team was so much different from his old one. In the White Tigers, everyone was so serious about beyblading. Here, Beyblading wasn't the only thing on their minds. Have fun too! That was what Rei learned with his short time as a Blade Breaker. His eyes first lay upon Tyson. Tyson was a very interesting character. He seems so outgoing and energetic all the time, but could be so strong, impulsive, and lucky in battle; just like a dragon. Next person he looked at was Max. Max is a very reasonable and cheerful person in Rei's eyes. He could always rely on Max to keep Tyson from getting into too much trouble. The next bed to Max was empty. Rei made a small sigh. He knew Kenny was going to put an all-nighter again. 'Doesn't that kid ever sleep?' Finally, his eyes rested upon Kai. Kai was.well.He's so cold to everyone, but could it be that he is totally opposite in the inside? Rei didn't know. Okay, so he had to admit that Kai was cute. EXTREMELY cute. Thus a growing crush began forming somewhere in Rei's heart. And okay, Rei already admitted to himself a long time ago that he was gay. He had this crush on Kai since he met him. But he was almost sure that this won't grow into something more like last time.This was partly the reason he got out of bed. He needed to meditate on his feelings. Quietly he went out of the room, not disturbing anyone.
Kai watched everything. Even though he was on the very opposite side of the room, Kai could see Rei as if he were sleeping in the bed beside Rei. He watched how the moonlight bathed Rei's form in a luminous light. He watched how his hair fell gracefully about his face and where his bandana should be. Kai didn't know why he just watched his teammate, but he had a hunch that it was a forming crush on the boy. The more he thought about it, Rei was the only one in his group that he felt connected to. He didn't know why he felt so connected. Maybe it's because they both spent most of their lives training vigorously for one purpose; to be the best. But many other people did the very same thing. What makes Rei so different? Was it the mutual understanding that those who keep to themselves share? Or was it the way his eyes hold so much passion when he beyblades? Or was it.was it something unexplainable but wonderful at the same time? Like.Love? His eyes grew wide as he slowly became aware what he was thinking. ((Me: Kai's kinda slow, I guess.-_-;)) 'Holy shit.' He thought. ' I'm GAY!!' This horrified Kai to no end. He, the captain of the blade breakers, the leader of team Japan, could possibly be gay! If his grandfather ever found out.Kai closed his eyes as possible outcomes of events his grandfather could do to him if he ever found out. After a few minutes, Kai finally came to the conclusion that he could NOT be gay. He needed to be perfect. He HAD to be perfect. Being gay was just. not right.right?
The first step get out of this.er.predicament, Kai would have to stop admiring his teammate. Kai cracked open an eyelid to look at Rei.Fat chance he'll ever stop staring at him. 'Damn! His looks are too good for his own good.' There is no way he could stop looking at the guy. Kai mentally sighed in defeat. He was fighting in a loosing battle, and he knew it. Okay, maybe he like Rei.a lot. nobody needed to know right? Rei's eyes suddenly fluttered open, freaking Kai out real bad. Luckily Kai's eyes were only cracked open so he could watch the Chinese boy without fear.hopefully.
He watched Rei gaze at all the occupants of the room one by one. He also noted how Rei's eyes rested on him a little longer. For a moment, Kai was sure Rei knew he was awake. Soon afterwards, Rei left the room; as silent as a cat. Kai debated if he should follow his teammate. After a painfully long debate inside his head, Kai listened to his curiosity and crept out of the room too.
*********************************
Rei came to the same place he lost his bit beast. Maybe his bit beast would come back and help him with his confused mind. He sat there for a while before sensing another's presence in the shadows.
"You can quit hiding in the shadows and come out." Rei spoke at the same time pondering who could it be.
Out came Kevin from the White Tigers. He had a sheepish look on his face as he walked toward his former friend and comrade. Rei's insides began to knot together with each step the shorter boy took
"Hey Rei." Kevin said neutrally.
"What do you want now, Kevin? You want to destroy my blade as well?" Rei asked bitterly.
"Naw, I was actually taking a walk, then I saw you."
".I don't believe you."
".You're right." Kevin admitted a little hesitantly. " I came here to apologize for yesterday.OnlybecauseMariahyelledatmetodoso!!
".So you're not sorry then."
"No I'm not! Of course I'm not!!!" came the harsh reply. "Do you think I would be? I really did look up to you, and you know that. Then you had to bring everything I ever knew to pieces when you left us!!" His eyes blazed with hurt and pain. "Do you know what you did to me the day you left?"
~~~~~~~Flash back ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rei couldn't take it anymore. It confused and tormented him to no end. He was in love with his best friend. Lee. Rei loved Lee for what seemed like forever, but Lee wasn't like him. Oh no. Lee was straight. And he was in love with Mariah. But Mariah only loved him. Rei hated being different. He hated being gay. Life wasn't easy on him because of it. The elders always thought homosexuals were like people who had a contagious disease. The same thought is passed down during the generations, so practically everyone in the village thought so too. Rei thought that his love for Lee was the only problem he had to deal with. Boy was he wrong.
And now, he's been feeling the same way about Kevin as he does Lee!! Yes, Kevin. Kevin admired and idolized Rei like a boy does his Big Brother. At first, Rei was nothing but happy to play "Big Brother". Kevin would go all out in his unique way to try to gain respect and friendship with him. It worked too. maybe a little too well. Rei slowly began to admire some of the little things about Kevin. Like how his eyes always light up when he beat someone in a battle or how he would try to cover up when he was caught snooping around or how he saved a special smile just for Rei whenever Rei complimented on his skills. And the fact that Kevin wasn't exactly an eye sore added to the infatuation. It was just a little crush at first. Then it turned into something that rivaled what he felt for Lee. The problem was that Kevin only has eyes for Mariah!! Yet again Mariah took the eyes of Rei's affections. And Rei couldn't hate her because she was a great friend. She was almost like a sister to him. Argh!! This was so stupid and so twisted!!! Rei could handle the emotional confusion, but barely. And now. now that Lee's grandpa gave Rei Driger. Things were a lot harder.
Lee was VERY jealous that his Grandfather favored his best friend then himself. He was jealous enough to give Rei the cold shoulder whenever he was around. It wasn't like this was going to go on forever or anything. Lee knew that once he got over the green monster, things would go back to normal. Rei, however, could not wait that long. It was too much for him, having the person you had a crush on since you were small angry with you for something that couldn't be helped. But could it have been helped? Rei believed so and blamed himself for the drift. And his infatuation with his two friends grew with each day to the point where he didn't know if he could take it anymore. What was his solution? That was easy.he had to leave.
He was on the road leading away from the village. He couldn't tell his former team in words, so he just left a note. Rei was a good distance away from his home when he noticed a small, green-haired, boy blocking the road. Sure enough, it was Kevin.
"Why?" was the one word Kevin whispered. He had found the note a while ago and raced ahead to find Rei. Kevin was in a state of disbelief and had to find out for himself if Rei was actually leaving. Now he was in a stated of angry, betrayal, and hurt.
"." Rei couldn't say anything. This way was perfect. He could leave Mariah this way without having to tell her that he was gay. This way, he could run away from his feelings. It hurt too much if he stayed. This way, he could run away from all of them.
"You're just going to leave us without a reason. You're just going to leave all your friends in the dust so you can go off for your own selfish reason that you won't even SAY!!!!!" Kevin said hurtfully while his voice went from pianissimo to double forte.
"If I stay here, things would only get worse!" Rei snapped. He couldn't take it anymore.
"What do you mean worse?" Confusion was evident on Kevin's face. " Do you mean Lee and you? Cause if that what this is all about, then let me tell you that Lee will get over it. I'm sure he will. someday."
"No.It's.That's not all. I-I just can't stay with you guys."
"Then what is it? Come on Rei, you know your friends will see ya though thick and thin."
".Not through this." Rei tried to walk past his old friend when he felt a hand grab on to his arm.
"You can't go!" the smaller boy sobbed into the taller boy's arm. "You just can't do this to me!!! You're apart of the White Tigers, that means we all stick together. By leaving, y-you're practically branding yourself as a. traitor. And you can't leave. You're my Dai-goh. My bigger brother. ((a/n: No ppl, Kevin and Rei are not related!! I'm talking about a brother in a friendship sense when one friend is the older, wiser one)) I'm suppose to look up to you. If you leave. then who am I to confine in!? .Why are you leaving, Rei? Why?"
"Listen, Kevin." Rei said with a distant look gazing out toward the road. "I-I'll tell you why I'm leaving, but you have to let me leave. And I'm sure you won't like what you're going to hear."
"THEN DON'T TELL ME!!" Kevin cried as more tears streamed down his face. "I'd do anything to keep you here, for my sake, for Mariah's sake, for everyone's." Then he added quietly, "Mariah will be heart broken if you leave. I don't want to see her like that."
Rei had enough. He couldn't keep all those pent up emotions inside any longer. He let everything out with these words. "Kevin, I'm GAY!! So I don't love Mariah. Not like that!! And that's partly why I'm leaving. I-I can't live a lie any longer! So I'm leaving!!! I have to leave the White Tigers." His eyes brimmed with unshed tears as he admitted everything to one of his closes friends.
Kevin was in shock. His skin, which was normally a nice tan color turned into a sickly pale color. He just found out that his perfect idol wasn't so perfect after all. And it hurt. God, it hurt. Everything he'd ever done was for Rei, hoping that someday he would be just as good, just as strong, just as great as Rei. Now he found out something that disturbed him to no end. His perfect big brother was gay. Kevin was always taught that homosexuals were like weird freaks of nature. But then again, he never listen to his elders much. He knew that some of the old ways weren't the right way, but it still scared him how his friend became so 'different'. It all came down on him so quick.so fast.
"You're gay!" Kevin blurted out. He tried to say more, but he couldn't translate what he was feeling into words. It just wasn't working for him.
"I'd understand if you think I'm a freak. Isn't that what we're all taught?" Rei's voice sounded bitter even to himself.
"Who?" Kevin managed to gasp out. "Why?"
"I don't know why! .At first it was Lee. It still is. But now.There's also someone else now." Rei trailed off. He wasn't sure if he could tell him or not. He was already on the verge of an emotional break down.
All Kevin could do is stare straight at Rei. Rei loved Lee! The thought was too weird for Kevin. Then again, this whole thing was too weird for Kevin. He silently cursed tradition for making his mind so narrow.Wait a minute, Rei said there was another. Then who.
Rei studied Kevin as he tried to comprehend what he just said. He knew it would be a long time until he would see him again, so he decided to engrave in the boy's image into his memory. First he memorized his friend's forest green hair. He secretly liked the way it covered one of his eyes, making him seem more attractive and mysterious. Next he took in the rest of his body. Even though Kevin was very small for his age, he certainly made up with his quick thinking and extremely agile body. The last thing Rei admired was his deep violet eyes. It was the most beautiful part of Kevin, in Rei's mind. They were like endless pools of purple that Rei could get lost in. They would glint with mischief when Kevin was spying, and gleam when he won a battle. Rei was subconscious that Kevin was staring back at him with a confused expression on his face and he was growing closer by the second.
Kevin was getting really nervous as Rei got closer and closer. It wasn't until they were five millimeters apart till Rei told Kevin a secret that would change everything forever.
"The other person is you." he whispered. With that, Rei gave Kevin his first kiss. It was soft and sweet, yet it spoke volumes on Rei's behalf. Rei felt like he was in heaven. Kevin's moist, soft lips felt unlike any kiss he ever had before. Kevin felt like jelly. No one EVER kissed him before. And he never even thought his first kiss would be from a boy. It felt-it felt..it felt really.good. How can kissing a boy feel good? No matter how much Kevin tried to convince himself otherwise, it was a fact that he enjoyed the feeling of Rei's warm lips upon his. What was wrong with him!!
Reluctantly, Rei pulled back, knowing full well that he could never go back to friendship with this particular boy ever again. "Goodbye, Kevin." With one last look at the shocked boy, Rei ran from his past, his friends, his home, and loved ones.
~~~~~~~ End Flashback ~~~~~~~~~
"You made me question who I am. You made me confused beyond belief! And you still do!! I hate you for that. I hate you for making me become like you! I hate you for making me gay." Kevin shuddered as he paused in his outburst.
"I wanted to be just like you. Now I want to be nothing like you. But in the end, it doesn't really matter. I'm still striving to be like you. I'm trying to improve my skills as a bayblader, and no matter how much I tell myself that I'm not doing this because of you, I still am. And I hate you for that." There was a moment of silence before Kevin said the last of his speech.
"I hate the way you hurt all of us, ditching us so suddenly. You hurt Mariah a lot you know. I still love her, despite what you did to me. Though, I'll never be able to love her like I use to, not thanks to you. Did you know you hurt Lee more than any of us? Losing his best friend was worse than his grandpa choosing you over him any day."
Rei was shocked. He knew that leaving them so long ago would hurt everyone, but he never thought that it would hurt them that much. And Lee. he never knew that.all this talk about his past stirred compressed emotions that were long since forgotten. Yes, Rei made sure that while he was out creating a new life without the White Tigers, he would forget everything he ever felt for them. And now, when his life finally seemed on track, his past just HAD to sneak up on him again. "I'm sorry." Rei mumbled whole- heartedly. "I-I."
"Save it. You're a traitor. There's nothing to it." Kevin said bitterly.
"Kevin."
"FOR THE LAST TIME, SAVE IT!!!! I-I looked up to you!! Now look where it got me. Look at where it got all of us! It's all your fault!" Tears were now spilling from Kevin's amethyst eyes. He had been holding so much hatred, so much fear, so many different types of emotions for so long. Only now did he let it all out, after so much time had passed.
"Please Kevin! I-"
"SHUT UP!!" Kevin couldn't take it anymore. He ran, like the devil was on his heels.
Rei watched the retreating form grow smaller and smaller. A single tear of his own slid down his cheek as emotions long since buried resurfaced. God, what was he to do? He was never supposed to see any of them ever again. He spent many days forcing himself to forget. It worked too. For a long while, Rei lived life without thought of his emotional past. He slowly started to accept himself. But his past caught up with him. And now. Things were even more screwed up. What did he feel now? It was so long ago. Now he had other dilemmas to figure out, one namely Kai. Rei didn't know what he felt about him.
Rei sighed. This tournament was not going to be easy on him. Quickly deciding that he needed sleep, Rei spun around to head back to his room. However, the next thing he saw scared the pants off him. Right in front of him was Kai. Kai, looking even more pale in the moonlight then ever. Kai with staring at him with red/brown eyes that seemed to glow.accusingly? It was true. Kai's expression seemed like he was accusing Rei of his crimes.
"Perhaps you would like to tell me what that was all about." Kai's voice was cold. Very cold.
"Well.I.uh.h-how long.what d-did you see?"
"Everything."
'Crap.'
"So are you going to tell me?"
Rei sighed. He was going to have to tell Kai everything. Rei wasn't sure if he could, but he felt numb enough right now. It wasn't like this could get any worse. So Rei prepared Kai for a long story of how he left the White Tigers. Rei kept a close eye on Kai, hoping that history won't repeat itself with his new friends. If it did, Rei wouldn't know if he could walk away this time.
*****************************************************
Flower_on_thewind: I'm not done yet.and I won't be for a long time.
Duo: That's because you don't know what to do!!
Flower_on_thewind: For once, you're right Duo.I don't know if I should make this a Kai/Rei or a Kevin/Rei!!
Duo: So she's basically begging for your help
Flower_on_thewind: *sigh* right again, Duo.
Duo: .Don't mind her.she's kinda depressed cuz she doesn't have a clue what to do next chapter..R&R please!!
Duo: You know. I don't think I should have even grace existence.
Flower_on_thewind: Quiet you! Okay, some warnings before hand.
*My disclaimer: I do not own the anime cartoon Beyblade or any of its characters. But I do own this fic ^_^;
*I must warn you that there is a whole bunch of Yaoi/shonen-ai. There's one mean love square.um.if you can call that a love square.-_-; and.um.one REALLY weird pairing.
*MAJOR OCC-ness everyone!! I no matter how I tried, I couldn't get their personalities!! And I haven't watched the episode where they explain why Rei left the White Tigers.so if this doesn't make sense.deal with it. ~_^;
*My writing skills isn't that readable (so says a couple of people I know -_-;) so don't mind my over descriptive writing style. When I was writing this, I really had no idea where this would go, and I was kinda moody.so if it doesn't make any sense, keep reading and give this neophyte a chance!!!
*MAJOR OCC-NESS!!!
Duo: You said that already!!
Flower_on_thewind : Well that means REALLY watch out for it!!
Duo: Whatever.let's just get on with the story!!
Flower_on_thewind: or my attempts of one.
****************************************
"We all have to keep on practicing in order to win!" Kai's voice boomed with a low threatening edge to it.
"Yeah, well if we all keep on practicing, when are we going to have fun!?!?!" yelled a rather frustrated Tyson. They had been practicing for about hours and Tyson was becoming a little bored.
"Well, your lucky streak isn't going to hold up forever. You need to learn some actual skills."
"Yeah, well it doesn't mean we can't have a break once in a while!"
"GUYS, guys, guys!! Stop with the arguing!" Max interrupted while coming between the two boys. The two were arguing like there was no tomorrow.
"Max is right, we can't waste our time arguing." Kenny's reasonable voice jumped in. He was getting a major headache from all the yelling Tyson had been doing and the lack of sleep he had the night before.
"Hold up, everyone! How about this." Rei said suddenly, making his present's known to everyone again. It seems that staying quiet for a while makes people forget you're there. "We keep practicing for another half an hour and then have a breather."
"Great idea!!" Max agreed, his relief evident in his voice.
"Fine. In a half an hour we get a break." Tyson agreed closing the argument. Only a 'Humph' was the reply from Kai as all four went back to testing new strategies and experimenting new moves.
Exactly a half an hour later, Tyson grabbed his beyblade and ran off with Max and Kenny. He wanted to make the best out of his free time with his friends. Rei however kept practicing, as he wanted to be at his best even though he didn't have a bit-beast. There was one problem though.Kai.
Kai was a little angry that his team wasn't at the level he wanted them to be. With Tyson always fooling around with Max or Kenny, they couldn't do some of the things that he wanted to do. What really irked him was how far Tyson or Max has gotten without having the discipline a normal person would have at their level. While Kai rested against the wall, his foul mood was felt everywhere. It was distracting, especially to Rei who needed concentration.
Sighing in defeat, Rei gave up trying to practice. If only Kai would understand that Beyblading wasn't all about wining. Tyson only wanted to have some fun. Beyblading was supposed to be fun, but that wasn't what Kai thought. Wining. That was the only thing he thought about. right?
"Don't be so angry, Kai." Rei said softly as he rested beside Kai. "Tyson just needed a break. He's not use to practicing when his heart isn't in it." Which was very true. Kai made practicing seem like homework. It was like a problem you had to deal with.
"How can he act like such an amateur? Especially when this tournament is for those with great skill!" Kai suddenly exploded. He wasn't one to show his feelings, but everything seemed.unfair? Yes, it was unfair in that Tyson could become so great without working hard seemingly at all! Was it that he was jealous of Tyson? Was it that he was jealous of all of them? They had somebody who loved them. Tyson has his grandfather, Max has his dad, and Chief had his family, but what about him? He was stuck with a demanding grandfather who didn't care squat about him. His grandfather just wanted one thing. Perfection. Okay, maybe he was a little bit jealous.but was he forgetting someone?
"I know Tyson could act very energetic sometimes, but he's just trying to act his age." Rei reasoned not even knowing what Kai just realized. "As for his skills.I think his so good naturally because he battles with his heart. Weather if he's battling for pride's sake or for someone else, he battles with everything he has, holding back nothing! What can you expect of a Dragon?"
"... That can't be the only reason he became my rival in such a small amount of time. When I first met him, he had no clue about anything on Beyblades." There was a pause of silence between those two before Kai added quietly. "His skills could or already has surpassed mine. He beat me at the tournament. I was so sure I would win. But I didn't.I want to know how he did it."
"So this is what the lone wolf is worried about? You're afraid he's going to surpass you." Rei said a little surprised. He knew that Kai was competitive, but not a sore loser. Maybe he has lots of pride under that icy mask he wears. 'Maybe he hides a lot of things under that mask.!' It was true though. Kai was very mysterious and.well to put it simply, he keeps to himself. It was rare that he expressed any emotion other than being pissed off, or just being competitive. Rei suddenly felt very privileged.
"It's not just him too." Kai mumbled, not answering Rei's question. "Ever since I met any of you, I realized how my skills are compared to so many others." Rei kept quiet. He finally realized that Kai was starting to see how his skills weren't so far superior than everyone else's. After a while of silence, realization that Kai spoke of his emotions hit him like a waterfall. 'shit' he thought. He quickly put back his icy mask that had started to melt during his conversation with a certain Chinese boy.
Rei knew the moment when Kai put back his defenses. He had to admit he was kind of sad that Kai did. He actually liked to get to know Kai. 'Too bad he doesn't open up much.he needs to do it more often or he might explode' Rei took a couple of steps away from the grey/blue hair boy before stating, " The others probably won't come back till tonight. We might as well forget about practicing with them." And with that, Rei went back to practicing while Kai stayed where he was, deep in thought.
********************************************
Late in the afternoon, Kai was wandering about the building with no apparent destination in mind. He silently scolded himself for letting somebody in on his emotions. It just told him how weak he has become. He wasn't only disappointed in himself for having such personal conversation with someone else, but he was also disappointed about his mind. Deep in the recess of his mind, something told him that his conversation with the Chinese boy was a good thing and that he should do it more often. He cursed at himself some more because of that stupid.something that he couldn't quiet pinpoint what that craved to be released. All he knew was that something in that conversation did something to him that had to do with Rei. 'Could it be.that I.LIKE opening up or is it.something else?' suddenly grasping what he just thought, he decided physical punishment would be needed to regain his discipline. Quickly heading to the men's washroom and making sure no one was around, he promptly began bashing his head against the walls. When he finally accomplished getting a rather large bump on his forehead did he stop. 'What's wrong with me?' Deciding that he shouldn't think about anything anymore, he set a destination to practice his skills. After all, winning is everything.right?
It was mere luck that Rei was still practicing. Of course, he lived to Beyblade. If he had to go through this tournament without a bit beast, then he wanted to be at his absolute best. Then again, his mind kept wandering off to Kai and his sudden display of emotion. He couldn't help it! Heck the guy was mysterious and good looking. You'd be weird if you didn't. 'Whoa! Don't go there Rei. You might make your feelings about him worse.' Okay, so Rei was attracted to Kai. He has been for a long time now. He really hoped that this was all going to go away. Rei shook his head as he picked up his fallen Driger to once again launch it. He shouldn't dwell on that conversation. Nothing really important happened in it. 'Yeah, nothing but Kai opening up.to me.' Quickly he made his trail of thoughts head towards a different route. Not surprisingly, it went to the White Tigers. Okay, so he felt bad leaving them in the dust.Ha, the understatement of the year. He felt terrible because of.because of.No! Don't go there. He made himself concentrate on beyblading again. It was only five more minutes before he realized that someone else was in the room with him.
Kai really thought that Rei would have left to find Tyson. Figures.Rei was a lot like him in some ways. 'Juuuust great.I try to get him out of my head, and look what happens.' Kai silently watched as Rei practiced. His concentration seemed nowhere near as good as when Kai first met him. 'Probably thinking about his old team again.' Kai concluded while watching Rei's face. He watched Rei's golden eyes narrow when his beyblade didn't execute it's move right.They were piercing golden eyes that reminded him of a tiger's. His eyes wandered to his hair silky black hair, wondering if it was as soft as it looks-What the hell!?!?! Where did that come from!?!?!? The more Kai thought about it, the more he became aware on how good looking his Chinese friend really was. 'So I have an attractive teammate, that's all. It's not like I like him or anything. And it's not like my other teammates are anything to look at.' He watched the raven- haired boy until Rei grew tense with awareness.
"Kai! How long have you been there?" Rei asked a little surprised. 'Damn! I should have been more aware of my surroundings!'
"A couple of minutes." Came the short reply, which was a small white lie. He had really been standing there for about fifteen minutes.
"Oh.I see."
Just then, Tyson bounced into the room in a blur. Max and Kenny ran in after him. They all seemed a little excited, well with the exception of Tyson who was REALLY excited.
"You guys won't believe this!" Max exclaimed.
"The tournament is delayed for another day! That means we get another day off!!!" Tyson could barely contain himself from jumping around the walls.
"Who says we get a day off?" Kai said coolly.
"Aw! What d'ya mean by that?" Tyson asked
"Seeing that we didn't do much training today, we'll have to make it up tomorrow."
"WHAT!"
"You can't." mumbled Max after getting over the initial shock.
"Listen! As your captain, you should do as I say. If we are to win this tournament, we are going to practice. Like it or not."
"Awww, come on Kai! We trained so much in advance!" Tyson continued to whine, his words jumbling into nothing but annoying noise.
"How about this." Max's voice took on a passive tone. "If we train REALLY hard tonight, can we have tomorrow off?"
Kai obviously didn't like the idea, but surprisingly waited for the other inputs of his team. Rei was a little taken back at Kai's odd behavior.
"Sure, I don't mind." Rei finally said after thinking about it for a while. He really did need a break, physically and mentally.
"And I could get some time to upgrade Tyson's beyblade." Kenny chirped. Leave it to the chief to say something like that.
Kai sighed in defeat. "You're all a bunch of lazy bums."
"Yeah." Tyson said with a yawn. "I know."
So off they went, practicing vigorously with nothing on their minds but first place.
*********************************************
Later on that night, the blade breakers finally decided it was time to call it a night.
"I get the bed nearest to the window!" Tyson called as soon as they arrived to their room.
"Hey no fair! You got it yesterday." Max cried as he and Tyson raced for the window bed. Both reached their destination about the same time, so Tyson came up with a better way of determining who'd get dominance over the territory. He quickly grabbed the pillow and flung it towards Max's direction. Unfortunately, Tyson's aim was off.big time. The pillow smartly struck a tired Rei. He, being the only one who practice the most that day, was slightly irritated by this act.
"Okay, you both don't get the bed." Rei said with mock anger that could almost rival Kai's. "It's every person for themselves!" With that, Rei joined the pillow fight for the bed. Kai watched the three boys go at it in silence. He observed Tyson's competitive side took over and Max's determined blows aimed specifically on a certain Japanese boy. What Kai really paid attention to was Rei's happy laughter while gaining the upper edge on the other two boys. It was a nice boyish laugh that Kai wouldn't mind hearing for a long time. Wait a minute. Kai thought Rei's laughter was nice?!?!?! 'WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING??? Better yet, what am I feeling?' Kai didn't know what he felt for Rei. Rei was just a teammate. Nothing MORE and nothing less. Finally, when Rei had Tyson and Max in a pile on the ground, he announced himself the "King" of the bed ((Me: .clean all evil thoughts ppl!!! Cuz I know I have to.-_-; I'm such a perv. Duo: YOU BET YOU ARE!! Me: Oh shut up!! You're suppose to help me!)).
"You guys mind quieting down?" Kenny called from the other room. "I'm trying to work here!"
"What do you mean YOU'RE working here? I'm the one who's doing the work!!!!" Dizzy cried, starting the light bantering between computer and boy.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Rei got out of bed. Being with the White Tigers taught him how to be stealthy, so he didn't wake anyone in the process. He cast a weary eye on his teammates, having different thoughts for each. This team was so much different from his old one. In the White Tigers, everyone was so serious about beyblading. Here, Beyblading wasn't the only thing on their minds. Have fun too! That was what Rei learned with his short time as a Blade Breaker. His eyes first lay upon Tyson. Tyson was a very interesting character. He seems so outgoing and energetic all the time, but could be so strong, impulsive, and lucky in battle; just like a dragon. Next person he looked at was Max. Max is a very reasonable and cheerful person in Rei's eyes. He could always rely on Max to keep Tyson from getting into too much trouble. The next bed to Max was empty. Rei made a small sigh. He knew Kenny was going to put an all-nighter again. 'Doesn't that kid ever sleep?' Finally, his eyes rested upon Kai. Kai was.well.He's so cold to everyone, but could it be that he is totally opposite in the inside? Rei didn't know. Okay, so he had to admit that Kai was cute. EXTREMELY cute. Thus a growing crush began forming somewhere in Rei's heart. And okay, Rei already admitted to himself a long time ago that he was gay. He had this crush on Kai since he met him. But he was almost sure that this won't grow into something more like last time.This was partly the reason he got out of bed. He needed to meditate on his feelings. Quietly he went out of the room, not disturbing anyone.
Kai watched everything. Even though he was on the very opposite side of the room, Kai could see Rei as if he were sleeping in the bed beside Rei. He watched how the moonlight bathed Rei's form in a luminous light. He watched how his hair fell gracefully about his face and where his bandana should be. Kai didn't know why he just watched his teammate, but he had a hunch that it was a forming crush on the boy. The more he thought about it, Rei was the only one in his group that he felt connected to. He didn't know why he felt so connected. Maybe it's because they both spent most of their lives training vigorously for one purpose; to be the best. But many other people did the very same thing. What makes Rei so different? Was it the mutual understanding that those who keep to themselves share? Or was it the way his eyes hold so much passion when he beyblades? Or was it.was it something unexplainable but wonderful at the same time? Like.Love? His eyes grew wide as he slowly became aware what he was thinking. ((Me: Kai's kinda slow, I guess.-_-;)) 'Holy shit.' He thought. ' I'm GAY!!' This horrified Kai to no end. He, the captain of the blade breakers, the leader of team Japan, could possibly be gay! If his grandfather ever found out.Kai closed his eyes as possible outcomes of events his grandfather could do to him if he ever found out. After a few minutes, Kai finally came to the conclusion that he could NOT be gay. He needed to be perfect. He HAD to be perfect. Being gay was just. not right.right?
The first step get out of this.er.predicament, Kai would have to stop admiring his teammate. Kai cracked open an eyelid to look at Rei.Fat chance he'll ever stop staring at him. 'Damn! His looks are too good for his own good.' There is no way he could stop looking at the guy. Kai mentally sighed in defeat. He was fighting in a loosing battle, and he knew it. Okay, maybe he like Rei.a lot. nobody needed to know right? Rei's eyes suddenly fluttered open, freaking Kai out real bad. Luckily Kai's eyes were only cracked open so he could watch the Chinese boy without fear.hopefully.
He watched Rei gaze at all the occupants of the room one by one. He also noted how Rei's eyes rested on him a little longer. For a moment, Kai was sure Rei knew he was awake. Soon afterwards, Rei left the room; as silent as a cat. Kai debated if he should follow his teammate. After a painfully long debate inside his head, Kai listened to his curiosity and crept out of the room too.
*********************************
Rei came to the same place he lost his bit beast. Maybe his bit beast would come back and help him with his confused mind. He sat there for a while before sensing another's presence in the shadows.
"You can quit hiding in the shadows and come out." Rei spoke at the same time pondering who could it be.
Out came Kevin from the White Tigers. He had a sheepish look on his face as he walked toward his former friend and comrade. Rei's insides began to knot together with each step the shorter boy took
"Hey Rei." Kevin said neutrally.
"What do you want now, Kevin? You want to destroy my blade as well?" Rei asked bitterly.
"Naw, I was actually taking a walk, then I saw you."
".I don't believe you."
".You're right." Kevin admitted a little hesitantly. " I came here to apologize for yesterday.OnlybecauseMariahyelledatmetodoso!!
".So you're not sorry then."
"No I'm not! Of course I'm not!!!" came the harsh reply. "Do you think I would be? I really did look up to you, and you know that. Then you had to bring everything I ever knew to pieces when you left us!!" His eyes blazed with hurt and pain. "Do you know what you did to me the day you left?"
~~~~~~~Flash back ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rei couldn't take it anymore. It confused and tormented him to no end. He was in love with his best friend. Lee. Rei loved Lee for what seemed like forever, but Lee wasn't like him. Oh no. Lee was straight. And he was in love with Mariah. But Mariah only loved him. Rei hated being different. He hated being gay. Life wasn't easy on him because of it. The elders always thought homosexuals were like people who had a contagious disease. The same thought is passed down during the generations, so practically everyone in the village thought so too. Rei thought that his love for Lee was the only problem he had to deal with. Boy was he wrong.
And now, he's been feeling the same way about Kevin as he does Lee!! Yes, Kevin. Kevin admired and idolized Rei like a boy does his Big Brother. At first, Rei was nothing but happy to play "Big Brother". Kevin would go all out in his unique way to try to gain respect and friendship with him. It worked too. maybe a little too well. Rei slowly began to admire some of the little things about Kevin. Like how his eyes always light up when he beat someone in a battle or how he would try to cover up when he was caught snooping around or how he saved a special smile just for Rei whenever Rei complimented on his skills. And the fact that Kevin wasn't exactly an eye sore added to the infatuation. It was just a little crush at first. Then it turned into something that rivaled what he felt for Lee. The problem was that Kevin only has eyes for Mariah!! Yet again Mariah took the eyes of Rei's affections. And Rei couldn't hate her because she was a great friend. She was almost like a sister to him. Argh!! This was so stupid and so twisted!!! Rei could handle the emotional confusion, but barely. And now. now that Lee's grandpa gave Rei Driger. Things were a lot harder.
Lee was VERY jealous that his Grandfather favored his best friend then himself. He was jealous enough to give Rei the cold shoulder whenever he was around. It wasn't like this was going to go on forever or anything. Lee knew that once he got over the green monster, things would go back to normal. Rei, however, could not wait that long. It was too much for him, having the person you had a crush on since you were small angry with you for something that couldn't be helped. But could it have been helped? Rei believed so and blamed himself for the drift. And his infatuation with his two friends grew with each day to the point where he didn't know if he could take it anymore. What was his solution? That was easy.he had to leave.
He was on the road leading away from the village. He couldn't tell his former team in words, so he just left a note. Rei was a good distance away from his home when he noticed a small, green-haired, boy blocking the road. Sure enough, it was Kevin.
"Why?" was the one word Kevin whispered. He had found the note a while ago and raced ahead to find Rei. Kevin was in a state of disbelief and had to find out for himself if Rei was actually leaving. Now he was in a stated of angry, betrayal, and hurt.
"." Rei couldn't say anything. This way was perfect. He could leave Mariah this way without having to tell her that he was gay. This way, he could run away from his feelings. It hurt too much if he stayed. This way, he could run away from all of them.
"You're just going to leave us without a reason. You're just going to leave all your friends in the dust so you can go off for your own selfish reason that you won't even SAY!!!!!" Kevin said hurtfully while his voice went from pianissimo to double forte.
"If I stay here, things would only get worse!" Rei snapped. He couldn't take it anymore.
"What do you mean worse?" Confusion was evident on Kevin's face. " Do you mean Lee and you? Cause if that what this is all about, then let me tell you that Lee will get over it. I'm sure he will. someday."
"No.It's.That's not all. I-I just can't stay with you guys."
"Then what is it? Come on Rei, you know your friends will see ya though thick and thin."
".Not through this." Rei tried to walk past his old friend when he felt a hand grab on to his arm.
"You can't go!" the smaller boy sobbed into the taller boy's arm. "You just can't do this to me!!! You're apart of the White Tigers, that means we all stick together. By leaving, y-you're practically branding yourself as a. traitor. And you can't leave. You're my Dai-goh. My bigger brother. ((a/n: No ppl, Kevin and Rei are not related!! I'm talking about a brother in a friendship sense when one friend is the older, wiser one)) I'm suppose to look up to you. If you leave. then who am I to confine in!? .Why are you leaving, Rei? Why?"
"Listen, Kevin." Rei said with a distant look gazing out toward the road. "I-I'll tell you why I'm leaving, but you have to let me leave. And I'm sure you won't like what you're going to hear."
"THEN DON'T TELL ME!!" Kevin cried as more tears streamed down his face. "I'd do anything to keep you here, for my sake, for Mariah's sake, for everyone's." Then he added quietly, "Mariah will be heart broken if you leave. I don't want to see her like that."
Rei had enough. He couldn't keep all those pent up emotions inside any longer. He let everything out with these words. "Kevin, I'm GAY!! So I don't love Mariah. Not like that!! And that's partly why I'm leaving. I-I can't live a lie any longer! So I'm leaving!!! I have to leave the White Tigers." His eyes brimmed with unshed tears as he admitted everything to one of his closes friends.
Kevin was in shock. His skin, which was normally a nice tan color turned into a sickly pale color. He just found out that his perfect idol wasn't so perfect after all. And it hurt. God, it hurt. Everything he'd ever done was for Rei, hoping that someday he would be just as good, just as strong, just as great as Rei. Now he found out something that disturbed him to no end. His perfect big brother was gay. Kevin was always taught that homosexuals were like weird freaks of nature. But then again, he never listen to his elders much. He knew that some of the old ways weren't the right way, but it still scared him how his friend became so 'different'. It all came down on him so quick.so fast.
"You're gay!" Kevin blurted out. He tried to say more, but he couldn't translate what he was feeling into words. It just wasn't working for him.
"I'd understand if you think I'm a freak. Isn't that what we're all taught?" Rei's voice sounded bitter even to himself.
"Who?" Kevin managed to gasp out. "Why?"
"I don't know why! .At first it was Lee. It still is. But now.There's also someone else now." Rei trailed off. He wasn't sure if he could tell him or not. He was already on the verge of an emotional break down.
All Kevin could do is stare straight at Rei. Rei loved Lee! The thought was too weird for Kevin. Then again, this whole thing was too weird for Kevin. He silently cursed tradition for making his mind so narrow.Wait a minute, Rei said there was another. Then who.
Rei studied Kevin as he tried to comprehend what he just said. He knew it would be a long time until he would see him again, so he decided to engrave in the boy's image into his memory. First he memorized his friend's forest green hair. He secretly liked the way it covered one of his eyes, making him seem more attractive and mysterious. Next he took in the rest of his body. Even though Kevin was very small for his age, he certainly made up with his quick thinking and extremely agile body. The last thing Rei admired was his deep violet eyes. It was the most beautiful part of Kevin, in Rei's mind. They were like endless pools of purple that Rei could get lost in. They would glint with mischief when Kevin was spying, and gleam when he won a battle. Rei was subconscious that Kevin was staring back at him with a confused expression on his face and he was growing closer by the second.
Kevin was getting really nervous as Rei got closer and closer. It wasn't until they were five millimeters apart till Rei told Kevin a secret that would change everything forever.
"The other person is you." he whispered. With that, Rei gave Kevin his first kiss. It was soft and sweet, yet it spoke volumes on Rei's behalf. Rei felt like he was in heaven. Kevin's moist, soft lips felt unlike any kiss he ever had before. Kevin felt like jelly. No one EVER kissed him before. And he never even thought his first kiss would be from a boy. It felt-it felt..it felt really.good. How can kissing a boy feel good? No matter how much Kevin tried to convince himself otherwise, it was a fact that he enjoyed the feeling of Rei's warm lips upon his. What was wrong with him!!
Reluctantly, Rei pulled back, knowing full well that he could never go back to friendship with this particular boy ever again. "Goodbye, Kevin." With one last look at the shocked boy, Rei ran from his past, his friends, his home, and loved ones.
~~~~~~~ End Flashback ~~~~~~~~~
"You made me question who I am. You made me confused beyond belief! And you still do!! I hate you for that. I hate you for making me become like you! I hate you for making me gay." Kevin shuddered as he paused in his outburst.
"I wanted to be just like you. Now I want to be nothing like you. But in the end, it doesn't really matter. I'm still striving to be like you. I'm trying to improve my skills as a bayblader, and no matter how much I tell myself that I'm not doing this because of you, I still am. And I hate you for that." There was a moment of silence before Kevin said the last of his speech.
"I hate the way you hurt all of us, ditching us so suddenly. You hurt Mariah a lot you know. I still love her, despite what you did to me. Though, I'll never be able to love her like I use to, not thanks to you. Did you know you hurt Lee more than any of us? Losing his best friend was worse than his grandpa choosing you over him any day."
Rei was shocked. He knew that leaving them so long ago would hurt everyone, but he never thought that it would hurt them that much. And Lee. he never knew that.all this talk about his past stirred compressed emotions that were long since forgotten. Yes, Rei made sure that while he was out creating a new life without the White Tigers, he would forget everything he ever felt for them. And now, when his life finally seemed on track, his past just HAD to sneak up on him again. "I'm sorry." Rei mumbled whole- heartedly. "I-I."
"Save it. You're a traitor. There's nothing to it." Kevin said bitterly.
"Kevin."
"FOR THE LAST TIME, SAVE IT!!!! I-I looked up to you!! Now look where it got me. Look at where it got all of us! It's all your fault!" Tears were now spilling from Kevin's amethyst eyes. He had been holding so much hatred, so much fear, so many different types of emotions for so long. Only now did he let it all out, after so much time had passed.
"Please Kevin! I-"
"SHUT UP!!" Kevin couldn't take it anymore. He ran, like the devil was on his heels.
Rei watched the retreating form grow smaller and smaller. A single tear of his own slid down his cheek as emotions long since buried resurfaced. God, what was he to do? He was never supposed to see any of them ever again. He spent many days forcing himself to forget. It worked too. For a long while, Rei lived life without thought of his emotional past. He slowly started to accept himself. But his past caught up with him. And now. Things were even more screwed up. What did he feel now? It was so long ago. Now he had other dilemmas to figure out, one namely Kai. Rei didn't know what he felt about him.
Rei sighed. This tournament was not going to be easy on him. Quickly deciding that he needed sleep, Rei spun around to head back to his room. However, the next thing he saw scared the pants off him. Right in front of him was Kai. Kai, looking even more pale in the moonlight then ever. Kai with staring at him with red/brown eyes that seemed to glow.accusingly? It was true. Kai's expression seemed like he was accusing Rei of his crimes.
"Perhaps you would like to tell me what that was all about." Kai's voice was cold. Very cold.
"Well.I.uh.h-how long.what d-did you see?"
"Everything."
'Crap.'
"So are you going to tell me?"
Rei sighed. He was going to have to tell Kai everything. Rei wasn't sure if he could, but he felt numb enough right now. It wasn't like this could get any worse. So Rei prepared Kai for a long story of how he left the White Tigers. Rei kept a close eye on Kai, hoping that history won't repeat itself with his new friends. If it did, Rei wouldn't know if he could walk away this time.
*****************************************************
Flower_on_thewind: I'm not done yet.and I won't be for a long time.
Duo: That's because you don't know what to do!!
Flower_on_thewind: For once, you're right Duo.I don't know if I should make this a Kai/Rei or a Kevin/Rei!!
Duo: So she's basically begging for your help
Flower_on_thewind: *sigh* right again, Duo.
Duo: .Don't mind her.she's kinda depressed cuz she doesn't have a clue what to do next chapter..R&R please!!