AN: Ok listen up!  I hope you guys appreciate this cause it took me.. *counts on her fingers* 12 hours!  Straight.  I'm so tired ;_;  but its long! 13 pages!  And has some fluffy moments.. some intense moments and some funny moments!

Oh and to all of you that said Liika and Kai should get together but it shouldn't be fluffy and it should be slow… well that's what's gonna happen!  Liika and Robert aren't done by a loooong shot.  And Kai and Liika still hate each other… despite what this chapter may say.  Hehe…

This one goes out to Shadykai who took the time to review all the chapters on FFnet… thank you!  Oh and go read Xanthippe's fics!  She rules!  And they're both very good!

Upon reaching his room, Kai saw that their school bags and Liika's 'overnight' bag were already lying on the floor by the foot of his king-sized bed.  Shrugging he changed out of his uniform and into a comfortable pair of gray sweats and a black wife-beater. Turning on his monitor –his comp was already on-, Kai logged on to MSN, changed his name, logged off then logged back on.  As soon as he did, a window popped up.

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

LOL

Ian says:

Heh…

My fire burns bright… rawr baby RAWR! says:

Trouble in paradise, oh esteemed leader? *snicker*

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

Shut up Johnny.  –Oh and Tala, you're NOT hotter than me.

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

Haha, believe what you want dude!  That's why *I* have a worshipper and *you* don't

Ian says:

Jade says the term is "Stalker", not worshipper.

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

Same thing.  I'm guessing you told her?

My fire burns bright… rawr baby RAWR! says:

*Makes whipping noises*  Whipped already Mitchell?  Boy, wifey works fast!

Ian says:

Yeah.  *smacks Johnny*  ß With love from Jade!

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

lol

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

lol

 My fire burns bright… rawr baby RAWR! says:

…….

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

Speaking of wives, where's your's Tala?

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

Ehn, he's across the room playing my guitar…

Kai raised a slate eyebrow.  It was a well known fact among their little 'gang' that Tala never let ANYONE touch his guitar.

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

…you actually let him touch your guitar?

Don't hate me cause I'm hotter than you! says:

Yeah… it was better than having to entertain him… believe it or not, Sattiay's pretty good.

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

Imagine that…

Ian says:

Hey, are any of you guys –besides Tala- going to Sattiay's 'party' thing tomorrow?

My fire burns bright… rawr baby RAWR! says:

What party thing?

Ian says:

*shrug* Jade just told me we're going to his house tomorrow.. apparently he's having a gathering of all those suffering from Miss G's project of doom.

My fire burns bright… rawr baby RAWR! says:

Well since I'm not… why would I go?  Besides, gotta go to sister's recital ¬_¬'

I want a divorce.  And I here I thought mothers were suppose to hate their new daughters-in-law… says:

*rolls his eyes*  You can more than bet I'll be there… the witch is his best friend after all.  And now that you mention it, I think he said something about it after school when we were leaving.  Che, at least I wont have to stay alone with her ALL weekend.

Kai chatted for a while longer, snickering at his friends' antics.  It felt good to have real friends.  In the three weeks since switching to the public school, he had changed his mind significantly about the small school.  It was the best thing that happened to him, well that is if you ignore being paired with the witch.  Heh and even that wasn't all horrible, at least he got to annoy the hell out of her, which was always fun.

Speaking of the witch… He wondered where she was.  He glanced at the clock, noticing that it had been forty-five minutes since his mother had abducted her to 'get to know her better'.  Oh well, at least he didn't have to deal with her.

"BOO!"

"Fuck!"  Kai yelled, jumping and falling over his chair in surprise, landing roughly on his back beside the fallen chair.

Evil giggles sounded from above him and Kai opened his eyes to see Liika doubled over two feet from his head, laughing her head off.  "Sucker…!"  She snickered, cracking an eye open to look down at him.

He grit his teeth, growling angrily before bringing himself to his feet and picking up his fallen chair.  "Bitch."  He spat, stepping over to his computer and logging off msn quickly.  "How the hell did you get in here with out me noticing?"  He demanded, turning to face her, glaring hotly.

Her face was flushed red with mirth and at least she had the decency to attempt to smother her giggles.  Tossing her head she grinned smugly, "I am the assistant master of my grandfather's kendo dojo!  That requires stealth you know!"

Kai's glare transformed into a smirk.  "Is that so?  I'm surprised you're even capable of pronouncing the word stealth, let along practicing it."  He shot back, walking casually past her flick on his 40 inch TV that was situated kitty corner to his desk, beside his bed.

She face vaulted, clenching her fists.  "Asshole!"  She muttered, stepping over to the foot of the bed Kai was now lying on and picking up her bag.  "Where's your bathroom?"  She demanded, glaring at him.

He didn't even look away from the TV where 'That 70's Show' blazed loudly, instead pointed off to a door about five feet away from the computer desk on the wall beside it.  She rolled her eyes and trudged over to the door, disappearing inside.

Once again she was surprised, even though she knew she shouldn't be.  His bathroom, for a side bathroom, was freaken HUGE!  It was easy the size of the main bathroom at her house, if not bigger.  There were double sinks carved into a black marble counter top, the mirror set above the counter ran almost the length of the room.  The toilet, which was situated by the counter, was made out of black ceramic.  Although, she thought sarcastically, I'm surprised it isn't made out of marble as well.  He had a black ceramic claw foot tub that was obviously specially made for this very bathroom, with crystal shower doors that formed perfectly to the tub.  She didn't even know things like that were possible!  Muttering obscenities under her breath, she quickly changed into a nice pair of black, slightly flared slacks and a blue baby-T, forgoing her wallet chain.  She had chosen this outfit so that she would impress Kai's parents, she didn't want to look like a scruffy hooligan in this rich environment where she felt so out of place.  "Stupid Kai…" She muttered, exiting the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.  "You are a spoiled brat, Kai Hiwatari!"  She proclaimed, tossing her bag back to the pile with his.

He rolled his head over lazily, sending her a smirk, which she met with a glare.  "You're just jealous cause you live in a shack."  He stated, turning back to the TV.

"It's not a shack!  It's a dojo!"

"Whatever, same thing."

Liika let out a loud groan of aggravation.  "You are so damn annoying!"

His smirk grew into a satisfied grin.  "My work here is done."  He said, folding his arms behind his head.

"Gah.  I'm using your computer."  Liika stated, leaving no room for argument as she sat down in the plush desk chair.

He shrugged.  "Whatever, but if you break it, you buy it."

"Oh right, like you couldn't afford a new one.  Don't worry your majesty I wont break it."  She replied, clicking the MSN icon and logging in.  He said nothing in reply, preferring to watch the hilarity of 'That 70's Show'.

As soon as she logged on she clicked the email thing, bringing up a new window to check her email.

"It's like a bad movie, she is looking through me, if you were me you'd be screamin someone shoot me.." says:

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CALL YOUR BF!

Liika blinked at the sudden message, tilting her head in curiosity.

"How can you see into my eyes like open doors?" says:

Huh?

 "It's like a bad movie, she is looking through me, if you were me then you'd be screamin someone shoot me.." says:

PLEASE!  I think he's going to have a nervous break down.  I swear… if he calls here one more time…

Liika's eyebrows furrowed, why would Robert be calling Riley?

"How can you see into my eyes like open doors?" says:

Why the hell would Robert call you?

"It's like a bad movie, she is looking through me, if you were me then you'd be screamin someone shoot me.." says:

Lee.  I swear when he gets worried, he never shuts up!

"How can you see into my eyes like open doors?" says:

*giggle*  I know ^-^

"It's like a bad movie, she is looking through me, if you were me then you'd be screamin someone shoot me.." says:

Anyway, call him before he drives me insane.  God, between him and my brother's kid's never ending crying I never get any peace!  He says you don't have your cell on.  Which as you imagine has him pissed…

"How can you see into my eyes like open doors?" says:

;_;  I discovered my cell was dead… oh boy.  I'll call him right now…

"It's like a bad movie, she is looking through me, if you were me then you'd be screamin someone shoot me.." says:

Thank you.  Anyway, I hope your night is filled with fun and laughter!  Oh and don't kill each other eh?  See ya!

With that Riley logged off and Liika was left with out anyone to talk to.  Everyone on her list was either away or busy.  Shrugging she finished checking her email then logged off.  Spotting a cordless phone on the edge of his large desk she picked it up.  "This is a private line isn't it?"  She asked the boy on the bed.

"Yeah.  I suppose you want to use it."  He replied, not looking at her.

"That would be nice yes."

"Whatever."

Liika rolled her eyes and quickly dialed a number she knew off by heart and waited for the other end to pick up.

"What?"  Demanded an angry and anxious voice.

She flinched.  He was irate that she thought.  "Hello sweety," She chirped nervously.

"LIIKA AMANDA!" 

Liika pulled the phone away from her ear and listened to him rant from inches away.  Ok, so he was a little mad… Hesitantly she put the phone back to her ear, flinching as he was still yelling.  "Robert…" He didn't stop.  It was like he didn't hear her.  "ROBERT DAMMIT SHUT UP!" She snapped, finally reaching her limit.

He lowered his voice finally, regaining his normal cool temper.  "Liika, would you like to explain why I have been unable to reach you for the last hour and a half?"  He asked calmly, but the anger was still hovering below the surface.

She sighed, reaching up and pulling the hair sticks from her hair, spilling the blue locks down around her face.  "I'm sorry ok?  I didn't realize my phone was dead until I got home to pick up some clothes, I left it in its charger."  She said.

Robert was silent for a moment, causing Liika to shift nervously.  "You should have called me and informed me Liika."  He said at last, the anger completely vanished, replaced instead by weariness.

"I know, I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to worry you.  But honestly, I'm fine.  Kai's mother is a complete sweetheart, she'll make sure her delinquent son doesn't try anything."  Liika spoke, looking up at a poster above Kai's computer desk.  It was a large poster of bright, fiery red phoenix.  It's glowing eyes glared out at the world menacingly.  She shuddered.  It was so Kai.  "Try not to worry so much ok?  You'll give yourself an early heart attack."

He sighed.  "I-"

Suddenly the phone was snatched out of Liika's hands and she whirled around to see Kai putting the phone to his ear and speaking.  "Look Jagen.  I'm not going to rape your precious little witch.  So just deal with it!"  With that he clicked the end button and leaned over to replace the phone on the hook.

Liika sat there in shock.  He had just hung up on her boyfriend!  "JERK!"  She yelled, elbowing Kai in the stomach as he pulled back.

"Oof!"  Kai grunted, staggering back a few steps, glowering at her.  "Bitch!"  He shot back, straightening up, and turning away.

"I'm a bitch!  You're the ass who hung up on MY conversation!"  She continued to yell, jumping to her feet.

He shrugged, heading towards the bed again.  "It was getting on my nerves listening to that over protective loser yell over something that is completely ridiculous.  As if I'd even want to touch you!" 

"GRR!!"  She growled, finally loosing the fragile hold she had on her temper.  No one insulted her boyfriend!  Even if he was partially right!  Stepping forward she pounced on him, knocking them both to the ground.

Kai growled as he fought her.  They rolled around on the large floor, both struggling to gain dominance and pin the other.  "Dammit witch!"  Kai cursed as one of Liika's hands broke free from the hold he had on it and pushed against his chest, flipping their position so she straddled his stomach, her hands pressed firmly against his shoulders, pinning them to the carpet. 

They both panted, after the trying wrestling match.  Kai glowered up at her, unable to move because of the placement of her hands and her body.  Liika glared right back, her face merely six inches from his own.  "You're such an ass!"  She hissed at him.

Kai's eyes narrowed, flickering down to her mouth as her tongue darted out to wet her lips.  He had the sudden urg…. OH GOD NO!   He snapped his gaze away and turned his head, scowling at the packs that lay feet from his head.  "Bitch."  He replied, not looking at her.

Liika frowned in confusion pulling back and sitting fully on his stomach, her hands sliding from his shoulders down his chest, resting gently on his pectorals.  Tilting her head to the side she gazed down at him.  She opened her mouth to say something but a quiet giggling from behind them stopped her.  Liika turned to look at the door, blushing bright red as she saw who stood there and what their position actually looked like.

Kate Hiwatari stood in the doorway of her son's room giggling at the sight before her.  Her son's 'wife' was perched on top of his stomach, her hands placed firmly on his chest.  Her son looked remarkably comfortable for a boy that had obviously just been pinned by a girl.  His cheeks were tinged pink slightly and he was avoiding looking at the blue haired girl perched on top of him.  Ah, they would make such an adorable couple when they finally realized that they didn't hate each other near as much as they thought they did.

Giggling a bit more she sobered, but was unable to wipe the grin off her face.  "Come on you two, its time for dinner."  She sent Liika a wink and then disappeared.

Liika wanted to die.  Quickly she scrambled off Kai and stood facing the opposite direction, her face a bright red.  Kai stood up, brushing himself off, still disturbed by his train of thought.  Muttering a quiet, "Come on," He walked out of the room.

Dinner was a trying and tense ordeal.  Liika sat nervously beside Kai, across from Kate, her hands in her lap, fidgeting nervously.  A tall, imposing man with long gray hair and dark eyes sat at the head of the table to her right –apparently they were eating at the small family table reserved for family meals.  It still looked massive to Liika, it being at least twice as big as her own dinner table at home. 

They were waiting in silence for Kai's father to come to the table and as each second past Liika grew more and more nervous.  What if she messed up?  She had never eaten lobster before!  And she had no idea how to eat it, she also doubted Kai would be any help.  Kai sat with his head bowed, staring at his empty place mat, his eyes narrowed in contemplation.  Liika didn't dare look at Kate, she was still smarting over what the older woman had walked in on.  The imposing man to her right was eyeing her with interest, one eyebrow cocked.  It was he who broke the silence.

"So my dear, you are in my grandson's Family Management class hm?  Are you in any of his other classes?"  He asked, seemingly genuinely interested in her.

She brought her eyes up to meet his cold dark ones.  "Um, yes I am.  I am in his study, and his AP History.  I am also in the same PE block."  She replied quietly.

"I see."

The room fell into silence again and Kai glanced up at his grandfather.  Why was he acting interested in the blue witch?  But more importantly, why was the blue witch being so quiet?  He narrowed his eyes, switching his glance to Liika's profile.  She was never quiet!  He had a feeling she would laugh at a funeral.

Kai's father strode in the room then and all members of the table stood, Liika jumping up quickly so no one would notice she had dallied.  …Someone should have informed her she had to stand upon Mr. Hiwatari's entrance.

"Niles, you may bring the food in now."  Kate said to an older man dressed in a butler's uniform that was standing off to the side.  The man nodded and disappeared through a door at the back of the room.

"Sit."  Came the one word command from the newly arrived man.

Liika's eyes widened as they fell on the man.  He was like an older version of Kai!  Minus the light blue bangs.  He was dressed in a crisply pressed navy suit, with a black tie and white dress shirt.  He narrowed his chestnut eyes at her as they sat down. 

"Who are you?"  He demanded in a harsh tone.

Liika flinched.  "Li-Liika Tomoda…sir."  He was twice as frightening as Kai's grandfather!  And that was saying something.  But taking a deep breath she decided she would not let the man intimidate her any more than she let Kai.  She would, however, show a lot more respect, after all, this man was the president of a multi-billion dollar company and he was older than her.

He eyed her with something akin to disgust.  "What are you doing here?"

She opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off when Kate replied for her.  "She's here to do a Family Management project with Kai."  Kate stated firmly.  "She's his 'wife' for three days."

The man turned an accusing glare at Kai.  "You're let yourself be married to a peasant?!"  He demanded, slamming his hand down on the table.

"I didn't have much of a choice.  It's a mandatory project, and the teacher chose our partners."  Kai replied flatly, moving over slightly so the servant could put a plate of food in front of him.

Liika scrunched up her nose, she disliked being called a peasant immensely.  She was not a peasant!  Her mother had been a top lawyer before she died in childbirth!  However, she refrained from commented, instead biting her tongue.

"Kevin!"  Kai's mother exclaimed sharply, sending her husband a dark look.  "This is the dinner table, and I will not have you insulting our guest in my presence, do I make myself clear?"  She ordered, setting her mouth into a stern line.

Kai's father stared at his wife a moment, as if willing her to back down, but she held her place firmly.  He snorted, sending Liika a withering glare, before starting to eat, not answering his wife.

"Good then!"  Kate exclaimed, a bright smile flashing on her features.  "Eat up my dear, I hope you like it!"

Liika smiled back half-heartedly.  Kai's father unnerved her.  She looked down at her plate to notice some sort of pasta dish made of pasta twists with cream sauce and chunks of what she assumed was lobster.  Moving to pick up her fork she noticed there was not one but three.  She paled, hesitating.  What the hell?  Why was there three forks?? 

The arrangement was smallest to largest.  The first fork looked to her like a baby fork, the second was a little larger, looking like one of Tyson's forks, and the last fork was about average size.  Which one was she supposed to choose?  Was there a right and wrong fork?  She bit her lip in consternation.  What if she chose wrong??

Kai watched her dilemma in hidden glee.  Oh he could help her out, but he wouldn't.  He had to get her back for the bedroom incident.  It was her fault he had such disturbing urges.  Damn, he needed to get laid.

Kai's grandfather, while his son wasn't looking, leaned over to Liika and whispered, "The inside one."  Before sitting up again, a small smirk on his lips.

Liika sighed in relief, beaming at the older man and mouthing thank you.  Picking up the inside fork –the biggest one- she started to eat, using her best manners.

Dinner was finished in relative silence.  Liika didn't dare speak, she felt like a fish out of water.  Kai continued to brood.  Kate smiled at Liika, but said nothing, their dinners were usually silent.  Kai's grandfather –he had been introduced as Voltair- ate with an air of confidence and superiority, an air his son mimicked perfectly.

After the dishes were cleared and desert served and finished –a delicious chocolate cake- Kevin Hiwatari ordered his son to follow him, and the two left the room.  Kate apologized for her husband's attitude, and inquired if she needed help getting back to Kai's bedroom.  Liika declined –she was pretty sure she could make it back on her own- and with many thanks she headed back to Kai's room.  She made it there with out any trouble.

Kai growled as he stormed back to his room.  His father was such a jackass.  He called him aside just to berate him for bringing home a 'peasant'.  Normally he just tuned his old man out, but this time he found himself fighting back.

Defending the blue witch.

He didn't know what came over him, but he couldn't let his stupid old man bad mouth her.  He didn't even know her!  He growled again.  She was starting to really annoy him.  Not only did she cause him trouble at school, she came to his house to do it!  Muttering he pushed open his bedroom door, steeling himself to deal with her.

He, however, was not prepared for the sight that greeted him upon opening the door.

Liika was in the middle of the room, now dressed in pale blue pajama bottoms with silver stars on them and a matching sky blue spaghetti strap tummy top, that showed her mid-drift clearly.  Her hips were swaying back and forth in time to the music that sounded from his stereo –one of his cd's as well-.  She was singing as she danced body swaying and rocking, lyrics pouring out of her mouth, her hair falling about her face.

"I know the truth now
I know who you are
And I don't love you anymore

It never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me
And somehow you've got everybody fooled"

He stood there completely shocked –distantly recognizing the song as 'Everybody's Fool' by Evanescence.  He had never seen her look so…approachable, in all the time he knew her.  She was gorgeous.  Wait a minute, back up.  Did he just think that?!  NO!  The blue witch was not even remotely attractive!  She was short, too thin and her breasts were too small!  Not to mention her mouth too big…He growled at himself.  Having her in his house was wreaking havok on him.  Taking a big breath, he leaned against the door jamb, slapping a smirk on his face.

"Well, isn't this a homey sight."  He sneered, catching her attention.

Liika jumped five feet at the sound of his voice.  She had had her back turned to the door and couldn't hear the door open over the music.  Kai chuckled smugly at her surprise, stepping into the room, closing the door behind him.  She glared at him, turning red at being caught.  It was a rather embarrassing position to be caught in.  Trotting over to the stereo, she turned off the cd and turned back around to find Kai right behind her.  Once again she jumped in surprise then scowled at him.  "Don't do that!" 

"Don't what?  It's my room.  Besides, who told you that you could listen to my cds?"  He retorted, leaning over her and turning the cd back on. 

"Che."  She said, pushing past him.  "I was surprised, you have good taste in music.  I figured you would like something like rap crap."

He tossed her a flat look, while straightening out his cds.  "You don't know anything about me."  He replied.

Liika shrugged, twirling her hair around her index finger as she leaned against the wall beside him.  "Maybe.  Either way.  Is dinner always that…fun here?  At least I now know where you get your charming personality.  You and your father are too much alike."  She said flippantly, examining the tips of her hair.

She suddenly found herself pinned to the wall, one of Kai's hands at her neck the other on one of her arms, his angry chestnut eyes centimeters from her own wide turquoise ones.

"I am nothing like my father!"  He spat, squeezing on her neck to emphasize his point.

Liika began to choke, reaching up with her free hand to grasp at his hand at her neck.  As if just realizing what he was doing he dropped his grip on her neck and backed away slowly, fear dilating his eyes.

"Kai-"

"No!"  He interrupted, turning angrily.  "I am nothing like him!  In fact I wish he would die!"  He growled, clenching his fists.

Her eyes saddened and dropped to the carpet in front of her, one hand massaging her neck.  "No you don't…" She whispered.

He whirled back to face her.  "Yes I do!  My father is a fucking prick!" He yelled, seething.

"At least you have a father!"  She yelled back.  When she realized what she had just said she gasped slapping of hand over her mouth. 

They stared at each other for what seemed like hours, neither saying a word.  It was clear both had just revealed important information about themselves to their worst enemy.  Finally, not being able to take the silence anymore Liika broke eye contact.  "I'm sorry.  You obviously know him better."  She said quietly, turning and opening the door.

"Where are you going?"  He asked, taking a step toward her.

"For a walk."  She replied, disappearing out the door, shutting it behind her.

Kai sighed heavily.  He would, of course, have to go after her.  She could get lost and run into things she shouldn't have to deal with, even if she was the blue witch from hell.

Liika sighed heavily as she walked down one of the many corridors of the Hiwatari mansion staring at her feet.  She felt so foolish.  She had just inadvertently revealed her biggest weakness, to her greatest enemy.  Of course she has also learned a big secret about him.  It didn't matter though.  She had integrity and wouldn't spread the word that Hiwatari had an emotionally abusive father.  She wasn't so sure about him.  Sure it was a known fact that she didn't have parents, but that wasn't what worried her.  He could and probably would someday use it against her.  "Stupid Kai."  She muttered.  Of course she couldn't forget about him almost strangling her.  She didn't know whether to be angry or sympathetic.  His father must have really hurt him for him to lash out like that when compared to him, in this sense she felt sorry for him.  On the other hand, he obviously didn't realize that when he lashed out like that he was indeed acting like his father.

She was so caught up in her musings that she didn't see someone rounding a corner and ran straight into them.  She fell to the ground after the impact.  "Ouch… I'm sorry!"  She said quickly looking up.

She was met with disdainful chestnut eyes.  Kai's father stood over her, sneering down at her.  "Well, if it isn't the little peasant bitch.  Katherine isn't here to defend you this time."  He said, sneering.

Liika once again scrunched her nose up.  What was his problem anyway?  She never did anything him!  "I'm sorry I bumped into you!  But you don't need to be so freaking rude!"  She replied, bringing herself to her feet.

"Excuse me?"  He demanded, tilting his head and glaring at her in surprise.  "Did you just call me rude, little girl?"

Liika was getting extremely annoyed with his condescending tone.  "As a matter of fact I did!  I only speak the truth!"

His eyebrows furrowed.  "Listen here you little slut.  My wife might like you, but I don't.  Stay away from my son.  He deserves better than some backwater white trash hussy."  He growled at her.

"And what would you know about what your son deserves?  You probably want him to turn out just like you!"  Liika exclaimed, jamming her hands onto her hips and glaring up at the older man.

"I advise you to shut your trap little wench, before I shut it for you!"  He took a menacing step toward her.

Liika stood her ground, raising her chin stubbornly.  "And I'll tell you what he really deserves!  Kai deserves a father that will love him for who he is not what he can do for him!  He needs a father that cares about what he feels!"  Her voice was rising steadily as she spoke.

Kevin clenched his teeth, eyes narrowing to slits.  "Are you telling me how to raise my son?"

"Somebody has to!"

She never saw it coming.  His hand lashed out quickly and struck her across the cheek, snapping her head to the side.

"You little bitch."  He growled.  "How dare you come into my house and tell me what to do!"  He brought his hand up to hit her again, only this time, his hand was closed.

However before it could come in contact with her face someone stepped in front of her and took the blow for her.  The blow sent the body flying back, ramming into Liika and sending them bother to the floor.

Liika cracked her eyes open to look who had landed on top of her and was completely shocked when she opened her eyes to stare into hair the same color of her own.  The person on top of her groaned and shifted slightly. 

"Oh my god…Kai..!"  Liika exclaimed, sitting up, wrapping her arms around Kai to keep him steady.  She sighed, noticing he was not opening his eyes.  "Now why did you have to go do that?"  She murmured.  "I could have taken it!"

"Fucking brat.  Get out of my sight." 

Liika's head snapped up to see the older man stalking away the way he came.  She snarled at his back then looked down to see Kai stirring, opening his eyes.  He blinked before jerking out of her embrace, bringing himself shakily to his feet.  Liika jumped to her feet and reached out to help him.  He, however, slapped away her hands, rubbing his jaw.  "Now we're even."  He muttered, walking away back toward his room.

Liika frowned and trailed after him.  What did he mean they were even?  "Kai!  Wait!" 

He ignored her, turning a corner.  She grit her teeth and stomped her foot.  "FINE THEN BE LIKE THAT!"  She yelled.  "I'M GOING TO GET YOU ICE YOU SNARKY BASTARD!"  She huffed stalking off, heading to where she thought the stairs were.

When Liika re-entered the bedroom Kai was sprawled out on his king-sized bed, one arm over his eyes.  She shut the door gently behind her and padded over to the bed, crawling on top of it and over to him, placing the ice gently against his jaw.  It was then she noticed this lip was split.  She quickly scrambled off the bed again, running to the bathroom, retrieving a towel and running back.  Crawling back up on the bed she moved the ice for a moment and wiped at his lip.  He scowled, pushing her away.  "Go away."  He stated, pushing her and the towel away and replacing the ice.

Liika stuck out her tongue, slapping at his hand.  "Don't be an ass, ass.  You lip is split and unless you want to taste blood for a while just let me clean it.  Besides, this is my fault anyway.  If I didn't have such a big mouth, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."  She said wiping the blood away.

"Well finally we agree on something."  He said attempting to smirk, but wincing as it pulled at his split lip.

"Yeah, yeah, just ice that trap of yours rather flap it."  She shot back, rolling her eyes.  "Seriously though.  I'm sorry I let my mouth run.  You're probably going to get in more trouble now." 

Kai shrugged, closing his eyes. "Whatever.  My fathers a fucking bastard.  And anyway, when my mom hears about this, he's going to wish he never laid a finger on you."  His eyes snapped open then and he turned his head to look up at her.  "He hit you before I got there didn't he?"  He asked, eyes trailing down her face.

She shrugged.  "Yeah."  She replied, placing a hand on her cheek.  "But unlike the wuss you are, I can take it."

He rolled his eyes.  "This is the thanks I get from saving you from a black eye.  Bitch."

"Prick."

"Harpy."

"Fag."

"Don't you have someone to call?  I'm tired, it's after eleven.  So call your loser boyfriend so I can go to bed."  Kai said sighing and standing.

Liika stuck her tongue out at him, hopping off the bed and heading to the phone.  "Fine, fine," She yawned.  "As long as you don't cut in again!"

"I wont even be in the room." He replied, walking out.

Liika sighed, picking up the phone and dialing Robert's cell number.  After a few moments a tired voice picked up.  "Yes?"

"Hey, sorry about before.  Kai's a jerk."  She said, smiling a bit.

Robert sighed.  "It's alright, I know that all too well.  You're alright?"

She paused, running a hand over her slightly burning cheek.  "Yeah… I'm fine.  Kai's been an angel."  It was true.

"An angel?  Somehow I doubt it.  But I'll trust you.  I'm coming to Enrique's party tomorrow so I'll see you there.  Damn, the babies crying again, I'll have to let you go."  Robert said, his voice really weary.

Liika frowned, her eyebrows furrowing.  "Alright.  Get some sleep, you sound really tired k?  But just think, only a week left with the brat."  She teased, trying to get him cheered up.

"I know.  I'll thank god when it's over."

She giggled.  "Alright, night sweety."

" I love you Liika.  Goodnight."  With a click he hung up.

Liika stared at the phone, not believing what she just heard.  He had just said he loved her…it was a bit overwhelming.  Love had never come up before.  In fact, the word had been avoided.  Setting the phone down gently she stared at it.  Robert…was… in…love with her.  A wide grin creeped onto her face.  Robert was in love with her!  A happy giggle escaping her throat. 

"What the hell are you so happy about?"  A snappy voice asked from behind her.

Liika whirled and stuck her tongue out at Kai again.  "Nothing you need to know little man!"  She shot back.

"Whatever."  He said tossing a small cold pouch wrapped in a towel at her.  "Put it on your cheek or it will swell."

She caught it and did as she was told, heading towards the bed.  Pulling back the comforter she crawled into the massive bed, snuggling into the warmth, a contrast to the cold that was pressed against her cheek.  The lights turned out then and Kai crossed the room once more, crawling in to the other side of the bed. 

"You better not steal my covers."  He grumbled, tucking himself in.

"Bah, same to you bub."

"Hn."

"Oh and Kai?"

"What."

"Thanks… you know for taking the blow.  It would have knocked me out."

"Yeah.  You're welcome.  Witch?"

"Ya?"

"This changes nothing between us."

"You got it."