AN: Here's the second to last chapter wahaha! I super like this chapter.. I'm hoping you will too =)
This chappy goes out to Xanthippe who has helped me so much on this fic ^-^
Stay tuned.. I'm going to try to finish the last chapter with in the next week and a half.. might be tough cause school is keeping me busy, but we'll see! Happy Reading!
"So what do you think of this as a base line up: Me in Singles one, you and Bryan alternating in Singles two, Enrique and Maxy alternating in Singles three, Lee and Mari in Doubles one and Em and Jade in Doubles two?"
Robert glanced down at the girl beside him and shifted in the uncomfortable airplane seat. She was staring pensively at a notebook that was situated in her lap, a sketchy line up adorning its lined page. "It sounds good. Did you submit the numbers change to the BBA? They have to be notified if you decide to have two spares, rather than the customary one." He replied.
The blue haired girl nodded her head. "Two weeks ago, I'm not that addle minded. I got the ok three days ago. Bakuten B is officially allowed to have nine members."
"Good." Robert sighed, leaning his head back against the cushion, deliberately ignoring the set of auburn eyes that had been glaring at him every day for a week. "I know you're not addle minded, it's merely my job to make sure you get the important things done."
"Yeah, yeah. So you think this line up's ok?" Liika asked again, biting her lip and crossing her right leg over her left. "Cause if you don't I could put you and Bryan into Singles two and three and make Max and Eny the permanent alternates."
"I told you, it's fine. There's no need to do that, if you did Max and Enrique would be severely disappointed –Max did just get back. Besides, I believe you promised Sattiay a singles spot in this Tournament." Robert said with a shake of his head. "Remember, that roster isn't set in stone. We can adjust it accordingly to the strength of our opponent."
Liika's face brightened. "That's right! And you're right –about owing Eny a singles spot. I'm really sorry I did that to you two…I really am ashamed." She looked down, her face dimming again. The State Tournament was not one of her better memories, in fact it was something she'd rather block out of her mind for good.
Robert's normally stony frown softened slightly as he sighed. "Liika, I believe we've been through this. It's in the past." He said, sending her a clear look.
She looked sheepish. "I know, I know…it's just that sometimes I can't help but feel guilty. I mean I treated you guy's really horrible. I took my own crap out on you…when…" she lowered her voice so that only Robert could hear, "You were absolutely correct."
Robert sighed again. "It's in the past." He stated sternly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders snuggly. "We've already decided that we are better off as friends, there are no hard feelings remember?" He leaned his head down on her head and smiled.
"I remember."
"Ahem."
Both teens jerked from their cozy position and turned to stare at the obviously irate blue haired boy that was standing in the aisle next to Liika. His hot auburn glare was fixed directly on Robert who didn't even flinch.
"Ka-I mean Hiwatari?" Liika stammered, her face flushing as if she'd be caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar. She didn't know why, but a wave of guilt washed over her, and she didn't think it had anything to do with the State Tournament. Then, steeling herself to cool detachment she continued, remembering clearly the incident in the hospital earlier that morning. "What do you want?" She sneered, mirroring his tone from earlier.
Kai flinched but said nothing to her. He kept his glare fixed on Robert. "Jagen. Back there. Now." He growled, tilting his head towards the back of the plane.
Robert raised an eyebrow curiously, but could see that the other captain was not in the mood to be denied. Part of him toyed with the idea of turning the teen down but figured that it probably wasn't a good idea. Hiwatari looked ready to cause a scene and whatever he had been glaring about for the past week was probably something important. To him anyway.
It most obviously had to do with Liika.
So, sighing he unbuckled his seatbelt and stood, glaring back at Kai. "Fine. Let's go."
Kai jerked a nod and turned on his heel, heading towards the back of the plane where the washrooms were situated. Robert followed wordlessly, and both boys left a clueless and confused Liika behind.
"Where is Hiwatari taking Robert?" Max asked from across the aisle, blinking curiously towards where the two boys were disappearing.
Liika shrugged. "I'm not sure actually. Kai-I mean Hiwatari just showed up and demanded that Robert come with him. I wonder what it's about."
Max just smiled, looking as confused as she felt. He shrugged too. "Oh well. It's too bad about Tyson eh? I swear he was going to cry when he told us." Max said, his smiling turning downwards into a melancholy frown.
"He did cry…just not when anyone could see him." Liika replied. She shot Max a sympathetic look. "But Ty knew what the consequences would be if he didn't keep his grades at a C+ level. I'm not surprised Kai-er-Hiwatari told him he was suspended and that Spencer would be taking his place. I feel really bad for him…but that's the price to pay. I would have done the same thing."
"Would you?" Max asked inquisitively, raising a blond eyebrow. That was twice she slipped up and called Hiwatari by his first name. Maybe there was something to the rumour going around that Liika was actually head over heels in love with her rival captain. He wouldn't doubt it. After all, wasn't it said that opposites attract?
"Yup." She responded instantly. "Everyone knows the rules Max, and it'd be the same if my grades were to slip. I would be suspended from the team."
"And then where would we be??" Max exclaimed in mock alarm and sent both teens into a fit of giggles.
"Is there some particular reason you dragged me away from planning our strategy Hiwatari?" Robert asked blandly, staring at the back of Kai's head.
Kai stiffened, whirled around and, if at all possible, glared even harder at the slightly shorter teen. "It sure looked like strategy to me." He sneered in disgust.
Robert's eyebrows shot up in an instant and suddenly it dawned on him just why Hiwatari dragged him back here.
He was jealous.
The purple haired teen wanted badly to laugh in Hiwatari's face. The guy was so jealous he was practically spitting nails. He was so obviously in love with Liika that it was appalling, yet he hadn't said anything to the girl in question. How much strife in her life would be solved if the stubborn ass would just confess? Liika still thought he hated her.
"Tell me Jagen, what exactly went on last Friday night hm? Was she that good?" Kai was seeing red by this point. It had escalated far beyond a 'friendly' chat, and into an all out brawl –from his point of view anyway. He couldn't see straight he was so angry, and because he was so he thought and said stupid and improbable things, the scene he had interrupted had been too intimate and reaffirmed his belief that last Friday had been anything but innocent. It was a good thing Liika wasn't in hearing range, however.
Robert stared for a moment before breaking out into a barely subdued laugh. Hiwatari was incredible! So that's what this was really about. Robert knew it had to do with Hiwatari's jealousy, and his apparent inability to reveal his feelings, but he hadn't realized just what thoughts had been harbouring in the boy's mind for the past week.
That would explain the non-stop glaring.
He couldn't believe he actually thought that Liika and himself were sexually involved…and after they had ended their relationship some months before.
On account of Hiwatari himself.
And what was worse that he actually thought that Liika would do something like that. Love her he may, but evidently he knew nothing of her …innocence when it came to the male gender of the species. Oh Liika knew of sex and boys, but as for practical experience?
Nadda.
Robert knew for a fact he was one of the only two-three boys that had had the privilege of kissing the little tomboy. Hiwatari was another, and Tala the last. An embarrassing dare back in the fourth grade had earned Tala a concussion when Liika pushed him off the monkey bars.
So why the two toned haired captain thought that Liika and Robert were sexually active was beside Robert himself. He should know her more than that. But then, jealousy did that. It made you see invisible things. Things you didn't like.
"You Hiwatari, are an idiot." Robert said finally, his voice laced with amusement, the emotion also dancing in his eyes.
Kai's face twisted into a disturbing mixture of a scowl and a glower. His fists clenched at his sides and he struggled with the need to punch Jagen's insolent face. How dare he make light of the situation! As if his cavorting with his Liika was ok! Growling he stepped closer to Robert, his eyes darkening with hate. "Just what the fuck do you think you're laughing at Jagen?"
Robert snorted. "You, apparently. You're so jealous that you're creating things in your green little mind. Listen carefully, because I'll only say this once." He paused for effect. "Nothing happened between Liika and myself last Friday: nothing. She showed up at my door in tears, distraught over something that I am not going to disclose here. We talked about it, then she fell asleep –exhausted from the tiring night she had with you." There was no missing the insinuation in those words.
"Watch what you say Jagen, don't insinuate things that you don't know about." Kai bit back, inwardly relieved. He had no doubt that Robert was telling the truth, he wasn't one to lie. At the same time he felt guilty at the way he had treated her earlier in the morning.
"That's a bit hypocritical wouldn't you say? You just did the same thing." Robert said distainfully. "In any case, if you're through with your jealous ranting, I'm going back to planning, as that's what I was doing. Excuse me." With that Robert pushed past Kai, ignoring the stares from the people around them and headed back to his seat beside Liika.
Kai watched him go impassively, wondering just how long the vice-captain had known that he was in love with the witch. Obviously it had been for a while, as the fact didn't seem to bother him all that much. In fact, he seemed to find it amusing.
Then he remembered something Wakeman had said the day Robert and Liika had broken up, right after she slapped him across the face. "Jagen broke up with her…it had something to do with you."
Could it have been that Robert knew even then? Perhaps, but that didn't explain why the purple haired teen had broken up with her. Hmm…He mused, his brow furrowing. I wonder…
"Yay you mean we can go??" Mariah asked excitedly, hopping up and down in front of an amused Liika.
"Of course you can, like I was going to stop you. They hold the thing for a reason you know." Liika replied. "Apparently the welcome rave is like one of the biggest events of the entire week long tournament."
Mariah scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "I wasn't talking about me, I know I can go, me and Rei already decided, I was talking about you." She said, narrowing her eyes at her friend. "It's you that's most likely not to go!"
"You're right, cause I'm not."
"Awww…" Mariah whined, her narrowed eyes turning annoyed. "Come on! How often do you get to party in New York City huh? Never! That's what! It's a once of a life time opportunity! Just think of all the hot guys, maybe you can meet Mr. Right! I mean the guys here clearly out weigh the girls so you might actually have a chance!"
Liika replied by punching the other girl in the arm. "Gee thanks, that was a huge ego booster." She sighed, turning to the bed she and Mariah shared –Emily and Jade shared one beside it- she plopped down on the nicely made top. "You know I have no interest in finding Mr. Right."
"Oi, you shouldn't let Hiwatari get in the way of you having fun. Maybe if you get him jealous enough he'll finally confess his feelings for you." Mariah said flatly, rolling her pretty gold eyes. She knew all too well that the reason Liika didn't want to find 'Mr. Right' was because she already felt she found him in Kai Hiwatari, although why was a mystery to Mariah. She couldn't see what the blue haired girl saw in the arrogant boy other than his looks. He had a minus one personality and was mean to the core. Oh well, all that mattered was that Liika was happy, and if she thought she could be happy with Kai Hiwatari, then so be it. She herself had dated Tala, who was all the same things Kai was on the surface, maybe Kai, like Tala had something underneath the arrogant façade.
"Fat chance." Liika snapped bitterly, frowning at the ceiling. "He doesn't have any feelings to confess." She was comfortable confessing to Mariah that she did indeed love Kai. After all, she apparently already knew.
Mariah merely rolled her eyes again and shot the blue haired girl a 'whatever you say' sort of look and shook her head. Really! Sometimes Liika could be so blind! "Anyways back to the point at hand, you're coming to the rave with me. End of story."
"Wahhh, but I don't want to! Robert isn't going, so why should I?" It was Liika's turn to whine.
"Because," Mariah answered shortly, raising a delicate pink eyebrow. "One of our captains has to represent us there! It's a sorta meet and greet. Come on, I promise you'll have fun!"
"Ten to one I don't. Bah, fine. I'll go, but only for an hour or two! Unlike you I want to be well rested for our matches tomorrow. Nationals is no piece of cake you know!" Liika finally caved sighing dramatically. "Is anyone else going?"
"Yeah. Like everyone –minus Robert and more than likely Bryan. Jade is going with Ian and Maxy is taking Em. Lee said he was going and you know Enrique wouldn't pass up the opportunity to show off Riley to the 'sophisticated New Yorkers' as he terms it. He's so damn proud of her its hilarious." Mariah said, opening her back and flipping through her cloths.
Liika snickered. It was a well known fact that Enrique was quite smitten with Riley Wakeman. He absolutely fawned over her and was so proud of her. He practically toted her like trophy and she didn't seem to mind a bit. She was equally as infatuated with him. "Well what do you expect? Riley's the first girl Eny is actually serious about…not to mention that she's like gorgeous."
"That's true."
"Blah, anyways I don't have anything to wear…so you'll have to live with me in my track suit." Liika said, glancing at her pink haired friend secretly hoping that this bit of information would turn her off from dragging her to the Welcome Rave.
No such luck. "Ah, don't give me that Liika Tomoda! It just so happens that I had the foresight to bring two outfits for this occasion, so you have no excuse!" Mariah replied tartly, shooting Liika a look.
"Damn." She cursed, her mind wheeling with ways to get out of going to the party. She brightened as she thought of one. "Hey! None of your clothes will fit me! I refuse to go in girly clothes that are five sizes too big for me!"
At this Mariah sent a withering glare in her direction. "I'll have you know that I'm not five sizes bigger than you! Just…like three. And as for that lame ass excuse –wont work either. You are getting your birthday present now, I bought this outfit for you as a birthday present while I was in Denver last week with Rei. It's just your size. Two." Mariah said with a mischievous wink.
Liika groaned loudly and shaded her eyes with the back of her hand. Just like Mariah to think ahead when it came to clothes! Double damn! "My birthday isn't till the thirteenth!"
"So? That's only two weeks away, and anyway you need the clothes now right? Gotta wear something to impress all those fine lookin' blader guys ne?" Again Mariah winked while tossing a bag at her. "There's a whole outfit in there –including shoes which you will wear. I hope you like it!"
Liika had a distinct sinking feeling as she looked in the bag. Sure enough her stomach dropped as she saw the contents.
She hated skirts!
Liika sighed, tugging down the hem of the mini-skirt Mariah had chosen. The thing was practically indecent! It was made of a shiny black vinyl material and only covered half her thighs. It didn't help that her top wasn't much better. Made out of a almost see through soft purple material, it was cut in a 70's style flower child pattern. That is it was short sleeved and bunched under the breasts and at the edge of the sleeves –it also bared the majority of her stomach region. These two articles, combined with the death trap platforms Mariah had threatened on her, Liika was a walking hazard. More so than normal, which was saying something.
"See! This isn't so bad!" Mariah exclaimed, hanging off Rei's arm and grinning at Liika, her golden eyes glowing in the dimly lit ball room. "And stop tugging on your skirt, it's not going anywhere."
"That's what you say…" Liika muttered, rolling her eyes. Bloody Mariah…damn sneaky witch…
"You know Ika, you would actually have fun if you let yourself." Rei teased, reaching out and poking Liika playfully in her exposed mid drift.
The blue haired girl scowled and slapped away the offending hand. "I am letting myself! And still I see no fun happening here!" She snapped, huffing indignantly.
"Oh now you're just being petulant!" Mariah replied, sticking out her tongue. "You are not letting yourself have fun, you're too busy whining about the wonderful outfit I picked out for you –which I might add looks awesome on you."
It was true. Thought Liika didn't want to admit it, Mariah did have good taste in fashion. Liika's outfit accentuated her good points and disguised her flaws. The push up bra Mariah added hadn't gone over well, but eventually the pink haired girl won that battle as well.
"Hn. It's been an hour already…can I go now? I've mingled enough!" Liika whined, crossing her arms over her chest.
Rei and Mariah sent each other looks then simultaneously answered. "No." They chorused, glaring at her.
"You have not mingled! You've just hid in this corner, tugging at your clothes!" Rei said laughing.
"Yeah! Everyone else is having fun! You should too. Now," Mariah leveled Liika with a stern glare. "You're not leaving here until you dance with at least one person –one male person."
Liika groaned. "You have got to be kidding!" She exclaimed, looking rebellious. "Why can't you understand that I don't want to dance?!"
Mariah gave her a sympathetic glance, stepping away from Rei for a moment. "It's just one dance Ika…it's not like you have to marry the guy. Just one dance and I promise I'll leave you alone. You can go join Robert watching other teams tapes ok?"
"Grrm." Liika mused, biting her lip contemplatively. It was clear that Mariah was not going to leave her alone until she got her way. It was the way Mariah worked. So damn pushy… "Fine! But only one. Then I'm outta here!" She said finally, giving in.
"Yes!" Mariah cheered hopping up and down. Her face then fell into a sneaky expression. "Now, who to choose…"
Liika's eyes widened and panic melted into her bones. "Hey! Who said you get to choose?! That wasn't part of the deal!"
Mariah merely grinned, her eyes skimming the surrounding area. Her grin widened as she caught sight of something over Liika's head. "Bingo!" Then she pretended to trip over her own feet and crashed into Liika, sending the short girl shooting backwards and into someone else.
"That wasn't very nice Mari…You know she doesn't like him." Rei said, shaking his head.
Mariah shrugged, her grin still in place. "Hey, they're in our division at home right? We all need to learn to get along!"
"I still don't like your methods."
"Ehn, she'll deal. Besides, I just saw Kai walk in the door."
"Ah man…you're just intent in causing a scene aren't you?"
"Oof!"
"Hey now, watch where you're crashing hm? Got into the spiked punch did we?" An eerily familiar voice mocked as hands fastened themselves to Liika's hips to steady her.
"Wha-" Liika spun around –ignoring that the hands remained firm on her sides. Her eyes widened. "You!"
Akito smiled charmingly and winked. "Hello my dear, long time no see hm?" He cooed, tugging her closer so that her pelvis was flush with his. "Faring well I hope."
Liika's eyes narrowed, glinting flatly. "I was until I bumped into you. How is it that out of a room with over five hundred people in it, that I bump into you of all people?"
"That wounds me, it truly does!" Akito dramatized, faking a teary sniff. "Lucky coincidence I suppose. However, since you did bump into me, I believe that you owe me a dance."
"What?! What the hell kinda fucked up logic is that?!" Liika cried, finally realizing that she was still trapped in his hold. She began to wriggle.
"Ah, ah, is that any way for a lady to be speaking? I don't think so." He sighed sadly, shaking his head. "It's really too bad you weren't born a bit higher. I would have had great fun stealing you from Kai, but alas, unlike the traitor I don't mingle with commoners."
Liika continued to struggle as he led her further and further onto the dance floor. "Then why the hell are you forcing me to dance with you?!" She demanded. "Oh and just for the record I would never date a rich, snobby, private school jack ass like you anyway!"
"Believe it or not, Kai is one of those 'rich, snobby, private school jack asses'. And as for dancing with you: appearances my dear. It looks better for Abbey if I am seen 'making friends' with rival schools. Especially ones from our state and county." Akito replied simply, pulling her against him as they reached where he wanted, a new song beginning. "You will do nicely. You're not horrible looking, for a obvious tomboy hick."
Liika growled, but not at the taunt about her being a tomboy hick. At least half of that was true. "You're wrong Imoraz!" She grit out, trying to tie back the rage that would have her stomp on his foot with a platform shoe. "Kai is better than you, much much better than you!"
Akito made a tsking sound, leaning his face towards hers. "You don't get it do you? Kai can't change. He was born an elite and will always be one. No matter how he deludes himself. He will grow up to be just like his father. A wife beating, emotionless, bastard who is a God in the business world and there is nothing you or your little town of hicks can do about it!"
Tears sprung to Liika's turquoise eyes. She shook her head adamantly, trying desperately to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks. "You're wrong…You're…wrong." She whispered, turning her face down so she didn't have to peer into his laughing turquoise eyes.
"The truth hurts sweetheart. Kai is no different from me. His heart is still selfish and cruel."
"You're wrong…"
Kai grumbled profanities under his breath, following his red haired best friend into the crowded ballrooms of the hotel that hosted the Nationals participants. It was so damn crowded! Music blared over loud speakers that surrounded a packed dance floor, some seventy-five feet in front of him, while the rest of the floor space was occupied by over heated teenagers all yelling to be heard. So why was he here again?
Oh yeah, Tala said she was going.
He still felt shitty about the way he had treated her that morning in his mom's hospital room. Especially after having the 'chat' with Robert. Something made him think Robert knew something about Liika…something that pertained to himself, but he couldn't quite pin point it. Oh well, it wasn't important at the moment. What was important however, was finding his witch, apologizing and getting the hell out of the hell hole before he hurt someone.
He wasn't one for dances/raves.
"Hey, isn't that Iki there?" Tala asked, breaking Kai's reverie.
"Hm?" Kai looked up, trying to follow where his best friend was pointing. "Where?"
"There." Tala pointed again, raising an eyebrow. "Dancing with my look alike."
This caught Kai's attention and instantly his eyes snapped towards the dancing couple. They narrowed to mere slits. He couldn't see her face, but he could see that her head was lowered, and he could see his ex-best friend's face clearly and he didn't like what we saw. "Excuse me." He bit out, heading straight towards the pair.
Tala sighed, shaking his head. He should have known Kai would desert him. He shrugged, knowing that the blue haired teen didn't want to be there in the first place. "Oh well." He said, letting his eyes run over the room. "I wonder if Mari's around?"
She couldn't believe he was saying this. She was so torn. Part of her scoffed at him, scorned the very idea he was planting in her mind. However, another part of her whispered that he could be right. What if Kai was still like he was when he first came to Bakuten High? What if…
No! Liika screamed at herself. You can't think like that! Kai has changed! She wouldn't let herself be caught in Akito Imoraz's web of lies. She loved Kai too much. The boy was just trying to hurt her and Kai. After all, Kai couldn't be like his father…he didn't have the heart for it…did he?
"May I cut in?" A strained polite voice broke into their conversation.
Liika snapped her gaze up and was met with flashing auburn eyes that looked less than pleased. She winced. He looked the very picture of his father…
Kai let his eyes roam over her, taking in every detail, every nuance that was simply her. God she was gorgeous.
Her outfit did her complete justice and made him want her that much more. However, all thought were cut off when he caught sight of the tears that were swimming, unreleased in her eyes. He felt a great surge of rage swell in his chest. How dare the bastard make her cry! Turning his head slowly he came face to face with his ex-best friend, his eyes clearly flashing murder. "I'll be cutting in now." He ground out flatly, his voice losing the fragile politeness it had contained.
"And if I say no?" Aktio taunted in replied, a smirk moving over his lips. His hands traveled lower on Liika's hips so that they rested just above her behind. "I happen to be enjoying our dance, and I think my dear Liika is as well."
Liika stiffened, glaring hotly at the blond. She opened her mouth to reply but Kai cut her off.
"Let her go Imoraz." Kai commanded, his voice and eyes darkening with every second that passed.
Akito caulked his head to the side, eyebrow raising. Normally he'd give anything to be able to pull the normally stoic captain's strings, but something was off about him at that moment. He seemed almost dangerous, like an angry wolf protecting his pack…or more precisely his mate. "Very well then, the song is over anyway. It was ever so nice chatting with you, Liika my dear. I'll see you both in the tournament." Akito purred, nodding once before slipping off into the crowd.
Liika sighed with relief, suddenly very glad Kai had come to her rescue. She honestly didn't know how much longer she could have held up against Akito's barbs. "Thanks Kai." She murmured, turning away from him to move out of the room. She couldn't take any more people.
"Wait."
She paused as Kai's hand latched firmly on her arm.
"I meant what I said about cutting in. Dance with me." He said quietly, pulling her towards him, and into his arms.
"Kai I-"
"Shh. Please?" He interrupted again, wrapping his arms around her back and pulling her against his chest.
Liika sighed, relaxing against him and wrapping her own arms around his waist, unable to fight him. She let the beautiful lyrics written by the Canadian Bryan Adams take them over.
Look into my eyes
You will see
What you mean to me…
Glancing up, Liika met Kai's eyes, her chin resting comfortably against his chest. She knew that she couldn't hide the emotion that was shimmering in her aqua orbs so she didn't even try. She didn't have the energy to fight it any more.
Search your heart,
Search your soul,
And when you find me there you'll search no more.
Kai's eyes softened when they met hers. They held none of the ritual scorn and mockery that usually lay in the reddish brown depths, only…what was it? It was some unidentified emotion that Liika herself couldn't name. It was an emotion reserved only for her.
Don't tell me, it's not worth trying for
You can't tell me, it's not worth dying for
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you.
"What did he say that made you cry?" Kai asked suddenly, his voice low and husky, twingeing with anger.
"I didn't cry!" Liika huffed, looking away so that he couldn't see her blush. "And it was nothing. Nothing at all."
"Liika…"
Look into your heart
You will find
There is nothing there to hide.
Kai lifted his hand from her back and hooked it under her chin, turning her face towards him. "What did he say?"
Her eyes remained fixed elsewhere as she answered. "It was nothing…it's just…he…he said you were just like him." Her eyes drifted close, embarrassment flooding her cheeks. She couldn't believe she cried over him and was now telling him about it! "He said that you would turn out just like your father: A wife beating, emotionless, bastard."
A fist clenched against her back and for a moment Liika was afraid Kai was going to explode. She could feel him trembling with rage and so held on tighter, pulling her face from his grasp and pressing it against the smooth fabric of his tight t-shirt.
"But he's wrong Kai! You are better than him…damn better than that whole Abbey school! And you sure as hell are a million times better than Kevin Hiwatari!" She cried adamantly, clutching his middle tighter.
Kai said nothing, struck silent by her outburst. Could it be…? Could she possibly…?
Had that really been what he thought it was floating in her eyes only seconds ago?
Take me as I am
Take my life
I would give it all
I would sacrifice…
"I'm sorry."
Liika loosened her grip a bit at the small pronouncement. Through her ear pressed against his chest she could hear the rapid beating of his heart as it sped up its pace. "For what…?" She whispered back, closing her eyes again.
"For this morning."
A small smirk played upon her lips. "Well, you were kind of an ass."
"Hn."
She chuckled softly against his chest, trying to move closer. "You're forgiven. I know how hard it must be for you to sacrifice your pride like that." She murmured teasingly.
"I'm glad you do, because it wont happen again." His arms around her back clenched their embrace closer.
You can't tell me it's not worth trying for
I just can't help it, there's nothing in the world I want more…
"What's happening Kai?" Liika asked softly, frowning against him. She was so confused. Would he push her away again? Was he just playing with her?
"I think it's pretty obvious witch." Kai muttered back gruffly, one hand coming up to stroke her hair gently.
Oh I'd fight for you
I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you…
"It is?"
Kai rolled his eyes mentally, exasperated at how dense she could really be. How he ever thought that she had slept with Robert the Friday before was beyond him. She couldn't even comprehend what was painfully obvious, let alone something like sex! Yet anyway. Heh.
"Yes witch it is."
Liika once again brought her head up so that she could look up at him. She frowned in confusion. "Kai what-"
…yeah I'd die for you.
She was cut off when Kai's mouth suddenly covered hers in a soft, gentle kiss, unlike any of the others they had shared, the hand that had been stroking her hair stopping and cradling the back of her head. Kai poured everything inside of him into the kiss, hoping finally Liika would understand what he had been trying to tell her for over a week.
Finally he pulled away, breaking their embrace and walking away a few steps.
You know it's true.
He stopped, looking over his shoulder at the wide-eyed Liika, his face expressionless. He merely stared at her.
Everything I do…
One of Liika's hands came up and covered her burning mouth. Her whole body tingled from that one kiss. One kiss that meant the world to her. Her eyes locked with his, and as soon as they did he turned again, disappearing into the staring crowd, and presumably out the door. She finally understood. She understood everything.
I do it for you.
He loved her.