I don't own Beyblade or any of the characters. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1
Just to make this clear to everyone, this fic is mainly Bryan/Rei. In later chapters there will be a bigger show of Kai/Tala, but right now I'm focusing on the Bryan/Rei aspect of this fic. Thanks for the reviews, I really do appreciate them. Read on and enjoy!
Last Chapter:
They headed back when the zoo closed at five. "That was awesome", said Rei, fully satisfied. Bryan smirked. "I know", he stated, earning a small punch from Rei. "So, you chose what we did yesterday", said Rei, smirking. "I choose what we do next. Unfortunately, we train all day tomorrow, so how about Friday?".
Bryan nodded, curious. "Sure, why not. What do you have in mind?", he asked. Rei shrugged. "Nothing much. Are there any decent gyms here?". Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. What of it?". "I need a workout", stated Rei. "And I don't like training alone, so you're coming with me. Dress comfy". Bryan nodded, still a little puzzled.
They grabbed a bite to eat quickly and then walked back. "Thanks, Bryan", said Rei, as they stopped at the gate. Bryan nodded. "See you Friday", he replied, as Rei stepped inside.
Unexpected
Rei as instantly assaulted by a barrage of questions. "Where were you?", asked Max. "Why were you with Bryan?", asked Tyson. "What did you do?". "Where did you go?". "Are you dating?!", they demanded in unison.
Rei sweatdropped. "Um, guys, why don't you breathe, and then I'll answer your questions?", he suggested. The duo stopped. "Okay, I was at the zoo. Yes, I was with Bryan. No, we aren't exactly...dating. More like hanging out. He's not that bad, really, and you know I forgave him for the World Championships. I had fun, yes I'm going to hang out with him again, and no, he will not replace you two and Kenny as my best friends", said Rei, answering all their questions.
Unfortunately for him, Max and Tyson didn't listen to part of his statement. "Rei's got a boyfriend, Rei's got a boyfriend!", they sang, smiling at him. Rei sighed. I want to hurt them, but they make it so hard by smiling, he thought, glaring at them. "So, did ya kiss him yet?", asked Tyson. Rei blushed. "Tyson!", he said, still red. "We're just friends!".
"Yeah, and that's what you said about Kai, but you guys were dating", said Max. "It's about time you got out and started dating again". Rei raised an eyebrow. "It's only been like, three weeks, since we broke up", he said. "From a month-and-a-half long relationship".
Max paused. "But still. You deserve to be happy", he pointed out. Rei smiled at him. "And I am. Even though I am *not* dating Bryan". He headed inside, hiding his smile. "But if you guys refuse to believe me, I guess I'll just keep the candy I brought you back".
Max and Tyson stared after him before calling out, "Wait, Rei! We believe you! Come back!". They ran after him.
Bryan arrived to blissful silence, a rarity. Strolling inside, he dropped his things on the counter before heading to the indoor dishes. Spencer was there training. "Care for a match?", he asked, upon seeing Bryan. Bryan nodded, releasing Falborg into the dish.
"So...do you really like him? Kon, I mean", said Spencer, looking up from the dish and over to him. Bryan blinked. He hadn't been expecting that.
"Cause, I mean, it's really getting under Tala's skin and all. I was wondering if it was a ploy to get him back", continued Spencer. Bryan shook his head, deciding to answer honestly. Spencer, despite seeming slow, was quite smart and he was trustworthy. "It isn't a ploy. Tala getting irritated is a bonus, I admit, but...Rei isn't all that bad. He makes for good company", he admitted.
Spencer nodded, not quite understanding, but accepting it. "Tala thinks it's a joke". "Tala thinks a lot of things", replied Bryan vaguely. "Doesn't make them true. If he thinks I'm going to follow him like a lovesick puppy, he's wrong. I'm nobody's toy. The plus of hanging out with Rei is...he knows what it's like to be treated like that. And if we were to get involved, he wouldn't pull the same stunt as Tala and Kai did". He paused. "The odd thing is that...I don't think I would mind… getting involved with Rei". They continued blading in silence.
The next day was a busy day for everyone. Rei was blading against Max, his partner for the second hour of their rounds. He had been paired up with Tyson for the first hour, and while he was challenging, Tyson had kept complaining about food.
"So you're going with him to the gym tomorrow?", asked Max curiously. Rei nodded. "I need to get some exercise", he said, smiling. "I'm all out of shape. I figure he would make a good sparring partner".
"Does he know you can fight?", asked Max dubiously. Rei shook his head. "You and the White Tigers are the only ones who know that, actually". He knocked Draciel out of the dish, and they launched again.
"Kai's been really cranky since yesterday. Did he see you and Bryan heading out?", asked Max. Rei shrugged. "Yeah, but it shouldn't affect him. He's the dumper, remember? I was the dumpee. If anything, I should've been upset when he kissed Tala in front of me...well, I was upset, but I think it's stopped hurting".
"Just warning you. He nearly thrashed Draciel in the dish this morning before he remembered that we were working on my strategies", said Max, as their session ended. "I can take care of myself, but thanks for the heads up", said Rei, heading towards the last dish. Max shrugged and looked over to where Tyson was heading his way. He smiled, greeting the blue-haired boy, and they began.
Rei arrived about a minute later at the dish. Kai was already there, watching Dranzer smash a few targets. "Ready?", he asked, not looking at Rei. "Let's go", replied Rei, launching Drigger into the dish. Kai called back Dranzer and released it into the dish as well.
"You've been practicing", remarked Kai. Rei nodded. "Bryan gave me a few tips on defense", he remarked, "After the World Championships. I figured out how to integrate my type of defense ring with my overall strategy". He noticed Kai's fists clenching. What's up with him?, he mused, shrugging and watching his blade. He was working on endurance.
Kai tried to figure out a way to ask about Bryan without seeming jealous. "Where did you go yesterday?", he asked finally. "The Moscow Zoo. It was really nice; I think I'll take the guys there one day. They'd love it", replied Rei. "And I learned about the history too. It's an old place...hard to believe it's been through so much". This was the only way they had talked since their breakup. Polite and civil, but there wasn't any real emotion behind it.
"It is a nice place", responded Kai, hoping that Rei didn't pick up on the bitterness in his voice. "Did you see the Siberian tigers?". "Yeah, they were great!", responded Rei. "Really awe-inspiring...I saw the birds of prey exhibit too. It was nice". Kai nodded, his fists clenching further. Why did he care so much? For that matter, why did Tala? Yesterday all they had done was speculate about why their exes were going out.
"What time will training be done tomorrow?", asked Rei. "Around three. Why?", asked Kai. "I have plans", replied Rei. "Do you have the number of the Demolition Boys' complex?". Kai gritted his teeth. "Sure". They continued blading until time was up, then Kai gave Rei the number, stalking off. Rei shrugged and went inside.
"Hello?". It was Tala. Perfect, thought Rei dryly. "It's Rei. Is Bryan there?", he asked, as politely as possible. "I'll get him", replied Tala, sounding a little strained.
Bryan was surprised when Tala stormed into his room and practically hurled the phone at him. "Kon", said Tala, walking out. Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Rei?". "Hey. Meet tomorrow at four?", asked Rei. "Sure...did Tala sound a little...stressed to you?", he asked.
"Yeah, why?", replied Rei. "He threw the phone at me and strode out", replied Bryan, amused. "I think we're making them jealous". "Yeah, Kai was practically glaring a hole into the air when I talked about our zoo trip. I don't get them. They dumped us. Shouldn't we be the jealous ones?", asked Rei.
"Yeah...whatever. Anyways, four's fine, Tiger. See you then", said Bryan. "See ya, bye", replied Rei, as they hung up. This is getting much more interesting, he mused. Much.
Reviews are definitely welcomed, as well as ideas and suggestions. Until next time!