DISCLAIMER: I do not own Byeblades, only my OCS.
THANKS TO THE REVIEWERS:
YamiClara: Don't worry I'll keep going, it's just taking me a while to update. Thanks for the review.
Scarlet Wiitch 41: If you thought the last cliffy was bad then you're gonna hate this one, let me warn you now. Yuppers the sequel is getting deep consideration.
Auburn_Echo: Glad you like my story. Yes I agree cliffies are totally evil and I am so bad for them. But the story won't end on too much of a cliff and there is one way to make it better: Sequel!
ruth 4 kai: thanks for reviewing, heres the next chappie for ya to enjoy!
silverninja: Wow thanx for the great compliment. I'm so happy that you liked it. Hope you like the rest of it.
Chocolate Teddy Bear: Nice to hear from you again, thanks for the review!
Sara: Don't worry, I want a happy ending between Kai and Amara but it might not happen til the sequel.
sportee_shorty: Thanks for the review!
Kaylee Hiwatari: Thanks for the review, glad you like it!
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Chapter 19: The Here and Now
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The ball was to take place at one of the ritziest hotels in Vancouver. They were all quiet during the ride to the hotel. Amara was sitting beside the widow with Kai on her right side. He was holding her hand and playing nervously with the ring on her middle finger.
"You okay?" Amara asked, concern covering her face. They had just arrived at the hotel and everyone else was climbing out of the SUV.
"I'm fine," he mumbled, moving to get out himself.
"Kai?" she pulled on his hand, causing him to stop. He turned to meet her eye.
"Amara," he stared into her eyes for a few seconds. A sense of longing was showing on his face, he wanted her but something was holding him back. The look worried her. "I'm fine." Kai took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers and pulled her in the direction of the front doors.
The ballroom looked amazing. A huge sign was hung over the stage, where the band was currently playing. CONGRATULATIONS LUCKY SEVENS! The sign brought a smile to Amara's lips. It wouldn't be the last time their name donned a banner like that. Couples littered the dance floor, swaying with the beat of the slow song. Mico and Kenny were already on the dance floor, leaning into each other and talking. Kiki was trying to drag Tyson away from the buffet. She was getting rather frustrated with him.
"Dance with me?" Kai whispered softy to Amara. She nodded and let him lead her out onto the dance floor. Kai stopped in the middle of the crowd of couples and drew her to him. He pulled her arms up and put them around his neck before resting his arms around her waist.
"You look beautiful," Kai told her sincerely, looking in to the sapphire eyes he loved so much.
"Thanks," Amara felt her cheeks flush. "You don't look too bad yourself." They were both silent for a few minutes. Amara let her surroundings wash over her. It felt like Kai was the only other person in the room with her.
"Where did you learn to dance so well?" Amara asked him, playing with the hair on the back of his neck.
Kai blushed; he smiled as if he were thinking of something else, remembering. "My grandfather insisted that I have some class growing up, which unfortunately involved dance lessons." Amara smiled thinking of a little Kai learning to move gracefully.
"There's a lot I don't know about you," Amara stated sadly, dropping her gaze.
"The past doesn't matter," Kai told her firmly. "The here and now is all that matters. There's no life in living in the past."
"I know," Amara raised her eyes to meet his. "I just want to know a little more about you."
"Alright," Kai smiled at her. "Ask away." The music changed to a swing song.
"Where are you from?" Amara asked as Kai swung her away from him in rhythm with the faster song.
"Russia," he answered after swinging her back into him, her back leaning on his chest.
"And you lived with?"
"My bastard of a grandfather," Kai's eyes clouded over with distaste. "You're lucky you got a nice relative to live with."
"Oh Kai I…" He stopped her by holding up a hand in front of her face.
"I don't want your pity. I want to forget it," He pulled her back to their slow dancing position, his forehead leaning on hers. "And I want you to forget it too." She nodded. Kai tipped her chin up with his finger, bringing her lips to his. The kiss started off gentle but Amara deepened it by pulling him closer to her.
"Mind if I cut in?" someone tapped Kai on the shoulder. Kai turned to tell the guy to bugger off but it was Mr. Dickinson.
"Of course," Kai stepped back allowing Mr. Dickinson to take Amara. "We'll talk later." She watched him weave through the dancing couples at back to the sidelines to stand with Max and Nicholai.
"You look lovely my dear," Mr. Dickinson's compliment brought Amara's attention back to him. "It's nice to see you in a dress for once."
"I know, I must look oddly like a girl," Amara chuckled.
"A very beautiful girl," he smiled at her. "You look so much like your mother."
"Ugh," Amara grimaced remembering the last person who said that to her. Miles Masterson may be able to forget her but she would never be able to forget the pain he caused her.
"I'm sorry dear, I wish I could have prevented that whole thing," Amara could hear the regret in his voice and saw the sorrow in his usual jolly eyes.
"Forget it uncle," Amara said. "It's over. I'd much rather focus on the here and now."
"Very wise my dear, where did you come up with such a philosophy?" Amara didn't even need to answer. Mr. Dickinson saw her eyes watching a particular silver haired blader. "Ah I see."
"See what?" Amara asked, not sure what he was getting at or that he had been watching her expressions.
"I see the way you look at Kai," Mr. Dickinson answered. "I know you have feelings for him."
"We've been through a lot these last few days together," Amara explained.
"You don't have to justify it," Mr. Dickinson held his hand up to halt her babbling just as Kai had earlier. "I just want to warn you that there are other young men that would love your attention and Kai isn't one to stay in one place."
"What is that suppose to mean?" Amara asked defensively.
"I'm just trying to tell you that before you give your heart to him make sure he wants it." Amara stared at her uncle in utter shock. Was this his way of protecting her? If he wanted her to be happy why was he tearing down the one person that made her happy? Amara was too confused to say anything in her or Kai's defense. "If you'll excuse me my dear, I'm needed at the front."
Amara stood, alone in the middle of the dance floor, letting what her uncle said sink in. Her eyes again fell on Kai. He was looking right back at her. Trying not to disturb the happy dancing couples, Amara weaved through to get to him. When she got to him, she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him close, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck.
"Hey you okay?" Kai urged her to speak to him. Amara didn't answer, she only pulled him closer. "Come on you made me…" His words trailed off when she moved her head up to look at him. Her expression was impossible to read.
"You wouldn't hurt me would you?" Amara asked earnestly, searching his face for the answer.
"No, I don't want to…" Again she cut him off but this time with her mouth on his. Capturing the back of his neck, crushing his lips to hers. Kai's eyes were wide with surprise. Her aggressiveness was a little shocking.
"Amara?" Kai tried to get her attention for a minute but was having trouble getting his lips away from hers. Partially because he didn't want to and partially because she had a good grip on them and his neck.
"Hmmm," she murmured letting his lips go for a second, giving him the sexiest innocent look. She looked a little embarrassed by her own assertiveness and was biting her lip in a way that was really sexy.
"Never mind," Kai answered drunkenly, leaning her back against the wall before reclaiming her lips.
"Geez, I'm trying to eat here guys," Max groaned. But they ignored him.
"Welcome everyone," Mr. Dickinson's' voice filled the room. "It is my pleasure to introduce the winners of the Vancouver Beyblading Championship… The Lucky Sevens!"
"I think I have to go up there," Amara pulled back sadly.
"No," Kai made a trail of kisses along her jaw before taking her lips again. "They can do without you."
"You're right," She grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled him back to her. Kai smiled and gladly kissed her back.
"Would all the members of the Lucky Sevens please come to the stage."
"I think I really have to go," Amara gently pushed Kai back, still hanging onto his lapels.
"What if I don't want you to go?" Kai spoke softly.
"I'll be back soon," Amara pecked him on the lips.
"But I want to lose you just yet," Kai pressed her against the wall as if to emphasize the fact that he had her pinned to it.
"Kai," Amara thought he was joking but the look in his eyes was serious. "I'll come right back and then we'll dance." He cupped her face in his hands and gave her one last lingering kiss before letting her sweep past him up to the stage.
Everyone applauded as Amara ascended onto the stage. The rest of her teammates were already up there and they were giving her weird looks. Amara just shrugged and tried her best to focus on what her uncle was saying. She couldn't see Kai because of the bright spotlights shining in her eyes.
"And here to present the trophy is Japan's own Champion Tyson!" Kiki's smile widened at the sight of him. Amara stepped forward and took the trophy from Tyson. The whole room erupted with cheers and clapping.
"And now the winning team and their dates will enjoy a special spotlight dance." Tyson offered his arm immediately to Kiki, while Kenny met Mico and the foot of the steps. Amara turned to Nicholai who was leading Cat onto the dance floor. Amara looked around frantically for Kai. She looked to the spot where he had been standing before she left him but he wasn't there. Running through the crowd, who were all staring at her, Amara raced to the exit into the hotel lobby. There was no sign of Kai.
"Excuse me miss?" Amara whipped around hoping to see Kai but she was sadly disappointed. "Are you Miss Jones?" Amara nodded. "Someone asked me to give this to you." He handed her a folded piece of what looked like hotel stationary.
"Thank you," Amara stared blankly at the young bellhop, taking the paper from his hand. He nodded and then left her standing alone.
With trembling hands Amara opened the note.
I'm SO sorry for the evil cliffie but I just couldn't help myself. It's a nasty habit I admit.
I hope you still liked it. I will update as soon as I can.
Please Review I love to hear what you thought but try not to burn me too much, constructive critism.
Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Till next time
~Miss Wright~
