Welcome back everyone, as you can see, I've finally gotten a chance to make
the next chapter. Man I've had to hassle some people into time for this
one, but here it is. I hope everyone likes it, and I would like to thank
everyone that reviewed the last chapters! Thanks for all the support.
Here's what you all have wanted and waited for.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I have to go to school now Tala. I left you some food on the desk in case you get hungry," Kenny spoke, as he slipped on his backpack. The red head was staring out the window, which was open. "If you have to use the bathroom---"
"I know the routine by now. You've been telling me it for three days straight since I woke up," Tala broke in impatiently. "Just go already so I don't have to hear you nagging. I don't need another mother."
Kenny picked up the scorn in Tala's words, but kept shut. In the three days since Tala had regained consciousness, not a word about why he was there, if he was alone or even how he was stabbed passed those lips. Kenny was starting to wonder if he would ever have a chance to start chipping away at the ice around the Russian blader.
Looking at Tala frown, Kenny sighed. "I know you don't need another mother and I don't mean to irritate you about it, but my parents would freak they found you in my room and bed." As many times before, he found piercing azure eyes on him. A smirk curled his lips up.
"Eventually they'll find someone in it. Why not let it be me." Kenny's mouth dropped open as he stared at Tala. Why the hell had he said that, with a straight face even? What exactly was he getting at? Seeing the look on the brunette's face, the red head added in soberly. "Don't mistake what I'm saying as some sign that I like you or something. They won't have to worry about me fucking you."
The insult smacked Kenny back to reality. Blinking a few times (though no one would know because his hair), Kenny silently turned away, heading for the door. Tears crept into the corners of his eyes as he fought not to let them fall. He hated this feeling starting to burn inside of him. Some of the slightest remarks, though a lot of Tala's remarks were never slight, tore into Kenny.
Kenny wondered. . .was he falling in love with the red head, or was he just getting tired of the verbal abuse. Maybe it was both.
"I'm going to school now," Kenny repeated softly. "I'll be home at my regular time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey, Chief, something the matter?" Max popped up beside Kenny with a huge smile as the brunette downheartedly ate his lunch. Kenny didn't bother looking up at Max. The smile on the blonde's face fell, seeing his friend look so sad. "Hey, what's with the sad face? You've been like that for a couple of days. Something happen at home?"
"Max?" Kenny said quietly after a minute.
"Yeah, what is it?" Max responded.
"How do you know if you're in love with someone?" Kenny pushed around some rice in his bento lunchbox; he glanced over at Max for a brief second.
An instant smile appeared on Max's face as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "So that's what's been eating at you? You like someone who hasn't noticed it yet?" Kenny nodded slightly. "Don't worry so much about it."
"How can you say that? You're in a relationship already that's perfectly fine," Kenny said depressed.
"Hey, it wasn't like me and Kai's relationship sprouted like that," Max replied. "It was the same between Kai and me. I mean, it took forever to get him to notice me that I was about to go crazy. It was always the prospect of being rejected that kept me back, but I had to step forward, and things were all right in the end. So, what's this person like? Maybe I can give you a tip how to get him."
Kenny looked up at Max who held a sympathetic smile. The blonde had matured a lot since they all met. Maybe it was Kai's influence.
"Well. . .he's. . ." Kenny hesitated. For a minute a burst of anger rose thinking about the Russian male. "He's arrogant, perplexing, atrocious, acidic, pompous, cocky, antipathetic, sarcastic, cynical, obnoxious, sardonic, and is probably the devil in disguise messing with my head."
The remarks almost made Max frown, but he knew there was a positive side to this. So his smile didn't waver as he said, "But?"
Kenny gave a short sigh. "But. . .I can't stop thinking about him, I just want to be near him, he's in my dreams, and it hurts when he says something snide." Kenny paused for a minute to think things over. "I'm in love with him, aren't I?"
"If it isn't love, then I need to take a refresher course on it," Max teased a bit.
A groaned escaped Kenny's lips. "Just great, I'm sure he would have a field day if he knew."
"I'm sure he can't be that bad, unless he really is the devil," Max joked. "So, what's his name?"
Kenny contemplated on telling the blonde the entire story about finding Tala bleeding on the side of the street. It was really getting at him to be so secretive about the Demolition Boys' team captain. His parents were starting to become suspicious about their son's behavior. His mother had stopped him on his way out the door that morning to tell him if he had something on his mind, he shouldn't hesitate to come to her.
Kenny had only managed a smile to throw off his mother, saying he was fine. If things kept up, he wasn't sure if he could pass things off as fine anymore. He had come to a realization: he was in love with Tala. That though, did not make things easier. A boulder had been dropped upon his shoulders to carry. He knew Tala would never accept his affections, but would probably stomp it out like a flame.
Kenny looked over at the blond that awaited the answer to who Kenny was in love with. With a light smile that only carried to the corners of his mouth, he shook his head no. There was no way he could tell, at least not yet.
"Huh?" Max blinked.
"I can't tell just yet. Not until I figure out how to tell him," Kenny remarked. He looked down at his lunchbox again.
"It's okay," Max grinned. "When you tell them, you'll let me know. And I'm sure everything will be all right. What you need right now is to get your mind off things. Tyson and I were going to hit the arcades after school. Why don't you come with us? Ray is running an errand for one of his relatives, and Kai has a project he's working on for one of his classes."
"I don't know," Kenny started. He knew that Tyson and Max would drag him all over town if he said yes. That would be fine any other time, but he told Tala he would be back home at his regular time. Max and Tyson would not let him leave until it was almost time for dinner. Not that it was any of Tala's concern anyway, but Kenny did feel sort of bad if he left the male there without telling him.
"What don't you know about?" Tyson said flopping down beside Kenny. As usual one of his grins were spread across his face. "What are you two talking about?"
"Just the person I was mentioning. I was just telling Chief that he should come to the arcades with us since Ray and Kai are busy this afternoon," Max responded.
"Yeah, since his slave driving boyfriend can't make us sweat for hours on end until we drop dead. We don't spend enough time together, not like before," Tyson said, snagging a sushi roll from Kenny's lunchbox and popping it in his mouth.
"Hey! I resent that remark about Kai!" Max said hotly.
"I just call it as I see it," Tyson shrugged as he chewed.
"Guys, let's not fight. Tyson, you know that Kai only does this to make you a better blader," Kenny said, taking the stand to settle the dispute. Sometimes it was a wonder the Bladebreakers made it as far as they did with Tyson and Kai's rivalry.
"I guess so. I just wish he would lay off my case every now and then," Tyson said folding his arms over his chest.
"Maybe if you stopped goofing off so much," Max suggested lightly.
"Hey!" Tyson looked a tad bit slighted, but even he knew it was true. Turning his attention back to Kenny, he smiled. "You know, Max is right. You'll only worry yourself too death if you don't loosen up. You've been too distant as of late."
Kenny stared at Tyson for a moment. Maybe they were right, he should relax every now and then. Tala was getting under his skin, and it was driving him up a wall. Sometimes at night when he laid in his sleeping bag on the floor, he would look up towards the bed wondering why he took the red head in. He could have left him at a hospital and be done with the matter. It wasn't as if Tala really owed him something. Tala had said it to him the moment he regained consciousness.
"What's it going to be?" Max questioned. "Are you coming willingly, or will Tyson and I have to drag you with us?"
"I'll go," Kenny finally said after thought. Why should he care what Tala thought? It wasn't like he really wanted Kenny around him. And he left enough food for Tala until it was time for dinner. Tala would be fine for another few hours without him. Kenny was probably doing him some service by staying away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tala could feel his mouth drop into a frown as he stared at the clock on the brunette's nightstand. Why did he keep checking the clock? So what if the kid said he was going to be back at 4:00, and it was now 5:17 in the afternoon. It wasn't like Tala wanted to be around the brunette. Or did he?
"What the hell do I think I'm doing?" Tala muttered to himself before turning the clock away from his sight. Why was he so anxious to have the boy back around him? He was nothing but a nuisance so why did he keep checking the clock? Could it be that he was beginning to get use to the boy's presence around him? He hardly ever said a word to the boy except when the boy asked him if he wanted something to eat or drink. Otherwise he would silently watch the boy go about his business. There was the occasional banter on Tala's end, but that did not count either.
Tala got up from the bed to slowly make his way to the window. The damage the knife wound inflicted was healing with much progress. He guessed it had to do with that last experiment Boris had the scientist do to his body. Any other person would not be moving around as he was. Once Tala got to the window, he slid it open, letting air circulate through the somewhat stuffy room.
His hair ruffled slightly in the warm late summer wind as his azure eyes studied the sky. He wanted to know why he couldn't shake off this slightly lonely feeling without the boy around. Why did he want to hear---something hit Tala as he stood by the window. Was he beginning to like that boy Kenny?
There was no way he would consider one of the Bladebreakers as a friend. Sure he may have given his respect to Tyson, but everyone else, with some small exception to Kai, had done nothing to gain his respect or trust. So why Kenny? Was it because the boy had saved his life and seemed to care what happened to him?
*Don't be such a fool. You're just like a stray cat to him. Sure he may have saved you, but it was not because he had to. He could have easily left you to die. * His brain shouted to him. *You shouldn't let your guard down. Remember what happened the last time? *
Disdain quickly rose at thoughts of the event that was the cause of his travelling. If he allowed his guard to fall, he would wind up back in the same situation as before. That was the last thing he wanted. "I won't care. It's better than hurting." With resolve, Tala pushed all thoughts of the brunette from his mind. It was in best interest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenny opened the door to his bedroom, looking around to find Tala sitting by the window staring out at the sky. Kenny walked in, closing the door behind him. The red head did not turn to look at him. *He doesn't care where I've been. Why would I think he would? Idiot. * He had hoped the male would at least give him a slight snide remark or something. "Tala."
"What?" The male restrained himself for looking at the brunette and questioning his late arrival. His brain kept reminding him of why he shouldn't care. That reminder kept his voice neutral and his eyes focused on the sky.
"I just wanted to let you know I'm back. I'll bring you dinner in a few," Kenny responded, dropping his backpack by the desk. He had work to do, so maybe he wouldn't be as distracted by his temporary roommate's nonchalant behavior. Tala nodded slightly, but said nothing as he continued to stare at the sky as if that was the most interesting thing in the world.
Maybe it was, Kenny thought. Why would he be interested in someone like Kenny? Kenny after all had a boring life. If it wasn't for the fact he was part of the Bladebreakers, his life could probably dull an ax. What would Tala. . .tears begun to well up in his eyes, stopping the sentence, yet his cruel mind finished it for him.
*What would he want to love about you? There's nothing. *
There was absolutely nothing. He was dull, even if he was incredibly smart. That did not make up for the lack of other skills he did not have.
"Why are you staring at me?" Tala's voice brought Kenny back to reality. Blinking back his tears that were streaking down his face, he realized Tala was looking at him with a sideways glance. "Are you crying?"
"No. . .I have. . .something's in my eye," Kenny said in a stammer.
"You know, I don't particularly like anyone who lies to me," Tala informed. "Why not cut the bullshit and tell me?" Kenny stared down at the floor. How was he supposed to tell Tala that he was thinking about him? He didn't think the red head would appreciate it nor accept it in any way.
"I can't tell you," Kenny mumbled. *Not now at least. Maybe if you trusted me. If you gave me a sincere smile, maybe then I can trust you and tell you that I'm in love with you. *
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rimnerel (^ ^): Ah, chapters ending with mental thoughts are so fun. Hee hee, how did you all like it? Things are starting to heat up.
Tala (arms crossed): Why don't you fucking hurry up and get to the interesting parts. This damn game of cat and mouse is boring the shit out of me.
Rimnerel: We get to some good stuff next chapter. Okay everyone, R & R and I will have the next chapter out for you around Sunday or Monday. Oh, and Tala, watch your mouth before I put my fucking foot up in your ass and make you choke on your balls. Now let's go. (^ ^) Until next time guys.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I have to go to school now Tala. I left you some food on the desk in case you get hungry," Kenny spoke, as he slipped on his backpack. The red head was staring out the window, which was open. "If you have to use the bathroom---"
"I know the routine by now. You've been telling me it for three days straight since I woke up," Tala broke in impatiently. "Just go already so I don't have to hear you nagging. I don't need another mother."
Kenny picked up the scorn in Tala's words, but kept shut. In the three days since Tala had regained consciousness, not a word about why he was there, if he was alone or even how he was stabbed passed those lips. Kenny was starting to wonder if he would ever have a chance to start chipping away at the ice around the Russian blader.
Looking at Tala frown, Kenny sighed. "I know you don't need another mother and I don't mean to irritate you about it, but my parents would freak they found you in my room and bed." As many times before, he found piercing azure eyes on him. A smirk curled his lips up.
"Eventually they'll find someone in it. Why not let it be me." Kenny's mouth dropped open as he stared at Tala. Why the hell had he said that, with a straight face even? What exactly was he getting at? Seeing the look on the brunette's face, the red head added in soberly. "Don't mistake what I'm saying as some sign that I like you or something. They won't have to worry about me fucking you."
The insult smacked Kenny back to reality. Blinking a few times (though no one would know because his hair), Kenny silently turned away, heading for the door. Tears crept into the corners of his eyes as he fought not to let them fall. He hated this feeling starting to burn inside of him. Some of the slightest remarks, though a lot of Tala's remarks were never slight, tore into Kenny.
Kenny wondered. . .was he falling in love with the red head, or was he just getting tired of the verbal abuse. Maybe it was both.
"I'm going to school now," Kenny repeated softly. "I'll be home at my regular time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey, Chief, something the matter?" Max popped up beside Kenny with a huge smile as the brunette downheartedly ate his lunch. Kenny didn't bother looking up at Max. The smile on the blonde's face fell, seeing his friend look so sad. "Hey, what's with the sad face? You've been like that for a couple of days. Something happen at home?"
"Max?" Kenny said quietly after a minute.
"Yeah, what is it?" Max responded.
"How do you know if you're in love with someone?" Kenny pushed around some rice in his bento lunchbox; he glanced over at Max for a brief second.
An instant smile appeared on Max's face as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "So that's what's been eating at you? You like someone who hasn't noticed it yet?" Kenny nodded slightly. "Don't worry so much about it."
"How can you say that? You're in a relationship already that's perfectly fine," Kenny said depressed.
"Hey, it wasn't like me and Kai's relationship sprouted like that," Max replied. "It was the same between Kai and me. I mean, it took forever to get him to notice me that I was about to go crazy. It was always the prospect of being rejected that kept me back, but I had to step forward, and things were all right in the end. So, what's this person like? Maybe I can give you a tip how to get him."
Kenny looked up at Max who held a sympathetic smile. The blonde had matured a lot since they all met. Maybe it was Kai's influence.
"Well. . .he's. . ." Kenny hesitated. For a minute a burst of anger rose thinking about the Russian male. "He's arrogant, perplexing, atrocious, acidic, pompous, cocky, antipathetic, sarcastic, cynical, obnoxious, sardonic, and is probably the devil in disguise messing with my head."
The remarks almost made Max frown, but he knew there was a positive side to this. So his smile didn't waver as he said, "But?"
Kenny gave a short sigh. "But. . .I can't stop thinking about him, I just want to be near him, he's in my dreams, and it hurts when he says something snide." Kenny paused for a minute to think things over. "I'm in love with him, aren't I?"
"If it isn't love, then I need to take a refresher course on it," Max teased a bit.
A groaned escaped Kenny's lips. "Just great, I'm sure he would have a field day if he knew."
"I'm sure he can't be that bad, unless he really is the devil," Max joked. "So, what's his name?"
Kenny contemplated on telling the blonde the entire story about finding Tala bleeding on the side of the street. It was really getting at him to be so secretive about the Demolition Boys' team captain. His parents were starting to become suspicious about their son's behavior. His mother had stopped him on his way out the door that morning to tell him if he had something on his mind, he shouldn't hesitate to come to her.
Kenny had only managed a smile to throw off his mother, saying he was fine. If things kept up, he wasn't sure if he could pass things off as fine anymore. He had come to a realization: he was in love with Tala. That though, did not make things easier. A boulder had been dropped upon his shoulders to carry. He knew Tala would never accept his affections, but would probably stomp it out like a flame.
Kenny looked over at the blond that awaited the answer to who Kenny was in love with. With a light smile that only carried to the corners of his mouth, he shook his head no. There was no way he could tell, at least not yet.
"Huh?" Max blinked.
"I can't tell just yet. Not until I figure out how to tell him," Kenny remarked. He looked down at his lunchbox again.
"It's okay," Max grinned. "When you tell them, you'll let me know. And I'm sure everything will be all right. What you need right now is to get your mind off things. Tyson and I were going to hit the arcades after school. Why don't you come with us? Ray is running an errand for one of his relatives, and Kai has a project he's working on for one of his classes."
"I don't know," Kenny started. He knew that Tyson and Max would drag him all over town if he said yes. That would be fine any other time, but he told Tala he would be back home at his regular time. Max and Tyson would not let him leave until it was almost time for dinner. Not that it was any of Tala's concern anyway, but Kenny did feel sort of bad if he left the male there without telling him.
"What don't you know about?" Tyson said flopping down beside Kenny. As usual one of his grins were spread across his face. "What are you two talking about?"
"Just the person I was mentioning. I was just telling Chief that he should come to the arcades with us since Ray and Kai are busy this afternoon," Max responded.
"Yeah, since his slave driving boyfriend can't make us sweat for hours on end until we drop dead. We don't spend enough time together, not like before," Tyson said, snagging a sushi roll from Kenny's lunchbox and popping it in his mouth.
"Hey! I resent that remark about Kai!" Max said hotly.
"I just call it as I see it," Tyson shrugged as he chewed.
"Guys, let's not fight. Tyson, you know that Kai only does this to make you a better blader," Kenny said, taking the stand to settle the dispute. Sometimes it was a wonder the Bladebreakers made it as far as they did with Tyson and Kai's rivalry.
"I guess so. I just wish he would lay off my case every now and then," Tyson said folding his arms over his chest.
"Maybe if you stopped goofing off so much," Max suggested lightly.
"Hey!" Tyson looked a tad bit slighted, but even he knew it was true. Turning his attention back to Kenny, he smiled. "You know, Max is right. You'll only worry yourself too death if you don't loosen up. You've been too distant as of late."
Kenny stared at Tyson for a moment. Maybe they were right, he should relax every now and then. Tala was getting under his skin, and it was driving him up a wall. Sometimes at night when he laid in his sleeping bag on the floor, he would look up towards the bed wondering why he took the red head in. He could have left him at a hospital and be done with the matter. It wasn't as if Tala really owed him something. Tala had said it to him the moment he regained consciousness.
"What's it going to be?" Max questioned. "Are you coming willingly, or will Tyson and I have to drag you with us?"
"I'll go," Kenny finally said after thought. Why should he care what Tala thought? It wasn't like he really wanted Kenny around him. And he left enough food for Tala until it was time for dinner. Tala would be fine for another few hours without him. Kenny was probably doing him some service by staying away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tala could feel his mouth drop into a frown as he stared at the clock on the brunette's nightstand. Why did he keep checking the clock? So what if the kid said he was going to be back at 4:00, and it was now 5:17 in the afternoon. It wasn't like Tala wanted to be around the brunette. Or did he?
"What the hell do I think I'm doing?" Tala muttered to himself before turning the clock away from his sight. Why was he so anxious to have the boy back around him? He was nothing but a nuisance so why did he keep checking the clock? Could it be that he was beginning to get use to the boy's presence around him? He hardly ever said a word to the boy except when the boy asked him if he wanted something to eat or drink. Otherwise he would silently watch the boy go about his business. There was the occasional banter on Tala's end, but that did not count either.
Tala got up from the bed to slowly make his way to the window. The damage the knife wound inflicted was healing with much progress. He guessed it had to do with that last experiment Boris had the scientist do to his body. Any other person would not be moving around as he was. Once Tala got to the window, he slid it open, letting air circulate through the somewhat stuffy room.
His hair ruffled slightly in the warm late summer wind as his azure eyes studied the sky. He wanted to know why he couldn't shake off this slightly lonely feeling without the boy around. Why did he want to hear---something hit Tala as he stood by the window. Was he beginning to like that boy Kenny?
There was no way he would consider one of the Bladebreakers as a friend. Sure he may have given his respect to Tyson, but everyone else, with some small exception to Kai, had done nothing to gain his respect or trust. So why Kenny? Was it because the boy had saved his life and seemed to care what happened to him?
*Don't be such a fool. You're just like a stray cat to him. Sure he may have saved you, but it was not because he had to. He could have easily left you to die. * His brain shouted to him. *You shouldn't let your guard down. Remember what happened the last time? *
Disdain quickly rose at thoughts of the event that was the cause of his travelling. If he allowed his guard to fall, he would wind up back in the same situation as before. That was the last thing he wanted. "I won't care. It's better than hurting." With resolve, Tala pushed all thoughts of the brunette from his mind. It was in best interest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenny opened the door to his bedroom, looking around to find Tala sitting by the window staring out at the sky. Kenny walked in, closing the door behind him. The red head did not turn to look at him. *He doesn't care where I've been. Why would I think he would? Idiot. * He had hoped the male would at least give him a slight snide remark or something. "Tala."
"What?" The male restrained himself for looking at the brunette and questioning his late arrival. His brain kept reminding him of why he shouldn't care. That reminder kept his voice neutral and his eyes focused on the sky.
"I just wanted to let you know I'm back. I'll bring you dinner in a few," Kenny responded, dropping his backpack by the desk. He had work to do, so maybe he wouldn't be as distracted by his temporary roommate's nonchalant behavior. Tala nodded slightly, but said nothing as he continued to stare at the sky as if that was the most interesting thing in the world.
Maybe it was, Kenny thought. Why would he be interested in someone like Kenny? Kenny after all had a boring life. If it wasn't for the fact he was part of the Bladebreakers, his life could probably dull an ax. What would Tala. . .tears begun to well up in his eyes, stopping the sentence, yet his cruel mind finished it for him.
*What would he want to love about you? There's nothing. *
There was absolutely nothing. He was dull, even if he was incredibly smart. That did not make up for the lack of other skills he did not have.
"Why are you staring at me?" Tala's voice brought Kenny back to reality. Blinking back his tears that were streaking down his face, he realized Tala was looking at him with a sideways glance. "Are you crying?"
"No. . .I have. . .something's in my eye," Kenny said in a stammer.
"You know, I don't particularly like anyone who lies to me," Tala informed. "Why not cut the bullshit and tell me?" Kenny stared down at the floor. How was he supposed to tell Tala that he was thinking about him? He didn't think the red head would appreciate it nor accept it in any way.
"I can't tell you," Kenny mumbled. *Not now at least. Maybe if you trusted me. If you gave me a sincere smile, maybe then I can trust you and tell you that I'm in love with you. *
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rimnerel (^ ^): Ah, chapters ending with mental thoughts are so fun. Hee hee, how did you all like it? Things are starting to heat up.
Tala (arms crossed): Why don't you fucking hurry up and get to the interesting parts. This damn game of cat and mouse is boring the shit out of me.
Rimnerel: We get to some good stuff next chapter. Okay everyone, R & R and I will have the next chapter out for you around Sunday or Monday. Oh, and Tala, watch your mouth before I put my fucking foot up in your ass and make you choke on your balls. Now let's go. (^ ^) Until next time guys.