Rimnerel: Wow! I hit 30 already, and I'm not at chapter 10 yet! Yeah!
Tala (rolling eyes): Great, now she has a big head.
Rimnerel: If you want to ever get some ass, you'll kindly shut your mouth now. Now let's thank all the nice people that reviewed.
Thanks to: Cat in the web, Liika, Matty TalaBryan rulz, FREAK014, Firemoon, Angevar, Jay Kamiya, Silverm, and dragonal5 for their reviews. It means a lot that everyone thinks this is a great story! Finally I've had time to post the next chapter in between working on all that damn work. Enjoy!
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Silence fills the space that talking usually filled between people who knew so little about each other, and wanted to know one another. But Tala and Kenny are exceptions to this rule. Though many questions arose, they were bit back, dying in the silence. It was now two and a half weeks since Kenny had found the leader of the Demolition Boys bleeding on the side of the street from some mysterious knife wound.
Kenny knew little about his guest, and his guest wasn't about to provide information in order to quench the burning inquiry. Any normal person would be done with this whole situation by now, but Kenny was in love with the red head. That caused him to be increasingly stubborn. He was going to find out everything there was to Tala.
The brunette lifted his eyes up to study Tala, who was eating a bowl of instant ramen. Usually Kenny would just carry the food upstairs to his room, but since his parents would not be home until later that evening, Kenny thought it was fine to let the red head move around a bit.
Kenny sighed inwardly, wistful over the tall, incredibly handsome red haired male. Not only was he absolutely attractive, he was absolutely arrogant, pompous, and a bastard. Hell, he could probably get the devil to give him his soul, if the devil had one. Why Kenny was in love with him was anyone's guess. Maybe it was because Tala was attractive, maybe because he was an enigma waiting to be solved. Whatever it was, Kenny would not let go easily.
"Do you have something on your mind?" Tala spoke up, breaking the ten- minute silence that was hanging over them. Kenny flushed, shaking his head.
"Just thinking, nothing important. Want some more tea?" Kenny asked, getting up to fix himself another cup. Tala watched him, thinking how different the brunette was than when this started. It impressed Tala that they were still able to make eye contact after the incident with him stealing the boy's first kiss. Rather than shying away completely, the kid was doing the opposite. There were times that Tala admired his no back down determination, other times it was annoying. "Tala?"
"No, I'm fine," Tala said. What sort of plan was the boy concocting? Tala could feel something swirling about the two of them. It was thick, yet elusive, as if it wasn't the right time for it to be discovered. He didn't like this feeling at all.
"Tala, I was wondering, if maybe---" Kenny broke the entire sentence off. He wasn't quite ready to ask him to take another step forward, even though he was growing tired of waiting and playing out his hand. Kenny wanted to have all the aces rather than trying to draw them from the deck one card at a time. "Never mind."
"Never mind?"
"Yeah, never mind it. It was really stupid," Kenny replied, pouring more tea into his cup. "Do you want any more tea or ramen while I'm up?"
"No, but I do want to know about the never mind. What were you about to say? Don't say something to me and never finish it, that's so fucking annoying." Tala pushed away his empty bowl, looking over at the brunette who still had his back turned.
"Just drop it," Kenny said.
"But I don't want to," Tala mocked in a childish tone.
"You know," Kenny said, turning around to observe the red head. "Coming from you, that sounds anything but normal." A smirk rose to Tala's face at the successful avoidance of the argument. This kid was starting to learn maybe there was hope for him after all.
"Well, I'm not normal," Tala shrugged.
"That's obvious," Kenny responded with a smile. "Next to Kai, I think you're the strangest person I've ever in my life have had the chance to meet."
"Well, I should feel honored." The note of sarcasm told Kenny that being compared to Kai was something he did not like.
Changing the subject, Kenny turned back to the male, taking a seat in the chair he was previously seated at. "You know, it's currently late summer."
"So?" Tala asked. He realized the boy had changed the subject to avoid more sarcastic remarks. Maybe there was hope for him to be something other than submissive.
"Well, soon it will be fall," Kenny said. "Then fall will lead into winter. I just think that the coming of fall is wonderful. The changing of leaves and the new outlook of the world."
"I've live in Moscow most of my life, I really wouldn't know much about that," Tala shrugged. (A/N: I tried doing a bit of research on the climate in Russia, but I was distracted several times from the job, so if I'm wrong, forgive me, blame my short attention span to some things. ^_^)
"I never knew. Wow, that's amazing. Did you like it there?" Kenny asked, but received no answer. Just when Kenny thought he was about to make progress, the male shut up. Well, Kenny now knew one more thing he hadn't when first talking to the male. So he lived in Russia up until his decided travels. Could that mean he was running away from his team?
As Kenny was about to say something, unexpectedly his mother walked into the kitchen. "Oh, you have company, hello," his mother smiled.
"Mom, what are you doing here? I thought you wouldn't be home until later tonight," Kenny said, his heart thumping rapidly. What was he going to do if she asked him who Tala was? He could not possibly lie straight out to her.
"I had to come back for a few minutes to get some things. So Kenny, who's your new friend?" his mother asked, causing the boy to panic now. What was he to say? That Tala was part of a beyblade team who was stabbed and has been staying there a while without her knowledge? That wouldn't be the best choice to make.
Just as Kenny was about to break down, Tala quietly stood up and gave the woman a slight, but respectful bow. (A/N: Since I need a last name, we will stick with his last name in the Japanese version to avoid confusion.)
"My name is Tala Ivanor. I'm an exchange student from Russia who just transferred to Japan today. Your son volunteered to show me around. You have such a lovely house Mrs. Shinoda. It was really a pleasure to meet you," Tala remarked politely. The woman smiled, Kenny's mouth dropped to the ground. That was not what he would expect from the red head. More like the blunt truth followed by his mother passing out on the ground afterwards.
"Oh, how nice. How do you like it here so far?" Kenny's mother said buying into it. Hell, if Kenny had just met him instead of being around him for nearly three weeks now, he would have brought the fake smiles and charm. Sure he had charm and genuine smiles. . .at least Kenny hoped so.
"Japan is such a beautiful country. Especially with autumn coming up. I've never had the luxury to see the full effect of fall. I'm eager to see it," Tala flashed another of his cute smiles. Before anything else could be said, Kenny grabbed Tala by the arm, pulling him towards the kitchen door.
"Um, yeah. Tala's going to help me with my homework, so I'll be in my room. I'll clean up what I messed up later," Kenny said hurriedly dragging Tala with him.
"Good-bye Mrs. Shinoda, it was nice talking to you," Tala waved as he was dragged upstairs into Kenny's room. Once the door was closed, the smile fell immediately from the red head's lips.
"What the hell did you think you were doing?" Kenny exclaimed softly.
"Thought you would like to keep your mother on her feet," Tala explained what had been on Kenny's mind from the start.
"Even if you had a good reason, there was no need to lie about---"
"Not all of it was a lie. I am from Russia, though not an exchange student. And I did give her my real name to stop confusion from spreading," Tala interrupted.
"That was. . ." It never occurred to Kenny that Tala never told him what his last name was. After all, the red haired male kept everything from him. "Ivanor. . .is that really your last name?"
"Yes, why?" Looking at the younger male, he rose a brow.
"You never told me. . .that's all. It's. . ." A sad smile rose to the brunette's lips.
"It's what?"
"It's just that I know so little about you."
"What's there to want to know?" Tala asked indifferently. "What's the big deal about knowing my background?"
"I---" Kenny stopped him self from saying that he wanted to know everything about him. That would lead to Kenny's secret, which he did not want to tell just yet. "It's just a waste to spend practically three weeks with someone and know nothing about them."
"So you want to know me?" Tala didn't know why, but he wanted to tell the boy, as if that would make everything better. It would only serve to get the kid to stop bugging the fuck out of him. If he was going to tell, do it for that reason. That way it wouldn't seem more than that. Tala crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at the shorter male. "Fine."
"Really!"
"Don't get so excited. It's just to get you off my back all right," Tala added in, shifting his glance out the window. "So, what do you want to know?"
Excitement flooded Kenny's mind as he thought of what to ask him first. First was the most obvious question of all. "The night I found you, you were stabbed, how?"
"Well, that's at least sensible," Tala stated, as if Kenny had asked him why the sky was blue or how he managed to get his hair to stay up in that fashion. (Though inquiring minds do want to know.) "I was walking in the rain that night when some guy thought he had easy pickings to mug and rape. He was the one who stabbed me, but I got in a lick of mine own before I took off and ran until I passed out."
"So that's what happened," Dizzi said, playing solitaire on the computer. Kenny turned his eyes on his computer. "What? I was here first you know."
"Do you mind we have a bit of privacy?" Kenny questioned.
"Oh fine. Not like you were---" Dizzi started.
"Dizzi!" Kenny exclaimed firmly. His computer shut itself off, leaving the two males alone. He really hoped that Dizzi's smart remark would not clam Tala up, or she would be in for a serious software downgrade. "Can I. . ." Kenny looked up at Tala to find the male continuing to stare towards the window. "Can I ask you another question?"
"Go ahead, if you'll stop bugging me fine."
"How old are you?" Despite how stupid it sounded, that had been plaguing him for a minute or two.
"Seventeen."
"Oh." So he was the same age as Kai. That explained why he referred to Kenny as a kid most times. "I'm fifteen."
"I gathered that much," Tala stated. "Any other questions?"
Suddenly a burst of questions came out that had been burning inside of Kenny to ask. "Why were you travelling alone? Where are your teammates? Are they still at the abbey or are they travelling too? Do they know where you are?"
"You know," Tala finally responded after a moment. Azure eyes went back to the smaller male. "You ask too many questions. My team and I decided to go our separate ways. I have no clue where they are right now. Enough of your questions, I have a question for you." The red head walked up to Kenny, tilting his head up. A streak of color came to his cheeks.
"What?" The whole thing came out as a whisper, but he knew Tala could hear it.
"Why do you hide behind this hair?" Tala moved a hand to brush away the hair covering Kenny's eyes, finding wide deep blue eyes looking up at him. Tala was slightly caught off guard at how they sparkled. Of course they were just eyes, but this pair reached deep down into his soul and would not let go. "What are you afraid of?"
"Nothing. I just. . .I guess it makes me feel. . ." Actually, he really didn't know why he hid his eyes. Maybe it was to stay concealed. People could never see his eyes, which meant they could not read the expression in his eyes.
"You have an unfair advantage. You can read the eyes of others, but none can read yours. That self conscious?" Tala murmured.
"I'm not!" Kenny blushed.
"Oh, you aren't. Well then. . ." Tala leaned down, taking hold of Kenny's mouth. Kenny inhaled the spicy cinnamon that surrounded him, becoming intoxicated by it. He felt a warm, wet object licking at his lips, asking for access. A flush darkened the brunette's cheeks as he closed his eyes, letting that object gain access into his mouth.
Kenny felt himself being led back until he was pressed against a wall. The brunette's head was tilted up, giving the male more of a chance to explore every space within the boy's mouth. A hand went under Kenny's shirt, burning him with its sizzling touch. A gasp escaped from Kenny's lips, feeling Tala's tongue trail a path to his ear, a mouth kissing just under the lobe. The hand aroused the same emotion in Kenny like that other night had. Kenny wanted to drown in that emotion, but a knock on the bedroom door quickly parted the two.
As near as Tala had been, the brunette somehow found him opening the door for Kenny's mother. A smile of warmth on his face like nothing had just went on. Kenny though, needed a moment to clear his head. About time he was finished, Tala was closed the door, turning back to Kenny with an indistinct look in his eyes. Kenny had no idea what the red head was thinking, or what his mother had said exactly to the male.
"Tala?" Kenny asked hesitantly.
Tala flopped into a chair, leaning back with a hiss. "My side is throbbing, have any pain killers?"
"I---yeah. I'll go get them." What the hell had just happened? Kenny was certain that Tala would want to finish, and now his side hurt? Was that an excuse to stop? And what had his mother said?
As if able to read Kenny's mind, Tala said, "Your mother said dinner's in the fridge if she's not back in time. Your father won't be back until later either. She offered me to stay to keep you company, I accepted. That way it won't be a surprise to find me here anymore."
*Tala. . .what sort of game are you playing? *
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Kenny gazed out the window at the sky. It reminded him even more of Tala. Kenny did not understand what it was that made him continue to hold on. Those little mind games were staring to take their toll. He didn't know what Tala was ever thinking but he was becoming more intoxicated by him. Everything about him made Kenny's head spin and his heart ache.
*If he doesn't like me why does he continue to kiss me and cause me to fall under his spell completely? Why doesn't he make up his mind about us? *
Was that the hardest thing in the world to do? It was either one or the other, not both. Wasn't it?
"Hey Chief, wake up, class is over," called Tyson, grinning down at him. "Thinking about something, or should I say someone?"
"What?" flushed Kenny. "Don't be ridiculous. I was just thinking."
"Ah come on. Those love long distance gazes aren't fooling anyone. So who is it?" Tyson replied. "Someone I know?"
"Stop badgering Kenny, Tyson. I'm sure you're the last person he wants parading around his business," Hilary said walking up. Despite she had once really liked Tyson and was hurt when she discovered that him and Ray were an item, the girl remained friends with him. Becoming more like a sister than anything else, or as Tyson put it, the annoying brat of a sister he never wanted.
"Why don't you stop cramping my style." Tyson stuck his tongue out as he turned his attention to the brunette girl. Hilary rolled her eyes.
"Really mature Tyson. Haven't you grown up any?" Hilary said. "Don't you have something better to do than bothering everyone?"
"For your information, Chief was going to help me with my homework," Tyson replied in an annoyed tone.
"Oh, you actually know the meaning of the word?" Hilary gasped. "I'm shocked at you."
"Actually, his grandfather found out about his last test score and went ballistic," Kenny said with a smile.
"Chief! You didn't have to tell her that!" wailed Tyson.
"So that's it! I thought it was strange that you would know what homework is," Hilary laughed.
"Sorry Tyson, it slipped," grinned Kenny. "Let's get going, we have a lot of material to cover and not enough time in the day to stuff it into your thick head."
"I'll come along and help you shove as much into that empty head as possible," Hilary volunteered.
"Thanks Hilary."
"Yeah, thanks," Tyson muttered sarcastically.
"But first, we have to stop off by my house so I can get something," Kenny said. What Kenny did not know at this precise moment is that the maze he was in was about to get more complicated. Changing once more.
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Rimnerel: Well, well, well, seems like something is about to happen.
Tala: Idiot, you already know, so stop sounding like you're going to be surprised too.
Rimnerel (boots Tala): I didn't ask you to comment! (^ ^) Okay everyone, how did you like this wonderful piece of work? I put almost everything in that makes a great chapter. Kenny, be a sweetheart and do the closing for the chapter.
Kenny: We hope everyone will review and tell us what you thought. The next chapter will be out Saturday.
Rimnerel: Thank you Kenny! Until Saturday folks!
Tala (rolling eyes): Great, now she has a big head.
Rimnerel: If you want to ever get some ass, you'll kindly shut your mouth now. Now let's thank all the nice people that reviewed.
Thanks to: Cat in the web, Liika, Matty TalaBryan rulz, FREAK014, Firemoon, Angevar, Jay Kamiya, Silverm, and dragonal5 for their reviews. It means a lot that everyone thinks this is a great story! Finally I've had time to post the next chapter in between working on all that damn work. Enjoy!
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Silence fills the space that talking usually filled between people who knew so little about each other, and wanted to know one another. But Tala and Kenny are exceptions to this rule. Though many questions arose, they were bit back, dying in the silence. It was now two and a half weeks since Kenny had found the leader of the Demolition Boys bleeding on the side of the street from some mysterious knife wound.
Kenny knew little about his guest, and his guest wasn't about to provide information in order to quench the burning inquiry. Any normal person would be done with this whole situation by now, but Kenny was in love with the red head. That caused him to be increasingly stubborn. He was going to find out everything there was to Tala.
The brunette lifted his eyes up to study Tala, who was eating a bowl of instant ramen. Usually Kenny would just carry the food upstairs to his room, but since his parents would not be home until later that evening, Kenny thought it was fine to let the red head move around a bit.
Kenny sighed inwardly, wistful over the tall, incredibly handsome red haired male. Not only was he absolutely attractive, he was absolutely arrogant, pompous, and a bastard. Hell, he could probably get the devil to give him his soul, if the devil had one. Why Kenny was in love with him was anyone's guess. Maybe it was because Tala was attractive, maybe because he was an enigma waiting to be solved. Whatever it was, Kenny would not let go easily.
"Do you have something on your mind?" Tala spoke up, breaking the ten- minute silence that was hanging over them. Kenny flushed, shaking his head.
"Just thinking, nothing important. Want some more tea?" Kenny asked, getting up to fix himself another cup. Tala watched him, thinking how different the brunette was than when this started. It impressed Tala that they were still able to make eye contact after the incident with him stealing the boy's first kiss. Rather than shying away completely, the kid was doing the opposite. There were times that Tala admired his no back down determination, other times it was annoying. "Tala?"
"No, I'm fine," Tala said. What sort of plan was the boy concocting? Tala could feel something swirling about the two of them. It was thick, yet elusive, as if it wasn't the right time for it to be discovered. He didn't like this feeling at all.
"Tala, I was wondering, if maybe---" Kenny broke the entire sentence off. He wasn't quite ready to ask him to take another step forward, even though he was growing tired of waiting and playing out his hand. Kenny wanted to have all the aces rather than trying to draw them from the deck one card at a time. "Never mind."
"Never mind?"
"Yeah, never mind it. It was really stupid," Kenny replied, pouring more tea into his cup. "Do you want any more tea or ramen while I'm up?"
"No, but I do want to know about the never mind. What were you about to say? Don't say something to me and never finish it, that's so fucking annoying." Tala pushed away his empty bowl, looking over at the brunette who still had his back turned.
"Just drop it," Kenny said.
"But I don't want to," Tala mocked in a childish tone.
"You know," Kenny said, turning around to observe the red head. "Coming from you, that sounds anything but normal." A smirk rose to Tala's face at the successful avoidance of the argument. This kid was starting to learn maybe there was hope for him after all.
"Well, I'm not normal," Tala shrugged.
"That's obvious," Kenny responded with a smile. "Next to Kai, I think you're the strangest person I've ever in my life have had the chance to meet."
"Well, I should feel honored." The note of sarcasm told Kenny that being compared to Kai was something he did not like.
Changing the subject, Kenny turned back to the male, taking a seat in the chair he was previously seated at. "You know, it's currently late summer."
"So?" Tala asked. He realized the boy had changed the subject to avoid more sarcastic remarks. Maybe there was hope for him to be something other than submissive.
"Well, soon it will be fall," Kenny said. "Then fall will lead into winter. I just think that the coming of fall is wonderful. The changing of leaves and the new outlook of the world."
"I've live in Moscow most of my life, I really wouldn't know much about that," Tala shrugged. (A/N: I tried doing a bit of research on the climate in Russia, but I was distracted several times from the job, so if I'm wrong, forgive me, blame my short attention span to some things. ^_^)
"I never knew. Wow, that's amazing. Did you like it there?" Kenny asked, but received no answer. Just when Kenny thought he was about to make progress, the male shut up. Well, Kenny now knew one more thing he hadn't when first talking to the male. So he lived in Russia up until his decided travels. Could that mean he was running away from his team?
As Kenny was about to say something, unexpectedly his mother walked into the kitchen. "Oh, you have company, hello," his mother smiled.
"Mom, what are you doing here? I thought you wouldn't be home until later tonight," Kenny said, his heart thumping rapidly. What was he going to do if she asked him who Tala was? He could not possibly lie straight out to her.
"I had to come back for a few minutes to get some things. So Kenny, who's your new friend?" his mother asked, causing the boy to panic now. What was he to say? That Tala was part of a beyblade team who was stabbed and has been staying there a while without her knowledge? That wouldn't be the best choice to make.
Just as Kenny was about to break down, Tala quietly stood up and gave the woman a slight, but respectful bow. (A/N: Since I need a last name, we will stick with his last name in the Japanese version to avoid confusion.)
"My name is Tala Ivanor. I'm an exchange student from Russia who just transferred to Japan today. Your son volunteered to show me around. You have such a lovely house Mrs. Shinoda. It was really a pleasure to meet you," Tala remarked politely. The woman smiled, Kenny's mouth dropped to the ground. That was not what he would expect from the red head. More like the blunt truth followed by his mother passing out on the ground afterwards.
"Oh, how nice. How do you like it here so far?" Kenny's mother said buying into it. Hell, if Kenny had just met him instead of being around him for nearly three weeks now, he would have brought the fake smiles and charm. Sure he had charm and genuine smiles. . .at least Kenny hoped so.
"Japan is such a beautiful country. Especially with autumn coming up. I've never had the luxury to see the full effect of fall. I'm eager to see it," Tala flashed another of his cute smiles. Before anything else could be said, Kenny grabbed Tala by the arm, pulling him towards the kitchen door.
"Um, yeah. Tala's going to help me with my homework, so I'll be in my room. I'll clean up what I messed up later," Kenny said hurriedly dragging Tala with him.
"Good-bye Mrs. Shinoda, it was nice talking to you," Tala waved as he was dragged upstairs into Kenny's room. Once the door was closed, the smile fell immediately from the red head's lips.
"What the hell did you think you were doing?" Kenny exclaimed softly.
"Thought you would like to keep your mother on her feet," Tala explained what had been on Kenny's mind from the start.
"Even if you had a good reason, there was no need to lie about---"
"Not all of it was a lie. I am from Russia, though not an exchange student. And I did give her my real name to stop confusion from spreading," Tala interrupted.
"That was. . ." It never occurred to Kenny that Tala never told him what his last name was. After all, the red haired male kept everything from him. "Ivanor. . .is that really your last name?"
"Yes, why?" Looking at the younger male, he rose a brow.
"You never told me. . .that's all. It's. . ." A sad smile rose to the brunette's lips.
"It's what?"
"It's just that I know so little about you."
"What's there to want to know?" Tala asked indifferently. "What's the big deal about knowing my background?"
"I---" Kenny stopped him self from saying that he wanted to know everything about him. That would lead to Kenny's secret, which he did not want to tell just yet. "It's just a waste to spend practically three weeks with someone and know nothing about them."
"So you want to know me?" Tala didn't know why, but he wanted to tell the boy, as if that would make everything better. It would only serve to get the kid to stop bugging the fuck out of him. If he was going to tell, do it for that reason. That way it wouldn't seem more than that. Tala crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at the shorter male. "Fine."
"Really!"
"Don't get so excited. It's just to get you off my back all right," Tala added in, shifting his glance out the window. "So, what do you want to know?"
Excitement flooded Kenny's mind as he thought of what to ask him first. First was the most obvious question of all. "The night I found you, you were stabbed, how?"
"Well, that's at least sensible," Tala stated, as if Kenny had asked him why the sky was blue or how he managed to get his hair to stay up in that fashion. (Though inquiring minds do want to know.) "I was walking in the rain that night when some guy thought he had easy pickings to mug and rape. He was the one who stabbed me, but I got in a lick of mine own before I took off and ran until I passed out."
"So that's what happened," Dizzi said, playing solitaire on the computer. Kenny turned his eyes on his computer. "What? I was here first you know."
"Do you mind we have a bit of privacy?" Kenny questioned.
"Oh fine. Not like you were---" Dizzi started.
"Dizzi!" Kenny exclaimed firmly. His computer shut itself off, leaving the two males alone. He really hoped that Dizzi's smart remark would not clam Tala up, or she would be in for a serious software downgrade. "Can I. . ." Kenny looked up at Tala to find the male continuing to stare towards the window. "Can I ask you another question?"
"Go ahead, if you'll stop bugging me fine."
"How old are you?" Despite how stupid it sounded, that had been plaguing him for a minute or two.
"Seventeen."
"Oh." So he was the same age as Kai. That explained why he referred to Kenny as a kid most times. "I'm fifteen."
"I gathered that much," Tala stated. "Any other questions?"
Suddenly a burst of questions came out that had been burning inside of Kenny to ask. "Why were you travelling alone? Where are your teammates? Are they still at the abbey or are they travelling too? Do they know where you are?"
"You know," Tala finally responded after a moment. Azure eyes went back to the smaller male. "You ask too many questions. My team and I decided to go our separate ways. I have no clue where they are right now. Enough of your questions, I have a question for you." The red head walked up to Kenny, tilting his head up. A streak of color came to his cheeks.
"What?" The whole thing came out as a whisper, but he knew Tala could hear it.
"Why do you hide behind this hair?" Tala moved a hand to brush away the hair covering Kenny's eyes, finding wide deep blue eyes looking up at him. Tala was slightly caught off guard at how they sparkled. Of course they were just eyes, but this pair reached deep down into his soul and would not let go. "What are you afraid of?"
"Nothing. I just. . .I guess it makes me feel. . ." Actually, he really didn't know why he hid his eyes. Maybe it was to stay concealed. People could never see his eyes, which meant they could not read the expression in his eyes.
"You have an unfair advantage. You can read the eyes of others, but none can read yours. That self conscious?" Tala murmured.
"I'm not!" Kenny blushed.
"Oh, you aren't. Well then. . ." Tala leaned down, taking hold of Kenny's mouth. Kenny inhaled the spicy cinnamon that surrounded him, becoming intoxicated by it. He felt a warm, wet object licking at his lips, asking for access. A flush darkened the brunette's cheeks as he closed his eyes, letting that object gain access into his mouth.
Kenny felt himself being led back until he was pressed against a wall. The brunette's head was tilted up, giving the male more of a chance to explore every space within the boy's mouth. A hand went under Kenny's shirt, burning him with its sizzling touch. A gasp escaped from Kenny's lips, feeling Tala's tongue trail a path to his ear, a mouth kissing just under the lobe. The hand aroused the same emotion in Kenny like that other night had. Kenny wanted to drown in that emotion, but a knock on the bedroom door quickly parted the two.
As near as Tala had been, the brunette somehow found him opening the door for Kenny's mother. A smile of warmth on his face like nothing had just went on. Kenny though, needed a moment to clear his head. About time he was finished, Tala was closed the door, turning back to Kenny with an indistinct look in his eyes. Kenny had no idea what the red head was thinking, or what his mother had said exactly to the male.
"Tala?" Kenny asked hesitantly.
Tala flopped into a chair, leaning back with a hiss. "My side is throbbing, have any pain killers?"
"I---yeah. I'll go get them." What the hell had just happened? Kenny was certain that Tala would want to finish, and now his side hurt? Was that an excuse to stop? And what had his mother said?
As if able to read Kenny's mind, Tala said, "Your mother said dinner's in the fridge if she's not back in time. Your father won't be back until later either. She offered me to stay to keep you company, I accepted. That way it won't be a surprise to find me here anymore."
*Tala. . .what sort of game are you playing? *
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kenny gazed out the window at the sky. It reminded him even more of Tala. Kenny did not understand what it was that made him continue to hold on. Those little mind games were staring to take their toll. He didn't know what Tala was ever thinking but he was becoming more intoxicated by him. Everything about him made Kenny's head spin and his heart ache.
*If he doesn't like me why does he continue to kiss me and cause me to fall under his spell completely? Why doesn't he make up his mind about us? *
Was that the hardest thing in the world to do? It was either one or the other, not both. Wasn't it?
"Hey Chief, wake up, class is over," called Tyson, grinning down at him. "Thinking about something, or should I say someone?"
"What?" flushed Kenny. "Don't be ridiculous. I was just thinking."
"Ah come on. Those love long distance gazes aren't fooling anyone. So who is it?" Tyson replied. "Someone I know?"
"Stop badgering Kenny, Tyson. I'm sure you're the last person he wants parading around his business," Hilary said walking up. Despite she had once really liked Tyson and was hurt when she discovered that him and Ray were an item, the girl remained friends with him. Becoming more like a sister than anything else, or as Tyson put it, the annoying brat of a sister he never wanted.
"Why don't you stop cramping my style." Tyson stuck his tongue out as he turned his attention to the brunette girl. Hilary rolled her eyes.
"Really mature Tyson. Haven't you grown up any?" Hilary said. "Don't you have something better to do than bothering everyone?"
"For your information, Chief was going to help me with my homework," Tyson replied in an annoyed tone.
"Oh, you actually know the meaning of the word?" Hilary gasped. "I'm shocked at you."
"Actually, his grandfather found out about his last test score and went ballistic," Kenny said with a smile.
"Chief! You didn't have to tell her that!" wailed Tyson.
"So that's it! I thought it was strange that you would know what homework is," Hilary laughed.
"Sorry Tyson, it slipped," grinned Kenny. "Let's get going, we have a lot of material to cover and not enough time in the day to stuff it into your thick head."
"I'll come along and help you shove as much into that empty head as possible," Hilary volunteered.
"Thanks Hilary."
"Yeah, thanks," Tyson muttered sarcastically.
"But first, we have to stop off by my house so I can get something," Kenny said. What Kenny did not know at this precise moment is that the maze he was in was about to get more complicated. Changing once more.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rimnerel: Well, well, well, seems like something is about to happen.
Tala: Idiot, you already know, so stop sounding like you're going to be surprised too.
Rimnerel (boots Tala): I didn't ask you to comment! (^ ^) Okay everyone, how did you like this wonderful piece of work? I put almost everything in that makes a great chapter. Kenny, be a sweetheart and do the closing for the chapter.
Kenny: We hope everyone will review and tell us what you thought. The next chapter will be out Saturday.
Rimnerel: Thank you Kenny! Until Saturday folks!