Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade. I only own Kirby, Julia and Alyssa. Any other characters that you see that you are not familiar with will probably belong to Zadien author of Love/Hate: Just how thin is the line?

Love/Hate: A Tangled Web

By: Kindred Insanity

Chapter two: No offence!!

The class just droned on. An hour is only 60 minutes but that's like 3600 seconds and that's a lot especially since Mikel Davidoff had not removed his eyes from my neck and I really began to think the fine hairs on the back of my neck may have been singed. His gaze was simply burning into me and it was annoying, and I was finding it difficult to concentrate. Beside me Tyson was dozing soundly and it seemed that Kevin and Dunga were playing virtual X's and O's. Sigh. I frowned at the screen in front of me, at question 4b. Ugh I hate this class. Social Science bores me. I glanced down to the corner of my screen and noted with glee that the class was almost over. I removed the earphones from my ear and leaned back in my chair. A pop up message on my screen caught my eye; leaning forward I read it.

Your hair smells good.

I almost groaned out loud. The message came from computer 7 which was, since mine was computer 6, the one behind me. Mikels.

Thanks. Yours would too if you washed it occasionally.

I could have grinned. Mikel is very particular about his hair so this was a very good thing to hit him with. Hmm, I was proud of myself.

Don't you get bored insulting me all the time; it's kind of childish.

Why didn't he get insulted and leave me alone? Sighing I replied.

Why give up something I'm obviously so good at?

Must be a family trait.

It's a possibility. What do you want Davidoff?

I'll pass on that question. It's too easy.

I rolled my eyes and shot him a look over my shoulder promising vengeance.

You're very sad. Can't you chase after a girl who actually likes you?

Then it wouldn't be a chase.

So what's so great about a chase?

It's a challenge. I love challenges.

Buy a Rubix cube.

I have one. Solved it this summer.

Kudos.

Thank you!

I shook my head softly. He's like a little child and he never takes anything I say seriously. I just wish that he'd get over himself and leave me alone, but then again there is this tiny past of me that kind of likes the attention. I mean Amber always thought she hated Kai and look what happened, she's married to him, happy and in love. Sure she has two kids, but we'll ignore that part. I guess part of me wishes for that security… or whatever. It's the curse of growing up with two sisters, of which one is a hopeless romantic who's just waiting for her white knight to come and sweep her off her feet. As for Julia, well she's become a little more realistic since the guy she had a crush on left her with a baby. Justin's a darling, he's just loud, cranky and generally a drooling pain in the neck, but he'll be a heart breaker when he grows up. I'm absolutely positive of it. But back to the point, just because I like the attention doesn't mean I'm going to just tell him that nor will I just fall for him, because I won't let him use me.

I glanced up surprised when the bell went and I quickly closed down the computer and grabbed my stuff. I should really go get my 'link but I have Mr. O'Roarke who is a stickler for punctuality. So it was better to just proceed directly to his class and not risk detention.

"Hey Kirby, you have lunch?"

I glanced over at Tyson, shaking my head slightly. "History. Sorry."

"S'okay. Pity though. I'll see ya later, ok?"

"Okies." I stole this phrase from Amber. I gave Tyson a quick hug and then watched him leave with Kevin and Dunga who all seemed to have lunch now. Sigh again.

I weaved through the crowds, pushing first years and cheerleaders alike out of my way and finally I reached Mr. O'Roarke's class. Some were already seated but most were just arriving like I was. I caught sight of a head of green hair and grinned. Joey was already here. Thank God. I moved through the desks and then dropped into the seat beside him and slid my disk into the computer.

"Engage."

After it logged in my official code and the comp loaded up, I turned to my friend Joseph Arthurs. Even though he can be annoying, he's generally a good guy. It's just that he has a thing about annoying Mariam, since she's older than him. Sometimes he does the same to everyone, like it's a habit he can't break. He suddenly shot up a few inches over the summer. Before he'd been a least an inch shorter than my 5ft 2" which means he was pretty short, but then suddenly this year he's shot up to, by my estimate 5ft 8" which means I cannot lean on him like I use to. It sucks. Just another person to add to my list of people taller than me. Even Amber gets to be an inch taller. It's not fair! Anyway he has jade green eyes similar to his sisters and the same colouring but his hair is a shade darker and messy. It's like he never takes time to comb it but I like it that way. He's also toned up a bit but that's because of his endless practice of Aqua-ball. He's absolutely determined to make the team this year, but it's up to Davidoff whether he makes it or not. I think he will, if he doesn't; I'll have something to say for it. We lost valuable players last year and this year I really want to get to the finals.

"Hey."

"Hi. So did you hear about Dunga?"

I chuckled. "Yeah Kevin gave a great imitation of him. Aw I wish I'd been there to see it. I could have brought my camera and caught it on disc."

"I bet it would be funnier in reverse."

I grinned. "Probably. Everything usually is."

"Did we have any homework for this class?"

I pondered that for a moment. "I can't remember." I caught movement of someone coming in our direction. "Maybe Daichi can."

Daichi Benson is my cousin on my moms side. The only thing he inherited from my Uncle Seth was his eyes, pure undiluted emerald, as vibrant as the gem themselves. His hair is a dark red, and he too has it styled messily but it's all for style. Oh yeah Daichi grew up and became a real heart breaker. I can still remember him as a little kid always begging Ozuma to tag along, but only to have Kane tell him to piss off. He has a small scar on his forehead where he'd hit his head off the corner of the dock down at Nana Molly's. I don't actually remember how it happened but it had been when we were younger, at least 5 and Bryan my older cousin had to jump in and save him. Daichi had been so scared, not just of the water but of Bryan as well, after all Bryan is very intimidating. I think everyone's been afraid of him at one point except Amber because she's his favourite; it's either that or she's just plain stupid. I don't think I want to know which.

"'Sup?"

"Homework, do we have any?"

He rolled his eyes and dropped into the chair in front of me, then turned to face me. "Nah I don't think so, wait-" he turned round and poked the Blonde in front of him. "Mikel do we have any homework for this class to do?"

Mikel turned round and regarded him, then his gaze moved from Daichi to me. It's not surprising that Mikel and Daichi are friends. They've basically grown up together like brothers. Mikel is his next door neighbour and Aubrey use to look after Mikel while his mother went to work, and whenever our family got together Mikel usually tagged along.

"Why, didn't Kirby do it?"

"I'm only asking a question Davidoff."

"Actually I was the one that was asking it. So either answer the question or piss off." Joey snapped.

Joey and Mikel have a long standing animosity, from where it originated I don't know, but it's always been there. I think it's just heightened ever since Mikel became captain of the Raiders.

"Watch what you're saying Arthurs, wouldn't want to jeopardise your chances of joining the team this year."

"Grow up Davidoff. It should depend on whether the person has talent rather than if they're in your favour which gets them on the team."

"What she said."

"You letting a girl fight your battles now Arthurs?"

"Better her fight on my side than yours Davidoff."

I glanced at Daichi to find out if I'm the only one in this conversation to not understand what's going on. Obviously I was. My cousin just looked as though he was ready to separate them should the burst into full blown fisticuffs as they did regularly. Wish I could figure out what exactly was wrong with them. Life would be easier. Fortunately the boys didn't get to bruise their knuckles as Mr. O'Roarke walked in.

"Ok do you want to explain what exactly that was between you and Mikel?" I asked as we wandered down the corridor with the mass of students heading towards the cafeteria.

Joseph looked at me, then shrugged. "He's so full of himself. It's about time he got took down a peg or two."

"You didn't take him down, Joe, instead you played his game and lost."

"I got the last word in."

"Only because Mr. O'Roarke walked in." I pointed out the obvious.

"I could have taken him." He claimed stubbornly.

I rolled my eyes. It doesn't matter how many males I hang out with, I'll never get use to their obsession with violence and that they can take on anyone and win. Mikel is about a head taller than Joe and he's better built. Saying nothing I stopped at my locker and punched in the code and retrieved my 'link. There was one message which made me frown. Pressing replay my frown deepened as my sister Julia's voice came through loud and clear though the visual was blocked.

"Hey Kirby, I was wondering if you'd like to come over for a visit after school. It's just I haven't seen you in ages; you always seem so busy. So if you have nothing planned for this evening, maybe you could come over. Well reply when you get this. I'll see ya sis. Julia."

Great my day just got a whole lot better. Ever since Julia got pregnant and refused to tell Mom and Dad who the father was, well simply put; she moved out and I haven't been able to see her all that often. I don't see what the big deal is really, except that Julia is really young to have a child, but Mom and Dad would support her if she told them who the father was. I know but only because I over heard her and Alyssa talking about it, but Julia refuses to tell our parents and she thinks I haven't a clue. I don't want to say anything because I want her to tell me herself. Anyway I'm getting side tracked. Since she moved out, I haven't seen her so much. As she said I've been busy, what with hanging with Tyson and the others and school and Aqua-ball practice. I just don't have time. Unfortunately I'll have to postpone this time because Joe's try out is on today and the gang and I promised to be there for him.

"What's wrong?"

I blinked at Joe. I'd forgotten he was there. "Oh nothing, just Julia. She wants me to visit later."

His face fell. "You mean you won't be there for the try outs?"

"Oh no I promised I'd be there right? So I'll be there. I'll just go see Jules later, no biggy. Besides I also said I'd visit Aunt Treasa."

He nodded and I could see he was relieved. I guess it means a lot to him for his friends to be there to support him. I mean it was ok for me. Tyson Dunga and Daichi and even Mikel tried out with me. Dunga and I didn't make it on our first try out but the second time we breezed through it. Joe has to try out himself.

"Yo Kirby!"

I grinned at Tyson as he strode towards us and grabbed me in a bear hug almost bruising my ribs. "Hey how was lunch?"

"I'd avoid the lasagne, it's just not right and several people are looking awfully queasy."

Ugh. "Too much information but thanks for the heads up. So where's the others?"

He leaned back against my locker and took my 'link from my hand before he proceeded to type in a memo. I nudged him to remind him that I was still waiting for an answer. "Kevin and Dunga had Biology to go to. Daichi's in lunch with platinum brains and Jim is eating lunch with your delightful sister and Hillary."

I rolled my eyes. Great lunch was going to be a big blast, yeah my head blasting off from the rest of my body. Hillary is good in small doses but she just gets so… what's the word I'm thinking off… uptight and over nothing much. Tyson can wind her up by just looking at her, sure he can be annoying but he's a good guy, if she'd just look beneath the false bravado. But she looks up to Alyssa as though my sister is her idol. It's so annoying that sometimes I just want to zap her with my porta-zapper. Sure it's only for incidents like protecting yourself from an attacker or rapist, but it's still pretty damn good for shutting people up. I should know, I tried it on Mikel once.

"Well I guess we should head off. I'll see ya later Tyson."

He frowned as he rapidly tapped the little pen nub against the screen of my 'link. "We have Math sometime today right?"

"Yeah after History and before the end of school." Joe answered.

"Good. So I have that to look forward to." He handed me my 'link back then strode confidently up the corridor; his hands stuck in his blazer and it was obvious he was not in any hurry to get to any class.

***********************

"I still can't believe you did that. Hey Kirby you didn't have an out of body experience after you left us did you?"

Puzzled I slid into chair opposite Mariam and exchanged glances with an equally bewildered Joe who just shrugged his shoulders.

"Uh no, I don't think so. Why?"

"Oh I just thought you took possession of Alyssas' body for a while."

"Well ok, that makes sense." I decided that Mariam really wasn't the one to extract information from so I turned to my sister. "What did you do?"

Alyssa rolled her blue eyes and made a sheepish face. "I kind of slapped Brooklyn."

"Brooklyn?" was I supposed to have any clue who this guy was? If I was then my bad I forgot.

"Brooklyn Adams. Class reprobate and regular pain in the ass." Salima explained.

"Oh the guy who was in the corridor when my locker broke?"

Alyssa nodded looking faintly embarrassed; her pain cheeks held a hint of pink.

"So why did you slap him?" Joe asked over a mouthful of whatever slop he was eating. I didn't try to guess what the food served here was supposed to be. Instead I opted for a candy bar and a tube of orange from the vending machine. Much safer.

"He um… well he…"

"Spit it out." Jim ordered only to be silenced by Salima kicking him under the table.

"He…" oh whatever this guy did he was seriously going to get it from me, or else from someone who can actually beat him up. He was kind of tall compared to me, I'd probably only end up denting my own ego. But no one embarrasses my sister except for me and vice-versa unless you're Daichi who takes it on himself to embarrass all members of our family if you get on the wrong side of him.

"He kissed her." Mariam stated.

I blinked stupidly. "Huh? You slapped him for kissing you?" that seemed just a little drastic, did anyone see me slapping Mikel every time he kissed me? Actually I think I'd be offended if he didn't try at least once a day, he's done so since I was three. He stopped around when we were eight and then he just started up again when we were ten. It has to be one of the most annoying things about him, but it's something I've just gotten use to. So I really didn't see the big deal.

"Alyssa isn't you, Kirby. She's not use to guys just kissing her out of the blue." Joe snapped.

I glowered at him. "Excuse me do I look like a slut? And second of all I know who my sister is, got it!"

"I didn't mean offence." He muttered but kept his attention fixed on his slop.

I caught how Jim and Alyssa exchanged glances but they said nothing. Very wise. "Yeah well offence taken. So Al what's the sitch, he just kisses you out of the blue?"

Alyssa nodded glancing over her shoulder as if she expected him to be standing there. That happens to me all the time. I say out loud that I don't want a teacher to be there, and what happens? The teacher walks past and hears.

"I… he has this habit of annoying me every time I meet him in the corridor or whatever. This time he decided to smoke, and you know it's against the school rules and as head girl I'm supposed to make sure that no rules are broken."

I stared at her bemused. How the hell is she my sister? How is she Jules sister? Oh well. "Go on."

"Well I took the cigarette out of his hand and threw it away."

"And then he grabs her hand and asks her if she ever gets tired out following the rules."

I glanced over at Salima who'd interrupted, slightly starry eyed, while Mariam looked concerned but she spoke next.

"As we all know our little Alyssa needs order otherwise she gets all flustered and doesn't know what to do with herself. Obviously he knew that and he just tugged her to him and kissed her on the mouth. We didn't know what to do, it all happened so fast."

"What, you didn't even try to punch his lights out?" I winced as my sister kicked me under the table. "It was just a suggestion. I really think you need to develop some violent tendency's because you don't want some bad ass hottie taking advantage of you."

Alyssa rolled her eyes, while the boys stayed completely out of the conversation and concentrated on talking about sports. I could still feel some tension radiating off Joe. Mariam looked as though she agreed to some extent; Salima looked undecided.

"Violence solves nothing."

"How come you don't beat the shit out of Mikel every time he kisses you?"

I glared at Salima. "Because he's always done it and he only does it to get a reaction, so I give him none. Brooklyn seems to be doing it for the same reason. No one likes a copy cat." I mused remembering how he'd mentioned that I was Mikels' girl so he obviously had a clue about Kel's little quirk.

"Hey you don't think he's doing all this for a bet?" Mariam suddenly demanded almost choking on her drink in her urgency to get her request out.

Jim shook his head. "More than likely it's personal. He just wants to see the Ice Queen – no offence- lose control."

"I'm not an Ice Queen."

"I said no offence. Does that phrase mean nothing these days?" Joe shrugged at his friends frantic demand.

"It's not that you're an Ice Queen, more like that you are a strong; confident woman who needs stability and order in her life instead of a guy. In guy terms that means you're an Ice Queen." Salima soothed.

Alyssa didn't look all that soothed; though I was too busy thinking on what Jim had said. It made a lot of sense. I'd say Brooklyn would be one of those types who'd enjoy control and breaking some one or changing them in Aly's case. I glanced over at Daichi and chuckled as a girl almost tripped when he smiled at her. Sometimes his charm is really scary especially when he seems to hold such power over girls who are supposed to be too mature to fall for it. As my gaze began to return it collided with those blue/green eyes of Mikels'. I rolled my eyes and quickly averted it as I tried to ignore the rapid beating of my pulse.

"He was late for class again!"

We all jumped at Hilary's loud and surprising outburst as she dropped into a seat beside Alyssa.

"Who was late?" Salima inquired.

Like she needed to ask. I was betting Hilary was commenting about Tyson being late. She's obsessed with him. She hates how he's always late, never organised and takes everything in his stride as though nothing worries him. I find it amusing though. "Tyson, probably."

"Yes. And you weren't much help Kirby."

What did I do?

"I saw you talking to him in the hall." She answered my question as though reading my mind perfectly, or my expression.

"So that's not a crime, besides who are you his mother?"

"I'm the class president and what a member of our year does reflects badly on me!"

"Uh-huh. You're a tiny bit self centred Hilary. The world doesn't entirely consist of people who actually care about you, and most teachers know that if Tyson turns up late-"

"As he often does." Jim piped up.

"It has nothing to do with you. Tyson is his own person. Deal!"

Hilary scowled at me, before getting to her feet and storming off.

"That was a bit harsh." Salima observed.

"Maybe, but it's the truth. She can awfully up herself sometimes and she's always blowing her own trumpet while putting Tyson down. He's my best friend and I won't take her bad mouthing him. Besides why was she following him?"

Joe scratched his cheek and shrugged. "Probably to make sure he got to class on time."

"She's entirely too interested in him, in my opinion."

"It's not healthy." Jim agreed while Mariam nodded.

"You don't follow people to class do you?" I asked Alyssa who rolled her eyes. "I'll take that as a no."

"Unfortunately I have better things to do with my time. Oh and I have to leave. We have a meeting." She told her friends as they got to their feet and gathered their stuff. "By the way Jules was wondering--"

"Yeah I know. I can't go Lyss, I've got practice after school."

She nodded soberly. "Same here. We'll meet up this Sat, or something."

"Sure." I answered trying to ignore the feeling of guilt pressing down on my heart.

**********

Ok so this chapter was kind of short, but well I don't really write really long chapters. My problem. Oh and by the way Zadien has posted a story called Love/Hate: Scar Tissue which is the story of Ruin and Tala and she may even do a Bethan/Michael story so please check out Scar Tissue.

AnimeSk8er: Ah Mikel's not bad, he just knows Kirby really well so he know's how to push her buttons. I think he's cool. And Kirby's hair is wicked cool, wish I could dye my hair that way. *Grumbles*

Oil Pastel: Wow cool, so who are the certain amount of Authors? Frigid, I'm all hyped up now!! Oh well Kirby's based a bit on me and then a bit on Amber. And I can't do my tie, so that's where I got that idea from. And living in the shadow of two very pretty sisters, well that explains the whole plain-Jane thing but Kirb's is happy about that. And I love Tyson, especially in the second season. He's just funny and a clown but he's so dedicated to his friends and that makes him very cool in my book. And there will be loads of tension between Kirby, since she's vice captain of the raiders. *Grins*

Phoenix*Resurrected: Hi. And thanks for the compliment. As for the characters, well since this is a subplot to Zadien's love/hate it would be weird to include her multitude of characters. So Kai will be in it sometime; as well as Bryan; Brooklyn; Hotoshi; Ozuma; Daichi; Mariah; Ray; Oliver; Hilary etc. I'm not exactly sure but all those who were mentioned in Love/Hate will eventually appear though they may not all be big players.

Kate: Oh fanfiction screwed up as usual. Yeah Kirby models herself on Amber, like a cousin you looked up to when you were younger. But there are differences and so there'll be differences in the relationship between Mikel and Kirby because she doesn't hate him, she just doesn't want to be another notch on his bed post.

Kai Chii-Chan: Wow what a lot of names. Jeez don't agree that ZD's great, it'll go to her head! Lol. I kind of based Tyson and Kirby's relationship on Amber and Tala because those two are like the embodiment of a platonic friendship. So thanks so much for the review. I feel loved.

Yin: I love Tyson, I mean he's so genuine and he doesn't act like anything but himself. I think he gets a really bad deal in some fics though. I didn't know how people would react to this story but I'm glad that everything I've got has been so positive, so I'm really pleased.

Smiley Joe: I got roughly 22 reviews from you saying exactly the same, can you believe how fucked up ff.net can get?! Gems got like 16 reviews from one person saying the same thing as well. It's so weird. Man. Sorry just general rambling. Well what do you think of Kirby now? She's so fun to write. Anyway I noticed you've deleted your fic, and I don't think you should quit writing just because of the misfortune of your fic to be similar to anothers. I know Gems wouldn't be against you. And thanks for your faith, I hope my fic does do well, but I write for the sake of writing. Which is the way it should be.

Zadien: If you think I'm going to write the great in regards to you, you are sadly mistaken!! And yes Kirby's like Amber, I mean she basically idolizes her, except for the having a child thing. Very bad in Kirbys' book. Oh god don't remind me about Mayfie, though your face was hilarious when he asked you out!! Hahaha!! You know I'll stick by you no matter what. You're one amazing authoress and I value your opinion but you don't deserve to have your fic copied by that unoriginal bitch!

Aria: Thank you and here ya go. You had a bit of a wait but well I was a little bit busy.