This has got to be my favourite chapter yet, hope you all feel the same way about it too. And to Daniel, who emailed me, thank you first of all and yes, Rei and Tyson are supposed to be the same age, 15. Hope everyone enjoys the update.

Everything had been going perfectly throughout the day. Great movie, good shopping, and now Rei was taking Tyson around to the more interesting entertainment spots of this city.

            "You'll have to know this place eventually," Rei told him, pointing to a rather large concert hall. "This will probably be where the Phoenix Tear concert will be. They are planning one right?"

            Tyson laughed at his friend's enthusiasm. "Yeah, they are, a few actually. The home crowd loves them. But I don't think it will be for a while. They've come back to do the new album, shoot a video and to rest up a bit before that. Probably not for six months to a year, if that."

            Rei sighed. "Well, at least I finally got to meet them." He grinned. "You do not know how much of  a thrill that is!"

            Tyson smiled. "I think I can make a guess."

            Rei laughed sheepishly and scratched at the back of his head. "Sorry, I tend to get carried away with things that I like."

            "That's okay," Tyson told him with a grin. "I'm the same sometimes." They continued walking for a while until they both heard a rather large rumbling sound. Tyson grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm a bit hungry."

            Rei looked at his watch. It was a bit after 2 in the afternoon. "Wow, I didn't realise how long we'd been wandering around." He looked around, frowning slightly. "There are some all right places to eat around here, but there's a fantastic joint a few streets over. Not as good as Bryan's cooking, but a close second. You up for a little more walking?"

            Tyson nodded. "Sure, if you say it's worthwhile going there."

            "Definitely. Come on." Rei grinned and grabbed a hold of Tyson's hand, leading him across the quiet street and through a small alleyway. "This is a shortcut," he told Tyson. "I know these streets like the back of my hand."

            "I'm glad, because I was lost a few streets back." Rei laughed at him. He'd never felt like this before about someone. Looking back at the smiling boy, Rei felt his heart tug at him. He really liked Tyson, the boy seemed to accept him for who he really was and actually like who he was. Apart from Tala and Bryan, Rei had never met anyone who felt the slightest bit of regard for him and now he was starting to fall for him. Hard.

            Looking around, Rei released Tyson's hand, much to the disappointment of both, and led Tyson into a small restaurant on the corner of a street. Inside was a rather elegant, yet homey sort of decor that Tyson rather liked and the smells ... he was almost drooling at the prospect of such excellent food.

            "Rei!"

            Tyson turned around in confusion as someone called out. Rei grinned seeing a large man approaching him with a grin. "Frederik." He clasped the chef's hand. "How are you? How is your business?'

            "Fantastic as always," Frederik answered with an eastern European accent. "I've not seen you for some time young Rei, staying out of trouble I hope."

            "You know me," Rei answered with a grin.

            "I do, that's why I'm worried." The two shared a laugh then the chef's attention was drawn to Tyson. "A friend of yours?"

            "Yes, this is Tyson."

            The man's face was beaming. "Welcome, welcome, any friend of Rei's is very much welcome with us. Now, I shall leave you two to decide on your order then I shall be back yes?"

            Rei nodded. "Thank you Frederik."

            Tyson grinned. "Yeah. Thanks man." The chef bowed sightly to them and walked back to the kitchen area, leaving them among the other patrons. They sat down at a table.

            "You know a lot of interesting people," Tyson commented once they'd decided what to eat.

            "Like you?" Rei asked with a grin.

            Tyson chuckled. "Among others, yes. How did you meet them all?"

            Rei sighed. "I get to know a few people through my job, some through others I've met, some I've known before. Not all of them are people I would consider friends, but there are some that I enjoy spending time with, like Frederik." Tyson nodded. Rei seemed almost evasive, but Tyson realised that maybe Rei didn't want to talk too much about his past. Needing guardians, rather than being with his parents, Tyson figured something upsetting had to have happened to him in his past. Tyson didn't want to press on a sore spot.

            Frederik came back then, wanting their orders. Rei got a pasta dish while Tyson had been rather indecisive at first, finally choosing some sort of crepe dish. "Frederik has many dishes here. He's travelled around many places, what's why his food is so diverse and multi-cultural," Rei explained to Tyson as they waited.

            "Cool." They got their food fairly quickly. Frederik obviously sped up the orders, favouring Rei as a patron. Sometimes it was good to have friends who knew people, Tyson thought.

            They were having a great time, enjoying themselves and eating one of the most delicious meals Tyson had ever tasted (apart from breakfast that morning) but like all good things, it must either come to an end or be interrupted rudely and be soured.

            A few more patrons entered the restaurant. Tyson looked over curiously and frowned. Rei froze. It was those two creeps, Eddy and Steve with two girls. Tyson had seen them around school and knew they were popular, but he didn't understand why Rei went so still when he saw them. Tyson looked over at Rei and whispered, "Who are the girls?" He hoped they hadn't been seen.

            "Emily and Mariah. Emily's the school's tennis champ as well as the super genius. Mariah's the typical "popular girl" head cheerleader, everyone wants to date her while hating her, reputation as a slut, the usual. I can't stand her."

            Tyson studied her. "She doesn't really sound like the nicest person."

            Rei winced. "Well, she used to be, until she started hanging out with those guys. They realised how pretty she was and figured she'd be perfect with them."

            "You knew her?"

            "Yeah." Rei looked a bit upset. "She used to be a friend of mine, but after ... well, let's just say things got cold between us." Tyson nodded, concentrating on his almost empty plate.

            They managed a few more minutes without being seen before Eddy finally noticed them. Tyson saw him get up and walk over to them, or more specifically, over to him. The others followed his lead, ignoring Rei and sending fake smiles his way.

            "Thought you had a bit more sense than to be hanging out with this dropkick here," Eddy said.

            "Maybe I like dropkicks," Tyson snapped at him, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

            Eddy shrugged, pretending not to notice. "Your choice, but I thought I should warn you before you become a complete outcast. You still have a chance you know. I hear you blade, maybe you should hang with us for a bit, battle a few times."

            "I'd rather not," Tyson told him firmly. "Now if you don't mind, we'd like to eat in peace."

            Steve glared. He still hadn't gotten over Tyson's comments to him before, but Eddy shrugged glancing hard at Steve, stopping him from doing anything. Emily yawned wrinkling her nose when she looked at Rei. But Mariah on the other hand sidled right up to Tyson. "You know," she said with a smile that was obviously meant to be seductive, "I kinda like you. You're cute."

            "That's nice," Tyson told her coldly, wondering why Rei was looking even more murderous than before. "Would you go away now?"

            But Mariah wasn't looking at him any longer, she was smirking at Rei. "Jealous? But of who Rei? Him, or me?" She reached out to run her hand down Tyson's arm. Tyson recoiled with a glare, but she just blew him a kiss. "Think it over Tyson, I'm sure you'll enjoy my company much more than being Rei's boy-toy." She walked away from the table with Emily the two boys sneering and following them.

            Rei wouldn't look at Tyson, he just stared down at his plate in a mixture of anger, humiliation and fear. Tyson frowned. "Rei? What is it?"

            Rei bit his lip and risked a glance at Tyson. Seeing only concern, Rei looked away again, though this time with tears standing in his eyes. "I usually let it wash right over me, but sometimes ..." He trailed off and Tyson understood what he was talking about.

            "You think I care what they think, is that it?" Rei looked down again hearing the exasperation in Tyson's voice. "You should know what I'm going to say to you Rei."

            "You obviously don't care what they think about me and I shouldn't either."

            Tyson grinned. "You do know me, even after such a short time." Rei looked up and shared his smile. "Come on," Tyson got up. "We should head back, it's after three and you have to leave soon."

            Rei nodded. They headed to the main counter and paid Frederik, who came out to wish them farewell then left the restaurant, ignoring the looks they got from the four still at the tables. They walked in silence back to the mall. Rei kept glancing at Tyson worriedly and Tyson finally got sick of it.

            "What?"

            Rei looked startled. "I ... uh ... was just wondering about something."

            "About what?"

            "You wouldn't have a major problem if I told you I was gay would you?" Rei's words came out in a rush and he bit his lip nervously, watching Tyson.

            Tyson just stared at him incredulously. "You have seen Max with my cousin, right?"

            Rei scratched at his head and nodded sheepishly. "Yeah. Guess that was a stupid question huh."

            "Yeah." They continued walking. "It's really not a big deal, I am too."

            Rei almost tripped. "Really?"

            "Yeah." Tyson chuckled. "You sound more surprised than I thought you'd be."

            "Only that you'd tell me so easily."

            "Well you told me first," Tyson shrugged. "Like I said, it's really not that big a deal to me." He grinned at Rei. "Besides, who really wants some fake bimbo girl hanging off them all the time?"

            Rei chuckled. "You have a strange way of making everything seem so much better Tyson. I really like that about you."

            Tyson blushed. "Thanks, I never really thought of it like that. Most people think I'm annoying."

            "I like optimism." Rei's smile made Tyson feel rather warm and light-headed. He didn't even notice when they finally got back to the mall entrance. Rei pulled out his cell phone, handing it to Tyson. "You want to call your cousin?"

            "Thanks." Tyson took the phone and dialled his number. Rei watched him as he talked with Kenny and knew that with all these new revelations about his friend, there was no way he would be able to contain his attraction very long.

            Tyson hung up and handed the phone back to Rei, who seemed rather nervous about something. Rei dialled Tala, aware of Tyson's eyes on him the whole time. He felt like he was blushing, but he couldn't be sure. He talked quickly with his guardian then put his phone away. Then he stared at Tyson with some trepidation. "Something up?" he asked.

            Tyson shook his head. "Not really, I just had a really great time today. Thanks for everything Rei, you really know how to show a guy a good time."

            Rei shrugged, wincing inside at the phrasing Tyson had used. "It's what I'm good at," he replied with a fake grin. Tyson's eyes narrowed, sensing something wrong with his friend, but he shrugged it off. They waited for their rides in a relatively comfortable silence.

            Finally Tyson spotted Kenny's car. He looked over at Rei and bit his lip, hoping he'd read things right. "Hey Rei?" Rei looked over curiously just as Tyson leaned up and kissed him lightly on the mouth. Rei was too stunned to do anything at first, but after the initial shock he leaned into the kiss, holding Tyson's arms and pulling him closer. They stayed that way for a few moments.

            Tyson pulled back first. He smiled up at Rei, looking even brighter than he usually did. "I'll see you at school on Monday, okay?"

            Rei grinned. "I'll be looking forward to it." Tyson laughed and pulled away from him further, heading over to Kenny's car and waving to Rei as he left. Rei watched them drive off, grinning like a fool as he did so.

            Everything was going perfectly for him.

            "I haven't seen a smile that silly in ages," a voice commented dryly nearby, making Rei jump. He glared at Tala who was grinning at him. "Come on lover boy, time for work." Rei followed Tala back to his car.

            "How much did you see?" Rei asked as Tala started to drive off.

            Tala grinned. "Enough." He looked over at Rei with a softer smile. "I'm glad for you, you deserve someone nice."

            Rei smiled gratefully. "Thanks Tala. Have you ever found someone like that?"

            Tala shook his head. "Not yet, but I'm a great believer in miracles."

*~*

Rei looked around curiously as he got out of the car. There weren't too many cars here today, which was rather strange for the weekend. Tala locked up and headed off quickly towards one of the buildings. They were barely on time. Rei quickly followed him.

            At the entrance to the building though he spotted a car that made him stop in his tracks.

            Tala looked back at him. "Rei!" he hissed. "We've got to get going."

            Rei nodded, still frowning at the sleek black convertible that looked so much like Kai's car.

*~*

Bryan paced irritably, glancing at his watch again.

            It was a good thing that Boris and the others were running a bit late, because it was almost four and Tala and Rei still hadn't turned up yet. But as he heard voices in the corridor, he grew nervous. Where the hell were they?

            Bryan could hear Ian saying, "The other two have been seen in one of the car parks on their way here."

            "Good," Boris replied and Bryan knew he was talking about Tala and Rei. "Then we shouldn't have too long to wait."

            "Whatever." Bryan frowned hearing the new voice. He could have sworn he'd heard that voice before, though perhaps not the cold tone he used. He glanced over as the door began to open, standing by the opposite wall, but as the people behind it were revealed, Bryan froze, paling.

            Crimson eyes opened wide in shock for an instant before narrowing sharply in icy fury. Kai barely heard what Boris was saying, his attention instead captured by the lone figure in the room who he'd seen only that morning.

            "Boris," Kai finally snapped, his gaze still never leaving Bryan. "Leave us. We'll wait for the other two here." Boris' mouth tightened with rage but he nodded and gestured the Ian and Spencer leave with him.

            Kai and Bryan were now alone in the room. Neither said a word at first. Kai's gaze flickered to the corner of the ceiling where Bryan knew a camera was. It was going to be a very awkward situation.

            "Won't you sit, Mr. Hiwatari?" Bryan finally asked, gesturing to one of the seats in the room.

            "No." Kai's glare never faded. "I assume I can guess at the identities of the other two who will be joining us."

            Bryan looked away. "You could."

            Kai moved towards him, standing close by him so that his barely whispered words could only be heard by him. "You fucking bastard," he said. "He's just a child."

            "You think I don't know that?" Bryan replied in just as low a voice.

            "How long?"

            "A few years."

            Kai turned away, his fury clearly evident on his face. "You never tried to stop it?"

            "We did, Rei won't let us any more."

            Kai stared at him, curiosity beneath his fury, but he didn't ask. It was evidently a sore spot for Bryan. Still, he couldn't believe this was happening. He liked these guys, he never would have thought something like this about them. Kai turned away and sat down. "Tell me about them, and about yourself."

            Bryan looked startled. "What do you mean?"

            "How long have you been working here?"

            Bryan stared at him suspiciously before sitting down himself. "Quite a few years, seven I think, same as Tala. Rei's only been with us two."

            "And you're the best?"

            "We are." Bryan turned away from Kai's accusing and disgusted gaze.

            "I see." Kai didn't ask anything more, he just waited, sitting silently with Bryan until they both heard voices in the corridor. Bryan froze again, recognising them and Kai looked over at the door, knowing who he'd see behind it.

            "We're late Rei come on," came Tala's hurried voice. Kai frowned. He still hadn't met Tala, but he could have sworn he'd heard his voice somewhere before. "Boris is going to be furious with us, not to mention Bryan will lecture me about punctuality again."

            "What, you think your clients care how punctual you are? Loosen up Tala, you're worth the wait, you'll be forgiven quite easily." Bryan would have chuckled at Rei's comments, were things not as tense as they were. The door began to open. Rei stepped through, looking back at Tala. "Besides," he started, but he trailed off and almost collapsed in shock as he saw who was in the room with Bryan.

            Rei had one coherent thought as he stared at Kai: It was his car I saw in the parking lot.

            "Rei?" Tala asked curiously from behind him. He tried to step past the boy to see what had him so worked up. "What ..." Tala paled. "Fuck," he whispered in a strained voice.

            Kai was no better. He'd gotten up from his seat the instant he saw Tala and was staring at the other man as though he were a ghost, oblivious to everyone else in the room with them.

            "Tala?"

            The sound of his name on Kai's lips broke whatever spell had them all captured. Tala ran back out of he room and down the hall, not caring who saw him or what happened later. Kai, surprisingly, leapt after him, rushing straight past Rei and following the redhead. Rei looked about to faint until Bryan rushed over and caught him, his mind still reeling with confusion and shock.

            "Bryan?" Rei asked weakly as the man set him down in one of the chairs. "What's going on?"

            Bryan shook his head. "I honestly don't know, and I can't promise it's good either."

AN: *big grin* I've been wanting to write that chapter for a while, it's good to get it off my chest.

I'll bet you guys have some questions too … plus you're probably all hating me for the cliffie, but first can I as if anyone knows Tala and Bryan's last names? I wouldn't have a clue about them.

Well, hope you all enjoyed that chapter.

Laters.