For once, it's not my fault this took so long… onee-chan disappeared from the face of the planet for a while. Says it's my fault for not being online enough. ::sigh:: Anywho, point is it's here now. And there's some semblance to a plot forming. Next chapter is the honest last chapter to Several Blows. But don't despair, I've got plans for a sequel and a side story. ::grins:: both of which are in the works. And just for future note, this is set after the end of V-Force, I actually decided that recently. ::sweatdrop::
I want to thank you all for the lovely reviews. 24 for this chapter in total. It really flatters me. Only thing that really bothered me was all the complaints about not getting a lemon. For one, I'm poor at writing them. Those of you that read my one lemon might debate, but I just reread it a short time ago and it was awful, so don't fight with me. Secondly, I don't want this story in danger of getting removed, I already got a few strokes against my name. And thirdly, I think it'd just take away from the story. Just a couple things I had to respond to now.
To Hijiri Hitokiri Battousai: … onee-chan. Chris is my older sister, not brother. XD Chris is short for Christina, she's a she.
To Tadashi: why must you always injure me in reviews? ;-; Yes, Tyson is fun.
To Kouichi no PENdolse: Dearie, I meant for that. Kai was so used to people accusing him that ye automatically yelled "I'm not molesting Rei!"
To hyper breeze from the east: as for the R thing… I think it may have been a slip of the mouse. I'm really glad you commented on the dialogue from the tourney, I wasn't sure how good it was. I actually found it rather challenging to write.
To SilverYami: In the beginning of the series they're 12-14 and travelling all across the world without parental supervision most of the time. Sometimes Tyson's grandfather is with them, but he's no responsible adult. Frankly, Kai is mature beyond his years and so is Rei and Mr. Dickinson would realise that. Plus this isn't a permanent home, they're just staying there for a couple months. It's like staying in a really big hotel room for a couple months, just without the mini fridges and room service.
Warning: see previous chapters. Additional warning: talk of abuse
Disclaimer: Beyblade is not my property, I am making no profit off of this. I merely write to entertain and to work on my skills.
-x- = scene change
"{text}" Are things spoken in other languages besides Japanese.
Chapter 5: If We Sleep Together
-x- Rei's pov -x-
"I've told you for the millionth time, Rei," Came his voice from the other side of the door. "I will not open the door."
"Come on, Kai! You don't need to get pissed!" I pleaded and rattled the doorknob. Trust me, a drunk Kai was not a fun Kai. And I know that there was alcohol in that room somewhere. I just haven't been able to find it as of yet.
Wyatt and Lee were standing with me, giving me sympathetic looks. Kenny, Max and Tyson were trying to deal with the paparazzi and fangirls outside. Mariah and Hilary had not been seen or heard from for the last couple hours.
"Maybe we should pick the lock?" Wyatt offered.
"The bureau's up against the door." Came Kai's muffled voice from the other side of the door yet again.
Oh, just make things more difficult, why don't you, Kai! I rubbed my temple and glared at the closed bedroom door.
Suddenly Lee laid a hand on my shoulder. He brought his lips to my ear and whispered to me, "I have a plan. Just stop for a second and think. What is Kai the most possessive of?"
Well, Dranzer for one. The guy's deathly serious about his blade. The only time I've ever seen them apart was during the whole Black Dranzer incident.
"Dranzer," I stated simply. I really have no clue what Lee was trying to get at.
"No, think someone." He looked me in the eyes.
"…Me?" I blinked stupidly.
Lee nodded and smiled. "So, if say I was hitting on you, wouldn't he become possessive and come out?"
Taking that as a cue to leave Wyatt said (perhaps a little too loudly), "I'm going to the bathroom, you boys think of something clever to do."
Just spell it out, why don't you? Lovely job of being discreet there, Wyatt. I think Kai's bitterness and sarcasm were starting to rub off on me…
As Wyatt exited, Lee wrapped his arms around me. I moaned loudly, just for effect. "Lee, you don't have to comfort me."
He began kissing my neck. Ok, he's going a bit far now… "But I want to." He smiled against my neck. "Besides, I still have some feelings for you. I always have, Tiger."
If my ears aren't deceiving me, I do believe Kai is growling.
"Oh my GOD! What are you doing to Rei, Lee?" Mariah shrieked from somewhere behind us.
Both Lee and I spun around to see Mariah and Hilary gawking at us. Seconds later there was a loud scraping sound and Kai emerged from bedroom. He grabbed me none too gently and held me possessively.
"Rei is mine!" He hissed at Lee.
Why do I suddenly feel like a slab of meat or something? "No sweat, Kai." I took both of his wrists in my hands and spun around to face him. "It was just a ruse to get you out of the room."
Mariah sighed with relief. "So Lee isn't really gay?"
Laughing nervously Lee glanced away from Mariah. "Actually… I am."
All I saw was a flash of pink as Mariah's body slumped to the floor. Ahh… lovely, she's gone and fainted.
Having heard the commotion the rest of the people in the house congregated in the hallway.
"Should I get some smelling salts or water?" Wyatt asked tentatively.
"You could get some frozen vegetables. You'll need some of those when Mariah regains consciousness." I grimaced. Mariah was not going to take this well. Well, that was a given. Though I do think she took my confession rather well. Maybe deep down she already knew. Not likely, but it still is a possibility.
"Guys, this may not be the best time to say this…" Kenny looked flustered and was wringing his hands. "But Mr. Dickinson is going to be here any minute now and he's bringing Boris, who he says is not very happy with this whole ordeal. Mr. Dickinson didn't say much, but he didn't sound very enthusiastic either."
It felt like all the air was forced out of me because Kai's hold on me had tightened dramatically. Geeze, can this day get any worse? First: snarky Kai, bad but that can be worked around. Second: paparazzi and fangirls, scary yet they'll go away eventually. But a pissed off Mr. Dickinson and Boris is coming to visit? We may have a problem now…
"Kai, you're squeezing me too hard!" I squeaked.
He loosened his grip on me and sighed heavily. "I assume this has everything to do with the kiss on the internationally aired tournament yesterday?"
"He didn't say anything specifically, but one would assume so." Kenny was still wringing his hands.
"NnnnN…" Mariah moaned from the floor. "My head doesn't feel very good."
"That's because you hit the floor with it, Mariah." Hilary looked at her new found friend with concern. "You fainted. Let's get you downstairs and see if you're alright." Hilary helped Mariah up and led her downstairs. I should really go make sure Mariah's ok, but there are more pressing matters at the moment. Like trying to keep Kai from murdering someone. I think his homicidal instincts are running high at the moment and Tala is his prime target.
The doorbell rang and everyone went deathly silent. I even forgot to breathe for a short time.
"I'll get it." Hilary yelled from downstairs.
The rest of us remained frozen as we heard the front door open. Hilary talked with Mr. Dickinson for a good couple minutes before an icy voice interrupted them.
"I don't care about this pointless jabber, where is Kai?"
At that moment Kai tried to make a break for his room. I caught one of his wrists and pulled him back. Running away from your problems won't solve anything. And frankly, Boris isn't something you want to run away from. He does work for your grandfather who, like it or not, is your legal guardian…
"You can't run forever. You knew that Biovolt wasn't going to take this lightly. I'm just amazed Boris didn't come sooner," I voiced my thoughts.
He gave me a very foreboding glare. "Let me go, Rei."
"Boris, he's up here."
We all looked down the staircase to see a very familiar red-head. There was a faint smirk on Tala's lips. I wonder if things will go as badly as yesterday with him and Kai.
Within seconds Boris pushed past Tala and made his way up the stairs and over to Kai. None too gently he pushed me to the ground. I sat there in mute fascination and horror. Kai didn't seem any better seeing as he didn't even flinch when Boris took him around the neck and flung him into the wall.
"You dirty little roach! Do you not realise what you have done to the Hiwatari name? And Biovolt for that matter?" Boris hissed all the while his voice rising. "Your grandfather is far from pleased. He will be coming out here himself once he has finished with some pressing business. Until then you shall be in my care. Shall you object I will have you removed forcibly from this establishment."
"Bastard," Kai hissed.
That outburst resulted in him receiving a harsh blow to the face.
The boy I love is being abused by a psychopath and I can't do anything to help him. I'm afraid not only of Boris but also of what might happen if I try to help. I may only make things worse.
"Boris! I
must strongly object to this all!" Mr. Dickinson huffed as he came up the
stairs.
"Dickinson, this doesn't concern you." Boris spat
at the head of the BBA.
Have I ever mentioned how completely this guy scares me? He's the size of a skinny bear, he has the stature of Hitler and is even more amoral than Bryan. The guy's a fucking loon.
"This is very much my business! You're mistreating one of my best bladers." Mr. Dickinson was beginning to turn red in the face. He sort of looks like an angered woodchuck when he gets worked up. I realise that was a very inappropriate thought at the moment but frankly this is all happening a little too fast.
"I am acting upon direct orders from Voltaire himself."
"You can't do anything to Kai unless I have written permission from Voltaire himself." Mr. Dickinson shot back, tutting afterwards.
That stopped Boris in his tracks. "I thought you might say something like that." His voice chilled me to the bone. "That's why I brought Tala."
We all glanced over to the red-haired blader. He was casually leaning against a wall. At the mention of his name he looked over to Boris. "What? You never-"
"Don't say anything, Tala. You will do as I order." Boris turned his merciless eyes on Kai again. "Tala will be staying with you. He will observe you and keep you here until your grandfather returns to Japan. Is that acceptable, Dickinson?"
Despite the fact that Mr. Dickinson was turning purple with anger he managed to mutter. "Yes, that is fine. Now you may take your leave, Boris."
Boris began heading out but paused at the top of the staircase. "Tala, your things will be sent later today. Keep a very close eye on Kai." And with that he stalked down the stairs.
It wasn't until after the front door had slammed shut that I heard the struggle behind me. I turned on my spot on the floor to see Max, Lee and Wyatt trying to restrain Tyson. Wyatt's hand slipped from Tyson's mouth. "Yah, leave your minion, Boris! You're just a pansy chicken!"
"If you want my advice, don't upset Boris, unless you have very good medical coverage," Tala spoke up.
Tyson's mouth fell open. "You're protecting him?"
In the same monotone voice Tala responded, "No, I'm just trying to save you a lot of suffering."
An uncomfortable silence fell over everyone. Everyone was watching Tala except for Kai and me. Kai was staring at a spot on the wall and I was watching him. I'm starting to regret that kiss from yesterday. I really do wonder what possessed him to do that. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in his head. Despite the fact that I adore him, I think he really does need serious therapy some days.
Mr. Dickinson coughed, thus breaking the silence. "Kai, Rei, could I please talk with you privately?"
Kai looked down at me and nodded. I got up from the floor and the three of us headed downstairs. We walked into our redone kitchen. Mr. Dickinson took a seat at the table while Kai crossed his arms and stood by the wall. Not really knowing where else to go I hoisted myself up onto the kitchen counter.
"We've had phone calls by the millions about your little show yesterday." Mr. Dickinson began but fell silent for a moment. "There were lots of complaints and questions. But there were also lots of people supporting the two of you. I'm very disappointed with the fact that you boys did that, but Beyblade sales have skyrocketed. Especially among females."
That was not what I had been expecting.
Apparently neither had Kai seeing as his mouth was hanging open slightly.
"Normally, I would be furious with you boys but seeing that the outcome's been
positive overall I can't stay angry. Though I do expect you
to be a bit more discreet in the future." He stood up and put his hat on
his head. "I must be going now. Too many things to clean up.
Security guards are being posted around the neighbourhood. I'd advise you boys against
going outside in the next few days."
Kai and I saw him out. After the door clicked shut Kai let out a sigh.
"That was a lot better than I thought it would be. I thought that we were going to get our ears chewed off."
"Then why did you kiss me in the arena?"
"Impulse."
I almost fell over. So Kai almost ruins both of our reputations because he just felt that he should kiss me? "I should throw you to the fangirls!" I waved one of my arms sporadically as I yelled at him. This was no time to be calm.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that, Kitty."
We both turned to look at Tala. What I really want to know now is what made Kai yell at him yesterday. I've only ever seen Kai yell at Tyson in that way before. I didn't think Kai would hate anyone as much as Tyson… maybe it has something to do with those letters from Russia. 10,000 yen says Tala wrote those letters and another 10,000 says they're the reason that Kai snapped.
"There's a guest room downstairs, Tala. If you stay there then I won't kill you." Kai stormed out of the room and stomped up the stairs. A second later his door slammed shut yet again.
I was torn between chasing after Kai and staying to question Tala. I'd probably have better luck getting information from the infamous Tala than I would from my own boyfriend. Somehow there's something not quite right with that.
"He's a real piece of work, isn't he?" Tala was the one who broke the silence.
I laughed. "You're telling me. I live with the guy."
"You do more than live with him." He winked. "Besides, I grew up with the guy. I understand what's going through his head."
"Care to give me some insight? I'm really at a loss most of the time."
He smiled faintly letting some of his icy mask melt away. "He has a soft spot for cats. Not just neko-jin like yourself, but actual felines. Once when we were kids he found an injured cat and snuck it into the Abbey. He tried to nurse it back to health. When Boris found it, he was furious. Kai got into so much trouble and the cat was thrown out on the streets again; he loved that little kitten a lot. So as you can see, Kai wasn't always the way he is now. Nobody that goes into the Abbey comes out the same."
I wasn't quite sure what to say. I mean, I sort of knew that (well, not the cat story…) but hearing Tala say that now and in that tone of voice really made it sink in. To be truthful, I don't think Tala's such a bad guy.
"I know it's hard for outsider like yourself to understand what we went through, but you just trying may make all the difference in Kai's heart. If you work hard, you may be able to pull him out of the darkness; he may be able to smile again…"
I couldn't help it, I smiled. "Thanks Tala."
Now if only I could remember what I had wanted to ask him… oh well, it must not have been important. Maybe now it would be best if I just found Kai and made sure he wasn't drunk.
-x- Wyatt's pov -x-
Wyatt Smithright, age16, of Japanese heritage. Father is a successful lawyer. Mother is deceased. I met Kai at school; I could barely believe my good fortune that day. Since the first time that I had seen him, I had been obsessed. What's not to love, beautiful crimson eyes, dual-coloured hair, a mean fashion sense, and a lean and very sexy body. The only things that are keeping him from perfection are his inability to express simple human emotion and almost non-existent social skills.
But all of that doesn't explain why I'm currently sitting on the lap of none other than Lee Yin, captain of the White Tigers. Sure Lee's sexy, but he's no Kai. Which is probably a good thing. Some day, Kai's going to give Rei an aneurysm.
Lee's a lot more caring though. And more muscular. And he does have a tendency to walk around with his chest exposed. Plus he has those adorable neko-jin features, like Rei. Speaking of Rei, he's a really nice guy. I feel bad about hitting him with that lamp.
Suddenly I was being shaken by someone.
"Wyatt, are you in there?"
I blinked and turned to look into Lee's golden eyes. I guess I was spacing out a bit. "Mmm hmm," I muttered.
"Lee?" Rei popped his head into Max's bedroom. "Can you give me a hand? I'm trying to fix up the hole in the guest room wall so that Tala can stay there."
Lee sighed. "Sure, but why won't Phoenix help you?" I got off of Lee's lap and he got up from the bed.
"Are you kidding me? Kai has locked himself in his room again. It's going to take a lot to get him out again. He's going to need to use the washroom sometime though, I'll be waiting then."
"I'll try and stop him from locking his door if he does come out," I offered. I should at least try to help where I can. And try to make amends for hitting Rei with that lamp.
Rei smiled faintly. "That'd be great, Wyatt!"
With that they both left the room. I watched both of their asses. Hey, who wouldn't if they were in my position? Despite the fact that I like my men more sexy than pretty, Rei really does have a nice ass. But nothing can compare to Kai's… I really do have a dirty mind.
This brings me all back to my Kai obsession. Sure I still worship him, but he's like my fantasy. Think of it like how some Star Trek fans want to get it on with Seven of Nine [1] (who I have no interest in by the way). I'm 100% gay. No girls for me. My dad put me in an all boys school so that I wouldn't be distracted by 'voluptuous young women', as he put it. My studies haven't been hurt though by that fact that I'm surrounded by some very attractive students. On the contrary, I get help from many of the other boys and excel in most subjects, Russian in particular. I took Russian up so that I could converse with Kai in his native tongue. Wait, does that make me sound like a stalker?
Well, it's not like everyone doesn't have their own little obsessions and secret crushes. I happen to know Lee's. Two nights ago when I first arrived we wound up sleeping in the same bed. I woke up to him nibbling on my neck and purring, "Rei, you taste like cinnamon." When he woke up and realised I wasn't Rei he made me swear to never tell a soul… It's kind of funny that the two of us wound up together since we both like someone else. Two someone else's that happen to be in a relationship together.
It's sort of funny how the world works sometimes, especially when it comes to my relationship with Lee. I mean, one second I have bloody nose and Lee's helping me stop the bleeding. Then the next minute he's got me pinned to the sink countertop and is kissing me like there's no tomorrow. I didn't even think Lee was into any other guy besides Rei. I mean, I agreed to sleep in the same bed because didn't want to sleep on the floor. Heehee, maybe he thought I was cute or something?
Kai's bedroom door swung open and he stepped out. Quickly, he headed towards the bathroom.
"Kai!" I latched onto his arm.
"Now is not the time for this, Wyatt." He spat and tried to shake me loose. "I have no interest in you."
"I'm not doing this because I want to kiss you. I 'm doing this for Rei. He's really worried!"
"Then why isn't he here?"
"Because he is being the responsible adult and is fixing up a room for Tala to stay in."
"Oh…" He sighed. "Are they-"
There was a loud crash and both Kai and I looked down the stairs towards the basement door.
-x- Rei's pov -x-
At the moment I wasn't quite sure whether to laugh or call emergency. He just… I mean the… I burst into hysterical laughter and pointed at Lee.
"This really isn't funny, Rei. I'm in a lot of pain." Lee hissed.
I fell to the ground and grasped my sides. Oh! The agony!
"Does he usually do this?" Tala stared at me with concern. "If he's not careful he might run out of oxygen."
"Fine by me if he passes out," Lee growled.
At that moment both Kai and Wyatt rushed into the room. Wide-eyed, Wyatt rushed over to Lee. Kai on the other hand stood in the doorway and stared at me like I was crazy. Which probably wasn't that far off from the truth.
Moments later Tyson came crashing down the stairs followed by Max.
"Holy cow! Why is Lee sitting in the broken bed frame? How'd you guys manage to break it anyway?" Tyson asked in a rush.
Tala laughed slightly. "Well, I sat down on the edge of the bed and it creaked ominously. So I informed the others. Lee was going to prove to me that it was just a little old, and could support my weight. He took one jump and upon his landing the bed frame promptly gave away."
"Did you break anything?" Wyatt asked Lee worriedly.
"Only his pride!" I began to laugh hysterically again.
"Shut up, Ra-Ra!"
I stopped laughing when he said my childhood nickname. He wouldn't… he couldn't… Please don't let him tell the story!
"Ra-Ra?" Tala asked and looked between the two of us.
"When we were growing up, Rei used to pretend he was a fearsome tiger. To everyone else he was a pesky three-year-old with an extended teething stage who yelled 'ra, ra' because he couldn't say 'rawr'."
The bastard… Wyatt, Tala, Tyson and Max are laughing openly. I think even Kai's snickering a bit. Death by mortification. Definitely not my choice of ways to die…
"Don't worry, Rei." Tala calmed slightly. "It's not as bad as Kai's nick-" A Beyblade launcher came in contact with Tala's head. He muttered something in Russian and glared at Kai. Tala has nothing on Kai's glare, but he can still give a rather icy one.
I chuckled and went over to Kai. I wrapped my arm around his waist and he loped an arm around my waist in return. It's amazing how much he can express without saying anything. Though he usually only saves random acts of violence for Tyson.
I sighed. "We're going to have to find somewhere for Tala to sleep though… don't we have an old army cot up in the attic?"
Kai shrugged. "We could just give him a blanket and make him sleep on the floor."
The fellow Russian pouted and said something in Russian to Kai. Kai's eyes darkened as he responded in Russian.
Wyatt made a little cough which caught everyone's attention. "Umm… shouldn't we clean up this mess? There are little bits of bed frame all over the room."
"I'll get the vacuum!" Tyson sprinted out of the room. The kid had an obsession with the vacuum. He didn't actually like to clean with it; he just liked how he could irritate Kai with it by trying to suck up Kai's pant leg. As I've said before, the level of maturity in this house sometimes astounds me.
"Come on; let's go looking for the cot." I turned and took Kai by the wrist to lead him away from the carnage that was once a bed.
"Oh, I'm coming with you." Tala hurried behind us. "I haven't got a full tour of the house."
Kai just muttered in a language I didn't recognise. Why do I have the feeling he's swearing?
-x-
For the second time in the last couple days I sat in the kitchen holding a bag of frozen peas to my head. This is really starting to get ridiculous. I mean, if I receive any more head injuries I may obtain some form of brain damage. Well, that is if I haven't already.
Tyson entered the room and paused when he noticed me holding the now mostly thawed peas to my head.
"Did Wyatt… uhh, did Wyatt hit you again?" He stumbled over the words.
I shook my head no, which sent waves of disorientation and pain through my head. My stomach churned. This one hurt more than Wyatt's lamp incident. Wyatt really does swing like a pansy girl…
"Oh? Then who hit you?"
"Kai," I stated simply.
Tyson looked about ready to fall over. After a moment of gaping like a fish his face contorted in anger. "WHAT??? I'm going to pound his pale Russian ass into the next fucking continent!"
Tyson spun to go find Kai, but I grabbed him by the arm. This time waves of extreme dizziness overtook me and I teetered on my feet, almost taking an unwelcome trip to the linoleum. "No, it's not what you think."
The younger boy paused for a second, noting my unstable stance. With a sigh he sat me down on a chair and crossed his arms in a rather Kai-like fashion. "Then please tell me what happened."
"Well, we were walking through the living room when Tala said something in Russian. This made Kai tense a fair bit. Before anyone knew what was happening Kai had the same lamp that Wyatt had used on me in his hand and was making a swing at Tala. Being the only one not frozen in surprise I moved in the way hoping that Kai would stop his assault… unfortunately he didn't and I was the casualty."
Tyson got up "I'm still going to pound his ass!"
"Tyson!" Kai snapped.
A look of utter shock and horror overcoming his face, Tyson turned to see an absolutely fuming Kai enter the room. I swear, the Kai that swore at Tala yesterday looks like Mary Poppins compared to this beast in the kitchen. For once I was actually regretting living in this madhouse…
"There is no need for constant swearing in this house. Furthermore, it was an accident which I greatly regret. And finally, if you don't make yourself scarce voluntarily I will do it forcibly."
It's weird to hear so many words strung together at once from Kai, but nothing can get weirder than the past few days in this house. But, then again, Tyson could bring out Kai's more talkative side.
With a large shiver Tyson started backing out of the room. He was moving very slowly and watching Kai's every move closely. "I'll be… ungh." He made a break for it and I heard the back door slam shut a few seconds later.
Kai sighed and knelt down before me. "Are you ok, Rei?" He moved my bangs away from my face and looked into my eyes… most likely checking for a concussion.
"I'll live." I gave him a weak smile.
"Come on, you should rest." He swept me up into his arms bridal style, despite my protests, and carried me up to our now shared room.
-x- Kai's pov -x-
The kitchen looks like it was hit by a hurricane. I can hardly wait until this place goes back to just being the five of us. Though I could do with having Tyson and Max out of the house for a while as well. This place is beyond a madhouse. Especially with Tala showing up. Speaking of Tala, I wonder how he's fairing in the broom closet. He's been awfully quiet in there, I wonder if he's accidentally ingested some highly toxic solvent. Wouldn't be a loss if he had.
There was a loud yelp from the hallway. Funny, that sounded like Hilary. I wonder what she's yelling at. Noting that Mariah was still bent over the stove with Lee and Wyatt, her reluctant kitchen aids, cowering in the corner, I decided to go investigate myself.
Upon entering the hallway I saw Hilary sitting on the tiled floor staring up at a madly laughing Tala. Ahh, it seems that the little brat has come across the pervert in the closet.
"What were you doing in there?" Hilary shrieked and pointed a shaking finger at Tala.
A twisted smile appeared on his face and Tala turned to me. "Kai put me in there. Told me I was being a bother."
Hilary gave me a funny look. "That almost seems inhumane…"
"Uhh… everyone better come in here!" Rei yelled from the living room. Something sounded the matter.
Quickly I went into the other room to see Rei staring at the TV. I noted why within seconds. We were headline news.
"In further development in our headline breaking news," some of the others began to filter in as the reporter continued her story. "Police and security services are set up around the neighbourhood where the world famous Bladebreakers are known to have residence. Sources say that earlier today, BBA head Stanley Dickinson visited the team along with the Demolition Boys trainer Boris Balkov and Demolition Boys team captain Tala Ivanonv. It was said that Dickinson and Balkov left the house but it is assumed that Tala is still with the boys. Rumour-"
"I think you two have become the relationship of the century." Tala smiled. "And I've just made headline news. I bet the others are jealous."
"{Can't you ever think intelligently, Tala?}" I growled in Russian.
" Kai, you more than anyone know my intelligence. I'm no fool.}"
"{Then why do you act like one?}"
"{You're too uptight. You should let Rei loosen you up more.}"
"{Does everything you say have to have a sexual innuendo?}" Growing up in the Abbey you think he'd know how to hold his tongue.
"{Hey, I can say things that aren't meant to be perverted. It's just your dirty mind making it all up, Kai.}"
"Will you two stop talking in gibberish?" Tyson asked irritably.
"It's not gibberish, it's Russian." I spat back at him.
I looked up to the screen just in time to see video of Rei and myself kissing at the tournament. Despite all the trouble it has caused, it really was fun to do. I only wish I could have seen my grandfathers face when he saw this footage. I bet he's never looked that surprised before in his life.
"So far the Bladebreakers have been unavailable for comment," I tuned back in to what the news anchor was saying. "But Stanley Dickinson has quoted that 'after things die down we shall arrange for a conference date'."
Conference date? Funny, Mr. Dickinson never mentioned that to us. I wonder when he intended to inform us.
Voicing my thoughts Rei asked, "What conference? There better be good security if there is one… I don't want any fangirls or homophobes getting a piece of me."
I nodded solemnly.
Suddenly there was a strange aroma in the air. It reminded me vaguely of burnt oil… as in the stir fry that Mariah was making. It seemed that other people were starting to notice the aroma too. With a start Mariah darted out of the room and to the kitchen. Looking between each other Lee and Wyatt concluded that they should return to their slave labour and help Mariah.
The news then switched from the story about Rei and myself to how some card game was becoming a popular craze and almost threatening Beyblading. [2]
Slowly the others left the room as well until only Rei, Tala and myself were left. After a moment Rei spoke up.
"I checked the attic for the cot… it looks like a piece of rust with a moth eaten mattress on it. I think it'd be safer to sleep in quick sand than it would be to sleep on that thing.
"So then, where will I be bunking?" Tala sat on the armrest of the couch.
"How about he stays in our room, Kai? He could just sleep on the floor like you suggested earlier with a blanket and pi-"
"No, absolutely not." I spat and looked at Rei with venom. There was no way that Tala was sleeping in the same room as me.
"But Kai, he'll be on the FLOOR. Besides, he can't go in the living room. What if a fangirl breaks in, he'll be the first victim."
"Do you think I care about that?" I spat back.
"Now Kai, you're hurting my feelings." Tala pouted.
"If you continue to talk, more than your feelings will be hurting!"
I don't see how Rei could find it a logical solution to have Tala stay in OUR room. He's just going to try to get into my pants and nothing will end well.
-x-
I hate this. I really do. I turned away from Rei in the bed and faced the wall. I can't believe he convinced me that he could sleep in here. Two clear blue eyes appeared before mine and I shot up with a start. What the hell is Tala doing? Can't he just leave me alone for a moment?
"Aww, is Kai cranky?" Tala got up from the floor and then sat on the bed beside me.
I promptly pushed him off the bed and looked over at Rei. "If he doesn't shut up and go to his spot on the floor, I'm throwing him out the window."
"Now you're starting to sound like Bryan." Tala rolled his eyes and got up for a second time. "Besides Kai, how often do I get time away from the Abbey? Not since I was seven. I want to feel the touch of those that love me."
"I'll give you a love tap." I growled. I swear, if he doesn't lay off I'll throw him out the window without opening it first. Hopefully the shards of glass will slash his body and cause him excruciating pain before he falls to the ground a mangled heap.
I hadn't been paying attention, but I immediately snapped back when I felt Tala's hand on the back of my neck. His fingers trailed across the scar that lay there. Rei had once asked me about the scar, but I had refused to answer him… it held too many painful memories, memories that I wanted to forget.
"I know you walked away from that place with a few scars… but it's nothing compared to what I went through." The playfulness was suddenly gone from his voice and eyes. He had become the stoic blader once again. I have to admit, it saddened me slightly to see those once bright eyes dull and become like the ice he could control. Slowly he removed his shirt. I was about to protest when I saw the reasons. His once perfect ivory skin was marred with countless scars running every which way. It's like his skin was a giant imperfection. Some of them were years old, but other ones looked fairly recent.
"Losing is not an option… I received so many of these after the World Championships. I don't even remember who inflicted most of these. Boris did some and the guards had their hands at me as well. After a couple hours I was absolutely numb."
Slowly he turned his back to us. I heard a soft gasp beside me as Rei took in Tala's bruised back. There were fresh wounds there; it looked like Boris had been rather unhappy about the loss yesterday. One caramel hand reached out tentatively and gently traced the Russian words etched onto Tala's lower back.
"What do they say?" Rei's voice was barely audible.
Tala turned his head to Rei and opened his mouth to speak.
"Don't lose," I said softly.
Tala turned his head back and nodded. "Boris did that after the World Championships. One of the first things he did. He wanted to etch it into my memory, so he carved it into my skin."
I barely registered what was happening as Rei flung his arms around Tala, tears were running down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry."
Tala tried to turn slightly in the younger boy's arms to console him. "Shh, Kitty. It's not your fault. It's the life I was given."
"But can't you do anything about it?" Rei sobbed.
I rubbed Rei's shoulder. I was really unsure how to console him. I still wasn't very good with the whole relationship thing. "We can't do a thing until Boris and Voltaire are dead or behind bars."
"But why haven't you tried?" Rei lifted his head to look at me.
"Voltaire… my grandfather is a very powerful man. If we…" I wasn't sure how to put this into words. My head was swimming with the ideas. I've tried to figure that out myself. How exactly would we be able to imprison Boris and Voltaire permanently? If we failed…
"If we were to not succeed… then we would most likely suffer until the point where we prayed for death." Tala finished for me.
A little harsh for my liking, but it was true.
"Get your pillow," I said
Tala turned, though with difficulty, to look at me. "What?"
"Are you going to sleep on the floor with those injuries?"
He gave a soft laugh and pried himself from Rei "I knew you weren't a complete bastard, Hiwatari."
I figure letting Tala sleep with us would console Rei somewhat. If Tala tries anything funny though I'll add to his injuries. Despite his sympathy plea, I will still show no remorse for throwing him out the window; though I might consider opening the window first.
I was just about to encircle Rei in my arms when Tala plopped between us. "Night boys." He winked at me and slid down under the covers. Shortly after, Rei followed suit and snuggled into Tala.
I could feel a muscle in my eye give an involuntary twitch.
Tala poked me in the middle of the back. "Come on, there's no use fighting your love for me."
With a sigh of defeat I sunk into the bed and turned away from Tala. After a moment his arms snaked around me and pulled me closer. I stiffened tremendously. Think happy thoughts, Kai. Like murdering Tala tomorrow morning. And I think everyone on my team will be in for a rigorous training program at the crack of dawn. Fangirls or not, there was no excuse for our sloppy blading yesterday.
"Two inches lower and you lose your hand." I spat.
Tala's hand stopped its descent on my abdomen and he chuckled slightly. "It's good to see you again, Kai."
After a pause I added. "You too, Tala." And I smiled.
-x-x-x-
Just to straighten up some things. I fiddled with Wyatt's character a bit. I base his somewhat OOCness on the fact that he had very little character development, he went crazy because of the cyber bitbeast incident and that he's the biggest fanboy out of the three (other two being Zeo and Alan). Tala was also his cannon voyeur self. Ahh, he's so insanely fun to write. Only person who I love writing more is Bryan.
Anywho, please leave an intelligent review. Flames will be mocked.
Title is a song title (like I usually do…). I was going to make you guess, but won't. It's a song by Garbage.
[1]The Borg chick from Star Trek Voyager.
[2] Two guesses to what card game it is? Haha… right, Duel Monsters. I'm sorry, but I can just see the two series co-existing ::sweatdrop::
