a/n: I am SO sorry I haven't updated! But I have a good reason! My father had to go into the hospital and we've been going to doctors and stuff. His doc is a moron and gave him pills that we think gave him a bleeding ulcer. Fun fun. Anyways, I'm so sorry!
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When Kai and Yami entered the house, they headed into the living room. They were a bit surprised to see Carlos waiting for them.
"Ciao bella mia. {Hello my beautiful.}" he said, grinning at her.
"Carlos! What are you doing here?" Kai asked, confused.
"I just figured I'd stop by. That all right with you?" he asked, standing and taking a few steps towards her. There was a grin on his face even as he looked at Yami, though his eyes looked as though they could make lava freeze.
"Um... yeah, yeah it's fine! I was just surprised, that's all. How are you?" Kai asked, allowing him to drape an arm over her shoulders casually.
"Pretty good. I see you're doing fine," he said, piercing Yami's eyes with his own. Yami stared back, attempting to keep the anger off his face. He knew Carlos was doing this deliberately to annoy him, but he couldn't keep the jealousy from building.
Kai blushed at her friend's implication. "Carlos..." she warned, elbowing him in the ribs.
He turned his gaze to her, the grin never wavering. "So, where were you anyway?" he asked.
"That's none of your business!" Kai exclaimed with a laugh.
"Sure it is," Carlos said, tightening his arm around her.
"It is not," Kai said, trying to duck out from under his arm. She squeaked as he pulled her back and dipped her. "Carlos!" she cried, though she was laughing.
Yami felt anger and jealousy build inside him. He suddenly had the urge to hit Carlos, even though he knew he never would. He merely sat down and folded his arms, his expression remaining placid.
"Carlos, let me up!" Kai laughed, hitting his shoulder lightly.
"Very well," her friend said, lifting her back to an upright position.
"What are you here for anyway?" she asked him, moving out of his grip.
"Can't I come see my best friend?" he asked, attempting to look hurt but failing.
Kai rolled her eyes. "Of course, but was there any /other/ reason?"
Carlos glanced at Yami before staring at the ceiling in thought. "Ah... no, no not really," he said, looking back at Kai.
"Just to bug me then? What's Elaine doing?" Kai asked, folding her arms.
"Elaine? I come over and you want to know about my sister? Now I'm insulted," Carlos said, crossing his arms across his chest and looking away from her.
Kai rolled her eyes. "Oh what a shame. But really. Usually you do something together at this time."
"Yeah well, she snuck out again. I don't know if it's the same boyfriend or a new one. She changes them as often as her underwear I swear," he said, earning a few laughs.
"Yeah, Elaine is a bit... boy crazy," Kai laughed, glancing at Bakura, who was looking slightly confused.
"Hold on, I have to go mark that down as 'understatement of the week,'" Carlos said, pretending to jot something down on his palm.
Kai laughed. "So now what?"
"I brought over a few CDs," Carlos said, pulling a few slim cases out of his pocket.
"No way. I know what you listen to and if I hear another Linkin Park song I'll be sick," Kai said, folding her arms and stepping between Carlos and the stereo.
"Well I'm not listening to your music. The singers sound like they're choking on frogs," Carlos said, folding his own arms.
"At least they're not screaming at the top of their lungs!" Kai argued.
"Linkin Park doesn't /scream/," Carlos replied indignantly. He started towards the stereo, but Kai blocked him.
"No way, keep away from it!" she said, putting her hands on his shoulders to stop him.
"You could always sing," he said, grinning.
"What? I'm not /singing/!" Kai said, blushing.
Carlos' grin widened, seeing an opportunity to embarrass her. "Aw, come on! You're really good!" He turned to the gang and put his arms in a V over his head. "Let's give a big hand for Kai-Tara Lee!" He stepped aside as Kai screamed his name.
"Carlos Trevino!" she cried, blushing a vivid red. "I'm not singing. No way no how."
"Come on!" Tristan said, grinning.
"Yeah! Sing for us!" Joey agreed.
"You don't even know that I'm any good, why do you want to take a chance on the fact that I'm awful?" Kai asked.
"No worries folks, Kai's the best of the best!" Carlos said, grinning.
"Carlos!" Kai groaned, blushing.
"Come on, Kai! Sing for us!" Tristan cried.
Kai groaned, placing her face in her hand. "Fine," she said finally.
Carlos, Joey and Tristan cheered while Bakura and Tea laughed. Yami grinned, knowing Kai had a beautiful voice. He wanted to hear her sing again, but would never cheer her on with Carlos.
- What should I sing? - Kai thought, trying to think of something. The first song that flew through her mind was "Crystal," the one her grandmother had sung to her. She quickly dismissed that one, remembering it was her grandmother who had cursed her. - I know... -
She sighed, knowing her face was beet red. "Okay..." she said softly, looking at the floor.
Yami couldn't help but grin. His eyes flicked to Carlos who was lounging in the chair a few feet away. He had his legs over one armrest while he leaned back against the other, his arms behind his head. His eyes were locked on his best friend, an absent grin on his face. Once again Yami felt jealousy surge through him. Carlos had a very good chance with her, while he had none at all. At the moment Kai might have an interest in him, but it couldn't last. They couldn't act on it. Carlos would win and it infuriated Yami.
"Um... tell me when to start..." Kai muttered, her face practically radiating heat.
"Start!" Carlos laughed.
Kai grinned, embarrassed. "Right..." She sang the first few lines rather softly, feeling absolutely humiliated.
~ It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart.
~ Without saying a word, you can light up the dark.
~ Try I may I could never explain,
~ what I feel when you don't say a thing.
After she started, it got easier and she allowed herself to let go and sing with her heart. She closed her eyes so as not to be distracted.
~ The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
~ There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
~ The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
~ You say it best... when you say nothing at all.
~~~
~ All day long I can hear people talking out loud.
~ But when you hold me near... you drown out the crowd.
~ Old Mr. Webster could never define,
~ what's being said between your heart and mine.
~~~
~ The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
~ There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
~ The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
~ You say it best... when you say nothing at all.
Kai opened her eyes as she sang the last line and looked directly into Yami's eyes. She smiled as she finished the song, then looked down at the ground, leaving Yami with his pulse through the roof. She had sung that song for him...
Carlos' eyes flicked between Kai and Yami, jealousy rushing through him. He glared at the Egyptian, poison in his eyes though Yami didn't see. - How could she possibly be interested in him? -
Yami glanced over, meeting Carlos' glare with one of his own. He felt so childish with this silent argument, but couldn't keep himself from doing it.
"Yeah! That was great!" Joey cried, clapping.
"I don't see why you were so nervous!" Tea agreed, clapping as well.
Kai blushed as applaud filled the room. She ran her hand through her hair and looked at the ground, embarrassed.
"Um... do any of you want anything to drink?" she asked, glancing around the room.
"Yeah, sure!" Tristan said.
"You bet," Joey agreed.
"Why not?" Carlos grinned.
Kai nodded and hurried into the kitchen, anxious to get away from the gang. She ran the tap water and splashed some on her face, trying to drain the color from it. She shut off the water and dried her face with the dish towel. She knew she was still rather red, but she was starting to relax. She took a few deep breaths as she opened the refrigerator, grabbing the water jug. Kai set it on the counter and opened the cabinet above her head, taking down four glasses. After she had poured the water, she put the jug away. She rubbed her eyes before picking up the glasses and bringing them into the living room.
She handed Joey and Tristan their water and set hers down on the coffee table. Kai glanced over at Carlos, who was still lounging in the chair, and grinned. He looked at her as she walked over.
"Grazie. {Thank you.}" he said, holding out his hand for the glass.
"Not a problem," Kai replied, holding the glass over his head.
"Hey... wait..." Carlos said, attempting to move from his position, his eyes locked on the water above his head. He didn't move quick enough and Kai dumped the water on him. He cried out and shot out of the seat.
"That's /cold/!" he cried, pushing his hair out of his face, his eyes wide.
The rest of the gang was doubled over in laughter. Even Yami was chuckling, silently cheering Kai on.
"Revenge for making me sing," Kai grinned.
"Why you...!" Carlos cried, glaring at her. He took off his shirt and held it out in front of him. Kai cracked up as it hung straight down, water dripping from the bottom of it. Carlos scowled at her, then smirked. He shook his head like a dog, sending water flying everywhere. There were numerous cries of protest as he finished.
"Carlos!" Kai exclaimed, wiping a few drops off her face. She hit him in the shoulder and he grinned.
Yami dried his forehead with the back of his hand, his anger rising slightly. Carlos looked over Kai's shoulder and met Yami's glare with a smirk.
"Now I have to go home to change and dry off," Carlos said, looking at his shirt.
Kai choked on her laughter as she glanced at it as well. "Oh, what a shame," she said, grinning.
"Yeah, I thought you'd be upset about that," Carlos said. "I'm going to go ring this out in the sink."
"Have fun," Kai smirked and Carlos rolled his eyes as he headed into the kitchen. She dropped onto the couch next to Yami and grabbed her water off the table. He glanced at her as she took a sip, the leaned back against the couch.
A few minutes later Carlos came back into the room wearing a now damp and wrinkled shirt. Kai snorted with laughter when she saw him, putting a hand over her mouth.
"Yeah, very funny," Carlos said dryly. Yami caught his eye and smirked, earning a glare from the Italian in return. After a moment, Carlos came over to the couch and wrapped an arm around Yami's shoulder, pulling him to his feet.
"Say Yugi, can I talk to you for a sec? You know, man to man," Carlos said, an innocent grin on his face, though his eyes were deadly. Kai stared between them, noting the glare they were exchanging. For a moment, she remembered part of her dream; ~ "You will see the silent hatred..." ~
Yami's violet eyes held poison as well as he looked at his opponent. He nodded briefly and Carlos led him outside, his arm still draped lazily over his shoulders. Yami was ready for anything Carlos would throw at him, aware it wasn't going to be pleasant.
The front door swung shut, leaving the moonlight to show them where the other was. Carlos immediately removed his arm from Yami and stepped in front of him, grabbing his shirt. There was fury blazing in his eyes as he glared at Yami.
"Stay away from Kai, do you hear me?" he hissed.
Yami tore Carlos' hand from his shirt and glared at him. "You don't tell me what to do," he said.
"You're not good enough for her. You barely know her. You weren't here when she lost her grandmother. You weren't the one to get her through it. You don't know anything about her," Carlos snarled.
"On the contrary, I know more about her than you do," Yami replied.
"I doubt that very seriously. I've known her all of my life. You've known her for all of a few weeks. You know nothing about her or who she is."
"It's not a matter of who's known who longer; it's who she trusts more. At the moment, I think that's me," Yami said. He knew he wasn't doing himself any favors by arguing like this with Carlos, but he wasn't about to let him get away with this.
"And how do you know that?" Carlos growled.
"If I told you what she has confided in me, I would be betraying her trust. Something I don't do," Yami replied, folding his arms.
Rage flew through Carlos, causing his eyes to blaze. "If you try anything with Kai, I swear you'll be sorry. You'll be embarrassed to go out in public because of what I'll do to you."
"That sounds like a threat, Carlos," Yami said calmly, though his eyes held the same poison as his opponent's.
"Very good, Yugi. So you do have at least half a brain. If you have any other smarts, you'll heed my warning. Tell Kai I went home. You won't say anything about this to her, do you understand?" Carlos asked.
"I understand perfectly," Yami replied.
"Good." With that, Carlos turned and headed down the lawn without looking back.
Yami glared at his back before entering the house again. When he came into the living room, he was asked what Carlos wanted.
"It was nothing," he merely said.
When they were heading for bed, Kai stopped Yami in the hall. "It was about me, wasn't it?" she asked.
Yami said nothing, but turned into his room, closing the door. Kai sighed, understanding his silence. - He's just worried about me. He knows I've never had a serious boyfriend or anything... Please... please let that be it... - she pleaded with herself as she lay down to sleep. - Please... -
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a/n: Er... okay, the next chapter will explain what's going on, so if you have any guesses, guess now! XD
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When Kai and Yami entered the house, they headed into the living room. They were a bit surprised to see Carlos waiting for them.
"Ciao bella mia. {Hello my beautiful.}" he said, grinning at her.
"Carlos! What are you doing here?" Kai asked, confused.
"I just figured I'd stop by. That all right with you?" he asked, standing and taking a few steps towards her. There was a grin on his face even as he looked at Yami, though his eyes looked as though they could make lava freeze.
"Um... yeah, yeah it's fine! I was just surprised, that's all. How are you?" Kai asked, allowing him to drape an arm over her shoulders casually.
"Pretty good. I see you're doing fine," he said, piercing Yami's eyes with his own. Yami stared back, attempting to keep the anger off his face. He knew Carlos was doing this deliberately to annoy him, but he couldn't keep the jealousy from building.
Kai blushed at her friend's implication. "Carlos..." she warned, elbowing him in the ribs.
He turned his gaze to her, the grin never wavering. "So, where were you anyway?" he asked.
"That's none of your business!" Kai exclaimed with a laugh.
"Sure it is," Carlos said, tightening his arm around her.
"It is not," Kai said, trying to duck out from under his arm. She squeaked as he pulled her back and dipped her. "Carlos!" she cried, though she was laughing.
Yami felt anger and jealousy build inside him. He suddenly had the urge to hit Carlos, even though he knew he never would. He merely sat down and folded his arms, his expression remaining placid.
"Carlos, let me up!" Kai laughed, hitting his shoulder lightly.
"Very well," her friend said, lifting her back to an upright position.
"What are you here for anyway?" she asked him, moving out of his grip.
"Can't I come see my best friend?" he asked, attempting to look hurt but failing.
Kai rolled her eyes. "Of course, but was there any /other/ reason?"
Carlos glanced at Yami before staring at the ceiling in thought. "Ah... no, no not really," he said, looking back at Kai.
"Just to bug me then? What's Elaine doing?" Kai asked, folding her arms.
"Elaine? I come over and you want to know about my sister? Now I'm insulted," Carlos said, crossing his arms across his chest and looking away from her.
Kai rolled her eyes. "Oh what a shame. But really. Usually you do something together at this time."
"Yeah well, she snuck out again. I don't know if it's the same boyfriend or a new one. She changes them as often as her underwear I swear," he said, earning a few laughs.
"Yeah, Elaine is a bit... boy crazy," Kai laughed, glancing at Bakura, who was looking slightly confused.
"Hold on, I have to go mark that down as 'understatement of the week,'" Carlos said, pretending to jot something down on his palm.
Kai laughed. "So now what?"
"I brought over a few CDs," Carlos said, pulling a few slim cases out of his pocket.
"No way. I know what you listen to and if I hear another Linkin Park song I'll be sick," Kai said, folding her arms and stepping between Carlos and the stereo.
"Well I'm not listening to your music. The singers sound like they're choking on frogs," Carlos said, folding his own arms.
"At least they're not screaming at the top of their lungs!" Kai argued.
"Linkin Park doesn't /scream/," Carlos replied indignantly. He started towards the stereo, but Kai blocked him.
"No way, keep away from it!" she said, putting her hands on his shoulders to stop him.
"You could always sing," he said, grinning.
"What? I'm not /singing/!" Kai said, blushing.
Carlos' grin widened, seeing an opportunity to embarrass her. "Aw, come on! You're really good!" He turned to the gang and put his arms in a V over his head. "Let's give a big hand for Kai-Tara Lee!" He stepped aside as Kai screamed his name.
"Carlos Trevino!" she cried, blushing a vivid red. "I'm not singing. No way no how."
"Come on!" Tristan said, grinning.
"Yeah! Sing for us!" Joey agreed.
"You don't even know that I'm any good, why do you want to take a chance on the fact that I'm awful?" Kai asked.
"No worries folks, Kai's the best of the best!" Carlos said, grinning.
"Carlos!" Kai groaned, blushing.
"Come on, Kai! Sing for us!" Tristan cried.
Kai groaned, placing her face in her hand. "Fine," she said finally.
Carlos, Joey and Tristan cheered while Bakura and Tea laughed. Yami grinned, knowing Kai had a beautiful voice. He wanted to hear her sing again, but would never cheer her on with Carlos.
- What should I sing? - Kai thought, trying to think of something. The first song that flew through her mind was "Crystal," the one her grandmother had sung to her. She quickly dismissed that one, remembering it was her grandmother who had cursed her. - I know... -
She sighed, knowing her face was beet red. "Okay..." she said softly, looking at the floor.
Yami couldn't help but grin. His eyes flicked to Carlos who was lounging in the chair a few feet away. He had his legs over one armrest while he leaned back against the other, his arms behind his head. His eyes were locked on his best friend, an absent grin on his face. Once again Yami felt jealousy surge through him. Carlos had a very good chance with her, while he had none at all. At the moment Kai might have an interest in him, but it couldn't last. They couldn't act on it. Carlos would win and it infuriated Yami.
"Um... tell me when to start..." Kai muttered, her face practically radiating heat.
"Start!" Carlos laughed.
Kai grinned, embarrassed. "Right..." She sang the first few lines rather softly, feeling absolutely humiliated.
~ It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart.
~ Without saying a word, you can light up the dark.
~ Try I may I could never explain,
~ what I feel when you don't say a thing.
After she started, it got easier and she allowed herself to let go and sing with her heart. She closed her eyes so as not to be distracted.
~ The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
~ There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
~ The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
~ You say it best... when you say nothing at all.
~~~
~ All day long I can hear people talking out loud.
~ But when you hold me near... you drown out the crowd.
~ Old Mr. Webster could never define,
~ what's being said between your heart and mine.
~~~
~ The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
~ There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
~ The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
~ You say it best... when you say nothing at all.
Kai opened her eyes as she sang the last line and looked directly into Yami's eyes. She smiled as she finished the song, then looked down at the ground, leaving Yami with his pulse through the roof. She had sung that song for him...
Carlos' eyes flicked between Kai and Yami, jealousy rushing through him. He glared at the Egyptian, poison in his eyes though Yami didn't see. - How could she possibly be interested in him? -
Yami glanced over, meeting Carlos' glare with one of his own. He felt so childish with this silent argument, but couldn't keep himself from doing it.
"Yeah! That was great!" Joey cried, clapping.
"I don't see why you were so nervous!" Tea agreed, clapping as well.
Kai blushed as applaud filled the room. She ran her hand through her hair and looked at the ground, embarrassed.
"Um... do any of you want anything to drink?" she asked, glancing around the room.
"Yeah, sure!" Tristan said.
"You bet," Joey agreed.
"Why not?" Carlos grinned.
Kai nodded and hurried into the kitchen, anxious to get away from the gang. She ran the tap water and splashed some on her face, trying to drain the color from it. She shut off the water and dried her face with the dish towel. She knew she was still rather red, but she was starting to relax. She took a few deep breaths as she opened the refrigerator, grabbing the water jug. Kai set it on the counter and opened the cabinet above her head, taking down four glasses. After she had poured the water, she put the jug away. She rubbed her eyes before picking up the glasses and bringing them into the living room.
She handed Joey and Tristan their water and set hers down on the coffee table. Kai glanced over at Carlos, who was still lounging in the chair, and grinned. He looked at her as she walked over.
"Grazie. {Thank you.}" he said, holding out his hand for the glass.
"Not a problem," Kai replied, holding the glass over his head.
"Hey... wait..." Carlos said, attempting to move from his position, his eyes locked on the water above his head. He didn't move quick enough and Kai dumped the water on him. He cried out and shot out of the seat.
"That's /cold/!" he cried, pushing his hair out of his face, his eyes wide.
The rest of the gang was doubled over in laughter. Even Yami was chuckling, silently cheering Kai on.
"Revenge for making me sing," Kai grinned.
"Why you...!" Carlos cried, glaring at her. He took off his shirt and held it out in front of him. Kai cracked up as it hung straight down, water dripping from the bottom of it. Carlos scowled at her, then smirked. He shook his head like a dog, sending water flying everywhere. There were numerous cries of protest as he finished.
"Carlos!" Kai exclaimed, wiping a few drops off her face. She hit him in the shoulder and he grinned.
Yami dried his forehead with the back of his hand, his anger rising slightly. Carlos looked over Kai's shoulder and met Yami's glare with a smirk.
"Now I have to go home to change and dry off," Carlos said, looking at his shirt.
Kai choked on her laughter as she glanced at it as well. "Oh, what a shame," she said, grinning.
"Yeah, I thought you'd be upset about that," Carlos said. "I'm going to go ring this out in the sink."
"Have fun," Kai smirked and Carlos rolled his eyes as he headed into the kitchen. She dropped onto the couch next to Yami and grabbed her water off the table. He glanced at her as she took a sip, the leaned back against the couch.
A few minutes later Carlos came back into the room wearing a now damp and wrinkled shirt. Kai snorted with laughter when she saw him, putting a hand over her mouth.
"Yeah, very funny," Carlos said dryly. Yami caught his eye and smirked, earning a glare from the Italian in return. After a moment, Carlos came over to the couch and wrapped an arm around Yami's shoulder, pulling him to his feet.
"Say Yugi, can I talk to you for a sec? You know, man to man," Carlos said, an innocent grin on his face, though his eyes were deadly. Kai stared between them, noting the glare they were exchanging. For a moment, she remembered part of her dream; ~ "You will see the silent hatred..." ~
Yami's violet eyes held poison as well as he looked at his opponent. He nodded briefly and Carlos led him outside, his arm still draped lazily over his shoulders. Yami was ready for anything Carlos would throw at him, aware it wasn't going to be pleasant.
The front door swung shut, leaving the moonlight to show them where the other was. Carlos immediately removed his arm from Yami and stepped in front of him, grabbing his shirt. There was fury blazing in his eyes as he glared at Yami.
"Stay away from Kai, do you hear me?" he hissed.
Yami tore Carlos' hand from his shirt and glared at him. "You don't tell me what to do," he said.
"You're not good enough for her. You barely know her. You weren't here when she lost her grandmother. You weren't the one to get her through it. You don't know anything about her," Carlos snarled.
"On the contrary, I know more about her than you do," Yami replied.
"I doubt that very seriously. I've known her all of my life. You've known her for all of a few weeks. You know nothing about her or who she is."
"It's not a matter of who's known who longer; it's who she trusts more. At the moment, I think that's me," Yami said. He knew he wasn't doing himself any favors by arguing like this with Carlos, but he wasn't about to let him get away with this.
"And how do you know that?" Carlos growled.
"If I told you what she has confided in me, I would be betraying her trust. Something I don't do," Yami replied, folding his arms.
Rage flew through Carlos, causing his eyes to blaze. "If you try anything with Kai, I swear you'll be sorry. You'll be embarrassed to go out in public because of what I'll do to you."
"That sounds like a threat, Carlos," Yami said calmly, though his eyes held the same poison as his opponent's.
"Very good, Yugi. So you do have at least half a brain. If you have any other smarts, you'll heed my warning. Tell Kai I went home. You won't say anything about this to her, do you understand?" Carlos asked.
"I understand perfectly," Yami replied.
"Good." With that, Carlos turned and headed down the lawn without looking back.
Yami glared at his back before entering the house again. When he came into the living room, he was asked what Carlos wanted.
"It was nothing," he merely said.
When they were heading for bed, Kai stopped Yami in the hall. "It was about me, wasn't it?" she asked.
Yami said nothing, but turned into his room, closing the door. Kai sighed, understanding his silence. - He's just worried about me. He knows I've never had a serious boyfriend or anything... Please... please let that be it... - she pleaded with herself as she lay down to sleep. - Please... -
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a/n: Er... okay, the next chapter will explain what's going on, so if you have any guesses, guess now! XD