Warm Ice
Chapter Two : How to Annoy Your Roommate
Authors note: I am not familiar with which part of China Rei is from, and therefore acquiring the right Chinese speach used in this was difficult. I did settle on a logical choice of Chinese-Mandarin, but if anyone has a correction, please do share.
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Chapter Two:
When the sun hit Rei on Tuesday morning he was less than pleased. He dug his pillow out from under him and threw it over his head, while pulling his blankets up higher. He delivered one quick kick to Max on the other side of the bed before flopping comfortably back down.
"Oh, no, Rei. It's time to get up, and you know it."
Rei gave him one grunt and pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders. This was his last morning waking up in his and Max's apartment, and he'd be damned if he was getting up before ten. Tomorrow morning he'd be waking up in a foreign room with a different bed, not to mention one room over would be his partner for the next six hard, and long months. No, no, he was not getting up, no matter what the blonde tried on him.
"I'm going to the bathroom," Max announced, and Rei could feel his side of the bed lift. Maybe Max was giving up? "And in thirty seconds I'll be back with ice cold water." Of course not. "If you aren't up by then I will show no mercy and throw it on you."
The Chinese man fidgeted and began a slow countdown in his mind. Thirty seconds wasn't long, but he was sure he could push it to twenty seven or so.
He was on seventeen when he realize Max had cheated. The blankets were ripped from his grip and he was doused with freezing cold water. "Wo xi wang ni man man si, dan kuai dian xia di yu!"
Max smiled widely, watching the man fly from the bed and topple down to the soft carpet. Though Rei had rushed his words Max had caught a rough translation and chuckled at the very rude shout. Rei was not a morning person and Max so enjoyed their early interactions.
"Now get up, lazy."
Rei reached up to untangle himself from his hair while growling lowly at Max. The blonde had officially spoiled his last morning he had before being forced near the cold Russian.
"You've got a busy day and the earlier you start the sooner you'll finish." Max sparred Rei one last smile before heading off down the hall.
He'll be fine, Max told himself, reaching into the refrigerator for eggs. And indeed, Rei was a big boy, more than capable of doing things without Max. The American felt a twinge of regret in allowing someone to become so attached to him. He wondered if their separation would be less difficult if he had not clung and allowed Rei to cling to him.
Just as Max was finishing up their breakfast Rei stumbled down the hall and into the kitchen, sliding into a seat easily. He smoothed down his unbound hair while glaring at Max. "I was going to get up," He informed the blonde hastily. "You cheated."
"Look," Max began, setting two plates down on their kitchen table. "We still have to pack most of your stuff up, take it all the way over to your new rooms, and then you have practice later today with Kai."
Rei huffed and crossed his arms at the mention of the blue haired man. "I hope you'll be happy when he drops me on my head."
Reaching across the table Max placed his hand over Rei's, forcing the male to look up at him. "I love you." Rei's features softened at this. "Because of that I'm insuring that you make it to the championship. The fact of the matter is that it's in six months, and I won't be getting the cast off for another three or four. There simply isn't enough time for us to choreograph a routine, practice it and perform it. It's insanely unrealistic to believe we could compete together, and that's why I called Kai."
Rei began to pick at his eggs with his free hand.
"He is the best," Max ground out. "You're twenty two, Rei, and it's time you were in a major competition. Kai can ensure you two make it all the way, and he can teach you everything you need to know. If you cooperate you'll be the best, and that's what I want."
"I want to be the best, too," Rei told him. "But I want to the best with you."
"Rei Kon, you are hereby ordered to pull your head out of your ass and realize I can't make you the best. Kai can, and for that reason you're going to treat him with respect and the honor he deserves, because he reserves the right to leave at anytime. I called in a major favor to get him over here, and if you push him away you'll not only be shaming yourself, but me as well. Next season we'll work together, but right now it's about you and Kai."
Max leaned across the table and pressed his nose into Rei's. "So don't screw this up!" Max flicked Rei in the ear with his fingers. "Don't be a big baby."
In response Rei stuck his tongue out at Max. "Meanie."
Just before noon Rei stood outside the door to his new apartment, fully aware that Kai Hiwatari was already inside and waiting for him. Next to him Max offered him a small smile before taking the initiative and knocking on the blue door.
"Just remember," Max reminded. "I'll be right across the complex." Rei nodded to this, greatly relieved he was still be close to Max.
The door swung open widely and Rei felt himself fully intimidated by Kai-- for just a second though. When he regained his senses he clutched the box in his arms tighter and barreled through the door quite rudely.
"Which room is yours?" He questioned, not wanting to enter the Russian's by accident. A quick nod towards the left from Kai had Rei heading towards the door to right.
Rei kicked his door shut with his foot and took a deep breath, looking around the sterile room. It was nothing like the one he and Max had shared, and he doubted if it ever would. He noted the common amenities: a bed, desk unit of some sort, book shelf, small table, and so on. The walls were an off white while Rei detested, and he did observe the foul white matched the carpet.
He set a box down and wandered towards the large sliding glass doors on the other side of the room which led to a balcony. He flipped the lock on the doors and opened them smoothly, stepping out onto the balcony. He was pleased with the beautiful view he was given, and wondered just how many nights he would spend standing outside watching nature.
He stood there for what felt like an eternity before he was interrupted.
"You okay?" He heard Max ask from behind him but he didn't turn. "Rei?" Warms arms slid around him from the back and he could feel the slightly shorter body pressing into him. At this he realized Max was taking the separation just as hard as he was, but Max was far better at controlling his emotions.
"I'll be okay." Rei turned slowly, meeting Max's shimmering eyes. "I'll make this work," He promised.
Max nodded slowly. "I trust you." He slipped a hand around the back of Rei's head and pulled him down for a short, yet chaste kiss. The American tasted his lover softly then released him, fearing for anything more. "I'll go then." He hobbled back on his crutches. "Call me." He seemed almost pleading. "For any reason."
Rei stood deathly still as the blonde left his room, and his life. He wasn't going to kid himself into thinking his relationship with Max wasn't taking a drastic turn. Kai was his partner now, and that meant long days and even longer nights with just that one person, trying to cram as much in as possible. In fact he and Max would not have a relationship until everything was over and done with. It seemed Max had accepted that a while ago, while he was now just beginning to realize it.
Shaking himself from his thoughts he realized Max had managed to bring the last of his boxes in the room, probably with some help from Kai. He rushed to put most of his items away, and then headed out into the main room.
"I assume you want to start right away," Rei asked as he found the boy seated on their sofa reading newspaper.
He received a curt nod from Kai. "First things first." Rei watched him with curious eyes. Kai pushed their coffee table easily away from the middle of the room, along with anything else to clear a space. "I expect for the both of us to be out of the door by seven AM every morning. We'll go the gym for two hours, then go directly to the ice rink by nine thirty at the latest. A full day of practice will proceeded that and we should arrive back home at ten."
Rei stared at him wide eyed. Kai was surely planning to kill him. His legs began to ache after an hour or so of practice, so how did the Russian expect him to practice for twelve?"
"This isn't going to be easy," Kai interrupted his thoughts. "Most of the partners at the competition will have been together for over a decade. They know and trust each other, while we do not. They will easily beat us if we do not work much harder than them. Normally I would not work with someone and expect to perform in six months, but Max Mizuhara believes it is possible."
"I can work hard, can you?" Rei defended, gulping nervously as Kai circled him.
"Relax," He commanded, stepping up to Rei, who did not like the look in the other man's eyes.
For good reason, he was aware of seconds later. He gave a surprised squeak as Kai's hands slipped under his arms and he was thrust quickly up into the air. His feet dangled helplessly for a few seconds as Kai tested his weight. "Hmm." He heard Kai remark, and then suddenly he was swung around and Kai was holding him as if he were a bride. A few more awkward second and then Kai finally set him back down.
"What was that about?" Rei demanded.
"You're officially on a diet."
Golden, feline eyes became incredibly large. "What did you just say?" Rei asked in a dangerous voice.
"Starting right now you're on a diet." Kai offered the Chinese man his own glare as they faced off.
"Qu di yu!" Rei spat, turning to leave.
Kai caught his arm easily and drew him forward, sparking a warm feeling in both men. Pressed again Kai's chest Rei felt a deep blush come over him, and he could only hope Kai did not notice the awful shade of red he was.
"You are light enough," Kai corrected. "But a diet is required none the less. Both you and I will be on strict diets to insure the best performance possible."
Rei gave Kai a forceful shove and stepped back, noting the lack of warmth. "I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions," Rei told him, making an attempt to calm himself down. "Maybe we should get to know each other before we attempt anything again."
Kai seated himself back down on the sofa while Rei folded down on the carpet. "So, you're from Russia?" He tried. "What was your life like there? And where is your other partner? Why'd you accept Max's offer to come here?" Rei stopped abruptly. Apparently Kai was not the talkative type, and he'd be lucky to get one answer out of the strict male.
"I was born and raised in Russia." Kai pressed his lips together and Rei noticed right away his childhood was a touchy subject. He felt it might be best to leave that alone for a while. "It was ..." Rei waited apprehensively. "It was cold."
Rei giggled good-naturedly. "Of course it was cold, you lived in Russia! It's cold in Russia most of the year." However Kai did not look amused.
"I worked with a childhood friend for twelve years. Two months ago he was involved in a car accident. I came here because I still wanted to participate in a competition."
Ah, Rei realized. Kai was merely using him as a away to keep up with his competitors. He was using this as a way to keep his skills clean, crisp and consistent. But that was okay with Rei, considering he was merely using Kai as a way to practice until Max was recovered. They were more alike in their actions than Rei had realized before.
"If we're going to work together you have to trust me." Rei wondered if he'd ever get used to Kai's tone. "I can't work with you if you don't trust me not to drop you. I am strong, and you are light, therefore we shouldn't have a problem."
"I don't think you'll drop me." Contrary to what he had told Max earlier that morning.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "You fidgeted. When we're on the ice I'll have to balance the both of us. Surely you know even a slight movement could send us both down. I assure you couples skating is far different from singles. Until you do not move, we will not step onto the ice."
"I was nervous!" Came his defense. "What was I supposed to think? You just picked me up and started swinging me around without any kind of warning."
"Go change your clothing, we're going to the gym." Kai headed off towards his own room. "And bring a swim suit."
"Shen jing bing." Rei turned towards his own room.
"Ni juede wo hen ben ma?" Kai asked, causing to Rei trip over himself.
Rei turned sharply, glaring again at the Russian. "Ni shi bai chi."
"Rise above a language you think I do not speak and address me with respect." His tone chilled the bones in Rei's body. "And be ready in three minutes." The door to Kai's room slammed and red furry rose through Rei as he stalked over to his room.
"Chou wang ba dan!" He slammed his own door.
Translations:
1. Wo xi wang ni man man si, dan kuai dian xia di yu! : I wish you a slow death, but a quick ride to hell!
2. Qu di you : Go to hell!
3. Shen jing bing : Lunatic
4. Ni juede wo hen ben ma? : Do you think I'm an idiot?
5. Ni shi bai chi : You are an idiot
6. Chou wang ba dan : Lousy bastard