Chapter 22

MyHeartBleeds: I know about the Blitzkreig Boys. Been doing my research, despite the fact it's unlikely Australia will ever get G-Rev with the way things are going. I have a feeling I know who wins the Tala/Lee battle. Lee does it hard in G-Rev judging by the pics I've seen (go Ray/Lee!!!). And that was Bryan's own personal opinion in terms of his looks. Besides, I've had people question my fascination and devotion to the unemotional Falcon of the Demolition Boys. :p

Padfootlet: ((ducks fireball)) Ya missed. :p

Lullaby Lily: I've read Resurfacing, yes, but not until after I completed writing this fic. Resurfacing and Lady Snowblosson's I'm A Father were the two main inspirations to Centrepiece, which I wrote after this fic. And you really must catch up. You are certainly getting behind.

Bloody Mary: Actually, Boris really is in love with him. He's just twisted. ;)

kairia: If you burn him, I think Boris would melt. That man is ice.

Acey1: Remember, I believe that there is no such thing as a happy ending... ((insert evil laughter))

HimekoSukie: Nobody said Boris was sane.

lilmatchgirl007: I think Boris hates the fact he loves Bryan. Like you said, thin line. And it's a very unhealthy obsession

Jay Kamiya: Bryan's been a little tied down of late. :p

eyriess: Heh. Power. You need me. Oh I like this. Oh the immunity...

Ramen II: That last review has got to be my favourite review of all time. So graphic. So emotional. So passionate. So artistic. I love it. I wish I could print it so I can frame it... actually, nothing is stopping me from doing that. :D ;)

Chaco and Lily: What? You don't like evil Boris doing naughty things to Bryan? And aren't you being a wee bit cruel to that poor doll?

Mizuyah: Speechless? Perfect...

KuronekoHikage: Nice play on words. And yes, you saw it... eh... you know. ((averts eyes))

Reiven: Bryan's the one in danger. Tala's just depressed. No hints... maybe...

Cat in the web: Boris just may be succeeding in brainwashing Bryan. That last thing will most definitely leave a mental mark.

The Valkyrie: The whole reason I had Boris make him enjoy it was for that reason: it's the worst thing. That, and Boris was playing a little game in making himself think Bryan was consensual. The guy is nuts.

Ashla: Drag my audience into my fic? Thanks you so much for that complement!!!

Werewolf of Fire: Not much to say. :p

animeandraia: I always foreshadow my bombshells. I'm foreshadowing a my other fic Overture. I will be interested to see if people pick it up before I get to Ketsuron. And I am twisted and demented.

After the somewhat sickening contents of the last two chapters, it's time for a scene change.

Disclaimer: See first page

"I can't believe Bryan never told us about still having the Ultimate blades." Tala slumped into the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. "He could have at least told me. When I next see him…"

Ian smiled, looking up and catching Spencer's wink. Ian nodded, turning and moving toward the staircase that led up to their rooms, leaving the mummer of conversation behind. He opened the door, stepping inside and dropping onto his bed, looking around and spotting Spencer as the elder closed the door to their room.

"A lot to take in," Spencer said, crossing to sit on his own bed.

"It is, yes." Ian sighed, staring up toward roof. "You were right, Spence. I don't think Tala has given up at all. He was just depressed like you said he was."

"Yeah." Spencer watched his young friend. "Makes a lot of things easier to understand, the Ultimate thing. Now we know why Bryan is like what he is."

"Kinda." Ian closed his eyes. "I just wish we could find some way to help him. Why would he tell that Dickenson guy to give Tala and Kai the box if something happened unless Bryan felt he didn't think he was coming back? Why else would he leave Falborg…"

"Bryan left Falborg to watch over Tala." Spencer shifted from his bed to sit on the edge of Ian's, looking down at his teammate. "That was why he did that."

Ian looked up at him, crimson eyes sparkling. "Would you ever leave Seaborg to watch over me?"

"Maybe." Spencer smiled down at him. "How about Wyborg?"

"I'd leave him. I guess it's the thought that counts."

"It is."

Ian sighed, closing his eyes. "I just don't understand all this sentimental crap, that's all. I don't see why you need to do things like that."

"You'll understand one day."

"I guess." Ian looked up at him, studied the elders face. "How about you, Spence? Do you understand any of this? I mean, I've been watching Kai and Ray and all they have to do is look at each other to make the them smile or blush or whatever."

"It's the way they look at each other."

"Yeah, whatever." Ian shook his head, closing his eyes again. "All I've ever experienced is a crush. That's it."

"You're young. You've still got a lot to experience in life. Give it time."

"Can you tell me about your experiences, Spence? I heard one of the boys talking back at the Abbey, and he said that you listen to what the others say so you know what is right and what is wrong."

"Some things are universally wrong, like forcing someone to sleep with you or touching them and kissing them when they tell you to stop. That's what they meant." Spencer shrugged. "Other than that, everyone is different. What works for one person may not work for another."

"Okay, I see sense in that." Ian sighed, biting his lip. "Sometimes I wish I was older, so I know what the others are talking about. I know Bryan wouldn't sleep with Tala, but I don't understand why. I know Tala refused to be in a relationship with anyone, and I don't understand that either. It's just all too complicated."

"Love is complicated." Spencer smiled faintly. "I've had my crushes, but I've never been with anyone either."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Had a crush on Bryan at once."

"Bryan?" Ian looked up at him. "Why Bryan?"

"I don't know. Everyone in the Abbey likes Bryan at some point. Probably because he's so strong and rebellious." Spencer winked at Ian. "Everyone's first crush is usually Tala."

Ian felt his cheeks warm as he averted his eyes. "Yeah. Been there."

"Over it?"

"Well and truly."

"So who do you have a crush on now?"

Ian shot him a glare. "Like I'd tell you. Who do you like?"

"I'm not telling you who I like until you say who you like." Spencer smiled, raising an eyebrow. "I know how this game works."

"Bastard."

Spencer sniggered. "Remember, I'm not as dumb as I look."

"I know that quite well, Spence." Ian sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I'm kinda glad I'm not in a relationship or anything like that. I mean, after watching Tala's and Bryan's, it's all too messy."

"How about Ray's and Kai's? Theirs ain't messy."

"Oh sure, just blow my theory out of the water."

Spencer smiled. "My bit beast is a whale. It's in its nature to blow water."

"That sounded really dirty."

"You know more innuendo than you should at your age." Spencer looked toward the window, frowning. "You didn't sleep again last night."

"I know." Ian shrugged, running his hands through his hair. "I'm just worried about Bryan. I just want to know where he is, if he's alive or not. That sort of thing."

"You want closure."

"Yeah, whatever that is."

Spencer smiled. "If it makes you feel better, I didn't sleep either."

"Could've fooled me." Ian looked up at him. "I heard you snoring."

"I was faking, and it was you who was snoring."

"I don't snore."

"Care to put money on that?"

"No. You've probably got a recording to pull out the moment I said I do want to put money on it."

"You'd be right."

Ian growled, closing his eyes. "I hate you sometimes."

Spencer shrugged, looking down at the younger, tracing the outline of his face with his eyes, He smiled faintly, brushing the thought off before he pushed himself up off the bed, glancing back down at the younger.

"I'm going to find something to eat. Want something?"

"If you find some tort I'll have some."

"I'll see what I can do."

Okay, I admit it. Though Ian is annoying as hell, he is somewhat cute. There, I said it. Now you can kill me. --;;