Black and Grey
A/N: Sorry to intrude, as you guys MUST be realising just how LONG this fic is. Sorry for delay in updates, I had a Beta Crisis but now Opal is back and systematically rendering me into grammatically correct goo. Also, beloved readers, you may have noticed I keep writing day by day, almost going into minute DETAIL for the whole day. This is because I can't write short stories. I used to have this talent, but now... the knowledge of how escapes me. I'll try to hurry things along as everyone wants Rei to get into poor innocent Kai's pants, but the journey to ReixKai is long and unnecessarily tedious. As well as writing mystery... ahh the plot holes. And, more odd couples, kinky threesomes and many, MANY m/m scenes ahead. Bless Kai's cute cotton socks for yaoi. But if you've gone this far, you might as well continue ne?)
INTERLUDE - A Dash of Red and Green
Days passed and Rei became acutely aware of how lonely the apartment was without Kai there. Let's just say he got on great terms with his bunny counterpart, who seemed to have a liking for fresh lettuce.
Days without even a phone call from Kai or anything.
"God I'm pathetic," Rei murmured, watching the rabbit eat in his spare time between jobs. Casually he picked up the phone. "Yes?"
"Rei, the phone barely RUNG," came a surprised voice.
"Tyson?"
"Got it in one go. Tala tells me you have spare time right now. Wanna go ice skating?"
Rei let that sink in a little. "TALA? What's he doing there?!" 'Or who...' Rei grinned and shook the thought out of his head.
"Don't you remember him? You know, guy that almost beat my undefeatable skills in the world championships? Red hair, blue eyes, white leather, kinda hot?" Tyson said in his traditional nonchalance. Rei could just imagine Tala's eyebrows going up.
"Yeah, I remember him. Okay, I'll meet you at your house in a few minutes. Tyson, don't do anything I wouldn't do," he added before putting the phone back.
An indignant cry of, "HEY!" was cut off as the line closed.
It took no time to arrive at the familiar dojo where Tyson lived with a quick journey over rooftops. The sound of heavy grunting could be heard from inside. Rei had second thoughts about entering hearing them, sparking a small feeling of jealousy in his veins. Tala always had a thing for the guy that beat him, and Tyson, well... he was a very open guy.
With an inhaled breath he peeked inside the paper walls.
Tyson looked up, his shinai in mid swing, Tala sat in a corner with a cup of tea looking like he usually did with company. Like a pale rock. Another person sat next to him, a chocolate cookie was in his mouth.
"Yo," Tyson said in greeting.
Rei let out a silent relieved breath and smiled. "Hey guys." He gestured questionably at the other person.
Tyson smirked. "You know him already Rei."
The other guest rolled pale blue eyes, covered by a waterfall of waist long pale blue hair, a small grin warming his features as he stood. "Tyson, even if you've gotten used to me like this, doesn't mean Rei has." His voice was lustrously deep and masculine, confirming the somewhat ambiguous gender of the person.
"Eh?" Tyson answered intelligently, hanging his shinai back up and picking up his sword from the stands. "Oh, Rei, you know Dragoon, my bit beast and best bud? Kenny gave him a body like Dizzy's and connected it to me but he likes to stay in his bit most of the time since he's the kind that likes to live in small things. Don't ask me why Kenny made him look so girly either, he said Dragoon wanted it like that and..."
"Okay okay! Tyson, I get it!" Rei stretched out a hand. "Nice to meet you... again."
"Likewise." Dragoon shook Rei's hand warmly and the former White Tiger could feel a distinct surge of electricity run up his arm, but it wasn't exactly unpleasant. The bit beast turned, "And Tyson... "
Suddenly a whirl of wind smashed into Tyson, blowing his cap right off his head. "Who's girly?"
Rei laughed, silently studying this new form of Dragoon with interest. The bit beast in human guise wore a simple dark blue t-shirt and pants with a white jacket tied casually around his waist. He was just about the same height as Tyson, slight in build, but still had nice muscle density.
"Don't bother, he's straight," Tala whispered in his ear, walking past him.
Rei laughed. "I see you've been busy."
"Ready to go? That ice is melting as we speak y'know," Tyson called.
"How are we getting there?" Tala asked monotone, once again.
"Dragoon Transport of course!" Tyson leaned on Dragoon's shoulder with a teasing grin.
"You make me feel so appreciated Tyson," Dragoon said dryly.
In a flash of bright light, they were gone.
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"This is...!?" Tala and Rei spun around wildly surveying their surroundings with surprise.
"Men's bathroom at the ice rink," Dragoon said calmly.
"Handy ain't he?" Tyson commented, slipping his sword over a shoulder and calmly walking out blatantly ignoring the peeved look Dragoon was sending him.
Minutes later, they were all strapped into ice-skates - one size too small - and standing at the entrance of the rink.
Tyson started to wave at a blur currently zooming across the ice between the people there. "Yo! Chief!"
"Kenny's here?" Rei asked.
"Who's Chief?" Tala said at the same time.
"Tala?" The brown haired technician said in dismay as he came to an abrupt stop in front of them.
"Oh yeah... guess you don't know each other too well. This here is my good friend Kenny, and Tala as you remembered was the guy I beat in the world championships with my invincible beyblade skills," Tyson introduced.
"What invincible beyblade skills?" Tala said stonily.
A flickering in the air was all the warning they got before Dizzy appeared, arms circling around Dragoon with a happy sigh.
"Dragoon... it's been too long," she sighed.
"Then let's get reacquainted my Lady Dizzara." Dragoon lifted her in his arms, their lips locked in a sizzle of energy, before going smoothly onto the ice, blue and red hair contrasting against equally pale skin.
Kenny, Tyson and Rei sweatdropped, watching them zoom around the rink.
"It has been 3 days since they last saw each other," Kenny deadpanned.
"Excuse me while I wash my eyes..." Rei murmured.
"I told you he was straight," Tala said.
They all let out a heavy sigh, each thinking of their own lacking love lives.
"Wait, there's still someone you need to meet... or have met I guess," Kenny scanned the crowd. "Oliver!"
"Oliver? Does he mean..." Rei's eyes widened. 'Oh shit.'
Sure enough vibrantly green hair filtered through the crowds revealing the gorgeous guy he knew so well, clad expensively in a silk shirt and no doubt Armani pants.
"Oliver! Long time no see..." Rei began, stepping backwards as the handsome man came towards them. Tala gave him a curious glance.
"That is my line, mon petit." Oliver's light voice clearly accented the French words.
Before Rei could say anything else, Oliver cupped his chin, pressing his lips to Rei's in a firm, and heated kiss.
Tala's eyes narrowed.
Kenny and Tyson's eyes widened.
It was a few drawn out seconds before Oliver drew back with a smile.
"I have not seen you since we parted in Paris, I have missed you Rei," the green haired beauty said lightly, the words rolling off his tongue enticingly.
Rei smiled nervously, taking a wary step back from the gleam in Oliver's eyes. "What is it with people kissing me to say hello nowadays?" He laughed it off, awkwardly cutting of when Tala frowned at him.
The ice blue eyes tracked Oliver like a target. "Who are you?"
Oliver looked at the red haired man who stood slightly taller than him with appraising eyes and dark recognition. "Tala from the Demolition boys, am I correct? You might remember me. Oliver of the Majestics, but we never really were much of a team."
Tyson turned to Kenny pointing a finger at Oliver. "Who's he? Some ex-boyfriend of Rei's?"
They all sweatdropped at the raven-haired boy's stupidity.
Oliver eye twitched. "Tyson... your stupidity amazes me. I'm the guy you met in Paris, remember?"
Tyson shook his head, causing they're sweatdrops to grow larger.
"Oh! You're the Vampire guy right?!"
Oliver face faulted.
"Wait, no. You're the guy who had that cool stadium right... wait, that's Enrique... The guy that owned the castle? No... that was Robert... um... " Tyson furrowed his brow in thought.
"HOW CAN YOU REMEMBER THEM BUT NOT ME!?!"
The spark of recognition hit Tyson's eyes. "I remember! OLIVER!!! The guy who had the pansy unicorn fairy bit beast. Gotcha. Good to see you again! What are you doing here with us commoners, huh? I always thought you were the kind to reserve a whole place for yourself, not mingle with crowds." He shook Oliver's hand with a grin.
The green haired man levelled a glare. "My bit beast is not pansy." Oliver took a calming breath and continued. "I was in town, and Kenny asked me... this experience of 'mingling' is new to me." Blue-tinged purple eyes returned to stare into Rei's. "And yes, I happen to be Rei's former and first love."
Tala's eyes narrowed further. "Who told you that?" He said in a low monotone.
Rei nervously smiled, just what could one do when two ex's meet?
"I assumed since he was so inexperienced when I met him... of course he blossomed under my teachings, and grew VERY good at it."
Kenny and Tyson's eyes grew wider, both their cheeks flushing at the topic on hand.
Rei raised a finger to protest about the 'inexperienced' comment but Tala cut him off.
"We were together two years, before you ever showed up. Rei isn't one to show off, and his efforts would be wasted on the likes of YOU. From first hand experience, he is VERY good at what he did before he ever met you," Tala bit back stoically.
"First hand? You mean you and YOU were both... and Rei..." Tyson managed to choke out.
"Rei wasted two years on you? You may be right about his 'talents' as he knows things I could never teach him, but two years is a ridiculous amount of time to waste fooling around with obviously prudish guys like YOU," Oliver countered, ignoring Tyson, and like Tala, having no problem discussing his or other people's sexuality in open public.
Rei pinched the bridge of his nose muttering, "This can't be happening to me."
"I bet he didn't even waste weeks on you," Tala bit back.
"For your information cherié, he spent a year travelling the world with me, seeing all the glorious things that no doubt you could never see, and of course sharing all his... tricks that you would never experience," Oliver said smugly.
"Hn. YOU are not flexible enough. With your build, you and Rei could never..."
"OKAY! OKAY! Let's stop NOW before we get into the sex positions that you both like or can or cannot do! This is not the place to put that out in the open! There are CHILDREN HERE!" Rei yelled, but something tugged on his arm. Looking down, they saw a crowd of 5 year olds looking up at them.
"Mister, what does sex mean?" a little boy in overalls asked.
All of them sweatdropped noticing the slightly horrified audience they've gained.
Tala and Oliver coughed.
"Very well, to settle this honourably I challenge you to a ice skating match against myself and Tyson. The winner claims Rei's first love," Oliver offered with a smirk
Rei groaned.
"You and Tyson against myself and Rei, you must be joking, you will LOSE. I also know for a matter of fact that it is I who claims Rei's first love," the red haired man smirked back just as smugly. "You stand no chance against me. I accept."
"How did I get dragged into this?" Tyson and Rei asked indignantly.
"It isn't a good idea to pair off with Tyson..." Kenny began, and with one hand shoved Tyson on the ice.
"Wha? WHOA!!! HELP!! CHIEF!!!" Tyson violently flapped his arms sliding all over the ice before spectacularily falling on his ass. A small conga line of the same 5 year olds from before laughed as they skated past his inept form.
"As you can see, Tyson can't skate, he comes to learn," Kenny pointed out dryly.
Oliver stared for a few moments as Tyson tried his very best to crawl back to the landing. "I see. Might you do me the honor Kenny? It's only a friendly competition between Tala and I after all, we promise you won't get hurt... right uke boy?"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!" Tala screamed, causing Rei to step back in shock and fear.
"Me? I guess, I'm not all that good at anything except computing, but sure. What are the terms?" Kenny asked calmly.
"Hockey?" Rei suggested.
"We are gentlemen, not brutes mon cheri."
Tala let himself cool down a little. Over reaction wasn't something he was used to. "How about a skating match, two goals, one ball, first team to get the ball into the opposing goal wins. Any means to get the ball into the goal is allowed. Loser of course loses all rights to name himself Rei's first."
"Hmm... yes, that is more proper," Oliver agreed.
"So basically we beat each other to a pulp to put a ball into the goal just so you guys can say which of you were better." Rei stated dubiously.
"Yes." Tala and Oliver glared at each other as both slid easily onto the ice.
"What part of that isn't brutish?" Kenny muttered, following after them.
Oliver clicked his fingers. Out of nowhere a guy in a black suit and ice skates popped up behind him. "You, remove the people from the rink. I have a score to settle with this man. They can be the audience if they wish."
"Yes, sir."
Faster than they could blink, the crowds were ushered into the seats surrounding the rink and the four men were alone on the ice, with 2 goals expertly set up either side of them.
Dizzy and Dragoon were busy waving flags for each team, Dizzy wildly cheering both on while the male bit-beast stoically waved the large flag with Rei's and Tala's pictures on it.
"Let's get it on." Oliver smirked.
"You'll get what's coming to you pimp boy," Tala returned without emotion.
Heated lightning passed between their eyes.
Rei and Kenny looked at each other and simultaneously rolled their eyes.
Tyson, who was made referee on the spot and currently (unsteadily) holding the lone Bananas in Pyjamas ball which a random 5 year old cheerfully volunteered for the game. "You guys ready?" The raven-haired boy used his sheathed sword as a crutch on the ice to stop his wobbling.
"Bring it on," Tala and Oliver challenged, each facing their intended goals.
"3! 2! 1! Let it RIP!" Tyson threw the ball into the air.
Tala shot into the air and slammed the ball onto the ground, much like a basketball player would do. "REI! Count this as practice!"
Oliver back flipped in mid air to intersect the ball, throwing it back toward Kenny.
Rei caught it smoothly mid arch. "You're just trying to get me to help you win, it has nothing to do with practice...!!!"
Kenny smirked, zooming past him with a shower of sliced ice in his wake. The B-in-P ball was nestled safely in a hand as he quickly covered the distance to the goal.
Rei narrowed his eyes and skated after him, leaping into the air and triple flipping with a twist of his hips, snatching the ball from Kenny's hands before landing in front of the boy. The crowd went wild.
"For a computer geek, how the heck did you get so fast!?"
Kenny grinned, eyes as always hidden beneath his bangs and glasses. "I'm good at running from things, and since Russia, running on ice has been haunting my nightmares a little so I got better at it."
"Riiight."
"Go Chief! Show 'em what you're made of!" Tyson and Dizzy cheered from the stands.
Rei smirked and darted past Kenny sliding smoothly over the ice. "Tala. Practice it is...!" Arms wrapped themselves around him.
Oliver smoothly dipped Rei in his arms, face leaning close to the Neko-jin's. "Still so innocent cheri. I like that." Without warning, the green haired boy leaned down and sucked gently on Rei's bottom lip, cutting off all impending protest from Rei's lips with his own. Not that Rei minded that much really...
"I'll take that..." Kenny pulled the ball from his hands.
"Cheater." Tala slammed an elbow in the back of Oliver's head, pulling Rei to stand beside him just before Oliver went face first into the ice. "And YOU..." The red head glared at his partner who was detectably out of breath. "YOU enjoyed that!!!" He accused.
Rei sighed quietly before leaning down quickly, catching the red head off guard with a short intense kiss. "Happy?" Without waiting for an answer, the neko-jin darted after Kenny.
Tala glared, as Oliver stood back up, the latter grinning smugly. "I despise you."
"Glad to hear it," Oliver shot back before both of them hurried after Kenny and the pursing Rei. Tala growled low in his throat, shooting after them, he would NOT lose this.
"Rei!" Tala jumped into the air, flipping against the laws of gravity to gain distance.
A white rope of hair whipped around as Rei stretched out a hand, catching the bottom of Tala's blades in his palm.
"Shouldn't... that have cut off his hand?" Tyson said to no one in particular as those in the crowd gasped. The black haired man smirked and threw Tala toward Kenny where the red head landed hands first on Kenny's shoulders. Kenny yelped as his hands dug into his shoulders, the sudden impact jarring him as Tala used the momentum to reverse their standing, throwing him into the air. For a sudden breathless moment Kenny found himself sailing through the air in a dizzying loop before time set back in, and Tala caught him neatly in his arms.
Breath heaving in exertion and his heart thudding hard against his chest, Kenny stared up at the red headed boy, blue eyes sparkling back down at him with a small smile. He didn't even notice Rei skimming past and stealing the ball out of his hands.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?" Tala asked sincerely.
Kenny flushed as the other set him down, thankful for his ever covering bangs as he turned away to watch Oliver and Rei battle it out at the far end of the rink. "H-hai."
"GIVE ME THAT BALL!!!"
Oliver had darted out of the way with a twist in mid air, now in possession of the ball. A delighted laugh escaped his lips as he did a perfect triple spin, cutting the ice with graceful loops of his body as he landed. Rei bared a fanged grin as he purposely braked before Oliver, disorientating the French boy by showering him with ice. An unseen lump in the ice jarred Rei from his victory, toppling both of them as he crashed into the spluttering Frenchman.
A blur of red was all they saw as Tala scooped the ball from Oliver's arms, nearly tripping over the two in his effort to get past them. Unfortunately Kenny didn't see them in time, the air misted over with ice, clouding his glasses and blinding his already impaired vision. A surprised gasp escaped their lips as Kenny hit them at high speeds, his foot hooking over one of their skates to send him flying through the air. Tala, Rei and Oliver swore, doubling back or getting up, watching as the brunette fell head first, probably in stall for a very painful landing.
Kenny fell, almost in slow motion, a small sound of fear escaping his lips.
"Chief!" The voice pierced his fear-clogged mind.
Arms wrapped around him, stopping his descent through the air, but nevertheless made his stomach drop in fear at the swift plunge. A jarring landing made his savior grunt in pain, though the arms never left the brown haired boy's waist.
Kenny heard the fast beats of a thudding heart pressed against his ear and willed his eyes to open.
Tyson breathed a sigh of relief. "You okay?"
The brown haired boy nodded briefly, smiling at the concern on Tyson's face. "F-fine." He glanced down, noting the fact his glasses were skewed on his nose, and saw the ice only a foot from his nose. Tyson's knees had digged painfully into the ice upon landing. "You're hurt."
"Nah, just as long as you're okay," Tyson said light heartedly, though Kenny could detect the slight wince. The raven-haired boy had landed on his knees, the only way they could both land properly due to Tyson's usual sleekness being compromised by his clumsiness on the ice.
"Tyson, Kenny! Are you alright?" Rei asked frantically, his worried expression mirrored by Oliver and Tala behind him and Dragoon and Dizzy not far behind.
Tyson flinched as he gently pushed Kenny off him, giving the three a glare. "I think we've played enough don't you? Chief could have gotten seriously hurt... twice. I don't think it's safe to keep going."
They nodded, quietly amazed, with the exception of Kenny, at Tyson's quiet, serious tone.
"Fine, I shall withdraw for now, but don't think you've won, uke boy," Oliver said, but dampened the smug look a little as Tala sent a icy glare his way. He offered a smile, "Drinks on me for taking up your time, cheri."
Tala blinked, noting the word was directed at him this time. Rei smiled inwardly. Nothing like shared interests and quite incredibly good looks to bring two guys together. Tala of course didn't smile, but did quirk his lips a little. Close enough. "Sure."
"WOO!!! DRINKS!!!" Dizzy cheered, startling the others who had momentarily forgotten she was there. There was a distinct mutter of, 'But you can't ingest liquids,' from Dragoon, but he was known to be annoyingly temperamental and the others paid him no heed.
"Sounds good... except the fact you guys are underage," Rei stated, eyebrows raising. Oliver only grinned cheekily in reply.
"I own one of the bars, it'll be no problem."
"Just as long as we don't get drunk, I don't really have a high tolerance for alcohol," Kenny reprimanded, skating smoothly after the two as they headed toward the entrance. The crowd cheered, even though their entertainment was cut short. Some of the audience began filling the ice rink once again.
"Uh... guys... little help?" Tyson called weakly from the centre of the rink.
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The dark stillness of the corridor was broken by the sounds of muted, strained steps.
"I can't believe you two got drunk." Rei hauled his two friends up the steps, guiltily, a little tipsy himself.
Tala groaned, walking wobbily on his feet so he wasn't totally dead weight. To Rei's knowledge Tala had never drunk alcohol in his life. Oliver was slung over his other side, his bodyguards having left when Oliver sent them away, leaving Rei with no idea where he was staying. The guy was much too busy giggling to be of much use either. The only option left was Kai's place.
If Kai ever found out, he was going to be in deep shit.
Struggling, Rei somehow managed to open and close the door, tumbling into the apartment and dropping all of them on Kai's bed. Tala and Oliver almost groaned in sync, snuggling against Rei from both sides with slow trance like movements.
His vision became hazy, the alcohol making him too drowsy to move much further, especially trapped between two barely clothed guys. Rei gave a weak struggle to get up, but soon darkness crept in and consumed his consciousness, comforted by two of his most beloved people in the world. Still in the land of blessed sleep, Oliver smiled, and burrowed into the warm curve of Rei's shoulder. Tala slept on peacefully, his head pillowed by Rei's chest.
They slept.
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The sunlight stroked pale cheeks, making tufts of red hair bury themselves further into the comfortable warmth beside him. The twitter of the birds outside made him groan loudly against the pounding in his head. He felt the rumbles of a deeper groan from his makeshift pillow. The birds continued to tweet outside, much to Tala's annoyance.
"God, shut up you stupid birds," a voice too richly accented groaned.
Tala's eyes shot open, reacting immediately, straddling the unknown person in his bed, hand clamped over the other's mouth before they could move. Tala gasped as a jolt of pain shot up his skull. The pounding in his head refused to go away, his mind too hazy to clearly see the intruder. Thinly bloodshot eyes shot wide open as hands cupped his butt. His hips grinded against someone that was definitely not Rei.
Blue looked into blue. One the colour of ice, the other as light as the sky, with flickering hints of violet reflected in them.
Green hair, adorably messed, shifted on the pillow as Tala felt his palm licked gently by the other's tongue. He let out a small gasp with the overload of sensation coupled with a massive headache, clearly not making the thinking process any easier. His hold eased off on Oliver's face.
"It is not often I wake to a gorgeous red head in my bed," the green haired man said teasingly, gently easing Tala's hand away with his own.
With a grunt, Tala shoved him back into the pillow and slid off the bed, looking uncomfortably at the strange surroundings. He arched a eyebrow at the glittery sign clearly painted, 'Rei the RABBIT,' above a cage with said animal.
"Disturbing."
Oliver rubbed his temples, vainly trying to get rid of the massive hangover stirring inside his head. "Where are we?" The accent was less detectable now that he was back in control, though he knew from the strange feel of the bed this wasn't his hotel. Hotel beds weren't this lumpy. And of course, didn't have disturbing glittery signs naming an animal after Rei for that matter.
Tala grunted, spotting the door and staggered out cautiously. He was used to waking to unfamiliar surroundings but that didn't mean he had to like it. A poorly concealed mutter told him Oliver was right behind him.
Taking a quick look into the room next door, which was surprisingly empty compared to the garbage dump of colour they had just left, Tala wandered down the hallway, walking slowly toward the sound of water from the next room.
"You're sexy when you slink like that, cheri," Oliver whispered in his ear.
Tala narrowed his eyes, a shiver running up his spine from the other man's heated breath. "Shut up," he hissed back, feeling incredibly uncomfortable with Oliver's sudden interest in him.
Both of them looked into the open doorway at the same time. Eyes widened. Jaws dropped.
Amber eyes glanced out from beneath the towel currently drying loose waves of black hair roughly. A fanged grin graced Rei's lips as he stepped out of the shower, the only form of clothing being a towel... which was still rubbing his hair dry. Water glistened down naked skin as he walked toward them, and closed their jaws with a finger.
"Morning," Rei calmly wrapped the towel around his waist, still grinning.
Oliver and Tala had glazed looks in their eyes.
Their hips slid together as Rei brushed past between them, sending a delicious surge of warmth into their skin. The still wet wisps of hair whispered against their face, the smell of wild berries lingering from the shampoo, making their knees decidedly weak.
Oliver and Tala swallowed, standing still for a moment to regain their ability to think beyond the thought of jumping the half naked beauty. After a full minute, both guys bolted after the uniquely tantalising scent of spice that was all Rei.
Oliver groaned aloud upon entering the kitchen, getting an eyeful of a long slim legs as Rei bent over a bottom cupboard. "Cheri, you entice us cruelly."
"Hmm? Oh, coffee?"
Tala smirked, moving forward to place the cup gently on the bench top.
"Perhaps later, I want something more sweet at the moment," he said cheekily.
Deftly he stepped between Rei's legs, curving his mouth over Rei's. The Neko-jin's eyes widened as Tala kissed him, a zing of pleasure warming him as the red head's hands curled around his hips. His hands came up with all the intention of pushing Tala away but was caught against his sides as arms around Rei's waist from behind, effectively sandwiching the seductively tanned body between Oliver and Tala. Rei's eyes closed with a moan as a tongue darted into the shell of his ear, the slow motion of his hips creating a delicious friction between them.
Tala's mouth didn't give him chance to talk, and the hands wandering across his skin, caressing with hot, teasing touches didn't give him chance to think. It was hard not to get lost in the assault of sensation from the heated bodies surrounding him just as it was.
Green replaced red as his back was suddenly pressed against the bench top, lips devoured again by fuller and hungrier lips. His cry of surprise was muffled as a hot cavern circled over a sensitive nipple, making his hips jerk as his body reacted.
Hands traced the top of the towel as he was pushed into Oliver's embrace, the warmth at his back once again replaced, lips sucking on the juncture of his neck with small hungry bites. Their hips rocked together helplessly causing small frissions of pleasure shattering Rei's mind with each movement.
Knock! Knock!
Rei's eyes shot open as the familiar sound of the door could be heard. If Kai was back... then... Guilt exploded in his mind. He shouldn't be doing this no matter how good it felt.
Oliver growled, capturing the Neko-jin's lips again, "Ignore it," he husked, planting another kiss on Rei's lips. The hand that suddenly was there made the half formed caution disappear. Kai wouldn't knock since it was his apartment, it was probably Mariah or something, and he'd be damned if he'll answer another one of her house calls. Tala's distracted noise of agreement as he pulled him closer served to distract him further. It felt nice to be within the comfort of familiarity.
"Hello? Anyone here? The door was unlocked and..." Locks of blonde hair came into view, followed by sharp crystal blue eyes, which quickly widened in surprise.
Rei gasped, face-flushing beet red as Max arched a dispassionate eyebrow at them.
"Rei. I can see I'm interrupting something so I'll come back later," Max drawled, glancing at Tala and Oliver with amused interest.
Rei spared Max a glance, and gently pushed Oliver away, stepping out of Tala's arms, his face flushed as he tried to regain his breath. "Max. It isn't what it looks like."
"Somehow I don't think Kai will be too pleased to know you've been having... friends over at his place." Max teased, the calculating gaze softened by the small measure of warmth in his voice for his friend, but was still a far cry from the happy giggle that he once spoke with. Rei winced inwardly and cursed his lack of control. The guilt came back.
Rei looked appraisingly at him, and then turned to the two behind him. Both of them looked about to speak. "Don't." His smile was strained. "This was a mistake," he whispered. "I'm not a bloody saint."
While Tala's expression withdrew immediately, Oliver shrugged. "Neither are we, cheri."
Rei shook his head. Aloud he said, "Guys, help yourselves to some coffee, god knows you need it," he looked back at Max with a expression the blonde didn't recognise. "We'll talk after I get dressed."
Tala watched as Rei sauntered into the guest room, and closed the door. His face quickly reformed back into the non-committal expression he usually wore, staring at Max curiously without speaking, taking a few breaths to will himself calm.
The three regarded each other in a strange silence.
Oliver tilted his head at the blonde, his own breathing still hitched. He noted the almost platinum colour it was now instead of the wheat yellow he remembered.
It had been hard to imagine Max as anything but happy, but now he could see into those icy blue eyes, even lighter than his own, Oliver could tell a coldness that wasn't there before. The boy had grown from cute into gorgeous, clothes still the painfully bright colours, but now they hugged a well toned body with long legs that stood only slightly shorter than the Frenchman.
"Bonjour," he said cordially, breaking the silence as he found a seat on one of the stools near the bench. He sipped from one of the neglected cups of coffee, trying to regain at least some kind of control over his body after a hangover and the aroused thoughts running at million a miles a second through his mind, regardless of company.
Max looked at him with those eyes again, sparkling with humour at the situation. "I didn't expect to see you here Oliver, ça va?"
How was he? Oliver rolled his eyes, and answered simply, "Bien."
Max looked around the room, diverting his eyes away from the two figures, which branded in his vision one of the most erotic scenes he had ever seen in his life. A few moments ago, he didn't know what to do as he walked in on them; laugh or join in. He didn't think he could see any of them in the same light again. Especially Rei. And here Max had thought that Rei was the blushing virgin going after true love. Well so much for that.
"I didn't know Rei was consorting with the enemy," Max commented idly.
"As much as I didn't know you had it in you to take over the BBA and become such a self serving bastard," Tala said quietly.
Max's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring at the words. "At least I'm not the bastard that tried to take over the world as a madman's puppet."
"I was not a puppet," Tala's tone went icy, thickening the already strained tension.
Ice met ice as the two glared at each other intensely; faces blank and eerily calm as both stared each other down with obvious dislike and quelled anger.
At the moment Rei walked in, glancing at the two and laughing silently at Oliver's deer in headlights look as the Frenchman was caught in the crossfire of two deadly glares. The tension was palpable enough to cut with a beyblade.
With a growl, he shoved them apart.
"Look, both of you, chill. This is Kai's home, I won't tolerate fighting here, or beyblading on the nice waxed floors for that matter," Rei said sternly, hands resting on his hips.
The three turned, and stared, giving a absentminded nod as they drank in the sight of Rei clad in black leather, his hair tied back surprisingly in black instead of white, though the same red bandana remained atop his brows. His amber eyes shone brightly against the darkness of his outfit, like a beacon toward those luscious features.
"You've just made my day, cheri," Oliver commented admiringly, wondering which was better; naked Rei or Rei in sexy clothes. Both equally alluring.
Rei shrugged. "Uniform for a job."
Max had the sudden silly urge to grin lecherously, but settled instead for, "I doubt any restaurant has that kind of uniform... unless... "
Oliver slid his eyes down Rei's form, lecherous grin already in place. "My question is to the location of this place where young men are forced to wear tight leather while serving customers, no?" he said cheekily.
Tala turned wide eyes to Rei, "What job? You never told me -!"
Rei laughed effectively breaking down the tension. "You guys are really perverted for uptight businessmen." He shot a look at both Tala and Oliver. "And you two, shame on you for taking advantage of a taken man with your feminine wiles, you both know how I feel."
Oliver lifted a finger. "I object to the feminine wiles comment, I leave that to uke boy over there." Tala glared at him in return.
Rei let the pretence of cheerfulness fall as he turned to Max. "You, I'm still pissed off at."
The blonde didn't bat an eyelid, only smile coldly as he acknowledged the statement with a tilt of his head. "I came to talk to you about that... and to give you the rest of the prize money personally."
Amber eyes flickered in surprise. "There was more?"
The comment made Max chuckle quietly. "Yes." He smoothly dipped into a pants pocket and handed an envelope to Rei. "Remember, you and Kai were suppose to split, and this is your half."
Rei choked at those words. "I've been spending Kai's money all this time?" He took a quick look into the envelope and blanched.
The blonde lifted an eyebrow. "Problem?"
"He gave me all of it... this is the amount he gave me before," Rei murmured.
"I'm sure he can afford it Rei," Max started, but the black haired boy cut him off.
"That isn't the point. I don't take charity, especially from HIM. I blatantly told him that, and he STILL gave me all of it, I may be a little on the poor side at the moment, but it doesn't mean he can just do that! Especially since I'm going to -" Rei stopped abruptly, ignoring the raised eyebrows directed at him, took a calming breath and counted to ten. It didn't help at all. He redirected his anger at Max. "Why didn't you bring this sooner?!"
Tala's eyes hardened, the only visible change on his face at the slip of tongue. It lasted for a brief moment, burning through Rei with unspoken disapproval before breaking eye contact.
Max, sat down on one of the stools. "I was busy."
Rei frowned. "Why did you stop the match Max?"
"Truthfully?"
Rei glared. "Unless you want me to sick Mariah on you, yes, truthfully."
Max gave a small shudder. "Right." His voice took on a softer tone. "Rei, I watched your matches until your finals against Kai. There was no way he could have beat you."
Tala, Oliver and Rei gave him incredulous looks.
"We ARE talking about Kai here right? You know, ultimate blader extreme, guy who controlled Black Dranzer was basically THE BEST BEYBLADER in the world... besides Tyson... " Rei rattled on.
"Who won on dumb luck I might add," Tala commented.
Rei shrugged. "The statement still stands. THAT Kai?"
Max sighed. "Yes, that Kai. He may still be almost unbeatable, but right now, he's the weakest of the former Bladebreakers. If he had lost to you in that match you would have never stood a chance." He paused. "I only wanted to help."
Rei shook his head. "I refuse to believe that. You're underestimating Kai too much. Kai would never let himself slack off in his training or..."
Max rolled his eyes. "Believe what you want. That's the reason I stopped the match."
"Ah, and it was not because you knew Rei didn't have much money or that dear Kai wasn't such a total bastard to let him sleep on the streets. And surely not in the eventuality that if neither of them won, they would have to stay together to recieve the prize money AND have the opportunity to battle each other later?" Oliver stated, smirking. "Just a guess of course."
Max narrowed his eyes. "Kenny has been very talkative hasn't he?"
Oliver batted his eyelashes innocently. "Chief is surprisingly vocal when he's drunk."
"You're playing MATCHMAKER?" Rei yelled in disbelief.
Tala's lips quirked into a half formed smirk.
Max fixed Rei with an indifferent stare. "You two needed help in my eyes."
Rei laughed and swung an arm around Max's shoulders. "I knew you weren't all bad Maxie!" Then promptly noogied the teenager, tussling the blonde slicked back hair with his hand.
Tala and Oliver made a sound that seemed suspiciously like laughter. Rei released the ruffled Max with a wide grin.
"Does this mean I'll have to return the favour and set you up? Mariah's always available ya know," he quipped lightly.
"NO!" Max, eyes wide, realised the word had come out as a panicked squeak, and cleared his throat, face tinted pink as he tried to ignore the muffled laughter from the other two men. Images of him and Mariah sped through his mind, picnicking, dancing, and even worse, kissing. He coughed again, shoving the thoughts from his mind. "I have someone."
Tala, Oliver and Rei had their curiosity piqued by that statement, and asked in unison, "Who?"
Unaccustomed to anyone teasing him like this for a long while, Max didn't know how to react. He cursed his cheeks as they flushed, and replied vaguely, "Someone."
"I can tell from your expression that this 'someone' is very good, no?" Oliver asked innocently. "Who is the lucky woman?"
"It's a male," Max blurted before he could stop himself. What was wrong with him? Surrounded by a few old friends for a few minutes and he loses the composure he had sustained for 4 long years! It was ridiculous! It also felt strangely nice to be welcomed like this again.
"Ah... a he, the plot thickens..." Rei teased, though he already suspected that Max was inclined that way from how Max had reacted to Tyson's name a few nights ago. "Someone we know perhaps?" Rei prodded.
Max twitched, and made his face blank with some effort. "That's none of your business Rei, just as it is none of mine what you do with anyone other than Kai."
Rei sighed, feeling the moment drain away. "It ain't my fault that these guys are horny bastards that can't get laid."
Oliver and Tala made sounds of protest.
Rei smiled and jolted when he looked down at his watch. "YIKES! I'm late! Alright, all of you, shoo, I need you out of the apartment before I go," he made shooing motions with his hands. "I'm late for work and god knows what you'll do in here when left alone."
Oliver pouted, still miffed at the last comment, he COULD get laid! And did so quite frequently. It's only that none of them were as sexy as Rei... or even Tala for that matter. With a disappointed look, he tilted his head at Max. "May I catch a ride to your offices? No doubt my body guards are panicking over my disappearance by now."
Max nodded, eyes still on Rei. "Rei, don't try to rush Kai... he's not experienced at these things, so don't try anything... advanced."
Rei choked at the implications. "Kai's a virgin?"
Tala and Oliver looked at Max with raised eyebrows, amused at the image of an innocent Kai conjured up in pink and frills.
Max nodded tightly, unwilling to explain why he knew this. "As far as I know he is. Go easy on him Rei." He and stood and turned to leave.
Oliver gave a short bark of laughter, as he stood in front of Rei. "Your interest is growing cheri, claim him soon, or I shall claim you." The Frenchman leaned in, kissing Rei softly on the lips. "As always mon petit, je t'aime." With a wink at Tala, he turned and followed Max out the front door, closing it behind him with a soft click.
Rei blinked.
"I can see your mind falling into the gutter even from here," Tala accused lightly, seeing that devious glint in his ex's eyes.
Rei almost gave into the urge to rub his hands together and cackle maliciously, but instead traded for a telling smile. It dropped from his face quickly. "About this morning..." Rei started.
Tala waved him off and offered Rei a smile. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, you love him, you want him, and you got to have him." Rei returned the smile weakly. Tala sighed, his own jealousy simmering just under the surface despite his outward reaction. The red head frowned. "I DO however, resent that 'not getting laid' comment."
"I'm glad you're not mad Tala," Rei said quietly.
Tala nodded curtly. "Stop whining and tell me what this job of yours is about. I don't know if you going out like that is good for the community."
Rei winked. "Glad you like it, but the outfit is so I give a little presence on our friends overseas. For the heist if you've forgotten."
Tala stepped back with a thoughtful look, all business once again. "Ah, the Arms Dealers."
Rei nodded, "We need some supplies for this one, but I don't expect us to kill anyone. Is everything else ready? Plan, map, guard watch -"
Tala cut him off. "I'm not incompetent Rei, everything is set."
Rei leapt smoothly onto the windowsill, glancing back. "Tala, can you lock the door before you leave... and feed Little Rei?"
"Little Rei... disturbing." Tala rolled his eyes as Rei shot a pleading look at him. "Fine, be careful out there Rei."
"I'll be the posterboy for safety," Rei said sarcastically, and leapt outside onto the neighbouring rooftop.
Tala looked around the kitchen. "Now where can I find some carrots? Rabbits like those."
===============================================================================
TBC
A/N: Is it wrong to be so whorish for other couples?
B/N: Is it so hard to write decently?
A/N: Shut up Opal, glad to have you back betaing but in my defence, it's 2 year old writing. Like the unspeakable old fics that lurk in my past. I also realise this interlude has no substance, just a light fluffy bit of story before the heavy stuff.
Ice skating... what on earth was I thinking.
So, review? Feedback for further entertainment where we finally get the deep dark pasts of the boys and the plot thickens even further. Let us picnic at Hiwatari Manor, lair of angst and um... Kai.
A/N: Sorry to intrude, as you guys MUST be realising just how LONG this fic is. Sorry for delay in updates, I had a Beta Crisis but now Opal is back and systematically rendering me into grammatically correct goo. Also, beloved readers, you may have noticed I keep writing day by day, almost going into minute DETAIL for the whole day. This is because I can't write short stories. I used to have this talent, but now... the knowledge of how escapes me. I'll try to hurry things along as everyone wants Rei to get into poor innocent Kai's pants, but the journey to ReixKai is long and unnecessarily tedious. As well as writing mystery... ahh the plot holes. And, more odd couples, kinky threesomes and many, MANY m/m scenes ahead. Bless Kai's cute cotton socks for yaoi. But if you've gone this far, you might as well continue ne?)
INTERLUDE - A Dash of Red and Green
Days passed and Rei became acutely aware of how lonely the apartment was without Kai there. Let's just say he got on great terms with his bunny counterpart, who seemed to have a liking for fresh lettuce.
Days without even a phone call from Kai or anything.
"God I'm pathetic," Rei murmured, watching the rabbit eat in his spare time between jobs. Casually he picked up the phone. "Yes?"
"Rei, the phone barely RUNG," came a surprised voice.
"Tyson?"
"Got it in one go. Tala tells me you have spare time right now. Wanna go ice skating?"
Rei let that sink in a little. "TALA? What's he doing there?!" 'Or who...' Rei grinned and shook the thought out of his head.
"Don't you remember him? You know, guy that almost beat my undefeatable skills in the world championships? Red hair, blue eyes, white leather, kinda hot?" Tyson said in his traditional nonchalance. Rei could just imagine Tala's eyebrows going up.
"Yeah, I remember him. Okay, I'll meet you at your house in a few minutes. Tyson, don't do anything I wouldn't do," he added before putting the phone back.
An indignant cry of, "HEY!" was cut off as the line closed.
It took no time to arrive at the familiar dojo where Tyson lived with a quick journey over rooftops. The sound of heavy grunting could be heard from inside. Rei had second thoughts about entering hearing them, sparking a small feeling of jealousy in his veins. Tala always had a thing for the guy that beat him, and Tyson, well... he was a very open guy.
With an inhaled breath he peeked inside the paper walls.
Tyson looked up, his shinai in mid swing, Tala sat in a corner with a cup of tea looking like he usually did with company. Like a pale rock. Another person sat next to him, a chocolate cookie was in his mouth.
"Yo," Tyson said in greeting.
Rei let out a silent relieved breath and smiled. "Hey guys." He gestured questionably at the other person.
Tyson smirked. "You know him already Rei."
The other guest rolled pale blue eyes, covered by a waterfall of waist long pale blue hair, a small grin warming his features as he stood. "Tyson, even if you've gotten used to me like this, doesn't mean Rei has." His voice was lustrously deep and masculine, confirming the somewhat ambiguous gender of the person.
"Eh?" Tyson answered intelligently, hanging his shinai back up and picking up his sword from the stands. "Oh, Rei, you know Dragoon, my bit beast and best bud? Kenny gave him a body like Dizzy's and connected it to me but he likes to stay in his bit most of the time since he's the kind that likes to live in small things. Don't ask me why Kenny made him look so girly either, he said Dragoon wanted it like that and..."
"Okay okay! Tyson, I get it!" Rei stretched out a hand. "Nice to meet you... again."
"Likewise." Dragoon shook Rei's hand warmly and the former White Tiger could feel a distinct surge of electricity run up his arm, but it wasn't exactly unpleasant. The bit beast turned, "And Tyson... "
Suddenly a whirl of wind smashed into Tyson, blowing his cap right off his head. "Who's girly?"
Rei laughed, silently studying this new form of Dragoon with interest. The bit beast in human guise wore a simple dark blue t-shirt and pants with a white jacket tied casually around his waist. He was just about the same height as Tyson, slight in build, but still had nice muscle density.
"Don't bother, he's straight," Tala whispered in his ear, walking past him.
Rei laughed. "I see you've been busy."
"Ready to go? That ice is melting as we speak y'know," Tyson called.
"How are we getting there?" Tala asked monotone, once again.
"Dragoon Transport of course!" Tyson leaned on Dragoon's shoulder with a teasing grin.
"You make me feel so appreciated Tyson," Dragoon said dryly.
In a flash of bright light, they were gone.
================================================================================
"This is...!?" Tala and Rei spun around wildly surveying their surroundings with surprise.
"Men's bathroom at the ice rink," Dragoon said calmly.
"Handy ain't he?" Tyson commented, slipping his sword over a shoulder and calmly walking out blatantly ignoring the peeved look Dragoon was sending him.
Minutes later, they were all strapped into ice-skates - one size too small - and standing at the entrance of the rink.
Tyson started to wave at a blur currently zooming across the ice between the people there. "Yo! Chief!"
"Kenny's here?" Rei asked.
"Who's Chief?" Tala said at the same time.
"Tala?" The brown haired technician said in dismay as he came to an abrupt stop in front of them.
"Oh yeah... guess you don't know each other too well. This here is my good friend Kenny, and Tala as you remembered was the guy I beat in the world championships with my invincible beyblade skills," Tyson introduced.
"What invincible beyblade skills?" Tala said stonily.
A flickering in the air was all the warning they got before Dizzy appeared, arms circling around Dragoon with a happy sigh.
"Dragoon... it's been too long," she sighed.
"Then let's get reacquainted my Lady Dizzara." Dragoon lifted her in his arms, their lips locked in a sizzle of energy, before going smoothly onto the ice, blue and red hair contrasting against equally pale skin.
Kenny, Tyson and Rei sweatdropped, watching them zoom around the rink.
"It has been 3 days since they last saw each other," Kenny deadpanned.
"Excuse me while I wash my eyes..." Rei murmured.
"I told you he was straight," Tala said.
They all let out a heavy sigh, each thinking of their own lacking love lives.
"Wait, there's still someone you need to meet... or have met I guess," Kenny scanned the crowd. "Oliver!"
"Oliver? Does he mean..." Rei's eyes widened. 'Oh shit.'
Sure enough vibrantly green hair filtered through the crowds revealing the gorgeous guy he knew so well, clad expensively in a silk shirt and no doubt Armani pants.
"Oliver! Long time no see..." Rei began, stepping backwards as the handsome man came towards them. Tala gave him a curious glance.
"That is my line, mon petit." Oliver's light voice clearly accented the French words.
Before Rei could say anything else, Oliver cupped his chin, pressing his lips to Rei's in a firm, and heated kiss.
Tala's eyes narrowed.
Kenny and Tyson's eyes widened.
It was a few drawn out seconds before Oliver drew back with a smile.
"I have not seen you since we parted in Paris, I have missed you Rei," the green haired beauty said lightly, the words rolling off his tongue enticingly.
Rei smiled nervously, taking a wary step back from the gleam in Oliver's eyes. "What is it with people kissing me to say hello nowadays?" He laughed it off, awkwardly cutting of when Tala frowned at him.
The ice blue eyes tracked Oliver like a target. "Who are you?"
Oliver looked at the red haired man who stood slightly taller than him with appraising eyes and dark recognition. "Tala from the Demolition boys, am I correct? You might remember me. Oliver of the Majestics, but we never really were much of a team."
Tyson turned to Kenny pointing a finger at Oliver. "Who's he? Some ex-boyfriend of Rei's?"
They all sweatdropped at the raven-haired boy's stupidity.
Oliver eye twitched. "Tyson... your stupidity amazes me. I'm the guy you met in Paris, remember?"
Tyson shook his head, causing they're sweatdrops to grow larger.
"Oh! You're the Vampire guy right?!"
Oliver face faulted.
"Wait, no. You're the guy who had that cool stadium right... wait, that's Enrique... The guy that owned the castle? No... that was Robert... um... " Tyson furrowed his brow in thought.
"HOW CAN YOU REMEMBER THEM BUT NOT ME!?!"
The spark of recognition hit Tyson's eyes. "I remember! OLIVER!!! The guy who had the pansy unicorn fairy bit beast. Gotcha. Good to see you again! What are you doing here with us commoners, huh? I always thought you were the kind to reserve a whole place for yourself, not mingle with crowds." He shook Oliver's hand with a grin.
The green haired man levelled a glare. "My bit beast is not pansy." Oliver took a calming breath and continued. "I was in town, and Kenny asked me... this experience of 'mingling' is new to me." Blue-tinged purple eyes returned to stare into Rei's. "And yes, I happen to be Rei's former and first love."
Tala's eyes narrowed further. "Who told you that?" He said in a low monotone.
Rei nervously smiled, just what could one do when two ex's meet?
"I assumed since he was so inexperienced when I met him... of course he blossomed under my teachings, and grew VERY good at it."
Kenny and Tyson's eyes grew wider, both their cheeks flushing at the topic on hand.
Rei raised a finger to protest about the 'inexperienced' comment but Tala cut him off.
"We were together two years, before you ever showed up. Rei isn't one to show off, and his efforts would be wasted on the likes of YOU. From first hand experience, he is VERY good at what he did before he ever met you," Tala bit back stoically.
"First hand? You mean you and YOU were both... and Rei..." Tyson managed to choke out.
"Rei wasted two years on you? You may be right about his 'talents' as he knows things I could never teach him, but two years is a ridiculous amount of time to waste fooling around with obviously prudish guys like YOU," Oliver countered, ignoring Tyson, and like Tala, having no problem discussing his or other people's sexuality in open public.
Rei pinched the bridge of his nose muttering, "This can't be happening to me."
"I bet he didn't even waste weeks on you," Tala bit back.
"For your information cherié, he spent a year travelling the world with me, seeing all the glorious things that no doubt you could never see, and of course sharing all his... tricks that you would never experience," Oliver said smugly.
"Hn. YOU are not flexible enough. With your build, you and Rei could never..."
"OKAY! OKAY! Let's stop NOW before we get into the sex positions that you both like or can or cannot do! This is not the place to put that out in the open! There are CHILDREN HERE!" Rei yelled, but something tugged on his arm. Looking down, they saw a crowd of 5 year olds looking up at them.
"Mister, what does sex mean?" a little boy in overalls asked.
All of them sweatdropped noticing the slightly horrified audience they've gained.
Tala and Oliver coughed.
"Very well, to settle this honourably I challenge you to a ice skating match against myself and Tyson. The winner claims Rei's first love," Oliver offered with a smirk
Rei groaned.
"You and Tyson against myself and Rei, you must be joking, you will LOSE. I also know for a matter of fact that it is I who claims Rei's first love," the red haired man smirked back just as smugly. "You stand no chance against me. I accept."
"How did I get dragged into this?" Tyson and Rei asked indignantly.
"It isn't a good idea to pair off with Tyson..." Kenny began, and with one hand shoved Tyson on the ice.
"Wha? WHOA!!! HELP!! CHIEF!!!" Tyson violently flapped his arms sliding all over the ice before spectacularily falling on his ass. A small conga line of the same 5 year olds from before laughed as they skated past his inept form.
"As you can see, Tyson can't skate, he comes to learn," Kenny pointed out dryly.
Oliver stared for a few moments as Tyson tried his very best to crawl back to the landing. "I see. Might you do me the honor Kenny? It's only a friendly competition between Tala and I after all, we promise you won't get hurt... right uke boy?"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!" Tala screamed, causing Rei to step back in shock and fear.
"Me? I guess, I'm not all that good at anything except computing, but sure. What are the terms?" Kenny asked calmly.
"Hockey?" Rei suggested.
"We are gentlemen, not brutes mon cheri."
Tala let himself cool down a little. Over reaction wasn't something he was used to. "How about a skating match, two goals, one ball, first team to get the ball into the opposing goal wins. Any means to get the ball into the goal is allowed. Loser of course loses all rights to name himself Rei's first."
"Hmm... yes, that is more proper," Oliver agreed.
"So basically we beat each other to a pulp to put a ball into the goal just so you guys can say which of you were better." Rei stated dubiously.
"Yes." Tala and Oliver glared at each other as both slid easily onto the ice.
"What part of that isn't brutish?" Kenny muttered, following after them.
Oliver clicked his fingers. Out of nowhere a guy in a black suit and ice skates popped up behind him. "You, remove the people from the rink. I have a score to settle with this man. They can be the audience if they wish."
"Yes, sir."
Faster than they could blink, the crowds were ushered into the seats surrounding the rink and the four men were alone on the ice, with 2 goals expertly set up either side of them.
Dizzy and Dragoon were busy waving flags for each team, Dizzy wildly cheering both on while the male bit-beast stoically waved the large flag with Rei's and Tala's pictures on it.
"Let's get it on." Oliver smirked.
"You'll get what's coming to you pimp boy," Tala returned without emotion.
Heated lightning passed between their eyes.
Rei and Kenny looked at each other and simultaneously rolled their eyes.
Tyson, who was made referee on the spot and currently (unsteadily) holding the lone Bananas in Pyjamas ball which a random 5 year old cheerfully volunteered for the game. "You guys ready?" The raven-haired boy used his sheathed sword as a crutch on the ice to stop his wobbling.
"Bring it on," Tala and Oliver challenged, each facing their intended goals.
"3! 2! 1! Let it RIP!" Tyson threw the ball into the air.
Tala shot into the air and slammed the ball onto the ground, much like a basketball player would do. "REI! Count this as practice!"
Oliver back flipped in mid air to intersect the ball, throwing it back toward Kenny.
Rei caught it smoothly mid arch. "You're just trying to get me to help you win, it has nothing to do with practice...!!!"
Kenny smirked, zooming past him with a shower of sliced ice in his wake. The B-in-P ball was nestled safely in a hand as he quickly covered the distance to the goal.
Rei narrowed his eyes and skated after him, leaping into the air and triple flipping with a twist of his hips, snatching the ball from Kenny's hands before landing in front of the boy. The crowd went wild.
"For a computer geek, how the heck did you get so fast!?"
Kenny grinned, eyes as always hidden beneath his bangs and glasses. "I'm good at running from things, and since Russia, running on ice has been haunting my nightmares a little so I got better at it."
"Riiight."
"Go Chief! Show 'em what you're made of!" Tyson and Dizzy cheered from the stands.
Rei smirked and darted past Kenny sliding smoothly over the ice. "Tala. Practice it is...!" Arms wrapped themselves around him.
Oliver smoothly dipped Rei in his arms, face leaning close to the Neko-jin's. "Still so innocent cheri. I like that." Without warning, the green haired boy leaned down and sucked gently on Rei's bottom lip, cutting off all impending protest from Rei's lips with his own. Not that Rei minded that much really...
"I'll take that..." Kenny pulled the ball from his hands.
"Cheater." Tala slammed an elbow in the back of Oliver's head, pulling Rei to stand beside him just before Oliver went face first into the ice. "And YOU..." The red head glared at his partner who was detectably out of breath. "YOU enjoyed that!!!" He accused.
Rei sighed quietly before leaning down quickly, catching the red head off guard with a short intense kiss. "Happy?" Without waiting for an answer, the neko-jin darted after Kenny.
Tala glared, as Oliver stood back up, the latter grinning smugly. "I despise you."
"Glad to hear it," Oliver shot back before both of them hurried after Kenny and the pursing Rei. Tala growled low in his throat, shooting after them, he would NOT lose this.
"Rei!" Tala jumped into the air, flipping against the laws of gravity to gain distance.
A white rope of hair whipped around as Rei stretched out a hand, catching the bottom of Tala's blades in his palm.
"Shouldn't... that have cut off his hand?" Tyson said to no one in particular as those in the crowd gasped. The black haired man smirked and threw Tala toward Kenny where the red head landed hands first on Kenny's shoulders. Kenny yelped as his hands dug into his shoulders, the sudden impact jarring him as Tala used the momentum to reverse their standing, throwing him into the air. For a sudden breathless moment Kenny found himself sailing through the air in a dizzying loop before time set back in, and Tala caught him neatly in his arms.
Breath heaving in exertion and his heart thudding hard against his chest, Kenny stared up at the red headed boy, blue eyes sparkling back down at him with a small smile. He didn't even notice Rei skimming past and stealing the ball out of his hands.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?" Tala asked sincerely.
Kenny flushed as the other set him down, thankful for his ever covering bangs as he turned away to watch Oliver and Rei battle it out at the far end of the rink. "H-hai."
"GIVE ME THAT BALL!!!"
Oliver had darted out of the way with a twist in mid air, now in possession of the ball. A delighted laugh escaped his lips as he did a perfect triple spin, cutting the ice with graceful loops of his body as he landed. Rei bared a fanged grin as he purposely braked before Oliver, disorientating the French boy by showering him with ice. An unseen lump in the ice jarred Rei from his victory, toppling both of them as he crashed into the spluttering Frenchman.
A blur of red was all they saw as Tala scooped the ball from Oliver's arms, nearly tripping over the two in his effort to get past them. Unfortunately Kenny didn't see them in time, the air misted over with ice, clouding his glasses and blinding his already impaired vision. A surprised gasp escaped their lips as Kenny hit them at high speeds, his foot hooking over one of their skates to send him flying through the air. Tala, Rei and Oliver swore, doubling back or getting up, watching as the brunette fell head first, probably in stall for a very painful landing.
Kenny fell, almost in slow motion, a small sound of fear escaping his lips.
"Chief!" The voice pierced his fear-clogged mind.
Arms wrapped around him, stopping his descent through the air, but nevertheless made his stomach drop in fear at the swift plunge. A jarring landing made his savior grunt in pain, though the arms never left the brown haired boy's waist.
Kenny heard the fast beats of a thudding heart pressed against his ear and willed his eyes to open.
Tyson breathed a sigh of relief. "You okay?"
The brown haired boy nodded briefly, smiling at the concern on Tyson's face. "F-fine." He glanced down, noting the fact his glasses were skewed on his nose, and saw the ice only a foot from his nose. Tyson's knees had digged painfully into the ice upon landing. "You're hurt."
"Nah, just as long as you're okay," Tyson said light heartedly, though Kenny could detect the slight wince. The raven-haired boy had landed on his knees, the only way they could both land properly due to Tyson's usual sleekness being compromised by his clumsiness on the ice.
"Tyson, Kenny! Are you alright?" Rei asked frantically, his worried expression mirrored by Oliver and Tala behind him and Dragoon and Dizzy not far behind.
Tyson flinched as he gently pushed Kenny off him, giving the three a glare. "I think we've played enough don't you? Chief could have gotten seriously hurt... twice. I don't think it's safe to keep going."
They nodded, quietly amazed, with the exception of Kenny, at Tyson's quiet, serious tone.
"Fine, I shall withdraw for now, but don't think you've won, uke boy," Oliver said, but dampened the smug look a little as Tala sent a icy glare his way. He offered a smile, "Drinks on me for taking up your time, cheri."
Tala blinked, noting the word was directed at him this time. Rei smiled inwardly. Nothing like shared interests and quite incredibly good looks to bring two guys together. Tala of course didn't smile, but did quirk his lips a little. Close enough. "Sure."
"WOO!!! DRINKS!!!" Dizzy cheered, startling the others who had momentarily forgotten she was there. There was a distinct mutter of, 'But you can't ingest liquids,' from Dragoon, but he was known to be annoyingly temperamental and the others paid him no heed.
"Sounds good... except the fact you guys are underage," Rei stated, eyebrows raising. Oliver only grinned cheekily in reply.
"I own one of the bars, it'll be no problem."
"Just as long as we don't get drunk, I don't really have a high tolerance for alcohol," Kenny reprimanded, skating smoothly after the two as they headed toward the entrance. The crowd cheered, even though their entertainment was cut short. Some of the audience began filling the ice rink once again.
"Uh... guys... little help?" Tyson called weakly from the centre of the rink.
===================================================================================
The dark stillness of the corridor was broken by the sounds of muted, strained steps.
"I can't believe you two got drunk." Rei hauled his two friends up the steps, guiltily, a little tipsy himself.
Tala groaned, walking wobbily on his feet so he wasn't totally dead weight. To Rei's knowledge Tala had never drunk alcohol in his life. Oliver was slung over his other side, his bodyguards having left when Oliver sent them away, leaving Rei with no idea where he was staying. The guy was much too busy giggling to be of much use either. The only option left was Kai's place.
If Kai ever found out, he was going to be in deep shit.
Struggling, Rei somehow managed to open and close the door, tumbling into the apartment and dropping all of them on Kai's bed. Tala and Oliver almost groaned in sync, snuggling against Rei from both sides with slow trance like movements.
His vision became hazy, the alcohol making him too drowsy to move much further, especially trapped between two barely clothed guys. Rei gave a weak struggle to get up, but soon darkness crept in and consumed his consciousness, comforted by two of his most beloved people in the world. Still in the land of blessed sleep, Oliver smiled, and burrowed into the warm curve of Rei's shoulder. Tala slept on peacefully, his head pillowed by Rei's chest.
They slept.
==================================================================================
The sunlight stroked pale cheeks, making tufts of red hair bury themselves further into the comfortable warmth beside him. The twitter of the birds outside made him groan loudly against the pounding in his head. He felt the rumbles of a deeper groan from his makeshift pillow. The birds continued to tweet outside, much to Tala's annoyance.
"God, shut up you stupid birds," a voice too richly accented groaned.
Tala's eyes shot open, reacting immediately, straddling the unknown person in his bed, hand clamped over the other's mouth before they could move. Tala gasped as a jolt of pain shot up his skull. The pounding in his head refused to go away, his mind too hazy to clearly see the intruder. Thinly bloodshot eyes shot wide open as hands cupped his butt. His hips grinded against someone that was definitely not Rei.
Blue looked into blue. One the colour of ice, the other as light as the sky, with flickering hints of violet reflected in them.
Green hair, adorably messed, shifted on the pillow as Tala felt his palm licked gently by the other's tongue. He let out a small gasp with the overload of sensation coupled with a massive headache, clearly not making the thinking process any easier. His hold eased off on Oliver's face.
"It is not often I wake to a gorgeous red head in my bed," the green haired man said teasingly, gently easing Tala's hand away with his own.
With a grunt, Tala shoved him back into the pillow and slid off the bed, looking uncomfortably at the strange surroundings. He arched a eyebrow at the glittery sign clearly painted, 'Rei the RABBIT,' above a cage with said animal.
"Disturbing."
Oliver rubbed his temples, vainly trying to get rid of the massive hangover stirring inside his head. "Where are we?" The accent was less detectable now that he was back in control, though he knew from the strange feel of the bed this wasn't his hotel. Hotel beds weren't this lumpy. And of course, didn't have disturbing glittery signs naming an animal after Rei for that matter.
Tala grunted, spotting the door and staggered out cautiously. He was used to waking to unfamiliar surroundings but that didn't mean he had to like it. A poorly concealed mutter told him Oliver was right behind him.
Taking a quick look into the room next door, which was surprisingly empty compared to the garbage dump of colour they had just left, Tala wandered down the hallway, walking slowly toward the sound of water from the next room.
"You're sexy when you slink like that, cheri," Oliver whispered in his ear.
Tala narrowed his eyes, a shiver running up his spine from the other man's heated breath. "Shut up," he hissed back, feeling incredibly uncomfortable with Oliver's sudden interest in him.
Both of them looked into the open doorway at the same time. Eyes widened. Jaws dropped.
Amber eyes glanced out from beneath the towel currently drying loose waves of black hair roughly. A fanged grin graced Rei's lips as he stepped out of the shower, the only form of clothing being a towel... which was still rubbing his hair dry. Water glistened down naked skin as he walked toward them, and closed their jaws with a finger.
"Morning," Rei calmly wrapped the towel around his waist, still grinning.
Oliver and Tala had glazed looks in their eyes.
Their hips slid together as Rei brushed past between them, sending a delicious surge of warmth into their skin. The still wet wisps of hair whispered against their face, the smell of wild berries lingering from the shampoo, making their knees decidedly weak.
Oliver and Tala swallowed, standing still for a moment to regain their ability to think beyond the thought of jumping the half naked beauty. After a full minute, both guys bolted after the uniquely tantalising scent of spice that was all Rei.
Oliver groaned aloud upon entering the kitchen, getting an eyeful of a long slim legs as Rei bent over a bottom cupboard. "Cheri, you entice us cruelly."
"Hmm? Oh, coffee?"
Tala smirked, moving forward to place the cup gently on the bench top.
"Perhaps later, I want something more sweet at the moment," he said cheekily.
Deftly he stepped between Rei's legs, curving his mouth over Rei's. The Neko-jin's eyes widened as Tala kissed him, a zing of pleasure warming him as the red head's hands curled around his hips. His hands came up with all the intention of pushing Tala away but was caught against his sides as arms around Rei's waist from behind, effectively sandwiching the seductively tanned body between Oliver and Tala. Rei's eyes closed with a moan as a tongue darted into the shell of his ear, the slow motion of his hips creating a delicious friction between them.
Tala's mouth didn't give him chance to talk, and the hands wandering across his skin, caressing with hot, teasing touches didn't give him chance to think. It was hard not to get lost in the assault of sensation from the heated bodies surrounding him just as it was.
Green replaced red as his back was suddenly pressed against the bench top, lips devoured again by fuller and hungrier lips. His cry of surprise was muffled as a hot cavern circled over a sensitive nipple, making his hips jerk as his body reacted.
Hands traced the top of the towel as he was pushed into Oliver's embrace, the warmth at his back once again replaced, lips sucking on the juncture of his neck with small hungry bites. Their hips rocked together helplessly causing small frissions of pleasure shattering Rei's mind with each movement.
Knock! Knock!
Rei's eyes shot open as the familiar sound of the door could be heard. If Kai was back... then... Guilt exploded in his mind. He shouldn't be doing this no matter how good it felt.
Oliver growled, capturing the Neko-jin's lips again, "Ignore it," he husked, planting another kiss on Rei's lips. The hand that suddenly was there made the half formed caution disappear. Kai wouldn't knock since it was his apartment, it was probably Mariah or something, and he'd be damned if he'll answer another one of her house calls. Tala's distracted noise of agreement as he pulled him closer served to distract him further. It felt nice to be within the comfort of familiarity.
"Hello? Anyone here? The door was unlocked and..." Locks of blonde hair came into view, followed by sharp crystal blue eyes, which quickly widened in surprise.
Rei gasped, face-flushing beet red as Max arched a dispassionate eyebrow at them.
"Rei. I can see I'm interrupting something so I'll come back later," Max drawled, glancing at Tala and Oliver with amused interest.
Rei spared Max a glance, and gently pushed Oliver away, stepping out of Tala's arms, his face flushed as he tried to regain his breath. "Max. It isn't what it looks like."
"Somehow I don't think Kai will be too pleased to know you've been having... friends over at his place." Max teased, the calculating gaze softened by the small measure of warmth in his voice for his friend, but was still a far cry from the happy giggle that he once spoke with. Rei winced inwardly and cursed his lack of control. The guilt came back.
Rei looked appraisingly at him, and then turned to the two behind him. Both of them looked about to speak. "Don't." His smile was strained. "This was a mistake," he whispered. "I'm not a bloody saint."
While Tala's expression withdrew immediately, Oliver shrugged. "Neither are we, cheri."
Rei shook his head. Aloud he said, "Guys, help yourselves to some coffee, god knows you need it," he looked back at Max with a expression the blonde didn't recognise. "We'll talk after I get dressed."
Tala watched as Rei sauntered into the guest room, and closed the door. His face quickly reformed back into the non-committal expression he usually wore, staring at Max curiously without speaking, taking a few breaths to will himself calm.
The three regarded each other in a strange silence.
Oliver tilted his head at the blonde, his own breathing still hitched. He noted the almost platinum colour it was now instead of the wheat yellow he remembered.
It had been hard to imagine Max as anything but happy, but now he could see into those icy blue eyes, even lighter than his own, Oliver could tell a coldness that wasn't there before. The boy had grown from cute into gorgeous, clothes still the painfully bright colours, but now they hugged a well toned body with long legs that stood only slightly shorter than the Frenchman.
"Bonjour," he said cordially, breaking the silence as he found a seat on one of the stools near the bench. He sipped from one of the neglected cups of coffee, trying to regain at least some kind of control over his body after a hangover and the aroused thoughts running at million a miles a second through his mind, regardless of company.
Max looked at him with those eyes again, sparkling with humour at the situation. "I didn't expect to see you here Oliver, ça va?"
How was he? Oliver rolled his eyes, and answered simply, "Bien."
Max looked around the room, diverting his eyes away from the two figures, which branded in his vision one of the most erotic scenes he had ever seen in his life. A few moments ago, he didn't know what to do as he walked in on them; laugh or join in. He didn't think he could see any of them in the same light again. Especially Rei. And here Max had thought that Rei was the blushing virgin going after true love. Well so much for that.
"I didn't know Rei was consorting with the enemy," Max commented idly.
"As much as I didn't know you had it in you to take over the BBA and become such a self serving bastard," Tala said quietly.
Max's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring at the words. "At least I'm not the bastard that tried to take over the world as a madman's puppet."
"I was not a puppet," Tala's tone went icy, thickening the already strained tension.
Ice met ice as the two glared at each other intensely; faces blank and eerily calm as both stared each other down with obvious dislike and quelled anger.
At the moment Rei walked in, glancing at the two and laughing silently at Oliver's deer in headlights look as the Frenchman was caught in the crossfire of two deadly glares. The tension was palpable enough to cut with a beyblade.
With a growl, he shoved them apart.
"Look, both of you, chill. This is Kai's home, I won't tolerate fighting here, or beyblading on the nice waxed floors for that matter," Rei said sternly, hands resting on his hips.
The three turned, and stared, giving a absentminded nod as they drank in the sight of Rei clad in black leather, his hair tied back surprisingly in black instead of white, though the same red bandana remained atop his brows. His amber eyes shone brightly against the darkness of his outfit, like a beacon toward those luscious features.
"You've just made my day, cheri," Oliver commented admiringly, wondering which was better; naked Rei or Rei in sexy clothes. Both equally alluring.
Rei shrugged. "Uniform for a job."
Max had the sudden silly urge to grin lecherously, but settled instead for, "I doubt any restaurant has that kind of uniform... unless... "
Oliver slid his eyes down Rei's form, lecherous grin already in place. "My question is to the location of this place where young men are forced to wear tight leather while serving customers, no?" he said cheekily.
Tala turned wide eyes to Rei, "What job? You never told me -!"
Rei laughed effectively breaking down the tension. "You guys are really perverted for uptight businessmen." He shot a look at both Tala and Oliver. "And you two, shame on you for taking advantage of a taken man with your feminine wiles, you both know how I feel."
Oliver lifted a finger. "I object to the feminine wiles comment, I leave that to uke boy over there." Tala glared at him in return.
Rei let the pretence of cheerfulness fall as he turned to Max. "You, I'm still pissed off at."
The blonde didn't bat an eyelid, only smile coldly as he acknowledged the statement with a tilt of his head. "I came to talk to you about that... and to give you the rest of the prize money personally."
Amber eyes flickered in surprise. "There was more?"
The comment made Max chuckle quietly. "Yes." He smoothly dipped into a pants pocket and handed an envelope to Rei. "Remember, you and Kai were suppose to split, and this is your half."
Rei choked at those words. "I've been spending Kai's money all this time?" He took a quick look into the envelope and blanched.
The blonde lifted an eyebrow. "Problem?"
"He gave me all of it... this is the amount he gave me before," Rei murmured.
"I'm sure he can afford it Rei," Max started, but the black haired boy cut him off.
"That isn't the point. I don't take charity, especially from HIM. I blatantly told him that, and he STILL gave me all of it, I may be a little on the poor side at the moment, but it doesn't mean he can just do that! Especially since I'm going to -" Rei stopped abruptly, ignoring the raised eyebrows directed at him, took a calming breath and counted to ten. It didn't help at all. He redirected his anger at Max. "Why didn't you bring this sooner?!"
Tala's eyes hardened, the only visible change on his face at the slip of tongue. It lasted for a brief moment, burning through Rei with unspoken disapproval before breaking eye contact.
Max, sat down on one of the stools. "I was busy."
Rei frowned. "Why did you stop the match Max?"
"Truthfully?"
Rei glared. "Unless you want me to sick Mariah on you, yes, truthfully."
Max gave a small shudder. "Right." His voice took on a softer tone. "Rei, I watched your matches until your finals against Kai. There was no way he could have beat you."
Tala, Oliver and Rei gave him incredulous looks.
"We ARE talking about Kai here right? You know, ultimate blader extreme, guy who controlled Black Dranzer was basically THE BEST BEYBLADER in the world... besides Tyson... " Rei rattled on.
"Who won on dumb luck I might add," Tala commented.
Rei shrugged. "The statement still stands. THAT Kai?"
Max sighed. "Yes, that Kai. He may still be almost unbeatable, but right now, he's the weakest of the former Bladebreakers. If he had lost to you in that match you would have never stood a chance." He paused. "I only wanted to help."
Rei shook his head. "I refuse to believe that. You're underestimating Kai too much. Kai would never let himself slack off in his training or..."
Max rolled his eyes. "Believe what you want. That's the reason I stopped the match."
"Ah, and it was not because you knew Rei didn't have much money or that dear Kai wasn't such a total bastard to let him sleep on the streets. And surely not in the eventuality that if neither of them won, they would have to stay together to recieve the prize money AND have the opportunity to battle each other later?" Oliver stated, smirking. "Just a guess of course."
Max narrowed his eyes. "Kenny has been very talkative hasn't he?"
Oliver batted his eyelashes innocently. "Chief is surprisingly vocal when he's drunk."
"You're playing MATCHMAKER?" Rei yelled in disbelief.
Tala's lips quirked into a half formed smirk.
Max fixed Rei with an indifferent stare. "You two needed help in my eyes."
Rei laughed and swung an arm around Max's shoulders. "I knew you weren't all bad Maxie!" Then promptly noogied the teenager, tussling the blonde slicked back hair with his hand.
Tala and Oliver made a sound that seemed suspiciously like laughter. Rei released the ruffled Max with a wide grin.
"Does this mean I'll have to return the favour and set you up? Mariah's always available ya know," he quipped lightly.
"NO!" Max, eyes wide, realised the word had come out as a panicked squeak, and cleared his throat, face tinted pink as he tried to ignore the muffled laughter from the other two men. Images of him and Mariah sped through his mind, picnicking, dancing, and even worse, kissing. He coughed again, shoving the thoughts from his mind. "I have someone."
Tala, Oliver and Rei had their curiosity piqued by that statement, and asked in unison, "Who?"
Unaccustomed to anyone teasing him like this for a long while, Max didn't know how to react. He cursed his cheeks as they flushed, and replied vaguely, "Someone."
"I can tell from your expression that this 'someone' is very good, no?" Oliver asked innocently. "Who is the lucky woman?"
"It's a male," Max blurted before he could stop himself. What was wrong with him? Surrounded by a few old friends for a few minutes and he loses the composure he had sustained for 4 long years! It was ridiculous! It also felt strangely nice to be welcomed like this again.
"Ah... a he, the plot thickens..." Rei teased, though he already suspected that Max was inclined that way from how Max had reacted to Tyson's name a few nights ago. "Someone we know perhaps?" Rei prodded.
Max twitched, and made his face blank with some effort. "That's none of your business Rei, just as it is none of mine what you do with anyone other than Kai."
Rei sighed, feeling the moment drain away. "It ain't my fault that these guys are horny bastards that can't get laid."
Oliver and Tala made sounds of protest.
Rei smiled and jolted when he looked down at his watch. "YIKES! I'm late! Alright, all of you, shoo, I need you out of the apartment before I go," he made shooing motions with his hands. "I'm late for work and god knows what you'll do in here when left alone."
Oliver pouted, still miffed at the last comment, he COULD get laid! And did so quite frequently. It's only that none of them were as sexy as Rei... or even Tala for that matter. With a disappointed look, he tilted his head at Max. "May I catch a ride to your offices? No doubt my body guards are panicking over my disappearance by now."
Max nodded, eyes still on Rei. "Rei, don't try to rush Kai... he's not experienced at these things, so don't try anything... advanced."
Rei choked at the implications. "Kai's a virgin?"
Tala and Oliver looked at Max with raised eyebrows, amused at the image of an innocent Kai conjured up in pink and frills.
Max nodded tightly, unwilling to explain why he knew this. "As far as I know he is. Go easy on him Rei." He and stood and turned to leave.
Oliver gave a short bark of laughter, as he stood in front of Rei. "Your interest is growing cheri, claim him soon, or I shall claim you." The Frenchman leaned in, kissing Rei softly on the lips. "As always mon petit, je t'aime." With a wink at Tala, he turned and followed Max out the front door, closing it behind him with a soft click.
Rei blinked.
"I can see your mind falling into the gutter even from here," Tala accused lightly, seeing that devious glint in his ex's eyes.
Rei almost gave into the urge to rub his hands together and cackle maliciously, but instead traded for a telling smile. It dropped from his face quickly. "About this morning..." Rei started.
Tala waved him off and offered Rei a smile. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, you love him, you want him, and you got to have him." Rei returned the smile weakly. Tala sighed, his own jealousy simmering just under the surface despite his outward reaction. The red head frowned. "I DO however, resent that 'not getting laid' comment."
"I'm glad you're not mad Tala," Rei said quietly.
Tala nodded curtly. "Stop whining and tell me what this job of yours is about. I don't know if you going out like that is good for the community."
Rei winked. "Glad you like it, but the outfit is so I give a little presence on our friends overseas. For the heist if you've forgotten."
Tala stepped back with a thoughtful look, all business once again. "Ah, the Arms Dealers."
Rei nodded, "We need some supplies for this one, but I don't expect us to kill anyone. Is everything else ready? Plan, map, guard watch -"
Tala cut him off. "I'm not incompetent Rei, everything is set."
Rei leapt smoothly onto the windowsill, glancing back. "Tala, can you lock the door before you leave... and feed Little Rei?"
"Little Rei... disturbing." Tala rolled his eyes as Rei shot a pleading look at him. "Fine, be careful out there Rei."
"I'll be the posterboy for safety," Rei said sarcastically, and leapt outside onto the neighbouring rooftop.
Tala looked around the kitchen. "Now where can I find some carrots? Rabbits like those."
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TBC
A/N: Is it wrong to be so whorish for other couples?
B/N: Is it so hard to write decently?
A/N: Shut up Opal, glad to have you back betaing but in my defence, it's 2 year old writing. Like the unspeakable old fics that lurk in my past. I also realise this interlude has no substance, just a light fluffy bit of story before the heavy stuff.
Ice skating... what on earth was I thinking.
So, review? Feedback for further entertainment where we finally get the deep dark pasts of the boys and the plot thickens even further. Let us picnic at Hiwatari Manor, lair of angst and um... Kai.