Chapter 26

KuronekoHikage: I've read them! That has got to be something. And the second one is better, yes. I'll edit it as soon as possible. I'm sorry for the delay. Just forward all the death threats to me. And no publish date for the novel - only on the second draft. Once I finish that I will send it to a publishing house and we'll see what happens from there. I'm expecting it to be rejected like my last one. Only time will tell.

lilmatchgirl007: Yes, poor Kenny. His life is going to be a living hell from now on, methinks.

The Valkyrie: Funny always?

Prozacfairy: Kenny is outvoted? So he's off Survivor this week. Guess the alliance worked against him :p

Zap cannon: Ketsuron is Japanese for 'conclusion'. And Kenny does deserve to exist. I just write him as annoying in this fic, that's all.

mistress of the abyss: There are many homophobe's in the world. Unfortunately, possibly more than there are homosexual's. Some countries even have laws against homosexuality. And Kenny happens to be one in this fic, that's all. And if I had a problem with it I would not be writing this fic. I'm 100 for homosexuality, though I'm not one myself. Don't get upset with Kenny, I'm just showing two sides to the argument.

MyHeartBleeds You do realise Lee has a restraining order against you again, right? Oh, and he wants his chocolate coated raisins back. Or else. :p And the image is hilarious.

autumnburn: Yeap. Everyone but Kenny is happy.

animeandraia: Tala dressed up as Princess Buttercup? Okay, I wish I could draw. Great image that. Cut to get the tooth out? Ouch. I know what it's like to be cut open, only they split me up the side. Not fun. Kenny was highly offensive, and I played upon his over reaction. Nasty, but effective.

Kai Rei Yin Yang: Don't worry, I'm not a morning person either.

babymar-mar: Kenny looks silly right now, yes?

Koneko no Rei: What's with the user id thingy? Apart from that, I'm glad you like it!

Blake-Schawarz: They got more comfortable in their relationship. Really comfortable. And I'm so glad you like the series. Currently editing the fourth and final part. It should be good - though I'm cutting out a couple of the sex scenes. :p

TNTiggris: How is it different?

Kit-Cat Caitlin: You'll grow. And Kenny can't die. I need him for the rest of the series. :p

Dark Demon Girl: Welcome. Glad you could join this little hive of insanity. Enjoy. :D

Mizuyah: Glad to hear it. I hope I can write more that you like.

Ashla: What Kenny doesn't know can shock the hell out of him. :p I love that chapter.

Chaco and Lily: Email away, I'll keep my eye on my mailbox. Oh, and not everyone's happy as yet. Still a few more chapters to go for you to see who. ;)

GemGemJoo: And what's wrong with what I'm doing to Kenny? :p

Yet another short one.

"Kai…"

Kai looked up from the paper. "Yes?"

Tyson shifted, looking over his shoulder before stepping closer. "Now that Kenny knows… Max and I can be more open? Just around the apartment, I mean. Don't really want the media to find out."

Kai narrowed his eyes before he returned his attention to the paper. "Whatever."

Tyson scratched the back of his neck. "And you wouldn't object if…"

Crimson eyes glanced up, watching the other fidget. "Spit it, Granger."

"If…" Tyson felt his cheeks warming. Come on, just say it already. "If we slept together?"

"It's your life." Kai shrugged. "What you do with it is your problem." He paused. "However, blading always comes first."

"Right. No major makeout sessions if we're training in the morning. Copy that." Tyson grinned. "Thanks, Kai."

Kai rolled his eyes, returning his attention back to the paper as Tyson vanished into the hallway, probably to break the news to Max. He let out a sigh. Kenny still hadn't emerged from his room, having gone to lengths to skip dinner. And now, as the others began thinking about going to bed, Kai was satisfied by the peace and quiet as he finally got the opportunity to catch up on the news-

"It's kinda sweet you know."

So much for the quiet thing. Not that Kai minded as he turned to look back at the other. "What is?"

"Tyson asking permission." Ray leant over the back of the couch, glancing at the headlines of the paper. "He must really think of you as a father figure. Or a big brother."

"Or he's just scared shitless of me."

The corners of Ray's mouth turned up. "Or there's that." Ray leant forward, blinking at the headline. "Is that about the court case?"

"Mm. BBA found some new evidence, that's all." Kai shrugged. "That and the bastards are still trying to work out where I vanished too."

"Which would explain the 'Hiwatari's grandson has gone underground following the announcement of a four month recess' bit." Ray reached out, idly playing with one of the spikes in Kai's hair. "You're very above ground if you ask me."

It was Kai's turn to smile. "Is there something you want?"

"Just came to say goodnight." Ray leant down further, gently kissing Kai's cheek. "Unless it's a crime."

"Never." Kai reached back as Ray moved to straighten, catching the neko-jin by the collar and dragging him back down, meeting Ray's lips with his own. It was a while before they drew apart, Kai smiling as he fought to regain his breath. "However, it pays to say goodnight properly."

"Yeah." Ray smiled, kissing him again before he straightened. "See you in the morning, Kai."

"You too, Ray."

Kai watched him go, shaking his head and smiling. So much could happen in such a short time. It was two weeks since he had lain eyes on Ray and fallen for him, much of it spent denying his feelings though Bryan argued the truth. And it had only taken Ray rushing off to the airport for Kai to realise just what it was that he was lacking: a lover. A soul mate.

Ray.

Sighing, Kai folded the paper and dropped it onto the coffee table. He stood and stretched, running his hands through his hair as he looked toward the corridor. Time for bed.

Just a cute little chapter. Shows the hierarchy of the team.