Feelings Discovered
Beginning to fill with the ships guests the Aurora's luxurious dining room was decorated as elegant as it always was for the evenings event. Using cream and ruby red as the nights colour scheme, the whole scene was finished off by the flicking glow of the candle flames scattered around the room. Walking in on the scene the five youths looked about in wonder, it being the first time for each to dine here, having all your expenses paid for by the BBA did have its advantage.
"Wow this place is amazing, Mr Dickinson sure had taste."
"I'd have to agree Max, when Mr Dickinson said the BBA would take care of everything I didn't think he meant all this."
Quietly talking among themselves the five bladers wondered just what they should do, not having eaten at the room before either of them knew how to proceed. However, their worries were calmed as a waiter approached them.
"Good evening sirs, madam, how can I help you?"
"Mmm, yes we're the BBA party and if it's all right our friend will be joining us."
"The BBA party, yes Mr Dickinson had everything arranged. If you'd please follow me I'll sure you to your table. Master Kai arrived a few minutes earlier and has been awaiting your arrival."
Grinning a little at the waiters use of sirs and madams the five youths followed the waiter to their table, laughing softly amongst themselves. Soon enough the party noticed their table where their finally member sat.
Thanking the waiter, the small group quietened down a little as they made their way over to their table. Nearing their table Max gave Tyson a slight nudge before indicating towards the chair their passive leader sat in. Appearing to be asleep the slate haired boy in question sat with his eyes closed as he leaned back slightly on the chair he was sitting in.
"Hey Kai! Good to see you've finally decided to join us, so where have you been all day. We couldn't find you any where?"
Sitting down across from him Tyson waited patiently as Kai in his own time slowly opened garnet coloured eyes to take in the teen before him.
"Not that it's any of your business Tyson but I had some things to take care of, and unlike you I don't need a baby-sitter to take care of me."
"There's no need to get offensive Kai, I was only trying to be friendly. I swear Kai, sometimes you can be...."
"Guys, guys, calm down we shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves, especially when we have a guest present. Now sit down Tyson, you know Kai doesn't really mean what he says, it's just the way he is."
Knowing Kenny's words were right Tyson once again took his seat, shooting Kai a glare as he did. Unfazed by Tyson's glare Kai took a quick glance around at the table, wanting to know exactly what Kenny had meant about having a guest present. Moving past Max and Kenny, his gaze came upon the two people at the end, where Rei and Sazuka sat watching the happenings. Stopping at the girl before him Kai had a sudden sense of déjà vu as he looked at her, gritting his teeth together Kai quickly hid the grimace of pain he felt as a sudden a headache flashed through him.
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"Come on Kai! You're going to have be a lot faster than that if you want to catch up."
Coming to a stop the ginning child waited for the navy slated haired boy to catch up with them. Flicking back an ebony braid over their shoulder the young girl laughed merrily as the panting boy finally reached her, resting his hands on his knees trying to regain his breath.
"No fair! You took a short cut, no wonder I never beat you."
"Ok, maybe I did take a short cut, but I wasn't about to run through those bushes."
"But it's ok if I do, glad to know you're think of me."
Finally regaining his breath the young Kai stood up, returning the grin his friend was given him. However, a splash on his hand made him look down to the back of his hand, only now noting the droplets of red present there. Lifting his hand to his face Kai's garnet eyes widened as his fingers came back covered in red, it would seem that his encounter with the thicket hadn't been without injury.
"Kai! You're hurt."
Looking back at his ebony haired friend Kai smiled the issue aside as he saw the concern in his friends eyes.
"Don't worry about it, its only a scratch."
"Of course I'm going to worry, it's my fault you got hurt in the first place, besides you're my best friend."
"You really mean that, you think of me as your best friend."
Ripping the hem of the shirt she worn Kai's companion lifted the scrap of cloth to the cut present on his cheek, wiping away the traces of blood before lifting his hand so he could keep it in place. Regarding her friend nothing but pure honesty showed in her eyes as she answered Kai's question.
"Course I do silly and don't you forget it, we're going to be best friends forever."
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Shaking his head clear, Kai wonder just were the memory he had came from, he couldn't even remember anything about his past, so why now was he having these memories. Noting having time to think Kai let his attention drift back to the present as Kenny spoke to him.
"Kai, I'd like to introduce you to Sazuka, she's going to be travelling with us to Russia. Sazuka, I'd like to introduce to our team captain Kai."
"Kai....It's a pleasure to meet you, the others have told me about you but it's nice to put a face to the name."
Meeting Kai's gaze with her own, Sazuka gave a smile at the questioning look he gave her before giving her attention back to the Tiger across from her. Watching the two Chinese youths talk amongst themselves, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that whoever this girl was something about her had made him remember something he had long forgotten. However, before he had a chance to act on it the whole group was interrupted as a waiter came to take their orders. By the time everyone had decided on what they wanted, having to talk Tyson out of the all you can eat, Kai had forgotten his earlier worries, little knowing that the answers to his questions would in the future answered.
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A couple of hours later each of the five Bladebreakers and their fellow blader lay their dishes aside, each contended with the meal they'd just had. Finished with their meal the youths begun to talk amongst themselves, though in some cases just staying awake was a challenge. Although occupied with someone, Rei as observant as he was when it came to his team mates, gave a smile as he noticed Kenny's attempt.
"Hey guys I don't know about you, but I think we should call it a night, otherwise Kenny's going to fall asleep right here."
Looking towards their blading expert the remaining bladers were highly amused as Kenny gave them a sleepy grin. Voicing their agreement at Rei's idea the group decided that Tyson should be the one to ask Kai his opinion, who for the last ten minutes not said a word.
Leaning over the table Tyson carefully gave Kai's arm a shake, receiving no reply Tyson once again tried his luck. Watching from their seats the remaining members of the group, the ones who were awake at least, could only look on questioningly at Tyson's actions. Gaining no reaction again Tyson took a closer look at their phoenix welding captain before giving his friends a grin as he turned around to face them.
"Looks like the Chief isn't the only one ready to call it a day."
"What? You mean Kai's really fallen asleep....Though then again it's about time he got rest, even I can see that he's had a lot on his mind lately."
Nodding his agreement at Max's words Tyson knew that he didn't just voice his own concerns, but all the teams concerns regarding their team captain. Ever since their departure from America all of the team had noticed that Kai seemed to be distracted lately, leaving him slightly tired from lack of sleep.
"Maybe so, but sleeping like that isn't going to help him. All right Max you help the Chief and I'll help Kai, once we get back to our rooms they can sleep all they want."
Helping Kenny up from his seat Rei kept his friend standing as Max made his way around the table. Transferring their hold Max gave a thanks as he got a steady hold on the tiring computer whizz.
Seeing that the Chief was in capable hands Tyson took a deep breath before going about his own task. Moving around to Kai's side Tyson gingerly went about unfolding his leaders crossed arms, about to lift Kai to his feet Tyson's hand was shrugged aside as he found half lidded eyes looking at him. Giving the navy haired boy a warning glare Kai pushed himself to his feet, only to regret doing so as she stumbled. However, luckily enough even after the glare he got Tyson hadn't moved far so he was able to move quickly to Kai's side, steadying his friend.
"I don't need your help Tyson, I can manage on my own."
"For once Kai would you just accept that you're human, whether you like it or not Kai we're your friends and your stuck with us. Now seeing as your about to drop dead on your feet I'm helping you back to our cabin, if you want to take it out on me in the morning then fine, but I want to get some sleep first."
Hearing the low growl Kai gave in reply Tyson gave an inner smile of victory as their loner captain didn't shrug him off, perhaps there was hope for their captain yet. Getting a better hold of Kai's waist Tyson was determined that before the trip was over he and the others would get Kai to act like the kid he should be.
With Tyson and Max helping their respective team mates to stay standing, at least until they got them back to their cabins, Rei and Sazuka followed behind as they headed out onto the deck.
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Taking a breather on the outer deck in the cool yet bearable breeze the group of bladers took a chance to gather their thoughts. Seeing that the friends she was now travelling with were heading in the opposite direction as herself, Sazuka made to bid them goodnight.
"Thank you for an enjoyable dinner, I'm glad I got a chance to meet all of you even more so now that I've made some friends. However, it would seem that for now our paths differ, I'll wish you guys goodnight."
Giving a slight bow to her friends Sazuka gave a final smile before going off down the ships deck.
Staring after her Rei felt a pang he had never felt before as he watched her walk away, during dinner he'd had a chance to learn more about the grey eyed blader as they talked amongst themselves. Turning around Rei jumped back in shock as he came face to face with a certain blond blader, arms crossed with a look of pure question on his face Max grinned at Rei's wondering look.
"And just where do you think you're going Rei? You can't honestly tell me that you're just going to stand there and let her walk back to her room alone, especially at this time of the night."
"Huh, what are you going on about?"
"Man Rei, you're one of the smartest guys I know, but right now your also one of the dumbest."
Laughing at Rei's shocked expression Max had to quickly regain his composure, otherwise he would have been doing it all night.
"Come on Rei and admit it, I only managed to notice cause I've known you as long as I have. You like her don't you Rei?"
"What?...I, I don't...."
""Don't deny it Rei, now as a friend I'm telling you that your going to go after her and walk her back to her room. Well, got to go if we don't get Kenny and Kai back soon we never will, see ya in abit Rei."
Giving Rei a push in the right direction Max gave the Chinese youth a smile of encouragement, as the suddenly nervous Rei gave him a weary smile before running off down the ships deck.
"Hey Max, do you think it'll work? Rei can be pretty stubborn."
"Don't worry Tyson, Rei just needed a push in the right direction and I've got a feeling that things will work out."
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Running down the ships illuminated deck Rei had yet to come across the person he was looking for, beginning to think that he must have lost them somewhere he came to an abrupt stop upon rounding a corner.
Sitting on the edge of one of the ships deck chairs that lay scattered around the ship, the object of Rei's search sat looking up at the sky above her. Having no idea how he was going to proceed now that he'd found her. Rei walked over to where she sat. Sitting down on the chair next to the one she sat on, Rei wondered what Sazuka was doing.
"When I was little my mum use to tell me that the stars were really angles who were looking out for us at night. I know it's just a story my mum told me but I like to believe its true." Watching the one before him Rei's breath caught at the sight before him, as turning silvery eyes towards him the ebony haired girl was illuminated by the glow of the moon. Having a chance to watch Sazuka alone Rei began to realise what it was he had been afraid to admit. Although they had just met Rei had never felt so nervous around a girl before, he really did like her, but to tell her he didn't know if he could.
"So what brings you this way Rei? I thought you and the others were calling it a night."
"They have, the others went ahead without me. I thought that, that, I might walk you back to your room."
"You didn't have to go through all that Rei, but it's really nice of you to offer and I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather walk with."
Slightly smiling at her words Rei felt a sense of pride at her statement, standing up Rei straightened his jacket before offering a hand to Sazuka. Taking her smaller hand in his Rei helped her to her feet, only realising how close they were as he found himself looking into misted eyes. Glancing over the enchantment before him Rei felt truly bewitched by her, giving a smile as he looked back into grey eyes.
"Wow, you really are beautiful."
"What?"
"Arh nothing, I didn't say...."
Realising what he'd said Rei's brain went into overdrive trying to think of someway he could avoid Sazuka's question. Saying the first thing which came to mind Rei's blabbering was abruptly stopped as he felt silken lips press against his own. Only the briefest of kisses Rei's amber eyes blinked rapidly before looking once again to the girl before him, taking in Sazuka's shy behaviour.
"What, what was that for?"
"It just felt right, that and....well, I wanted to. Listen Rei, I shouldn't' have done that, I'm...."
Unable to meet Rei's amber gaze Sazuka's own gaze wandered from his, so she was unaware of the slow smile appearing on the Tiger's face. Upon hearing her words Rei couldn't believe what he was hearing, to accept that you had feelings for someone was something in its self, but to find out that they might return them was to much to hope for. Hearing her beginning to apologise for her actions Rei quickly made a decision, taking Sazuka's earlier example in mind Rei quickly silenced her as he caught her lips in a kiss.
Receiving no response from her at first Rei was having second thoughts about his actions, until almost tentatively she began to return the kiss. Intoxicated by her taste Rei found the mixture of vanilla and cinnamon addictive, along with the hint of jasmine that hung around her Rei found the exotic aura around her becoming.
Gently wrapping his arms around Sazuka's slim waist Rei gave a mental grin as he felt anothers arms settle timidly around his neck. Enjoying the simplest of kisses they were sharing Rei was a little unsure about even attempting some of the more adventurous methods of kissing he'd heard about. Never exactly having kissed someone before Rei was nervous enough as it was however, any worries he had about it were pushed aside as Sazuka slowly pulled away.
Keeping one arm around Sazuka's waist, offering a steady support for her as she cuddled up against his chest, her easy breathing lightly tickling the base of his neck. Using his free hand Rei ran his fingers over the ebony silk, occasional getting the loose strands wrapped around his fingers. Happy to remain how he was, Rei pulled back a little from their embrace as he felt the slight shivers running through Sazuka's form. Lifting her face towards him Rei gave a small laugh as he saw Sazuka fighting off the first stages of sleep.
"Are you all right?"
"Hum, a little cold maybe, I forgot how chilly it can get....but I don't mind really, it doesn't seem that bad when you're around."
Blinking her eyes a few times to awaken herself, clearing her vision Sazuka gave a heartfelt smile as she saw the adoring look filling amber eyes.
"It's nice to know I'm useful for something. Come on I'll walk you back to your room, besides it's getting a little late and it looks like I'm not the only one getting a little tired."
Releasing his hold Rei took a step back, giving them both a chance to think things over as he regarded the one before him. Moving aside to let Sazuka past him, Rei gave a startled sigh as he felt a hand take hold of his own. Looking around Rei fought a small grin as he noted Sazuka's sheepish look as she awaited his reaction from her simple action.. Giving the hand he held a gentle squeeze Rei moved forward a little indicating that Sazuka should lead the way. Taking the hint Sazuka fell into step beside the Tiger before her as they made their way along.
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After working their way into the inner part of the ship, the newly formed couple soon found themselves standing sheepishly outside their destination. Thinking over all that had happened during the night Rei had a thousand questions running through his head, seeing the questioning look Sazuka gave him Rei knew that he had to settle the unsure feelings he felt.
"Sazuka not that I regret anything, but where do we go from here? To be honest this is all really new to me."
"Oh Rei, always worrying about the simplest of things, but I can understand where they come from. However, do you really need me to answer your question.
Stepping up to the Tiger before her Sazuka gave a warming smile to help relieve the uncertainty from amber eyes. Seeing the uncertainty fade to one of questioning, Sazuka brushed her lips one, twice against those of the Tiger before he caught on. Leaning back after a few minutes Sazuka put her own question to Rei.
"Well, figured out your answer."
"I think so yes. I can no longer consider myself a bachelor."
"Not only cute, but your smart to."
Blushing slightly at her words Rei gave a final smile to Sazuka as he watched her unlock the door to her room.
"Well I guess this is goodnight then, thank you for walking me back. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"All right, I'll see you tomorrow ok."
Nodding her head at Rei's question, Sazuka stood for a moment in the open door way to her room as she watched Rei head back the he'd come.
Turing to give his new girlfriend a final wave before she closed the door to the outside world, Rei started on his way back to his own room.
Beginning to fill with the ships guests the Aurora's luxurious dining room was decorated as elegant as it always was for the evenings event. Using cream and ruby red as the nights colour scheme, the whole scene was finished off by the flicking glow of the candle flames scattered around the room. Walking in on the scene the five youths looked about in wonder, it being the first time for each to dine here, having all your expenses paid for by the BBA did have its advantage.
"Wow this place is amazing, Mr Dickinson sure had taste."
"I'd have to agree Max, when Mr Dickinson said the BBA would take care of everything I didn't think he meant all this."
Quietly talking among themselves the five bladers wondered just what they should do, not having eaten at the room before either of them knew how to proceed. However, their worries were calmed as a waiter approached them.
"Good evening sirs, madam, how can I help you?"
"Mmm, yes we're the BBA party and if it's all right our friend will be joining us."
"The BBA party, yes Mr Dickinson had everything arranged. If you'd please follow me I'll sure you to your table. Master Kai arrived a few minutes earlier and has been awaiting your arrival."
Grinning a little at the waiters use of sirs and madams the five youths followed the waiter to their table, laughing softly amongst themselves. Soon enough the party noticed their table where their finally member sat.
Thanking the waiter, the small group quietened down a little as they made their way over to their table. Nearing their table Max gave Tyson a slight nudge before indicating towards the chair their passive leader sat in. Appearing to be asleep the slate haired boy in question sat with his eyes closed as he leaned back slightly on the chair he was sitting in.
"Hey Kai! Good to see you've finally decided to join us, so where have you been all day. We couldn't find you any where?"
Sitting down across from him Tyson waited patiently as Kai in his own time slowly opened garnet coloured eyes to take in the teen before him.
"Not that it's any of your business Tyson but I had some things to take care of, and unlike you I don't need a baby-sitter to take care of me."
"There's no need to get offensive Kai, I was only trying to be friendly. I swear Kai, sometimes you can be...."
"Guys, guys, calm down we shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves, especially when we have a guest present. Now sit down Tyson, you know Kai doesn't really mean what he says, it's just the way he is."
Knowing Kenny's words were right Tyson once again took his seat, shooting Kai a glare as he did. Unfazed by Tyson's glare Kai took a quick glance around at the table, wanting to know exactly what Kenny had meant about having a guest present. Moving past Max and Kenny, his gaze came upon the two people at the end, where Rei and Sazuka sat watching the happenings. Stopping at the girl before him Kai had a sudden sense of déjà vu as he looked at her, gritting his teeth together Kai quickly hid the grimace of pain he felt as a sudden a headache flashed through him.
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"Come on Kai! You're going to have be a lot faster than that if you want to catch up."
Coming to a stop the ginning child waited for the navy slated haired boy to catch up with them. Flicking back an ebony braid over their shoulder the young girl laughed merrily as the panting boy finally reached her, resting his hands on his knees trying to regain his breath.
"No fair! You took a short cut, no wonder I never beat you."
"Ok, maybe I did take a short cut, but I wasn't about to run through those bushes."
"But it's ok if I do, glad to know you're think of me."
Finally regaining his breath the young Kai stood up, returning the grin his friend was given him. However, a splash on his hand made him look down to the back of his hand, only now noting the droplets of red present there. Lifting his hand to his face Kai's garnet eyes widened as his fingers came back covered in red, it would seem that his encounter with the thicket hadn't been without injury.
"Kai! You're hurt."
Looking back at his ebony haired friend Kai smiled the issue aside as he saw the concern in his friends eyes.
"Don't worry about it, its only a scratch."
"Of course I'm going to worry, it's my fault you got hurt in the first place, besides you're my best friend."
"You really mean that, you think of me as your best friend."
Ripping the hem of the shirt she worn Kai's companion lifted the scrap of cloth to the cut present on his cheek, wiping away the traces of blood before lifting his hand so he could keep it in place. Regarding her friend nothing but pure honesty showed in her eyes as she answered Kai's question.
"Course I do silly and don't you forget it, we're going to be best friends forever."
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Shaking his head clear, Kai wonder just were the memory he had came from, he couldn't even remember anything about his past, so why now was he having these memories. Noting having time to think Kai let his attention drift back to the present as Kenny spoke to him.
"Kai, I'd like to introduce you to Sazuka, she's going to be travelling with us to Russia. Sazuka, I'd like to introduce to our team captain Kai."
"Kai....It's a pleasure to meet you, the others have told me about you but it's nice to put a face to the name."
Meeting Kai's gaze with her own, Sazuka gave a smile at the questioning look he gave her before giving her attention back to the Tiger across from her. Watching the two Chinese youths talk amongst themselves, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that whoever this girl was something about her had made him remember something he had long forgotten. However, before he had a chance to act on it the whole group was interrupted as a waiter came to take their orders. By the time everyone had decided on what they wanted, having to talk Tyson out of the all you can eat, Kai had forgotten his earlier worries, little knowing that the answers to his questions would in the future answered.
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A couple of hours later each of the five Bladebreakers and their fellow blader lay their dishes aside, each contended with the meal they'd just had. Finished with their meal the youths begun to talk amongst themselves, though in some cases just staying awake was a challenge. Although occupied with someone, Rei as observant as he was when it came to his team mates, gave a smile as he noticed Kenny's attempt.
"Hey guys I don't know about you, but I think we should call it a night, otherwise Kenny's going to fall asleep right here."
Looking towards their blading expert the remaining bladers were highly amused as Kenny gave them a sleepy grin. Voicing their agreement at Rei's idea the group decided that Tyson should be the one to ask Kai his opinion, who for the last ten minutes not said a word.
Leaning over the table Tyson carefully gave Kai's arm a shake, receiving no reply Tyson once again tried his luck. Watching from their seats the remaining members of the group, the ones who were awake at least, could only look on questioningly at Tyson's actions. Gaining no reaction again Tyson took a closer look at their phoenix welding captain before giving his friends a grin as he turned around to face them.
"Looks like the Chief isn't the only one ready to call it a day."
"What? You mean Kai's really fallen asleep....Though then again it's about time he got rest, even I can see that he's had a lot on his mind lately."
Nodding his agreement at Max's words Tyson knew that he didn't just voice his own concerns, but all the teams concerns regarding their team captain. Ever since their departure from America all of the team had noticed that Kai seemed to be distracted lately, leaving him slightly tired from lack of sleep.
"Maybe so, but sleeping like that isn't going to help him. All right Max you help the Chief and I'll help Kai, once we get back to our rooms they can sleep all they want."
Helping Kenny up from his seat Rei kept his friend standing as Max made his way around the table. Transferring their hold Max gave a thanks as he got a steady hold on the tiring computer whizz.
Seeing that the Chief was in capable hands Tyson took a deep breath before going about his own task. Moving around to Kai's side Tyson gingerly went about unfolding his leaders crossed arms, about to lift Kai to his feet Tyson's hand was shrugged aside as he found half lidded eyes looking at him. Giving the navy haired boy a warning glare Kai pushed himself to his feet, only to regret doing so as she stumbled. However, luckily enough even after the glare he got Tyson hadn't moved far so he was able to move quickly to Kai's side, steadying his friend.
"I don't need your help Tyson, I can manage on my own."
"For once Kai would you just accept that you're human, whether you like it or not Kai we're your friends and your stuck with us. Now seeing as your about to drop dead on your feet I'm helping you back to our cabin, if you want to take it out on me in the morning then fine, but I want to get some sleep first."
Hearing the low growl Kai gave in reply Tyson gave an inner smile of victory as their loner captain didn't shrug him off, perhaps there was hope for their captain yet. Getting a better hold of Kai's waist Tyson was determined that before the trip was over he and the others would get Kai to act like the kid he should be.
With Tyson and Max helping their respective team mates to stay standing, at least until they got them back to their cabins, Rei and Sazuka followed behind as they headed out onto the deck.
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Taking a breather on the outer deck in the cool yet bearable breeze the group of bladers took a chance to gather their thoughts. Seeing that the friends she was now travelling with were heading in the opposite direction as herself, Sazuka made to bid them goodnight.
"Thank you for an enjoyable dinner, I'm glad I got a chance to meet all of you even more so now that I've made some friends. However, it would seem that for now our paths differ, I'll wish you guys goodnight."
Giving a slight bow to her friends Sazuka gave a final smile before going off down the ships deck.
Staring after her Rei felt a pang he had never felt before as he watched her walk away, during dinner he'd had a chance to learn more about the grey eyed blader as they talked amongst themselves. Turning around Rei jumped back in shock as he came face to face with a certain blond blader, arms crossed with a look of pure question on his face Max grinned at Rei's wondering look.
"And just where do you think you're going Rei? You can't honestly tell me that you're just going to stand there and let her walk back to her room alone, especially at this time of the night."
"Huh, what are you going on about?"
"Man Rei, you're one of the smartest guys I know, but right now your also one of the dumbest."
Laughing at Rei's shocked expression Max had to quickly regain his composure, otherwise he would have been doing it all night.
"Come on Rei and admit it, I only managed to notice cause I've known you as long as I have. You like her don't you Rei?"
"What?...I, I don't...."
""Don't deny it Rei, now as a friend I'm telling you that your going to go after her and walk her back to her room. Well, got to go if we don't get Kenny and Kai back soon we never will, see ya in abit Rei."
Giving Rei a push in the right direction Max gave the Chinese youth a smile of encouragement, as the suddenly nervous Rei gave him a weary smile before running off down the ships deck.
"Hey Max, do you think it'll work? Rei can be pretty stubborn."
"Don't worry Tyson, Rei just needed a push in the right direction and I've got a feeling that things will work out."
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Running down the ships illuminated deck Rei had yet to come across the person he was looking for, beginning to think that he must have lost them somewhere he came to an abrupt stop upon rounding a corner.
Sitting on the edge of one of the ships deck chairs that lay scattered around the ship, the object of Rei's search sat looking up at the sky above her. Having no idea how he was going to proceed now that he'd found her. Rei walked over to where she sat. Sitting down on the chair next to the one she sat on, Rei wondered what Sazuka was doing.
"When I was little my mum use to tell me that the stars were really angles who were looking out for us at night. I know it's just a story my mum told me but I like to believe its true." Watching the one before him Rei's breath caught at the sight before him, as turning silvery eyes towards him the ebony haired girl was illuminated by the glow of the moon. Having a chance to watch Sazuka alone Rei began to realise what it was he had been afraid to admit. Although they had just met Rei had never felt so nervous around a girl before, he really did like her, but to tell her he didn't know if he could.
"So what brings you this way Rei? I thought you and the others were calling it a night."
"They have, the others went ahead without me. I thought that, that, I might walk you back to your room."
"You didn't have to go through all that Rei, but it's really nice of you to offer and I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather walk with."
Slightly smiling at her words Rei felt a sense of pride at her statement, standing up Rei straightened his jacket before offering a hand to Sazuka. Taking her smaller hand in his Rei helped her to her feet, only realising how close they were as he found himself looking into misted eyes. Glancing over the enchantment before him Rei felt truly bewitched by her, giving a smile as he looked back into grey eyes.
"Wow, you really are beautiful."
"What?"
"Arh nothing, I didn't say...."
Realising what he'd said Rei's brain went into overdrive trying to think of someway he could avoid Sazuka's question. Saying the first thing which came to mind Rei's blabbering was abruptly stopped as he felt silken lips press against his own. Only the briefest of kisses Rei's amber eyes blinked rapidly before looking once again to the girl before him, taking in Sazuka's shy behaviour.
"What, what was that for?"
"It just felt right, that and....well, I wanted to. Listen Rei, I shouldn't' have done that, I'm...."
Unable to meet Rei's amber gaze Sazuka's own gaze wandered from his, so she was unaware of the slow smile appearing on the Tiger's face. Upon hearing her words Rei couldn't believe what he was hearing, to accept that you had feelings for someone was something in its self, but to find out that they might return them was to much to hope for. Hearing her beginning to apologise for her actions Rei quickly made a decision, taking Sazuka's earlier example in mind Rei quickly silenced her as he caught her lips in a kiss.
Receiving no response from her at first Rei was having second thoughts about his actions, until almost tentatively she began to return the kiss. Intoxicated by her taste Rei found the mixture of vanilla and cinnamon addictive, along with the hint of jasmine that hung around her Rei found the exotic aura around her becoming.
Gently wrapping his arms around Sazuka's slim waist Rei gave a mental grin as he felt anothers arms settle timidly around his neck. Enjoying the simplest of kisses they were sharing Rei was a little unsure about even attempting some of the more adventurous methods of kissing he'd heard about. Never exactly having kissed someone before Rei was nervous enough as it was however, any worries he had about it were pushed aside as Sazuka slowly pulled away.
Keeping one arm around Sazuka's waist, offering a steady support for her as she cuddled up against his chest, her easy breathing lightly tickling the base of his neck. Using his free hand Rei ran his fingers over the ebony silk, occasional getting the loose strands wrapped around his fingers. Happy to remain how he was, Rei pulled back a little from their embrace as he felt the slight shivers running through Sazuka's form. Lifting her face towards him Rei gave a small laugh as he saw Sazuka fighting off the first stages of sleep.
"Are you all right?"
"Hum, a little cold maybe, I forgot how chilly it can get....but I don't mind really, it doesn't seem that bad when you're around."
Blinking her eyes a few times to awaken herself, clearing her vision Sazuka gave a heartfelt smile as she saw the adoring look filling amber eyes.
"It's nice to know I'm useful for something. Come on I'll walk you back to your room, besides it's getting a little late and it looks like I'm not the only one getting a little tired."
Releasing his hold Rei took a step back, giving them both a chance to think things over as he regarded the one before him. Moving aside to let Sazuka past him, Rei gave a startled sigh as he felt a hand take hold of his own. Looking around Rei fought a small grin as he noted Sazuka's sheepish look as she awaited his reaction from her simple action.. Giving the hand he held a gentle squeeze Rei moved forward a little indicating that Sazuka should lead the way. Taking the hint Sazuka fell into step beside the Tiger before her as they made their way along.
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After working their way into the inner part of the ship, the newly formed couple soon found themselves standing sheepishly outside their destination. Thinking over all that had happened during the night Rei had a thousand questions running through his head, seeing the questioning look Sazuka gave him Rei knew that he had to settle the unsure feelings he felt.
"Sazuka not that I regret anything, but where do we go from here? To be honest this is all really new to me."
"Oh Rei, always worrying about the simplest of things, but I can understand where they come from. However, do you really need me to answer your question.
Stepping up to the Tiger before her Sazuka gave a warming smile to help relieve the uncertainty from amber eyes. Seeing the uncertainty fade to one of questioning, Sazuka brushed her lips one, twice against those of the Tiger before he caught on. Leaning back after a few minutes Sazuka put her own question to Rei.
"Well, figured out your answer."
"I think so yes. I can no longer consider myself a bachelor."
"Not only cute, but your smart to."
Blushing slightly at her words Rei gave a final smile to Sazuka as he watched her unlock the door to her room.
"Well I guess this is goodnight then, thank you for walking me back. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"All right, I'll see you tomorrow ok."
Nodding her head at Rei's question, Sazuka stood for a moment in the open door way to her room as she watched Rei head back the he'd come.
Turing to give his new girlfriend a final wave before she closed the door to the outside world, Rei started on his way back to his own room.