Hearing the bones in his neck crack Rei couldn't contain the cringe he gave as he heard the sound, if there was one thing which got to him it was the sound of cracking bones. Making his way through the awakening lobby Rei greeted the ones he pasted with a smile as he headed towards the hotels dinning room. Having left his female counterpart to freshen up Rei had decided to venture out and seek his garnet eyed friend. Although it was still early Rei knew Kai was the only one beside himself that woke up at such any early hour; unable to talk with Kai last night Rei had decided to find him this morning.

Entering the dinning room Rei noticed that there were only a few people present in the room, scanning those scattered around the room Rei soon found who he was looking for. Seeing the lone figure situated near the open French doors Rei had to do a double take as he looked upon Kai's still figure. Recognising the mass of flowing white that enfolded Kai's neck Rei was surprised to see Kai's usually spiky strands falling in a blue mass just passed his shoulders. Despites the few occasions that he had ever seen the teen wearing his hair down Rei, in his own personal opinion, thought Kai should do it more often. The navy strands delicately framing his face when they fell about his shoulders, making him seem less harsh.

Walking up behind the teen Rei could see the dampness to Kai's hair, which would explain his present style. More often than not Kai would leave his hair to dry naturally, finding it took to much time to dry it with a hairdryer. Standing behind the one he considered a brother Rei found himself stuck for words as he looked upon the quiet teen.

"Tea, milk, no sugar and two toasts with strawberry jam."

"What?"

"Unless your tastes have changed I believe that's what you always have for breakfast, especially considering the fact that you got me into jam."

Hearing Kai's statement Rei fought his grin as he remembered the effort he went through in trying to get the teen to eat jam. Having never eaten the stuff Kai had only given in to satisfy himself, only to realise that he actually liked the stuff.

Watching Kai's gesture it was only now that he noticed the place set beside him; the exact items Kai had just mentioned placed on the table. Taking the seat next to the bluenette Rei was surprised to find them still warm. Looking towards his friend Rei couldn't help but give his own grin at the slight smile Kai was giving him.

"No my tastes haven't changed; sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself."

"How can I know someone who doesn't even know themselves?"

Chuckling slightly at Kai's weird sense of humour Rei was glad to see that the team's leader still felt at ease with him. After last night Rei was afraid all his efforts of befriending the teen had been destroyed because of one stupid mistake. Despites the aloft attitude he portrayed to everyone around him Rei had discovered in the past few months that the garnet eyed captain had a rare side to him. Although it had taken months to gain any sort of trust from Kai Rei had found that be doing so he had gained a valued friend. In fact the teens soon developed a great respect for each other, coming to think of each other as a brother rather than a team mate.

"Kai about last night, I'm sorry for what I did. I shouldn't have…."

"Forgive and forget, isn't that what you taught me? Just don't try it again."

Nodding his head in understanding Rei soon joined Kai in the silence which settled between them, enjoying the morning sun with his simple breakfast of tea and toast.

Feeling the country air blowing against him Kai found the passing scenery soothing as they travelled through the Italian countryside. Glancing at his companions Kai wasn't surprised to see that each was in a state of sleep, while Tyson and Max leaded against each other Kenny rested amongst the hale sacks. Looking towards the remaining two members of his team Kai could only smirk as he noticed the protective arm which Rei had wrapped around Sazuka's waist. Even in sleep the teen was still protective of the ebony haired female.

Glancing at the two for a moment longer Kai could only feel happy for his Chinese friend, despites the friendship he offered Kai had know for a while that something was wrong with the youth. Ever since the Asia Tournament Kai could see that Rei missed the closeness he had with the White Tigers, although the youth had admitted to missing his old team it was the idea of having that closeness with someone that ate at him. Having grown up in a close nit village Rei was use to being around people every minute of the day, and since leaving his village had come to discover what it meant to feel alone.

However, although being apart of the Bladebreakers had helped some what Kai had seen a vast improvement in Rei's overall attitude since the arrival of Sazuka. Upon her arrival she had sparked the flame inside the youth, once again causing it to burn. Clearing his head of such thoughts Kai went back to watching the passing scenery, soon trying to fight of his own tiredness as he gave a yawn.

"You should get some sleep; you've been up longer than the rest of us."

Not expecting anyone to speak to him Kai was a little startled by the sudden interruption to the quiet around him. Seeking the owners voice Kai was surprised to see it was Rei himself that had spoken out, watching golden eyes blinking away the last trances of sleep Kai was soon faced with cattish eyes.

"You wouldn't be doing yourself any favours if you run yourself ragged."

"I'll be fine."

Seeing the raised eyebrow Kai could only look blankly back however, he soon realized that Rei's words were ringing true as he found his tiredness catching us on him. However, even so Kai knew he couldn't abandon his duties as team captain as he tried to fight off another yawn.

"Get some sleep Kai; I'll keep watch over everyone."

"I don't need….."

"I'm giving you an order Kai, don't make me repeat myself."

Put back by the force in Rei's voice Kai could only shake his head in defeat as he noticed the grin which graced Rei's face. Shifting his position slightly Kai made himself comfortable against the hay sack behind him, taking one last look towards Rei Kai finally let the hold of sleep place its grip on him. Feeling sleep overcome him Kai's finally memory was of scented flowers and a slight breeze gracing his skin.

To Be Continued