Author: Hikari Donya
Rating: PG-13, possibly R
Pairings: KaixRei, YuriyBoris, TakaoHiromi, and TakaoMax
Warnings: Mild language, and hints of lime
Disclaimer: I don't own it. Never have, never will. Neither do I own Konami, or Sweet Child of Mine. The latter is a Guns 'n Roses song, which I love with all my heart.
Notes: Not much to say about this chapter really, just that for those who couldn't guess by the chapter title, its set a few years into the future. I think at one point Kai says exactly how many, but if when I re-read over it, its not there, then I shall make sure it's in the next.
Dedicated to Dani (slave4kai/anime4life) because she's silly, and needs things to be given to her, all the time. So yeah, don't worry me like that again! XD!
Enjoy.
Changes fill my time, baby, that's alright with me,
In the midst I think of you, and how it used to be.
Chapter One – Years gone by
Hiwatari Enterprises was a menacing building, standing a good twenty floors tall. It dominated the skyline, casting shadows over the lesser buildings below it. The windows gleamed in the sunlight, each one spotless, exactly how Kai ordered them to be kept. Kai's office occupied the highest floor in the building, he wished for that because he liked to look out at the spectacular view.
He could see for miles at such a height. The people looked like ants, as they scurried around. He watched faceless bodies come and go all day, never knowing their names. They were all insignificant in his life, and yet, watching them was a daily routine, though he could never be sure if they were the same people. Sometimes he wished that among them was the one person he longed to see more than anyone else. This thought conjured up unwanted day-dreams, and they were often pushed to the back of his mind.
Kai sat at his desk, drumming his fingers against the wood surface, idly wishing away the minutes. He wanted to go home, not be stuck in his stupid office going through plans for a wedding that wasn't even his own. In fact, he was sure that his time would be better spent in work for his corporation. He didn't need to be sidetracked by petty celebrations.
Yet, he was the one that had agreed to arrange the wedding service, so it was hardly fair if he complained. After all, Takao was so busy with the Do-Jo that he didn't have time to sort out the details, and Hiromi was back and forth to the hospital checking up on their baby, so her arranging anything was out of the question. So after much pleading on Takao's part, they had got Kai to (reluctantly) consent.
Now he was faced with piles of possible candidates to hold his rival's ceremony. Not that they were rivals any more, they had both long given up Beyblading, and taken up their own career paths. Takao was a martial arts sensei, and Kai the CEO of Hiwatari Enterprises.
Kai placed another piece of paper on the 'not a chance in hell' pile, and continued searching. He doubted that he'd ever be able to find somewhere that they could afford, and looked decent enough. Though if it came down to it, Kai supposed that he could lend them enough money to cover the extra costs, he wasn't cold hearted any longer.
Beep. "Hiwatari-sama, Ivanov-sama is here to see you."
Kai sighed and pressed the button on his intercom. "Let him in."
The machine crackled, and went silent. Kai reclined in his chair, and the door swung open.
"Kaiii!" Yuriy bounded in, letting a small tune slip into his greeting. "Had any luck on a place yet?" He motioned towards the piles of paper on the desk.
"None whatsoever. I'm thinking of just paying for them, otherwise I'll never find a place." Kai frowned. "What's more, if they can't afford to pay for a decent enough wedding, how on earth are they going to support their bloody child?"
Yuriy tutted. "Kai, you know that they're trying their best! Give them a break."
"I know, I know. I just wished that this was easier. I thank whatever gods are up there…" Kai pointed upwards. "That I will never have to go through this."
"Kai, you're such a grump! You know that you'd do it if you could."
"I don't have anyone to marry."
Yuriy frowned. "Sorry. I didn't mean to-"
Kai shook his head. "I know you didn't. Now, what did you need me for?"
"Oh, Konami sent these papers over for you to sign on the sponsorship deal. If we want to get the products out before June, then you need to send these back as soon as possible."
"Just put them down there, and I'll get right to it." Kai rubbed his forehead. "Anything else?"
"No, not that I can think of." Yuriy paused for a moment, and then snapped his fingers. "Actually, yes there was!"
"Hm?"
"Takao told me, to tell you, that Hiromi told him…"
"Get to the point, Yuriy."
"Eheh, sorry. They've got a caterer. So you don't need to worry about that."
Kai sighed. "That's a relief. Is this caterer going to be helping with some of the plans?"
"Undoubtedly." Yuriy nodded. "So if you haven't found a place by then, I'm sure that they'll be more than willing to help out."
"When are they arriving?"
Yuriy shrugged. "End of this week, I'd assume. They want the wedding next month, so it's going to be a lot of hard work, right?" He chuckled as Kai pulled a sour face. "Don't worry. We'll help out."
"I should hope so. Did Takao inform you of this person's name at all?"
"Nope. But I have to go pick them up from the airport when they arrive."
"They can't drive?" Kai asked, as he let another candidate join the negative pile.
"They can, but haven't got a car over here. I'm helping out, just like you. Besides, Hiromi said something about it being an old friend. So of course, I wouldn't mind picking them up."
"Old friend? Caterer?" Kai paused. "They got Olivier to do it?"
"I think so. I guess they must have suckered him into doing it for free, ne?"
"Yeah. Well that's one less expense to worry about." Kai sighed. "When you see him, send him my regards."
"Of course." Yuriy walked towards the door. "Oh, want to meet up for a drink later or something?"
"I'd love to, but I'm busy."
"Alright then. See you tomorrow."
Yuriy left the room, and Kai picked up the Konami contracts. He reached for a pen, and his arm brushed against a photo frame, sending it toppling to the ground. He grunted, and leant down to pick it up, pausing as he lifted it. He hadn't looked at this in a while…
The bar was a local one, not even ten minutes from where they lived. It wasn't particularly popular, but all the faces were familiar. The same people came in for a drink every night, and they all sat in the same places. There was an old juke-box in the corner which played songs that were dubbed 'classics'. The owner was friendly, and free drinks were offered now and again. There was never any trouble, and the bar was almost like a second home.
They liked it because it never changed.
"So you told him?"
Yuriy nodded. "I did. Of course, not who it was. Just that they had a caterer."
Boris took a sip of his drink. "Yuriy, he's going to kill you once he finds out."
"I played the innocent. He won't even know that I knew!"
"You're infuriating."
"I am?" Yuriy traced the rim of his glass with his finger.
"You are, but I love you all the same." Boris smirked and downed the rest of his drink.
"Funny how some things never change."
"Mhm. How about we go home? You have a couple of phone calls to make, and I have work to do."
Yuriy frowned as he stood up. "You're no fun."
"You never say that when we're-"
"Shut up!"
They both walked to the exit, placing their empty glasses on the counter before leaving. Boris slipped a couple of coins onto the table by the door, and the man sitting there smiled gratefully. He walked over to the juke-box and put the coins in.
As Boris and Yuriy walked out, the steady beat of 'Sweet Child of Mine' faded away. Just like every night.
It was late. They sky was dark, and the stars dimmed by the passing clouds. He got out of the car, slamming the door shut. He locked it, and walked towards the main building, noting the meowing cats settled around the bins.
He walked the familiar path, from his parked car to the stairs, and upwards to the room. He stopped for a while, his breathing soft, and he traced the numbers on the door.
Thirteen. That should have been the first sign. Thirteen was always unlucky, and so was he.
His key turned in the lock, and the door creaked open. Clouds of dust poured outwards, and a stale stench followed as he stepped into the unoccupied room. How long had it been since he had been in here? Months? No, it had been years since he had come to this apartment. To be precise, four years.
He looked around. The sofas had been covered in dust sheets, which were once a brilliant white colour, now they were tinged a dirty brown. Dust had settled in thick layers on everything, clearly showing that this home was unlived in.
He walked across the floor, towards the large sitting room window. He tugged at the curtains, and let rays of light filter in, dispelling the darkness that had encapsulated this place for so long. He closed his eyes, trying to adjust to the new-found brightness.
Why had he left it so long to come back here? Surely he had gotten over everything a long time ago. Had one simple picture stirred him so much, that he felt the need to return? Either way, he was here now. He walked the familiar floors, and basked in the silence that surrounded him.
Maybe it was time for him to sell the place. It was of no use to him, and to anyone else in its current state. Perhaps after the wedding preparations he could clean the apartment down, and put it up for sale. After all, he had a nicer home now, and this place just harboured bad memories.
He opened the bedroom door, and all he could hear were screams. He walked past the bathroom, and all he could hear were chocking sobs. He stood in the kitchen, and all he could hear were smashing plates. He ran his fingers across the coffee table, forming words, and blew the dust from his hand as he pulled away.
He walked out, locking the door behind him.
Are you free?
End of chapter one. Anyone who knows me by now, realises that a happy chapter means that about a dozen angsty ones will follow. Incredibly typical of me, but this one wasn't as happy. Mwaha, but I like this chapter better. It's longer too.
Leave your thoughts.
Hikari Donya xxx
