Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade or any of its characters. All unrecognized characters are mine! Also, 'Father's Ten Rules For Dating Their Daughters,' does not belong to me either. It's a forward I received, and I thought it would fit quite nicely with this chapter. Enjoy!

Okay, as promised, the first of many romance scenes…BWAHAHAHA! :::Authoress cackles evilly::: I'm a beginner with this gushy stuff, so bear with me. Cough, It will get better!

Yippee to all those who reviewed!


"" For speaking

'' For thinking

Italics just for the fun of it!

On with the story!


She's Going Where?!

Chapter 12- Christmas Interlude

Written by Euphrosyne


"That damn bastard of a grandson!"

With piles of once neatly stacked documents scattered over the floor, senior Hiwatari turned his back to the crowd of maids and other workers gathered in the room. Glaring out the massive glass window, Voltaire's angry voice was heard.

"You mean to tell me, thirty well-paid adults in this house, and none of you…you…people can hold down a simple meddling child?!"

Voltaire's menacing eyes scanned the line of workers who all avoided his stare by concentrating on the varnished hardwood floor.

The elder's eyes stopped on an aging old man. "Bruce! Did it ever occur to you that Kai wouldn't be able to survive a minute, without his car?" Pacing, he calmly made his way over to the man, backing him down with his eyes. "You hold the keys to pretty much everything in this mansion! Having access to his own car is a privilege, much as feeding you over paid fools!"

Claire, who had been standing at the door the entire time, finally moved to Bruce's side, hoping to put an end to the dispute.

"Father, it's not their fault-!

"Don't call me that! Who do you think you are?!"

Instantly recognizing her mistake, the blue-haired woman was slightly shaken, but quickly gathered ground. Closing her soft brown eyes to calm her nerves, she slowly resumed.

"Kai is young, he needs his space. Really, if you would just give him more attention-"

"Give him more attention?! None of the other successful, famous, and rich grandfathers need to give their grandsons attention!" yelled the elder in an almost whining tone.

He continued his speech.

"Kai is a Hiwatari, he was born into greatness with pure potential…" His eyes softened as he trailed off. "…He is capable of so much, given so many opportunities to do great things, literately endless power in his hands…" Shaking his head, Voltaire made his way back to the window, staring off into space as if he were recollecting memories. "But I can see his thoughts through those open orbs…he is weak, unwilling to take chances and risks…especially when threats are high…" A snort escaped his lips as his face darkened once again.

He sudden turned, pointing an accusing finger at Claire. "It was you. You who killed my son! Striped him of his pride and title, making him a weak man! I will make it clear to make it my bloody business to make Kai into a real man and take his fathers place. He has been spoiled by you and all the workers for too long. It is time for him to meet life and accept the responsibilities that are awaiting him."

With that, he sauntered out the door, his long cloak in the air with his speed.

All eyes were on the blue-haired woman who had one hand covering her mouth in shock. 'You killed my son! Striped him of his pride and title, making him a weak man!' Those simple words replayed through her mind over and over again.

Every time Kai left the house, these arguments would fill the air. It was the same arguments that drove her teenage son out of the house in the first place.

It was a never-ending circle of pain.

There was only so much one woman could take.

Deep down inside, she knew the man she called father was wrong. Voltaire, her 'father', the family she married into.

She and Calvin had been in love, a beautiful relationship. She remembered the day Calvin got on one knee and proposed to her. Everything she had lived for fell apart however, when his eyes suddenly darkened shamefully, warning her to decide wisely before making that decision.

He had warned her of his family. The bitter lies that made up the life he had suffered through before he meet her. Claire smiled unconsciously; remember that day as if it were yesterday. It had been those same bitter lies in Calvin's family that brought them together. She had been so positive that the worst was over. Nothing could tear them apart, especially when little Kai came into the world.

But good things never lasted; Claire learned that the hard way.

She remembered receiving that phone call that warm summer night. The phone call that shattered her life.

"…I'm sorry Mrs. Hiwatari, your husband has been killed in a plane crash on his way to Moscow. We are very sorry for your lost."

The person on the other line was straightforward. Claire didn't understand…Calvin was on his way on that business trip he was so excited about…

It didn't matter. That night was the first night she cried herself to sleep. Similar nights soon followed after that.

She had never gotten a change to say goodbye. His body had never been found. The only true family member she had left was Kai, and even he was slowly slipping through her grasp with his constant escapes from the house.

Claire closed her eyes, thoughts being enveloped by the silence, attempting to cleanse herself from the accused silent murder. Her fragile world was coming to its limits; it was as if her life were tumbling before her.

"Madame!"

Bruce and the other workers quickly ran to Claire's aid as her feet suddenly gave in, fainting to the carpeted floor.

"Take Madame Hiwatari to her room," addressed Bruce as he quickly ordered a few more workers to bring a few warm towels. He suddenly called them all back, having one last request to make.

"If Master Kai calls, tell him to stay another night at his friend Tala's." He paused. "Do not mention any of this to the young master. It is his mother's wish to have these actions in the house remain unknown to him."

The maids all nodded with understanding before leaving to fulfil their duties.

The aging man clutched the handle of the wide door; suddenly lower his head in thought. There were so many things that happened in this house that Kai was unaware of. Sometimes he wondered whether Madame's choice of keeping all this hidden from her son was the right thing to do.

She was protecting him with lies, but how long could this really go on for? For either of them?

Closing the door behind him, Bruce made his way downstairs to do some of the daily housecleaning.

Many of the maids had quit their job, all petrified and tired of the bickering in the house.

Even though he had worked for the Hiwatari family practically his whole life almost as if it were his own home, like the maids, Bruce felt like his time to leave was also arriving ahead…


"I'm sooo tired! It's nine in the morning on a Saturday for jeez sakes, Kai!"

The blue haired boy rolled his eyes at his best friend's complaint. Like planned, the five of them had decided to volunteer at the senior folks home Riley was constantly talking about.

Seniors home on the first day of their break, Christmas Eves to be exact!

They better freakn get a good mark on that shit Ms. Kettleton had assigned them!

Leaving the parking lot to go into the large brick building, both boys were greeted by a middle-aged woman working at the front booth. She smiled expectedly at the two teens before standing up to introduce herself.

"Welcome, I'm Marge, the supervisor of the Middleton Seniors Home. You must be Kai and Tala, the two boys Riley had told me so much about." Smiling warmly, the woman shook both of their hands before proceeding to hand them their keys and nametags.

"Yes, these are the keys that grant you access to our washrooms. The nametags are required for all workers and volunteers in the building…you know, for easy identification to help the elders out a bit." Marge escorted the two to the elevator, pressing a button then returning her attention to both of them. "I'm pretty sure you two gentlemen will have no problem finding your way to the third floor." She paused before continuing with a smile. "It's extremely rare to find people, especially of your age, to spend quality time with the elderly nowadays. We've always said any friends of Riley are definitely friends of ours."

Suddenly feeling guilty that he overslept, Tala gave a sheepish grin. To his luck, the elevator doors opened.

"Feel free to ask any of the assistants if you need anything. Riley knows the place pretty much inside and out. But most of all, enjoy your stay here."

With that, the thick metal doors closed.

Kai turned to his redhead friend who was standing near the corner watching the lighted numbers indicating each floor increase. He smirked, "Looking kinda guilty there for sleeping in all of a sudden…"

Tala replied with a side grin, shaking his head. "Hey, hasn't anyone ever told you? The early worm gets eaten by the bird…so sleep late!"

Before Kai could roll his eyes at his pal's words, the elevator came to a stop, doors slowly opening to reveal a festively decorated flat.

Okay…here goes nothing…


"Hey! You're not Chloe!!"

Tala grumbled a reply before turning to Kai who simply shrugged.

The two had decided to start their day off at the senior's home by joining a group of old men who were playing a friendly game of cards. However, once the two had introduced themselves as the volunteers at the home today, the old geezers starting rambling on of how they were expecting Chloe, and that they were going to refuse to take their pill unless she showed up!

Tala made a mental note. 'If I ever meet this Chloe person in my life, I will make sure to pay her back for all the misery she bestowed upon me today…'

"-Oh, stop scaring the kids, George! They're both friends of Riley. Young Riley, by the way, is just in the other room, preparing the dancehall with her friends Mariah and Ray."

A grey haired woman slowly walked over to the group with her cane, followed behind by her mob of girlfriends. Sitting in the couches by the two teenage boys, she shook her head at the old man who had been making trouble for the two newcomers.

George muttered something under his breath about woman and how they ruin fun. Leaning back in his chair, he took off his glasses and began cleaning the lenses with the foot of his shirt.

Finding a comfortable position in her seat, Sharon shook her head in shame. "Sigh…love may be blind, but marriage is definitely an eye-opener." Her gaze suddenly landed on Kai. Smiling warmly, she offered her hand. "The name's Sharon by the way."

Both boys politely introduced themselves.

"So, how long have you two been married?" Asked Kai curiously at his attempt of starting conversation.

"Too long, if you ask me my dear," answered Sharon as she placed her small teacup back in its saucer.

George grimaced at his wife's response, then quietly regained his posture. "It's okay. At my age, I've seen it all, done it all, heard it all…just can't remember it all…"

The redhead laughed inwardly. This wasn't too bad after all. Well, that was, as long as Sharon was here to keep peace.

One of the other elderly ladies let out a stressing breathe. "Sigh, he's right, middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist switch places…"

In a slight scolding manner, Sharon replied wisely. "Honey, how many times have I told you? Wrinkles should be admired as the etching of experience and the firm lines of character."

George rolled his eyes before muttering to the side in a singsong voice. "Pfft…De-Nile, is a river in Egypt…!"

A glare was shot his way by Sharon, rivalling Mariah's legendary ones.

"George is right. I've finally got my head together, now my body is falling apart!"

"My wild oats have turned to shredded wheat!"

"Our aim in life improves as we grow older…just seems like we run out of ammunition…"

Kai's eyes flickered back and forth at the comments that flared out of the seniors' mouths. Tala was watching patiently, an amused smile across his face.

"Sush! It is Christmas! I don't want to hear such bickering among you grown people! Especially not in front of guests!" Loud taps of Sharon's cane hit the hardwood floor for emphasis.

It was Tala's turn to roll his eyes. "The only reason why Santa is so jolly, is because he knows where all the bad girls live…"

There was a moment of unattended silence in the room.

Finally, chucking was heard. Wavering a finger at Tala, George clutched the side of his body in laughter. "Boy, I think you and I are gonna get along just fine…!"

The redhead let out a relieved sigh, a smile slowly forming on his face.

"I guess you are right woman. There are a few perks to old age…Kidnappers, for one, aren't interested in you anymore."

There was murmur of agreement. Someone in the back spoke out.

"No one expects you to run into a burning building…!"

"Yeah! We can have a party, and the neighbours don't even realize it!"

There was mild laughter. Kai and Tala eyed each other with amused looks.

"We're allowed to sing along to elevator jingles without looking like idiots-"

"-And our joints are more accurate meteorologist than the national weather service!"

Sharon laughed. "Secrets are safe with friends, because they don't remember them either!"

"Haha, finally, we can live without sex…just not without our glasses…"

The room rose to state of hysteria. Finally, the noise died down.

"We'll…that's enough information about us oldies. Why don't you tell us a lil' about yourself?"

The redhead started. "Nothing much to say really. We're suppose to go spread holiday joy among the community as a bonus assignment from our Social Science teacher. Riley couldn't wait but to come here!"

The older woman nodded. "Riley usually comes around this time of the year with Tai, Ash, and Chloe. You bunch must be equally excellent young people if she brought you here to introduce to us!"

"But seriously Sharon…Is Chloe still going to visit us this year?!"

The woman shook her head at her husband. "The group just visited us least week you fool! Remember? They had some charity rehearsal and had to change their regular date?" Sharon turned to smile at Kai. "Tai is quite the looker if I may say so myself. All dark and handsome, doing good for the society. He's really going to go far in life when he's older!" She laughed in thought. "As I use to say in the olden says. There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in woman. Chief among this, is a Mercedes Benz convertible!"

An awkward cough was heard from Kai. "…I've never met this Tai. But if I do, I'll give him the message…"

"Could you also tell Ash he's one fine piece of meat?!" Eleanor leaned over Sharon's shoulder. "I've always had a thing for blondes!"

"Now, now ladies, I don't want you to give the two boys the impression that we are nice, old retired folk who do nothing but laugh at our own stupidity…" George's voice suddenly dropped a few octaves lower, his eyes glistening with anything but mirth. "…Cause we are far from that lads."

Uh-huh…Tala was sorta freaked out now…

"But gentleman, there's really nothing to fear as long as you follow the few simple rules the men and I have written for you."

The aging man stood from his seated position and began pacing back and forth with his hands calmly behind his back.

"You see, back in the olden days, parents were a lot stricter about their children. Little things really; early curfews, respect and dignity towards elders." George stopped, pausing to glance at the two boys who were obediently listening. "We've all had kids of our own, so we truly understand the priorities of young fellows like you…" He smirked. "However, Riley and Chloe are both like daughters to us, and to that, we are quite protective of their well-being. Therefore, if either of you boys fancy our little Riley, I would suggest you engrave these few recommendations into your heads." With that, he gestured towards a man who nodded in response. "Fred, if you could hand me the lists…"

Lists?! As in plural?!?

"Hopefully, the rules aren't too outdated…"

Kai swore he saw some twisted glint in that old man's eyes.

Both Tala and Kai skimmed through the sheets, eyes widening with mixed emotions containing no other than fear.

Haha, decide for yourselves:

-----

FATHERS TEN RULES FOR DATING THEIR DAUGHTERS

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk, you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "Barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter:

Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool.

Places where there is darkness.

Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness.

Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka- zipped up to her throat.

Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws are okay.

Hockey games are okay. Old folk's homes are even better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless God of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

-----

…The redhead gulped. That was a lot of information to retain in one setting.

To think he though he had safely traveled back to home base with George a few minutes ago…

Sigh

"George! Look what you've done! You've completely petrified the boys. What have I told you about scaring away Riley's friends?"

"Hey! If two fine gentleman like Tai and Ash received our list, I think it's only fair that these two boys do too…"

Wait a minute…what was that old man trying to imply?!

"Oh, great! Kai and Tala, you're here. Could one of you guys give Riley and Ray a hand? I need to take a drink of water."

Kai literately flew off his chair, running towards Mariah who had just walked in through one of the north doors.

A grumbling reply was heard from a certain redhead.

"Oh, the redhead is sad…!" Eleanor said in a baby-like tone. "You know, I use to have this thing with redheads back in the day…"

"-You're right Eleanor. This one is quite the looker... Look at his eyes! They are absolutely stunning!"

"Those cheekbones and turquoise eyes. Someone was definitely blessed with a face!"

Tala's eyes widened. He didn't like how the ladies were talking about him.

SHIT! Where they getting out of their seats?!

"What cream do you use, honey? This skin is absolutely to die for!"

There was a round of agreement.

The boy gripped the arms of the chair…they were ganging up on him. If only he had been the one who answered Mariah's request…

"KAI!!!"


"What do we do with the cookies?"

Riley turned to see Kai's innocently confused face clutching a bag of cookies in one hand while staring hard at all the nicely assorted-patterned platters before him.

"Here, let me show you."

Placing the plastic cups she was filling with punch, the red-eyed girl walked over and began teaching Kai the art of food presentation.

"Nothing special, just place the cookies in this coil-like manner…" She proceeded to show him what she meant.

Kai nodded with understanding before the biscuits were handed back to him.

Grabbing another bag of goodies, Riley smiled before starting another platter.

"So, what are your plans for the holiday?"

There was a tiny moment of thoughtful silence before the blue-haired boy answered her. "Nothing much, the family isn't too big on Christmas."

…With grandfather around, the family isn't too big on anything!

The raven-haired girl nodded with understanding. "It's alright, you have us to celebrate with you! Come on, today has definitely made an impact on your memory right?" She looked up, her eyes locking with mahogany ones.

She smiled before quickly averting her attention back on the platter.

Kai's heart sped up at the sudden eye contact. Taking a deep breath, he brushed the crumbs of his hands before reaching into his pocket to take out a little something…

'Okay, here goes nothing.'

The dark-haired girl turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Surprised at the tiny gift-wrapped box in front of her, she covered her mouth at the present.

"Um, I got you a little something for Christmas. I hope you like it." Kai gave a tiny smile, trying to stop the nerves from building in his stomach.

"Kai, you really shouldn't have!"

"No, no, open it, I want you to have it."

Taking the tiny box into her hands, Riley carefully began unwrapping it.

A slight gasp escaped her lips as she ran her fingers around a very expensive looking charm bracelet. A thick platinum jewel embodying several sparking diamonds shimmered against the dark velvet box. Casting her eyes across the bracelet in awe, a certain charm caught her eye.

…A chess piece…

"When I saw the bracelet, I instantly thought of you."

"Kai…"

You had to admit, that was a pretty slick move.

"…This is way too expensive, I can't accept it."

"No, keep it, it's really nothing…"

Just as Riley was about to respond to Kai's comment, she heard her name being called from one of the other rooms.

It was Tala.

Huffing and puffing as if he had been escaping from something, a grin swept across his face at the sight of her.

Hands behind his back, a sly smile crossed his face.

Riley raised a playful brow. "What are you hiding behind there…?"

The boy simply shrugged, attempting to keep the innocent look upon his face.

"Come on…" The dark-haired girl circled the boy, attempting to grab at whatever Tala was hiding. The boy finally raised a hand in defeat.

"Okay, you've got me! Here, for you."

Placing a long rectangular box in the girl's hand, a smile brushed across Riley's face. She giggled.

Riley absolutely adored the way the gift was wrapped.

Why?

Simple, because it was horribly done.

Tearing open the shinny paper, the girl's eyes widened.

Inside the velvety black box was a beautiful platinum charm bracelet; exactly identical with the one Kai had just given her, chess piece and all.

"So, I'll take that silence as an 'I love it?'" The redhead mocked a few bows before placing a hand behind his head in laughter.

"Tala, I'm speechless…"

…Hey, at least she wasn't lying.

Seeing a similar box placed on the refreshment counter in front of them, Tala leaned over and picked it up, curiosity gracing his happy features.

"Wow, this looks expensive, what is it?"

He opened it, eyes resting on the gift ever so calmly, a little longer then necessary too, if I may add.

Tala scanned the box over several times…

Looking up and past Riley's shoulder, Tala finally noticed his best friend staring right back at him. Indescribable feelings welded in him as he finally registered what had happened.

Just as he was about to voice his thoughts, Mariah came skipping back into the room, waving a finger at the three in a scolding manner.

"Hey Riley! Come on, where's your Christmas spirit? There's mistletoe right above your head! You know the rules!" Her friend winked at her discovery.

Somewhere off in the distance, Riley swore she heard a pin drop.

…Talk about perfect timing…


Hmm…wonder if this is considered a cliffy.

Well, what do you guys think? Told'cha there was going to be a lil' twist…snicker

Hehe, please read and review!