Chapter 3

"I don't think I've ever seen Mr Dickinson excuse himself that quickly before, that Maria really can keep people in line."

Finishing off the last bit of his hair Rei quickly secured the ribbon that bound it, releasing his ebony rope he once again felt its familiar weight against his back. Although Maria had told them to settle in and freshen up Rei knew that despites the few hours they had it would take a lot longer to dry his hair if he washed it. Instead settling on a quick brush before once again encasing it in its familiar wrap. Exiting the adjoining bathroom Rei couldn't hide his grin at the sight which greeted him as he entered the bedroom he was staying in.

Devoid of his crimson top Kai sat cross-legged upon his bed, valiantly trying to work a brush through tangled strands. Taking a moment to observe his friend Rei couldn't believe how much Kai had changed in the last year, how much of all the Russian's had changed. They had really taken control of their lives, completely changing things around.

Yet, despites knowing that Kai had under gone some changes Rei had still been surprised when they finally met, especially with his new hair style. Although his navy strands hung in a wet tangle down his back Rei had to say that the new look suited him; hock he'd been telling Kai he should grow it out for a while now.

Hearing the growl Kai gave as he admitted defeat Rei could only chuckle as he decided to give his friend a hand.

Dropping the brush he held Kai growled in frustration as he gave in, no matter how hard he tried he was getting no where. He didn't care what anyone said long hair was hard work, especially when it rebelled like this. Preparing himself for a second go Kai was surprised when his roommate took the brush from his grasp.

"Here let me."

Settling down behind him Rei was once again reminded of how far their friendship had come as Kai offered him no resistance. Having plenty of experience when it came to hair Rei quickly, but patiently divided the navy mass into workable sections.

"You and the others almost gave everyone a heart attack you know."

"And I thought Tyson's mouth couldn't get any bigger."

"You'd be surprised, but still it's good to see you again my old friend."

"It's good to see you to my friend."

Sensing the truth in Kai's words Rei found it quite amusing to see Kai's lowered head and shut eyes as he worked the brush through his long strands. Working the last of the tangles out of navy locks Rei was surprised to find that despites its thickness Kai's hair was silky to the touch, now hanging in a sleek curtain down his back. Giving it one last sweep Rei handed the brush back to its owner, smiling at the half lidded glance Kai send him.

"Oh by the way you're leaving it down."

Moving from his position Rei couldn't suppress his laughter at the surprised look Kai send him at the statement. Seeing the returning grin Kai send him Rei knew that in this matter he had won, which in its own was a remarkable feat. Reigning in his laughter Rei picked his sash from the bed before quickly tying it around his waist, leaving the ends dangling at his side.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

Hearing the familiar voice Rei turned to face the one who had spoken, standing in the open doorway Aaliyah's graceful form rested against the frame. Taking in Aaliyah's form Rei couldn't place what it was but there was something different about her, something familiar. The air around her, the way she moved reminded him of himself and the other White Tigers.

Speaking of differences although Kai was a little embarrassed as he noted his state of undress Aaliyah however, showed no signs of it herself. In fact her attention didn't seem to be fixed on anything, merely glancing at the area around her before looking to himself as he spoke.

"No that's ok you weren't disturbing us Aaliyah, is there anything we can help you with?"

"I came to see if you and Kai wouldn't mind joining us in the living room. The others should be arriving any minute now and Grandpa thought it would be better if we got introductions over with before dinner."

"Sure we'll be right down, but I thought everyone was here."

"Not quite everyone, but don't worry I'm sure you'll get on fine."

Seeing the smile Aaliyah send him Rei returned the gesture before watching the young woman excuse herself. Turning his gaze to where Kai still sat Rei found it very interesting to see that the garnet eyed youth still born a slight brush. Never seeing Kai in such a state before Rei began to thing that his trip would be very interesting.

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Hearing the occasional trend of footsteps as the last few arrived Aaliyah offered each a smile as they entered the living room. Although she had only known everyone for a few hours she had already begun to get a feel of everyone's different auras. Although her heritage had provided her with greater senses that most, it was only with the loss of one that she really began to see the world. Everything had its own vibration, its own air, especially when it came to people which made it a lot easier when it came to identifying people.

Speaking of which Aaliyah still found it surprising that none of them, besides the initial three had noticed. Then again Mystel and Garland only got on so quick because of Brooklyn, who as soon as they met knew straight away about her blindness. From what he had told her Aaliyah had learned that the elder had a gift very similar to Irisa, which would prove to be a very interesting encounter when they met. Having spent the last three days in the boys company she and Leann had come to enjoy the trio's company, finding them to be quite the characters. Hopefully, everyone else would come to enjoy their company once they arrived; she herself was looking forward to meeting the others again.

With her legs tucked under her Aaliyah found the bustling house a pleasant change to the usual emptiness it held. Yet, despites the chatter that was going on it was very low key as everyone's attention was fixed on Mystel's musical talent. Playing as he went along the floating notes of his melody filled the air as he played his flute, quiet content to play for everyone.

Knowing Mystel was situated on the floor before her chair Aaliyah hated to disturb him however, the sudden commotion outside the double doors left little choice in the matter.

"I'm just saying your technique could use a little practice."

"Practice, if I'm so rusty then now come I've won the last few matches against you."

"I wouldn't say two matched is a few, despites I've learned a few tricks since then. Next time you're going down."

"Honestly would the two of you calm down, people would think you hated each other rather than being friends."

"Oh come on Ebony, it's all in the spirit of good natured jibbing."

Hearing the friendly banter Aaliyah couldn't help but laugh as she regular lines which her cousin and Chris always shared when they met up. While Ebony once again acted as the neutral party between the two yet, despites the banter and the jibbing no one ever took it seriously.

Sensing the questioning air which had descended amongst those present Aaliyah picture the surprise on everyone's faces when they found out about her and the others. If they didn't know about her and Leann she had a strong feeling that they wouldn't know about their team. Hearing the double doors being pulled open Aaliyah felt the silence that filled the room as Leann introduced those behind her.

"Everyone I'd like to introduce you to the remaining Angels."

To Be Continued.