Huzzah! You guys are so insanely cool! Humungous thankies go out to everyone who read and reviewed. I got such awesome feedback on the last chapter! I was practically bouncing up and down with joy while reading them. ^_^ Enjoy.

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Chapter Six

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Sunlight streamed through the window of Tyson's dorm room. He had gotten home from work some time in the wee hours of the morning, and had caught a few hours of sleep before waking up with only one thing on his mind. Or, should he say, one person on his mind.

"Kai Hiwatari, you have now taken complete control of my mind," Tyson said aloud to the empty room. His roommate was a guy Tyson knew by the name of Rake, and he was hardly ever there. He came some mornings to pick up stuff, but so far, he had never slept in his bed. Tyson didn't really care. He had heard that Rake was some kind of gigolo who went to bed with a different girl every night. How he kept his grades up was beyond Tyson.

A sigh escaped Tyson's lips as he left his bed and began to pace the room. He had been sitting on the edge of his bed staring at the wall for ten minutes now.

"Kai likes Rei. He likes Rei," Tyson muttered. "I should be more supportive of Kai and his feelings. Barging in there and telling him that I think I'm in love with you doesn't really seem like the right thing to do at the moment. He'd probably throw something at me. I mean, the guy's obviously hurting. How inconsiderate would it be on my part to announce my feelings for him at a time like this?" Tyson stopped pacing.

"I am talking to myself," he stated with a disgusted look on his face as he went to his desk and picked up his school jacket from the back of his chair. "I must really be cracking up. Which is another reason why I shouldn't wait to let Kai know how I feel. I might go crazy and then where would I be?" Tyson paused. "Hold on. I can't tell him now! It's too soon. He's recovering from a very painful break-up. It's not the time."

Tyson slipped on his jacket and went to the mirror to adjust the collar. "Hmm… I said myself that he's hurting. Maybe now would be a good time to tell. It might make him feel better knowing that there's someone who cares for him. I could be there for him when he needs someone the most." Tyson paused again, and then shook his head. "No way. It's too soon. I'd look like a jerk trying to get down his pants instead of someone who just is totally infatuated with love for him. It'd be like I'm trying to take advantage of him in his vulnerable state. Nuh-uh. I'm just going to have to wait."

Tyson took a last look at himself in the mirror, and realized he had forgotten his tie. Grumbling under his breath, he went to his closet and yanked the doors open. He reached inside and grabbed one of his many ties and proceeded to put it on.

"I wonder what Kai's doing right now. I should go see him. I mean, he was sick last night. It's common courtesy to visit the sick," Tyson mused. He ran a hand through his hair and fixed his baseball cap on his head. "Yeah, I think I'll go see him."

* * * * *

Kai rubbed his nose with a Kleenex. He was feeling much better since yesterday, but still had a bit of a runny nose. He pulled a few more tissues out of the box and stuffed them in his pocket. Wyatt was hurrying out the door.

"See you later, Kai," he called. "Oh, yeah! I got the mail yesterday, and there's a letter for you. It's on the table."

"Thanks."

The door shut behind him, and the room was quiet. Kai was fully dressed in his uniform, and was contemplating on whether he should go to class or not. He had missed them all yesterday. He wandered over to the table and idly picked up a small stack of mail. He thumbed through it.

Ad. Junk. Phone bill. More ads. There was an envelope behind all the other clutter. Kai picked it out, and it felt as though his blood had literally reversed itself in his veins as he read the return address.

Tokyo Prison. Outgoing mail. From Voltaire.

The other pieces of mail slipped from his shaking hands onto the floor. The very thought of his grandfather sickened his mind. His grandfather was the main reason his life was so screwed up. That, and Rei.

Kai let his breath out slowly. He didn't want to open the letter. He would be perfectly content to let his grandfather waste away in jail.

There was a knock at the door. Kai looked up, startled.

"Hey, Kai, it's me!" a voice called from the other side of the door. Kai rolled his eyes. Tyson always did have such perfect timing, he thought sarcastically. He glanced at the letter in his hand, and slipped it inside the pocket of his jacket, deciding that Tyson didn't have to know about his little problems.

"Come in," he called as he knelt down to pick up the fallen mail. The knob turned and Tyson stuck his head in.

"Yo!"

"Good morning," Kai said, his mind slightly preoccupied. Tyson came in with a cheery smile on his face.

"I just dropped by to see how you were doing. Y' know, you being sick and all yesterday."

"I'm feeling a lot better now. Thanks." Kai straightened and dropped the stack of mail on the table beside him.

"That's good to hear," Tyson said, gazing at him. Kai didn't notice the intense stare that was being sent his way.

I could tell him how I feel right now, Tyson thought. Wait, no, I can't! It's too soon…

"Tyson?"

Tyson looked up. "Yes, Kai?"

"I just wanted to thank you… about yesterday. That was really nice of you." Kai slipped his hands in his pockets. Tyson smiled.

He looks so sweet just standing there, Tyson thought. He took a small step forward.

"No problem. I, ah, hope you didn't feel pressured into telling me about what happened between you and Rei."

Kai's face remained impassive. "No, it's okay. It feels nice to have someone else know. I didn't realize it at first, but it was a real burden to me. I feel better, physically and emotionally." For a moment, the impending letter from Voltaire was almost forgotten.

Tyson's voice took on a soft overtone. "I'm really glad to hear that. I was a little worried about you after you told me. You know, Kai, I really… I care about you."

Before Kai could say anything, Tyson put his arms around his neck and hugged him. Kai's breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he was too stunned to respond. Tyson's body felt warm against his, and Kai could have sworn that he was snuggling alongside him. Slowly, Kai's arms came up and he gently placed them around Tyson's waist. Tyson sighed in contentment, his head resting on Kai's shoulder. Kai suddenly realized that he had never returned the favor Tyson had given by taking him out that night.

I can tell him right now. This is perfect, Tyson thought.

"Tyson," Kai said softly. "Would you like to go somewhere tonight? I mean, I'd like to thank you properly for taking care of me yesterday. Also, you took me out that time, and I never returned the favor, even though it did go badly."

Tyson's heart skipped a beat. Kai was asking him out! Who cared if it was just a thank you date, it was a date nonetheless! 

"I'd love to," Tyson answered sincerely. Kai's fingers were playing around with his silky hair, and Tyson was going crazy because of it. He laughed suddenly, and pulled away.

"So I'll pick you up around eight?" Kai looked down at Tyson's smiling face. His cheerfulness was catching, and the corners of Kai's lips tugged upward. For some reason, when he was with Tyson, his heart felt lighter, and he forgot about all the hurt and sadness Rei had caused. The letter from Voltaire had been completely forgotten.

"Okay." Tyson took a step backward, and grinned at Kai. "I'd better go. Wouldn't want to make you late for class, now."

"You have classes too, you know," Kai reminded him.

"Yeah, but they're not that important," Tyson said airily

"Are you trying to flunk out of college, Tyson?" Kai asked rhetorically.

Tyson grinned again. "See ya, Kai," he said as he slipped out of the door. Kai watched him leave, and then turned around with a heavy sigh.

"What just happened here?" he muttered to himself as he crossed the room. He suddenly remembered the letter, and frowned. He slipped it out of his pocket and slit it open. Inside was one sheet of paper, folded into thirds. He unfolded it and scanned the paper. It barely had any writing on it.

Kai,

We need to talk about some business matters. Come see me.

Signed,

Voltaire Hiwatari

Kai stared at the letter in disbelief. Any other person who read it wouldn't even dream that this was a grandfather writing to his own grandson. His only grandson.

"Damn him to hell and back!" Kai yelled as he slammed the letter onto the table. He was slightly surprised by his own outburst, but he had to admit, it hurt to know that his only living family member didn't love him. Wasn't family supposed to stick together, and support each other?

Kai fell into a chair and rubbed his temples, closing his eyes. Images came into his mind, images of Tyson interacting with his grandfather. Tyson's grandpa, in Kai's mind, was ideal, and more than he could ever ask for. Every time he saw him with Tyson, it made tears come to his eyes. No matter how strange he acted, or how many times him and Tyson argued over something, they still loved each other. Kai would give an arm and a leg to have someone like that in his life.

Kai ran his fingers over his face and sighed. He spared a glance at his watch, and stood. He couldn't keep missing classes like this. He picked his keys up off the table and tossed the letter on his dresser. He wasn't going to see Voltaire today. He had a date with Tyson.

* * * * *

Tyson was walking on air as he headed back to his room. He was sure his grin could not get any wider without splitting his face into two.

The hug had been absolute bliss. Nothing compared. The feel of Kai's body against his, his warmth, just everything about him was perfect. When Kai had hugged him back, he was sure he had died and gone to heaven. And Kai's fingers in his hair? It was all he could do to hold himself back from throwing him onto the bed right then and ravishing him.

Tyson unlocked his door and slipped inside. His mind was racing, and there was no way he would be able to concentrate on anything for a while. He walked over to his desk and glanced down, his eyes falling on one of his many angel collectibles. Anyone who knew him well, or anyone who just glanced at his room, for that matter, could tell that he had somewhat of an obsession with angels. It was nothing; really, he just found them to be beautiful and collected them. His calendar was filled with glorious pictures of the heavenly beings, and he had dozens of small statues adorning his desk. He took a deep breath and sighed in ecstasy, falling onto his bed. When had he ever been happier? Being in love was so great!

Tyson lay quiet on his bed for a few moments, just thinking. Having to wait until eight was torture, but he could handle it. He was determined to tell Kai how he felt tonight. He couldn't wait any longer. He had decided that it would be better to let Kai know that someone else cared for him than to just leave him alone until he got over Rei.

He glanced at his watch, and sighed happily. Classes were going to start soon. He decided he'd go to all of them, just to pass the time until he got to see Kai again.

* * * * *

Kai sat through his classes, barely paying attention. There was a tape recorder on his desk, recording every word the professor was saying. He'd run through it later and take notes so he wouldn't fail his exams. He sighed, and leaned his cheek on his hand, gazing out the window. It was a pretty day. He absently watched the clouds churn in the blue sky. A wind blew, and a few leaves were swept into the air, swirling about before finding a resting place on the ground.

The professor's succinct dismissal drew him out of his thoughts abruptly. He stopped the recorder and picked up his notebook, leaving the dismal room. The small class emptied into the hallway, and soon dispersed completely. Kai headed towards his dorm. The day had been freakishly boring, and Kai was ready do go do something a little less bland.

He unlocked the door and stepped inside, wondering about his date with Tyson. He was confused beyond reason. When Tyson had hugged him… he had felt so happy, and serene. He was thinking less and less of Rei. That could only mean one thing, but he wasn't ready to admit it to himself yet.

It was close to six o'clock, and, at the moment, Kai didn't have anywhere to go. His classes were over for the day. He set his stuff down on his desk and wandered over to his bed. Lying down, he remembered Voltaire and his stupid letter.

"I'll go see him later," Kai said dully, clasping his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes and drifted off, wondering vaguely what his grandfather could want, anyway.

* * * * *

"Kai? Kai, wake up!"

His eyes fluttered open, and saw Wyatt standing beside his bed.

"What?" he asked grouchily. Wyatt made a face at him.

"I was just going to tell you that it if you're going to bed, you should probably change out of your uniform, you know?" 

Kai sat up. "What time is it?"

Wyatt squinted at the clock on the wall. "Almost eight."

"Da-a-mn!"

Wyatt watched, somewhat amused, as Kai dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind him.

* * * * *

A quarter after eight.

Tyson paced in his room, his mind going a mile a minute. Kai hadn't shown yet. Was he about to get stood up?

"No way," he murmured. "Kai's not that kind of person." He paused. "It's only been fifteen minutes. Jeez, cut the guy some slack, Tyson."

Three short knocks were heard. Tyson broke into a gleeful smile and fairly danced across the room to the door. He opened it.

"Kai… you look great," Tyson said honestly. Kai's eyebrows rose slightly. He had dressed down in black pants and a soft blue long-sleeved shirt. The cuffs weren't buttoned and the shirt was not tucked in. Kai thought he looked absolutely unacceptable, but he didn't want Tyson to think he was being stood up. Punctuality was key. Remembering their last date, he had thought to bring a light jacket with a small, portable umbrella in the inside pocket.

"Sorry I'm late."

"That's okay." Tyson grinned, and saw a faint trace of a smile on Kai's lips. He laughed out loud. Kai cleared his throat and turned slightly.

"Shall we go?"

* * * * *

They dined at a small, but expensive café with dim lights and soft music in the background. Kai toyed with his food, making conversation with Tyson. He was surprised at how easy it was to talk to him, considering how much of a hard time he had opening up to people.

Near the end of their meal, Kai had asked Tyson if he wanted to take a walk, knowing how much he loved the outdoors. Tyson had readily agreed with a grin on his face, making a small joke of how their walk had ended last time. Kai had actually smiled at the memory, and Tyson felt his heart melt.

A cool, slightly humid breeze wafted through the air as they walked, side by side, in the night air. Kai pulled his jacket closer around him, and slipped his hands in his pockets. Tyson commented on how beautiful everything was.

His heart was hammering in his chest. He had to tell Kai how he felt!

"This where we came last time," Tyson said as they loitered in the park. He motioned Kai to sit down on a nearby bench. Kai did, and Tyson settled down beside him. For a moment, the only sounds were the night sounds of crickets chirping and frogs calling. An owl occasionally made its presence known.

"I had a really great time tonight, Kai," Tyson said softly.

"Good. I'm glad." Kai gave him a half smile, but it faded when he saw Tyson had a look of utter seriousness on his face. Kai's eyes swept across the park and focused on the fountain, where he could see the reflection of the moon in the water.

"Is there something you want to say?" Kai asked, his eyes still fixed on the mirror image. Tyson was staring hard at a statue of an angel.

"Uh… well," Tyson faltered with his words. Kai looked penetratingly at him with a raised eyebrow, and Tyson almost lost his nerve.

"Kai… I know that you still have feelings for Rei, and you're hurting right now, but…" Tyson trailed off, taking a deep breath while thinking about how to place his next round of words.

"I don't want to talk about Rei," Kai said, his voice pained. He was staring at the ground. Tyson wanted so desperately to hold Kai in his arms and whisper words of comfort in his ear, reassuring him that he would never, ever leave him. He took another deep breath.

"I don't want to talk about Rei, either, but-"

"Then don't!" Kai turned to him, his voice suddenly angry. Tyson was taken back for a moment, but his heart went out to Kai again as he saw pain and sorrow in his eyes. The anger was just a mask.

"I-I'm sorry," Tyson said. Kai sighed and shook his head, brushing it off.

Tyson felt like crying. Kai obviously hated him, how could he ever tell him how he felt?

"Tyson, you've been really nice through this whole thing. Thanks," Kai said softly. "For letting me be such a jerk, and listening to my bitching at all hours of the day."

Tyson couldn't help but smile. A small flicker of hope burned inside of him. He swallowed his uncertainty.

"Kai… there's something I've been wanting to tell you," he said. Kai closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Are you okay?" Tyson asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a small headache."

Tyson screamed mentally. This was supposed to be the perfect moment, when he confessed his love to the guy he had pined for for so long! It was so hard coming out and telling.

"I…" Tyson started again, gazing at Kai's face. He suddenly stopped when he saw Kai's eyes were misty with tears.

"Kai, you're crying," he said. Kai shook his head and blinked. He was staring at the ground again.

"Just say what you wanted to tell me," he said, biting his lip.

"Kai, what's wrong?" Tyson persisted.

"Nothing," he said sniffing slightly. He shook his head again.

"Kai, come on. You can tell me!"

"It's nothing! I just… I just miss Rei!" The tears spilled over his face, and Kai shut his eyes again. "I loved him!"

Tyson watched with a look of desperation in his eyes.

"Kai… I can't wait any longer…"

Acting purely on the spur of the moment, Tyson reached over and brought Kai's face toward his. Lightning suddenly streaked across the sky, but Tyson didn't care. He leaned forward, and roughly kissed Kai full on the mouth.

Something inside of Kai exploded to life, and he nearly gasped at the onslaught of feelings that rushed into his mind. Everywhere that Tyson touched tingled with a fierce electricity. Not knowing why, he pushed Tyson backwards hard with his right hand. Thunder cracked overhead, and the sky lit up again.

Tyson hit the back of the bench, thanks to Kai's none-too-gentle shove. He winced, and readied himself to be yelled at by Kai about how uncaring he was, kissing him at a time like this, when he was so obviously in pain. Droplets of water began falling from the sky, and seconds later, the rain was falling in sheets. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, Tyson found it all very funny. What a coincidence that it was raining again, same place, same time.

"What… what did you just do?" Kai asked, his voice harsh, but his eyes showing nothing but uncertainty and confusion. Tyson thought he looked exactly like a lost boy who was tired of being left in the dark.

"I…"

Kai leaned forward and grabbed his collar, bringing his face just inches from Tyson's. "Answer me. Now."

It was then, at that moment, that Tyson realized that he was madly in love with Kai Hiwatari. Staring into his face, seeing the confusion in his beautiful eyes, watching the rain drops fall onto his perfect skin, gazing at his damp hair that now hung in wet strands around his striking features, listening to his anxious breathing, feeling his trembling body against his own…

Tyson caught Kai's wrist in one hand and placed the other at Kai's chin. Without any further warning, he kissed him passionately, overpowering Kai's feeble attempt to break free.

Kai felt heat all over his body as Tyson drove him backward. Tyson was kissing him in a way that wasn't harsh enough to hurt him, but not exactly gentle, either. The rain was drenching them both, and Kai found himself short of breath. He moaned and suddenly felt Tyson's hand on his face, gently tracing down the side. Tyson's arm snaked around his waist, and he pulled Kai to his feet, not breaking the intoxicating kiss. His hand firmly gripped the back of Kai's head, not letting him stop even to breathe. His other arm stayed around Kai's waist, holding him against his body.

Kai moaned again, louder this time. He couldn't describe the feelings surging through his body. He felt like he was on fire, despite the cold rain. Tyson finally broke off the kiss, but he wasn't done yet. He dove for Kai's neck, and Kai sucked in his breath through clenched teeth as he felt Tyson's lips against his soft skin. Kai arched his head up towards the sky, feeling the rain showering his face.

"Tyson," he said, panting lightly. Tyson continued to attack his neck, and Kai whimpered slightly. Tyson sucked hard, and heard Kai let out his breath heavily. He slowly stopped, and put his arms around Kai, who fell into his embrace with a slight groan.

"Tyson," he said again, and Tyson's heart soared in ecstasy. He had never been happier than that moment right then, holding Kai in his arms in the pouring rain. Tyson was a hopeless romantic, and he couldn't think of anything more ideal than this. He felt Kai move, and loosened his grip slightly.

"Tyson… what are you trying to say?" Kai whispered. Tyson was stunned that Kai still had to ask.

"Can't you see? I'm trying to say that I love you! I've fallen head-over-heels mad in love with you, Kai!"

Kai made a choking sound and buried his face in Tyson's shoulder. Tyson watched, utterly confused, as Kai began to sob.

"Kai…" Tyson gently stroked his back, sheer perplexity knitting his brows together. He led him back to the park bench, Kai stumbling blindly behind him. Once seated again, Tyson turned to face him and took his hands in his.

"Kai, listen. I know you're scared right now, and you have a right to be. But… I don't know what else to say right now except you can trust me. I really do love you."

"That's just what Rei said!"

"But I'm not Rei! Ever since the first day I met you, I've always been fascinated with you. Then when I found out we were going to be on a team together, I was elated! As I got to know you, I realized that I had feelings for you. That day we won the World Championships in Russia was one of the saddest days in my life."

Kai shook his head. "I don't understand."

"It was because I realized that once we'd won, we'd done it. We were the world champions, and after that… there was nothing to do. I was thinking about how nothing was ever going to be the same without the rest of the team by my side. Without you. I thought I'd never see you again. I had gotten to the point that I couldn't imagine me without you. And that was years ago, yet I still feel the same way. Don't tell me that you didn't feel something when we kissed."

Oh, he had definitely felt something. It was a rush, a wonderful, blissful floodgate of emotion and feeling, like nothing he had ever experienced before. 

"Rei said he'd wait… he said he loved me, but he didn't."

"I'm not Rei, dammit! I do love you! My feelings haven't died over time like his did!" Tyson was desperate.

"I don't know! I just… what Rei did…" Kai was at a loss for words. His heart was screaming at him to give this guy who loved him honestly for who he was a chance, but his mind was screaming equally as loud not to fall into love's deception again. Love wasn't real! In the end, he'd only end up getting hurt again.

He felt Tyson's hands drop his own, and he looked up as Tyson stood.

"Kai, it's obvious that you still have very deep feelings for Rei," he said in a low voice. "But you and I both know what happened here."

And he walked away.

Kai was still for a moment as he watched Tyson go. His heart cried out from the depths of his soul to run after him, but his mind wouldn't obey. He knew he had made the wrong decision. The rain continued to fall, tears from heaven.

He lowered his head into his hands, and cried.

* * *

 TBC

* * *

Talk about angst. So, who do you hate more, Rei for rejecting Kai, Kai for being too damn blind to see what a great guy Tyson is, or me, for making such a mess out of everything? ^^

Sorry for taking forever to get this chapter out! Thanks so much for reading. Oh yeah, I didn't really proofread this at all, so excuse any errors that you might see! ^^;; Review, dahlings!