AN: This pairing is my soul. It's managed to dislodge Kai/Rei from my brain and reincarnate my dead plot bunnies and morph them into this. It's kinda Kai/Rei too, if you look closely. And forgive the sucky ending. Please. XP

……………………………

Kai watches people. He likes to see what people do, and he likes to remember what mannerisms people develop. For example, Max always chews on his lip just before lunch, and Rei always blinks twice just before something big is about to happen. No, really.

Kai knows these things, because he has had years to know his team mates. Familiarity only comes from knowing, and Kai likes to be on top.

But lately, something has changed. Or is changing.

Kai stares at the tree in the garden, or more specifically, the two people underneath it. Rei is explaining something to Takao, pointing at his beyblade, and Takao is nodding reluctantly, lips twisted into a sour grimace. Kai smirks. Rei is right; he always is. And Takao can only listen and admit he's wrong.

Kai can also hear what they're saying, although the words are not as clear as his sight. Kai believes in watching, not listening.

"…apologise to Daichi?" Kai only catches the end of Rei's sentence, but he can guess the topic. Takao and Daichi's latest spat.

"Fine."

"Stop sulking," Rei chides, eyeing Takao. "We could all learn from his beyblading style – the last thing we need is your pride getting in the way."

"But I still don't see what's so good about that nobody, he's-"

"That's enough, Takao."

Kai is slightly surprised as Takao snaps his mouth shut. This is what Kai means by changes – Takao is listening to people. He leans closer to watch the two a bit more, and he sees Rei place a firm hand on Takao's shoulder. No more is said as they sit there in silence, and Kai is very interested in the arm that is still on Takao's shoulder.

Oblivious. Both of them.

Moments later, a sullen Daichi comes, Max prodding him from behind. Takao looks at Rei, who tilts his head slightly. Takao apologises, Daichi gloats. Takao leaps up to strangle, and Rei pulls him back down again. Sequences, events, and Rei looks up to smile at Kai. Kai can't help but smirk back. In an I-know-something-you-don't-know type of way.

Rei looks away momentarily, to answer Max's question about next Wednesday. But Kai is still staring, still smirking.

Rei looks back, and twitches.

end