Usually I'd complain that my reviews were lacking, but it's completely my fault. I was stupid enough to post on the days when the reviewing option was disabled. But thanks to the ones who did review. I appreciate it!

Dark-spider-flame: thanks a bunch!

TNTiggris: thanks, I thought I'd be taking it too far too soon. And without spell check I'd be lost too.

Obscurus Imber: one person did, no clue what language it's in though. I thought it was hilarious that they have nothing better to do in their spare time. You speak Russian? That's so cool!

Reis1gurl: Yup, we sure as hell do. You know I just love them off. Hee! I'm so kidding, flamers are stupid, I don't get why they don't understand that if they don't like a fic, they don't read it. it's like telling a 5 year old not to eat cookies before lunch, they just don't get it.

We meet again

"So what happened?" Lee asked for the 12th time this day.

"I already told you Lee, nothing interesting." I lied and looked out the tinted windows.

"You know I'm going to find out sooner or later. I'm you're older brother and I have the wisdom of the ages." Lee boasted.

"Yeah well, you still can't read my mind."

"So you excited to see this fellow…what was it again?"

"Kai." I answered bluntly.

"Oh? You seem rushed to get of the topic. If mother and father like him, then he must be the perfect gentleman."

I grunted impolitely, "Perfect, maybe. Gentleman, never."

"This doesn't have to do anything with the Harvest Ball, does it?" Lee asked slowly.

"Why would you say that?" I blushed remembering yesterday's events.

"Because you seem a little jumpy around those topics."

"I am not jumpy!" I protested, "I just don't want to talk about it right now."

"Alright, tell me when you're ready."

"Thanks Lee." I sighed gratefully.

"………you ready now?"

"Lee!"

-------------------------------------------------

"Now remember boys." Mother warned, "Be on your best behavior. I want no nonsense from you two."

"We'll be good." Lee smiled broadly, slinging an arm around my shoulders, "I'll keep a beady eye on the little one here."

"I'm 18 Lee." I mumbled, I hated being called a child.

"Right then, shall we proceed?" Father called from behind us.

"Sure, lead the way." Lee said, dragging me faster along with him.

We walked down a pathway of beautifully carved white stoned pavement, with weeping willow's creating an arc above our heads and tableaus of mythical birds and beasts placed decoratively around the area. The one that caught my eye was that of a phoenix.

Every picture seemed the same, a frightful bird, enormous in stature with it's fiery wings spread out as if in battle and sharp talons that could break through even the toughest of steels.

But it's eyes, they told a different story each time you chose to glance among them. Sometimes there was a burning desire to kill, sometimes a warm glow was about them. A lost type of loneliness that yearned for a gentle touch, and a cold fire that burned those who tired to get near.

By the time we approached the castle was only then I noticed how huge their estate really was.

Ivory and gray bricks elegantly spiraled their way to the top most tower which stood an astounding 95 feet in the air. The Russian flag blew graciously, sitting proudly atop the high tower, showering us with it's might.

I followed my parents to the cherry wood door and wasn't surprised to find a fine carving of yet another phoenix placed within it. This one wasn't like the rest, it's warm wood tones stated it's more humble and welcoming nature, and it's wings were bent at the tips, almost seeming as if it was going to envelope us in it's warm embrace.

I watched as my father pushed in the little button that would announce our presence. Very soon we were greeted by their stiff butler who seemed somewhat startled to see us. He yelled something in Russian and a loud bustling could be heard.

Clearing his throat he spoke somewhat softer, "Welcome, I will lead you to Mrs. and Mr. Hiwatari."

"Thank you." My parents bowed slightly and entered.

Taking of our shoes, we marched across the plush navy carpet and into a large room with sofas and tables neatly placed about.

"They will be here shortly." The butler announced and left.

There were more phoenix pictures here, although in much greater detail. Antique lamps lit the room, while various corners occupied with porcelain vases captured my attention.

I walked over to the fire place and picked up a picture of Kai with his parents. He seemed do innocent when he was a child, nothing compared to what he is now. I smiled to myself and shook my head.

The next one was of a young man, maybe slightly older than Kai. The youth had light, almost white-lilac hair with icy eyes the colour of freshly fallen snow and a very muscular build. He was standing beside an attractive red haired youth with sharp blue eyes. There was also a very muscular blonde with dark eyes and a short violet haired one with a hooked nose.

I found there were many pictures of the red-head, and with each on I grew more anxious and I didn't know why. I stopped on a picture with Kai in it. Kai had his arm around the red-heads shoulders and his around Kai's waist. The smug smiles on their face made me boil with an unknown anger.

"That's Tala."

I gasped and turned around, almost breaking the crystal frame, "Kai! I didn't hear you coming. How long have you been here?"

"I just got here to call you for lunch. Everyone's already there." Kai turned around waiting for me to follow.

"Kai, who's Tala?" I asked, hoping my voice didn't seem nervous.

"Why? Jealous are we?" Kai teased turning back around.

"Of you? No way! W-why would I be jealous?" I stuttered my last string of dignity.

"So you are jealous. Interesting. The kitten is jealous." Kai chuckled, walking out the room.

I stomped after him, "Don't call me kitten."

"Why? Don't you like it?" Kai asked in a sickening sweet voice.

"I'm not kitten. I'm a human, and my names Ray." I fumed, although blushing at my nickname.

"Well I think it's rather cute." Turning his head Kai put in, "And it suits you finely."

I blushed more intensely now. Was Kai calling me cute?

"You still didn't tell me who this Tala is."

"Tala is just a friend of mine, you have no reason to worry." Kai answered, turning once more to see my reaction.

"It's not like I care or anything. I just got a bit curious." I rubbed my left arm lightly and looked down.

There was definite hilarity in Kai's voice now, "You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat."

"But satisfaction bought it back." I retorted quickly.

Kai had a wicked look all of a sudden and I blushed harshly, "Oh get your mind out of the gutter!"

Kai chuckled and we entered the dining room.

It was in the same fashion as ours; long polished wood table running from one side to the other with high backed cushioned chairs gathered and spaced evenly. Paintings of breads, wines and fruits decorated the cream walls, adding visual interest to the room.

I took a seat beside Lee who was fingering his napkin nervously. Before me lay two plates. Both white with a dark blue border, the only difference being the second smaller in size. Beside the plate lay a silver fork, knife and spoon.

"Lunch is served." The butler cleared his throat as the maids laid down steaming platters of steak, rice, vegetables and bread.

"Thank you for coming." Danielle spoke as she took a small helping of the rice.

"Not a problem, you should visit us someday also." My father said, smiling.

"We will in time. And our boys get along so well. Don't you Kai?" Danielle smiled.

"We get along just wonderfully. Don't we Ray?" Kai smirked looking my way.

I managed a nod, "Like two peas in a pod."

"This must be your oldest son, Lee." Danielle's husband nodded Lee's way, "Weren't you at the Harvest ball? I don't remember seeing you yesterday."

"Sadly, I wasn't there. I had business to attend to." Lee answered, poking his steak with the tip of his fork.

"There's always next year." Danielle put in.

That struck a thought; Every year my parents make a huge fuss about finding a husband. But this year they said nothing. Sure they introduced me to Kai but they said nothing more about it. Maybe the wanted me to get to know him better. I obviously knew enough of him to keep away for good. Yet I still wanted to be around Kai, it was flattering in an odd way.

I was almost positive my parents, mother mostly would mention the topic of marriage tomorrow when I least wanted to talk about it. Married life with Kai. What would that be like? I shook that thought away, there was no way me and Kai would ever get married, not even if he was the last living critter on earth. We are different in every way.

But still there's just something about him that draws me closer; like a moth to a flame. I may get burned but yet I'm willing to take the risk. I may say I hate him when he gets on my nerves, but when I think of the fact he may be interested in someone else, it gets me jealous and jittery.

I finished the rest of my lunch and retreated to the lounge room with the rest of them.

Taking a seat on one of the black silk covered sofas, I waited for one of the maids to come around to me.

Lee sat on the sofa opposite me, Kai sat beside me and both sets of parents sat facing each other.

"Coffee or tea dear?" The plump woman asked.

"Tea please." I smiled my thanks and she left with my order.

"How long have you been in China?" Lee directed his question to Kai.

"2 months now." Kai answered, "We're here on vacation from the cold."

"What part of Russia are you from?"

"Moscow. I doubt we'll go back. Too many bad memories." Kai leant back and folded his arms behind his head.

"So you'll be staying in China then." I poked in the conversation, feeling slightly left out.

Kai shifted his body so his knee brushed against mine, "I guess so."

"I feel so safe." I grunted sarcastically.

Kai chuckled and returned to his original position as the same plump maid returned with our hot beverages on a silver tray.

"There you go. Coffee for you, tea for you, and another tea for you."

"Thank you." I mumbled and sipped at the tea, "Youch! It's hot!"

"Try and be more careful Ray." Lee warned.

Kai laughed softly and blew at his coffee.

"What's so funny?" I huffed, placing down my cup of tea.

"Oh nothing."

I silently fumed and drowned the rest of my tea.

"Boys." Danielle said standing before me and Kai, "Both sides think it'd be better if you got to know each other a little more."

My eyes grew with shock. Don't tell me my parents think this guys actually right for me.

Seeing the look on my face Kai's mother quickly put in, "Oh no honey, not like that! We just want you to become friends."

I nodded, "I have no problem with that."

Although I could see right through that fake cover-up lie. I would open up to Kai, only if he opened up to me.

NOTE: not much to say here; done chapter 3 and chapter 4 is on the way!

Review please!