July
By Timberwolf220
-God I feel like hell tonight-
-With tears of rage I cannot hide-
-I'd be the last to tell you to understand-
-Are you strong enough to be my man?-
-Lie to me-
-I promise, I'll believe-
-Lie to me-
-But please don't leave-
—"Are you strong enough?" by Sheryl Crow
A/N: Now I know I've gotten a lot of theories about Tyson's "odd behavior" and I'm surprised (and a little ashamed of myself) about how accurate some of your guesses were. But remember the ending is still in my hands and I haven't quite decided how it should. Perhaps I'll leave it in your hands instead.
As to why I'm taking off directly after June (instead of having a June II), just imagine that the day Tyson took him out was the last day of June, k? It's hard to have a plot and keep the time quota correct.
-XX-
Kai could still hear the rain drumming in his ears when he closed the door. Rei was already sitting in one of the chairs, his long raven hair dripping slightly on the floor. Kai tried to summon up his hate towards Rei, but his mind was too filled with the exuberance from before. He sighed and went to his bathroom. Snagging two towels, he returned to the living room and passed on to Rei. Rei accepted it with unreadable eyes and Kai began to dry his hair.
"Out in the rain?" Rei queried, casting a dark look at the rain. Cats never did quite take to the water, Kai thought smirking. He sat down on the chair opposite Reis' and began to stare outside the window. In his mind's eye, he remembered dropping Tyson off at his house and the warmth of their lips pressed together lingered in the vicinity of his mind. Shaking his head, Kai looked at Rei. Rei's hands were pressed together (folded together actually, Kai noted, as if in prayer) and Rei deliberately avoided his eyes. Kai sighed and rubbed his forehead in exasperation. Finally, he spoke, "Do you want something to drink?"
Rei looked startled and then his manner turn guarded once more. Kai wanted to grind his teeth into powder in frustration. Growling, he pushed his chair back and proceeded into his kitchen. He would have gone further if Rei's voice hadn't stopped him, "Kai, this is important."
Kai scowled and slammed the kitchen door as he went back to his seat.
"Talk," And Kai stared at Rei, trying to read the uncertainty that was holding the other blader back.
Out of all of the BladeBreakers, Rei was the one who could see through all facades with a disturbing clarity. While Tyson had been the emblem of hope for them, Rei had been the clear voice of reason. Max had been the line of humility and he had been the strength of dexterity. Sure Tyson too was determined, but sometimes, all is rivaled by Kai's fire. Sometimes, he wonders whether the fire inside of him will flicker and die one day.
Rei sighed and rubbed his hands to regain the lost warmth, "I know Tyson hasn't told you yet. I'm…breaking a promise but," Now those shadowed hesitant eyes were harsh and bright, "I feel this is the best decision in the end."
That confession had cost him. Rei's shoulders had straightened unconsciously and Kai could see his nails were biting into his palms. Rei clenched his eyes and took a deep shuddering breath, "I saw something. About five months ago. Something that scared me." Now Kai felt nervous, as if he was holding something precious in his hands and he wasn't careful, it would fall.
And break.
"What did you see?" Kai whispered.
Rei drew in a shuddering breath, "I saw Tyson. He had collapsed onto the floor. I rushed to help, but not before I saw him choke," Rei's voice seemed to diminish and all Kai could hear was the pounding of the rain, "And I saw the blood on his hands."
Kai didn't realize his heart had clenched up at those words.
The silence hung over their heads and Rei bent his head slightly, his raven bangs covering whatever expression on his face. Kai tried to grasp whatever Rei had just told him. Rei looked at the window and wondered whether the sky was crying for him. It seemed, Rei thought quietly, as if all his sorrows have left him and returned to the sky. And here they fall.
"Continue," Kai said softly, "Tell me the rest of the story. That's," Rei was sure he heard Kai's voice crack, "isn't the end of it, is it?" Kai sounded accusing and Rei wondered whether Kai hated him or not.
"I asked him what happened," Rei's eyes grew misty at the memory, "He was terrified and said, 'Don't tell Kai.' I agreed and asked him again what happened. He said his body was deteriorating. The doctors are trying, but it requires almost a month of surgery and the chances are 50/50."
Kai said nothing. He couldn't say anything even if he wanted to. Somewhere inside of him, there was an inescapable fear that haunted him for so long.
If I hadn't, if I had, if it wasn't raining, if I had called them, then…
I could have saved them.
Kai got up, the chair nearly hitting the floor in haste. Rei blinked from his reverie and stared at Kai quizzically. Kai grabbed his coat and opened his door. Rei gaped at him for a second and then got up as well, "W-Where are you going?" Rei said, "You're not—,"
"I am," Kai's eyes burned and Rei had to look away, "I refuse to sit here and do nothing!"
Rei held his gaze once more and it was like the train of unspoken words flitting from one mind to the other.
Rei's eyes were even and deadly, Do you think you can save him?
Kai's were dark with unholy red, I will try.
Rei sighed and walked upto Kai, "Will it help him?" Rei's eyes were begging now and Kai wondered how he could lower himself to beg. Kai wondered when the day will come when he will be the one to beg. It was a terrifying idea.
"I don't know," And Kai was scared, unbelievably scared. He could feel the fear radiating off hi in treacherous waves. He tightened his collar and scarf and walked out of his apartment. The rain had stopped, but the damp clung onto him like a second skin. Kai stared at the wet pavements distastefully and walked onwards.
I don't think I can save anyone.
Kai shivered and pulled his coat closer to his body. Anything to push away the chill of the rain. It had stopped in the middle of Rei's 'confession' and even though Kai didn't like the rain, its absence weighed heavily on his mind. The pavement was wet and the sounds of splashing seemed to echo in his ears. It was like he was on another planet and god was nowhere in sight.
He felt himself stumble, felt himself gasp slightly. His chest felt heavy and his eyes were stinging. Weakness, his grandfather's voice echoed in his head. He winced and gritted his teeth as he walked onwards. Was Tyson a weakness he had fallen prey to? Had everything Tyson taught him a way to break free from the teachings that had dominated him?
And yet, he fell harder than Lucifer had ever fallen from grace.
Kai looked up to the sky. It was tinted a deep grey, but Kai could see the clouds breaking away and small streams of golden light pierced the sky. Kai wondered what his parents were looking down at him. Were they encouraging him on or were they blaming them for their all-too soon deaths.
Can I save someone?
Kai felt the rays of the sun brush over his face gently. The mist and fog of the rain seemed to dissipate slowly and Kai wondered whether he was holding onto the Sun. For that hope that it will rise once again for him.
Kai pulled his coat off and stared at the sky.
I can try.
Kai aimed another look at the sun and began walking forwards. He didn't look back, not even once. If he did, he knew that he would have to turn around. There are limits to his strength.
Tyson was outside when Kai entered the courtyard. Tyson was staring at the blade in his hand and there were dark lines running down the side of his face. Kai came closer and Tyson's head jerked upwards, the misty eyes brimming with unshed tears. Hastily, Tyson wiped his face and smiled at Kai, "I got something in my eye, that's all."
Kai shook his head and came closer, "Why do you pretend?" He whispered and knew the answer without asking.
To be strong.
Tyson's smile dropped slightly.
To be strong for others.
Kai was less than an arm's length away from Tyson and could feel Tyson's erratic breathing. Kai shuddered slightly and wondered whether he could be strong. He had failed before, failed to save the one thing that had mattered before. Would his test of strength fail again?
I don't think I can save anyone.
…but…I think…I can save him….
Kai pulled Tyson around him and wrapped his arms around him tightly, "This time," Kai breathed into Tyson's ear, "I'll try to be strong for you."
I'll do what I can.
Tyson broke. The brimming tears spilled over and Kai could hear Tyson's raggedy sobs fill his mind. Kai held him closer and Tyson choked, the words pouring out, "I don't want to die, I really don't want to die, oh god, not so soon," Tyson buried his head into Kai's chest, clinging onto him like a lifeline. Once, Kai had done the same, unable to bear the weight of his actions. Like a buoy drifting out at sea, Kai felt Tyson's soul lost aimlessly with the tide.
"I know," Kai could feel his own tears slipping down his cheeks and mingling with Tyson's own. Kai tried to steel himself, but at the sight of Tyson's own weakness, Kai found himself weak too, "Gods above, I know."
Tyson's sobs increased and Kai clutched him tighter. Suddenly, the sunshine didn't seem quite as bright as before.
There was only so much strength a person can have.
-XX-
A/N: A long exasperating chapter that took me ages to figure out. For one, the dynamics of this relationship in a situation like this and how Kai would react. And I worked my head over how they would act. But the end result was better than I thought and I made them look human.
Shit, now what am I going to do about the next chapter?
Feh, I found it incredibly funny that I finished this on a rainy day.
-Power of the mind-
-Of soul, of body-
-There is only so much-
—Author's Observations
Note to the reviewers: Rei is kinda touchy, so please ignore his periodic ranting and lawyer threats. Thank you.
Yukiko-Angel: Well, you found out now, didn't you? Besides, I don't know why you guys are all out to get Rei. Poor guy. Give him a break.
Yami FireKali: I wanted a humorous situation involving Kai and Tyson. And why are you guys acting so negative about Rei? Is it because he made Kai sad? Someone explain to me!
Hiyami: Hmmmm…I never looked at it quite that way before, but that's an interesting angle I shall keep in mind. I wanted some more of Kai's untold past to come into light. And I found the idea of Tyson and Kai kissing in the rain way too tempting. How could I pass up that?
Lady Kirei: Now, come on. I haven't made Rei that nasty a guy, have I? Rei, I think I have just destroyed your fanbase with this story.
Rei: Yeah, thanks a lot.
Mikin Ishida: Kai is a hard character, but Tyson is even harder at times! I have to make them both look compatible and real. And Tyson is the only one with reactions unheard of. I mean, he cried when Kai left. How predictable was that?
JadesRose: Yes, this is constructive criticism. Thank you very much! Yes, I felt the last chapter was rushed myself, but I'm finding it hard to finish this story, so I'm trying to complete it as soon as possible before all my free time dries up.
Omnimalevolent: Poor Rei. All the reviewers are out to get him. I really wanted a random scenario where Kai does that. A little attraction in a relationship never hurt anyone.
Kitten Have Claws: See! I swear I'll never cast Rei in a nasty light again. A smurf army! That's evil! Horrible! Malicious! …I like your style!
Luvyagal: …What do you think Rei is anyway? Isn't he a guy with honour and morals? Did I really make him look so nasty? Dear lord, I worried whether all you reviewers are going to mob him now… .
XZanayu: Here's your next chapter. Enjoy!
Minako Mikoto: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
Bottlecaps: I see more unusual nicknames every time I write. I'm touched you think so highly of me, but writing for me is as easy as breathing and I enjoy writing. So, don't worry so much about me.
Yazzy: Thank you. That was the effect I wanted all along. And I'm glad you spotted that line. It was my favourite as well.
Dead Cat: Even if I know the storyline, I'm still waiting! Suspense isn't good for my health (mental and otherwise) and your TyTa story is interesting!
Kaay-chan: Well, no one can remain absolutely optimistic. Take Vash from Trigun. He too has his down moments. I understand the spirit of being happy, but I am trying to portray the lingering doubt that haunts everyone. Tyson is by no means immune to doubt.
Tsubasa No Kisei:
Rei: That's it! I'm calling my lawyer!
Me: Look, I really didn't know everyone would go crazy at your appearance.
Rei: I'll sue you! Vengeance, I tell you, vengeance!
Me: ….I'm suddenly glad I didn't use Tala….
xXxAngel VxXx:
Rei: What's up with Rei! FANGIRLS WANT TO KILL ME THAT'S WHAT!
Me: Nevermind him, he's being touchy over all the reviewer remarks.
Dark-She-Deivl: (coughs) Well, this chapter pretty much explains what Rei wants, so…
Lady Psychic:
Rei: WHAT DOES REI WANT! WHY AM I PORTRAYED LIKE SOME KIND OF RAPIST!
Me: …Do you want medication pills?
Rei: I'M PERFECTLY SANE THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Me: You're right. I think I'll take them myself.
Serena429: Thank you for the compliments.