Tala's fever went down slowly over the next few days. He was able to walk around after a week, but still felt ill. Moon Child stayed by him all the time, but he would only see Kai when he came to bed, or when he was checking upon him.

This disturbed Tala slightly. Ian had told him that Kai had stayed by his side when he was out, but now that he was awake… he seemed to be avoiding him.

And one day, Kai didn't return at all. Tala became worried. Without alerting the others, he slipped out into the cold Russian air and walked towards the forest. He didn't bring Moon Child, since there were hunters in the forest and she had been spotted when escaping Ian, Spencer and Bryan, so the hunters were on high alert.

He walked through the dense forest, looking for footprints or any sign of Kai.

"Where are you Kai?" He asked no one in particular. "Where are you?"

He searched the whole forest for the rest of the day, but found no trace of Kai. It was hardly surprising; if Kai went off, it usually meant he wanted to be alone and not found. Tala gave up, but instead of going back to the cabin, he sat at the edge of a cliff, enjoying the harsh winds that cooled him down. (A/N- the cliff is one of those long, pointed ledge-y cliffs that look over landscapes!)

"I wonder where he could be." He asked the wind. "I mean, if he really loved me, then he would be there for me and not avoid me. Maybe it was because…I refused him. He started being distant after I refused him; saying I wasn't ready… Maybe he doesn't want me…"

"You're a fool to believe that then, Tala." Said a voice.

Tala almost fell off the cliff with shock, but regained his balance and turned to look in the direction that the voice came from. Sitting on his right, was Kai. His hair hid his eyes and Tala could only see the side of his face from the angle he was at.

"K-Kai? Where've you been?" Tala demanded.

"Thinking." Kai replied. "About you."

"Thanks for the flattery Kai." Tala said, standing up and walking past him. "But I would prefer it if you don't play with my emotions, than-"

But he never finished, since he fell face-first into the snow, receiving a mouthful of the white powder. The reason? A nicely executed footswipe by the grey-haired Russian behind him. In a second Tala was rolled over and pinned to the ground by Kai, who's eyes were still hidden by his hair.

"Kai! Get off me!" He paused, waiting for an answer. "Kai!"

"No." He replied.

"Yes!"

"No." He repeated calmly. "Not until you listen."

Tala fell silent. What was he talking about?

"I do love you, Tala. With every fibre in my body. I'd never play with your emotions on purpose, but I had to leave everyday to stop myself. At the beginning, I had to keep telling myself that you were off limits; that you were straight. But when you kissed back over a week ago, I knew that you had feelings for me and I couldn't contain myself. I needed you. But when you said you weren't ready, I had to keep telling myself every night that you weren't ready, just like when I told myself you were off limits. I had to leave…to stop myself … Otherwise, I'd go insane…I hope you understand."

"Y-Yes. I do Kai." Tala whispered and leaned up, kissing him firmly on the lips, but broke away before Kai could react. "I-I think I'm ready."

Kai lifted his head, a look of shock clear in his crimson orbs. He smiled a pure genuine smile.

"You sure?" He asked and Tala nodded confidently. Kai rolled off him and picked him up bridal style, walking back to the cabin. Tala buried his face in the crook of Kai's neck.

"What about the others? Won't they…you know…hear us?" Tala asked uncertainly, voice muffled by Kai's neck. Kai smirked.

"They've gone to the village to look for you." He replied. "They're staying there for the night, since it's dark and cold. But if they do come back and interrupt, I will personally massacre them…horribly and slowly."

Tala smirked. Typical Kai.

The sound of a door being kicked open came to Tala's ears and he realised they were back at the cabin.

Oh gods. Here I go. Adios virginity.

A/N- lemon next chapter. The ending will be after that. KK?

Darkpheonix44- I know I'm evil, but there will b a shower scene I promise. Actually, don't trust me on the promise. I'll c how it goes. aries1391 is writin the lemon. So say "thank you aries1391!" haha. Actually, Toonami showed a double bill of beyblade today, so I saw it, problem is, it's always at 10 o'clock or sumthing, so I wont see it cos of scool. DAMN SCOOL AND TOONAMI! Howz ur scool? It ok? Hope it is.