Title: Boys Day In or Out?
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: PG
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. Any and all unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole intention to entertain.
The redhead looked up at the sound of foot steps coming down the stairs. The resounding thuds ended as the person reached solid ground, the following silence convincing him that said person was also wearing socks. Sure enough, Kai entered the living room after a brief wait, wearing a house robe over sweat pants and a tee. And an expression that was best described as goofy smugness. Very scary and un-Kai-like.
"Where have you been up to all morning?" Ata asked suspiciously.
The bluenette didn't answer as he walked over to where the redhead was lying on the couch, the book he had been reading held loosely in one hand while his head rested on the other. Pulling up his knees to give his friend space to sit, his selflessness went unrewarded as Kai opted to sit right next to him on the edge of the couch instead. It was only then that he realized the thick volume in Kai's possession.
Predicting an interesting encounter of the exasperating kind, he closed his own book, resting it on his belly to show the bluenette that he had his complete attention.
"Well?"
Kai handed him the hardback he had spent almost an entire hour searching his office for. Ata raised a brow but took it. No sooner had he done that that he recognized what he held.
"Why am I holding a copy of Russia's constitution and laws?"
"Page two hundred and five."
Rolling his eyes, he opened the book and turned to the page.
A couple of seconds passed…
"Kai!" was the frustrated groan.
"It's in the law!" he defended himself.
"One kiss, Kai! That does not count for statutory rape!"
"You are underage. He's older than 18. Your relationship is illegal. James could be prosecuted if the police ever found out."
"And wouldn't that ruin your day?"
Kai paused, considering what he had overlooked.
"Kai, please make up your mind, 'cause you're driving me nuts. First you're against it, then you let it slide, then you're against it again, then you're okay with it and now your playing the good citizen?" He sat up.
"How can you even think of going out with someone way older than you? And then let him touch and kiss you?"
"You didn't mind the kiss."
"That was before I found out that he had groped you. That is child molestation."
"My dear Kai, page one hundred eighty two," he smiled innocently, handing the wary bluenette the book back. "If we are going to be law-abiding citizens then we might as well turn ourselves in too, what with our 'affections'."
Kai sighed as he read the article.
"Indecent sexual acts between minors? There is nothing indecent or sexual between us."
"Uh-huh. Says you," was the coy reply as Ata stretched, deliberately tantalizing, making his shirt to ride up. "Admit it. You have had indecent thoughts about me more than once. Though I'll be fair and say that I'm guilty of doing the same about you. My goodness, we are sexual predators!"
"Stop changing the subject, Ata."
"Stop changing your mind, Kai."
Neither backed down and so a stare/glare-down ensued. Kai used his trademark glare, and height advantage, leering down at the redhead who was holding his ground rather well, the blue orbs icy in determination.
'This is getting nowhere,' Kai thought dejectedly. 'Ata is way more stubborn than I'll ever be.'
A ding went off in the kitchen, breaking through his thoughts. He felt Ata shift next to him as the redhead smoothly slipped from under his arm, which he had been resting on the back of the couch, and stood. Wordlessly, Ata entered the kitchen.
Sitting back on the leather-covered comforter, Kai allowed his head to fall on the backrest, closing his eyes to massage his aching temple. Two days have gone by and he had been unable to make even a dent in Ata's shield.
The couch dipped next to him and he tiredly rolled his head to the side, opening his eyes to find Ata once more, this time with a large tray. Smelling the tempting aroma of food, he sat op to receive the bowl containing the thick stew Ata handed to him. It was a good sign, his renewed appetite. The redhead was still keeping him off solid foods, but this was way better than porridge.
Contently sipping at the rich broth, he watched as Ata placed a tall glass of juice and half a dozen pills beside it on the salon table before them. Only then did the redhead pick up his own lunch, a sub sandwich that defied the laws of gravity, and grabbing the remote, turned on the television.
They ate in peaceful silence, watching the news.
It was very cozy. Especially since it was pouring outside. The weather station had forecasted rain the entire day, with occasional lightning storms. Beyond the large glass doors the world was dark gray with angry black clouds. Sheets of rain rendered the buildings into mere silhouettes and all windows were lit with light since the sun was hidden behind the water-burdened clouds. Being inside, with a warm bowl in your hands, was very soothing.
Finished, he put the bowl back on the tray and took his medications without needing to be told. Laying back contently, he tuned out the news and watched Ata instead.
Let it never be said that Ata wasn't a couch potato. True, with his slender frame and fit condition, the redhead did not match the general view of one, but talking to Ata while he was watching television was about as effective as talking to a wall while standing a hundred feet away from it. But Kai was willing to give his friend the benefit of the doubt and blame it all on the chip rather than TV-addiction.
Once again, he found himself wondering about their relationship. In the two short years that Ata had gained true freedom he had made a dramatic change.
When Ata first joined their team he had been so…different. Never mind the flaming red hair, bright blue eyes and pale skin, the boy had been distant, in an unsure way. He followed them around and trained with them, but he never spoke up to any of them, preferring to stay in the shadows of the more rowdier members, namely Bryan and Ian, of their group. Now that he thought of it, Kai realized that the redhead used to avoid him and Spencer, probably due to their silent yet brooding personas.
The redhead disappeared for two years after the fire-incident. It was then that Kai knew that, despite their not-so-tight bond, he had grown used to Ata. Practices were just different without the blue-eyed boy's mute presence. So it had been of some (pleasant) surprise when Ata re-joined them. Like them, he had grown and developed, but his mentality had not changed. He still hesitated to speak and was content to just follow the rest instead of voicing his opinion.
Much to everyone's confusion, including his own, Kai had been the one to take the initiative and approach the redhead from a new angle. As a friend, not a team mate. The redhead had simply intrigued him so much.
It had started off small. Kai tried to get as much alone time with the silent boy during which they'd either train or he'd show Ata some of the surroundings of the Abbey. Ata never declined; he'd just follow along and listen. This was what Kai wanted to change. The redhead's submissive demeanor was something he knew would bring on trouble. Ata had to learn to make his own decisions.
It was during that time that Kai had made the crucial discovery that had eluded many: Ata didn't talk, because he couldn't. Years of being suppressed by his parents and lying in a coma had disallowed the redhead any chance to develop his vocal skills.
'I wonder if Boris ever knew…' Kai thought darkly. 'He never took much interest in anything but Ata's blading skills.'
Not that he could blame him. As much a recluse as Ata was, his level of beyblading skills was on par with the rest of the teams despite not having been given the intensive training they had undergone since their early childhood.
Somehow, thanks to Kai's assistance and his growing confidence in beyblading, Ata had started to speak. Only one or two words at a time at first, but it gradually built up to sentences. It was like teaching a four year old how to speak. Except that Ata, once he got the hang of it, learned fast.
'So which is the real Ata?' Kai pondered, watching the redhead who had finished his sandwich by now. 'This one, or the one I met year ago…'
A loud ring near his ear made him jump, in turn disturbing Ata who startled at well. Blinking at each other, they couldn't help chuckling at the short but comedic moment.
Picking up the phone, which had started it all, Kai said, "Hello?"
One of the hotel's leading honchos…Something about some papers…He had to sign them…
Hanging up after confirming, he sighed.
"Who was that?"
"I have to step out for a while."
"Where to?"
"Signing some papers on the first floor."
"Can't they bring it up to you?"
"Highly confidential stuff; they don't want to risk losing it."
"Sure," Ata rolled his eyes, folding his legs beneath him. "When?"
"I better go now and get it over with."
"I'll come too."
"I can manage."
Ata was not so convinced, but Kai decided to play the redhead's own game against him.
"You don't have to follow me everywhere, Ata. It's like you're…suffocating me."
"Stop being a smart ass."
"Now you know how it feels."
"Kai, I just ate. At least give me time to happily digest my food before starting up another round."
"That's why I'm going. I need some air to think."
The redhead conceded, laying back onto the cushions. It was a proven fact that Ata was a lot more docile and manageable when he had a full stomach.
"Don't forget the couch syrup. I left it on the counter."
Rolling his eyes, he reached over to ruffle the flaming red hair before placing a loving kiss on the soft lips.
"I'm serious about the syrup," Ata insisted, not fooled by the kiss.
"You and Natasia spend far too much time together."
Stretching himself over the entire length of the couch since Kai had stood, Ata only grinned enigmatically before turning his attention back to the television screen. The blue eyes still shone with a certain I-know-something-you-don't-know light, though that was always the case with the redhead.
Leaving the conference room, Kai calmly made his way towards the lobby as he thought over the new agreements he had signed. He was lucky to have reliable people working for him. They made smart choices, which meant his task was a lot easier. He was only called upon to signed papers. The rest he could handle in his own home without having to sit through long hours of boring meetings.
Keeping as much to the side corridors as possible to avoid as many people as possible (He was in no mood to deal with them now), he attempted to detect any signs from the chip but Inga was still off line. As much as he hate having that thing in him, he hated it even more when it shut down. His system had grown used to the power of the chip. Without it he felt too vulnerable for his liking.
'Will I ever be rid of it? Would I be able to survive without it? No, I wouldn't. Not as long as I have that…beast inside of me.'
The hall had been empty when he had turned into it so he was taken off guard by the sudden voice that came from behind him.
"Small world."
Kai looked over his shoulder to find, who else, the jerk from the day before.
"You work here or something?" the man asked, looking down with a come-hither smile at the unimpressed teenager.
"Or something," Kai answered simply, crossing his arms.
"I see. So, what do you say to dinner and a movie?"
"As long as you don't come, I'm all game."
"You've been giving me that cold-shoulder since our first meeting. What is your problem?"
"You are my problem," Kai snapped. "I don't know why you can't take a hint, but I have things to do and you are in my way. Get this through your thick skull; leave me alone. Or with God as my witness I will make you."
"Oh, feisty. I like that in my dates."
Didn't this guy hear a word he said?
The smug bastard, suicidal or mentally challenged, it was up to him, grabbed his wrist as he attempted to continue on his way. The touch brought a vicious scowl on his face and before the older man could pull back the offending limb Kai had grabbed it, twisting it back painfully.
"Do not touch me," he warned, eyes narrowed.
Though he was in pain, the man still managed a teasing grin.
"Like to be a little rough?"
Kai's eyes flashed. He felt a surge run down his spine as the chip reveled in his agitation, which was quickly giving way to rage. If this man did not buzz off in the next ten seconds he was going to solve this the bloody way. And he was going to enjoy it.
"One last chance," he growled, shoving the hand away.
The stranger, relieved, rubbed the no doubt numb hand but quirked a brow.
"I was going to tell you the same thing, sexy."
His world went red. Deep within him he felt the stirring of the dormant beast…
"Whoa, buddy, take it easy!"
The startled exclamation broke through the dark mists that had been manifesting themselves in his mind. Take it easy? He hadn't done anything (yet).
Blinking away the haze, and forcing down the need for bloodshed, Kai did well to hide his surprise at the now scared expression on the man's face. Granted, anyone would be scared to find a sharp, double-edged dagger none too gingerly poking in their necks. Even less assuring was the fact that the weapon's wielder was a tall, pale teen with an arguably sane mind, which reflected in his light violet eyes.
"I'm not as patient so you better get lost," Bryan sneered, meeting the man eye-to-eye as both were of equal height.
"You'll regret this when I call the cops--"
"One word to security and you'll be moving into intensive care for a long time."
The man looked doubtful.
"You wouldn't dare."
A stunned gasp and a droplet of blood proved that Bryan wasn't bluffing.
"Wanna bet?"
"Let him go, Kutnezsov," Kai intervened. He really did not feel like dealing with the officials concerning scraping the man's entrails off the floors and walls in his hotel. He just prayed that Bryan would listen to him.
To his relief, the falcon did. Roughly shoving the man away, he smoothly tucked the dagger into the waist of his dark pants. Giving the shaken male another forceful shove away from them, he tilted his head.
"There's always next time," he promised/threatened.
Stumbling away, the man turned tails and ran, disappearing down the stairs.
"You idiot!" Kai scowled, punching the taller teen's arm. "How many times have I told you; no weapons allowed!"
"Just as many times as I have ignored you," Bryan replied, not affected by the hit. Picking up his bag from where he had dumped it on the floor, he raised a brow at the irked phoenix. "Pitiful defense, Hiwatari."
"This hotel has a world class alarms--"
"Not that, dimwit."
Kai rubbed the back of his neck, eyes averted but steely.
"I was about ready to pound him. We both were…"
The rumbling within him finally settled as the dark spirit back down.
Knowing very well what he meant, Bryan slung his bag over a shoulder, having already put this all behind him like only the indifferent falcon could.
"I'm bloody starving. Let's go."
"Go? What the hell are you doing here? It isn't Friday yet."
"I can read a calendar, Hiwatari."
"So?"
"So the fact is that I'm here now and I'm hungry now and you're not going to get anything out of me until I have something to eat."
Since Bryan tended to be more dangerous when on an empty stomach, Kai decided to leave it at that. He was curious as to why the falcon had 'graced' them with his presence so soon, but right now he was still fuming from the encounter and somewhat queasy. The demon's brief stirring had unsettled his stomach once more. This cold was cutting away at his last strand of sanity. He really could not take much more of this.
Their trip back to the penthouse was made in relative silence. Kai was actually glad to have Bryan with him since the Falborg blader's none-too-amiable leer kept the usual well-wishers and greeters at bay. He didn't mind dealing with them since most were long time guests who have been visiting the hotel for years, but having to go through the whole routine of acknowledge-greet-act as if you care about their stay-arrange a dinner-farewell was tiresome on his best of days.
"Why did you agree to the bet?" he couldn't resist as they waited in the elevator, looking over to the taller teen who was leaning against the cool metal, cleaning at his nails with that damn dagger. "Answer that before we go inside."
Bryan shrugged, returning the blade to his belt. How he had managed to enter the hotel with that thing truly did mystify Kai. Metal detectors were stationed at every entrance (though well hidden from view). Bryan was getting better and better in his training, it would seem, which included carrying weapons on him at all times. The teen was a security guard's worst nightmare.
"It's not like I want to. Boris just got two new trainers for me from Siberia and I was looking forward to breaking them down."
Kai (wisely) didn't comment on that.
"But Tala said that he had suckered you into going to a night club and that you will have to dance." The thin lips grinned maliciously. "Watching the 'great' Kai Hiwatari make an ass of himself is worth keeping my hands blood-free."
"I'm glad that my humiliation brings you some joy in your bleak life."
"How did he snare you?"
"James."
"Some corporate puppet from the U.S? That's your excuse?"
The doors opened, letting them out on their floor.
"He is twenty-seven years old and is interested in Ata. Doesn't that strike even someone like you as strange?"
"The fact that anyone can be interested in Tala is strange."
"Why do I even bother talking to you?" Kai sighed, digging his hands into his pockets, searching for the keys. "So you're not here because you're worried for your captain's safety?"
"Unless Tala's defense is as pathetic as yours he can easily fight off any opponent. He knows his training."
"It's hard to fight off a broken heart."
"I don't know what all this free-reign did to you, Hiwatari, but emotions like that--"
"Are for the weak," he finished off, fitting the key into the lock. "Forget I brought it up."
"With pleasure."
Opening the door, he stepped back as Bryan entered first. Not so much as being rude as being himself, Bryan always entered first, no matter where they were. Ata once brought up a good point that it was probably because the falcon's rather 'wild' habits. The pale teen lived by his own code. He once described it as him being an animal confined in a human body.
'Where do I get my friends?' Kai asked himself, watching as the other sauntered out of view. 'It's like God found all the weirdo's in the universe and just dumped them on me.'
Yet he couldn't be more grateful. Their eccentric behavior gave each and every member of their group a distinctive yet strangely admirable quality to their being. When together the favors of these qualities could go both ways, though.
Seeing as it was Ata and Bryan looking forward to the demise of his dignity out on the dance floor, Kai guessed rightly that the upcoming days were going to be those days where he wished he had been put in an orphanage. In the Balkans. Taking a deep breath to prepare himself for the upcoming terror, he left the safety of the hall to join his team mates in the living room but was surprised to find only one. Ata was where he had left him, but there was no sign of Bryan.
"He's raiding the fridge," the redhead informed when he saw the confused look on his friend's face. "Said something about wasting precious energy saving you."
"Those were his exact words?" Kai doubted.
"Nah, I censored most of it."
"Oi, Hiwatari, where's the beer?" Bryan shouted from within the kitchen.
"You are the only person that drinks it and we weren't expecting you for another two days!" he called back, sinking into the couch next to Ata. "And there's no vodka either so don't even think about breaking in to the pantry!"
"What the hell do you drink in this place?"
"Water. Ever heard of it?"
"No wonder you're always such an ass."
Glaring at Ata who was snickering behind his hand, Kai didn't reply. Bryan hardly slept so the falcon could go on all night. Hopefully their friend would settle for emptying out half the fridge. Ata once calculated that Bryan could eat up to one-fifth of his body weight. Where it all went was anyone's guess since the guy never gained any weight though he was pretty tall, beaten only by Spencer by two inches.
"Am I the shortest guy on this team?" he wondered out loud, going through the statistics.
"Get real. We're both the same height," Ata scoffed, giving up trying to follow the program he had been watching to feel the bluenette's brow for a possible temperature. Frowning at the slight heat, he handed his friend the ice pack he must have gone for during the bluenette's absence. "And what about Ian?"
Dabbing his forehead with the cooling sack, Kai scoffed.
"Dwarves don't count."
"Ouch. I'll make sure to tell him you said that."
"Would you be so kind?"
"What happened this time?"
"I have a cold that won't go away, some freaking stalker with the same problem, a best friend who is hell bent on humiliating me and a psycho who just strolled into my hotel with at least one--"
"Five!" came the correction from the kitchen.
"Five daggers. What do you think about that?"
"Just another ordinary day in the life of Kai Hiwatari. Did you hear what they're saying about the Japanese beyblade tournament? Sounds like someone is going to be the new scout leader for team BBA."
"Stop piling it on," he groaned, rubbing his head. "The last thing I need right now is to be on some amateur team. I called Mr. Dickenson this morning and he assured me that it was all for the best and he wished me good luck. That's it."
"So, you can't ward off cowards and you can't intimidate old people anymore?" Bryan smirked, returning with a large plate of leftovers he had found and a can of soda. The falcon really did have a hatred for water. "You're just in a downwards spiral, aren't you, Hiwatari?"
"Keep your opinions to yourself, Kutnezsov. You've got your food, now tell us why you're here so soon."
Sitting down on the floor before the large armchair, Bryan placed his drink beside him and took a bite first out of his meal before answering. Another bizarre trait of the lanky teen was that he hardly used chairs, always preferring to sit on the floor. Right now he was merely using the stuffed comforter as a backrest.
"We got a visitor today at the Abbey. Your gramps had some secret meeting with Boris in his office."
Both teens sat up at the news that Bryan had so calmly delivered.
"Any idea why he came?"
Taking another bite, the falcon considered it before nodding.
"Boris knew I was coming on Friday and interrogated me about it. He kept trying to get me to say something about the chips. Asking questions about whether or not the chips were bothering you or if they were still functioning. Shit like that."
"Watch that tongue of yours," Kai warned. "Unless you're willing to take up a vow of silence."
"Saskia ain't here now," Bryan observed. "Where's everyone?"
"On holiday. Is Voltaire still at the Abbey?" Ata beat Kai to answering, intent on the other topic.
"No. But he did come down to the training rooms to check out the team. He wasn't very happy that you weren't there," he looked at Ata. "Told Boris to make sure you don't fall behind on your training. He wants the team in top condition for the finals. Plus he wants Black Dranzer revamped and ready."
"Ready for what?" Kai asked, unsettled at the suspicious developments.
"Do I look like a bloody mind reader? I don't know what the old git is up to. They can be founding an aviary for all I care."
"What's the use of coming over if you only have half-news?" Kai shot back. Bryan could be so damn irritating at times. "If you only came to make a pest of yourself then get out of my house!"
"I'm not a courier! The only reason I came over today was because they planned a 'surprise' medical check-up tomorrow!"
A stunned silence stretched for several seconds but was broken by the two teens on the couch who erupted in laugher and chuckles.
"Aw, is the wittle falcon afraid of the big, bad needle?" Kai smirked, hitting the nail right dead on the head, returning the insult from last night's telephone call.
"Seriously, Bryan," Ata gasped, wiping the tears from his eyes, "for someone who loves pain and bloodshed, you are still afraid of getting shots?"
"Those things could be carrying viruses!" he snapped, earning only more laugher, much to his vexation.
"Did the Abbey run out of lollipops for the good little boys?"
"What other tests are you afraid of?"
"Would you have to turn your head and cough?"
More hysterical laugher.
"You two are going to need to visit a doctor soon enough if you don't shut up."
"Alrigh, alright," Ata appeased, holding up both hands in a calming manner though still grinning widely. "Though I am curious as to why you left. You usually enjoy the rectal probing."
The couch sprang beneath the bluenette as Ata nimbly jumped over the back and hightailed it out of the room, a raging falcon hot on his heels and promising very painful retribution. Soon enough the thundering sound of rapid feet running up the stairs was followed by several doors slamming.
Alone in the living room, Kai sighed, mentally counting down the inevitable.
'Five…four…three…two…one…'
Sure enough, Ata's pained yelp echoed throughout the house right on cue.
"Always doing things the hard way, huh Ata?" he lamented, getting to his feet to go and try to settle the war being waged upstairs before too much valuable items, including the redhead, were rendered to pieces.
On the bright side, this meant that Ata would have little time to hazard him about taking his medications.
'Hn, Bryan has his uses after all,' the bluenette snickered, climbing the stairs towards the sounds of struggle taking place in one of the many rooms.
It's like what Ata had said. While all of this would be considered alarmingly alien to others, it was just another ordinary day in the life of Kai Hiwatari.
Tbc…
Yay! Bryan's here! Another lovely character that I can alter to my specifications! I wanted to include him in Untold Truths but he wouldn't have been as appreciated (and of significance to the plot). Don't worry, he'll be in Stand By Me too!
Read & Review, please.