I don't own Beyblade, or any of its characters, please do not sue me.

Fate

Chapter 13

""Talking

''Thoughts

Flashback

"He kicked you out?" Everyone's expression was disbelief. School has started again a long time ago, but today is the only day where everyone is at lunch, a rare sight in school.

Celestia looked down at her cup and nodded slowly, remembering yesterday when Voltaire ordered her out of his house. She ran straight to home afterwards, ignoring her parents' worried calls for her. She couldn't take this, for the entire night, she just sat and looked at the picture of her and Kai.

Is, is this the end?

"Celestia, I'm sure everything will be fine." Jamice touched her shoulder softly. She has never met Kai's grand-father, but from the sound of it, he doesn't seem like a guy that'd take back his words easily.

"Celestia, do you know what happened to Kai afterwards?" Kenny asked. His eyebrows furrowed together in a knot.

"Sorry, I just ran out... I don't know what happened to Kai afterwards." Celestia replied quietly, she heard his cry for her, but was too embarrassed to look back at him.

"Celestia, I think it'd be wise if you see Kai and figure out something to do against Kai's so-called grand-father." Aeris said while resting a hand on top of hers comfortingly. "Don't worry, Celestia, I can assure you that everything's going to be all right. We'll make it all right, Kai will be there, don't worry."

Celestia didn't say anything; she doesn't know what to say in a situation like this. It's evident that Kai's grand-father doesn't like her at all, and since that's Kai's only blood relative left, how can Kai disobey him?

"I don't think this relationship is going anywhere, Kai's grand-father doesn't like me, and I don't think Kai's going to go against his only relative." Celestia slowly spoke out her thought, only to be assured by a snort from Tyson.

"Oh please, as if Kai hasn't disobeyed Voltaire enough times, one more time won't be any more or less." Tyson rolled his eyes at the thought of Voltaire, that creepy old man.

"Kai never liked him from the start, I don't really think it matters to Kai whether he's well or not. Celestia, trust me, Kai will come and see you in no time, he needs to wait for a time when his grand-father is not guarding him tightly anymore." Max explained, guessing right now, Kai's probably locked up somewhere, or else, he would have come and saw her already.

Lianna looked at them then thought of something, she finally put down her book. "Someone call Ray and tell him about this, since he and Kai are in the same university, he should know more of Kai's whereabouts better than us."

"My girlfriend! You're so smart!" Tyson exclaimed loudly and hugged her side ways, a blush crept up her cheeks, she looked away in fake annoyance.

Celestia looked at the happy couple before her, not long ago, she was in a happy relationship as well. Aeris looked at them then looked back at Celestia, whom is now laying her head on her arms that sprawled out on the table before them. She smile thinly and placed a hand on Celestia's shoulder gently. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Hiwatari Mansion

Turning around in his bed, Kai deliberately ignored the presence of his grand-father. Voltaire sat on a chair besides Kai's bed and looked at him sternly. He doesn't care how much Kai will hate him for this; he's doing it for the good of Kai's life as well. He can't let him and that girl be together, that is what he has been trying to prevent for so long. It cannot be ruined at this time; the battle is just beginning right now.

"Kai, look at me when I'm talking to you." Voltaire ordered his only grand-son; his voice is still as cold as ever.

Kai laid on his arm and closed his eyes, not even bothering with Voltaire. Whatever he's going to say does not concern him, his mind is already set on what he wants, no one can talk him out of it, and he'll stop at nothing to get it.

"Kai, you can do whatever you want in your life, I won't interfere one bit. In exchange for that, I want you to stop seeing that girl from now on." Voltaire continued on, knowing that Kai is listening, but whether he decides to go with it is still unsure. "Kai, you can have any other girl in the world except for her, I'll let anyone else pass except for her."

Finally, Kai took in a deep breath and let it out hastily. Pushing himself upwards, he sat on his bed with his gaze turned downwards. "Why? Why is she the only exception? What's so special about her?" He asked quietly. At a young age, his voice still vibrates power.

Voltaire flinched mentally, he had not been expecting this question so soon, especially in this serious tone of his. How is he supposed to answer him? Voltaire looked at Kai then turned his eyes away, trying to find a way to make his voice not shake. "Because."

"Because what?"

"Just because."

Kai looked at Voltaire, for the first time in his life, Kai sees another side to his grand-father. Voltaire is always this almighty man that no one dares to question, his voice, his attitude, his expression, his everything is always so together, so in place, so sure of himself. However, the Voltaire now seems to be shaking due to... fear? That's unlikely, but not impossible. So, what's there about Celestia that scares Voltaire this much?

"That's not a reason; I'm not going to take that answer." With that, Kai fell back onto his bed again, eyes closed, waiting for his grand-father's second answer.

"You don't need to know the exact reason, you just need to know that if you and her were ever to marry, it... just won't be right!" Voltaire said tightly, his fists clutched tight.

"Why?"

"You ask too many questions! No matter what, you can't be with her! End of conversation!" Voltaire stood up quickly, almost knocking down the chair. With one last look at his grand-son, he turned and left the room.

The moment he closed the bedroom door behind him, Kai's eyes opened up. Starring up at the ceiling, imagining Celestia's face, he can't help but wonder... what's so scary about Celestia to Voltaire?

End of Flashback

"Aeris."

Aeris gave him a thin smile, but made no attempt to get up from the chair that she was sitting on. Kai looked at her for a moment longer before shutting the door behind him. He didn't even get an opportunity to take off his suit.

"Long time no see." Aeris continued on. She was acting as if this was just a normal conversation between two friends.

"Where have you been?"

"Work. I was called down to Kyoto." Aeris said shortly.

"And you didn't bother telling anyone about this?"

Aeris shrugged and played with her nails. "I didn't think anyone would have cared."

"Aeris..." Kai started. Though, he did not get far before Aeris interrupted him.

"You know Kai, I really hate you sometimes." Again, Kai looked at her in surprise. "What's so bad about Celle, huh?" Aeris snapped her head up and starred into Kai's eyes. "I know you still have feelings for Celestia, we all do. However, why can't you just open up and accept her? She's not that bad once you get to know her! Now it's all because of your stupid selfish feelings that she's with Ray. And there goes my only chance with him! Thank you very much." Aeris all but yelled out the latter part.

Kai remained silent, he knows her too well, he knows that she's not finished.

Then, Aeris snorted out a laugh and looked away with tears in her eyes. "God that sounded pathetic. It didn't sound like me at all. And here I was, hoping that at least I'd be able to sound a little bit bitchy." She raised a mocking smile.

The smile did not stay on for long. Once again, she looked down at her hands and she had to take in deep breaths to calm her and control the tears. "Kai, what am I going to do? I gave all these years to him, and yet..."

There was a long pause. Aeris didn't know how to continue on anymore, it seems that the bitchy style just doesn't suit her.

"Aeris." Kai began and she sniffed as a response. "No matter what happens in the end, you'll always have us."

Aeris paused and looked up at him. This is the second time she has heard him speak this way towards her. It almost gave her the illusion of being in love again. From the time Kai began going out with Celestia, it seemed that these tones and words were reserved for Celestia only. And in a way, they still are only reserved for her. However, on a friendly level, this is the second time that he has used it towards her.

She smiled and nodded firmly. Her teardrops are coming down with every nod of her head. She then stood up and sniffed again. "Thank you, Kai." However, the tears just won't stop.

She wiped at her eyes furiously and tried to control the water work, but her body had a mind of its own. Then, Aeris felt a large hand at the back of her head and then she was pulled into his embrace to lay her head against his shoulder. She relaxed and leaned in willingly.

Kai soothed her hair calmly and stared right in front of him. He felt bad about what's happening with Aeris. It is his fault that Ray is with Celle now, and Aeris is standing here crying. It was his entire fault ever since the beginning and he should take responsibility of it. Just as he was about to voice out his thoughts, voices from outside caught his attention.

Though, before he could say or do anything, the door opened and surprised both of them. They separated quickly and turned towards the door way. Kai's eyes widened and he felt Aeris stiffen next to him. That's when he realized that he still had his hand on the back of her neck.

"Mr. Hiwatari." Aeris called out in shock, her red eyes have finally stopped producing more tears. She thinks it's the shock of seeing Voltaire that made her tears stop.

"Grandfather." Kai drew out icily, his eyes narrowed.

Voltaire looked at his grandson, then his gaze shifted towards Aeris. He knew that it was going to be a surprise for Kai, but he never thought that he'd find a surprise of his own. Then again...

"Aeris Turner, right?"

Aeris glanced at Kai quickly, and then nodded her head politely. "Long time no see, Mr. Hiwatari."

Voltaire nodded and walked further into the room, closer towards them. "I heard about the Kyoto project, it was a job well done. Your name is well-known in the industry."

"Thank you." She then looked at Kai again, and gave them a nervous smile. "I should get going now. It was good seeing you again, Mr. Hiwatari." She picked up her handbag and left the room quickly, as if running away from a monster.

Both men looked after her with a thoughtful look. Eventually, Voltaire spoke up deeply. "Kai, is she your new girlfriend?"

Kai glanced at him, but didn't say anything. Voltaire looked at his grandson then turned to look at the open door. "She is someone that you could consider marrying."

Kai blinked turned to the open door as well. Out of nowhere, he picked up his feet and walked out just as quickly. Voltaire looked after him, he appeared to be deep in thought.

Kai waited as the elevator door opened and closed behind him. Pressing the 'lobby' button, he waited for the 5 seconds ride and sped out of the elevator door again. He saw Aeris's back view, she's near the entrance. It didn't take him long to catch up to her.

"Aeris." He grabbed her arm and she turned around willingly.

She looked at Kai and gave him a questioning look. She felt his hand tighten around her arm momentarily before returning to its normal pressure. "Aeris, let's get married."

Aeris's mouth dropped open and she looked at Kai in shock. What the hell did he just say? "Kai..."

"It's my responsibility." Kai cut her off and looked at her seriously.

They just looked at each other for the next couple of minutes. Then Aeris blinked and glanced away. She never imagined a marriage proposal to be like this before. However, this is Kai Hiwatari that's in front of her; she should just feel lucky that he even asked her. She looked up at Kai again, through his stoic expression; she can feel the truth behind all this.

"Kai..."

"Aeris." He cut her off again, and momentarily closed his eyes. "Celestia would have wanted me to take care of her best friend."

Then, she smiled and nodded. Kai gave her a tiny smile and released her arm. Aeris half turned her body towards the door and gave him wave. Then, she turned and walked out. At least she's got a friend.

Kai looked after her, and stood there to watch her car drive off. Heaving a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and just starred out onto the street. Celestia would have wanted this to happen if she knew what Aeris was going through. Though, he still felt as if he was betraying her by marrying someone else.

After who knows how long, a loud click on the marble floor jolted Kai out of his thoughts. Then another click and the sound continued on. Someone's walking on the floor. Unconsciously, Kai turned around and saw her coming from the backdoor. He had not seen her ever since the concert and she doesn't look any different.

Celle glanced up and saw Kai standing near the main entrance, her heart immediately skipped a beat. However, she kept a neutral appearance and reminded herself that her boyfriend is now Ray. She watched as Kai took the first step and then started to walk towards her as well.

The two of them slowly neared each other. Kai's eyes never left her face, but he has noticed that she tilted her head upwards and her eyes are no where near him. As their distance shortened, the two of them were coming closer and closer. Then with a brush of shoulders, Celle walked right by Kai. She walked right by him as he was a stranger, as if he was invisible.

When their backs faced each other, Kai paused and stopped. He glanced behind his shoulder and saw Celle's departing back view. She just continued on walking and never even glanced back. Kai stood in the middle of the lobby and looked on, this time, it's him that stopped for her. After a second, Kai shook his head and walked on as well. If she has already put this behind her, then he should do so as well.

And with that, he missed Celle stopping and turning to look at his departing back view. Celle blinked and glanced down at the ground, she really meant nothing to him at all.

Club

"Sorry I'm late." Ray apologized as he slid into the seat next to Aeris.

Aeris looked over immediately and smiled kindly. "Don't worry about it; I didn't get here that early anyways."

"I haven't seen you in forever, where have you been?" Ray asked as he picked up a bottle of beer and took a sip.

"I had an emergency work call, so I had to go down to Kyoto." She shrugged and leaned back onto the chair.

"How did it go?"

"Very well. We got it finished on time, so the client was happy about that." She chuckled a bit, recalling the relieved face of the old man.

"That's good to know."

Then the booth was silent, neither of them knew what to say. Many years of friendship, and this is what it comes down to. Even when she confessed to him, the atmosphere wasn't awkward like this. Aeris looked down and twirled her beer bottle in hand.

"Ray."

"Hm?"

"What... what if two of our friends are getting married to each other?" She asked quietly.

"Really? Who?" Ray perked up and looked at her intently.

"Will you be happy for them?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be? They're both my friends!" Ray blinked and took another sip.

"Even if the couple was very unlikely?"

"Don't tell me Tyson and Malarin are getting married!" Ray protested immediately. His eyes went round and he looked at her in shock.

Aeris smiled thinly and shook her head. "No, they're not getting married."

"Then, who?"

"That's to be kept a secret." She said archly and took a swig from her bottle.

Then, they were silent again. Never had their nights been this awkward and filled with silences.

"Ray, the truth is..."

"Yeah?" Ray nodded and looked down at his watch.

Aeris caught his gesture and frowned slightly. "Is there somewhere else you need to be?"

"No... Not really... it's just that... never mind." Ray smiled and shook his head.

"What's wrong?"

Ray gave a sheepish laugh and scratched his head. "It's just that Celle's probably home already, and I don't want her to stay home alone, so..."

Aeris glanced down at her watch and frowned lightly. "But it's only seven thirty."

Ray gave her another sheepish smile but said nothing. Aeris looked at him carefully, she realized that she has never seen him like this other than discussing Celestia. It seems like Celle has slowly taken over Celestia's place. Aeris's eyes dimmed, but she forced another smile on her face anyways. "Then, go. Don't make her wait long."

Ray looked up with a semi-troubled face. "But Aeris... we haven't seen each other in so long and..."

"We're friends, aren't we? We'll have our entire lives to see each other. Trust me, that'll be enough." It's not, but...

Ray's smile showed relief and he stood up from the booth. "Thanks Aeris. I'll call you some time, and we'll meet up again."

Aeris nodded, and with a wave, Ray turned and left the club. Seven thirty. Aeris glanced down at her watch again. Seven thirty-one. That entire ordeal was fast. He really couldn't wait to return home to Celle. Raising another bitter smile, she downed the entire bottle of beer.

Later

When Jamice and Max walked through the club door, they noticed the slouched figure immediately. They hurried over and Jamice tapped on the table loudly so that it'd be heard over the music. "Aeris!"

Slowly, Aeris looked up from her place on the table and smiled at them drunkenly. "Hey you guys, want beer?" Then, she shook a bottle at them to emphasize her point.

Jamice looked appalled at the scene and shook her head vigorously. "Not at all! Come on, let's get you home."

"Can you walk?" Max asked and extended a hand to her.

"I'm fine." Aeris waved her hand sluggishly and stood up from the booth. Not even two steps into it and she's almost tripped if it was for the table to support her.

Jamice gasped and held onto her arm tightly. Max turned around and knelt down onto the ground. "Come on, climb up." Jamice half shoved a drunken Aeris onto Max's back and the three of them left the club in disarray.

Once outside, the crisp air hit them, and Max began jogging towards his car. Jamice walked along him quickly, occasionally pushing a strand of damp hair out of Aeris's face. "Aeris, what happened? Why are you like this?"

"Max." Aeris groaned and tapped his shoulder. "Let me down, I want to throw up."

Max halted and bent his knees to allow Aeris to slide off his back. Once on ground, Aeris held onto the nearest pole and dunk her head to let the unpleasant feelings in her stomach released. Jamice stood behind her and held back her hair. She patted her back slowly and still carried a pained and confused look in her eyes. "Aeris."

"Aeris, I'm going to call Ray. You need someone to take care of you tonight." Max said while fishing out his cell phone.

"No. Max, no!" Aeris objected and breathed heavily, the contents fully out of her stomach.

"No, you need someone to take care of you tonight." Jamice said firmly and nodded towards Max to let him give Ray a ring.

"Call someone else."

"Like who?" Max questioned.

"Kai. Call Kai." Aeris said and leaned back onto Jamice for support. Jamice held onto her tightly, but gave her a strange look.

"Kai? Why Kai? Shouldn't we call Ray in a situation like this?"

"No, calling Kai would be more appropriate." She then raised a bitter and mocking smile before closing her eyes. "After all, he is my fiancé."

TBC...

Thanks for reading, please R&R.