AN Okay, here's the next part. A bit of jumping around things, broaching a few different subjects. I was a little in a hurry. It's 1 am here and I have to get up at eight. On Sunday! It's a crime I tell you! Well, at least I don't have to every Sunday. Usually I sleep in. Anyway, on with the story.

In close quarters

Part eight: What now?

Kai:

What am I doing on the floor? Last I remember is being caressed to blissfulness against the refrigerator door.

God, that sounds corny. But it's just about right. And let me tell you, a kitchen may not seem romantic, but that depends on what you make of it. Where's my shirt? It's kinda chilly.

Ah, thanks, Ty. You know, you don't have to put your shirt on. You haven't been sick for about a week. Besides, I like you better without it. Tan skin, slightly defined muscles. Forget the shirt. Let's do a repeat of what we were doing.

Now, don't go looking at me like that. Fine, we'll take it easy, then. How's about the couch?

All right, all right. Don't get your boxers in a twist. I'll go play the good little patient. Hm, that actually has potential. The nursing syndrome. I don't suppose I could get him to wear one of those white uniforms, heh?

Gosh, I'm lecherous. Tyson's been teaching me bad habits. Oh, I know I'm grinning from ear to ear now. Tyson's looking at me funny. Why is he doing that? Must be because he's never seen me grin like that before.

"Kai?"

His voice sounds very hesitant. What ever could be up? Not the sarcasm, please.

"Yes?" I'm not very good at pretending innocence, if Tyson's expression is anything to go by. He actually looks worried.

"You look a little... look like when you're about to... crush your opponent..."

Well, I'll be. Small wonder he's so nervous. I've been told I look very scary on such occasions. "Do I, now?"

Fascinating, the way his Adam's apple moves when he swallows. I feel the sudden urge to follow it's path with something else than my eyes. Should I give in to that urge? Then again, watching him is entertainment in itself. It'd be a shame to give that up. Or we really could go for another round. This time I'm in charge, though. I don't care how good of a kisser Tyson, and he is, trust me. You don't need much experience to determine that. I don't like the feeling of not being in control. That's why I don't like losing. Meant I wasn't in control of the game. That's what's so weird about Tyson. He still manages to win, even when he's not in control. Pure luck, I tell you.

Anyway, back to the Tyson standing in front of me. Looking increasingly nervous.

"Come on, let's go to livingroom. You need to take it easy."

Take it easy? Well, excuse me, but you were the one pinning me to fridge and refusing to let me go. Not that I asked you to. Or told you to. Or anything. I quite enjoyed it, really. Okay, so I loved it. It was heaven. Besides, I can handle it. I ate. And I kept it down. I'm fine, really. Now, I just need to convince him of that.

How to do that? How to convince Tyson I'm all better? Is that really so hard? No, of course not. All I have to do, is get him to the couch with me. And this is an excellent opportunity. Since he's put his arm around me to help we walk, it's only logical I put my arm around him for some extra support. Can I help if my hand starts wandering then? He should never have put his shirt back on.

Actually, I think I was doomed to be discovered today the moment he took his shirt of this morning, after his clumsiness sessions. But I'm not complaining. Of course, I would have been, had Tyson not responded to me. Okay, so he initiated contact. He pulled back fairly quickly though. I'm just glad he feels the same way.

Wait. He does, doesn't he? He doesn't do this out of lust, just because he's a... horny teenager. Goodness knows, we have the age for it. Okay, make out later, right now, calm down the nerves and get some things sorted out.

"Tyson?" That didn't come out right. That didn't sound like confident old me at all. Ah, what the hell. I'm confused enough as it is. Just let it slide.

"Yeah?"

"What does this mean?" Other than the fact we like kissing each other? I think we already established that.

He looks at me with those big blue eyes. There like a winter storm. I could drown in them. "I'm... not really sure. What do you want it to mean?"

Ooh, tricky question. If I answer I want to try and build a real relationship while he doesn't want one, I'll be thoroughly disappointed. And visa versa. But I do want a steady relationship. And now is as good a time to ask as any, I guess. But how to put it in words. I'm not very good with emotions. And I don't think I want the mushy stuff with flowers on Valentine's Day and holding hands while walking in the park. I think. I don't know.

"I don't know." Honesty is my best shot here, right? "I don't want just sex." He's really cute when he bushes out of embarrassment. Okay, back to business. Time to lay out your heart on display, Kai. It's the only way to really let Tyson know what you want, and find out whether he can give you that. I'm talking to myself. Not a good sign.

"I... like to consider you my friend." Okay, take a deep breath. "I... would like it... more... to think of you as... more... than a friend."

Please, say yes. Please, say yes. Please, say yes. Please, say yes. Please, say yes.

"I think..."

Please, say yes.

"...I'd like..."

Please, say yes.

"...that too..."

YES!!!

"...very much so."

Oh, I could kiss him.

Right. He practically agreed to be my boyfriend. WHAT'S STOPPING ME? I'm weird.

He's looking at me funny again. Come here, you. I wanna kiss you again.

Tyson:

"I... would like it... more... to think of you as... more... than a friend."

Be still, my heart. Oh no, don't. Please, continue beating. This is absolutely wonderful. Kai feels the same about me. And it's not just the physical attraction, though that's a very nice bonus. God, I thought I die, when he said that. I can't believe he just outright... said that! That was embarrassing.

"I think, I'd like that too, very much so." How can I not. He's a great guy. Once you get to know him. He seems kind of grumpy at first, but really, I'm sure he's perfectly lovable.

Okay, maybe that's a little over the top, he doesn't strike me as the most romantic type ever, but I'm sure he's perfectly fine.

He's a good kisser anyways. Very good...

Very, very...

...good...

Does he have experience or something? Cause he just...

...seemed so...

...confident.

Tastes good too.

Sweet. Never thought Kai, of all people, would taste sweet. But he does. Soft and sweet. Like ice-cream. Kai flavored ice-cream. Cause it ain't fruity or chocolaty or...

...hm...

He just tastes good, period.

Palate's really... smooth.

...

Uhm... I thought I was in control of things, having my tongue in his mouth and all.

Guess I was wrong.

I'm pinned on the couch now, in case you're wondering. How'd this happen? I don't get it.

Kai? What did you do?

...

And where's my shirt?!

...

Calm?! I'm not calm?! I'm as aroused as hell! And Kai is too by the feel of it. That doesn't mean this is right! He's still recovering! He's just been sick for days on end. Delirious with fever. He couldn't hold anything down yesterday!

...

Oh, who am I kidding. There's nothing I can do about this. He's intoxicating. And very determined. But we won't go that far. Slowing down seems like a good idea.

I should take charge again. Can't be that difficult, seeing as Kai is still recovering.

...

That's better. Now..

Stop squirming!

"Kai, you're still not completely well. Making out is fine with me, but take it easy, okay?"

Oh, god, that mewling is to die for. But I have managed to tame the beast.

Right. As much fun as this was, I know I'm right. We'll get around to doing plenty of things later on in life. Right now, let's just enjoy this intimacy. It's more than I ever hoped for really. Kai doesn't strike me as an intimate guy. This is very nice indeed...

AN See? A little weird. Didn't turn out the way I wanted, but this story has a tendency to run off on me and just do what it likes. Naughty boys they are, really. Anyways. Everyone who reviewed. Huge thankies. You guys are absolutely awesome. I never had this many reviews. Five hours after I uploaded part seven I had nine reviews added to the list. Really great, you guys. I appreciate it so much. I'm very honored. Honestly.