AN Okay, okay, I know this took a little longer than usual, but cut a girl some slack. It's only been over a week. This chapter was a little more difficult to write. I added a little Max piece to it, to make it longer. Kinda funny, but I figured the others would be wondering where their teammates were off to. This is the result. Oh, and of course more fluffiness from Kai and Tyson. I must admit, I have so much fun writing this. I can imply so much, without giving anything away. Some things in here just cannot be taken innocently, but I think must of it can. Oh, and one more thing, if the characters are criticizing themselves, I don't agree with them, okay? It's their thoughts, as I imagined them. Doesn't mean I agree with my own imagination. Just read it.

In close quarters

Part nine: Exercising

Kai:

I'm whooped. I guess Tyson was right. Strenuous activity after being sick like I've been, takes its toll. And what we just did, would be strenuous.

Blue. My world is blue right now. And so soft. Okay, you're maybe wondering what the hell I'm talking about, but you see, I have my nose buried in his neck (if you have to ask 'who's neck' you're dead) and his hair is all I can see, since the band tying it together mysteriously disappeared some time ago and is not yet due to reappear for a while yet, or course.

Tyson's hair is so amazing. It's impossible really. It's blue. There's no doubt about it. This deep dark blue, shining in all these different tones and hues. When I first saw him I thought he dyed his hair. Don't have to tell you what that did to my already dismal opinion of him. Seriously, I think he won those championships on luck. Now he's a good blader though. Not as good as me, of course.

I know, I'm vain. So sue me. Still, why I of all people would think Tyson's hair weird? I mean, I have the most ridiculous head of hair in the world. Two colors? And with that hairstyle? Well, no matter what I try, I can't tame it, so I might as well accept it. Which I have, by the way.

Back to Tyson's hair. Or just plain Tyson. He makes an excellent body pillow. No mattress will ever be good enough for me. If I can avoid those hipbones. Get some meat on those, Tyson! I swear, it's almost painful. Maybe if I shifted a little. That's better... Ah!

Tyson, what are you doing?!

...

Oh.

...

Well, sorry I hit such a sensitive spot. Weakling. Can't even ignore a little stimulus. Though this is comfortable too. Back of the couch against my back. Tyson curled up in front of me. He makes a pretty picture. Looks a little flushed too. Could it be my staring? "What is it?"

Two seconds ago the word cute was officially added to my vocabulary. There really is no other way to describe that expression. I must have thoroughly confused him with that question. And when he's confused, he tilts his head to the side, raises his eyebrows a bit and just gets this overall look of childishly innocent curiosity and puzzlement. If I were a girl, I'd swoon.

"Well, you look a little..." How shall I put this. "... flushed." Not subtle, but I think I got my point across.

Oh, he's blushing. Gosh, that's cute. Here I go with the cute again. Anyway, back to Tyson.

"I just don't like being stared at."

Well, that's odd. The way I know Tyson, and have seen him over the past few tournaments, I'd say he was an attention freak. He loves being the center of the attention of a cheering crowd. If he didn't, like me, he's have a hard time surviving all those championships. And me too. The guy hogs all the fans and reporters, getting them off my back.

"And why is that?"

He shrugs. "I just don't like it."

Well, I might as well not stare then, heh? But if I can't look at him, I want him closer. Cuddly close. Nose buried back where it belongs close. He smells really good. Ooh, smooth skin. Will he be mad if I try to bite him? Just a little bit? He did the same top me. I mean, I got a big ole' hickey the size of a... well I don't know, I haven't seen it yet. But I guess it's big. Hope a turtle neck can hide it. I'd hate to have to listen to the other guys's jeering.

Now, the true test. Does Tyson taste as good as he smells and looks?

Tyson:

Ack! Kai, bad move. That's better.

What? What are you staring at? Do I have something on my face? Oh, I hate it when people stare at me. They make me all try and prove myself. I don't know what I'm trying to prove, but there it is. It's different on front of a crowd in a beyblade stadium. I know I'm good at beyblading. Hello, I'm the world champion. I don't have anything left to prove in that area. No, it's when people are looking at me and me alone. Not for my beyblading and not for goofing off like I usually do in school or something. Like they're trying to search something inside me. Sounds weird, I know, but that's how I experience it. I can't change how I feel, that easily at least.

Flushed? Oh, I'm sure I look flushed. Especially now! Why'd you go and mention that? Now I'm blushing. "I just don't like being stared at." I hope he buys that.

Now don't go asking for reasons. I have a hard time explaining those to myself as it is. I don't need more confusion mixed in.

Yes, I do like cuddling much more than difficult questions. Glad we agree on that one.

...

I guess we don't agree on this. No biting!

...

Damn! That's gonna leave a mark.

Oh, wait a minute. I did that too. I guess were even now. Now, can we settle down again? There, that's much better. Nice and warm and comfy. Can I stay?

...

Can I stay... You know, I think I'd just worded something, in my mind, granted, that is... I don't know... tempting? A subconscious desire?

Staying... To stay with Kai. Not like I did the past days, looking after a ill, secret crush. But honest and for real staying. Not permanent, of course, at least not yet. Come on, we're way too young for that. Okay, so maybe not way too young, but that doesn't really matter. We just had our first kiss today. Why am I even worrying over the long-term consequences of out relationship? It's way too soon for such a silly thing.

But I'm staying for now. Under the pretense that Kai isn't all better yet, and needs a little more looking after. I don't think he'd object to that.

Heh, I never thought Kai was so cuddly. Feels good lying here like this. A little cramped since the couch isn't that big, but it's okay. Doesn't really matter.

Pah! That weird hair of his. Grey. What kind of kid has grey bangs? Oh well, it's part of his charm, I guess. Girls dig it, I heard. I dig it too. Doesn't mean I'm a girl though. Just that I'm gay. Or at least bisexual. Well, no news there. But the female population is going to be very disappointed that Kai swings that way too. Poor girls, having their hearts crushed. You know, if I knew one who really liked him, just like I do, I'd actually feel sorry for them. I mean, that's too much like my own situation up until very recently. Being in love with a presumed straight guy, is hurting.

In love? Okay, Tyson, back up. First you start rambling about living situations and now you're talking about being in love? Crushing and liking is all fine and dandy, but take it slow on the being in love side, okay? I'm sure the guy himself has some getting used to do of his own. No need to rush things and make them even more complicated. Same gender relationships are complicated enough as it is.

Wow, thinking does tire one out. I'm so sleepily comfortable. I think I'll just sleep for a little moment. I am in the safe protection of Kai's arms. No boogeyman trying to scare me now. Never mind, I'm a raving lunatic. How else could I fall in... for Kai...

Max:

This past week has been really weird. It started with that phone call from Tyson. He was saying something about training being cancelled and Kai being... a stick? What did he mean by that? A stick in the mud? In that case training would have continued. Now it didn't.

I must admit, I wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying, I was otherwise... engaged. But that isn't really important right now. What is, is that none of us have heard from Tyson or Kai since.

It's been a week and frankly, I've sort of started missing the training. Don't tell Kai that, but having random beybattles against your teammates... well who's left of them, which would be Rei, since Kenny doesn't blade. Anyway, it just doesn't compare with a real training session, you know. Working hard, fighting against your opponent with not the goal of winning in mind, but to perfect that move or come up with a parry for a new attack invented by your adversary. That is different. It's a work-out, and as hard and difficult as it may be, the results are always rewarding, making it easier to do.

Maybe Rei has some ideas. I could phone him. Let's see...

Come on, Rei, pick up the stupid phone.

"Kon Rei."

Ah, there he is. "It's Max."

"Oh, hey Maxie. What's on your mind?"

He always knows when something is bothering me. Great guy, really. "Well, you know how little we've seen of Tyson and our captain this week?"

"Yeah, absolutely zilch."

Observant guy, too. "Do you have any idea what's going on? Maybe we could check on Kai at his apartment." That's not a place any of us has been to. Well, okay we stood at the threshold, but only Tyson was brave enough to venture indoors. And be kicked out five seconds later by a hasty Kai still tying the scarf around his neck. He had forgotten we were supposed to have a fun night out that night. I still don't know how Tyson talked him into coming.

"Well..."

He knows something. I know he does. And he'd better tell me! Now! "Spill it, Rei."

Heheh, he's grumbling, like a tiger. Sometimes I think the guy's too much like his bitbeast than is healthy.

"I don't know if you've noticed, Maxie, but considering Tyson saying he went over at Kai's to nurse him back to health, I don't think we should be barging in there right now, if you catch my drift."

No, I'm drifting far away from your logic. So, Kai was sick and Tyson was taking care of him. Well, that is something Tyson would do, but why shouldn't we come over?

"No, I don't get it. Why shouldn't we?"

"Oh, come on, Max! If we go up there, I think they'll be pissed at us for interrupting."

Now, why did he emphasize the last word? What would we be...

...

Oh...

Oh!

Oh, my god! He's joking. Right? I mean, Tyson and Kai? Tyson and Kai?! No way.

"Oh. I see."

Urgh, I hate that grin of his. I can hear him chuckling, probably trying not to laugh his head off in my ear. Well, I guess we won't be visiting them then. Wonder when they'll get out.

That was also meant figuratively.

AN Meh, it turned out longer than I thought it would be. That's always nice. What do you think, guys, should they get busted? Or shall we drag out the torture? Nah, torture, I think the guys are enjoying themselves immensely, don't you? But I'm running out of ideas on what to write for scenes between the two of them. Unless I up the rating of course. Decision is up to you. Review and let me know!

Just press the not-so-shiny pinkish lilac button. Really, what color is it?