Ok, so this one took a little bit too. I'm working on the last credits of my associate's degree and at the moment, chemistry is semi-sorta kicking me in the butt. It's nice to know what you people like my writing. I greatly appreciate the epportunities.
Chapter 6: Close calls and close comfort
The day passed by fairly quietly. Rei curled up beside Kai with a book for the afternoon as Kai flipped through the channels on the television. There had been a couple of times when Bryan and Tala had stolen the remote to watch one game or another. Kai simply handed the remote to Tala and wrapped his arms around Rei's waist as he read over his shoulder during each game. Rei found himself feeling very comfortable around the three Russians. He never pictured Tala and Bryan being the involved type of people during a sports event. It was very interesting watching the two interact. He wondered if they ever got involved with the sport itself. He would have to figure out. It would give him good ideas for things he could do for the two sports fans. He made a mental note to talk to Kai about it sometime. Before he knew it, it was time for dinner.
Tala and Bryan had wanted to make dinner but Rei insisted they finish watching the race they had been involved in. He made his way to the kitchen and began heating water and sauce to make spaghetti. Kai entered the kitchen just a few moments later and offered to help. Rei told him to make the garlic bread and a small salad. The two worked in companionable silence until dinner was ready. Rei popped into the living area to get the other two men as Kai began setting the table. Dinner as well went by fairly quietly. Tala and Bryan were engaged in conversation over the day's games while Kai and Rei just absorbed the conversation.
Noticing how quiet the other two had been all day, Tala decided it would be good for them to get out of the house for the evening. "Hey guys, why don't we hit the club tonight? We haven't been out for awhile."
Kai looked curiously at his lover. "You want to go to the club tonight? You're usually the one that doesn't want to go out."
Tala shrugged back at Kai. "I'm usually the one that needs the peace and quiet. It's been really quiet around here for too long though. I think it would do us all some good to get out for the evening.
"Ok Tala, sure thing. If you want to hit the club, I'll go with you. I don't like the idea of you going out alone."
"I don't know guys. I don't know if I can take a loud crowded night." Rei looked down at his plate and pushed the food from side to side with his fork.
"No Rei. If you really don't want to go, we'll just stay home. We don't have to go out if you're not ready." Tala frowned at Rei as Bryan looked intently at the Tiger.
"No, Tala. If you want to go out tonight, you should go. Don't stay in just because of me. Really it's ok." Rei looked at Tala as he insisted the others go out without him.
"Rei, I don't like the idea of leaving you home alone. Come on. Just give it a try. We'll go for a little while and if you decide you don't like it there, we can come home. We'll take two cars so Tala and Kai can stay and I'll bring you home. I don't get into the crowds very often anyway, so I won't be missing much."
"We can take one car, we'll just all…"
"No, Tala." Bryan interrupted. "It's a good plan. Rei gets out and gives it a try and if he doesn't feel comfortable we'll come home. You and Kai take a little bit to work yourselves into the crowd, but when you do you guys really enjoy being out there. I don't get into the crowd nearly as often as you guys do. I'll bring Rei home if he's not enjoying himself and you guys can stay and continue having fun."
"Are you sure?" Kai finally spoke up.
Bryan nodded and turned to Rei. "So what do you say kitten. Will you give it a try? I really think you could use an evening out. It might do you some good. You spend entirely too much time inside by yourself. It's not good for you."
Rei looked back down at his plate before giving Bryan a gentle smile. "Ok Bryan, I'll give it a try. You don't mind bringing me home if I want to?"
"No problem at all. You don't need to stay if you really don't want to. As long as you give it an honest shot. Just make the call and we'll leave. It's completely up to you."
Rei nodded and got up to put his empty plate in the sink for Tala and Bryan to wash. "All right. I'll give it a shot. I'll have all three of my protectors there after all won't I?" He smiled as the Russians cheered in victory.
Kai placed his empty plate on top of Rei's and guided the tiger up to his room to get dressed for the evening while Tala and Bryan cleaned the dishes from dinner.
Three hours later, all four boys were dressed and grabbing jackets on their way out the door. Kai had picked out Rei's outfit for the evening. Kai was wearing baggy tanned cargo pants, a pair of clunky boots and a tight sleeveless black top. Rei noticed that his old captain was wearing a leather wrist band with silver studs all the way around and a silver hoop through the top of his ear. Tala had dressed in white leather pants, sneakers and a red v-neck muscle shirt that almost looked to be made of silk. It wasn't tight but it wasn't all that loose either. The couple seemed to complement each other as they stood next to each other. Tala was very slender and seemed even more so when standing next to Kai. Kai stood above his lover by several inches now and while he still appeared fairly lean, he had packed on some muscular weight.
Rei was shocked most of all by Bryan's appearance. He never imagined the falcon as he stood before him. The falcon was wearing black leather pants that slid into his slightly clunky boots and a black mesh muscle shirt that seemed to show off the falcon's entire upper body. Never before would Rei have imagined Bryan to dress the way he was. Then again he never would have picked out the outfit that he was currently wearing either. Kai had picked out a pair of loose camouflaged cargo pants, clunky boots, and a white muscle shirt for the tiger. Instead of his usual wrapping, Kai had brushed through his long hair and simply secured it at the nape of Rei's neck.
"Are you guys sure this will be ok? It's still quite cold outside." Rei looked hesitantly around the room.
Tala laughed at Rei's naivety. "It's more than alright Rei. We'll wear coats of course. But once you get inside it's going to be really hot with the size of the crowd and everyone dancing around. Don't worry, you won't be cold. I promise."
Rei nodded and followed Bryan out to his car. It didn't take long to get there. Tala had been right about the placement of the house. It was in an area that was quiet with not very many neighbors but yet still not that far from one of the entertainment areas in town. They quickly parked the cars next to each other and slid right through the line waiting to enter the building. Apparently the three had been here often and had come to know the bouncers personally. Not one question had been asked as they walked right in. The man at the door simply nodded towards the three as they passed.
Rei was amazed when he saw all the people bouncing around the dance floor. Bryan noticed the wide eyes on the tiger's face and placed an arm around his waist to guide him towards the bar. "It's ok Rei. You don't have to go out there. Let's just sit at the bar and have a drink. You can make your mind up over there. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
Rei looked to their side to see Tala and Kai nod in agreement. He smiled and let Bryan guide him to the bar. Tala and Kai followed behind with a tight grip on each others hand. As they tried to get through a denser portion of the crowd, Bryan's arm slid away from his waist and gripped his hand tightly. He also kept looking over his shoulder to assure himself that the tiger was still behind him. Kai nodded at Bryan's observations and placed his free hand on the small of Rei's back as he guided Rei from behind.
Once they made it to the bar, they all grabbed a seat around the corner and Rei attempted to take in the noise and lights around them. The bar had an excellent view looking down on the crowd. Bryan waved at the bartender for a few beers. He knew they wouldn't be drinking much, but they did want to loosen Rei up just a little. He figured they would drink just enough to relax into the crowd and everything after that would be water. Sure enough, as soon as Rei was handed the bottle he began drinking.
Kai could tell that the tiger was nervous in a crowd of this size, but he was going to make an attempt to have fun tonight. That was the most he could ask. Once they were done with the first beer, Kai held his hand out to Tala. "You ready for a dance, Tala?"
"Sure thing Kai, let's go."
The two left the empty bottles on the bar for the bartender to toss and made their way out into the crowd. From his position at the bar, Rei had a perfect view of the couple in the middle of the floor. He had no idea that the two could move like they were. They moved well together. It showed just how close they were. They fit together well and even still complemented each other. Rei watched as Tala moved closer to Kai and the phoenix wrapped his arms around Tala's waist. Apparently the two were becoming very comfortable with the crowd as Tala turned his back towards Kai and slid his arm up around Kai's neck. Kai's arms never left the red-head's waist as he dipped his head down to Tala's neck and the red-head leaned his head back and into Kai's neck in return. Watching his two friends together he became envious. They looked so happy together. Rei turned swiftly as he felt a tap on his shoulder.
Bryan was giving him a concerned look. "What's wrong?" He mouthed to the tiger.
Rei just shrugged and turned away from Bryan. He wasn't sure what was wrong. He just suddenly felt a little down. He looked back as he felt an arm slide around his waist. Thankfully he saw the falcon behind him and not some stranger from the crowd.
Bryan leaned down to Rei's ear so the tiger would hear him better. "You're feeling lonely watching them, aren't you?"
Rei stiffened at question. He knew that was part of what he was feeling but was it everything? If that was the reason he suddenly felt down how was he suppose to make himself feel better in order to have fun this evening. He really wanted to keep his promise to the Russians but he was starting to have his doubts. He felt Bryan lift up on his arm and stood beside the falcon with a curious look.
Bryan once again leaned to Rei's ear so he could be heard. "You won't have fun if you don't give it a try. Come on. Let's go join them. If you don't start to enjoy yourself, we'll head home, I promise."
Rei nodded and let his friend guide him out on the dance floor to the other pair. Once they made it to the couple on the floor, Bryan pulled Rei closer to him and guided Rei's arms up around his neck and placed both arms around the tiger's waist. It didn't take long for Rei to find his rhythm and fall into step with the taller boy. Tala and Kai smiled as Rei began to loosen up and enjoy himself on the dance floor. It was a night for surprises. Not only could Rei not believe that the three Russians could move like they did, but they didn't believe the tiger would move like he did on the dance floor. After several dances and three beers, they all witnessed a smile on the tiger's lips as he joked around with all three boys.
"All right kitten, I'm going to go grab some water with Tala. Have a dance with Kai."
Rei nodded as Kai slid behind him so that they could speak easily into each others ears as they danced. Tala smiled at the pair as he headed off the dance floor with Bryan.
"I'm glad you're having fun. I wasn't sure you would at first. You were really nervous at first."
Rei smiled up at his best friend. "I should be thanking you for making me leave the house tonight. I think Tala and Bryan were right. Getting out of the house is a good thing for me. I'm having fun tonight, Kai, honestly. I'm glad I came out here with you guys."
Kai smiled and pulled Rei tighter to him in a friendly gesture. "Why don't we go get some water?"
Rei nodded in agreement. "You guys were right. It is pretty hot in here. I wouldn't have believed it with all the snow outside."
Kai smiled and gestured towards the bar where Tala and Bryan were waiting. Rei slid between the bodies as Kai attempted to follow him. He tried to reach out for Rei's hand as the crowd began to get thicker, but before he could reach him, the tiger had disappeared through the bodies. He hoped that Rei was continuing towards the bar and followed suit. When he reached Tala's side, he found he was grossly wrong. Rei was no where to be seen. He leaned down towards Tala and asked if they had seen Rei. Tala frowned and looked at his lover, shaking his head negatively. Bryan began to worry and scan the crowd below them to attempt to find the kitten.
Tala was the first to spot him and grabbed Bryan's arm and pointed to where he saw the long haired tiger.
Bryan looked to where Tala was pointing and found Rei attempting to get away from a particularly pushy guy in the middle of the floor. It looked like the two were starting to shout at each other and Rei was trying to fend off advances from the other man. Apparently Rei was failing desperately to get away and it didn't look like things would get any better for the Chinese youth. Bryan frowned in anger and started looking around for the quickest way to get to Kai. Tala gestured for Bryan to attempt to hop the short railing surrounding the bar as Tala made his way around and down the steps onto the dance floor. Bryan nodded and looked down to make sure no one was below him. Sure enough the small corner was actually empty. He gauged the direction he would have to travel in order to reach Rei and hopped over. He looked up at the steps and saw that Tala and Kai weren't having much luck making it through the crowd. Bryan waved as Tala looked up to find him. He gestured to the door, signaling Kai and Tala to meet him at the car.
Tala quickly understood that Bryan would get to Rei and get him out of the building. They knew the tiger wouldn't want to stay any longer after this incident and it would be easier for Bryan to get the two of them out through the crowd than to try to slide all four of them through. He nodded back towards Bryan and looked to Kai, tipping his head to the door. Kai frowned but nodded and followed his lover to the car.
Once he saw that they were heading out, Bryan continued to make his way towards Rei. It seemed to take forever to reach the kitten, but he eventually found him backed up against the opposite wall with the strange man pinning him there.
'No wonder it seemed to take so long. The bastard worked him further away from me.'
On this side of the floor the music was quieter and it was possible to hear voices. Bryan could hear Rei telling the man to leave him alone and that he wasn't interested. Unfortunately for Rei, the man was apparently either very drunk, very stupid, or both. He kept nuzzling his nose into Rei's neck and whispering in his ear. Rei had turned his head to the side attempting to get away from his tormentor and closed his eyes. He never noticed Bryan's furious look.
Bryan practically ran across the small empty space and pulled the man roughly away from Rei by the shoulder. "I suggest that you leave my friend alone. It seems that he isn't interested and I think you should listen to him."
"Back off man, I saw him first." The man was apparently a complete moron and Bryan was not finding it amusing.
"Bryan!"
Bryan barely heard Rei through his rage. He was fully ready to beat some sense into the stranger when he felt Rei lean into his back, wrapping his arms around Bryan's waist from behind.
"Don't do it Bryan. Let's just go. I don't want to stay here any more. Let's just go home. I want to go home."
Bryan turned around to look at Rei. "But Rei, he had no right doing that to you."
Rei leaned up and slid his arms up from Bryan's waist to his neck. "You said we'd leave when I wanted to. I want to leave. I don't want you fighting. It's just going to cause trouble for you. He won't even remember it in the morning."
Bryan sighed, but nodded in agreement. He turned an angry glare and the man that was staring coldly at him before sliding an arm under Rei's knees and lifting him into his arms to carry him out of the club. Rei let out a surprised squeak and attempted to get Bryan to put him down. Bryan just held Rei closer to his chest, refusing to let him go. "Just let me carry you out Rei. It's my assurance that I won't lose you in the crowd ok? We're leaving. Just give me this assurance ok?"
Rei held still for a moment before nodding and tightening his hold on Bryan. Anyone that saw Bryan coming cleared out of his way. No one wanted to get in the angry falcon's way. The look on his face was pure murder as he carried his friend towards the doorway leading out of the club. He set Rei down at the door only long enough to get their coats on and then he picked the tiger back up and carried him out the door to the parking lot.
Outside, Tala was beginning to think the worst after not seeing Bryan enter the parking area yet. "Something happened. It has to have. Bryan wouldn't be taking this long if everything was going fine. We should go back in and help him. Something probably happened to Rei. Maybe he wasn't able to find him once he got in the crowd."
Kai leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Tala's lips in order to quiet him. "Tala, calm down. Give Bryan a few more minutes. I understand you're worried, but Bryan may just be having a hard time getting through the crowd. If that's the case, we won't be able to help him by running back in there."
"But what if you're wrong, Kai. What if that's not the case?" Tala looked up at Kai with worried eyes.
Kai sighed as he looked down into the deep blue pools of worry. "If he isn't out in five minutes then we'll go in after him ok? But that's a big crowd in there tonight Tala. It's not going to be easy to spot them."
The smaller boy simply nodded and went back to watching the entrance to the parking area, looking for Bryan and the lost tiger. Tala immediately thought the worst when he saw Rei was being carried towards them.
Kai heard his lover's breathing catch in his throat.
However, before he could wrap his arm around his lover in comfort, Tala was running towards Bryan. "My god Bryan, what happened? Rei, are you alright?"
Tala attempted to get Rei to look up at him but Bryan just kept walking towards his car, where he sat Rei down in front of him on the back. "Rei? Are you seriously ok?"
Rei looked up at Bryan and nodded quickly.
Kai laid a hand on Rei's shoulder to get his attention. "I'm so sorry Rei. You were in front of me one minute, the next I was trying to grab your hand and you were gone."
"It's ok Kai; I just got turned around somewhere. It's alright, really."
"No, it's not alright Rei. Some guy was trying to molest you and you wanted me to just leave. You should have let me pound him right there."
Tala and Kai looked at Bryan, both shocked. Kai turned back to Rei with worried eyes. "Rei? Is that true?"
Rei just looked down at his hands.
Bryan slid his arms around Rei's shoulders and held him close. "I'm sorry Rei. I shouldn't have yelled like that. I was worried. When I finally found you and saw the way that guy was touching you, I just felt so angry. No one should be touching you if you don't want them to."
Rei slid his arms around Bryan's waist. "It's ok. Really guys. It scared me, yes, it was wrong, yes, but it's alright now. Bryan found me and I'm out here now. I'm safe with all three of my protectors again. Let's just go home ok? I don't want to stay here. I just want to get home to a shower, please?" He looked passed Bryan towards Kai and Tala. Both of them still looked worried, but they nodded in agreement. Tala spared a last look at Bryan as Kai got in his car and started the engine.
"It's ok Tala. I'll get him home safely. We'll be right behind you."
Tala nodded as Bryan guided Rei off of the car and to the passenger side door. As he closed the door and walked around to the driver's side, he could see Tala leaned back in the other car with his arms across his chest and a thumb between his teeth. Tala was never one to chew on his nails when he was worried, so he knew it was bad. Tala must have been really upset after hearing what had happened. He made a mental note to have them all sit in the living room for a few moments so that Tala could reassure himself that Rei was ok. He wouldn't believe it until he checked for himself. Glancing over at the tiger, he saw Rei with his legs pulled up into the seat with his knees to his chest. He had wrapped his arms around them and was staring out the window as the scenery passed by. One thing was for sure. Tala would definitely be keeping both eyes out for Rei for quite a while.
When Bryan pulled into the driveway, he ran around the car to help Rei out. Bryan held onto Rei's hand as the two made their way towards the door and into the house. Tala quickly came running through the house and right up to wrap his arms around Rei.
Bryan let go of Rei's hand so he could hug Tala and reassure the red-head that he was ok. "Why don't we go sit in the living room? I'm sure Kai already has tea made and I think Rei could use a moment to sit and calm down.
Bryan walked ahead of the two, knowing that Tala wasn't going to let go of the kitten until Rei told him to.
All four settled down on the couch with Tala and Kai wrapping their arms around Rei immediately to reassure them selves that he really was ok.
Kai buried his face in Rei's hair which was now falling freely down his back. "I'm so sorry, Rei. I should have kept a better eye out for you. I shouldn't have let you out of my sight."
Rei slid one arm around Kai and the other around Tala. "It's ok guys. I promise. Nothing major happened. Bryan got there in time and pulled me out."
"I still think you should have let me hit him." Bryan grumbled from one of the chairs, watching the blank screen of the television.
Rei eased his way up from his place between the two team captains and kneeled down beside Bryan's chair. "It wasn't worth it falcon. It would have only caused more problems than it solved. I know you would have felt better, but he just would have caused more trouble."
Bryan laid a hand on Rei's cheek and Rei placed his hand over Bryan's. The two just watched each other for a few minutes before Rei stood and looked to the couple that now sat in each others arms on the couch. "Now, if you guys are convinced now that I'm really ok, I'd like to go take a shower and head to bed. It's late and I'm tired. You guys have a good night and I'll see you in the morning. Tala and Kai both stood and hugged Rei goodnight. Rei turned to see if Bryan was going to want a hug from him as well, but the falcon was still staring at the screen. "Goodnight Bryan."
"Goodnight Rei. Sleep well. Remember, I'm right across the hall if you need anything."
Rei nodded and headed upstairs to his room to shower and get some sleep.
Tala sat on the arm of the chair and wrapped an arm around Bryan's shoulder. "Are you going to be ok Bryan? It looks like you had quite a scare too. You don't have to stay alone if you don't want to. You are both welcomed to curl in our bed if you want. There's plenty of room."
Bryan just shook his head. "No, I'm fine. The adrenaline is just still rushing. I'll be fine. I think Rei's right though. It's been an exhausting night and I think I could use a nice warm bed."
Tala nodded as he joined Kai and followed him up the stairs to their room and crawled into bed.
Bryan followed shortly after the couple left and crawled into his own bed, dozing lightly in case the tiger paid him a visit for comfort.
In Rei's room, he had just gotten out of the shower and crawled into bed when the events really started hitting him. With the lights off, he just kept imagining strange hands running casually over him. He shivered several times before curling in on himself and pulling the thick comforter tighter around him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get warm. He felt cold and even after a shower he felt a little dirty.
After about half an hour of rolling over in bed, he got up and crossed the hall into Bryan's room. He quickly slid into the bed on the side closest to the door and curled against Bryan's back.
Bryan woke from his light doze and turned around to see Rei curled up beside him. "Oh Rei, don't let him get to you. It's not your fault he was an ass."
"I know, I just can't seem to get warm, and I keep imagining that he's running his hands over me still. I don't want to sleep alone tonight. I can't stay by myself tonight. I won't be able to sleep."
"Come here kitten. I'm here with you now." Bryan pulled Rei into his arms as the kitten and pulled him closer to his body heat. The cat immediately snuggled closer to the new heat source. Bryan placed a light kiss on Rei's forehead before closing his own eyes.
"Thank you Bryan." Rei mumbled as he finally fell asleep, wrapped in the security of the Russian's embrace. Bryan noticed his breathing slow into a soft steady rhythm and buried his face into the neck of the tiger. "Goodnight Rei, sweet dreams, love. Hopefully one of these days, I'll be able to care for you like you deserve."