A/N : I'm currently suffering really bad writer's block so a close friend of mine helped to write this chapter. Credit goes mainly to him on this one, so I hope you enjoy it.

Authors of chapter : Vampirycent and D. C.

Warning : Strong language, yaoi.

Disclaimer : I don't own Beyblade or any of the characters. The characters you do not recognise are mine and are not to be stolen/used in any story other than my own.

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All I Want : Chapter Nine

December 26th

Boxing day, boxing day, boxing day. Why the hell is it called boxing day anyway? As far as I can tell, it's because people box each other to death on this day – Either because they're fighting over presents or simply because they're Tala and Bryan. Their antics are providing a great deal of entertainment for the rest of us though, as they practically play 'hide and seek' around the house, though perhaps a little more violently as we occasionally hear Tala's screaming pleas, asking his lilac-haired friend to stop whatever it is he's doing.

Early this morning (by 'early' I mean nine a.m.), Tala got himself out of bed, snuck into the bathroom while Bryan was showering and stole the lilac-haired teen's towel before casually walking off with it and dropping it in the snow outside the front door, leaving the elder Russian stalking round my house, dripping wet, in nothing but his underwear. Needless to say, Bryan wasn't very happy about this little stunt and has since been trying to kill the 'cunning' redhead, hopefully not literally, despite all his threats.

How did this happen, you ask? Well, it's common knowledge that since being raised in cruel clutches of Boris and the abbey, neither Bryan nor Tala will lock the door while they shower as they both feel safer knowing that people can come to their rescue should somebody decide to enter through the second-storey window of my house, the sixth floor window of Bryan's flat or the underground… Well, Tala doesn't have a window in his bathroom, but that is a minor detail that can be ignored. And when I said "they both feel safer knowing that people can come to their rescue", I was more applying that to the younger Russian, as it's blatantly obvious that the elder wouldn't need (or accept) a helping hand in getting rid of intruders. Personally I find it more sensible to have the door locked so that nobody can get in; that's a little more logical, but still. Those two will never change their strange ways – I hope.

Well, while they've been chasing each other in and out of rooms and up and down corridors of all four storeys of my home since the 'event', the rest of us have been packing to go home, apart from me, because I am home; but I have been helping Rei pack. Sort of. I've more been sitting behind him and making a nuisance of myself by occasionally taking something back out of his suitcase while he isn't looking, just so I can see that adorable pout he gives me each time when he notices the absence of the 'stolen' item. A part of me was doing that because I found it amusing, but I was mainly doing it because I don't really want him to go home.

He allowed himself to stay in my room last night "so that Tala and Bryan have somewhere to sleep other than the sofa" cough-cough-yeah-right, and I've never been happier in my life. Feeling his body that close to mine with my arms wrapped protectively around him all night while he slept with his head on my chest beats every other good thing I've been blessed with in life – Which isn't a lot admittedly, but there have been a few good things dealt my way, namely the 'tragic' death of Voltaire Hiwatari, who, I've decided, I don't even want to grace the name of 'grandfather' anymore since he never deserved that title anyway. He never acted like one… Bastard.

Anyway, back to topic. The guys are all leaving tonight which I'm pretty gutted about, though at least it's a late plane at some dumb hour in the morning (so technically they leave tomorrow) so I get to spend the day with them rather than pack them up and let them leave. Although I don't want them to go yet and I know that I'll miss the hell out of them, I still feel great today since last night Rei asked if I'd like to spend a week in China with him; a request to which I hastily replied affirmatively. In basic language, "fuck yes". Actually, I just said something along the lines of "yeah sure" but I know that he knew I was excited about the mere idea of it. I know this because I distinctly remember squeezing him a little too tightly when he asked and he had to ask me to loosen my grip. How romantic. Still, he did kiss me rather passionately afterwards so I have no objections whatsoever, I just wish he didn't have to go home tonight, I'm really enjoying having him around; and the others. This past week, well, four days, has been so much fun.

Admittedly we haven't done much while they've all been visiting, just sat around the house for most of the time, but then again, Christmas is supposed to be a time for relaxing, right? Though, thinking about it, the week hasn't been entirely 'kick-back-and-enjoy' style, not for me anyway with my two crazy friends being around the whole time, but they're (finally) leaving later on though so it's alright.

We've all decided to go into town in a couple of hours so the guys can do some 'souvenir' shopping, or more to the point, so that Tyson can go and buy the currently-non-existent gift that he told Brooklyn he'd bought for him, when he actually hasn't got the redhead anything at all yet. Maybe I should buy Rei another gift too, a leaving present, if you will. Or possibly an 'I-love-you-more-than-anybody-else-does-and-one-day-I-am-going-to-fuck-you-senseless' gift, you know, something a little more personal. Sexy red underwear, perhaps.

Aha, and speaking of red, I spy (with my little eye, apparently) a redhead with a really guilty grin on his face, hiding something behind his back. I'm thinking he's broken a personal belonging of mine or part of the house while running away from 'Psycho With Knife', also known as Bryan Kuznetsov. The accountable teen shuffles awkwardly into the room, practically oozing guilt from his pretty ice blue eyes.

"Kaaaaiiii?" … Don't go thinking that you can sound innocent Tala, not with that expression on your face. I raise my head from staring at Rei's thigh (and he thinks I'm looking in the suitcase) to meet my friend's eyes properly as he pulls a shattered piece of wood from behind his back that looks suspiciously like it used to be one of the ancient carved bars that holds up the banister leading to the third floor landing. The redhead is once again scuffing his feet and blushing slightly. "Sorry Kai. Bryan attacked me and it broke."

I slowly raise an eyebrow, but have to smirk; judging by the new mischievous light in Tala's big blue eyes, I highly doubt it was a malicious 'attack', but more of an 'I'm-going-to-make-out-with-you-right-here-right-now' kind of attack, which must have been a great deal of fun for them both now that they've finally admitted how they feel for each other. Honestly, it was pitiful yesterday evening, they kept staring at each other and Tala wouldn't stop sighing. In the end I told Bryan to go and tell the other Russian exactly how he was feeling and what he was thinking, and I don't think I've ever seen that guy look… How can I describe it? Unsure before. It was quite sweet really, especially when Tala came to thank me and wished me many a happy year with Rei in my life, which I wish for myself too so let's just hope everything works out. Rei's great. I love him. Anyway, back to the orange bubble of pure guilt that is currently floating in my doorway.

"How many things have you broken in this household since you've known me, Tala?" He shuffles again, grinning apologetically. He's broken a lot of my belongings, plus parts of the house, including windows, doors, stairs and even part of the wall once; and the amount of times he has crashed through the glass patio doors by accident is beyond me, though in those cases it is usually Bryan's fault, pushing the younger teen or tricking him into falling over and… Thinking things through, Tala really is total ditz isn't he?

"A few." He mutters with a slight grin as if he's proud of his destructive 'handy work' toward my home.

"It's more than 'a few'." I reply, taking the moment to take the paints I bought for Rei back of his suitcase, while said neko-jin is otherwise occupied with laughing at Tala's reaction to my 'accusation', hiding the flat black box behind me. How I love to play tricks like this, anything to see that put! Hmm, Rei's starting to pack the clothes he's folded now, I wonder when he'll notice… Aha, he's stopped… He's searching...

"Kai!" There we go! "Give it back." Now there's that beautiful pout that I love so very much. Course, he doesn't realise that if he stopped pouting every time then I'd stop 'stealing' things. It's a simple circle Rei, a simple circle.

"Give what back?" I ask as innocently as I possibly can, making the neko-jin sigh and continue pouting at me. Hey, I'm way more innocent-looking than Tala was when he came in the room. Actually my expression is possibly the exact opposite of the elder teen's – I leak pure, glittery innocence. (Of course) innocence is glittery! And white too, whereas guilt is black and shiny. Back to the utter cuteness I like to call my boyfriend.

"My paints." Just look at those eyes, he looks so sweet and pure – Untouched yet thoroughly untouchable, unchaste yet seeping chastity. I crave this guy so very, very much. Ignore the poetics, I just want him because he's adorable.

"I paid for them." Well there's some logic for you.

"And gave them to me!" He scoffs. I smirk lightly as the raven-haired teen reaches out for the case, missing since I push it just a few centimetres out of his reach and lean forward, resting my forehead against his, gazing seriously into his deep amber eyes.

"He who pays, owns." I give him a quick kiss on the end of his nose simply to be a patronising bastard and feel a rush of heat and the longing to laugh as he sighs, rolling his eyes in exasperation. It's so easy to get him worked up and one day I'll be able to use that to it's full advantage…

"Kai!" He whines, taking me by the shoulders and gives me what I understand to be a silent plea. Kami, he is just so cute.

It's great fun to watch Tala's confused but highly amused eyes flick back and forth as Rei gets more flustered by the second and I remain perfectly calm, though a tiny smirk is creeping it's way onto my features. I can feel it. The redhead giggles cutely to himself and backs out of the room, while I am caught by surprise as Rei grabs me round the neck and pulls my face towards his, smiling sweetly. You know what? I really like Christmas time. My neko closes his eyes as I do and presses his lips firmly against mine, winding his arms around my waist. Leaning in further to deepen the kiss, allowing his tongue entry, I drop the paint set I was hiding behind my back gently on the floor and slither my own arms around Rei's gorgeous curvy figure, pulling him as close as I can get him. He's such an amazing kisser. I could die right now and know that I was the happiest guy alive, though I don't really want to die a virgin. I'd also like to go to China with Rei and meet his friends and family. I also…

Cheeky bastard.

I pull back from the kiss and pretend to be offended, moving away from him while he sits there and laughs, clutching his paint box to his chest. I honestly thought he was moving his hands lower because he wanted me, but no, he just wanted his paints. I feel so used.

"Kai?" He chuckles softly as I keep ignoring him. "Kai? You still love me, right?" Hell yeah!

"No." I mutter, listening to him laugh again.

"Yes you do." … Well duh. He shuffles to sit behind me before sliding one hand round my waist and up my chest, pulling me backwards to lean on him. I stay as rigid as possible, despite the fact it takes every tiny part of my will-power not to lean back into his embrace. I love Rei, lots.

"I don't."

"You do." He starts butterfly kissing his way across my neck, making me sigh and tilt my head to give him more access. Seriously, what did I do to deserve this guy? Rei is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I want it to stay this way forever, mushy as it sounds. I remember back when this was all 'just a crush' and I used to think about him in various filthy positions (not that I don't anymore) but now I'd rather just have him close to me, in my arms. Funny how people change over time. I sigh again, leaning as far back into his arms that I can, loving the feel of his hair brushing my cheek and his thumb stroking my chest. It's such a wonderful feeling being like this, so close to somebody, feeling wanted and loved, that I often find myself wondering why people say 'love hurts', because right now I can't think of anything better than being in love with Rei. It doesn't hurt, it's amazing.

"Yeah, you're right. I do." I tell him, completely giving in. All the way through my life, especially when it came to Beyblading or standing up to the clutches of Voltaire or the abbey workers, I've always said that I'd never 'throw in the towel', I'd never give up; but giving myself up to my neko is the best feeling in the world.

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This is the part of the day that I've been looking forward to. Right now we're all 'wrapping up' and getting ready to go into town, which I think is going to be good fun for us all. See, so far we've spent all our time inside this darn house of mine apart from going out in the sled, so I'm going to take the guys down into the town centre so they can buy souvenirs of their trip to take home to their families or whatever they wanted to go to town for. Luckily, Tala said he needed to get some things from town for his flat and Bryan needs to go home to feed his dog, so I finally get a day alone with the guys. Miracle or what? Much as I love my two psychotic friends, I can see them any time I want to, whereas I don't have much time around my old team, you know, this is the first time I've seen them in a whole year; well nearly.

So, the general plan is to plaster ourselves with many warm layers seeing as there seems to be a 'beautiful' blizzard blowing up outside and it's going to be fucking freezing out there. I'd say that my trench coat and snow boots will be a good idea in said weather, plus said clothes make me look pretty hot (or so Tala says, anyway).

I can't believe I used to like him in 'that' way. So, the redhead was my first kiss and admittedly he did teach me a lot of what I know now on the sexual front, but we definitely work better as close friends rather than a couple. This point can be proven by the fact that we don't fight like a pair of bitches in heat when we're 'just friends', whereas we did when we tried to be together. I know that Bryan is right for him though, it seems so obvious now that they have finally had the balls to tell each other, though I wouldn't have given it a single thought had I not noticed each of them looking at the other and trying to find some way to say how they felt. It must have been difficult for Bryan to express his thoughts and feelings considering how he was trained to be emotionless and reasonably unvocal, but apparently Tala just gave him one of his infamous kisses that, by the way, are known to leave one feeling rather breathless afterwards, and the lilac-haired teen was soon telling the younger Russian exactly what was going on in his head. And damn am I happy for them.

"Do you know if it's wet outside, Kai?" Max asks, wandering somewhat absent-mindedly toward to me, obviously musing over whether he should wear more clothes or not. To help answer his question, I point to the window across the hall, making him turn round and look out across the white blanketed street where the cars are only travelling at around ten miles per hour as they physically can't go any quicker since the snow is coming down at twice their speed. I watch as Max's eyebrows raise slightly and feel my smirk widen at his surprised expression. "I'll get my waterproof coat then…"

I nod, watching the now bouncing blond disappear round a corner toward the staircase that leads up to the second storey where their rooms are. I chuckle lightly at the boy's expense, as a thought passes through my mind : 'Welcome to Russia Max, it's cold and wet and that's about it.' I make my way toward the living room where people seem to be gathering themselves and am greeted by a rather gorgeous site that is Rei's backside while he is bent down, pulling his shoes on. I have to say, snow boots plus Chinese style clothing equals a very strange mix, but this way he stays dry and warm, which is a good thing – I'd hate for my Rei to get ill, I'd feel bad whether it was my fault or not.

"Ready?" I ask, glancing around the room at all the guys who're currently pulling on thick coats, hats and scarves – The scarves I bought them, in fact. I notice Tyson count his money and realise that he doesn't have a great deal, certainly not enough to buy a decent gift for somebody he loves, not from Moscow town centre. The place is a tourist attraction as it is and practically everything except supermarket food is overpriced. I pull out my own wallet, counting one thousand and four hundred Ruble notes… Three hundred each for the guys?

"What are you smiling about, Kai?" Rei asks, focusing everybody's attention on me. I hadn't even realised that I was smiling to be perfectly honest. I pull out most of the notes, leaving two hundred Ruble inside. I'll get some more from an ATM in town if I need to buy anything, it's not like I can't afford to give my friends the chance to buy souvenirs if they want them. I raise my head and look around the room, taking in each of the expectant faces, all awaiting my reply.

"Late Christmas present." I tell them, holding the money in front of them. I'm aware of the fact that my smile has just grown and I feel a slight pang of something inside of me as my old team exchange smiling glances, looking truly taken aback by my offer. "There's twelve hundred here, that's three hundred each if you want it." I hand the wad of notes to Kenny since he is the closest, and I smile as he hands it out to our friends who quickly add it to their own inside wallets or, in Max's case, one of those little plastic bags you get from the travel agents. "Ready to go now?"

The noise of zips being pulled up fills my living room as four teenage males who I like to call my friends are doing up their coats and stuffing their scarves down the front of their jumpers, anything to keep the warmth in, probably because of Tala's joke about somebody getting frost bite in 'lower regions' and having to the whole lot removed. I don't think anybody wants to risk it, even if it was just a joke.

Speaking of a certain pair of Russians, they too have just entered the room, dressed as they usually are since they live here and know the bad conditions the weather creates and throws at this place, though the fact that Tala is wearing his new boots that I bought for him doesn't pass me by. They really do suit him…

"Are you walking or taking the bus?" Tala asks absentmindedly in our native tongue, his question not to anybody in particular, but I'm guessing he was talking to me.

"The buses won't be running in this weather." I remind him, before glancing toward the window again to see traffic piling up. I nod toward the scene and the redhead actually looks surprised, despite living here all his life. "It would be quicker to walk anyway."

"No shit." Bryan mutters in reply to my statement, his usual sinister scowl/smirk/whatever set upon his features. I wonder who won the fight between him and the younger teen in the end… Maybe they just let it drop since they both look a little too unhurt to have properly fought it out.

"Right," I turn back to face the former Bladebreakers, deciding to ignore the lilac-haired Russian. "Let's go."

Lead by Tala, the seven of us leave the warmth of my home and out into the roaring winds and steadily falling snow, collectively known as a blizzard; they wait for me while I lock the door, though nobody has ever dared to try breaking in before I'm still very cautious. As we all begin walking down my long driveway toward the street, I distinctly notice the two elders of the group – who are striding out ahead – somewhat nervously join hands, bringing a smile to my face. I knew Bryan had a heart really, and I think I secretly knew that our redheaded friend would be the one to find it and crack through the walls of the supposedly cold exterior to reach the warmth within.

As I am toying with these thoughts, I feel a certain warmth around my own hand so let my fingers entwine with those of the neko-jin walking next to me. I throw an endearing glance his way and he captures my lips in a soft kiss, giving my hand a gentle squeeze and from somewhere underneath his scarf and coat hood I see him flash me a cheeky grin, showing off his sharp fangs, that extends past his beautiful golden eyes, making them momentarily light up happily. I return the smile, noticing from the corner of my eye that Tyson is displaying a thumbs up and practically beaming at me, giving me the impression that he's happy for me. My friends make me feel so wanted, I'm so glad I invited them to stay with me; we should do this again some time. I can't believe I didn't see this sooner, we all could have been so close on the team, but I just… Couldn't. I've explained why before though, so there's no need to get into that again; everybody knows why now.

I chuckle lightly as I watch Max and Tyson start pelting each other with snowballs that they scoop up as they walk, or hop-skip-and-jump in Max's case; a whole year down the line and he's still as hyperactive as ever. Honestly, those two bring out the most playful side to each other, they're reasonably mature young men on their own, as each of them have proved in their own way – Especially Tyson, and he's younger than the blond. Sigh. It's going to be so quiet once they've all gone home, I'm not sure how I'm going to take the silence. I have always been a person who likes my space and quiet, but after having so much fun these past few days I don't think I want things to go back to how they used to be, I want the guys to stay for longer, but they all have responsibilities back at home, or loved ones, in Tyson's case. I couldn't keep the navy-haired teen here for any longer than a week, I don't think, since he was missing his redheaded boyfriend after just two days of being away from him. They must have something really special.

"Hey! Kai!" Max shouts, running over with Tyson and Kenny in tow. They turn around to walk beside me and Rei, the bespectacled boy occasionally glancing at mine and Rei's intertwined fingers. "Thanks for inviting us. We've all had a great time!"

"Yeah Kai buddy!" Tyson adds enthusiastically.

"Yeah, thanks Kai." Chief smiles up at me, his green eyes dazzling behind his glasses as he does so. It's surprising that he never let his eyes show before, they're a fantastic colour, he really shouldn't have kept them hidden.

"Yeah… This has been the best holiday I've ever had." Rei admits, smiling cutely while clinging onto my arm, resting his head on my shoulder yet still managing to walk in a straight line – Damn this guy is talented. However, I've only just properly taken in what he said to me; the best holiday he's ever had? I squeeze his hand and sigh softly, letting a smile grace my features.

"No problem. I've had a good time too and was thinking that we should do it again some time." I tell them, before laughing a little. "It's also been the best Christmas I've ever experienced, so… Thanks guys." Before I have time to protest or move or any other such action, I am suddenly in the centre of a large hug, consisting of all my team mates – And than hand on my ass had better be Rei's because my hand is sure as hell on his.

"I love Christmas!" Max cries, running back off into the blizzard and gathering more snow for another 'round' with Tyson, who is soon to follow the blond. Kenny gives me and Rei one last look, or rather gives our joined hands one last look, before scurrying off after the two elder teens, leaving us two, me and my gorgeous boyfriend, to snicker to ourselves over the Chief's antics. It seems like the youngest of our group isn't quite sure about his former team member's relationship with the former team captain.

As the town slowly looms into the view, I release Rei's hand and let my arm find a comfortable spot around his torso instead, my thumb tucked inside the rim of his trousers – How I love the fact that his tabard has slits up the sides. He positions his arm in a similar way around my waist, also slipping his own fingertips just inside my trousers and once again resting his head on my shoulder. Up ahead, I see Tala raise a hand in a quick goodbye, which I return as they take a right at a fork in the road which leads to the outer part of town where Tala needs to go, while the rest of us head down the left hand road, continuing on to the town centre.

I'm fricking freezing – The first thing I'm doing in town is stopping for a darn good coffee!

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"One down, three to go…" Tyson states mildly, chocolate bar in hand, as he watches the jet plane take course toward America. "Have a good journey, Maxie." The navy-haired teen turns away from the window and strides back to our table, sitting back down opposite me. His and Kenny's plane isn't for another three quarters of an hour, and (luckily) Rei still has nearly an hour and a half before his plane is due to take to the skies. It's currently quarter past one in the morning and I'm pretty tired, though not as tired as Kenny, obviously, as the young teen has fallen asleep with his head on the table, resting on his arms. Rei yawns occasionally, as do I, and it seems like Tyson is the only person who is fully awake.

Midway through another yawn, the neko suddenly stares straight across the airport in what looks like disbelief. I follow his stare with my eyes and nearly fall off my chair in surprise. Walking towards our table is none other than…

"Brooklyn!"

… I didn't even see the guy get out of his seat, but now he's over there, stood on tiptoe and draping himself around the newly-arrived redhead, who is currently gracing the world with his usual peaceful smile, laughing softly as he hugs his 'lover-boy'.

"Hello Tyson." He smiles, brushing a dark blue bang from the brown eyes and leaning down to give the younger boy a kiss. "I missed you."

Well, Brooklyn's changed. He's still the pacified moron that he always was, but he seems like a pretty decent guy, apart from the whole pacified moron thing, of course. He's more attractive than I remember him, but that could be because the last time I saw him he was trying to kill the population of the world because things just weren't going his way. Talk about self centred…

"Rei, Kai." He nods to us, the same calm smile set upon his lips, his mind seemingly elsewhere – Maybe there's a bug in the room and he can sense it. I remember him being a bit weird, but come on. He's not all there; the lights are not turned on upstairs; Brooklyn isn't in… Get my drift? Still, if Tyson loves him then he can't be all bad… Though, this is Tyson we're talking about. He's been known to date fan girls, so dating a crazed lunatic who is living in a dream world can't be much different, pretty much the same situation if you ask me.

"What are you doing here?" Tyson asks excitedly, wrapping him arms around the elder teen. What's he doing here, my thoughts exactly.

"You asked me to meet you at the airport."

… This guy cannot be serious. He's just smiling. How do people not find him creepy?

"I meant in Japan!" The navy-haired boy plants a kiss on the redhead's cheek, laughing happily. "I'm glad you're here though, even if you are mad."

Well said, the guy ought be packed off to the loony-bin. Anyway, while they chat, cuddle and smooch in puke-worthy ways, I will concentrate on keeping Rei awake so that I don't have to suffer this despicable ordeal on my own. "Come get another coffee with me, Rei." No, don't fall asleep on me… That's very cute though. His eyes are half closed and he looks even more like a cat than usual now, it's adorable.

"Hmm?" He yawns again, jumping when he catches sight of Brooklyn. It seems he'd forgotten about the redhead's presence.

"Coffee." I extend my hand and pull him to his feet, using the fact that I am 'steadying him' while he's tired as an excuse to put my hands on his hips and hold him quite closely, not that I need an excuse any more, but we are at an airport and the last time I came here proved that people haven't forgotten me as a blader yet… Or as a 'traitor' for that matter, considering that there had been plenty of sneers directed at me too.

I turn my attention back to Tyson, who is now sat in Brooklyn's lap, looking overly happy. "Drink?" I ask them, getting slowly creeped out by the liquid expression on Nature Freak's face. I hate the way he's so placid all the time.

"Fruit juice, please. No artificial sweeteners or colours." He has to be joking. "Thank you Kai. I appreciate it." No, I think he's serious. He hands me some money, which I notice is actually Yen. Like I said, he's not all there. "What do you want to drink, Tyson?"

The younger teen flashes a grin at me, one that I've taken to mean thank you. "A bottle of soda, two bags of crisps and another chocolate bar, please." I nod, managing to turn around before letting the smirk break out across my face. What a weird couple! One is a glutton for anything synthetic and is a smoker, while the other won't even drink a bottle of fruit juice if it has artificial ingredients, and is obsessed with nature. They say that opposites attract but… This is just madness. Utter madness.

Rei and I turn the corner and he starts laughing, causing me to send him a questioning glance. "No artificial sweeteners or colours, thank you Kai, I appreciate it." He mocks the redhead while he laughs loudly. Rei can be such a bitch sometimes, he's worse than me. Still, I chuckle along with him as we wander toward the nearest shop for their requests, but I can feel eyes on my back, like I'm being watched. Rei's stopped laughing, maybe he can feel it too.

"Do you feel… Watched?" I find myself whispering, though I don't even know why. Rei looks at me and his eye twitches.

"Fan girls." He whispers back, twitching slightly a second time. I take a step back wards to see round the last corner, and sure enough, there they are. A whole group of them. Giggling. "How're we going to get back?" He asks, carefully scanning the area for signs of any more of the brats.

"I don't know." I admit, sighing. "It's been a year since we were on TV and they still follow us around." I much prefer the people who stand and shout obscenities at me for betraying my team. I can't stand fan girls, especially when they come in groups. "I got this last time, while I was waiting for you to arrive." I tell him, still in hushed tones.

"How did you deal with it?" The neko-jin flicks his amber eyes toward the corner as the girls take another step closer, coming close to rounding the bend and being next to us.

"Just sat there. It's easy when there's just me… Nobody will come too close."

"Maybe we should just walk really slowly into the shop just over there." He nods sharply toward a newsagents the other side of the large tiled hallway of the airport.

"Maybe…" Wait, something's not right… Ah. I get it. "Rei?"

"Yeah?" I lay a hand on his shoulder and look straight into his eyes, a serious expression on my face.

"Why the fuck are we still whispering?" I ask still in a very quiet voice, making the boy snort with laughter, as if trying to cover that up too. This is getting silly.

"I don't know." He giggles quietly, his body beginning to quiver with silent hysterics. It's amazing what fan girls can do to you. In any other situation, things wouldn't have been half this funny, but even I am having trouble keeping a straight face, and Rei is simply losing it. I think I blame Brooklyn, actually.

"Come on Rei, pull yourself together." I tell him in a mock-serious tone. "We still need to go and get some completely non artificial fruit juice for Brooklyn."

And apparently, that was the last straw for the amber-eyed teen, who has collapsed upright against the wall and is shuddering due to his hushed fit of hysteria. Personally I don't find it that funny, slightly amusing maybe, but I think Rei is taking things a little too far. Then again, one is always a little more emotional than usual when tired, and the neko had literally been falling asleep back at the table, so he must be in a right state.

Completely ignoring the presence of the ever inching closer fan girls, I lean over the beautiful boy and turn him around, pulling him into a heated kiss, crushing our lips together fiercely. As he flings his arms round my body, I can practically feel the mouths of many people around us drop open, and the amount of stares I guess we're getting is phenomenal. Placing my hands on his hips delicately, I edge him toward me, pressing ourselves together as I slide my tongue between his ready parted lips. I hear a few shuffles around us before the whirrs of cameras begin, and I can see the flashes even with my eyes closed. Hell, they want to take pictures then let them, I have no shame in this particular matter.

To prove my point, I take a step forward, leaving Rei no other option than to make himself back to back with the wall, and take hold of his wrists, holding them above him, pushing myself more against his body. He moves my hands away from his wrists and slides his own palms down my body, pulling me even closer so that every part of our bodies is rubbing against another. He loses control of himself slightly and gives a quiet groan of pleasure, causing all my blood to rush southwards, meaning (since this is a public place after all) that now would be a good time to stop. I slow the kissing down and slowly pull back, letting Rei kiss me a few times softly before we break it off, stepping back, smiling.

He suddenly turns a deep shade of red and his gorgeous golden eyes widen slightly at the amount of people who're quite happily gawking at our 'little moment' of intimacy… In public. That gave me a real rush of adrenaline, we should try doing Public Displays of Affection more often, it was great fun, and the people's reactions at the end make the risk of getting cautioned by the police all worth it – Not that we have been cautioned, but it would be a laugh, wouldn't it? Fighting the urge to bow, I grab Rei's hand and we hastily make our way to the shop that we were headed for in the first place to get Brooklyn's request… I'd voice my thoughts, but my amber-eyed boy is still recovering so I think I'll just keep quiet for now.

Sigh. Does he have to go home?

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"I'm going to miss you guys! It was great to see you, we'll have to do this again some time pretty soon, right?"

"Definitely." Rei grins at Tyson, giving the younger boy a hug as Brooklyn and Kenny try to pull him toward the gate, complaining (as Chief always did) about being late.

"See ya Kai!" He flings his arms round me too, having to stand on tiptoe to do so. "Say bye to Tala and Bryan for me!" He shouts as his redheaded boyfriend drags him (as calmly as possible, of course) through the gate doors, leaving Kenny to sort out the passports as my navy-haired friend waves manically. Rei chuckles softly, brushing a piece of his long hair from off of his shoulder.

"Have a good journey guys!" He calls back to the still-waving Tyson, waving back until all three are out of sight. Their flight was called about twenty minutes ago, but Tyson will be Tyson and he has been known to often be (ahem) a 'little' bit late when it comes to flights or meetings or anything really. The teen was busy cramming as much food into his backpack as he could, while saying his farewells to me and Rei; I think I got at least four hugs from him in the process and even a kiss on the cheek while he was caught up in the excitement of the moment. Like I've said before, it's going to be quiet without all the guys around.

I join hands with my neko, savouring out last few minutes together before his flight is due, and we walk over to the window where we have a clear view of the runway (or as clear as it gets through the mist, snow and clouds at just gone two a.m.) so that we can watch their plane take off into the night. Rei leans his head against mine and holds onto my arm tightly, looking me in the eyes.

"I don't think I want to go home yet." He says softly, sliding his arms around me and sighing deeply. I copy his actions, sighing also and wrapping my own arms protectively around his body, pulling him close. I gently plant a kiss on his cheek and close my eyes, resting my head once more against his.

"I don't want you to go either." I admit in a soft voice, once again ignoring the stares from people, some of whom saw our 'intriguing display' in the hallways. I find myself sighing again and holding on to the teen tightly. "When do you want me to come to China?"

"I was thinking some time in February." He laughs lightly. "It's going to be difficult not having you around, Kai." I open my eyes when he pauses and am taken aback by the upset in his eyes. "I'm really going to miss you." He says quietly as a single tear rolls down his cheek. I wind a hand gently onto the back of his neck and pull his face toward mine as we close our eyes, before giving him a few soft kisses. I pull back and stroke his cheek, I hate to see him upset.

"Rei… Please don't cry." I say, finding a lump in my own throat as another tear silently leaves his beautiful golden eyes. A metallic voice ringing out across the room and halls tells me that I only have another few precious moments with this person I love before he has to go away again. We hold onto each other, just cuddling in silence as classes are being called to the gate. Rei's in economy class, they get on last, but the first class people are already boarding. "Rei." I whisper, suddenly feeling the need to hear his voice and feel his lips on mine one more time before he goes.

"I'll miss you, Kai." He manages to whisper before our lips collide once more, crushing together, needful of the other's touch, but soft at the same time.

'Business class to gate 45'

By our sides, our fingers entwine for a short while before our hands snake up each other's arms and up our bodies. Never let me go Rei, please don't let me go. I need you. I want you. "I love you." I say, breaking apart from the kiss for a second, before returning to him again. I don't want to be away from you.

'Economy class to gate 45'

"I love you too." He tells me breathlessly, giving me another short kiss as a few more tears streak from his eyes. I stroke his cheek lovingly, kissing his tear-salted lips one last time.

"Call me when you get home. I don't care what time it will be here." I hold him close to me, savouring these last few seconds, before we pull apart and he starts walking to the gate. "Smile for me." I call, laughing softly as he turns and runs at me, leaping into my open arms, smiling, giving me one last kiss before returning to the gate. "I'll miss you Rei." I whisper, watching him with a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Another few minutes and he'll be gone.

Now I understand why people say 'love hurts', because I feel like I've been stabbed in the heart with a poisoned arrow, watching him go. I know I'm sad about it now, but I'll be alright soon. When I get home and see Tala and Bryan, I'll remember the laughs we had and I'll push having to say goodbye to the back of my mind and I know that February will come around soon enough.

All I wanted for Christmas was Rei, and I got so much more. I got all my old team, their friendship, their care, their love. I know that they'll be thinking of me from time to time as I will them, and I know that Rei will smile for me and that it will warm my heart when he does…

But I'll miss him, especially tonight.

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A/N : And so it ends! Another fic over just as another year begins. How lovely. Just by the way, 300 Ruble is roughly 6 British pounds / 10.50 US Dollars.

Why is the chapter called My Iris? : There is a song called 'Iris' by the GooGoo Dolls (which I obviously don't own so don't sue me), and some of the lyrics are :

"You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

And sooner or later it's over

I just don't want to miss you tonight"

It seemed pretty fitting for this chapter considering that that is pretty much what is going through Kai's (and probably Rei's) mind when they say goodbye. Plus this is one of mine and D. C.'s favourite songs and we were listening to it while we wrote the ending, go figure.

First chapter of the sequel, One of Us, is up now.