Title: Stand By Me
Authoress: Ladya C. Maxine
Rating: T
Summary: see chapter one
Warnings: see chapter one
Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. Any and all unrecognizable characters belong solely to me and are not to be touched. I am not making any money off of this and I write with the sole intent to entertain.
It had plagued him all night but the more he thought of it the more he was sure that it would be the right thing to do. The thing he had to do. He had proven himself a reliable companion to the rest of the team. Now it was time to prove himself a strong blader. He only needed the chance and since no chance had been offered to him he was going to have to take it himself. The tournament was coming up and he had much to do to prepare.
Before that, though, he had to break the news to the others. And he knew that is wasn't going to go down well. Tyson and Max had indeed been chosen to be the main tag team players, but theirs was a team famous for their unity and they were proud of that trademark; all four of them were expected to be in the competition. He remembered how Tyson had reacted when he had been considered rejoining the White Tigers during the Asian tournament. This time the dragon was not going to be able to talk him out of it, though. He wasn't going to accept a challenge and fold if he lost. Still, Tyson was not going to make this easy on him. Max, Hillary and Kenny would be more understanding in the end, but the news was going to shock them all the same.
He was leaving the team, but that didn't mean that he no longer wished to be their friend. He wasn't planning on breaking any of the relationships these two hard years had formed. Not with Tyson. Not with Max, Kenny or Hillary. And most definitely not with Kai.
Smiling as he watched the sleek body as it glided through the clear water, he knew he shouldn't be as nervous as he was now. This decision was not going to affect them, he was sure. He would be blading with the White Tigers during the tournament, but at the end of the day he was going to look forward to returning to the bluenette's arms. Before that, however, he was going to have to make the trip to China to alert the team and begin training. He and Kai had been together for an entire year and Ray could not recall them having ever spent more than three days apart; Kai had gone back to Russia a couple of times to visit the others. Going back home for training with the White Tigers was going to be a more extended period. Probably up to a month. One month without Kai…
Stalling, he looked around the large, glass-paneled space that housed the interior swimming pool. Due to its position behind the mansion facing nothing but privately owned wilderness it was highly secluded but with a far better view. One of their favorite pastimes here was to simply sit together in the pool and watch the sun set behind the mountains. Individually, they each had their own uses for the pool. Kai would swim twenty laps each day, strictly as part of his fitness routine. Ray, on the other hand, loved to simply lounge about or doze in one of the lawn chairs amongst the real palm trees and other plants were closer to the barbeque pit. They had invited the rest of the team over on several occasions for a cook-out, which had lead to everyone staying the night. At Ray's persisting pleas, Kai had allowed their friends to celebrate their birthdays here as well.
They had shared a lot of good times together, no matter where. From their travels to the tournaments to playing pool volley ball to just laying around on Tyson's back porch. He hoped that they wouldn't forget it all and that once this tournament is over things could go back to the way they used to be. He didn't want this switch to be permanent; just one shot was all he wanted. Once he had proven himself, no matter how far he got, he would be appeased and wouldn't mind allowing Tyson to claim the spotlight once more.
'Besides,' he thought, swirling his feet in the water as he sat on the pool's edge, 'I have something, someone, who's way better than any trophy.'
"What's with the smirk?"
Kai, having finished his laps, swam over. Reaching his boyfriend, the bluenette rested his arms on the stone ledge, his hair now darker as it clung to his face and neck, his deep red eyes staring at him with a tender light.
"I'm leaving the team." No dramatic speech.
Kai wasn't too surprised. He had suspected something along the line after their conversation at the dojo yesterday. Ray was out to prove himself and as a fellow blader, as well as the neko-jin's lover, he had to respect that. He admired Ray's determination but it did make him hope that the raven-haired boy had thought this thing thoroughly through. He himself knew the disaster one can bring upon himself in the pursuit of recognition and power. He knew that feeling and its consequences all too well. Ray wouldn't have to be facing any renegade demon phoenix but the strain that this choice was going to put between him and the others was going to test them all.
"You are," he said, mainly repeating the statement.
"Yeah," Ray sighed, drawing his feet out of the water and folding them, resting his elbows on his knees and his mouth on his clenched fist, face serious in thought. "It's like I told you yesterday. I need to break free of the Bladebreakers. I only need one shot. An honest shot, without Tyson standing in my way. Then I'll be happy. I'm going back to the White Tigers and I will enter the competition as a representative of my village."
He hoped that Kai would draw the conclusion; it would be easier than having to say it out loud. The red eyes narrowed as the phoenix processed his words, staring at the tiles before him as he spoke.
"You're going to have to go back to China."
"Yes. I'll be gone for about a month."
Kai looked up at that, scrutinizing the golden eyes for any signs of hesitation. None. Ray had his heart set on this. Ray knew that he would not dream of refusing him permission to go ahead; he had no authority over him, after all. The neko-jin was free to do what he pleased.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice soft. "Once you quit the team to join the White Tigers you cannot turn back for the rest of the championship tournament. The rules are a lot tighter this time."
Sliding into the water, Ray rested his back against the tiled wall as Kai moved closer, holding the ledge on either side of Ray's head, their bodies separated by mere water.
"I'm not worried about that…much; we'll manage in between battles. It's just me going to China before that that bothers me," he admitted, running his right hand lightly over the arm next to his head. "I just hope that I won't make too great a scene when boarding the plane; I suck at good-byes."
Staring across the deck blindly, Kai gave himself a firm mental shake. Ray wanted this; as his boyfriend he should support him in every decision he made. One month alone was not going to be easy after having spent so many with the tiger, but it was only one month and Ray would return eventually. He'd find a way to keep himself busy. Training Max and Tyson to death should help distract him a bit.
"Go," he said, turning his head to nuzzle the side of the teen's face. "I'll wait."
Ray nodded after a while. Wrapping his arms around the naked torso before him, he drew the bluenette and hugged him close as if he was leaving that very minute. Kai sighed in his hair, staring upwards at the ceiling, wondering idly if a better solution could be found in the wooden beams. The water lapped around their bodies as loose strands of black hair swirled with each ripple, tickling their bare skins.
"When are you going to tell the others?" he asked when no solution was forthcoming from above.
"Today. Tyson's going to be there with Kenny to go over some moves. He's really focused on training this time around."
Pulling himself out of his poignant thoughts, Kai snorted.
"It's about time."
Pinching the other in his side, Ray gave him a glare.
"Promise me that you won't be too harsh on them when I'm gone."
"I have to amuse myself somehow."
"Be nice."
He raised a brow at the command but didn't respond. Not verbally, at least. Heaving himself slightly out of the water, he suddenly submerged, dragging Ray with him.
Ray was caught off guard when Kai suddenly pulled them both under. Blinking through the air bubbles, Ray struggled in the other's embrace, having not had the time to draw a proper mouthful of air. His squirming deceased when lips locked onto his as crimson eyes shone through the bubbles. A hand crept up under the leg of his loose swimming trunks, teasing upwards. He gasped, almost choking on a big gulp of water.
A sudden surge brought them up and they broke the surface. Sputtering, he wiped away his drenched bangs, only able to glare with one eye at his smirking boyfriend.
"You could have warned me," he grumbled, still coughing dry hacks.
The hand, still kneading his thigh within his shorts, slipped to the center and he yelped.
"Kai!"
"Hm?" was the innocent reply.
"Don't 'hm' me! I have to go change or I'll be late."
"Go ahead."
"I can't. You're still hugging me."
"Imagine that."
Kai was in one of his Annoy-his-kitten moods. Annoy-his-kitten, and then Drive-his-kitten-wild-with-ecstasy. Those two normally went hand-in-hand.
Sighing, Ray slumped back against the side of the pool, staring exasperatedly at the smug teen before him who only embraced his waist even tighter but didn't make any move otherwise, his hand having paused in its groping beneath the leg of the neko-jin's trunks, though it remained infuriatingly right there. They stared each other down for almost a minute.
"If you're going to make me late you might as well make it worth my while."
That was what he had been waiting on. Removing his straying hand, he grabbed Ray by his waist and hoisted him back up on the ledge before pulling himself up. Tracing the water drops on the flat stomach, he straddled the shorter teen before following the same path with his mouth.
"When do you plan to leave?" he asked, kissing the heaving chest beneath him, focusing on a nipple.
"For where?"
"China."
"Not sure--Ai!" He jumped when that hand returned beneath his trunks. "In a day or so I guess."
Done with his teasing, Kai pulled down the neko-jin's trunks, earning a loud purr when he settled himself between the bent knees, dangling the removed swimwear from his index finger.
"And what would you like as a farewell gift?"
The trunks landed in the pool, drifting on the crystal blue water.
"I want multiple goodbye gifts," he retorted, pouting though Kai's hand tore a needful moan from him, breaking the façade.
"Anything you want," Kai smirked and lowered himself onto the tiger.
"All I want is you."
"Don't get sappy."
Snickering, Ray pulled the other in for a deep kiss, his hand sliding down the strong back and beneath Kai's waistband. He was going to miss these spontaneous moments with the bluenette, but it only made him more determined. Kai believed in him. Now he just had to get the others to see things the same way too. For now, however, he was going to enjoy his lover's special gift. He didn't think he'd be getting much sleep the night before his flight, but Kai would surely make up for that too.
He stared up at the dark sky, unaware that he was being watched.
…Hate…Vulnerable…
A grin.
Perfect.
Ray frowned as he reached for the door handle. He didn't hear anyone on the other side despite having been told that this was where the Bladebreakers had been assigned to train. As the official team of the BBA they were granted access to almost anywhere in the huge headquarters building and had several training rooms all for themselves but the receptionist had told him that Kenny had booked room 5 for them. Had he gotten the times wrong or had she been mistaken?
Opening the door anyway, he blinked.
"Max?"
The blond looked up from where he had been staring desolately at the floor, shooting a faint smile at him as he walked over.
"Hey, Ray. The others aren't here yet. Guess Tyson probably slept in," he answered in a strangely tight voice. "Where's Kai?"
"He went to park the car. Is something wrong, pal?"
The blue eyes looked away.
"Max? Hey, what is it?" he asked, kneeling before the blond who lowered his eyes.
"I'm leaving the team, Ray."
"W-What?" he gasped, shocked despite himself.
"I…" he replied, picking at the edge of his suitcase. Suitcase?
"I got a letter from my mom last night," Max continued. "The All Stars are going to be competing in the tag team competition. And…She wants me to join, Ray. She sent me an airplane ticket and everything. What am I going to tell Tyson? We were supposed to be tag team partners! How can I tell him that…Oh man!" he began to distress.
"Calm down," he instructed, gripping the hands that rested in Max's lap.
"Me and Tyson are buddies. Best friends. Now I feel like I'm ditching him. But…"
"But?" he coaxed.
"I also…I'm being stupid now but…I told her that I was coming because…I want a chance. To be a champion. It sounds so selfish and dumb, and if there was a way I could still be Tyson's partner and win the title for myself I'd happily do it…but it's like what my mom wrote; only one of the tag team partners can go on to win the title. If I'm on her team than I have a chance to be the one. Ray, I feel like such a traitor!"
The door clicked shut and both turned to find Kai walking over, taking in the scene with indifferent eyes though once standing before the two he looked at Max. His eyes briefly lowered to the suitcase and narrowed faintly.
"You too?"
"Huh?" the blond looked confused, looking between the two of them.
"Max, I'm also stepping out," Ray admitted, rising to his feet.
"…You are?"
"I want a shot at the title, just like you, Max. I decided this morning that I'm going to go back to the White Tigers. Though I don't know what will happen now that both of us are leaving."
"But…what about…" he looked between the two older boys. "You two?"
"We've already talked about it," Ray said, sharing a sly look with the bluenette who hn'd. "I'm going to China for a month to get ready with the team but once back here everything will be the way it used to be."
"That's great," Max smiled supportively. "It's good that you guys can talk these things over."
"Indeed."
Shooting Kai a warning glare, Ray didn't have time to silently threaten him not to reveal their methods of negotiation to Max seeing as the door opened again, this time admitting two boys, one of whom was talking excitedly.
"And then, Max and I can…Hey! You're all here," Tyson grinned widely, practically glowing as he walked over. "Ready to take over the world of Beyblading for a third time? I can hear the crowd already chanting our name when we get that trophy!"
Kai, having nothing to tell the dragon, merely rolled his eyes but Ray and Max shared uneasy looks. Tyson, too caught up in his enthusiasm, hadn't even noticed the silent air that hung above the two nor Max's suitcase. Kenny, on the other hand, did and frowned softly. Still talking none-stop, Tyson had taken out his blade and now sat polishing it, preparing it for practice as he continued to talk about the different ideas he had come up with, also mentioning something about Daichi, though they weren't show what the shrimp had to do with them.
"Tyson," he chose to say it since Max was having a hard time keeping his emotions in check.
"--and I was thinking uniforms. You know, every team has a trademark appearance. Hillary has been drawing some designs that look pretty crappy but if we go to Mr. D he'll hook us up with the right people. Kenny only wants a shirt but I'm thinking a full uniform plus maybe a red cap, like mine. Or we can do it by pair; Max and me with one color, Ray and Kai in another. And then, when we reach the finals, we can all wear the same color so that--"
"Max and I are out," he said, using the same straight-forward formula like he did with Kai.
"Oh come on, it isn't such a bad idea! Picture this, the four of us in…What?...Wha-WHAT?" Tyson shot to his feet, staring at Ray incredulously. "You mean, like, leaving the team? You're joking, right? You're just pulling my leg for all the times I teased you and Kai, aren't you? Ha ha, sorry about that. Phew, you almost had me there."
"I don't think he's making a joke, Tyson," Kenny said softly.
"Aw, don't be such a sucker, Chief. Hey, Ray, tell Kenny that you're just joking before he starts to freak out."
When no reply came he turned, warily staring at the two solemn teens.
"Well…? Go on."
"We're quitting the team, Tyson. We only came to tell you," Ray repeated.
Tyson looked at him, then at Max, finally noticing the suitcase his best friend was sitting on. It was beginning to sink in now. Desperately hanging on to the hope that it was all one big gag, he turned to Kai, waiting for their captain to put an end to Ray and Max's fun. The phoenix met his stare squarely. Then, to his horror, Kai nodded. It was true.
"But why? We…We're the Bladebreakers, the world champions!"
"No, we're not, Tyson," Max finally said, staring at his best friend with sad eyes. "You are the world champion. We're just your team mates."
"What are you talking about? We battle together, we win together!"
"Exactly." He turned to the dragon, golden eyes set. "We battle together, we win together, but you're the only one who gets recognition and the respect worthy of a world champion. We're friends, but we're also bladers, Tyson. We wouldn't have even met each other if it wasn't for blading but ever since befriending you we have been forced to step back. It's not your fault, but I can't stomach it any longer and neither can Max."
Tyson's fists clench and despite his hurt expression it was clear that he was angry as well.
"So you're just going walk out on us again, Ray? And you, Max? And do what?"
"I'm going to join the All Starz."
"White Tigers," he admitted as well.
He had been angry at them leaving, but upon hearing that they were leaving to join another team Tyson snapped.
"What the hell do you want me to do then, huh! You can't do this to us, to the team! Not now before our third world title! You are supposed to be our friends but now you're just going to walk away from everything we've worked for just because you didn't make the front page news! You're ditching the Bladebreakers to join another team!"
"Tyson, no!" Kenny shouted when the dragon grabbed Ray by the front of the shirt, his fist raised as if ready to punch the neko-jin. Instead it was the Chief who went sprawling when Tyson roughly pushed him away. He was, however, roughly jerked back by the only teen who hadn't said a single word yet, until now.
"For someone who praises team unity you are being rather aggressive," Kai said, gripping him by the back of his shirt. "Kenny was only trying to help and Ray and Max can do whatever they want if they feel that it is necessary."
Too angry to even comment on Kai's uncharacteristically long sentence, towards him in any case, Tyson now glared at the Russian.
"Is that what you tell Ray? Hm? When you're both snuggled up in bed at night, you whisper those brain-washed ideals of yours to him? You don't exactly have a clean record as far as team loyalty goes, Kai."
"I don't need Kai to make my decisions for me," Ray now intervened, eyes flashing. Tyson was acting out of pure shock and emotions, but he had hoped that they would not part like this. "I just told him this morning but at least he isn't screaming at the top of his lungs; if he could accept it, why can't you?"
"Because you are his shag partner! Blading is the last thing on you guys' mind!"
All three flinched and looked away when Kai, who had been generous enough to ignore the first slight made at him and Ray, slammed the dragon up against the wall, the force knocking the teen's red cap off.
"One more comment like that and you won't be able to pull a rip cord for a month," Kai warned but then let the other go, stepping back. "Ray and Max want to leave the team and as team captain I grant them permission to do so and that's final."
Defeated, Tyson silently bent down and picked up his cap, dusting it off before looking at it for a long time with a strange look on his face. Putting it on, he didn't meet the others' eyes.
"Fine then. Go," he said softly. "You want to leave? Do it. If the title is more important than the team to you then don't let me stop you."
"Tyson," Max got to his feet, his big eyes teary. "we just want this one chance. We're still friends, aren't we? It isn't just beyblading that has kept us together for so long. We're buddies. Beyblading is just what we do. When we grow older and get jobs, we won't be able to compete in tournaments, but we'll still be friends. That's what it's all about…isn't it?"
The dragon rubbed his eyes with the heal of his palm but when he looked up he smiled faintly to the blond.
"You're still my friend, Maxie. I...It just won't be the same anymore."
"Maybe not," Max acknowledged. "but it's just one tournament. And who says we can't see each other in between battles? We can make sure that we get together at least once a week, just the five of us. Just like old times."
"Yeah, that'll be cool," Tyson nodded. Composing himself, he pulled the other boy into a hug.
"Thanks for finally understanding, Tyson."
Gripping the material of Max's shirt, Tyson smiled.
"Sorry forfreaking outback there."
"You weren't always the sharpest knife in the draw," Ray quipped, side-stepping a playful slug. "Think of it this way; with us on competing teams this tournament is going to be a hell of a lot more exciting and challenging."
"I didn't mean what I said back there about you and Kai, Ray. I just lost control."
"It's cool."
Stepping back, Tyson looked at them both, finally ready to let go and respect their wishes.
"Let the best blader win."
"We will," they both answered simultaneously, laughing.
"But I guess that that means that I'm going to have to find another partner."
All eyes turned on him where he was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He raised a brow at the stares, particularly Tyson's, who smiled brightly. It was about time the dim bulb realized that he was one partner short. Not that he was all that eager to volunteer, but he was still a member of the team. Actually, he was the only other remaining member on the team. It had only been a matter of time before he was asked…
"Kai, does this mean that we're tag team partners?"
That.
"Unless you've got someone else in mind," was his answer.
"Wicked! So what did you think about my uniform idea?"
"Shouldn't you be a bit more concerned about your strategy?" Kenny asked, beginning to show signs of panic. "I spent all night thinking up moves for you and Max but Kai's a more offence-based blader so now I'm going to have to do everything all over again! Argh! Why me?"
"Um, I think we'd better call practice off for today," Tyson opted, to which Kai nodded. When the Chief was in one of his worry wart moods it was impossible to get anything else done. That and because he didn't want to begin another debate with the dragon concerning these uniforms the boy was so intent on.
"Dad's coming to pick me up soon to drive me to the airport," Max said, hugging Tyson goodbye. "Chief has my cell phone number so you can call me anytime you want. And you've all got my e-mail address. And I'll send my mom's address when I get there. And her house number. And her cell number, if she doesn't mind. And her e-mail address. And Emily's--"
"We get the point," Kai cut him off as the blond reached him, earning a sheepish grin.
"Sorry about that. See ya around, Kai."
When the blond didn't move, shifting hesitantly, the bluenette rolled his eyes discreetly and unfolded his arms. At once Max latched on, hugging him as he had hugged the others. Kai returned is loosely. He didn't mind hugging, as long as it was someone whom he was very familiar with. Ray, Ata and Saskia were always guaranteed an embrace from him as where those who had raised him, namely Natasia, Ivan and Jeremei. He had old photos on which he was pictured hugging Spencer, Ian and even Bryan. All three were still his close friends butthey were no longer as prone to cuddles as Ata, who had simply never grown out of it. Spencer and Ian didn't mind a hug in greetings, congratulations or goodbyes. Bryan had to be warned in advance and thoroughly briefed before being hugged, but they usually didn't, just to freak him out. Life was just more fun that way.
As for this group here in Japan; Tyson and Max always had hugs to share with the rest so he had been obliged to return most of them. Kenny was too shy to make physical contact unless the occasion called for it. Hillary too, but mainly because she was the only girl in the group and didn't want them to begin teasing her for having any romantic type of feelings for them.
"Aaaaaaw," Tyson, Ray and Kenny chorused at the sight of the stoic Russian and the bubbly American.
"Wise guys," Kai snorted and Max stepped back.
"So we're going to battle one another, huh?" Tyson sighed sadly, putting on a brave face. "That'll finally bring some action in the championships."
"No holding back, alright?" Max asked.
They all met the others' eyes and nodded. It was a lot harder than he had thought it would be, Kai had to admit that. He was still on the team, but without Max and Ray supporting them from the bench during battles things were going to be a lot different. In a way, it felt like they were all losing something important. They were still friends, but the idea of the team no longer being what it once was was hard to swallow. He had trained them all. He had seen them rise above all others. He had drilled them and worked them hard, especially the first year, but they had done him proud. They could still push him to the brink of insanity, but their dedication and team spirit redeemed even their most ridiculous antics. And now…they were no longer the Bladebreakers. Now…they were individuals. Separate competitors.
Noticing the brooding light in his boyfriend's eyes, Ray left the other three to walk over, giving Kai a friendly slap on the shoulder.
"I've just realized something," he said.
"What?"
"That there's a fifty-fifty chance that the two of us may have to face each other before the end."
Yes, he had realized that earlier as well.
"Worried?" he raised a brow.
Ray shrugged good-natured.
"Kinda puts a damper on my goal, but I'm not going to back down now, am I?"
"You'd better not. I refuse to bed a coward."
Jabbing a finger in the Russian's side, Ray rolled his eyes and stepped back, turning to Max who had picked up his suitcase, ready to head out.
"Ready?" he asked, to which the American nodded. "I'll keep you company outside until your dad comes. I don't think our rivals will want me to be spying on them as they train."
"I'd like that," Max smiled. Despite his brave words his eyes were watering as he gave their little group one last look. "Tell Hillary I said goodbye, okay? I wanted to tell her personally but you know how emotional she can get…"
"No prob. See ya around, Maxie," Tyson waved, his own eyes glittering.
Kenny was trying to hide the fact that he was wiping his eyes with his tie. Even Kai offered a parting smile.
"Bye, guys…" Max whispered.
"Let's go before we all begin crying like a bunch of house wives," Ray laughed, putting an arm around the blonde's shoulder. Looking back to Kai, he nodded. "I've got some things to do in town before I leave. Be home before dinner."
Getting an acknowledging nod from the bluenette, he lead Max, who's shoulders were now shaking, out. The door closed behind them with a click and the blonde turned around, staring at the surface with an insecure look.
"This is the toughest thing I've ever done," he softly confided to the neko-jin. "I didn't think it was going to be so hard to let go."
"You're not letting go," he assured, resuming their way to the lobby as Max followed him, wheeling his blue suitcase behind him. "The Bladebreakers may have split, but we're still Max, Tyson, Kenny, Kai and Ray. It's not the end of the world."
"Kinda feels like it," Max laughed half-heartedly.
Giving the sullen blonde's shoulders a comforting shake, Ray kept quiet. In contrary to his own words, he agreed with Max. Somehow…he couldn't help feeling a sense of loss. It was done. No matter how much they promised; how often they got together; how close they stayed; things would never be the same. The Bladebreakers were done and over with. The team name would be represented by Tyson and Kai and he knew that those two would not allow it to fade, but team itself was broken. And he couldn't help but feel the guilty that he had contributed to that.
Stepping out, they both turn at the same time to look back at the building, silently strengthening themselves as best they could. Yet, it still didn't feel like enough. Max took a shuddering breath, but for the rest they remained quiet, accordingly walking to where Max's dad had agreed to pick him up.
It was over.
Jerking awake, he could feel the sweat dripping down his body even though the room was moderately cool. His body felt as if it was on fire. Gasping for breath, he clutched at the flaming sensation on him, gritting his teeth as he could do nothing but wait for it to pass. The ceiling above him blurred unexpectedly when the pain shot up to the base of his skull.
Turning his face into his pillow, he screamed.
Tbc…A/N: Hey! That's not how the confrontation between Tyson and Max and Ray went in the series! Yeah, but Ray and Kai weren't together in the series either now, were they? I'm just making sure that you guys keep in mind that I am deviating from the series, though some things will be kept in there.
Readers: Um….Ladya? What's with those two little ominous scenes in this chapter?
Ladya: Wouldn't you like to know? evil snicker
Read & Review, please.
Side note: check out my bio-page for the scoop on the website concerning Bonsai kittens.