THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO REVIEWED!

(Is a Minute Alone So Hard to Ask For?)

"Rei..."

"AH! SHIT! Max, get the hell off of me! I'm gonna drop the-"

A loud crash resounded through out the hotel room, signifying that the other occupants had returned. And at the most inopportune time too. Timing never was one of their best qualities.

Rei continued to stare at Kai intently, but he received no answer, just dead silence as the bathroom door was flung open and a certain loud mouth blader stood before them. Even as the other three stared at them, neither moved their eyes off the other, one waiting for an answer, the other wishing he would drop it.

"Hey guys, we brought back some food. I forget what it is called, but Max said it's really good." The boy smiled, holding out something that resembled...they didn't know what. "Want any?" He asked, shoving the food right in Kai's face. They have to be hungry; it's been six hours since we've eaten. I can't be the only one starving. Besides, Kai needs to start eating better.

Kai took one look at it before turning and heaving his guts out into the toilet. Perfect. Just...Blah...excellent. I was going to give Rei at least an appropriate explanation but then that heathen has to come in and ruin it! Not to mention make me sick again...ugh...maybe it's a sign. I'm not supposed to tell him anything. Not too much of a surprise, cough, there. Shit, I give up!

"Tyson, get that out of here! Can't you see that it is just making Kai even sicker? Go wait for us out in the dining room and we'll come out when he is feeling better, ok?" Rei stood, shoving Tyson forcefully out the door while trying to avoid any more conversation. "Besides, if he eats anything, it will most likely be soup." Idiot. He was going to tell me something important too...later. Later is always good. When Kai is feeling better.

"Alright, alright. I'm going. We can wait but I can't guarantee any food will be left for you two." Tyson sang happily. The door slammed behind him instantaneously, and his smile turned to a frown. "Kai's hugging the porcelain bowl guys! And Rei's with him." I didn't know Kai was sick! "I didn't mean to barge in."

"Tyson, you just need to learn to knock first." Kenny patted him on the back, heading back to the dining room.

"Yeah Ty, come on!" Max took hold of his hand, dragging him along. "I'm sure they will forgive you."

"I know." Tyson mumbled, sitting down and handing the food out. "So, on a lighter subject, I wonder what they were talking about." Probably something juicy! I WISH I COULD HAVE HEARD IT!

"How do you even know they were talking? Kai looked like he had been throwing up his guts since he got back here. I highly doubt that they were idly chatting." Max spoke through a mouth full of food. Geez…does he ever think or does he just spout off first?

"Because. There's no way that he could have been spilling his guts physically for that long. He doesn't eat enough and there's only so much acid in a person's stomach. Besides, could you not see the way they were looking at each other? It was obvious." Am I the only one who sees things clearly? Maybe Kenny and Max are just really stupid when it comes to these matters.

"Tyson, I think you are jumping to conclusions. Besides, what experience do you have in these matters?" Kenny asked, digging into a healthy meal consisting of a salad instead of that garbage that Max and Tyson were indulging themselves on. I am going to make them work off all that fat and carbs they are taking in right now. Ah, I love using a training schedule as payback.

Tyson frowned, slamming his fist down on the table. "Damn! Do you guys have to question me about everything! Honestly, they way you all act sometimes, it seems like you don't take anything I say seriously. The least you could do is just shut up about it and let me think I'm right once in a while instead of shooting me down! It's not that hard, ya know!" There. Stick that in your back pocket and eat it.

"Ty, take it easy." Max soothed, reaching out and taking the other teens hand gently and guiding him back into a sitting position. "It's not that we don't believe or trust you, we just don't want to jump to any conclusions." I didn't mean to upset you…

"Besides, don't you remember who the accident was all over the media? Do you want rumors about Kai and Rei to start floating around? I highly doubt you do. All we are saying is don't even insinuate anything until they want to say something to us. Ok? That's all." Settle down Beavis. HAHAHAHA! Oh, I've wanted to say that for so long now! Don't remember where I heard it, but it's funny.

Tyson took a deep breath before exhaling and speaking in a much calmer manner. "I know. I am just really hoping that something does happen. I want them to be happy. And it seems like we are the only ones who see these feelings they have for each other and it drives me nuts that they can't see them. I just got carried away, sorry." Pff…no more freak outs like that.

"And Tyson, from now on we will be sure not to be so harsh on you." Max piped up.

"Yeah Tyson. We won't tell you when you're walking around with your fly undone anymore." Kenny giggled, on the verge of cracking up. He couldn't resist the chance to insult Tyson with out his knowing any longer.

"And no more trying to wake you up when you start cuddling up to us and getting...a..HAHAHA!" Max doubled over instantly, laughing so hard that he nearly cried. Kenny had fallen to the floor, dying with laughter.

"HEY! THAT'S NOT COOL! YOU JERKS!" Tyson raged, turning on them with the intent of coming off as threatening, but to little avail. GOD! HOW CAN THEY DO THIS TO ME? THEY WILL PAY! Tyson began stomping around and Max and Kenny stopped long enough to look at each other.

"Settle down, Beavis!" Max yelled, sending them into another fit.

"What the hell does that mean! KENNY! MAX!" That's it! Tyson lunged, landing onto of both boys and half heartedly punched, kicked and bit them. However, it did not stop the laughing.

(SCENE CHANGE: Back to Kai and Rei)

"Could he be even more crude?" Rei muttered, carrying on his business and grabbing a towel to wet with cool water. Running the tap, he stuck the cloth under before he turned back to Kai, placing it on his forehead, which was burning up. Poor Kai, he's so sick.

"Most likely." Kai coughed out, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Now he had absolutely NOTHING left in his stomach. That cool cloth feels good. A minute ago I was cold and now I'm hotter than hell. Being sick blows. Slowly he slouched, letting Rei press the towel to his head as his mind wandered a bit.

At Kai's answer, Rei's head nearly turned all the way around in surprise. He hadn't expected to get an answer; he was just thinking out loud to himself. Nothing more. Noting how Kai still looked pretty bad, he wondered if he should move him or leave him for a minute first.

"Hey Rei?"

"Yeah?" The teen looked at him, realizing that he was already half asleep and would likely be in dream land in no time at this rate. "You should stay up till you are in bed silly." He's so cute when his guard isn't up.

"I know, but I'm tired." He mumbled, not really heading the teen's words. Too tired…

Rei smiled at his remark. "I know. What were you going to ask me?"

Kai opened his eyes and looked at him as if he were crazy for a minute before it hit him. "Oh, yeah. I was just wondering if you could help me get to bed. I really don't feel like moving all that much." Truth be told, I can't move right now. How weak I must sound.

"No problem. But just so you know, I don't think I can carry you, just help. I'm still not as strong as I was before." Rei leaned down and wrapped his arms around the Kai's upper body and hauled him up. "Wow, you aren't nearly as heavy as I thought you would be." If this is how much he really weighs, I could carry him. Dang, he's practically anorexic! I hope that's not really the case…

This time it was Kai to look behind him slightly shocked. "Why do you say that?" I don't weigh any less then before. I know I'm lean for 5'10, but I'm not skinny like he is…" I weigh more than you."

Rei's small smile turned to a grin as he retorted. "I highly doubt that, twiggy. I'm not the one who hasn't been eating lately and works out like a machine set on overdrive." No way he does.

"What are you talking about?" Kai asked, reaching forward for the glass of water, still being held by Rei's arms. "You're a twig if I ever saw one. If a strong wind blew, you would be knocked over."

"Whatever, I'm not arguing. You just used to be in better shape before." Not that I have any problems with the way you look' I'll take you any day.

Kai turned his head, looking into Rei's smiling face with a glare that could wilt the petals on any flower. "Are you saying that I'm weak?"

"No, you're not weak. I mean," Rei explained, his cheeks heating up as he tried to steady the two of them, Kai already losing his balance and slouching. "You used to look a lot heavier, with muscle weighing more than fat; not that you were ever fat! But I meant...oh, crap." He shut up completely then, letting his head fall forward and his bangs to covering his face so as to shield the blush. Well if that wasn't the stupidest move I've ever made in my life. Pah...there is no hope...I can't even have a decent conversation with him. Instead, I move onto insulting him!

"I think I get what you mean, Rei. Don't worry." Kai smiled, leaning back into the other as he had yet to let go of him. He let his head fall back onto Rei's shoulder, his eyes drooping shut slowly. He was really tired now. How cute...

"I think you need some sleep. Maybe one more night without food wouldn't kill you? If you do want to eat, I can get some soup." Rei shook Kai, making sure he stayed awake. AWWW!

"I really don't want any food, but some tea would be nice if we have any." Anything hot would work right now. Well, no hot chocolate…yuck…not now anyways.

"Oh my God," Rei faked shock as he unlocked the door with one hand and let them out. "Kai wants tea! But you never drink tea! I think I may just faint." He had to steady them in the door way because Kai nearly tripped and took them both down.

As he helped Kai out of the bathroom, he noticed Max jumping up and down on the couch and Tyson holding onto his soda so as to keep it from spilling. Kenny was still sitting at the table, immersed in some other important experiment most likely. All the food they had brought earlier was completely gone, save for…uh…nothing.

Rei hoped that they wouldn't notice them and tried his best to get Kai to the bedroom without being spotted. He would put him to bed and bring his tea in after he was settled. Sadly, when you have a hyper Max and a loud mouth Tyson in the vicinity, there is no getting by unnoticed.

"KAI!" Max squealed, jumping off the couch and running over to them, acting like he was going to pounce on the boy.

Once again, it was evident that Tyson had given him more sugar. He really needed to stop that. Just cuz he liked Max all bouncy and hyperactive didn't mean the rest of them did. In fact, it was disturbing. They could never get any work done when he was that way; with the exception of Kenny.

"No, Max! He's not feeling well. Max!" Rei yelled, not having enough time to move out of the way as the blonde made a beeline for Kai, still partially in Rei's arms, who was looking rather tired and annoyed at the moment. He didn't even notice Max.

Just as he lunged at them, he was stopped in mid air and fell back on his butt, his hands wrapping around his neck and pulling at something. An arm was wrapped around his neck, keeping him on the floor and away from them. It wasn't enough to choke him, but he was good at exaggerating things.

"Hey, settle down Maxie. Kai's not feeling too hot and if you bother him, you will just make it worse." Tyson smiled, letting up on the death grip he had the boy in. "Night you guys. Hope you feel better Kai." Tyson grinned, pulling Max up as he complained and hauling him off to the living room."

"Thanks Tyson." Rei murmured as he heard Max yelling a good night to them. "I'll be right back. I'm gonna get him some tea." Slowly he drug Kai back to his room. The door was closed, so Rei had to maneuver Kai in one arm and open the door with his other. As soon as they were in, Kai flopped onto the bed, not even bothering to crawl under the covers.

"Night-" Aww…a soft bed with comfy pillows and silky sheets…just what I…want…

"Kai, you have to change into some night clothes. Wearing your wet swim suit will only make your cold worse. And you have to get under the covers or you will really end up sicker than a dog." Rei turned, digging around in a dresser drawer. Behind him, he could hear Kai mumbled an, 'I don't care,' and then shift his weight around on the bed. I swear to God I had better not start getting any ideas. Kai on a bed is one of those things that always sets me off. And now it's not just a scene from a wet dream, it's real!

Turning around, he saw Kai sprawled out on his bed, eyes closed. He looked to be asleep already, but with Kai, you just never knew. "Kai, hey." Rei said quietly, reaching out to shake him lightly. Kai's eyes fluttered before he looked over to Rei.

"Hm?" I was just about to doze off silly. That was the initial plan…was it...not…?

"You need to put these on." He tried handing Kai a large shirt that he had gotten back in England and a pair of basketball shorts that were black. Just not in front of me for all intensive purposes…and your own safety.

"I'm too tired." Kai protested, turning away and closing his eyes. Just leave me alone. I appreciate you putting me to bed and looking after me, but now I can take care of myself by going to bed.

"Come on Kai, quit being such a child. If nothing else, put the shorts on. It will only take you half a minute at most." Rei persisted, pulling Kai over onto his back again by his arm. It was very hot and clammy, which were two things that generally didn't go together.

"Forget it. I'm going to sleep." Kai tried to get his arm out of Rei's grip, but he held fast. "Rei! I'll be fine!" DROP IT!

"Kai..." Rei grumbled, pulling Kai around as he squirmed in his grip. He moved back and for the, making a solid grip on his soft skin impossible. After a few minutes of this little 'game,' Rei became more insistent. I know you don't want to stay sick! Even Tyson knows that wet clothes make you even sicker!

Finally getting his fill, Rei took both of the other teen's wrists in his hands and forced them to the bed, pinning him down. This, however, did little to stop Kai in his pursuit to get free and instead he kicked as hard as he could.

Rei dodged a foot that came dangerously close to his jaw and another that nearly came into contact with his stomach. He had to admit, for being so sick, he was still fairly strong and it took all of his will to keep Kai from knocking him to the floor.

"Rei! Let me go!" Oh, the love of GOD!

"No. Just put on the damn clothes or you'll make your self really sick!" DAMN FOOT!

"You're not my mother! Just leave me alone!" Kai screeched, kicking as hard as he could and not caring where it was aimed. All he wanted was to get in bed, drift off for a good ten or twelve hours, get up in the morning, eat, and take it from there. Is that so hard to ask!

"Kai-AH!" Rei let go instantly, doubling over on the bed. He was hugging himself tightly, hoping that would help. SHIT! Oh, hell. I am never going to be able to have kids! Never...ow...

Kai sat up, still irritated, before he realized just what he had done. "Oh, God! Rei, I'm so sorry. I didn't get you that hard, did I?" Carefully he leaned down next to Rei, not really able to see anything more than a huddled form in the dark.

I can't believe I just did that! How could I? I always have to be so stubborn. As he watched, Rei slowly lifted his body away from the bed a little. Kai leaned over, noticing that Rei's eyes were still clenched shut and he was breathing raggedly. It was also then that he noticed a dark trail of liquid running down the other teens chin, dripping onto his neck. Is his lip bleeding? He must have bit it…

"Just, put them on." Rei murmured, licking away the blood and sitting up, hands still protecting himself. He didn't move, just sat quietly waiting for Kai to move. Breathe, breathe. Just, ah, this sucks. I've never been kicked that hard. Damn…he should be playing soccer at this rate.

Kai nodded, reaching over and taking the clothes that Rei had placed next to him on the bed. Slowly pulling his tank top off, he made sure to keep his body hidden from Rei, though it was obvious his attention was focused other places. Seeing that he was not looking, he yanked off his swim trunks and in a flash, pulled on the shorts.

"Are you done yet?" Rei asked quietly, no longer leaning over, but still not looking.

"Yes." Kai said, pushing himself over so that he was next to Rei on the bed. He noticed how as he sat, Rei let his eyes scan over his body. Great, just what I didn't want. No one has really ever seen me with this little clothing on. "Listen, I'm sorry. I am just tired and a bit annoyed."

Rei's eyes shot up and locked with his as soon as he had started talking. "Are you annoyed with me?" I hope not.

Shock and surprise replaced the gentle look Kai had had only moments before. "What? No, I just…I…" Uh...how to explain this…"I'm just annoyed with myself. Don't worry. I'm going to go to bed, and you should to."

Rei nodded, getting up slowly from the bed as he made his way to the door, stepping outside quickly. As he shut the door, he regretted saying what he had intended to. Now is just no the right time. And who knows? Maybe it never will be. As he walked away, a faint, 'Goodnight,' caught his attention and he smiled as he made his way to the kitchen, intent on getting something to eat before he went to be. Nighty night…

Read and Review!