(Time to Fess up! Ch. 5)
Shaking his head slowly, the young teen pulled the covers over his head, not wanting to get up; he was so tired. If only my body would let me have just an hour more, I would be happy, but no, it wants to get moving now!
His dreams had kept him up most of the night, preventing the restful sleep he would have enjoyed. And no wonder, they were the strangest ones he had ever had. Some concerning his past, others twisting around things he had recently done and giving them a different outcome. Others dealt with his emotions and certain other people. None of them made sense. Still...
Throwing back the covers to the nice, warm bed, he sat up and ran a hand through his hair to brush his bangs out of his eyes. They were always getting in the way. It was about then that he faintly realized he was freezing ass cold, yet it had to be near seventy five degrees outside and in the room. And it was mostly his stomach...and lower. What the hell…
"Oh, I almost forgot." Still not wanting to get up, Rei reached down to pick up the ice pack which had melted and left his pajama bottoms soaked, looking as though he had had an accident. That's right. He had grabbed an ice pack for when Kai had kicked him.
But that had been quite a few hours ago. Thinking he was fine, he threw his legs over the side of the bed, but regretted it and was forced to bend over to stop the pain. "I guess I'm going to be sore for a while longer."
A quick glance at the clock showed that it was already nine thirty. He was really late today. So being as careful as possible he got up, taking with him the melted ice pack, and left his room to go get something for breakfast. No one else was up this early, so he usually ended up making everyone breakfast. Until today.
"TYSON! Get the hell away from my pancakes!" I gotta eat to ya know, you pig!
"But Max, I'm really hungry and they aren't being made fast enough. Please!" Tyson was leaning over the table, kicking slightly and trying to make a grab for the blondes plate, who was smart enough to hold it away from him. Please, please, please, please!
"No! Tyson, for once just chill out and wait!" Max snapped, setting his plate down and shoving Tyson so hard that he fell back into his seat. Sometimes you just have to show Tyson who is the boss.
"Fine. I'll just drink some orange juice." Just then Tyson looked up, noticing Rei for the first time. "Oh, hey Rei. Sleep well?" I bet. He was snoring so loud that it woke both me and Max up. I'm shocked that Kai and Kenny didn't hear it; especially Kai since his room is right there.
Rei gave a small smile, but refrained from saying anything and instead, went into the kitchen where someone was making breakfast. I guess that is a relief; for once I can relax and just enjoy a morning meal without spending and hour and a half making enough for everybody and Tyson's two stomachs.
Not really paying attention or giving it much thought, Rei walked straight to the freezer and put the ice pack away, only to grab another one. Thank God there are about ten of these things in here, I'm gonna need them.
"Morning. I see you're not feeling better. I could only hope."
Rei whirled around, finding himself facing Kai's back as he flipped a pancake over and added some more batter to another pan. He hadn't really been coherant enough to realize who was making breakfast considering Max and Tyson were eating and he had seen Kenny still asleep on the couch. Well, that was probably the most unobservant thing I have ever done. Aw, what is wrong with today? I need something to drink...eventually.
Snapping his head up, Rei walked back out of the kitchen and sat at the bar, so he was looking into the kitchen and still able to talk with Kai, being only three feet away. Well, the ice does help a bit. "No, it's not so bad. I feel much better since last night." Not really but…
"But you are still walking like it hurts. I'm so sorry. I didn't really think too much. I didn't even realize that if I had hit you in the wrong place, it could have been one of your older wounds and even though they are healed, still caused severe damage, and then-" Kai turned abruptly, spatula in one hand and what used to be an egg in its shell dripping from his other hand. He looked scared, mostly about ready to have a heart attack under the circumstances.
"Kai. It's fine. Don't worry. I highly doubt anything like that would happen and even so, I trust you a lot more than that. Just relax and wash your hands." Rei smiled, seeing the look that crossed over his features as he rubbed his fingers together, feeling the slimy egg running through them. Gross.
Kai walked back over to the sink, washing off the goo and grabbing another egg to cook. "Would you like anything? I've got lots of stuff here I can make." Calm, calm, calm, rational thoughts. PFT! Not when I feeling so...stressed! Why me? Can I not just go back to the normal, closed off self I once was? Why can't I help but act like this, ever since that accident? Damn emotions getting the better of me.
"Just some ice tea. I'm not very hungry right now." Rei answered calmly, letting his thoughts wander as he waited quietly with his ice pack in place.
(Flashback to Dreams)
"Is there anything wrong?"
"No, I was just thinking. I'm just not used to this."
"Well," Kai murmured, leaning over to nuzzle Rei's neck softly. "I wouldn't expect you to be, now would I?" Slowly, he let a hand creep up past Rei's stomach and make its way to his arm, rubbing gently.
"I guess." Rei smiled, leaning over to the point that his lips were just inches away from Kai's before-
(End of Dream Flashback)
"Do you want lemon in it?" Kai asked as he set the glass down in front of Rei, snapping him back to reality.
"Hm? Oh, sure. Do you need any help? I am used to doing this every morning for you guys." He ventured, picking up the glass and taking a sip as Kai threw a lemon slice at him which he promptly caught and plopped in his drink.
"No, that's fine. Just think of this as a thank you and a sorry." Kai waved him to sit back down as he put away the tea and started on cooking up another batch of pancakes. Though it's not really a fair trade after what I did.
"You don't have to say sorry; you already apologized and I accepted it. And anyways," Rei trailed back off again mumbling the last bit. "It's not needed."
(Dream flashback again)
"Takeshi, come here." Hilary smiled, arms outstretched as the little boy took small steps that were wobbly and unsure.
He was so adorable with eyes as bright and deep as a red rose; little fangs that showed when he smiled or laughed; almost grayish blue hair that was already so long that it went down to his shoulders. He even had a small blue mark on each side of his face and a little wrap that was always on his right arm. He wore shorts with little sneakers and a t-shirt. He was one of the cutest things ever.
"I can't believe he is already walking at seven months. That's not something most kids learn so quickly." Lee grined, watching as the child suddenly stopped and started laughing at Hilary. Once again, those little fangs were visable.
"What's so funny? Hey now." Hilary was completely clueless to the fact that Tyson was right behind her, making her have horns and big ears and what not with his hands, making the little boy laugh. She crossed her arms and huffed in annoyance, trying to understand the cause for the boy's laughing.
Eventually she noticed, and instead turned her attention away from Takeshi to avenge her dignity, only to have Tyson run off and hide behind Max, making him the barrier. She shot off after him, not caring who stood in her way, which meant danger for Max.
With Hilary gone, Takashi set his sights on the only other person really near to him; Mariah, who was only too happy to oblige and put down the food she was carrying for the boy. She bent down on her heels, nearly at his level now.
"Yeah, it's cute though. He's such a quick learner. And a people lover; hence the reason we thought it okay to bring him to this party." Kai stated, watching as the little guy made his way over to Mariah, smiling and giggling as she encouraged him. Her arms were open and she was calling his name over and over again, telling him that he could do it.
But just as he was only about five feet away, he lost his balance and Takeshi fell on the ground, crying the instant he hit. Mariah stood up to help him, but didn't even have a chance to get close to him.
"Takeshi!" Rei ran forward in an instant, picking him up in his arms and cuddling Takeshi. He rocked him back and forth, shhing him softly as the crying began to subside, but only a little.
Kai also walked over, looking to see if he had actually hurt himself. However, the moment Takeshi noticed Kai next to him and Rei, he stopped crying and reached out to take Kai's shirt, pulling him closer.
"Takeshi..." Kai murmured, ruffling his hair lightly as Rei rocked him back and forth, humming an old song he had learned from his parents. "Tough little guy." Kai murmured as the boy rested his head on Rei's shoulder, grabbing a handful of hair and letting his crimson eyes close.
"Yeah, but he's still a baby." Rei said, happily holding him close as Kai let his middle finger rest in Takeshi's tiny hand. It was clear that he was already asleep by his soft breathing and little contented sighs every now and then.
"Is he okay?" Tala asked, holding an arm out only to catch Tyson off guard and make him fall to the ground so Hilary would quit causing a big disturbance trying to get him. Sure enough, it worked as Hilary pounced on him seconds later.
"Just fine." Rei answered.
"Notice how he stopped crying when both of you were near? He's a smart kid." Mariah said softly so as not to wake him as she leaned over to touch his cheek softly. He nuzzled her hand.
"I'd have to agree." Kai smirked, watching as his little hand gripped his finger tighter and he snuggled into Rei's shoulder.
"I think I'll go put him to bed."
"Ok. Nighty night Takeshi, daddy loves you." Kai's voice was gentle as he leaned in to kiss the boy's cheek. Rei smiled as he walked away. Kai loved Takeshi so much, he would do anything for him. There wasn't a single thing he loved more on the earth then this little boy.
"Well, I think he loves one other thing just as much." He let a slight laugh escape his lips when Takeshi nodded subconsciously at the remark. "I love you too, Takeshi. My little baby."
(End of Flashback/Dream)
"Rei! Can you please make us breakfast!"
It was like he had just been awoken form a deep sleep as he heard Tyson shouting his name loudly from the dining room. That had to have been the weirdest dream ever. And where in the world did Takeshi come from?. I've never even heard that name before. Well, more importantly, Kai was in it. Why on earth though? He was the dad, but I said he was my little baby! Does that mean that we...just a dream. Not even possible.
"REI!"
"Tyson," Rei yelled back, though not as loudly. "What is wrong with Kai cooking for you? He made pancakes and bacon and what not. Just eat." He then focused his attention back to Kai, who seemed a bit puzzled at Tyson's remark and smiled to Rei; almost a thank you for sticking up from him.
"The dude can't cook eggs!"
Rei sighed, shaking his head. "Their eggs Tyson; you're just being picky." He let his eyes wander back to Kai, who suddenly seemed very depressed. He slouched back over the stove and started to mumble something about being careless as he put on two more pieces of toast. Tyson! Can't you just leave Kai alone for one day? That's all I ask. Well, more like that's all I expect seeing you are his friend and you too should notice his strange behavior as of late. Jackass.
"No, they look all solid and hard. I like my yolk soft and really runny, you know that! You cook them perfectly." Let this work. This has to work. I'm doing you two a favor, believe it or not.
"It's my fault. I just made the kind that I like. I never thought to ask what anybody wanted." Kai muttered, heading over to the fridge and pulling out the carton of eggs. I'll just make him some more. It's not like eggs are hard to cook. Besides, I don't want him complaining to Rei. He doesn't deserve that shit. Maybe I should just tell Tyson to fuck off like I always did before. But...I just can't. I have no idea why either. MAN! This is so confusing!
"What the hell are you talking about? Kai, Tyson is just being an ass. The only reason he likes his food that way is because I got him hooked on it by refusing to cook anything else. Just do the same and he'll get over it." Rei nearly jumped out of his seat as he heard Tyson get up, but the sound of a body hitting the floor indicated that Max had tackled him. Well, that would buy a few moments. Thank you Max.
"No really-"
"Shit Kai! Stop being such a little...little...push over. What ever happened to the old Kai? The one who used to push us to do better at everything, not just Beyblading. You used to be cold, shut off, and while none of us wanted you to stay that way, at least you had a sense of pride in yourself. I mean, look at you!" Getting up, he motioned to the other teen who stood with a blank expression on his face.
"You worked out daily, ate healthy, and tried to get us to do the same thing. Now..." He paused, giving him another glance before going on. "You have lost most of that muscle you had and you hardly eat at all anymore. It's like you stopped caring. And I have to wonder if that is because of that damn accident or your own stupidity." Rei ended his sentence quietly, sitting back down and setting the ice pack on the counter, his eyes cast down at his ice tea glass. That was not overboard. It was exactly what needed to be said.
"I do to care. And where do you get off telling me what I have done wrong? So I changed, big deal. At least I'm not the heartless bastard any more. I will get back to working out and why do you even care? And another thing, I think it is time you all started pushing yourselves instead of making me your only motivation. Now please, just leave me be for now." Quickly, Kai swiped up the tea glass and refilled it before setting it rather hard back on the counter in front of the raven haired teen. I'm not stupid, pretty boy.
"You didn't say anything about it having to do with the accident or your stupidity." Rei grumbled half heartedly.
Spinning around, Kai faced him, arms planted firmly on the counter. "What are you talking about?" His voice sounded tired, as if he was already sick of arguing. "We talked about this last night." You should remember; you prodded at me.
"You never said it wasn't the accident; you gave a general impression, but for the most part, pussy footed around it. I suppose that means it is. But what I want to know is why?" His eyes remained locked on the counter as he said the words that would bring him both the answers he wanted and the ones he feared the most. Could he really do this to Kai and himself? Maybe it was best. "Stupid." That is sure to get him.
Kais' jaw clamped abruptly and for a moment, he looked as though he was going to storm out of the room. Instead, he fixed his eyes on the others and he spoke as calmly as possible. "Follow me." He left the kitchen, turning off the burners and such as he went. I'll show you.
Rei got up, following him. They passed by the others and as Tyson saw them, he nearly yelled out, but Max slapped a hand over his mouth and sent him a glare that could send shivers down even Rick's back. Once he was at the living room, he led Rei to the balcony where he motioned for him to sit. Rei did so, watching as Kai shut the door tightly.
He did not sit however. Moments of silence passed in which Rei found himself becoming more worried by the moment. Perhaps...I should never have said that. Since when does provoking a person get any one any where? But I can't just get up and go. I'm the one who started this and I want to know the truth, no matter how bad it is. Guess I will break-
"It's not that I'm stupid."
Kai had turned around and was facing Rei, although he kept his head down and he slouched heavily on the glass door.
"Last night; you remember. What I said, it was all true, every word of it. I really did think I could lose you. And no, I don't mean Max, Kenny, Tyson, Lee, who ever you are close to or are friends with. I meant me and me alone. Even now, I still carry that fear that I will screw up and you or any of the guys for that matter will be gone.
"I've lost a lot of people in my life, however most of those were no big deal; they don't care for me nor do I them. You guys are the only ones I have that I can count on. I know I was hard and an ass at times, but that was because I had been that way for so long. It's not like a person can change over night." Kai stopped, waiting to see if Rei had any comments, yet he remained silent.
"When you were hurt, it was because of Tyson and me, but I felt really guilty. I know, I know; I've been told a thousand times over that it wasn't my fault; that you did it on your own free will but that doesn't change how I feel. No matter what, the guilt is still there. Even after we knew you would be fine, I couldn't just go on the way it had been before. I couldn't be hard and bitter, mainly for two reasons.
"I could never be that way to you; you saved my life; and two, I realized just how precious life is and how easily it can be torn away. I have to savor the time I have with you guys, because anything could happen and I don't want to go on forever thinking, 'why didn't I spend more time with them?'
"So I changed. I am trying to at least." Kai finally stopped, raising his head and watching as Rei tried to form a response. It took a few more minutes of silence. There. I bared my heart and soul, so now you know everything.
"Ok. I understand. However; there is still one thing. You never did answer me last night; do you care about me?" In his eyes, there was easily seen hope as well as fear, making an answer all the more harder for Kai. Tell me the truth. You already have told most of it, now answer me clearly.
"Of course I care. I care about all of you and I would do anyth-"
"I don't mean like that and you know it." Rei's voice became gruff and he moved, walking over to Kai in only two strides. "Are there any feelings that you have for me, in any other way than that of a friend?" When Kai did not respond, Rei closed the space between them completely, leaving only and inch for breathing room, yet all the same, Rei could feel Kai's heart racing in his chest. I'll bet he can feel mine doing the same thing as well...
"..nuh...Rr..." Kai stumbled, his voice small and faint. He could swear that he was about ready to die; he felt so...ashamed and knew for a fact that his face must be burning. But I can't. What will I have left if I do tell you? I can't…
"Kai..." A hand slowly rose to Kai's cheek, the thumb caressing where the normally blue markings would have been. It was such a soft and sound touch, Kai nearly forgot where he was and let his head fall slightly and rest in the gentle grip. I think...maybe he should know...
"Rei…" Slowly he brought his face back up, their eyes fixed on each others, only centimeters apart. "I care...more than anything in the world for you. I have never known someone with such a passion and love for life and friends more than you. You give everything you have; even your soul, to take care of them. If ever there was one person that I would trust my life with, it would be you, no questions asked." Slowly he let his head fall back again, no longer afraid of the answer, just relieved he had said it. Everything…
Rei stood motionless for a moment, the only sound between them the inhale and exhale as he breathed. What can I possibly say to that? That was the most...genuine, loving thing I have ever heard of. I don't think that even now, words will sufice. "Kai...do you love me?"
(Should I stop here? Nah, I'll be nice!)
Even so, Kai heard the faint sound of relief as the question was asked of him. However; he wasn't going to avoid questions any longer. "More than anything in this world. Rei, I do love you, with everything I have."
With out another word, Kai was swept into a tight hug, his face on Rei's shoulder as the teen buried his face in his hair. It was almost too hard to tell, but he heard the words clearly enough. "I love you too Kai." That was the simple, muffled response that he had wanted to hear since the first time he had ever met Rei.
And it couldn't have been at a better time. Rei could only hold onto him as tightly as possible. I know now. I know the truth and that is all I need.
Slowly Kai wrapped his arms around Rei to, squeezing back as he leaned in holding onto him with all his might. It could not have been a more perfect moment.
They stayed like that, holding each other for what seemed like hours but was more around five minutes. All the same, Rei was the first to pull away, just enough to give them a little space. Absently, Kai brushed away a stray hair that had fallen in Rei's golden eyes. A small smile appeared on his face, showing off his white teeth.
Kai smiled also, but for a different reason. "You really do have fangs." That is just so cute. I always wondered what it would feel like…
"Hm?" Rei asked, startled by the question. His eyes followed Kai's hand as it came to his mouth, pointing to the canines. He picks that to say of all things at this time?
"We all thought it looked like you had fangs, even Mr. Dickinson. I haven't even been close enough to you to ever know, except back at the Russian tournament, but you didn't say anything so I couldn't tell." Kai laughed slightly then, seeing the look on Rei's face. He looked so lost. But gradually the confusion wore off and understanding took over.
"No, I do. And the pointy ears too. Not something that is very normal, but the White-"
"We know. But yours are definitely longer than theirs and your ears are always covered by this long hair." Kai's hand moved and brushed through a silky strand. He had always wanted to do that. It was something only from a dream; never more.
"I've just never had it cut. I like it this way and besides, pulling it back it stays out of my way." He stopped, realizing something for the first time. "How did we go from professing love to talking about my appearance?" He stopped again, content with just watching Kai look him over. Normally he would have been slightly embarrassed, but now, it felt like the most normal thing in the world.
Kai let his eyes wander, taking in every part of Rei's body. He was only wearing pj pants that were a dark red and a nicely fitting t-shirt that came down just below his navel. He hadn't pulled his hair back into its usual wrap; instead having it back in a simple pony tail, having yet to brush out the tangles that surely plagued him constantly. All together, Rei made the just out of bed look sexy as hell.
His arms were very well defined; his shoulders having become a little broader in the time since they had first met and he had lost nearly all of the baby fat. He didn't have those little, slightly poofy cheeks but rather gentle cheek bones. His legs were long and slender, almost like a girls to be more precise. Added to all this, even though his shirt was not extremely tight, Kai could still see the muscles that made up his abs under it. It was no wonder he was the envy of every intelligent person around.
"Kai, you are staring rather hard. I'm not that great of a sight." Rei muttered, tugging his shirt down slightly. He had to admit, he was one of the more modest people when it came his body. Ok, the little staring earlier was fine, but this is getting unnerving.
"Don't say that; you are lying out your teeth." Kai grinned, suddenly letting his body slide down the glass sliding door and sink to the ground. Damn…maybe he's a little too much for my brain at the moment.
Rei kneeled down, wondering why Kai's mood had changed so suddenly again. "Well, I know, but I've never had any body stare at me like that. I've had people glance and wink or grin, but not actually look that hard." Slowly he reached out, placing a hand over Kai's left bicep and rubbing it softly. "You, Mr. 'I Used to Work Out Every Day', have a really nice figure. Especially when you took extra care of it. But still, you're nothing to laugh at either."
"Thanks." Kai murmured, his eyes closing slowly and his body relaxing a great deal. He didn't even seem to notice that they were outside and in their night clothes none the less at nearly ten thirty in the morning. He was only in a pair of shorts! It's so nice out here. I wish I could just stay forever. With Rei of course...
"Kai, why are you so tired all of a sudden?" Needless to say that the sound of Rei's voice made the other boy realize that he was nodding off. I bet he made himself sicker by getting up and making food.
"Hm? I just didn't sleep well last night. I felt really bad about what I had done and spent most of my time thinking about nothing and everything and wondering why I had done all that stuff to you. I was also..." He voice dropped again, as if he were fighting back the urge to keep quiet just a little more. "Wondering how to say sorry."
Rei's face never changed expressions as he stared hard into Kai's own; impassive. "I think you already said you were sorry, in more ways than one." He got up then, reaching down and grasping Kai by his arm. "Come on, we need to get back inside and eat breakfast before its too late and the guys start wondering where we are." By now, he was smiling again.
"Yeah, I suppose." Kai muttered as he too got up. Could I possibly be a happier person in the whole entire world right now? I highly doubt it. For once, my life is doing something that I want it to. Guess being alone is out of the question though...
Kai was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice Rei had already opened the door and turned to pull him in. But seeing as he was preoccupied, he didn't really notice as his feet moved before his brain could register and he stumbled forward heavily. However, he did not get far and was suddenly shoved up against Rei, pinning the teen between him and the side pannel of the sliding glass door.
"Ka-i!" Rei squeaked, both shocked and horrified to see that the slightly taller boy had him trapped. Did he mean to do that! Sure as hell better not have or...well, not that I hate this position, but...I would have thought we would have waited a while to do anything. AH! My mind just went straight to the gutter. I blame Tyson for being so perverted.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. I honestly didn't mean to do that. Are you ok?" Kai snapped his head up just an inch to see Rei's eyes staring down at him. Needless to say, he couldn't help but feel little butterflies in his stomach as the shock wore off and was replaced with a look of care.
"No, don't worry. I'm fine..." Rei dropped his voice to a whisper. Inside, his heart was racing about two hundred beats per minute. He could feel Kai's soft body pressing into his own and was beginning to get very comfortable with it. Without thinking, he wrapped and arm around Kai's waist and pulled him up slightly, bringing them to nearly eye level.
Kai himself was having a hard time sorting this all out. But Rei was so gentle and he felt so safe and cared for in the embrace. It was just...well, simply put, it was heaven.
"Kai...look at me..." Rei's voice wavered into his ear and he slowly raised his eyes, only to find that they were mere centimeters apart. Rei's eyes were half way closed and he had a light pink tint that spread across his cheeks. His hair kept falling just barely into his face. His breathing had picked up and Kai knew the pounding against his chest was the other's heart.
I don't know, but...I want to. It can't hurt. There are plenty of reasons but right now, they are just not important; I can't think of them. Fuck, who the hell cares. Kai let his eyes fall shut slowly and moved forward, closing the space almost completely.
Rei didn't close his eyes, he wanted to see everything. Kai was only just a little bit away from him now...Damn..I never knew I...Kai, I love you so much, you will never truely know just how...
The sudden banging of footsteps loudly approaching them caused Kai to tear himself away, breaking any and all contact they had and Rei himself snapped to alert, watching as Tyson poked his head out the door. "Hey, are you guys going to eat? Maxie got a little pissy at me so I made you two some breakfast, seeing as I ate what you had already made."
The two just stood there, unmoving as Tyson stopped, glancing back and forth between the two curiously. Clearly his mind was working, but he was still too sleepy to actually understand fully what was going on. Tyson was clueless.
"Ok, we'll be right in." Rei chirped, brushing past Tyson and going back to the table. I had a moment and he ruined it!
"Wait up." Kai added, walking slowly by Tyson, careful not to touch him in any way. Tyson, I will make you pay for that one!
Tyson stared out at the view before him, not looking at it, but thinking. Have they finally admitted it to each other? Did my plan work? They sure are acting suspicious. I hope to God I didn't just ruin something...SHIT! I am such an ass. They and close, hug, talk, outside, morning, fight, kiss, accident...oh, I have to apologize!
"REI! KAI! Wait!" Tyson screeched, whirling around and slamming the door shut as he took of for the kitchen.
End
With that last little comment by Rei, the whole 'I had a moment and he ruined it, that is dedicated to my Best Friend Ash, since that happened to her. She had a moment, and it was ruined. Her exact words too. HAHA!