Title: Our First Noel
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.
"Isn't this fun, Ray-Ray?"
Define fun.
"Just the two of us."
Oh yeah, my fun-meter is a crackin' under the strain.
"I'm so happy that you decided to join me. No one wanted to."
I'm shocked! Not really.
"You're awfully quiet, Ray-Ray."
Like you've given me a chance to say a word
"So, what are you looking for?"
An escape route. Oh wait, I have been granted permission to speak.
"I still have to buy one more present."
Good, keep it as formal and direct as possible. The sooner I get what I need the sooner I can fake a migraine and tell her that I have to go home to lie down.
"For who?" she asks, eyes brimming.
"Kai."
"…Oh."
She had expected me to say for her, I'm sure. After all, she's only going to buy me my fourteenth present. I kid you not, she showed me them all yesterday when we got back. Wrapped with so many ribbons and bows that I'm going to need a hacksaw to open them come Christmas morn. Everyone will be enjoying the Christmas turkey by the time I've manage to crack number five open. Nevertheless, she insisted on buying me one more because thirteen is an unlucky number. Sigh.
"Kai, huh? That's… nice." Don't give yourself a hernia. "Anything else?"
She just doesn't know when to quit. That's what bugs me the most. Always begging for attention, following me everywhere I go, so hopeful that I will give her my undivided love. What I hate even more is the fact that that sounds a lot like what I'm doing to Kai. I hope he isn't reacting the same way to me as I am to Mariah. I'll be honest, I wouldn't mind having her as just a friend. If only she'd see our relationship the same way, but she acts so 'ack' when around me. How ever did I make it so far without telling her to shove her future honeymoon plans?
"No, that's about it."
"That's okay," she smiles widely, hugging my arm as we walk. "As long as I have you I don't need anything."
Joy.
We're in the local shopping center. I had my reservations about buying Kai's gift in a mediocre mall, but beggars can't be choosers. I still can't believe that I forgot. I would kick myself if my feet weren't so swollen from being trampled on in the subway and all that walking we did in the city. I simply refuse to return to that madhouse so I figured I might as well get something in the local area. And despite Mariah's claims, I did not volunteer to accompany her. In fact, I didn't even know she was going. If I had I would have braved the subway all on my own without Kai's force field. I should have known better, considering how long I've known her. I had gotten dressed right after breakfast and told everyone that I had to run down to the local mall for something. Mariah, who had been sticking even more ribbons on my presents, had suddenly run from the living room. Needless to say, I did not care. I should have because just as I had rounded the corner of the street I heard this unworldly shout that had sent an entire flock of pigeons flying. Mariah, now wearing her jacket, shawl and mittens, was running up and for a moment I felt the natural instinct to bolt but that girl can outrun me any day. Especially when chasing me.
I repeat; joy.
"It's strange that you're buying something for Kai, though. I don't think he'll even care if you do. It's a shame that you're going to waste your money on him. Remember what he did last time? He totally dissed me and forced you to come with him."
You're right…I have to buy him a really good gift.
"Besides, I don't think he's bought anything for anyone else. I saw his face when he read the name on his Secret Santa paper; he looked so bored. I feel sorry for whoever he's got. Bet they're not going to get anything for Christmas since he's such a jerk. You're a really good guy, Ray-ray, to be able to put up with him all the time."
Guess I must be a saint for putting up with you then. Buddha himself would have belly-flopped this girl a long time ago.
As she talks I force myself not to snap at her but she isn't making it easy as she continues to talk about how mean and asocial Kai is. So maybe he is, I still love him. And he isn't as bad as she is making him out to be. He's an awesome captain and has come to accept us as friends (some more than others). And though he spends most of his time with the demonic duo when around the other visitors he does his best to be civilized. He gets along with Garland and Miguel, mainly since they are level-headed guys. And, as much as I'd rather eat Hillary's cooking than admit it, when around Tala and Bryan he is pretty relaxed. That is, when they aren't going at it like cat and dog.
Mariah is talking about something I'm sure I'd ignore if I was to actually pay attention, so let me elaborate on the situation between the arctic bladers. When we had reached home I had gone directly upstairs to hide Brooklyn's gift (more on that later) while Kai had continued down the hall and entered his room, closing the door behind him. No one saw him or Tala for hours. Bryan had drifted in at around nine o'clock, crabbier than ever. Woody will be naked within days if he keeps it up. We had all expected (and hoped) that he would lock himself up in Kai's room, but instead he had gone and sat on the patio in the back until Kai and Tala had emerged. The redhead and his travel companion had exchanged a few reasonable sentences, but it wasn't laid-back and taunting like the way they had been getting belong before the whole thing blew up.
"Okay, let's split up." You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that. Just add 'forever' on the end and I'll buy you thirty presents (all from the bargain-sale store, but it's the quantity that counts here). "I'll go find you that present, which I know you'll love, and you can go do that thing you have to do."
Sheesh, she can't even say it out loud. Someone's jealous, I can tell. Oh no, not a hug!
"See you soon," she coos, nuzzling me in the chest. A few passing shoppers smile and 'Aaaww'. What do they know? "Meet me back here in an hour?"
Is that a trick question?
"Sure," I mutter.
"Great! Bye-bye, Ray-Ray!"
Hey, echo.
Returning her crazed waving as I watch her run off, I allow myself a relieved breath. I don't think I can take much more of this. The closer I get to Kai the more irritating she gets to me. Maybe it's just me, but she seems to be cuddling/hugging/fondling/kissing/licking me a lot more these days. She even tried to get me to sleep with her on the couch, which isn't that spacious so she had had the nerve to suggest that she sleeps on top of me. I'm not being mean when I say that she could do without the daily batch of muffins. I'm still not sure how I managed to get myself out of that one. I only vaguely remember lying along the line of being allergic to the cushion covers.
Now then, about Kai's present. Still have no idea what to get him, but if I walk around I'm bound to see something. I look around, trying to decide where to begin. Man, they really should water the plants in this place. They're looking pretty crappy. Unless…
Uh oh.
There, coming in my direction, melting mistletoes and holies with his glare, is our friendly neighborhood psycho. People are diving left and right and dogs begin to howl as Bryan stalks forward. I panic, looking for a place to hide. Wonder if I can dislocate my shoulders and hips and squeeze my way into that mail box; at least then I'd have disconnected joints on my own accord without Bryan's assistance. All three Russians were missing this morning for breakfast though Kai was reported to have been spotted in the neighborhood. The other two had vanished without a trace. I'm wishing that they had remained vanished but right now more leaves are falling as he nears. Why am I still here? Maybe he won't see me if I stand completely still. Maybe he only detects sudden movements. Think stone, Ray. Motionless like a statue…Blend…Just blend in…Not working, probably because I am wearing the god-awful red and green scarf that I can't believe I bought while in a sober state.
Too late now. He's only a few feet away and is closing in…And now he's a few feet behind me, having passed me as if I were yesterday's soggy newspaper.
Well, isn't that just rude! Actually, I'm not offended in the least, but…why? Here I am, his favorite victim, all by myself with no Kai to protect me, and he didn't even try to strangle me with my own hair? Not even a twist on my sensitive ears? Not even an endearing round of calling me a pussycat while heavily accenting the first part? I take that back; now I am offended. I hate being ignored! He doesn't even look back as he slams the entry doors open, leaving in his wake a trail of dead plants, mothers soothing their crying children and a dog that has just pooped all over the tiles.
I, on the other hand, am right steamed. I need to cool down. Some cold water on my face should do the trick since I am now penniless and can't afford a drink from the vending machine. It doesn't take long before I find a sign pointing me in the right direction to the restrooms. Still trying to understand why I am still capable of walking, I end up in a brightly lit hall where the men's room is located on my right. I push the door open and walk around the small privacy wall. Or, I begin to but I hear a sound that makes me freeze. A sniffle. Why does that make me stop? No idea. So I take another step.
"Zhopa!"
…Okay. That was nice and loud and unintelligible. And very familiar. I freeze. I know that voice, as well as the language it has just spoken in, but what about that sniffling I heard first? It can't possibly be…I inch closer until I can peek around the tiled walls.
Tala is standing before the stretch of mirror, his hands bracing himself on the marble counter top. His head is hanging and his shoulders are trembling. Everything about Tala in my memory has always been so calm and steady; I have honestly no idea what to make of this. Even more surprising than his vulnerable stance is the fact that he is indeed crying. Not bawl-your-heart-out, snotty-nosed screams, but he is obviously upset enough to allow himself the tears that are streaking down his face. He's trying to stop, using a rumpled piece of tissue to dab at his eyes as he stubbornly clenches his lips together, but it is taking all his will-power to do so and he isn't exactly succeeding.
Despite my…reservations towards this guy, I can't help but feel sorry. For someone like Tala to be crying whatever the cause was it must have been massive. This is the guy who took a solid punch to the face from Bryan without…Oh man. Is it Bryan? He had stormed pass me coming from this direction and a major blow-out with Tala could have been enough to occupy his mind so much that he didn't even notice me. Experience has taught me that physical blows didn't affect Tala this way. Had Bryan said something to him? What could they have possibly been arguing about for the past few days? This is a whole lot more serious than the mascara-theory I came up with yesterday.
"You bastard…"
Tala's fluctuating between languages; he's really messed up. Flattening myself against the wall, I listen, hoping to find some clue as to what is bothering him so. He mutters for a few more moments in Russian but then switches back to English, his breath hitching every now and then.
"…How could you…I didn't want…"
More Russian for a while. Then;
"Kai's right…He's right…"
It is silent and I dare to peep once more. Tala has taken out his cell phone and is dialing, eyes teary and his chest convulsing sporadically as he continues to deny himself to cry openly. Leaning back against the wall, he wraps his other arm around himself. I'm really beginning to worry now. He just looks so…vulnerable.
"Kai?" he says in a small voice when someone answers. "He did it again…"
I almost smash my head against the wall when he switches to Russian but I keep watching, hoping to pick up on any understandable words but he has fallen silent, listening to Kai on the other end of the phone I assume. A trembling hand raises to wipe his eyes as he cradles his phone to his ear. I must be losing it, but I feel like running over there and crushing him in a hug and crying along with him. Curse his heartbreakingly cute appearance. But his words are somewhat disturbing. It had to have been Bryan, but what did he do that Tala didn't want to? Apart from being an emotional wreck, physically Tala doesn't look any worse for the wear. I can't find any bruises or cuts on his face or visible skin and his clothes aren't shredded. I'm stumped.
"…I can't…He said that…that...that he will--"
"Ray-Ray! Are you in there!"
I almost drop my bags when Mariah's screams my name from the opposite side of the door. Has an hour past yet? I don't think so! Dammit! Beyond the wall I hear Tala's boots scuff on the floor. His voice lowers and is sounding a bit more like what I know and fear. I hear the click of his cell closing and then footsteps begin to close in. I'm trapped! If I run out Mariah will give me away but if I stay Tala will know that I was eavesdropping on a very expressive and private moment. I can't go back, I can't stay and there's no where to hide. Only one option left…
Tala rounds the corner into the short and narrow corridor. His eyes are still slightly red but he has gotten his emotionless mask on and is as imposingly unpredictable as ever. I hold my breath, waiting for him to notice me. He looks around…and heads for the door, slamming it open. I hear Mariah gasp and secretly wonder if he had hit her with the door. No such luck.
"Hey! Huh? Tala…uh…I'm looking for Ray. Is he in there?"
"No."
"Oh…Are you sure?"
Tala never answers and I hear him march off. I can see Mariah's shadow through the little space beneath the door and she whispers,
"Ray-Ray? It's me, Mariah. Are you sure you're not in there?"
What? Oh, silly me! I've been here all along, haven't I? It must have slipped my mind! Cue eye roll. She truly amazes me sometimes. Still, I don't move a muscle until her shadows moves and I hear her walk off, shouting my name as she continues her quest to look for me in places I'm not. Hey, if it keeps her busy…
My arms are beginning to hurt so I carefully lower myself from where I have been bracing myself with my arms and legs high up the walls against the ceiling. Guess being a neko-jin, plus having gone through years of martial arts, did have its pros. Spiderman would have been proud. Thank the stars that Tala hadn't looked up or I would have been a sitting, or hanging, duck. Landing softly in a crouch I wait for several minutes to make sure that Mariah is far enough before I leave the restroom. As I wait I chew over what I have just experience. First off, it was freaky. Secondly, it has only made things even more confusing. And third, now I am even more curious. Bryan being pissed off isn't all that new a discovery, but Tala in tears? I didn't even know he had tear ducts. Had I walked in on him cursing in very colorful Russian while ripping the soap dispensers off the wall and smashing the mirrors to pieces I wouldn't have even blinked. That's the kind of reaction I have come to expect from him. But wiping his eyes and calling Kai in such a state…That has to be included somewhere in the Apocalypse.
I can still hear Mariah shouting my name somewhere upstairs so I don't hang around once I'm out in the open and make a bee-line for the exit. I still haven't bought Kai's present but won't be able to get anything done with her around anyways and right now I am still too shaken by the sight of a weeping Russian. I shouldn't be sticking my nose into other peoples' business, especially since those people would smash it in if they found out, but I'm doing this for our own wellbeing. Two stoic Russians are bad enough; two emotionally charged Russians can't bring anything remotely good.
I have to tell someone and I know the perfect person.
"You're guess is as good as mine."
Sigh. Not so perfect after all.
"Are you sure that that is what he said?" Hiro asks, sitting on the floor with his back against my bed frame, a poofy ball of fur with one eye in his lap. "Maybe you misinterpreted his words."
"That's not the point," I insist, pacing before him. "Tala doesn't cry, Hiro. It's physically impossible. It's this fight he's been having with Bryan ever since two days ago."
"They seemed perfectly fine when they first arrived. Maybe it's just some friction between friends."
"But Tala was crying." I don't think that Hiro understands the severity here. "Tala doesn't cry, Hiro. I would have expected to sooner see Brooklyn eat a Big Mac than see Tala being the least bit emotional."
Now Hiro looks concerned.
"That is serious. But I don't think that you should involve yourself in this. Everyone has fights. And I know that Tala crying is not a daily, or even annually, occurrence, but seeing as neither of them have done any critical damage to each other it is best that you stay clear. And by that I mean no eavesdropping or spying."
"But Hiroooo…" Way to make an argument. That will prove how maturely I'm handling this.
"If it is bothering you so much then why don't you ask Kai?" he suggest, lifting bunny up and studying its underside, though on this thing it's pretty tricky to guess which side is up.
"Kai? He would tell me the same thing you have."
"Great minds think alike."
I glower at him but he only raises a brow. So much for my supporter. I plop down next to him, watching sulkily as he continues to pet bunny. Hiro didn't return until late last night, though Brooklyn had been home when Kai and I had returned, and he had still been asleep this morning when I had gone out so this is the first time I've seen him since buying bunny. Figuring that I should get his opinion on the thing, as well as try and get him to join forces with me on the whole Russian drama, I invited him to my room and we've been in here for about an hour. He didn't cling to the light fixture or search out something big and heavy to drop on it when I took the thing out to show him, which is saying a great deal more than Lee's reaction towards our temporary roommate.
He took it better than I had thought; it only took me like two hours to coax him back in the room after I pulled it out of the box. He had been convinced that it was a wolverine. I had been forced to lock it up in my closet last night and even then Lee had slept with a heavy stick he had found in the yard within arm's reach. I'm not sure I can sympathize with him. I'm actually starting to find the little pompom adorable. And I've figured out a way to not get the head and butt mixed up at first glance. I've put a little red bow between its ears, or…I think I have. I also found the final paw, making this rabbit officially complete. All I have to do now is make sure that Lee doesn't kill it before the big day. He has warned me while holding that stick; One wrong move and the bunny is going to get it. I'm not too worried, though. I've been the proud owner of this thing for almost a day now and it has yet to budge on its own. Not that I can blame it; probably forgotten that is has legs under all that fur.
"So you think he'll like it?" I ask after a while when Hiro is done with inspecting it. He's probably trying to see if it's a male or female. I don't think that these things can tell each other apart.
"Definitely. I was thinking more along the line of a bird, but this is a lot more manageable. So how did it go yesterday with Kai?"
"Great," I smile, resting my head back against my mattress. "He's a lot of fun to be around once you get to know his way of thinking. He even bought me something at Starbucks as a treat."
"No kidding," Hiro says, sounding very impressed. "And what about the both of you?"
"Not great. We're friends again, but I just don't know what to do. You can't just tell someone that you're gay."
"I did."
"Seriously?" I turn to him. "Is that how you and Brooklyn got together?"
He nods, putting bunny down between the two of us and resting his arms on his bent knees, a nostalgic smile on his handsome face.
"He came to me actually. We used to have long chats while I was their coach so we grew pretty close. One time he admitted to me that he was gay and he didn't know how to tell the others. I'd known that I was gay for years so I told him that there was nothing wrong with that. He smiled and told me that it was good to know that since he had been crushing on me ever since our first meeting."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that. We shared our first kiss a week later and things just unfolded on their own."
Where was I when the gods were handing out good fortune? Hiro and Brooklyn have to hide their true selves and their relationship but they were together whereas I'm slumming in the closet. A cramp, moth-ball smelling closet. Or even worse, Max's closet. I'll take this step farther; Papa G's closet. I'm getting suicidal just thinking about it.
"The first thing you should do is find out whether he is straight or not," Hiro says, that masterminding he's famous for coming into play. "No use pouring your heart out to him if there's no chance of him returning your feelings."
"And how should I do that? 'Hey Kai, love that jacket. Are you queer, by any chance?'."
"You have to be sure," Hiro shrugs, not affected by my sarcasm.
"Even if I grew the balls to do that, when will I get the chance? He's been with Tala all afternoon and every time I step out of this room I am besieged by Mariah. Unless you are expecting me to shower with him there isn't the slightest opportunity."
I've just said something that has set that mastermind brainstorming. I hope he isn't going to actually insist that I do shower with Kai. That would be the best shower in my life, of course, but how much will Kai like it if I hop in while he's bathing? Gay or not, he'd slam me straight through the bathroom door. How do I know? Tyson once took the liberties of walking in on our captain in the locker room during the American tournament while Kai had been in the shower. He had only been looking for his launcher but he caught Kai off guard; Mr. Dickenson had to have new lockers installed after Tyson's body dented at least six of them. Kai is less violent towards us nowadays, but I'm not going to take any chances.
Hiro is done brainstorming and is smiling rather deviously. I'm not sure if I like it.
"I think it's time for another group outing," he says.
I was right. I don't like it.
"The hot springs?"
"It would be a lot of fun and grandpa can get us in for free."
Yeah. All he has to do is show up in that suit of his and we'll have the entire place to ourselves. That is, until the police arrive.
Hillary looks thoughtful though she's also blushing like mad because Hiro is actually talking to her. Poor girl. Hiro's not stupid. He knows that she has the hots for him. He should be ashamed, stringing her along like that!…Says the guy who has Mariah already picking wedding gowns. I can relate to Hiro's tactics. It's less painful, for all of us, if we wait until the right moment. Blessed bastard that he is, Hiro still has two years before he can officially break the news to Hillary, by which time she might have moved on. I only have two days, my self-imposed deadline, and I'm not sure that Mariah will have lost interest in me by then.
Hiro's plan is as simple as it is brilliant. We'll all go to one of the hot springs for some rest and relaxation. For starters, it will give me a respite from Mariah since men and women use separate springs. It will be a calming environment which should help ease my nerves. Hiro has promised to find a way to keep the rest of the guys busy while I talk to Kai. And finally, and this is the really ingenious part, Tala and Bryan won't be there. Why? Because they refuse to go on group outings so they're sure to turn this offer down flat. Neither are in a good mood to begin with so they'll just stay behind and simper. I still feel kinda bad for Tala, but nothing comes between me and Kai. Tala's a big boy; he can deal with his problems. I have to deal with mine. The only thing now is to get Hillary to make some changes in her meticulously made planner. I am not liking the idea that I see a Samba competition set for tomorrow.
"And, uh, when would you want to go?" Hillary blushes, nervously playing with the pen.
Laying it on thick, Hiro leans forward, pretending to be thinking but I can see him eyeing the schedule discreetly. The samba contest! Please pick the samba contest! I can't dance to save my life. I can't do a lot of things to save my life; it's amazing I'm still here, but dancing is the worst. The only thing above that is Mariah and that is saying something. Hiro, hear my thoughts. Samba contest. Saaaaammmbaaaaa contest.
"Tomorrow will be a good day. With all the work we've been doing it will be nice to take a break. It should be after lunch when everyone's content. How about around three?"
You beautiful, beautiful man.
"Three? Oh, but I had planned…"
"Unless you don't agree," he shrugs though adopts a pretty darn good I'm-disappointed-that-you-don't-value-my-opinion face. I'm in the presence of a master here.
"No! I do agree! And I hadn't planned anything for three so it comes out perfect!"
Liar liar pants on fire. And her pants must have caught fire; those short shorts of hers can't possibly be good for her…'kitty'. It's a miracle she can even move in them. Clearly an attempt to get someone's (as in the young adult beside me) attention. It's the middle of winter, Hill. Go for the obvious why don't you?
"Great, then we'll go share the good news with the others." Damn, he's good. He even throws in a parting wink which has Hillary fawning over the table. I once tried to wink at Kai and he asked me if something had flown into my eye.
"I can't believe you actually did that," I laugh once we are out of hearing range, making our way to the back yard where yet another snow ball battle is taking place. "It's a great idea, nonetheless."
"Think of it as a thank you gift for getting Brooklyn that rabbit."
"Huh?"
Smiling slyly, he puts on his sunglasses but pulls them down to look over their rims at me.
"Here's your chance to see your lover boy butt naked."
He chuckles and leaves me with my mouth gaping since that idea had not crossed my mind once. Now it's repeating itself over and over again like a broken record player. Kai butt naked…Kai butt naked…Kai's butt…Kai butt naked…Kai butt naked…Kai butt naked…Kai's butt…Kai butt naked…Kai butt naked…The possibilities are endless! I can't wait!
"For what?"
Note to self: do not speak your thoughts out loud unless you have a valid excuse, like a release form from a mental institute.
I spin around to find none other than Kai. Oh my, my mind can't stop and now I am looking him over, imagining just how certain parts of him will look without those pesky things called clothes. Am I getting a nosebleed?
"For…Christmas," I quickly cover. Can't tell him that I'm getting so stoked over a trip to the hot springs; that is bound to make him think me a lecher. Which I am, but there's no need for him to know. "By the way, Hiro's managed to get Hillary to let us go to the hot springs tomorrow."
He doesn't react since that wasn't a question, though normal people would have made some comment about what they thought of the idea. Gods must be wired differently.
"…You coming?" I am forced to ask.
"Don't think so."
This…is an unexpected turn of events. I don't think that Hiro considered Kai not wanting to come. I am to blame though. I should have reminded myself that Kai doesn't usually do the whole social scene. Unless I beg him. If I could get him to the candy convention than I should be able to talk him into coming now. Maybe I should throw in the promise to not eat any Crappy Cups, though that shouldn't be too hard.
"Why not? It's just a little outing with everyone."
"I have things to do."
"Like what?"
"Just things."
"If they are 'just things' then they can't be that important."
Try and wriggle your way out of that!
"If this is 'just a little outing' then it can't be any more important."
The guy's like an eel! So word games don't work. Alright then, let's try reverse psychology.
"Fine then, don't come."
"Fine with me. Enjoy the trip."
"I will."
Wait, that wasn't supposed to happen. This is getting dire. New strategy.
"Please come?"
Honest entreaty. Kai's got to admire this direct approach.
"I thought you said I could stay," he reminds me, folding his arms before his chest.
"Kai…" I hesitate. Here we go, again. "I want you to come with us."
"There isn't any candy in the hot springs so you should be able to handle the three stooges by yourself."
"It's not that. I…I just want you to come, okay? It would mean a lot to me if you do."
Sighing, he thinks it over. I know I am asking a lot from him, especially since he is caught up between his two friends, but that's all the more reason for him to take some time off and just relax. All that antagonism and arguing must be tiring. Bryan won't miss him and Tala will just have to settle with filling up Kai's inbox for a few hours. I'm also his friend and as a friend I want to see him actually enjoy the holidays. Oh yeah, and I have to ask him if he's queer. Gotta keep that in mind or I'll waste the entire visit drooling over his naked body. Not that that would be a waste, really, but if I stick to the plan and all goes well then I'll have the rest of my life to watch him in the buff.
"What time?"
Yes! He's cracking!
"Around three. It was either that or a samba contest."
Kai looks so cute when he rolls his eyes.
"Alright."
"You mean it?"
"I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't."
"This means so much to me. Thanks, Kai."
"Ray."
"Yes?"
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
…Um…Oh boy. Has he seen through me? He wouldn't have had to look far, but he hasn't shown any sign of noticing how totally wonky I've been being this past week or so. What gave me away? Did he see me staring? Did he overhear me and Hiro in my room? What do I tell him? Should I just skip the entire trip and ask him right here, right now? I think that I can make up a good enough excuse to breach the subject; I've been doing nothing but lying to Mariah since she showed up. Problem is Kai prefers to use a decent portion of his brain, unlike Mariah, so he isn't that easy to fool. But I don't want to fool him anyways. I just want to tell him the truth…About who I am and about what I feel for him…
"There is something…Promise me you'll hear me through?"
Am I really going to do this? Kai has nodded, face serious as he waits. This could ruin everything between us. If he is straight and not interested then my confession could totally blow up in my face. It could change our relationship forever and in the long run disrupt the entire team. But…I have to know.
"I…I have been wondering for the past few days and…for the past three years actually…and…and I was wondering…Are you--"
"Ray-Ray!"
A body slams me from behind and I stumble forward from the force, right into Kai. He catches me though I fall onto his chest, my hands gripping his forearms as I bite my lip in order to contain the frustrated scream I am mentally directing towards the cow who has yet again chosen the worst time to search me out. As much as I enjoy this position against him, I regain my footing, using Kai's strong arms as leverage, and glare behind me at the widely grinning face.
"Hiro just told us! Was it your idea too, Ray-Ray? I'm sure it was. You always think up the most clever things! Do you know that they have special couples springs? I'm going to reserve one for us. And if you're a good boy I might give you an early taste of my Christmas cooking…"
Weren't you the one who almost poisoned Lee's grandfather with that exotic fish dish you made for his birthday? Wait, didn't I hear her say earlier, when I had been ignoring her, that she was going to help out with the Christmas dinner? I think I'll order take-out.
"Oh Ray, did you get Kai's present? You know, the one you forgot to buy yesterday? You see, Kai, he was so busy finding me the perfect gift that it totally slipped his mind. Now how about that?"
New mantra: Must not kill best friend's sister…Must not kill best friend's sister…Must not kill best friend's sister…Unless I kill Lee and then I can kill Mariah and not have to worry about him being upset, though I don't think he'll not mind the part where I kill him.
Noticing me flexing my hands/nails/claws, Kai raises a brow at the pink leech clinging on me.
"Funny, if I recall correctly I was with him the entire day yesterday and he did get me a gift. Didn't know he wanted to buy me two. Thanks," Kai shrugs, throwing Mariah's own words back in her face. I know he's doing this just to spite her.
I can kiss you right about now. I can seriously fling Mariah off me, tackle you to the ground and ravage you right now. I don't know if he's just pretending to not care that I haven't bought him anything yet or if he really doesn't mind, but the fact that he hasn't reacted the way he did with the Swiss chocolate incident is doing wonders for my confidence.
Mariah, her hair almost standing on end, puffs her cheeks and pouts her lips in the hopes of looking imposing; she looks like a pink puffer fish.
"You know, Kai, if it weren't for the fact that you're friends with Tyson Ray and I would have put you in your place a long time ago. I'm on to you. I know you're still a traitor at heart! You couldn't beat us with Black Dranzer, you can't beat us now. Not when we are together!"
For the first time since gracing us with her mouth Kai bristles. That is still a very touchy subject for him. We, the Bladebreakers, all know that he is still angry with the idea that he had allowed his grandfather and Boris to control him like that and even more so that that thing (Black Dranzer, not the one-eyed bunny upstairs) had made him turn on us. If we hadn't helped him he might not even be here right now (a heart-breaking notion for me). Ever since then we've done our best to stay clear of that topic for his sake. The thoughtful-stunted cow doesn't seem to have considered that Kai might be a different person. Hasn't he proven himself enough already when he took on Brooklyn not once, but twice? Not to mention that he has protected us from Tala and Bryan during their stay so far. What did she do other than shout Lee and my names while standing nice and safe on the sidelines during the tournament, and gloat and eat ever since coming here?
"Don't go there, Mariah," I turn on her, glaring. Yes, glaring. I've just about had it. If she wants to bug me all the time then fine, but I'm not going to stand by and watch her accuse Kai of being unfaithful. "You're my friend, but so is Kai and you have no right to judge him after all he's done for all of us so just drop it!"
She flinches and steps back. Wow, I should have done this years ago. Not that she's done yet. I can see that gleam beginning to sharpen as she looks from me to Kai and back. What now? Has she yet another theory that needs to be shot down? I'm here all night, woman.
"Ah, Mariah-chan. I've been asked to find you."
Well slap my butt (again) and call me a five cent whore, it's Brooklyn (again). He's just always around, isn't he? He floats over (a reminder: Brooklyn doesn't walk, he floats), his smiley and peaceful countenance standing out like a sore thumb amongst the glares and sneers the three of us are sending to each other, Kai and myself on one side while Mariah is holding her own against Kai fairly well. This doesn't dissuade him.
"Monica-chan and Hillary-san are looking for you to begin planning the Christmas dinner," he says, smiling down at Mariah. He refers to all the girls with 'chan' except Hillary and none of us can figure out why. Incomplete jigsaw puzzle, remember? "They're waiting for you in the kitchen."
"Really?" she blinks. Us guys hate Brooklyn sometimes; he can get any girl to ease up with his holy-ethereal being. Heck, he even got Rick to apologize to Mystel not too long ago. I will personally build a shrine to him if he can influence Bryan, but that might be asking too much of one guy. "I didn't know that that was tonight. I'd better go."
Just to remind Kai that this isn't over she glares back at him, smiles at me and Brooklyn and lumbers, I mean skips, off.
"That planning is set for tomorrow evening," Kai says, watching Brooklyn suspiciously.
"I know."
Whoa! Does that mean that Brooklyn…lied? I feel unholy just considering the thought! Not pure, honest Brooklyn. What have they done to him?
"You…lied?" I semi-echo my thoughts out loud. "Why?"
"You looked like you could use some help."
Kai scoffs.
"I don't need your help to deal with the likes of her."
"I didn't mean to offend you." Ah, there's the saint once more. I was beginning to worry. "Do forgive me if I have, Kai. I am just returning a favor to Ray."
No problem. Though I don't have the foggiest idea what you are on about, as always.
"But I am now intruding on your conversation so I shall be off. Until dinner time."
And off he floats. Nice seeing you, Brook. Be sure to flutter by again real soon.
"Is there anything about him that's not retarded?"
Oh don't be so mean, Kai. He's a good guy once you see past that creepy smiley face, the nauseatingly polite demeanor, the serene link with nature and the disturbing amount of time he spends talking to one ladybug. What did he mean with returning a favor? Aside from that one interlude in the kitchen we've hadn't paid each other much attention. He's always off getting in touch with his inner screwball and I'm usually either obsessing over Kai or talking to Hiro…Aaaaah. I see. I don't mind Hiro telling Brooklyn about our little alliance though. Lovers shouldn't keep secrets from one another. Yet another reason why Mariah and I are not meant to be; I've disclosed more secrets to the guy who sells hot dogs down at the pier.
"He's just unique," I defend, turning back to him. "You should give him a chance and talk to him. At least he isn't as hyper or annoying like Tyson, Max and Daichi, and you get along with them rather well." He tends to simply avoid being within a five mile radius of them if possible, but when forced to remain in the same room with those three for more than fifteen minutes he smothers the urge to smother them.
"Hn."
Which brings us to the end of that topic as Kai has officially declared it inconclusive.
"How's the thing?"
Unable to control myself, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.
"Mariah? She was just here a while ago."
Kai blinks. He has noticed my slightly (cough) hesitant attitude towards my 'girl friend' but since it is a universally accepted fact that she and me are a couple he probably wrote my rare bouts of impatience towards her off as, well…rare bouts of impatience. It had been unintentional, but hopefully my slip of the tongue will dispute what he's always thought. The corners of his mouth curl in an actual smile. A condescending smile directed towards Mariah, but it still looks so hot on him.
"I was referring to Brooklyn's gift."
Oh, that thing. Pretending to not think much of my first response, I nod.
"Good, though Lee is ready to splat it if it even looks at him the wrong way. I--"
"Kai...?"
What. Was. That? Is Kai baby-sitting the neighbor's six-year-old? Strangled, soft and tired; not what I'm used to from the captain of the once-world championship Russian team. But coming up behind Kai, his steps soft and almost shuffling, arms crossed over his chest and bright blue eyes no longer so bright, is Tala. Since Kai was standing in front of me he had been blocking me from view but now that he's turned Tala stops when he sees me. A few days ago I would have gotten a bitchy glare. That glare has now been reduced to a weak look of 'Oh…you.'. He quickly tries to scrape together his defense but I can tell that he has been crying again. And his lips are slightly blue. Had he been outside in this cold since I last saw him? Oh my…! Tears! He's crying again, right here before me! No good. No, no good. Way bad even.
"Tala!" Kai gasps, surprising me as he shows raw emotion at the state of the redhead. Walking over he takes the other by his shoulders and asks him something in Russian. Tala doesn't reply, merely shaking his head softly and trying to dry his tears but they just keep coming. I distinctly hear him say 'Bryan' at one point to which Kai reacts by turning him around and leading him towards the bedroom.
"Is there anything I can do?" I ask, taking a step forward. I'm even ready to forgive the wolf for scraping my uvula with his nails a few days ago; this is just too weird. And depressing. Tala's a wreck, for Pete's sakes! Tala! I'm still a good guy within and I hate seeing others like this, especially when everyone's supposed to be merry and gay (in it's original context here).
"I can handle it," Kai replies. "See you at dinner time."
"Okay…"
An arm around Tala's shoulder as they walk, Kai talks softly to him, the wolf's soft sniffs and whispers almost inaudible to me.
Tala…I don't know what to do. I want to keep hating him for being so cruel and malicious and narcissistic. I want to feel some contempt at the fact that the big bad wolf has finally cracked. I want to give him a taste of his own medicine and taunt him endlessly about whimpering. I want to, but I can't, and it's not because I'm upholding some honor code like certain people (coughcoughGarlandcough). I just…feel sorry for him. Not sorry as in 'Aww, what a pathetic wittle puppy'; sorry as in I don't want to see him like this. I actually want him to go back to saying mean things about us while we watch on. I want him to pretend that we aren't there and then turn around and sneer at us for not asking him his opinion when he wouldn't have given it in the first place. It's just not the same without the infuriating bastard. Even more so since Bryan isn't around either to compensate the torture. Speaking of that cheerful fellow, what the Hell has he done to upset his captain so? I have half a mind to search him out and demand an explanation, as random and suicidal as that may seem. Better not do that.
I am no closer to figuring things out when Lee finds me still standing here a few minutes later and talks me into joining everyone in the living room for some horror movie Christmas special. I just know that Mariah put him up to that; lots of cuddle time for her when we watch those movies together. I nod absently, following him to where the entire gang is lounging around the television, talking and laughing as they wait for the film to start. As I purposefully take a spot away from Mariah, pretending that I don't see her patting the open space next to her meaningfully, I listen with half an ear as Tyson is explaining the plot line to me, since he has seen it a million times before.
No one is any wiser that on the other end of the dojo a formerly icy Russian is probably being cradled and comforted by Kai. And I am not even jealous at him for that; if it weren't for Kai being here I might have damn well done it myself. I am that bothered. The movie has started and everyone falls silent, except for Mariah who is loudly whispering my name but I block her out. She finally shuts up after Michael tosses a popcorn kernel at her and since the opening credits are still rolling it is utterly silent in the room. And I can almost hear Tala's sobs in my ears once more.
2 days till Christmas…And here I am wishing for Tala to be throwing candy canes at me in hopes of stabbing me in the eye. This season works in mysterious ways.
Tbc…
A/N: 'Zhopa' is Russian for 'asshole' (or something like that)
Next time: the group trip to the hot springs! Will Ray ask Kai 'The Question' or will both be too preoccupied with the only worsening situation between Tala and Bryan?
Read & Review, please.