--- Mix Tape ---
-- Behind the Scenes of 'The Phoenix Chronicles' --
Side Story 00 - My Boo (Usher)
a.k.a. First Kiss
This chapter is written by guest author Ninja, and doesn't technically slot into The Phoenix Chronicles, as it's set before all of them.
Disclaimer: I don't own the song used in this chapter, and neither does Ninja.
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-There's always that one person that will always have your heart-
Kaen smirked as Pi managed to catch up to him. He took her training again, and he knew her flight skills had improved since last time, so he'd always move that much faster than her, urging her on to catch up. She levelled off her speed and kept pace with Kaen, feeling a little upset, "How come you didn't want to fly together Kaen? Were you trying to leave me behind?"
Kaen smirked again and shrugged a little, "If you can't keep up why should I slow down for you?" With that remark he sped off again - he could hear he shouting "Baka!" at him - and he couldn't help but laugh as he turned to face her, only to receive a weak ki blast to the head, turning his face a deep red. Whether from the burn of the attack or embarrassment none could tell, and that was something that no-one would ever know, as Pi flew past him sticking her tongue at him as she came to land in their usual training spot.
-You never see it coming cause you're blinded from the start-
-Know that you're that one for me it's clear for everyone to see-
Some of the older kids, Korin's' friends, were training nearby and stopped as they saw Pi land, and Kaen shortly after. They noticed Kaen's grimace from the prior event, and laughed a little.
"What's wrong? Lovers quarrel maybe?" one remarked.
"Oh, no, gods forbid, trouble in paradise!" came another, and the laughter only seemed to grow.
Kaen's anger fuelled him, and his Ki began to spike; those who were wearing scouters could see his power level jump, and they all smirked, "Watch out, we may have offended his mate, and he'll need to take vengeance on us."
"She's not my mate!" he barked at them, before sending a few errant blasts in their direction. It scattered them, nothing more, but their purpose had been fulfilled; they shut up.
A few stifled chuckles could be heard as Kaen looked back at Pi, who was now errantly fumbling with the tip of her tail, looking at the ground, her cheeks obviously reddened from the jibes of their older acquaintances. Kaen shook his head a little, "Ignore them, they're just a bunch of fools."
Pi nodded a little and tried her best to stifle her bashfulness as the others kept glancing back at them, "What are we going to lean today Kaen?" She managed to whisper out, as she kept glancing from her tail to Kaen to the others, and back to the ground.
Kaen moved closer to her, saying, "Not much to learn with you so distracted." as he wrapped her tail around her waist for her, causing her to blush more as she looked up into his eyes, and back at his chest. Kaen paused a moment, his hands on her waist, he felt his heart skip a beat as their eyes met for a moment. He let his hands drop and took a step back. "Uh... I'm going to teach you more... uh... endurance..." he managed to stammer out; he felt the crimson rising in his own cheeks as he saw Pi smiling bashfully at his actions.
-Ooh baby (you will always be my boo)-
Kaen coughed a little and closed his eyes, and kept his expression stoic, "Now Pi, you always seem to waste way too much energy when fighting, so you need to learn more control, and that way you'll last longer in battle." The beginning of his lesson immediately washed away their embarrassment as they entered comfortable territory again; he was the tutor, and she was the student.
Their meeting was a chance one at best, when Kaen was a little over one Saiyan year old. Beginning his training one day, he was unfortunate enough to have sent an errant blast of Ki into the woods, which was replied with a shrill cry of shock. Kaen moved into the woods, wondering who he could have hit; the training area his brother showed him was a secluded place to train privately, and he didn't think anyone was here, but to his surprise he found a small Saiyan girl. She was visibly upset, and appeared to be nursing her knee from where the ki blast must have hit; her skirt was burned by the attack.
-I don't know about y'all but I know about us and uh-
-It's the only way we know how to rock-
She looked up at him, tears on the edge of her eyes. He looked at her a little dumbly, and they stared at each other for a moment before the young Kaen decided to break the silence, "What are you doing out here?"
The young girl wiped her eyes before saying, "I heard there were flowers here so I came to find some."
Kaen scoffed and smirked, "Flowers? How pathetic; this is a training area don't you know?" His comment was met with a fierce glare; the intensity from such a small girl shocked him a little.
"It's not nice to be mean to someone after they've been hurt!" She exclaimed.
Kaen shrugged and replied, "If you weren't here for a stupid reason, like looking for flowers, you wouldn't have been hit by my blast."
"You're the one who shot me?" She asked.
His pride blinded him to the murder that now rose in her eyes, "That's right, me. My brother Korin says I'm the youngest around to learn to use blasts like that, but..." Before he could finish his boasting, he was brought to a halt by a fist to his stomach. While the blow wasn't overly strong - his brother Korin has done much worse to him for that matter - his over-all un-preparedness, and the shock that she fought back, was enough to knock him off his feet.
"Jerk! This was one of my best skirts, and your stupid blast ruined it!" Her voice was small but there was more than enough anger behind it. His pride was hurt most from the blow. He'd never hear the end of it from Korin if he saw it - beaten so easily by a girl - so he did what he knew best; he fought back.
Their short stint of melee was quickly brought to a halt with the arrival of an older Saiyan. After Kaen had enough insight to stop trying to struggle against the powerful grip that was holding them apart, he looked up to realise it was his brother Korin. "Uh, hey bro..." Was all he could muster; he really didn't know what else to say.
Korin set them apart and looked at the girl, "Pi, what are you doing so far from home?"
Kaen looked at her, 'So... Pi's her name...' he thought.
She spent a moment to straighten her dress, now a little dirtier before looking back at Korin, replying, "I heard you telling your mum that you were going to train with Kaen in the outer woods near the wild-flower patches, so I came to get some."
Korin nodded, and glanced down at Kaen, "Say sorry bro."
Kaen scowled, "Why do I have say sorry?"
"Because I know you started this; you always do." Korin said dismissively.
Kaen continued to scowl, but despite how much he opposed it, Korin was right, and he said through gritted teeth, "Sorry."
Korin returned both Kaen and Pi home, and sat them down outside as he went to talk to their parents about what happened. Pi sat on the steps of her house and swung her feet on the ledge, staring at the ground. Kaen leant against the wall below her, and looked up at her, seeing the damage he did to her skirt, his gaze shifting along her leg and body before finally reaching her eyes, and it was then he realised that she was looking back. "Were you trying to look up my skirt?" she asked, almost innocently.
Kaen was taken aback at the accusation, growling, "No I wasn't!" His anger returned, and he looked as if he may attack her for the very suggestion.
"Heheh... baka." She giggled her reply as she looked into the sky.
He leant back against the wall and closed his eyes, 'The only way to figure out girls is to be one, or share minds with one,' he thought to himself. He found himself in complete anger from the sheer confusion this one girl caused, and yet, he was amused by it too. No matter how angry he got, for some reason, he couldn't maintain it; not towards her at least.
Korin emerged from the house wearing a smirk which read trouble all over, for them anyway, and he looked at them both, before declaring, "Okay, your parents said that I had to tell you your punishments." Pi looked a little dismayed, but Kaen simply rolled his eyes, thinking to himself 'Here we go again.' Korin took a step to one side, as if to perfectly gauge their reaction, and continued, "Pi, for leaving home without permission, you can't leave anymore unless someone is with you. Kaen, for hurting Pi, and starting a fight, you will be the one to look after her."
Pi smiled and hopped off of the steps, skipping over to Kaen and grabbing his arm, crying, "We're gonna to be friends forever!"
Kaen, however, was less than impressed. "How can I get my training done with her following me everywhere!" he complained, as he tried to force the girl off of his arm, albeit, gently; he didn't want to get into any more trouble.
"You'll be training with her, dad's idea." Korin said smugly as he saw the look on Kaen face.
-I don't know about y'all but I know about us and uh-
-It's the only way we know how to rock-
Their training session continued, Kaen's instructions as constant as his attacks: "Control your power, so that you focus it into the strikes only. You won't lose so much excess."
Pi adapted his instructions quickly; they worked extremely well together. Even as they fought, in a manor that, to most other races, would seem fierce, they spoke calmly about other things as they trained.
"So, looking forward to your second birthday?" Kaen asked.
"Yeah... my parents said they have a big surprise planned." Pi said excitedly between blows.
"My parents said something similar. How strange." He replied casually as he kicked out at her and dove towards her with a barrage of punches.
"So what are you going to get me Kaen?" She asked as sweetly as possible. The question caught him offside and she landed a blow to his gut, and she smirked.
"That's low." He managed to wheeze. Pi only giggled in return and decided it was time to rest, so taking Kaen's arm she pulled him back down to the ground with her and she lay back in the grass. Kaen nursed his stomach as he gave the idea of Pi's present some real thought.
Pi looked into the sky as a few clouds passed over, before she sat up suddenly and looked through the trees; her hearing picking up something in the distance, she could make out a pair of Saiyans in the woods, older than themselves, three, maybe four years old each. Her curiosity got the better of her and she crept towards them.
-Do you remember girl I was the one that gave you your first kiss-
Kaen noted Pi's movements and followed her, finding Pi spying on the pair of Saiyans. Obviously a couple, they sat on a log together, and Pi's eyes widened as she saw the couple start to kiss. She blushed a little as Kaen put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Lets not bother them."
Pi nodded silently and followed Kaen back to their spot, and he sat in the grass. Pi sat as well, but her gaze kept turning back to the woods behind them. Kaen noted this and shook his head, "What could be so damned interesting about them sucking each others faces?" he demanded.
Pi only blushed more as she turned back to Kaen, and there was a long pause before she managed to utter breathlessly, "I wonder what its like..."
-Cause I remember girl I was the one who said put your lips like this-
Kaen shrugged, "What's to know, its easy enough to do, just pucker your lips and then, you start kissing." he made the actions with his own mouth, though a little more exaggerated to make fun. Pi blushed and muttered something that even Kaen couldn't hear, "What did you say?" he asked.
"Kaen..." She managed to squeak out.
"Uh... yeah?" He was a little worried by her tone.
"Have you ever kissed anyone before?" Pi asked earnestly.
"Uh... no." Kaen responded dismissively, and a little defensively
"Will you give me a kiss?" She whispered out as she felt her heart beat faster, and the burning in her cheeks continued to grow.
The request caught Kaen off guard and he too blushed a little, his heart beating in his ears; he didn't know what to do, and as such, fell very quiet. Thoughts racing through his head, he opened his mouth, and without realising it he responded, "Okay."
Pi closed her eyes and leaned forwards towards Kaen, her lips pursed a little, and a blush on her cheeks. Kaen began to sweat a little; he was more nervous than he thought. He wasn't sure what to do anymore, and so, he put his hands on her waist, closed his eyes, puckered his lips and drew her forward. It was a miss; he found his lips against her cheek, and hers against his. He could feel how hot her cheeks were from the excitement. He turned his head a little, and let his lips dance along her cheek towards her lips, her breath tickling him a little. Tilting his head to the side, he let their lips meet in a sweet, soft embrace. Pi felt the hairs on her tail stand on end as he kissed her; she felt warm inside as their lips met. For Kaen he felt a surge of blood straight to his skull, and felt light-headed, the hairs on his tail, and the back of his neck were on end as they shared their first real kiss.
-Even before all the fame and people screaming your name-
"Pi! Where are you?" came a call from the bushes; Kaen and Pi were startled by the sound, and fell back from each other, breathing heavily as they did. They both turned in the direction of the caller, and from the bushes came three young Saiyan girls, roughly Pi's age, her friends Radtzi, Karri, and Lilly. "Hey Pi! Hey Kaen. Sorry to ruin your training, but we're taking Pi shopping for some clothes for her party." Radtzi announced. Despite their red faces, and breathing, anyone else would say they just finished training, so their kiss went fairly well unnoticed.
-Girl I was there and you were my baby-
Kaen stood and nodded to Pi, "Uh... we... ok, you can finish early today." Pi's face was still fully crimson as she did the only thing she could, nodding numbly in reply, before turning and running off with her friends, her face wearing a bashful smile.
-It started when we were younger you were mine (my boo)-
-Now another brother's taken over but it's still in you're eyes (my boo)-
With Pi gone, Kaen decided to go home for some food. He felt energetic, almost as if he had been fully charged despite his training with Pi. He paused at the thought, at the kiss, how he felt; he thought about her and how she acted. He felt his heart begin to race, and a knot in his throat. He pushed the feelings aside as he got home, where he found his mother preparing lunch, and his father sitting at the table, eagerly waiting for a meal also. Avarrdo looked as his son entered and smiled, "Home early I see. Oh, Pi isn't with you today?"
April turned from her cooking to address her husband's question, "Her friends wanted to take her shopping." Kaen nodded solemnly in response, and took a seat across from his father.
Avarrdo looked at Kaen for a moment, and finally said, "I was talking to Kellre, Pi's father, and I think its time we split you two up."
Kaen's eyes shot up to his father, "Why? What For?"
"Well, you're becoming much stronger than she is, and you could use a stronger training partner..." Avarrdo responded.
"But training with me makes her stronger, and a better opponent dad!" He countered
-Even though we use to argue it's all right (my boo)-
-I know we haven't seen each other in a while-
-But you will always be my boo-
"But you two argue with each other so often; I didn't think it would be very productive" Avarrdo tried to reason.
"It doesn't matter, that only adds fuel to the fire, to make her stronger, more able; no-one can train her was well as I can." Kaen was now more than visibly upset at the thought of breaking them up; it surprised even him how much he didn't want to train with anyone else.
His mother smiled, "There, there, sweetie, they were only discussing it as a possibility, it's not set in stone." she chided.
Kaen was comforted by this and stood up; his mother always knew what to say to make things right. He went upstairs to his room and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. She wasn't gone long, but it felt like an eternity had passed. He wondered where Pi was right now, and as he did, he ran his fingers over his lips again, wondering why he felt so strange.
-I was in love with you when we were younger you were mine (my boo)-
-When I see you from time to time I still feel like (my boo) (that's my baby)-
-You can see it no matter how I try to hide (my boo) (I can't hide it)-
Her mother, and her friends, were with Pi as they looked through the various clothes in the store. Pi looked through them with a mask of excitement, but her mind was elsewhere, back in their training spot. Her heart racing, her mind playing over every detail as if she was feeling it again. She couldn't quite decide whether to simply remain blushing or start to giggle in fits over it all, but it had happened, and she wanted to feel it again.
"Pi, what about this one?" asked one of her friends.
"Wha? Oh. Its nice." Pi managed to get out.
"Is something wrong Pi?" another friend asked.
"Uh..." was all she managed to get out before she was cut off.
"Kaen's getting really strong huh?" Lilly asked.
"Kaen did something to you didn't he?" asked Karri.
"How did...? I mean no... but-" Pi uttered.
"Actually Pi," her mother cut in, "Your father and I were discussing your training with Kaen the other day."
-And even though there's another man who's in my life-
-You will always be my boo-
"You were?" Pi asked. She enjoyed the kiss a great deal, but talking about Kaen so constantly would give her a condition, from trying to keep her blushes down every time they mentioned his name.
"Yes, we were thinking it might be time to get someone else to train you. Kaen is getting a lot stronger now, and you should probably train with someone on your own level." Her mother told her.
Pi was stuck for what to say; she and Kaen had been training for a long time now, and she had gotten so used to it that it was like breathing. Now, the possibility of no longer training with Kaen seemed just as difficult as it was to stop breathing. "But I like training with Kaen..." Pi managed to get out.
"I know you do sweetie, but Kaen is stronger than you, it isn't fair on him," her mother added.
-Yes I remember boy cause after we kissed, I can only think about you're lips-
-Yes I remember boy the moment I knew, you were the one I could spend my life with-
'Training with someone else wouldn't be so bad, maybe...' she thought. She and Kaen would still be friends... Would they be friends still after what happened earlier? If she trained with someone else, wouldn't Kaen train with someone else? Who would that be? Kaen often teased that Shellie would be the one he would train with if she couldn't keep up, and that infuriated her for more reasons than she could think.
-Even before all the fame and people screaming your name-
-I was there and you were my baby-
"No! I want to stay training with Kaen! If he gets ahead of me, I'll just pound his head in!" Pi bit off every last word, her agitation plain.
"There, there, sweetie, they were only discussing it as a possibility, its not set in stone." She chided. Strangely, her mother smiled in that odd way that reminded her of her father when he saw an invention coming together.
A moment later Radtzi made some excited proclamation about new dresses that had the girls back into the rush of retail therapy.
-It started when we were younger you were mine (my boo) (you were mine)-
-Now another brother's taken over but it's still in you're eyes (my boo) (yes it is)-
Kaen found himself wandering around the shopping district; he never had a head for this sort of thing. A few of the older Saiyan women passed him by, their mates carrying an ungodly load of bags and parcels. Kaen swore to himself he'd never allow his future mate do that to him, she'd do as she's told and be at his whim. 'Pi would never be like that,' he thought with a rueful grin, and then wiped it off his face. That was the first time he ever thought about Pi like that, it was odd, but not altogether unpleasant.
-Even though we use to argue it's all right (my boo) (it's all right, it's ok)-
'No,' he thought, 'She's just my training partner. And friend...' he supposed; that made sense. Then there was the kiss. No, that didn't change anything. 'Didn't it?' The thoughts about her came unbidden now, and he shook his head. He didn't care about Pi, not like that anyway. 'But here you are, looking for something special for her birthday,' called that small voice in his head. His face seemed frozen in a grim expression; it was her birthday, and he was being nice because that's what he wanted to do, not for any other idiotic reason. It was to make up for arguing with her so often, and as a reward for her hard training. Nothing more. Nothing at all.
-I know we haven't seen each other in a while-
-But you will always be my boo-
He looked about, and considered over a few things he saw; armour, a new scouter, things she could use. Practical gifts. But more often than not he'd stop to look at the few odd, cute stuffed animals, toys or things she used to make mention over as liking. Of course, whenever anyone noticed Kaen lingering over such things he immediately moved on, not running exactly, but certainly not taking his time either.
He soon found himself frustrated with the entire thing; shopping was not something he did. If he needed something he got it; this was frivolous, unnecessary, and just damn annoying. 'I'm not under obligation to get her a damn thing; it doesn't matter anyway. I'm a warrior, so is she. It's pointless.' With those final thoughts he left the shopping district to go back to his training spot. 'Our training spot,' He corrected himself mentally, whichever emotions inspired the thought simply added to his anger and frustration, and he blasted on faster.
-I was in love with you when we were younger you were mine (you were my boo) (my boo)-
-When I see you from time to time I still feel like (my boo)-
Pi found herself staring intently at a red dress; she hadn't worn a dress since she started training with Kaen. 'Its impractical.' She thought, 'Hard to fight in, and definitely easily torn... but it is his favourite colour...' The amended thought made her blush, her face quickly competing with the shade of red the dress was.
"Do you like that dress honey?" Her mother, Raene, said.
Her train of thoughts somewhat de-railed, she nodded, "It looks pretty, and I think that K..." Her tongue froze in her mouth as she was about to utter.
"What do you think dear?" Raene asked, curiously.
"I think that I'd like to wear it to my party." Pi managed to breathe out.
Her mother nodded and smiled, "Okay. And lets get you a drink; you're sounding a little hoarse."
-You can see it no matter how I try to hide (my boo)(it's all right now, it's ok)-
-And even though there's another man who's in my life (what we have is in each other)-
Pi managed a weak smile as her mother took the dress from the rack, and she followed her to the register. "I think Kaen will like it sweetie, don't worry too much." Raene said calmly. Pi gaped; her mind raced with some viable excuse, denial, or something to cover her shock and embarrassment. In the end, she managed to get out a squeak. Raene laughed softly and turned to her daughter. "Its alright sweetie, you're older now, you can talk to me about it."
Pi only blushed, and her mind raced for something to grab on to; finally she managed to ask, "How long have you known?"
Raene smiled, "A mother knows everything she needs to know sweetie. The problem is making him realise he feels the same way; men can be stubborn like that. Don't worry, with this dress, and a little help from me, and we'll make sure of it." Pi managed a weak grin; she was glad her mother understood on some level.
-You will always be my boo-
Bidding her friends goodbye, Raene and Pi began the walk home, all the time discussing various things; about her growing up, changes in her life, and things with Kaen. The things her mother never seemed to mention directly made her face turn scarlet; this was so new, and probably would have never come up if he didn't kiss her. Oh that thought was certainly irrational - she asked him to kiss her - but he still did it, so it was plainly his fault, end of story. In the midst of it all, her mother mentioned going to Kaen's house for dinner, and her wearing the dress tonight. It seemed odd, her birthday wasn't until tomorrow...
-It started when we were younger you were mine (you were mine)(my boo)-
-Now another brother's taken over but it's still in you're eyes (my boo)(you and I)-
Kaen was deep into his training, the force of his movements only allowing for thoughts on his next attack, his next movement. No time at all for excess thoughts beyond his own power. However, his own concentration began to wane, and his actions slowed, allowing other thoughts to break through his demeanour. He was getting stronger, a lot stronger. Definitely stronger than Pi, perhaps it was time to leave her to train with someone else. Sure, whoever it was wouldn't be as good as him, but good enough.
'But that won't be enough; they need to know how do deal with her, to keep her focus going.' He smirked to himself; she was cute when she was angry, and he knew a dozen ways to make her like that without trying. He actions frozen in shock, fond thoughts of time spent together with Pi came unbidden. Perhaps, deep down, that kiss did mean something to him. He dashed that thought ruthlessly.
-Even though we use to argue it's all right (my boo)(it's all right, it's ok)-
-I know we haven't seen each other in a while-
In his brooding, he failed to note the beeping coming from his communicator, which surprised him, and keeping his voice as calm as he could he answered, "What is it?"
"Time for dinner sweetie, hurry home now." His mother told him. He was surprised; it was rare that he wasn't home early for a meal. The only times that happened was when he was with Pi. Those feelings began to well up again, but his mother cut into them again, "Don't dawdle; we're having Pi's family over tonight a quiet party for her birthday for close friends." With that the communication ended.
He muttered a curse he'd heard from Korin's friends, one that would've gotten him quite a punishment if his mother heard it, and turned to fly home when he remembered that he didn't have a present for her. He cursed again, worse than before, and began to think furiously. The shopping district was closed; no Saiyan shopped during mealtime, and nothing would have been open to get her anything.
He lowered his head and began to curse again, a long string of them, many heard from the older Saiyans while they injured themselves training, and then he saw it. Past the long grass by a small pond, a field of wild flowers. His face brightened a little as he bolted down to gather them, as large a bunch as he could manage. Without tearing out too many, he fixed them and hurried home as fast as his ki could carry him, careful enough not to cause damage to the flowers.
Arriving home he wondered if he got home before Pi and her family arrived, but when he entered the door he found he was wrong. All his effort to fix his explanation in his mind, to gloss over any questions of time, were lost. His tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth as he tried not to gape. He hadn't seen her in a dress for a long time; not since they started training together actually, all those years ago. He had looked at her every day in their training clothes, and armour, but not like this.
The dress was a deep red, one that, strangely, didn't contrast with her tail. Said tail seemed well brushed, and emphasised the slimness of her waist. He made his eyes rise; staring at someone's tail was an easy way to get a black eye, dress or no. As he gazed up he took in her figure in its fullest; the dress seemed to show off how many curves she had. He finally managed to look her in the face; her smile framed her face perfectly. He was proud of the control of his features, which he kept perfectly calm. Inside, however, was another matter...
-But you will always be my boo-
It took Kaen a moment to realise Pi was walking towards him, and she indicated to the flowers. "Oh, what are those for Kaen?" She asked innocently. He was a little startled; in his stupor, he had forgotten all about them.
"Um... they... Uh, Happy Birthday Pi." He managed to say steadily, if not a tad awkwardly.
She took them from him and smiled at them, in a secretive smile, that said she was pleased, and she giggled softly to herself, "Thank you Kaen, I like them a lot." Pi managed to say; she was blushing, but not as much as before. Steeling herself, she reached up and kissed Kaen on the cheek; it took every ounce of willpower to make herself do it in front of their families, but she did it, and it was only on the cheek anyway. Kaen was pole-axed by the gesture, but his expression still calm.
"Well its good to see you two getting on so well." Avarrdo interrupted. Both Pi and Kaen whipped their heads around to look at him; they were both lost in their own little world, it seemed.
"Yes, it only affirms our decision." Kellre agreed.
Kaen was confused, "You mean about splitting us up?"
"But you just said we get along, why?" Pi seemed to finish his thought for him.
"Oh, not that dear, that was just discussion." April added with a smile.
"Indeed, something entirely different." Raene said.
"Then what?" Kaen asked a little warily; he knew how his parents thought, and somehow, he had a feeling that this would be a doozy.
"Well, remember how we mentioned a surprise for your birthday Pi?" Kellre said.
Pi only nodded, but before she could ask again what it was Avarrdo spoke up. "We decided you're to spend more time with Kaen, so you'll be sharing his room."
"WHAT!" Kaen and Pi managed to exclaim in the same instant.
"Share my room? There's barely enough room for my bed and stuff, how can we fit another bed in there?" Kaen half demanded.
"Oh, why we never thought of that." April said, though, there was no surprise in her voice at all.
"Well, if they can't fit another bed in there, that means you two will need to share, I suppose." Kellre added, in the same practiced tone, but his face wore a satisfied look; obviously, this was what they'd planned all along.
-I don't know about y'all but I know about us and uh-
-It's the only way we know how to rock-
"No way! I'm not sharing my bed with her!" Kaen growled. Pi was in no condition to respond, her face was matched her dress in colour, and she fiddled with her tail slightly.
"Why not?" Avarrdo asked, "You train together, eat together, do nearly everything together. How does this change anything?"
Kaen's mouth worked wordlessly, his mind working furiously for an answer, but for some reason every good one seemed to dissolve before his eyes, so the response that would never come. Pi managed to get in a response. A squeak.
"Well, now that that's done, lets have dinner." April broke in
-I don't know about y'all but I know about us and uh-
-It's the only way we know how to rock-
Food or no food, Kaen ate mechanically, as his thoughts racing around his head a thousand miles per second. Pi, sitting next to him, very pointedly not looking at him, eating her share too. 'It couldn't be so bad could it? Maybe it's just a joke. Dad said Kellre used to pull jokes...'
Pi glanced at Kaen once or twice while they were eating, but she couldn't taste a thing; her thoughts had locked up as soon as Avarrdo revealed the 'surprise'. That, added to the talk her mother gave her earlier still, made her want to bury herself in some corner of the galaxy and never be found.
All the while they both were skittering around what they didn't want to think about, when it would be time for them to go to bed, but eventually the food disappeared; they had a cake to celebrate, and things were all right. Right up until Raene produced a bag for Pi, which contained some clothes, her toiletries, and her pyjamas; Kellre bid everyone good night and left with his wife. Avarrdo pointed out it was late and time for them to get to sleep already, April led Pi up the stairs to the bathroom, and Kaen made his way to his room.
Kaen looked about, his bed, his table and chair, and the shelves that kept his small amount of belongings. Up until tonight it was enough. More than enough, but now it felt crowded, and small. He took his sleeping clothes, a shirt and shorts, and suddenly wondered if it was enough. Taking a towel he headed for the bathroom, and waited; she was in there. He decided to head downstairs until she was done. Halfway down the stairs she heard the door click and the soft footfalls towards his room. He looked back and headed into the shower to wash up before bed.
Pi looked about the room, everything in there spoke of Kaen. The way that the bed sheets were slightly mussed, the small assortment of belongings, the table and chair that looked barely touched; she vaguely wondered if he'd ever used it, because she'd never seen him do anything there. She swallowed slightly to steel herself. She always wore these long pyjamas to bed, and now she wondered if it was enough. Shaking her head she tried to get back into routine. Placing her bag beside the desk, she took out her brush and began to work her hair from the tangles, before braiding it loosely to sleep in.
Kaen walked in as she was finishing up from putting the brush into her bag, and they simply stared at each other for a long moment. Kaen shook his head softly, and finally said as gruffly as he could, "Lets just get to sleep."
He sat on the bed and then lay back, however, more towards the left side, rather than the middle as he was used to. Pi sat on the right and lay back. Without another word Kaen simply turned off the light and closed his eyes.
Time passed, he wasn't sure how long, but he couldn't sleep. Whatever restlessness he was feeling wasn't in Pi, as he could hear her sleeping soundly; the rhythmic breathing of sleep was all he could hear in the otherwise quiet room. He shifted more to the right, he was closer to the edge than he thought, and tugged the sheets a little to get some more. However this caused Pi to roll over in her sleep.
Her new position caused her to rest against Kaen, her head just under his chin, her hands resting on his chest. Using his right hand he put his arm around her back in an attempt to shift her back, but he didn't want to wake her. He let out a soft sigh, left her alone, and he laid back, to try and get some sleep himself. Her breathing slowly making him drowsy. 'This isn't so bad.' He though as he let sleep overcome him.
-There's always that one person that will always have your heart-
-You never see it coming cause you're blinded from the start-
This was a routine they fell into quickly, and no matter how they fell asleep, they always woke up the same way. Before too long, it became just another aspect of their life, one they didn't discuss with others unless asked directly; after all, how could other people understand something they themselves didn't? But, for now, it didn't matter; all that mattered was that they had each other, now, and always.
-Know that you're that one for me it's clear for everyone to see-
-Ooh baby, you will always be my boo.-