Disclaimer : I don't own MFB.
I long hesitated to publish this fic in French or in English, so I decided to publish in both languages the same day (What a work! I'll not do it again soon xD)
Let them talk
It was snowing.
Kyouya hated it. It was cold and wet, it was accumulating in his hair where it melted to attack his skull, it was treacherous and lying–after all, it looked solid but it was liquefied at every opportunity. And above all, it forced him to put on layers and layers of clothing. He hated to admit it, but he was a bit chilly–at least he loved heat.
In winter, he only went out the minimum necessary and remained at home or in any heated place. He needed an important reason to get out.
He had one right now.
Kyouya was walking in Bey-City's streets, searching his rival. Ginga Hagane, Pegasus' blader, the boy who had changed his life and saved the world more times than he took into account–with an effort of memory, he could list them all but it was a waste of time and energy–was engaged.
He was going to marry.
Kyouya couldn't believe it. He had just been hired at the TC and was spending a lot of time at work, but he was spending some of his free time with Ginga. Not once had the redhead mentioned this engagement or any feelings towards Madoka–Madoka, of all people! No, when they spent time together, it was just the two of them. This alchemy that had existed between them as soon as their eyes had met, and which had not ceased to deepen ever since, had been transformed into something more solid and profound.
"I didn't dream all that," mumbled Kyouya, remembering the moments they had shared.
Looks, smiles, words. Ginga's hand touching his. The way he looked at him, more and more often, more and more openly. The fact he only dropped the mask with him, showing the real him–a harder, wilder, more cutting boy than his friends imagined.
Kyouya didn't dream all that.
His fists clenched. He and Ginga weren't dating. They were taking their time: there was already so much to think about, so much responsibility to bear. They wanted to do things right. They moved at a quiet pace, far from the frantic pace they followed for their blader career. But they moved forward. Kyouya noticed it every time they were together.
And Ginga engaged. To Madoka.
Kyouya's pace slowed as he approached the area where Ginga and his friends used to hang out, in the middle of which stood the B-Pit. He made each step reluctantly. He wanted to talk to Ginga, but he had no desire to see him in the company of his... of... of Madoka.
He saw Ginga on the B-Pit's threshold, his back turned to the street, talking with Kenta and Yuuki.
"Ginga."
The redhead shuddered and his shoulders tensed. He hesitated for a moment before turning around. Kyouya detailed his expression. It was serious, grave, and his honey eyes poorly hid the darkness lurking in him.
Kenta and Yuuki smiled, knowing nothing of the drama that was unfolding before their eyes.
"Have you come to congratulate the grooms?" asked Yuuki joyfully.
Kyouya winced with disgust. No matter how many times he heard this news, he would never get used to it.
Because it was wrong.
However, he was not surprised that Yuuki was pleased by this. He had such a narrow vision of the world. The hero who fell in love with the girl who "cared for" him–or, in this case, fixed his bey–and married him was totally in line with his ideals. He must have imagined them with a house full of cries of children, and aging side by side–because divorce didn't exist for these people.
"We must speak," said Kyouya coldly, without leaving Ginga's eyes.
He saw, in the background, the smiles of Kenta and Yuuki fading away. Ginga nodded curtly.
Kyouya turned his back and walked away from the B-Pit. He heard Ginga say "see you later" to his friends before following him. Pegasus's blader didn't try to catch up with him and walk beside him, as usual. Kyouya's heart tightened but, to his relief, his brief malaise was swept away by anger. He knew how to manage this feeling.
They left Bey-City's downtown. Kyouya continued to move forward resolutely. What he had to say to Ginga was private. He wasn't ashamed, but he didn't want them to be eavesdropped. Their fame earned them attention everywhere they went, especially when they were in Japan. The years didn't change that.
"Where are you taking me?" asked Ginga as they walked along the canal.
Kyouya turned around. Ginga stopped abruptly. Two meters separated them. His rival stood out of range.
"You"re engaged to Madoka."
"I am."
Kyouya's jaw clenched. Ginga tried to hold his gaze, but eventually lowered his head and diverted his eyes. At least he hadn't learned to lie to his face.
For now.
"Why?"
"It's the right thing to do," Ginga forced himself to say. He wasn't believing these words, though they crossed his lips. Moreover, he didn't even dare to face him.
"Who put that into your head?"
Ginga kicked slightly the ground. The tip of his shoe scraped the melted snow. He pinched his lips, refusing to answer.
"I don't have the patience today to extort the truth, Ginga."
"As if you were patient on other days."
Kyouya tensed. Ginga was trying to provoke him but he wouldn't let him. He was engaged behind his back despite everything they had shared. That was what they were going to talk about and nothing else.
"Okay. So you want a nice, patient wife who will take care of you?"
Even if it wasn't what he needed. Kyouya knew how Ginga's ideal partner was and he was very far from the picture he had just painted.
"And you chose Madoka. What a joke."
"Don't."
"Or what?"
Ginga sighed. He scratched his neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to find it out like that."
Kyouya crossed his arms. "That's not why you have to apologize."
Ginga finally looked up at him. Kyouya took a deep breath. He had a question to ask, but he feared the answer.
Don't be a coward. You'll be able to handle whatever it is.
He straightened himself up, holding his back straight and his chin slightly raised. He was Kyouya Tategami, a dignified and proud man.
"There's... something special between us. I didn't imagine it?"
Despite his resolve, he couldn't help but formulate it as a question. Ginga's expression softened with a sad smile. Kyouya's breath was cut, as if he had been hit in the stomach.
"No."
"Then why?"
"That's what I have to do."
"This is stupid," replied Kyouya, frustrated by the discussion that was going around in circles. If Ginga was not able to understand alone, he would spell it out for him. "You are not twenty years old and you planned to get married. To someone you don't even like. why would you do that?"
Ginga remained silent.
"Why?" Kyouya insisted.
"I am an only child and a role model. I'm supposed to–", Ginga swallowed. "I'm supposed to get married, have children, a... comfortable life." He stumbled on the word and uttered it as if he left a bitter taste in his mouth. He loved adventure, danger. It was absolutely not what he wanted. "That's what's expected of me."
"Who is that "we"? Your father? Your friends? Those people you saved more times than they can count? You owe them nothing. And even if you did, it's your life. You can't to waste it for the good of others."
"It's not wasted it if it brings happiness to others."
Kyouya grumbled with frustration. How do you make a guy who spent his time sacrificing himself for others understand anything? How can we show him that he had the right to put his desires and wishes before those of others? That he even had to, in a case like this, if he wanted to maintain a semblance of moral and emotional balance.
"What about my happiness?"
A burst of guilt pierced Ginga's eyes. If he played on it, Kyouya could make him give up his project... except it would mean he was no better than the others. Ginga had to choose for himself for once.
"You don't even like Madoka."
"She's my friend," replied Ginga, shrugging.
"You know exactly what I mean."
This time, the redhead had the intelligence not to contradict him and not to try to play on words.
Kyouya examined his face. He preferred to see him smile sincerely–it was an obligatory clarification when speaking of Ginga, unfortunately–but he couldn't say that sadness and melancholy made him bad looking. He remained beautiful with his regular features, his eyes of indescribable color and his skin of so soft appearance. It was a face Kyouya thought he would see every morning for the rest of his life... until now. His heart tightened. He risked losing him.
"If–" Kyouya shook himself mentally. He couldn't be hesitant. He raised his head and looked straight into Ginga's eyes, drawing his confidence–in a very ironic way–from his rival. "If you tell me you love her, I'll drop it. I don't promise to attend your "wedding", but I won't try to stop it. Tell me you love her, you can't bear the thought of spending your life away from her, that it's her face that you want to see every morning." Kyouya leaned towards him. "Tell me she's the one you want to hold and kiss."
Ginga swallowed. He observed his features, his eyes passing from his scars to his hair to his mouth. Kyouya had a half-smile. Ginga would never look at Madoka that way. It may have been petty, but he felt pride in it.
"Tell me you want her."
And not me.
Kyouya straightened up.
"Tell me what you like about her."
Was Ginga able to list Madoka's qualities as he had no trouble highlighting his since they knew each other?
"Tell me you're happy every time you see her."
When he appeared, Ginga displayed huge smiles, which came from the bottom of his heart, and nothing else seemed to matter to him. Kyouya didn't remember he had such a reaction with someone else, and certainly not with Madoka.
Madoka, this girl Ginga was unable to trust completely and he couldn't rely on. Who could blame him? Madoka lived in an ideal world, with a simplistic view of things. Even Kyouya wasn't so deluded, despite his background.
Kyouya let his voice and expression soften. Ginga was hurting him, but it was nothing compared to what he did to himself. He was about to sacrifice his future and, despite what he said, he knew and regretted it. And, more importantly, he didn't insult him by lying, or even trying. If one of his friends asked about his marriage, he would probably answer that everything was perfect, that he could not be happier, by displaying this smile he had perfected to hide from others what he felt.
As long as Ginga didn't start lying to him, there was hope.
"You don't even trust her," Kyouya reminded him.
Ginga frowned with confusion. "I trust her."
"To fix Pegasus, maybe, but not enough to be in a relationship with her. Do you picture yourself talking to her about things that worry you or make you angry? Can you imagine arguing with her about important things?"
About thirty seconds passed before Ginga breathed a "no" in a surrender tone.
Kyouya leaned towards him again. In an act of pure impulsiveness, he took his hand. He didn't even wonder if they were alone or if anyone risked of seeing them, a detail that would have stopped him usually–not out of shame for how he felt about Ginga, but because he was one of the few in their circle to have received a decent education and not to be contaminated by their western ways.
Ginga bowed his head to their tied hands, his expression full of a sweet sadness.
Don't let them put you in a cage.
Kyouya closed his mouth before letting go of these words, even if there was nothing truer. A future where Ginga would be forced to take upon himself permanently, to hide what made him truly him, would be the worst cage.
"You didn't say anything about what I asked for."
Ginga raised his head towards him. "I can't, Kyouya."
Leone's blader hold back a sigh of relief. Despite what he had said, he didn't think he would be able to let his rival go.
"I think I was too quick earlier. I'm not ready to watch you walk away from me, Ginga Hagane. Even if you told me one or all of those things about Madoka."
"And what would you have done?"
"I would have tried to win you, of course."
Until he was sure he had no chance. As long as Ginga would have shown he was special to him, Kyouya would have fought to keep him.
"One'd have to be difficult to please if you have to make an effort to win."
Kyouya's hand tightened on Ginga's. With this simple sentence, his rival had made sure he would fight fangs and claws against this engagement.
We belong together.
Ginga wanted him. There were only two obstacles: the view of the rest of the world and what Pegasus's blader thought he had to do accordingly.
In fact, no. There was only one obstacle: Ginga and his abit to believe his life was less valuable than the others'. Once they get through that, the rest wouldn't matter.
And maybe Kyouya would discover in his daily life a cocky and cutting Ginga, like the one he faced at Beyblade.
He was looking forward to it.
"Ginga."
The redhead looked at him with his honey eyes, so deep, which contained oceans of darkness.
"What do you expect, Kyouya?"
"What do you want, Ginga Hagane?"
XXX
What he wanted to do.
It was a loaded question. It didn't really matter. Yet, Ginga had to deploy all his strenght and will to not answer "you". It was hard to give up Kyouya when they were in different cities and they didn't see each other for weeks, it seemed impossible when he was standing in front of him, with his eyes of incredible blue and that confident smile playing on his lips.
Because Kyouya thought that one could put one's personal desires before the others' expectations. No. That was how he lived. He followed his ambitions and did what was right only when he had something to gain and not because that was what was expected of him.
It was one of many things he liked about him.
Everything was amazing about him.
Besides, Ginga had not been able to defend his position–but was it his position? Not really. Kyouya had waited, his hand in his, then his expression had turned into a very soft, very tender smile, which had stolen the air from Ginga's lungs. He had pressed his hand, advised him to think on his side before leaving.
Now Ginga was sitting on the railing separating the sidewalk from the canal. He held the hand that Kyouya had clasped against his heart, his gaze lifted towards the starry sky which, for once, brought him no answer.
Tell me...
Ginga pictured doing all these things with Kyouya. No one else could be by his side this way.
However, it didn't prevent him from getting engaged to Madoka.
They had a date. His friend—he couldn't call her otherwise—had blushed and stammered when he had taken her hand, but it had done nothing to him. It wasn't like when Kyouya's skin brushed his and his fingers closed on his hand. He had felt his heart stop. He had felt the texture and suppleness of his skin with astonishing acuity, as if he had discovered for the first time the sense of touch. A tiny warm cocoon–their combined warm–had formed in their hands. He had a vivid memory of it, almost if he could still feel it.
And although her eyes were blue, they were not as beautiful or as mesmerizing as Kyouya's. They didn't make him want to be lost in their depths.
Ginga bit his lip. It was unfair to compare Madoka to Kyouya. She had many qualities. She was kind.
It wasn't her fault his heart belonged to someone else.
XXX
Kyouya reread the TC accounts. All numbers were well placed in the spreadsheet and all transactions were correct. It was another month of excellent sales. The year was promising.
He sent them as an attachment file to his father, with an e-mail saying he had checked and everything was in order. He stretched out and looked at his clock. It was past twenty o'clock. No wonder he felt so tensed. Maybe he should have stopped earlier, but he hated the idea of leaving a job unfinished.
Kyouya left his office and crossed the quiet, but not deserted, corridors of the TC. He stopped at his father's door. He knocked and opened without waiting for an answer. Gaou was behind his desk, as he expected.
"It's almost 8:15 p.m. Mother was expecting you earlier."
His father looked at him with surprise. He glanced at the screen of his computer and let out a sigh. "You are right. I will stop for today."
Kyouya nodded. He was about to set out again when his father called him. He stopped again. "What?"
"Are you all right?"
Kyouya stared at his father, shocked. He was not as intuitive as his mother, especially regarding the emotional state. This meant his concerns were far more obvious than he had first thought.
Because Kyouya didn't imagine for a second that it could be a coincidence. He had learned of Ginga's "engagement" the day before and his father, far from being adept of discussions, asked about his feelings?
Well, maybe he hadn't been that discreet. After all, he had spent every second of his free time mumbling against Madoka. How could Ginga have agreed to be engaged to her? There was no one more insipid around them–except perhaps Yuuki. She had no character, was totally spineless. Oh, she did yell or cry from time to time, but in a perfectly cliché way. She saw the world with no nuance and didn't have her own opinions. She let the rest of the world decide what to think. Kyouya was willing to bet his Leone she didn't have the slightest romantic feeling for Ginga. She had complied with the general opinion that the girl closest to the hero should date hom.
Spineless, brainless idiot.
And she wasn't even pretty! Kyouya preferred guys, but he had eyes, and Madoka was barely passable. So Ginga was willing to throw away the rest of his life by sharing it with an idiot, with whom he could never be himself and who wouldn't even be pleasant to look at. All to please the general public.
Although, statistically, with the regularity the world got in danger, perhaps Ginga did not expect to enjoy–or, in this case, endure–a particularly long life.
Even a year, with someone as dull as Madoka, is too long.
"Kyouya?"
Leone's blader blinked. He had done it again. Finally, it was no wonder that even his father realized something was wrong.
"I'm all right," he grumbled.
He wrinkled his nose. That wasn't very convincing.
He straightened, chin raised, shoulders slightly throwing back. "I'm all right," he said more confidently. "I have... a temporary problem. I'm going to fix it. Quickly and without help."
His father seemed relieved. If Kyouya had problems and asked for help, he would bring it to him without hesitation. But he was very uncomfortable with all forms of display of affection.
In any case, a subject like this didn't require any outside intervention. It was between Ginga and him. It was the unwelcome outside interventions that had put them in this situation in the first place.
Kyouya had several ways to fix it. The first was to make Ginga aware his desires were important. The second, well, let's say that not everyone agreed with Madoka.
I'm gonna have to talk to him.
XXX
"What does he want now?" Yuuki mumbled, annoyed.
Tsubasa looked in the direction he was frowning at. Kyouya was walking in the WBBA headquarters as if the place belonged to him, each of his steps pouring the confidence that filled every inch of his body. He stopped by the duo, his gaze on Tsubasa, as if Yuuki didn't exist. This was extremely insulting. Tsubasa hadn't liked his provocations during their duel, before the World Championships, but it seemed he was able of much worse.
"Do you know where Ginga is?"
The name filled him with discomfort, but Tsubasa did his best to hide it. "I thought you always knew where to find your rival."
Tsubasa was aware of his ironic tone when Kyouya's gaze snapped. Although he was still one head shorter than him, and now worked in the respectable TC, he remained the unpredictable–and testy–Leone's blader.
"Wasn't that enough yesterday? I don't know what you said to Mr. Ginga, but he became weird."
Kyouya gave Yuuki a look of pure contempt. "If you don't know, it's because it's none of your business. And Ginga doesn't need you to defend him."
"Mr Ginga is my friend."
"Ginga Hagane saved the world many times. He alone struck powerful enemies and traveled alone several times. He can defend himself."
Kyouya turned away from Yuuki without giving him the chance to answer and looked at Tsubasa with a deep look, which intrigued him.
"I want to talk to you. Are you coming?"
Kyouya turned his back on them and retraced his steps. Tsubasa was more and more intrigued. Kyouya hadn't tried to talk to him face-to-face for years–since the Battle Bladers, if his memories were correct.
Tsubasa followed in his footsteps.
"Are you sure?" asked Yuuki.
"I must admit that I am curious. Don't worry about me."
Not to mention he had nothing against what would allow him to change his mind at the moment. On the contrary.
"Be careful. Mr Ginga was very disturbed by his words."
"I will remember it."
Someone like Yuuki was a real asset to the WBBA. He thought before acting–a quality far too rare in bladers–and he put the common good before his personal interests, even when he was worried, even if he had to make unspeakable efforts and take it upon himself–he had proved it during the quest of the legendary bladers.
The WBBA–the world–needed more people like him.
Tsubasa crossed the hall and scanned swiftly. Seeing Kyouya wasn't there, he went to the doors. Leone's blader probably decided to wait outside.
Indeed, he was leaning against the wall, arms and ankles crossed. Tsubasa stood in front of him. "You wanted to talk to me?"
"I'm surprised you're still in Bey-City."
Tsubasa shrugged with detachment.
"Not all the WBBA's missions are far away."
"I'm talking about Ginga's and Madoka's engagement. I would have thought you would want to stay as far away from that as possible."
Tsubasa tensed. It would not clear his head in fact. He had indeed hoped that missions would occupy him at the other end of the planet but, by an unfortunate coincidence, the WBBA needed him nearby.
But to see Kyouya evoke such a sensitive subject, with so much carefree... even Tsubasa's legendary self-control could do nothing against it.
"I could say the same about you."
Kyouya raised an eyebrow. What? Did he think he was discreet in his affections? If that were the case, he would have to reconsider his notion of discretion, because spending his time talking about a certain person, making impassioned statements and coming to his aid while we hated teamwork was anything but discreet.
"I'm not going to give up on Ginga. I'm going to get him back."
Ah. Okay. He was actually assuming.
"And how do you expect to do that?"
Kyouya had a light, sincere smile, which reminded Tsubasa why anyone would care about him. "By spending time with him."
"Is that all?"
"Ginga will be able to compare with what he feels when he is with Madoka and he will have to admit that he does not want a life with her."
"That's... arrogant. Not everyone is Benkei, ready to give up everything to follow you."
Kyouya's smile faded. "I'm not talking about following me, but walking by my side. I'm the one he wants me by his side." He had a half-smile. "I'm sure you agree with me when I say that Madoka and I have nothing in common."
Tsubasa could not hold back an incredulous sound. That was an understatement. Madoka was both sweet and strong. She accompanied Ginga in all his adventures, although she wasn't a fighter, and made sure her friends were always to defend themselves. She was able to assert herself in front of ruffians, spoke of her emotions freely and had her heart on her hand. She was always ready to help and had faith in the future.
And she was so beautiful, with her big clear eyes, full of softness, and her short brown hair. Her silhouette all tiny. She was adorable when she was enthusiastic about subjects that were dear to her heart, with her blushing cheeks...
"Since Ginga is interested in me, there's little chance he'll have a soft spot for Madoka, right?"
Tsubasa saw where Kyouya was going. There were far too many differences between Madoka and him for anyone to take an interest in each other.
"I don't care about Madoka, but you do. Are you willing to let her spend the rest of her life with someone who doesn't love her that way?"
"Madoka deserves better."
Kyouya's smile increased and Tsubasa realized he had spoken out loud. He remained dignified. "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing. It's up to you to decide what you want to do."
Damn cat.
Tsubasa had never understood the Cheshire Cat's popularity, with his unpredictable appearances and disappearances, his enigmatic words, and his help in Russian roulette. And the little smile Kyouya was wearing at that moment increased his incomprehension. It made him want to strangle him more than anything else.
Kyouya unfolded his limbs and straightened himself up. He took a few steps and passed Tsubasa before turning around.
"I suppose you too have noticed that Madoka is not in love with Ginga."
What?
"This engagement is nothing but a farce."
Kyouya left, leaving Tsubasa completely dumbfounded.
Madoka wasn't in love with Ginga?
XXX
Ginga had trouble breathing. There was a weight on his belly and blocked the breaths he was trying to take. He couldn't take inspirations as deep as he desired. His breathing remained shallow and his head was starting to feel dizzy.
He clung to the sink's edges. He bowed his head, closed his eyes and began to count. Except numbers reminded him of science, and science of Madoka...
A lump formed in his throat. He was going to throw up.
He began to list Pegasus' stars. Enif, sadalbari, markab...
His heart slew down. The lump in his throat resolved. Algenib, matar, baham, hornam...
Ginga blew slowly. He lifted up his head and saw his reflection. He had a haggard expression, haunted eyes. He didn't seem to get ready for the best day of his life.
There were knocks at the door. Ginga shuddered.
"Is everything all right, my friend?" Hyouma's voice was muffled by the door. "You've been in there a long time."
"I'm done!" replied Ginga in a joyful voice. "I'm coming."
He opened the tap and passed his face in cold water, hoping it would revive his features. He closed the water and left the tiny bathroom. He entered the living room: a room slightly larger, furnished with a dented sofa. He had been assigned this cramped apartment since he was "engaged" to Madoka. Apparently it was inappropriate for them to sleep under the same roof–which made him wonder what century they lived in.
Ginga glanced at Hyouma, who was filling the refrigerator with a perky attitude.
"Nice of you to come from Koma."
Hyouma turned around with a big smile. "My childhood friend is getting married. It's the least I can do, isn't it?"
"Not before five months," replied Ginga, hoping to display a relaxed smile.
"I intend to accompany you all the way."
Ginga's stomach twisted. It was not normal: he lived the disinterested offer of a friend as a threat. He wanted to run away and never come back, never see those faces again.
What's wrong with me?
"Do you think you will settle down at Koma afterwards?"
"At-at Koma?"
"Yes. That's where you grew up. Don't you think it's the perfect place to raise children?"
Ginga was going to throw up. For real. Would it be strange for him to go back to the bathroom?
A bell rang in the apartment, freeing him from his torments. He rushed to the entrance and extended his hand to open it. His hand hung some inches from the handle, hesitant. What if it was his father? Ginga was already having trouble managing Hyouma, the presence of both would be unbearable.
He closed his eyes.
I am... horrible.
His father and his childhood friend wanted nothing but his happiness. How could he be so pathetic as not to congratulate himself on this chance? Not everyone could say the same.
He opened the door and his traitor heart made a leap.
"Kyouya."
His rival stood on the threshold. Despite their difficult separation, the last time, and his demands that had beset him with doubts–tell me...–Ginga was happy to see him. Much more than he would have thought possible.
Much more than he should.
A shadow hovered over his heart. He could never feel this for Madoka. She was kind, she was his friend, but she was not Kyouya. And his selfish heart and body seemed to want only him.
"What are you doing here, Kyouya?"
Ginga turned to frown at his friend. Why did his question sound like an accusation?
"Hi Hyouma. It's been a long time since we've seen you around."
Hyouma's grimace became more pronounced. However, Kyouya's tone had been perfectly cordial. He seemed to resent him for something.
Ginga turned to Kyouya and his discomfort faded away. His rival looked at him with his deeply blue eyes. Ginga noticed he was wearing new clothes–slim jeans with a low waist, which showcased his beautiful legs; a crop top with long sleeves and a very flared collar exposing his collarbone and the line of his shoulders–and he has not his usual haircut. Half his hair was tied, but the rest was loose and brushing his shoulders, in a way that did funny things in Ginga's belly.
Kyouya was beautiful.
He always was.
He's certainly going somewhere.
This thought was accompanied by a malaise which Ginga hastened to dismiss. He was engaged. He had nothing to say about Kyouya going out.
Even if he'd rather they were with him.
"What are you doing here?"
Kyouya smiled at him. Ginga lost his thoughts.
"I was going to take a walk around town. Will you come with me?"
"What–?"
"Okay," replied Ginga, interrupting Hyouma's question.
He turned around, seeing the shocked, almost horrified expression of his childhood friend. What's his problem? Ginga thought he liked Kyouya. After all, Leone's blader had helped him becoming a part of Ginga's group of new friends and prevented him to stay away. He had no reason to resent him.
Ginga would clarify that later. Right now, he's smiling.
"I'll see you later!"
"You're not going to–"
Ginga went out and closed the door behind him, cutting off Hyouma's sentence. Kyouya raised an eyebrow.
"Where are we going?" asked Ginga.
Someone else than Kyouya would have demanded explanations, but his rival wasn't like this. He let him keep to himself what he wanted, never pushing him to his limits. It was so nice.
He's the only one.
"Tell me you see yourself arguing with her."
Absolutely not. I can't let Madoka see the real me. The one she likes is this immature boy who only thinks about Beybattles and hamburgers. Not that scarred boy who spent months alone looking for revenge and that's the boy who comes out when I'm angry.
But Kyouya knew him. He accepted him and had no problem spending time with that boy.
"Take a stroll around town," replied Kyouya.
Ginga looked at him, surprised. Kyouya seemed to have no other expectations than to spend time with him.
Ginga's shoulders relaxed. He smiled. "Okay. Let's go."
XXX
"I don't think it's edible."
"And I tell you a real restaurant sells hamburgers."
"Fast foods aren't restaurants. Everyone knows that."
Ginga couldn't hold back any longer: he laughed. Kyouya's eyes rounded, revealing the white around her plums. Ginga laughed even more. His reaction was perfectly adorable.
The pair was standing on a shopping street. From where they were, they saw two restaurants–well, a fast-food and a restaurant, since Kyouya wanted to differentiate them–and they couldn't agree on which one to choose. They had been sticking to their positions for five minutes.
Kyouya squinted. "Why do I feel like you're not agreeing with me?"
"Because I'm not."
Kyouya snorted. Ginga was still laughing.
"I don't know what you think is so funny."
"Nothing, no doubt. It's just that..." ...it's been a long time since I've felt so happy. Ginga couldn't bring himself to say it out loud. It would look too much like treason. He was supposed to prepare for the happiest day of his life. "What if we draw lots?" he proposed, cutting off his own thoughts. "Flip a coin. You have coins on you, right?"
"I have."
Ginga reached out. Kyouya put a piece on his palm. A distrusting pout was rounding his lips, making Ginga want to capture them with a kiss.
He tried to focus on his gaze. It was not a safer terrain–how could a blue be so mesmerizing?–but it was less obvious.
"Head or tail?"
"Head," Kyouya mumbled.
Ginga threw the coin and caught it. He tackled it on the back of his other hand, discovered it and...
"Damn it."
Kyouya let out a joyful exclamation. Ginga raised his head. The blue eyes sparkled and Kyouya's lips revealed a fang.
If he could see him that way, maybe it wasn't so bad to lose...
"Get ready to try some real food!"
"It won't be as good as hamburgers."
"You'll soon change your mind."
They crossed the road and went to the small traditional restaurant, the subject of their dispute, moving away from the fast food.
Kyouya's eyes slid to the window of a clothing store before referring to their objective. It had happened several times during the evening: Kyouya had slowed down to watch items from different stores, even though he had not entered any of them. Ginga loved to have discovered an aspect of Kyouya he didn't know. He didn't know he was so interested in shops.
Even if, seeing his elaborate style, he should have known.
He wondered how he behaved in the shops.
Kyouya reached the restaurant's doors first. He kept it open and smiled proudly at Ginga.
"You'll forget about burgers."
"I doubt that."
Ginga walked past Kyouya. "Next time, I'll choose."
XXX
Two weeks later, Tsubasa had still done nothing of his conversation with Kyouya. He understood what Leone's blader had said and his intentions–he was no fool–but he didn't see why he should let himself be manipulated and act accordingly.
Because it had to be manipulation, right? Why would Madoka marry Ginga if she wasn't in love with him? There would be many reasons to marry Ginga the hero without involving feelings: celebrity, prestige, the trophy side... but Madoka was not that kind of girl. Then why would she marry Ginga if she didn't love him?
"This engagement is nothing more than a farce."
Thinking about it gave him a headache.
"If I want to move up in the WBBA, I don't have time to worry about that."
But...
"Are you willing to let her spend the rest of her life with someone who doesn't love her that way?"
Kyouya had made a point. Ginga had no love feelings towards Madoka. There was only one person he was looking at and this person was Kyouya Tategami.
In fact, when he started hanging with them, Tsubasa had thought they were dating.
Tsubasa couldn't let Madoka continue to be involved in this relationship, even as a friend. She deserved better than that.
I should talk to her.
This conclusion did not please him, but he saw no other way of helping her realize of the error she was about to make. He couldn't let her ruin her life without reacting.
And although he would intervene as a friend, in a completely disinterested manner, he was not in a hurry to have this discussion.
As he headed for the WBBA headquarters, Tsubasa saw Hyouma. Not only the presence of Aries' blader in town was surprising–wasn't he supposed to be in Koma? But he advanced in a... not-him way: he walked with a determined, almost jerky, step, frowning and his jaw clenched. Something had displeased him so much he did nothing to hide it.
"Hyouma?"
The blader of Aries stopped and turned around. When he saw Tsubasa, he clasped a soft smile on his face. This looked more like him.
"Tsubasa! What a happy coincidence."
"I work at the WBBA. What is surprising is to see you in the neighborhood."
"I wanted to visit Ryuusei."
"But... you can't see him outside of work hours?"
Hyouma let his smile fade away. "I can, but it is a very important issue. It concerns his son."
"Ginga has a problem?"
Hyouma looked contrite. He clearly hesitated between telling him more and changing the subject. He sighed. "Even though you're not his childhood friend, you've known Ginga for quite some time, right?"
"A little before the Battle Bladers," Tsubasa agreed.
Hyouma's eyes became sharper. "And have you known Kyouya that long?"
What did Kyouya do? Tsubasa did not need supernatural powers to understand that he was the heart of the problem, and he had managed to upset Hyouma.
Was there anyone in the world he wasn't able to piss off?
"Give or take a few months, but we don't really spend time together."
Hyouma nodded. They took several steps in silence. "Ginga is spending a lot of time with him nowadays. In fact, he's spending time with him right now," he added, with a grimace of disgust.
"They have always been on the same page."
"And that's why Kyouya wasn't part of the Gan Gan Galaxy and dropped the legendary bladers, I guess."
Hyouma's resentment was very noticeable. At the same time, it must have been hard to see someone you cared about suffering because of a relationship. Especially since he thought he would never have abandoned Ginga that way. They were childhood friends after all.
Despite what Kyouya was bragging about, despite the more than obvious feelings they had for each other, he may not have been the best choice for Ginga.
But Ginga wasn't the best choice for Madoka.
"You're not defending him," Hyouma noticed with a smile.
"Kyouya and I are not friends," said Tsubasa, casually. "I don't feel the need to defend him. On the other hand," he added after reflection, "Ginga cares about him."
This remark erased Hyouma's smile. He sighed. "Ginga is having a hard time realizing what is good for him."
Tsubasa frowned. On the contrary, it seemed to him that Ginga had a rather healthy life, favoring what made him happy–Beyblading and spending time with his friends–without ignoring his responsibilities or the needs of the community.
"He didn't even realize his feelings for Madoka, can you imagine?" Hyouma confided to him, smiling again, without noticing the sense of dread dawning into Tsubasa.
"And how did he realize?"
"Ryuusei and I helped him to."
That was what Tsubasa feared. Hyouma and the director thought that Ginga was in love with Madoka and, in their enthusiasm, had convinced him to marry, without realizing his heart belonged to someone else.
Although... Tsubasa was seized with a doubt. Could someone as observant as Hyouma have missed Ginga's obvious feelings for Kyouya? Especially when he showed how much he disapproved of them spending time together.
Tsubasa noticed a calculating glow in the blue eyes.
He decided he had no desire to know.
XXX
Ginga put his hands on his face.
"I don't love Madoka."
He knew it, had never had a doubt about it, but saying it out loud made him feel guilty.
He was lying on his tiny couch, in "his" studio. He would have preferred to be under the stars or, in an irony that did not escape him, at the B-Pit. These were places where he felt comfortable and where he could think freely. He wasn't feeling at home here.
"What should I do?" he whispered in a tired voice.
The answer seemed obvious at first glance. It had been for a long time. After all, everyone expected him to marry Madoka–his closest she-friend–and have children–a prospect he found terrifying... what was wrong with him? Even if it wasn't the life he dreamed of and would make him happy, he knew he wouldn't be unhappy with Madoka.
Not all the time, anyway.
Not during the rare moments he would manage to forget Kyouya and their possibilities he would have pushed away.
Ginga wasn't stupid or naive. He didn't think everything would be perfect if he and Kyouya were dating. There would necessarily be disagreements, disputes, misunderstandings... but even these perspectives didn't bother him. On the contrary. Even sharing that with Kyouya attracted him more than an ideal life–as everyone said–with Madoka.
"Tell me..."
"I don't love her," he murmured, hiding his eyes under his hands. "I don't mind being away from her, even for a long time."
While he couldn't bear to be away from Kyouya. When their paths diverged, it often broke his heart. And he missed him intensely.
"I don't look forward seeing her every morning."
What did Kyouya look like when he woke up? Did he have clear thoughts quickly or did he have to follow a long ritual to come out of the mists of sleep?
"I don't want to hug her or kiss her. I don't want her."
While Kyouya had sparkling eyes when he smiled. They changed according to his emotions as the ocean changed in accord with the sky. His green hair seemed so soft it was a real torture for Ginga not to pass his hand through. His skin was equally tempting, from his face to his exposed belly, to the parts he didn't see and would like discovering. His figure was so pleasant to look at and he never got tired of the way he moved. He loved the sound of his voice and the way he arranged the words. And his mouth... and his throat...
"I'm not happy when I see her."
He liked spending time with Madoka–at least he used to–but his heart didn't jump when he saw her. He wasn't overwhelmed by admiration or amazed. He didn't want to smile without stopping. Not like when he saw...
"Kyouya."
Ginga loved to pronounce his name. He loved spending time with him and thinking about him. He didn't need much to be happy when it came to Kyouya–but he wanted more.
"I don't trust her. I don't see myself talking to her about what scares me or worries me or makes me angry." Especially not what makes me angry. It's– I can't show them how I am when I'm angry. I don't want to lose them."
His friends were too important to him. He didn't want to lose them. He was lucky they agreed to speak to him after his outburst against Ryuuga. He could no longer take that risk.
Ginga's lips shaked. His whispers seemed to echo between the walls. The words he had let slip both freed him and increased his guilt.
"All this is you," he confessed, Kyouya's solemn face in his mind, with his eyes so deep and attentive. "What I want is you."
His throat tightened.
"What should I do?"
XXX
Madoka was fixing beys in his workshop. She had just finished checking out a Flame Gasher and was about to work on an Earth Gemios, thinking it had been a while since her friends had entrusted their beys to her. She was particularly worried about Pegasus and Leone. Their bladers should soon be battling.
Madoka stopped digging around in his tools, frowning. Shouldn't they have already battled? Kyouya challenged Ginga at the slightest lull, often with a whole staging that made Madoka wonder if he had any other hobbies in life.
She dispelled her anxiety. Everyone had a lot to do at the moment, including Kyouya. Leone's blader had a real job! And Ginga was engaged...
The thought was accompanied by a rush of nervousness, as every time. She didn't feel as comfortable with Ginga since they were engaged. That was normal. Their relationship had evolved. But she would be lying if she claimed that she did not miss their friendship's simplicity.
"Madoka?"
The young woman raised her head. Tsubasa had walked down the first steps to the basement and was patiently waiting for her permission to join her in her workspace. Madoka could not help but smile. He was the only one to show him such respect.
"Hello Tsubasa."
Her friend had a slight smile and went down the rest of the steps.
"How is Eagle?" she asked when he was next to her.
Tsubasa's smile became more pronounced. It gave her a very soft impression. What a pity he didn't wear this expression more often: it suited him well and he seemed less... inaccessible.
"It is doing well, thanks to your exceptional care."
A soft warm filled Madoka's chest and her face began to tingle. She held her hand to her hair and pulled mechanically on a lock. She couldn't hold back an embarrassed laugh. "I'm just doing my job."
Tsubasa slowly shook his head. "It's not just a job. I won't entrust Eagle to anyone but you."
Madoka looked away, without ceasing to smile. If only more people respected her work... Ginga thanked her when she finished fixing Pegasus, but it was... different. Perhaps because it was the enthusiastic expression of a blader and not a solemn recognition. Yes. That was surely the reason.
"Why are you here? Eagle needs repairs?" Madoka's tone was much happier than she expected. She nearly clasped her hands on her mouth, to hide the silly smile she felt on her lips, or her cheeks, to hide their redness.
"Did you... talk to Ginga recently?"
Tsubasa's worried voice made her turn around. "I didn't. Why?"
"I think he's having problems with Hyouma."
Madoka blinked, puzzled. "With Hyouma? Why? They are childhood friends."
Tsubasa displayed a sad smile. "I don't want to gossip. It's just... Ginga shouldn't be alone."
"I'll talk to him."
Tsubasa nodded, relieved. "Okay. I'll leave you alone."
He turned around and went to the steps. He put his hand on the railing, stopped. His hand pressed on the ramp, but he didn't move forward.
"Tsubasa?"
Eagle's blader turned around, displaying a tormented expression. Madoka's heart squeezed. She stood with her fist clenched against her heart. What was troubling him?
"I have a question. It's weird, given the situation, but don't be mad at me, okay?"
"I will not."
She didn't get mad when we asked her questions. Well... as long as we didn't ask her stupid questions, like Ginga or Masamune. But Tsubasa wasn't like them.
"Are you in love with Ginga?"
"What?"
She was expecting everything but this.
"Excuse me," replied Tsubasa hastily. "You are engaged. The answer is obvious. I did not mean to insult you." He breathed a deep sigh and looked at her with his golden eyes, always calm and clear–perfect to anchor." I was under the impression that you were friends, not..."
He couldn't find his words this time.
"We used to be."
"When has it changed?"
Madoka opened her mouth to answer, but no word came to her. When had it changed? She recalled the moments she had shared with Ginga since their meeting but found none that stood out. It was just her and Ginga.
"I– I'm sure it happenend gradually," she stammered.
Tsubasa nodded mechanically and looked down. "I see. Thank you for answering. And for not getting mad."
Tsubasa turned around to leave. He climbed the first two steps but Madoka asked him: "Wait!"
He stopped right away and half-turned, his hand carelessly placed on the ramp. He was the very image of elegance. No wonder he was so popular despite his few public appearances. And yet, people had seen nothing of his hard-working side, of the clumsy gentleness with which he treated his friends, nor of his sharp intelligence. One of these details, or more frequent appearances, would have been enough to make it as popular as Ginga and Kyouya–and more, if people had the slightest sense.
"Don't you think Ginga and I are logical?"
"Not really."
Madoka's heart beat faster. He was the first to tell her that. All the others... For them, it was obvious. It made her curious. "Why?"
Tsubasa looked into the distance, as if pondering on his answer. Perhaps he was choosing his words carefully. He was not one to tell out loud the first words crossing his mind, unlike most of the boys she knew and who spoke without thinking about the consequences. Or worrying about it.
"You just seemed like friends."
"It often starts that way," she said earnestly.
At least, that was what she had heard. And that was the basic scenario of most love stories that could be read or seen. That was one of the reasons why she and Ginga made sense.
"Yes, but in your case, it didn't look like the kind of friendship that can turn into a love story. He often annoyed you."
"Don't tell me about it," sighed Madoka. "All his childish activities were exhausting me."
Tsubasa had a smile half nostalgic, half compassionate. "Especially when he was bickering with Masamune."
"It was the worst," Madoka replied vehemently.
All these moments of peace vanished because the two bladers competed. All those stupid contests she had to attend–either because they were at the B-Pit, or because they couldnt find anything better to do than challenging in front of her. Even Kenta and Yuu were more mature! Madoka hadn't regretted a single moment Masamune's decision to stay in the United States. It was the only way to enjoy some calm.
And, although particularly annoying, these bickering with Masamune were not the only things that had exasperated her about Ginga. There was also this passion for hamburgers and his effusive reunion with Pegasus–which unfortunately carried on to this day.
But... it was normal not to adore the whole character of the person we loved. It was normal to be annoyed by some side of their character. There was no such thing as perfection.
And then immature behaviours were just infuriating. Nobody found they attractive.
"And... there's also Alekseï."
"Alekseï?"
Tsubasa seemed deeply embarrassed. Perhaps Madoka should spare him by closing the discussion, leaving her curiosity unsatisfied.
Easier said than done. She had a scientific soul. Unanswered questions were her enemy.
"You had a soft spot for him."
Madoka blushed. Tsubasa blushed in turn. She looked down. "It was... so visible?"
"It was."
The warmth of her cheeks increased. Alekseï had been her first crush–counting only real people. At the same time, a handsome, intelligent, distinguished boy who was interested in Beyblade and science, who could resist?
Certainly not her.
Even after their departure from Russia, she had continued to think about him. She had spoken to Ginga about it, listing all the qualities she saw in Alekseï that distinguished him from the boys she knew—without hiding Ginga was one of those quite disreputable boys. Pegasus's blader had simply rolled his eyes–which Madoka hadfound very offensive, especially from a guy who used to make tirades on burgers and passionate love declarations at his bey–before advising her to contact him if she thought he was so great.
"But I have nothing to tell him!" she was offended.
"You have a lot to say about him though," Ginga had replied, in a bad mood, glaring at the door of their wagon. "You talk about teammates. Where are they when you need them? Bunch of traitors."
Madoka had decided to ignore his last remark. It wasn't addressed to him anyway. "It's not the same. You can't understand."
"That's for sure. If I could contact the person I love whenever I want, I would text them all the time."
It was Madoka's turn to roll her eyes. "Of course. Because Pegasus can read now."
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny."
Entrusting Ginga with all this had been easy. Madoka had not thought twice about it, despite the tumult of her new feelings. It was only Ginga, after all. She didn't really care what he thought of her, especially when she thought of Alekseï and how pale Ginga looked next to him...
Madoka bit her lip. She had probably been too hard on him, and she no longer thought that way. They both grew up. Their view of the world and people had changed accordingly. Passion for science–or at least an understanding of its fundamental principles–and reflection and beauty were not everything. She had imagined an ideal lover far from Ginga, but it was logical. Fantasies were far away from reality, after all.
"Is everything all right, Madoka?"
The voice–so real–drove her from her thoughts.
"Uh– Yes. I'm all right. I know what you mean." She felt terribly embarrassed by this confession, although it concerned feelings dating back several years. She was unable to go into the details.
"Okay. See you later."
"Y-yes. That's right. See you later."
Madoka waited until Tsubasa was out of her office to fall down on her chair. She looked at her work table without seeing it. How could a simple discussion have emptied her so much? She felt like her thoughts were all tangled up.
Talking to Ginga had nothing to do with it. It was easy. She said what was going through her head, not worrying about what he would think, because it didn't matter if he found her rough or tyrannical. He was just... Ginga.
She bit her lip. It was... probably normal, in a couple. You couldn't want to look perfect all the time. It would be unbearable on a daily basis.
But she could not help but wonder if it was normal to never feel the need to seem perfect.
XXX
Kyouya was looking at the sky that was filling with stars.
Unlike the last few days, Ginga hadn't come to pick him up when he left the TC. Kyouya had therefore decided to wait for him near the canal, where he loved to hang out. He had been waiting for more than an hour. He wanted to go and get his rival at home or at the B-Pit, but Ginga knew he was waiting for him. If he was avoiding him, it was on purpose, and Kyouya didn(t intend to humiliate himself by running after him.
He wanted Ginga to stand by him, to choose him, but if the redhead didn't mean to, he wouldn't beg him.
It didn't matter how much it hurt.
Kyouya glanced at the canal's banks. No trace of Ginga. His shoulders hunched and his hands pressed against each other. He ignored the lump in his throat. There was no point in staying here any longer.
Kyouya turned his back and took the city's direction, his heart heavy. He thought he and Ginga had made progress in the last few days. Pegasus's blader was at ease in his company and seemed to forget everything about his situation. Kyouya had thought it would be enough. Ginga necessarily saw the difference between how he felt with him–free–and how he felt with others–trapped in a role. He could weigh the pros and cons. The best solution for him was terribly obvious. But, in the end, it had served no purpose.
Maybe I should change my approach.
Even if he didn't see what more he could do. After all, the final decision was Ginga's.
"What can I do? I can't give up."
Kyouya took Leone out of its closet and looked at it. His lifelong friend was a comforting presence, even in situations that had nothing to do with Beyblade.
Kyouya stopped and looked more closely at Leone. His heart pounded harder. A smile began to appear on his lips.
"It's about Ginga and I. About our history."
And what was their story if not an intense Beybattle?
"Thank you, Leone." He put his bey away and went on his way.
"Kyouya!"
He stopped. A tension left his shoulders as he half-turned and saw Ginga coming near to him. The redhead slowed down when he saw Kyouya was waiting for him. He stopped a few steps away from him. His honey eyes were shining but Kyouya read a deep seriousness into them.
"I was looking for you."
Kyouya allowed himself a small smile. These three words brought him even greater comfort than Leone's support.
"And you found me."
Ginga smiled in return. "Usually, you are the one finding me. It changes."
They looked at each other for a few moments and Ginga's smile faded away. Kyouya was saddened. He preferred when he was happy. Therefore, when Ginga Beyblading and he was happy, and wild, and free, and himself in a way that he didn't allow himself to be the rest of the time.
"I don't know what to do."
Kyouya's heart tightened.
"I know you won't tell me what to do, even though I know what you think. I just... need some advice. Not the one you already gave me."
"What do you want?"
"I don't see–"
"The last few days were complicated," Ginga interrupted him with a deep voice that worried him–how hard had it been for him to talk about it without being pushed? "I don't want to get into the details. I just– I would need another piece of advice, to–"
Ginga didn't end his sentence. It was not necessary. He would rely on Kyouya's advice to decide the rest of his life.
Kyouya almost laughed at how ridiculous the situation was. Ginga was waiting for disinterested advice from him.
Stay with me.
These words burned his lips, but they didn't appropriate–even if Kyouya could say nothing more sincere at this moment.
What can I say?
What could he say that would not be a pity or a pathetic request, anyway.
And his Leone gave him the answer.
What was their story if not a Beybattle?
Kyouya raised his head and stared at Ginga with confidence. "What would you do if it was a Beybattle?"
XXX
Ginga was heading for the B-Pit. He looked before him, not letting his gaze drift towards the shops or the onlookers who didn't fail to stare at him. For the first time since what seemed like an eternity, he had regained control of his life. It was an exhilarating and terrifying feeling. Kyouya's words had awakened him. They were so right. How could he not have thought about it before? This was what he did, usually, in the face of hesitation, looking the situation as a Beybattle.
And it changed everything.
During a Beyblabattle, the others counted, but so did he. He fought to get what he wanted, didn't hesitate to use all his strength, to crush those who stood in his way...
He could not go so far in daily life, even if the thought had something liberating.
Ginga reached the B-Pit's threshold. He looked at the facade which he knew by heart, and which had become a second home.
He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. He felt a growing apprehension, but no hesitation.
"Let's do it."
He opened the door and entered the shop. The bell greeted his arrival. He advanced between the shelves. The door closed as he reached the stairs. He climbed them down. "Madoka?"
"Huh? Oh! Ginga."
Ginga reached the office. His friend was sitting at her work table. She turned her chair in his direction and looked at him with a worried face. Ginga clenched his fists, accepting the regret filling his heart.
If I lose her as a friend, it'll be all my fault.
Madoka was one of his closest friends, those who had saved him when he first arrived in Bey-City. He didn't want to lose her, even if she had every reason to want to throw him out of her life.
And not just to break up our engagement, he realized.
To please the most people, he had been ready to marry Madoka when he didn't love her this way. How insulting and contemptuous was it to condemn her to such a life?
"Are you... having problems with Hyouma?"
"How do you know that?" Ginga was so surprised he almost forgot why he came.
Madoka bowed her head. Her fists clenched on her knees. "Tsubasa told me about it."
And how did he know?
Ginga removed the incident from his mind. That was not why he came. "I have, but I'll take care of it."
Anyway, he'd take care of it.
The three weeks with Kyouya had been a pleasant torture–it had given him a glimpse of a daily life he thought he had to give up–but the presence of his childhood friend had been a mere torture. Always reminding him of his commitments, everything he had to do. When Ginga had hinted he might not be interested in these plans for the future, Hyouma had said harsher, colder words, and, trapped, Ginga had finally gone to ask Kyouya for one last piece of advice. Because he knew he could trust Leone's blader with his life.
And Kyouya had told him the words that had given him a freedom he had almost forgotten.
"That's not why I'm here."
"Ah."
Ginga took his courage in both hands. "We cannot marry."
Madoka's eyes rounded. She raised her head sharply. "What?"
Of course she was surprised. Everything seemed to be going well between them, and everyone congratulated them for what was "going without saying". She wasn't in his head. She knew nothing of his inner turmoil.
If she knew what was in his head, she probably wouldn't want anything to do with him.
Ginga owed her frankness. It was the least he could do.
"I– I love you, but I'm not in love with you. I've never been. You're my friend, and I care about you, but..." You are not Kyouya. "...nothing more."
Madoka flickered her eyes.
"I know it's a lot to hear, and I'm sorry," Ginga added. "You're my friend. I should have paid attention to you."
And pay attention to me, and Kyouya, and not just the desires of others.
How could he have endured to face his reflection after taking so little account of Kyouya's feelings?
He promised to redeem himself.
"I am... sorry."
Ginga couldn't say anything more.
The silence went on and on. Madoka stared at him, her face strangely blank. Perhaps he had said too much at once? He couldn't push the deadline any further. It had gone on too long. Madoka was the first one involved. So he had to inform her first.
"You... don't love me?"
"I don't"
"But that"s what everyone–"
"Everyone is wrong."
Madoka looked at him a little longer. "You're sure," she realized.
"I am."
"Is it because you're in love with someone?" Madoka said it without anger or resentment but Ginga couldn't help but flinched. Her genuine curiosity was worse than the anger he expected–and deserved.
"...I am."
"How is she?"
Ginga's throat tightened. "It's not a "she"."
Madoka frowned, confused, and then her face shone, as if she had just found the last piece of a puzzle and everything became crystal clear. "Kyouya."
Ginga tensed. She had pronounced the name without the slightest anger, and her expression didn't change. She slowly nodded to herself. She ended up giving him a contrite smile.
"We let ourselves being carried away without thinking, didn't we?"
"You're not mad at me?"
Madoka shook her head. Her smile became more sincere. "I'm glad we're friends."
A weight left Ginga's shoulders. He began to smile. "So am I." He couldn't tell her how afraid he was of losing her yet. In a few months, perhaps, when things would have settled down and they would have become fully friends again.
He frowned.
Wait a minute. Did Madoka said...?
"We let ourselves being carried away? You mean...?"
"I love you, Ginga, but I am not in love with you," she said, joyfully repeating his words.
"Oh..."
"Disappointed?"
Ginga shook his head and smiled. It seemed to him that a huge weight had just left him.
"Relieved."
He hadn't hurt his friend in the end.
XXX
Kyouya was leaning back against a barrier, his eyes fixed on the other side of the canal. The twilight was falling fast, filling the sky with orange and pink hues, ready to give way to the night. A few stars were already appearing.
After he had given him his advice the day before, Ginga's attitude had changed dramatically. His gaze had hardened and his face had frozen in a determined expression. Kyouya's heart had surged–he found it so attractive–before he fully realized the situation.
Ginga had made his mind. Whatever he had choosen, there was no going back.
Ginga had arranged to meet him here, in the evening, without specifying the exact time. Kyouya hated to wait, even more when he was immersed in uncertainty.
His footsteps were heard. Kyouya tensed. He wanted to turn around but...
Arms surrounded his chest. He felt a body against his back and a familiar warmth spread over his skin. His body relaxed, as if it were in its place. It was because of this kind of feeble reaction he had delayed so much the moment to make things official with Ginga... and that was partly what had led to the situation.
But it seemed like he was lucky...
Kyouya bent his head back and pressed his skull against Ginga's shoulder.
"So?"
The hands tightened on his chest. Only the barrier prevented him from melting in the embrace. Ginga was there with him. He had chosen him.
Kyouya wanted to hear him say it out loud.
Ginga pressed his face against his neck and Kyouya was a bit too much awareness of his closeness and touch, in a way they had not experienced until then. It was very distracting.
"I have chosen."
Kyouya withdrew Ginga's hands and turned around, keeping one hand in his. They faced each other. Kyouya had a half-smile at Ginga's vivid expression. That was his rival.
"I thought I got it."
Ginga raised his free hand to his cheek and touched it with his fingertips. His gaze was adorned with a softness that Kyouya had never seen. His breath held itself.
"I want you, if you still want me."
"Did I sound like I wanted someone else than you? Or am I the kind of person who suddenly changed his mind?"
"Ha! Never."
"So don't ask stupid questions," Kyouya mumbled.
He closed his eyes when Ginga's hand wrapped his cheek. He was relieved beyond words and wanted to enjoy the moment.
Ginga's forehead pressed against his. Kyouya opened his eyes to fall into a gaze of honey and molten gold.
"The next few weeks are going to be eventful," Ginga warned him.
"I like challenges," smiled Kyouya.
"So did I. But it will be different."
Because it would not be a Beybattle but a fight to show their relationship was legitimate, more than Ginga's and Madoka's. Kyouya had nothing to prove. He owed nothing to these people. But he knew criticism would rain, near or far. The national–what did he say world–hero Ginga Hagane with a man, when he could have the model life, with a woman and a house full of children? It was going to get a lot of press. Fortunately, Kyouya didn't care. Moreover...
"I chose you, Ginga Hagane. This may surprise you, but I didn't expect a simple, tidy life with you."
Ginga looked at him with surprise before letting out a laugh. A little annoyed at beating around the bush, Kyouya clasped his hands on his waist and drew him against him to kiss him. Ginga stopped laughing, much more interested in their new activity. His hands ran through hisbody, straying into his hair.
Kyouya was finally where he wanted to be.
THE END
Note : Luckily for Yuuki and Madoka, there was Tsubasa point of view and not only Kyouya's xD