A/N: After so long...I'm finally back with an update! Sorry, folks but I've just been super super busy with college. Assignments here and there, tests there and here...plus I have a writer's block which as you can see I have gotten over it. YAY!
Thanks to my reviewers: Demon-horse99, Setsuna-chan, fallen phoenix of darkness, Sugar911, ileftmybraininmylocker, wild-roze, HeartlessDevil, Armith-Greenleaf, observaant- not mean, Beyblade-gal, Chibi Bishi, Moonlight Kitten, Blackdranzergurl, myownworld, EvilTwinKae, Kairia, lil' angelgrl, kidishcaresh, Shitza, Kyuubi no Tai and people who readbut don't review! You know who you are!
Chapter 15
The children's laughter was like music to her ears. The living room of the orphanage was filled with decorations, the kind the kids there never saw in years. Orange handmade Jack'o lanterns hung in every corner of the room, their grins leering out at the passing children and teenagers. Music was playing from the stereo someone brought for the event. A smile on her face, Jade watched the children of the orphanage as they attacked the massive table of food, courtesy of Kai. From the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar red-haired male approaching her.
"Tala!" she said happily, embracing him in a hug. "I'm so glad you make it."
The grin on Tala was wolfish. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
She glanced around and smiled at Max and Mariam where they were playing with a couple of kids. Hilary was busy trying to keep Tyson from attacking and gobbling up the banquet table.
"IT'S NOT FOR YOU! GET YOUR HANDS OFF THAT DRUMSTICK, TYSON!"
"I NEED FOOD!"
"NO!"
"Looks like those two are at it again." Tala shook his head.
"Since when were they never at it?" Kai drawled coming up from behind.
Jade greeted him with a smile saved only for him and him alone. "All this is wonderful, Kai. Thank you."
He kissed her forehead. "Anything for you."
"Get a room." their friend muttered, feigning a sick face.
"Get a girl." Kai retorted.
"Ouch." Tala protested, clutching his chest where his heart was. "Insert the knife and twist. You just insulted my ability to pick up any girl I want."
"I'm not worried about your ability to pick up any girl you want." Kai said. "It's your ability to pick up any girl who doesn't want you."
"If you're referring to Miss Salvatore, I assure you I have already captured her attention." the red-haired said.
"Capture whose attention?"
It was later did it became a joke among the group about how high Tala had jumped when Tanya came up on him at an orphanage filled with children where one would expect being jumped on. Gathering his composure quickly, Tala turned to face the dark haired girl who was looking at him expectantly.
"Tanya, there you are!" he said aloud.
She raised a confused eyebrow. "Yes, here I am and there you are." She looked at the other two who were trying to contain their snickers at their red-haired friend's reddened face. Now Tanya looked genuinely confused. "Am I missing something here?"
"No." Tala quickly assured her before Kai could open his mouth. "It's cool. We're cool here. What are you doing here?"
Surprised by the change of conversation, Tanya blinked. "Because I was invited here?" she answered incredulously as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I invited her." Kai said blandly.
"Along with the rest of the team." Tanya piped in. "They are really stoke about this. They love kids, well, most of them."
"So do I!" Tala jumped in.
Jade took hold of Kai's hand and guided him away from the bantering couple. "Let's leave them to their bonding, shall we?"
Kai glanced over his shoulder at his friend before he allowed his girlfriend to led him from the room. Once out of Tala and Tanya's range, he slipped an arm around her waist and in turn, guided her to the veranda for some fresh air. Once they were alone, she turned to him, pecking his cheek lovingly.
"You didn't have to do this, Kai." she said.
"But I wanted to." he replied.
"Why?"
He turned his head to gaze at the dark neighborhood the orphanage was situated in. Despite the soft glow of the streetlights, darkness still managed to claim the streets, creating a cover for those who dwell in the dark with not-so-nice intentions. He looked as though he was gathering his thoughts and she waited patiently for him to speak again.
"I did it for you." he said after a long moment. She nodded; knowing there was more to it than just her and waited. "I also did it for the children here." he continued quietly. "I know what it's like to be an orphan, what it's like to have no parents. These kids don't deserve to be left alone on Halloween. Or any other day."
She smiled. Her smile said everything. That she understood what he meant, that she was thankful for him and that she loved him.
"They need someone." he glanced at her.
Jade slipped her hand into his and smuggled closer to him. "They already have that someone." she said. "You. You gave them hope, Kai. You made them believe that there are people out there who care for them. You've done so much for them and I thank you. You don't know what this means to them."
"I know what it means to you." Kai said, smiling slightly.
She cocked her head and gave him a half smile. "It looks good on you."
"What?"
"That smile. You should smile more often."
"Then I'll. For you, I'll do anything."
"Well…" she said slowly. "There's one more thing you can do for me."
The confused puzzled look that crossed the face of the Ice Prince was positively endearing.
"TRICK OR TREAT!"
If the sound of children's laughter in the orphanage was loud, it was louder on the streets where they had all the space and freedom to run about in costumes rented courtesy on the behalf of Max Tate. Little vampires, demons and kid version of Supermans, Spidermans and Batmans invaded the neighborhood, running from door to door much to the dismay of the teenagers who had volunteered to help.
Tala led his group to the front of a Halloween-pumpkin decorated house and turned to regard them with a serious expression.
"Okay, on sleazing extra candy: tears are the key. Tears will normally get you the double-bagger. You can also try the old 'you missed me' routine, but it's risky. Only go there for chocolate. Understood?" he said all-military-like. The children nodded. Satisfied, he turned, facing the house. "Alright. Let's move out."
They did.
Jade laughed outright at the sight of Tyson trying to gather his share of candies and chocolates by pretending to be a kid. The children under his care erupted laughing while all Hilary could do was bury her face in her hand. She said something about the kids behaving better than Tyson and how embarrassing this was. Tyson retorted by saying she didn't have to be there and she snapped back with a "Because if I'm not here, these kids won't be getting any treats! Thanks to you!"
"Remind me again why I agreed to this?" Kai muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
She grinned up at him. "Because you love me." she answered for him.
He just shook his head and allowed his gaze to wander the neighborhood. As much as he hated to admit it, this was fun. It sure beat being at his grandfather's Halloween dinner in the company of profit-craving men like Voltaire. That was how he spent last year's Halloween and that goes the same for the year before. Short to say this was better.
Six months ago I would have never thought of this. Even if I did, I wouldn't have acted on it. I'm glad I did. To be surrounded by children laughing with joy because of something I've done…
To be with people I never considered friends…
As always, his eyes rested finally on the green-eyed girl guiding the group of children ahead of him to a house, all smiles and laughter.
To be with the girl I love…
His mood sobered with the next thought that followed but he couldn't help it.
…whom is dying from the same sickness that killed my mother.
Facing reality. Acknowledging the harsh cold truth. That was what he was good at. He had always been down-to-earth and ready to face any challenges life threw at him. But this may be his greatest challenge yet. And he wasn't even sure if he had the strength to pull through.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he sidled forward to join the group. The kids were already moving on to the next house and Jade followed. She paused, noticing that he wasn't with her and glanced back at him.
"Kai? You okay?"
He nodded. "Yeah." But you're not…
She linked her arm around his, squeezing it. "Hey, lighten up. This night only comes once in a year, you know."
They started walking together, trailing after the children who were harassing the young woman of the house. Kai watched them as the children asked for more chocolates and the woman looked lost for she had no more candy. Luckily Jade came to her rescue, quickly ushering the children along and apologizing to the woman. Joining Kai once more on the sidewalk, she glanced at her watch.
"I think we have enough time for one more house. Then we better start heading back to the orphanage." she said.
"Are you?" he asked suddenly.
She looked at him, surprised by his question. "Am I what?"
"Okay." he said, looking at her. "Do you feel alright? Any dizzy spells, headaches?"
She stared at him for a moment then without warning a bubbly sound rose from her. She was laughing. Strangely Kai felt mildly offended. He waited for her laughter to subside before he asked her in an annoyed tone.
"What may I ask is so funny?"
"You're such a wet blanket, Kai!" she said in between giggles. "I'm fine. Have fun. Stop worry about me like I'm some helpless female who can't even walk down a street without tripping."
"But aren't you some helpless female who can't even walk down a street without tripping?" he replied with a ghost smile.
"Kai!" she punched his arm lightly and shook her head, pouting. "Honestly, I don't know how I put up with you. Sexist!"
"Hey, you called me a wet blanket first." he protested.
"Because you are." she told him in a matter-a-fact way. "What kind of person doesn't know how to have fun on Halloween?"
"I'm having fun." he said lamely.
Green eyes sparkling with amusement, she laughed again. "Halloween isn't about just contributing and volunteering to help the orphanage. It isn't about ghosts or monsters or even superheroes for that matter. Having fun on Halloween comes from the spirit of Halloween."
"I thought you said it has nothing to do with ghosts." he said, grinning.
She rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean. It's the atmosphere, the Jack'o lanterns, trick or treating, to hear the kids' laughter…"
"Little monsters…" he added under his breath.
She pretended she didn't hear him. "It's Halloween, you know. Without all this, it'll be just one normal day."
"You know what I think?" Kai said, taking her arm and pulled her against him. "I think you think too much."
"Ooh, what are you going to do about it?" Jade threw back at him with a challenged look.
"This." he dripped his head, lowering his face to hers and brought his lips to hers. She leaned in, wrapping her arms around his middle and kissed him back. She tasted like honey. Sweet. Pure. Heavenly. He didn't want to break the kiss and he didn't. He had already told her that since his earlier childhood days, he had developed an immune system that was strong enough to fight off the virus that carried tuberculosis. Then he had added with a soft smile as he turned his eyes to the heavens.
"Maybe it was my mother's parting gift to me. So that I can be with you."
It truly was a gift from his mother…
"Um…" a child's voice broke through their bliss and they parted to look at the little girl who stood watching them as she rubbed one eye with her hand. "I'm tired. Can we go home now?"
Jade smiled sheepishly at Kai and he released her from his hold reluctantly. She stepped forward and kneeled in front of the child with her hands on her knees. "Hey, hang on there. Don't doze off on me yet, okay?"
The girl nodded but covered her mouth with her hand to snuff her yawn. "Okay."
Kai stepped up behind them. "I'll carry her." he offered.
At a quarter to ten, the orphanage was filled once more with not noisy and hyperactive monsters but weary, exhausted little children. Jade and Kai had arrived first. And while Jade was helping the caretaker of the orphanage prepare supper in the kitchen, Kai carefully tucked the little girl who had fallen asleep on the way back in his arms. In her sleep, the child looked at peace and strangely, just watching her gave Kai an inner peace as well. As he pulled a blanket over the girl, a shadow fell in from the door, illuminated by the hallway light. Judging by the shape of the shadow, the person was leaning against the door frame.
"You know." Tanya mused thoughtfully. "You would make a great father."
Kai ignored the comment, standing up and casting one last glance at the sleeping child, followed the cheerleader into the hallway. He closed the door behind them and started to head down the hallway.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?"
He stopped and looked back at her. "Who wouldn't be?"
She nodded. "Point taken. And I heard your grandfather wouldn't want to have anything to do with it."
"I'm gonna kill Tala." he muttered.
"It's not his fault. I prodded him. You know how persuasive I can be. You did look kind of…distracted tonight."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "You were watching me?"
"Don't get the wrong idea." she said quickly. "I'm worried about Jade too, you know. I was watching out for her and I noticed you were looking…well, off."
"So you asked Tala and he told you."
She nodded. "Yup. That's basically it. So…you wanna talk about it?"
"No."
Not at all surprise by his short blunt reply, she snorted. "Typical. Anyways…just so you know, I have here a phone number that might help. The guy's a doctor that specializes in lung diseases."
Kai looked at her, taking the crumpled piece of paper from her and unfolded it with a frown. On it was written the contact number and the name of a doctor Kai vaguely remembered reading in the newspapers. "How did you-"
"-get it?" she finished for him with a smile. "I have my connections. When I heard about Jade's sickness, I did some homework, pulled those connections. Came up with this." She nodded at the paper. "Call him. He might be of some help."
For the first time since the news of Jade's sickness broke out, a faint line of hope glimmered. Kai carefully kept away that single hope. "Thank you."
"No prob." she shrugged. "Just take care of her, okay?"
"Promise." he said.
Below, they could hear the front door open and close followed by the amazingly loud voice of Tyson. "HONEY! I'M HOME!"
WHACK!
"OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR, HIL!"
"KEEP YOUR TONE DOWN! THIS AIN'T YOUR HOUSE!"
"SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!"
WHACK!
"OW!"
Tanya let out a sigh. "Well, we better get downstairs."
Kai nodded, somehow reluctant to join the squabbling two but when she started down the stairs, he followed. At the foot of the stairs, he stopped "Hey." he said calling the girl just as she was about to step into the dining room
The cheerleader looked back at him. "Yeah."
"Tala likes you, you know."
She smiled, laughing a little. "I know. Doesn't hurt to twist his arm around a little, does it?"
"Twist it harder, will you?" he asked with a half-smile. He wasn't being mean to his bestfriend. Oh, wait. He was. Think this as payback.
Tanya seemed to be able to read his mind because with a smile similar to his, she turned and flounced forward. They emerged into the dining where Tyson was proudly spilling out his spoils of candy all over the table. Hilary was sitting in a chair, nursing her headache. Mariam was trying to keep Max from grabbing Tyson's candies.
"No, Max! Sweet not good!"
"Come on, Mariam." the blonde kid pleaded. "Just one? Please?"
"No!"
Kai rolled his eyes. Tyson and Max. Going through their second childhood already. And they aren't even out of their first…
"I'm beat. Who would have thought handling a bunch of kids would be so exhausting." Tala mumbled as he strolled into the room. He noticed Kai, catching Kai's expression and snickered. "Man, you would think those two were kids."
"Yeah." Kai agreed.
Spotting Tanya in the kitchen, Tala headed over to her. Jade was there and when she noticed Tala coming towards them, she nudged her friend. "I'll be taking the hot chocolate out, okay?" without waiting for a reply, she grabbed the pot of chocolate and left the kitchen.
Tanya looked up and her eye met Tala's. A smile flitted across her face. "Tala, hey. How are the children?"
"You mean monsters." he corrected. "They're in bed, knocked out. I'm thinking about doing the same now."
She laughed and handed him a tray of brownies. "Come on. Use your strong manly arms and help me with this, will you?"
He sniffed the aroma rising from the tray. "Smells good."
"It should." Tanya replied as she carried another tray into the dining room. "Jade baked them." Without turning around, she added. "And don't even think about taking a piece of it."
Tala stopped with his mouth open and his hand hovering a piece of brownies near it. Quickly he threw the piece back into the tray. "Wouldn't even think about it."
They joined the others in the room and everyone gathered around to help themselves with the food and drink. Taking care of a group of kids wasn't an easy job but a tray of brownies and hot chocolate on Halloween sure paid it off. They laughed and made jokes, praising Jade's brownies once in a while.
"Here." A cup of steaming hot chocolate appeared in front of Kai, held out by Jade.
"Thanks." he accepted the drink and sipped it.
A little girl walked into the room, rubbing her eyes, mindless of the teenagers. Jade walked over to her and knelt. "Hey, you should be in bed."
"I can't sleep. I'm thirsty." the girl said.
As Kai watched from his position against the door frame, Jade went and returned with a cup of milk for the child who accepted it gratefully. Jade stoked her hair as she drank the milk and told her assuring things to coax her back to bed. All this, no one witnessed but Kai. And he couldn't help but think what a wonderful mother Jade would be.
A/N: The next chappie will take sometime to update as I'm loaded with more tests, studies and a trial next month. I have a life too, people! Neways, I'll try my best to update ASAP! R&R! in case you don't know what that means...READ & REVIEW!