Author: Mirai Shinranui, AKA Jasmine Flame.
All flames can be directed to jasmine_flameAThotmail.com
Rating: PG.
Notes: FF.net has gone and changed how they format things
again so I'll have to play with my files to get them looking perfect. I've
emailed FF.net about it and they're investigating things. I don't know how long
it will take them to figure out the problem so we'll just have to put up with
the bad formatting for now.
Since I uploaded this I've edited it quite a number of times. Apologies to
those who read it with all the errors, and to those who haven't read it I hope
I have finally ironed out all the creases. There shouldn't be any other errors
but if you do find something please let me know!
Part 4 – A Quiet Breakfast
Rei walked out of his room, fluffy slippers padding lightly across the floorboards. He slipped a red sweatshirt on, momentarily blinded by the fabric as it got caught over his head. He struggled to pull it down until someone else assisted him. The fabric came down and he saw Kai standing in front of him with a disapproving look on his face. Rei felt the heat spread across his cheeks, running to his ears.
"A champion BeyBlader who can't even dress himself," Kai said with one of those annoying smirks plastered across his face, "Wait until the world here's about this."
"Kai…" Rei began, looking towards the floor.
If it had been Tyson or Max, Kai would've continued to tease them. But when it came to Rei he just couldn't find it in him. He felt bad for having said anything in the first place! Rei seemed to control whatever situation he was in; people fell over themselves to do things for him.
Kai frowned, annoyed by his own wandering thoughts. Rightly he shouldn't care who he offended, but lately he'd been soft on all of them. He just couldn't deal with that puppy dog look Max would get in his eyes, or the way Tyson would fall into the deathly silence that was so contrary to his nature. Then there was the way Rei would look at him with those big, amber eyes and make him feel so low.
"Why are you out here anyway?" Rei asked, pulling at the hem of his sweatshirt. He was beginning to feel extremely bad about having taken such a long shower. Kai must have been waiting out here all this time for him and this was the day he decided to pamper himself under the spray. No wonder Kai looked sour.
Kai frowned, "Because," he started, though it didn't sound like he was too happy about having to explain himself, "I knew you'd get lost."
"But I thought we were going to meet at breakfast?"
Kai sighed, "That's what I mean. You have no idea where the kitchen is, do you?"
Rei stared for a moment, his mouth agape. Why did Kai always have to say things in a way that made him feel so small? Wasn't he capable of answering a question normally?
"Just hurry up," Kai said and headed down the hall towards the staircase.
Rei shuffled his feet but didn't follow. Why would he want to follow Kai when he was being so mean? He may as well just sit in his room all day. Kai would probably like that. But he was hungry, so his stomach compelled him to follow after the moody Russian Blader. Rei wasn't too happy about chasing him though.
Falling into step with Kai he descended the stairs. There were things he wanted to ask Kai but how exactly to go about them? Kai didn't seem like he wanted to talk. He didn't seem like he even noticed Rei was there. How could Kai slip into his own little world like that? Rei frowned, glancing sideways at Kai. He wouldn't openly stare at him for fear of reprimand, but he often watched Kai, if only to judge his reactions. Most often it was a futile practice; Kai gave very little away.
Kai looked like he usually did; cold and distant. Rei knew that wasn't what he was really like inside though. Sometimes he'd catch Kai smiling at them, and the looks that sometimes passed his face were anything but cold. Perhaps it was these few hints that gave Rei hope. He'd always believed there was a human somewhere in Kai, and the little clues that he found only sparked his optimism.
"Kai?" he questioned.
Kai didn't look over, his gaze trained ahead. Rei knew he was listening though. The subtle twitch of his shoulders and the brief tilt of his head were all the indications he needed.
"Were you really waiting outside my room all that time?"
This time Kai looked at him, if only briefly. Rei could tell nothing from his eyes or his features, so he was left relying on Kai's answer. He didn't expect much; Kai never thought to justify his actions, even if someone questioned him.
"Of course I was."
Rei sighed, "I'm sorry I took so long. I would've been faster if I'd known you were waiting."
"It's fine."
Rei wanted to scream; how he hated that answer! He knew full well everything wasn't fine, no matter what Kai said. It was more than obvious Kai was using that answer to keep him quiet and stop him from asking anymore questions. If he didn't fear for his safety he would've grabbed Kai and shaken an answer out of him. Why couldn't Kai just tell him the truth? Questioning Kai further would only make him mad, so Rei left things as they were. He'd always known Kai would be a tough case to crack, no matter how hard he tried. It was always possible that Kai just didn't want friends after all. Rei chose not to believe that.
The kitchen was towards the back of the house and Rei got the distinct feeling that this was not a place the Master of the house would generally be seen. There was probably some elaborate dining room somewhere else in the house where meals were served. Rei hadn't seen any servants so far; was Kai really here all alone? The kitchen was as large as any other room with long expanses of wooden benches, many ovens and hot plates, and countless utensils Rei didn't even know the names of. At the end of the room were a pair of white doors that lead outside, at least they would have if not for the table and chairs that had been placed in front of them. Two chairs were placed at the small, round table, a plate setting before only one of them.
Rei hesitated at the doorway, glancing around the expansive room. This was probably one of the only rooms Kai occupied. It did seem warmer than the rest of the house; it had a certain lived in quality that welcomed him in. Kai was busying himself with the toaster, seemingly oblivious to what Rei was doing. Rei knew better; Kai always knew what was going on around him.
"Help yourself," Kai said, cutting through the silence that had befallen them, "You can have whatever you want. I don't care."
Rei stepped into the kitchen, shuffling his feet. He felt out of place, as if he was somehow intruding on Kai. Of course he'd felt like that ever since he'd arrived. Perhaps the reality of the situation was finally sinking in. Living with Kai meant spending almost every moment with him.
"Cereal is in the cupboard, milk is in the fridge," Kai continued, "Just have a look around."
Rei smiled at him, though his gesture went unnoticed. He was far too used to Kai's attitude to let it worry him, so he walked past him to the fridge. The prospect of food was inviting, and he was used to cooking for himself. It wasn't like Tyson or Max could cook, even if they were allowed. That would result in disaster and everyone knew it. Rei was more than happy to cook for them and even for Kai if he let him. Maybe he'd have to offer; he had to repay Kai somehow.
Kai took his toast and cup of tea to the table in front of the doors. He glanced up only briefly to see what Rei was doing. Just as he'd been told he was scouting out the kitchen and what food he could find. Kai didn't even know what he had lurking in the cupboards and recesses of the fridge. It wasn't like he went shopping. He watched as Rei disappeared behind the island bench, and then returned with a large box of cereal. Kai pulled a face when Rei started to pour some of the horrible, sugary mix into a bowl. He'd have to remember to hide that stuff if Max came within ten feet of his house.
He smirked at the thought, taking a bite of his toast. As if he would let Max near his house in the first place. He didn't want to spend any time with him other than what he was committed to. Of course this brought up the problem of Rei, again. He'd never let anyone come here, and now Rei was fixing himself breakfast in his kitchen. What could he have done? Rei needed somewhere to stay. He'd seen the pathetic look on Rei's face when he'd realized the fact, and then the worse look when he accepted that he'd have to stay at a hotel. Kai didn't know how long the team was going to 'vacation' from each other but he had a feeling Rei wouldn't have been able to afford a hotel for that long. None of them wanted to tell Mr. Dickinson that they'd been arguing, and they especially didn't want to tell him that they were spending time apart. Kai guessed it wasn't so bad having Rei here. He wasn't really noisy, and he didn't require a babysitter. Hopefully he could just be left alone to do his own thing.
Rei sat on the seat across from him, a big bowl of sugary cereal in front of him. He dropped his spoon into the bowl and took a mouthful, chewing with gusto. Kai shook his head and took another bite of his unbuttered toast.
"Kai?" Rei asked, swallowing what he'd been eating.
Kai just knew Rei was going to expect they have some sort of conversation. He was generally the one that was cheery in the mornings when all everyone else wanted to do was go back to bed.
"What is it?" Kai asked with a definite sigh.
The look on Rei's face was unmistakable. He looked just like an animal that had been told off; his gaze dropped, his shoulders slumping, and he fumbled for his next words.
"I just…" Rei stammered. He shook his head and took another mouthful of cereal.
Kai felt like his own feelings had been somehow hurt. He wasn't sure why he always snapped at Rei, especially when he'd done nothing but try to be nice. Rei was just one of those people who needed to be friends with everyone, and he was damn good at it. It was very hard not to like Rei. Rei had many qualities Kai found nothing but commendable. He wasn't like the other two; he wasn't childish, or stubborn. Instead he was level headed, friendly, and hard working. He shouldn't be so hard on Rei.
Making sure to ease the harsh tone from his voice, he spoke, "What did you want to ask?"
Rei was genuinely surprised. He looked up to search for something that would give Kai away. In this aspect he was disappointed; Kai wore the same mask of disinterest that he always did. But Rei knew better, because Kai had questioned him, and his tone was far different to the one he generally spoke with.
"I wanted to ask if you really lived here all alone," Rei asked, "It seems lonely."
It would've been normal for him to give some offhand remark, but this time Kai thought better of it. He had to mentally stop himself from replying with the comments that he generally spat out just to get someone off his back.
"There's a gardener, and a butler. He is only there to get in the way; I do things myself."
"Then why don't you fire him?"
Rei watched as Kai faltered, at a loss as how to answer. He could see Kai was thinking – searching – for an appropriate answer; one that would not only placate Rei but himself also. Rei knew that Kai had always been confused by his own random acts of kindness and generosity, along with the feelings that surfaced despite his determination to push them down. The way Kai behaved was often so strange, and more so when it came to dealing with emotions. If Kai thought he could hide things like that he was mistaken. Of course asking such a question could land him in hot water but it was hardly something Rei worried about. Kai was generally grumpy and he knew he was going to do something to annoy him eventually. Rei couldn't stop thinking that the look on Kai's face was nothing short of priceless though; the concerned look in his eyes, his mouth slightly open in waiting for whatever reply he came up with.
"I thought you could show me around after breakfast," Rei said, deciding to end Kai's torture.
"I suppose," Kai said after a moment though it was obvious his mind was still lingering on the question before.
Rei smiled at him, "Y'know Kai, I think we're going to have a lot of fun together."
He didn't care what Kai said in reply to that.
--------------------------------------------
"This concludes the tour, I hope you enjoyed it," Kai said, the spiteful tone having reentered his tone somewhere around the laundry. Rei didn't blame him; this was a big place with a lot of different rooms to show to a visitor.
Rei had been smart enough to keep his mouth closed during the tour; Kai hadn't been in the mood for any comments, never mind questions. He hadn't minded since he really needed to memorize where everything was in relation to his room but he wasn't sure he remembered much other than how to get to the kitchen.
Kai busied himself with the large fireplace against the wall. Showing Rei around reminded him how much he hated this place. Everything reminded him of his Grandfather and that was something he didn't need to remember. Striking a match against the packet he watched the flame spark, flickering briefly as it clung to life. He placed the match amongst the kindling, the whole lot quickly igniting. He sat staring into the fire as the flames took over, paper and wood disappearing amongst the orange glow.
"Can I sit here?"
Kai looked over his shoulder to see Rei sitting in his Grandfather's chair. It was the closest to the fire, obviously offering the better seat, but Kai had avoided that chair whenever he was in the room. It reminded him so much of the imposing figure that used to sit there, watching the fire. Kai hated having to come see him in this room; it was always dark, the only light the flickering of the fire. He wanted to yell at Rei to make him move; as if the chair itself could somehow harm him.
The only thing Rei was worried about was being close to the fire. The warmth was already starting to seep into the room, edging at the chill. The curtains were all closed, the room almost black, making the fire seem that much warmer. He pulled his legs up, crossing his arms to keep warm. It wasn't quite as chilly as he made out, but the atmosphere of the room seemed to press the cold onto him. He was glad Kai decided to light the fire.
Kai stood, brushing the remnants of gray ash from his pants. He tried to look calm but everything told him to remove Rei from that chair. Of course, he seemed fine, but…
"Rei…" he began but his words trailed away into the air.
He was met by Rei's sleepy gaze, the warmth and comfort already making him dozy. The last thing Kai wanted to do now was move him; he looked so comfortable curled up like that. It was only a chair and his Grandfather was gone. Rei was comfortable there and that was all that mattered now. In fact, he'd been silly to avoid it for so long. The chair didn't seem quite so daunting when Rei sat there. The light from the fire now seemed soft, not harsh and destructive. The light was perfectly mirrored by Rei's eyes, the flames dancing within the amber orbs.
Rei seemed to be having immense trouble trying to stay awake, his eyelids drifting shut as he watched the fire. Kai knew he must still be tired, even though they'd both slept in. He didn't really care if Rei slept; it wasn't like they had anything better to do. Yes, he could force Rei to train but it seemed rather cruel when all he needed was a good sleep. Kai knew he could do with some peace and quiet and if Rei was asleep he was provided with the perfect opportunity. He purposely ignored Rei as he went to his favorite spot; the window seat. He opened one curtain, the heavy fabric providing some sort of rest for his back. Kai sat down, one leg bent where he could rest his arm. The day wasn't particularly enthusing; bleak and muddy from all the rain. They'd be stuck inside all day.
It wasn't long before Kai realized Rei was asleep. He knew it wouldn't take much for him to succumb. He glanced over, watching Rei's slight body movements as he slept. He wasn't fidgety in his sleep like Tyson was, nor did he snore. Kai was thankful for both because the last thing he needed was to listen to snoring or have Rei fall off the chair in his sleep. Rei was a quiet sleeper, making only the slightest noise as he breathed. Kai did notice how tight a ball he had curled into though. He didn't feel the cold but Rei probably did.
Kai stared for a moment before standing and leaving the room. He returned with a soft blanket held in his arms. Rei looked so cold, despite how the fire had warmed the room. He stood at Rei's side, wondering if he'd wake him with the movement. It seemed like he was fast asleep but Rei had the same senses he did when it came to prowlers. Kai shrugged and spread out the blanket, carefully placing it over Rei's sleeping form. There was little movement in response, and only a soft sound in complaint. The blanket was eagerly snatched up and Rei curled himself in the soft folds. Kai smirked as the image of a cat came to mind again. He wondered if Rei would like a saucer of milk and his ears scratched too.
Convinced that Rei was comfortable he returned to his own place, staring out into the front garden, watching cars go by every so often. He wasn't sure when he began to feel comfortable, or when is mind began to drift. Soon his eyelids felt incredibly heavy and the effort to stay awake made him sleepier. As he finally submitted to sleep's spell he felt warm, comfortable, and for once, safe.