Author: Mirai Shinranui

Rating: PG.

Notes: I hate making excuses, so, again, I won't make any for this chapter. It is late though – insanely late. I think it's a fairly important chapter though, so it deserves the time and effort in which to 'perfect' it. It is also a lot longer than my normal chapters, so maybe that makes up a bit for my tardiness. I am also very sorry for the crude formatting I have to use to separate scenes, but has this absurd rule that only allows single spacing at all times, so I have to use this terribly obtrusive technique, simply to make it readable.
If anyone wants to be notified of my progress in future, or just has the insane notion of stalking me, please visit my LiveJournal. You can find the link through my Profile page. I regularly post about how my latest chapter is coming along, and those who read also get an insight into my sick, twisted little world. As a special 'bonus', I also post ficlets that I whip up on a whim (though I don't think anyone benefits from reading them, because they are terrible.)

I had quite a few 'complaints' that the last chapter was confusing. I didn't really think it was, but in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that important. If you didn't understand what I was aiming at, then don't worry about it. (Though if you did understand, kudos to you.) Big thanks go to Hikari no Donya this time around, for all the help she gave me with this chapter. Thank you for being my sweet little muse!

Part Ten – The Dating Game

Kai turned the dry, brown leaf over in his hands, the edges crumbling away a little more. Pieces of leaf scattered across the table, the slight breeze dragging them to the floor as it fluttered past. He leant across the table, his head resting on his arms.

"What do you want for dinner?" Rei glanced over his shoulder. He stood in front of the fridge with the door open.

Kai sat up straight, his hand tightening. Golden flakes fell through his fingers. For a moment, he stared at the shattered leaf that littered the table. The fridge door closed with a bang, and when Rei sat across from him, the chair squeaked against the tiles.

"I think I need to take you food shopping, Kai. I'm going to starve here."

"Where did you disappear to?"

Rei leant back in his chair, pushing at the broken leaf on the table, flicking a piece off the edge. "I didn't disappear. You seemed like you could use some time alone."

"Oh…"

"I was just upstairs. You could've come up. I was right though, wasn't I?"

"About what?"

"Well, you're still here. I bet you've been moping down here all day!"

"What makes you think I'm moping?" Kai slouched in his chair. A sigh escaped him, rustling the final piece of leaf towards the floor.

"Oh, just that," Rei said. He leaned forward as well, and flipped a piece of Kai's hair away from his eyes. "Look, don't worry about it. I just knew you could do with some time alone after this morning. Just because we're living in the same house doesn't mean you need me hanging around you all the time."

Kai glanced up but did not respond.

"So, what do you want for dinner? I was thinking of something vegetarian, since there's no meat in your freezer, and it's too late to thaw anything, even if there was. How about a curry or—"

"We're going out," Kai said.

"We're what?"

"Going out. To dinner."

Rei leant back, drawing his legs up onto the seat. "And when did you come to this conclusion?"

"Just go get ready."

"How are you even going to get a place this late?"

"You forget who I am, Rei."

"What? So I'm expected to be the dinner date of the young and affluent Kai Hiwatari?"

"I don't know. Do you look any good in a dress?" Kai smirked and headed upstairs.

---

Rei threw a shirt onto the bed where others lay scattered. Why had he even bothered to unpack?

He fell backwards onto the bed, clinging to the towel around his waist, the mattress bouncing when he landed. It was just dinner, right? They were just going to dinner together. What sort of restaurant was Kai taking him to, and, more importantly, what was he supposed to wear? He lifted one of his silky shirts from the bed, holding it up in the air in front of him. Everything he owned seemed either too casual or too formal. He threw the shirt away, the fabric fluttering over the side of the bed to the floor.

Should he ask Kai? Yeah…that was a great idea. Kai, what should I wear to dinner? I am incapable of making decisions by myself. Nice going…

He sat up, brushing out some of his damp hair, the black strings curling around his fingers. It did not really matter what he wore tonight, as long as it was decent. He was not trying to impress anyone, was he? He picked a gold shirt, the sleeves and collar trimmed in red. Rei stood, one hand clutching the towel, the other holding the shirt up to his bare chest. His reflection in the mirror bore a confused expression as he surveyed himself. Too formal? The shirt landed over the nearby chair from a well‑placed throw.

"Rei, you used all the hot water. You had such a long—"

Rei spun around. "Don't you knock?"

Kai stood at the doorway, staring, his hand still clasped on the handle. Absolute silence befell the room.

Rei stared back, his hand clutching the towel he wore tight, the other pulling on some of his damp hair, droplets of water sliding down his skin. Kai was just staring at him… Realization hit. He grabbed a shirt from the bed, holding it to his bare chest in an attempt to cover himself.

"Kai!" It was too late. Kai had already seen more than enough.

"…I hope you're wearing more than that to dinner," Kai said. He left the room, the door closing behind him.

Rei sunk to the floor, resting his forehead against the mattress. He was never going to live that one down. He made a mental note to walk in on Kai in the shower next time, just so the score was even. Maybe next time he would remember to lock the door.

He peeked over the edge of the bed towards the door, expecting Kai to barge in again at any moment. His eyes narrowed. Kai had not even had the good grace to look away.

This time he locked the door, tugging at the handle to make sure no one was going to interrupt him. He pulled it again, rattling the door. No one else was going to burst into the room unless invited. The good thing, though, was that he had found out Kai was not waiting for him. He had time to dress properly now, without worrying Kai would storm up and ask him what was taking so long.

With his back to the door, he stripped the damp towel from his waist, proceeding to dress. He plucked one of his long, dark hairs from his white pants, smoothing the fabric. Who cared if he was overdressed or underdressed; it was just dinner with Kai. No one would be judging him. Rei next attacked his hair with the comb, pulling out any tangles with almost brutal force. Combing his hair took a long time – much like washing the long tresses – and it was time he did not really have. He decided to wrap his hair tonight, feeling more comfortable that way. He only left it out when at home, or if he was feeling lazy. A quick glace at the clock told him he was taking too long. He pulled on the silk shirt he had chosen before, matching a long, red sash to the trim. Rei paused in front of the mirror, tugging at his shirt, pulling at some of the hair across his forehead. He looked respectable, at least.

Rei bounced down the stairs in the foyer, still tugging at his clothing in a self-conscious effort to look better. He looked towards the front doors. There was no one waiting there.

"Ready? Finally…"

Rei stopped and turned around, leaning against the banister. Kai was only a few steps behind him, still buttoning his navy colored shirt, a perfect match to his two‑toned hair. The shirt clung to his skin in places, a little damp from the shower he must have raced through to be ready so soon.

"I… Sorry. I didn't realize I took so long."

"Don't worry about it. C'mon." Kai swept past, brushing aside his damp hair, the strands sticking to his fingers. He opened the door, the wind howling into the foyer, dry leaves scattering across the tiles.

His nervous feelings pushed aside for the time being, Rei hurried out. The sky was dark, heavy with cloud. He cast a wary glance upwards, holding his hand out, feeling for rain. Instead, Kai grasped it and pulled him towards the car waiting in the drive. Rei allowed Kai to drag him.

Kai tapped the glass on the driver's window, though it was too dark to see who may or may not be inside. The car rumbled into life, bright lights spreading across the walk, shadows stretching onto the street.

"Why didn't you bring a jacket?" Kai asked. He opened the door, but made no move to enter the backseat of the car.

Rei shrugged. "I didn't think of it. Don't worry."

"It's the middle of winter and you didn't think to bring a jacket?" Kai sighed and gave Rei a gentle shove towards the car. It was all the prompting he needed, clambering into the backseat.

"It's not like I'll be out in the cold for that long. We're not walking!"

Kai smirked, slamming the door behind him. "Oh? You assume I'm taking you home. What if you're an awful date?"

"What makes you think I want to be your date?"

They glared at each other. It only took seconds for Rei to dissolve into laughter, his vigil broken. He slipped down in his seat, holding his stomach as he laughed. Kai managed a more dignified approach, hiding his laughter behind his hand, turning to stare out the window, watching the street lights flash overhead as they passed. Rei closed his eyes for a moment, the light blinking in and out as the car traveled down the road. He sighed, and opened one eye to look out the window. The scenery was unremarkable for a long time; houses and stores disappeared as soon as he saw them, his head starting to ache from the glowing lights.

"Where we going, anyway?" he asked, glancing over at Kai, who was still staring out the window.

"Just a place I know."

"Is it any good?" Rei pushed himself up in his seat, slipping a little on the leather cushioning.

"It's alright."

The car slowed and stopped in front of a restaurant. Rei peered out the window, trying to see the name, but caught only the tail end of the neon sign.

He jumped back as the car door opened, a man dressed in a dark red suit holding the handle.

"Good evening, Mr. Hiwatari."

Rei looked back at Kai, who was paying little attention to anything going on. He gave Rei a light push on the shoulder, forcing him out of the car. The valet looked away, but Rei could not miss the smug smile on his lips. He hurried after Kai, standing close beside him. The attendants opened the large wooden doors for them, the warmth of the restaurant spilling onto them as the entered.

"…wow…" Rei took a slight step back. Was this Kai's idea of a place that was just 'alright'? The luxurious burgundy carpet stretched across the room, meeting dark wood walls, and tables covered in fine, white linen. Gentle music whispered around the room, punctuated by the occasional laugh of a woman enjoying the company of her date.

"Good evening, Mr. Hiwatari. Would you…" The manager paused, adjusting the golden name badge on his lapel. His gaze raked up and down Rei's form. "Would you and your date like your usual table?"

Rei cringed. "I'm not his—"

"Yes we would," Kai said. "Send a waitress over right away."

Rei glanced between Kai and the manager, who said nothing now, but was giving him a terrible look. He slunk closer to Kai, touching his arm. Kai just glared at the restaurant manager, before taking Rei's hand and leading him across the floor. Almost every eye in the house followed him, or rather, him and Kai, and their whispers rung loud and clear. Rei wished the ground would somehow open up and swallow him whole, just so he did not have to listen to their jeers.

"Don't worry about it," Kai said. He squeezed Rei's hand and motioned to their table. A brass 'reserved' sign sat on the clean linen cloth.

Rei sat in the corner and raised the menu, hiding behind it. Thankfully, their table was at the far end of the restaurant, away from most of the other patrons.

"Rei…"

"What?"

"I said don't worry about it. I should've warned you…"

Rei lowered the menu, peeking over the top edge. "It's alright. I'll just remember to never go anywhere with you in public again."

Kai laughed, but disguised it well as a cough when Rei glared at him. "They're all just jealous. The other men are probably wondering where I found you. You're far better looking than any of the women here tonight."

The menu dropped with a dull thump, the tablecloth billowing across the tabletop. Color swept onto Rei's cheeks, his throat very dry all of a sudden. He grabbed the menu again, holding it up to his nose. "I think I need something to drink!" he said, the words tumbling out of his mouth.

A few awkward moments later, a tall, blonde woman walked over. She handed Kai the wine list, which he simply placed aside.

"Would you like to order drinks, Sir?" She touched the bun in which she held her hair, flashing him a sweet smile.

"The usual," he said, picking up the menu to select his meal, not looking at her once.

"And you?"

Rei kept staring at his menu. "Just water." He realized that no one found him to be appropriate company for Kai. If he had come alone, he doubted they would have even let him enter.

Kai smirked as he watched the woman walk away. "I don't think they like you much."

"…I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For being a problem."

"Their attitude is not your problem."

Rei didn't look convinced. He pushed at his cutlery, gaze lowered on the tabletop.

"Let's go," Kai said. He stood, glancing around.

"What? But I'm hungry!"

Kai grabbed Rei's hand, pulling him to his feet. "There are other places – nicer places – where I can buy you dinner."

Rei suppressed an excited laugh as Kai pulled him towards the fire exit at the back of the restaurant. They slipped out into the cold alleyway, closing the door behind them.

"No alarm," Rei said, leaning against the wall. "We were lucky."

"So what do you want for dinner? You can choose."

Rei smiled. "Really? Anything I want?"

"Anything except take-away." Kai shoved his hands into his pockets and turned down the alley into the street.

"I bet they'll be mad when they find out we're gone," Rei said. He followed Kai, a bounce in his step. "They'll blame it on me, of course."

Kai nodded. "Of course. Let them. I'm not going back there again."

"But I thought you liked it?"

"I only ever went there because I was used to it. The service is generally good. But if that's the way they treat my friends, then I'll never go there again."

Rei smiled, pulling at the long cord of his hair. "Thanks…"

The silence between them was comfortable, no need to voice any of what they were thinking. The sounds of street life rushed over them, cars rumbling by, and the chatter of people walking past. They glanced at each other a few times, meeting the others gaze, before looking away. Rei wrapped his arms around his body, the cold seeping through his thin clothes, attacking his skin.

"Look, Kai!" Rei pointed across the road to a small restaurant, a sign indicating 'pizza' out the front. "Can we go there?"

"Pizza? I said no take-away."

"It's not! This is real pizza, not something out of a box. Let's go." Rei jumped up and down on the spot, his expression pleading with Kai.

"Alright! Man, you've been taking lessons from Max. No wonder Tyson does whatever he says."

Rei cheered and hurried to the edge of the road, moving from one foot to the other as he waited for the traffic to pass. Once it was clear, he dashed across the road, calling to Kai, who was following at a slower speed, shaking his head at Rei's antics. Rei pushed open the door, admiring the quaint café style restaurant. Red and white checkered tablecloths spilled over the round, wooden tables, with cushioned metal chairs seated around. The wonderful smell of garlic and other herbs filled the room, a cheery instrumental tune floating from the speakers.

Kai placed his hand on Rei's shoulder, whispering in his ear. "Better?"

Rei nodded and pointed to a table towards the back, close to one of the overhead heaters. "Let's sit there. I'm freezing."

"I told you it was a stupid idea not to bring a jacket."

"Well I noticed that you didn't bring one either."

Kai shook his head and led Rei to the table he had chosen. When they sat down, a waiter came to serve them, handing them both a menu bound with red ribbon.

"What do you want, Kai?"

"You order and I'll share. I don't care what you get."

Rei grinned and closed the menu. "Then a large seafood pizza it is. And I'll have…umm…orange juice."

"Yeah, same." Kai handed both menus back to the waiter, who scrawled their order down on a little book before leaving.

"This place is a lot nicer," Rei said, looking around, a small smile across his lips.

"Well no one knows who I am here. But, if they do, then they would know both of us. You're not exactly unknown."

"I should think so! Just because you're rich and powerful, we're still on the same team."

"It's not as great as you would think," Kai said, tapping his foot on the tiled floor.

"I never said it was. Besides, I don't care if you are rich, and you can't bully me into liking you. You have absolutely no influence over me, and I'm still your friend."

"Oh, so don't I scare you?" Kai raised an eyebrow, leaning his head on his hand.

"Not in the slightest," Rei said. "I'd take you on any day."

"And you'd lose."

Rei smirked. "I wouldn't bet money on that." He looked back at Kai, a self-satisfied grin plastered to his lips, the tips of his fangs just showing over pink lips. Kai shook his head and looked away.

"Oh, c'mon! At least smile. Just a little one?" Rei leaned forward across the table, resting his elbows on the cloth-covered surface.

Kai stared at him, but his face remained otherwise emotionless.

Rei sighed and sat up straight. He folded his arms, and then, as a very childish rebuttal, stuck his tongue out at Kai. However, Rei forgot his mood when a large glass of orange juice arrived before him. The waiter placed another in front of Kai before returning to the kitchen. Rei smiled with delight and sipped through the straw, pushing his dark bangs out of the way. Kai watched, a smile creeping onto his features.

"What, exactly, made you think pizza and orange juice would be a good combination?"

Rei looked up, the straw slipping from between his lips. "…I didn't. I just like orange juice."

"Well it's your stomach you're sacrificing."

"Ah, correction, you're having the same thing." Rei grinned.

"Then if I get a stomach ache later, you have to look after me."

"Aw, of course I'll look after you, Kai!"

The waiter brought over their meal after a short wait, placing the steaming pizza in the middle of their table. Rei waited only a moment before pouncing on the largest piece, picking it up and moving it to his plate.

"Ouch…" Rei sucked on his burnt fingers, but his gaze never left the piece of pizza on his plate, lest it somehow escape. He picked a piece of fish off the top and popped it into his mouth.

"Isn't it a little typical that you would get a seafood pizza?"

Rei looked up from his slice. "Why?"

"I should have just taken you somewhere you could catch your own."

"Kai!"

"Well? Are you saying that you can't?"

"Not exactly… But you're stereotyping me!"

Kai took a piece of pizza for himself, nibbling at the end for a moment, smug satisfaction very evident in his manner.

"If you're so good at picking people, then I bet you know everything about me. Um… What's my favorite color?" Rei narrowed his eyes, watching each move Kai made.

"Red."

"…okay, that was an easy one. What's my favorite drink?"

"Tea with milk and two sugars during winter, crushed lemon ice in summer, and you always drink a hot chocolate when you stay up with Max during thunderstorms."

Rei paused, raising his finger to his lips.

"Am I right?"

"…are you stalking me?"

Kai smirked. "I'm your Captain, and I have to know these things."

"You're stalking me, aren't you?"

Kai shook his head and picked up his pizza in a poor attempt to hide his laughter.

"I know! Who is my best friend?" Rei folded his arms.

"You don't have a best friend because you think you like everyone the same."

"Oh? You think I don't?"

"You don't like Tyson as much as you like Max. And you don't like Max as much as…"

"…as who?"

Kai began to eat, looking at what he was doing and not at Rei.

"As you, right?"

Kai still did not answer, taking a sip of juice to avoid the question.

Rei smirked. "Well you're right. I don't like Max as much as I like you. So I guess that makes you my best friend."

Rei was sure Kai would ignore him, or make a show of ignoring him. Instead, Kai set his glass down, toying with the straw.

"…how can you say that I'm your best friend?" Kai did not look up.

"Because I know you."

"And that didn't scare you off?"

Rei held his hand to his mouth to hide his laugh. "No, of course it didn't. I said I know you, not the image you feed everyone else."

"Oh?" Kai looked up, his fingers tightening on the glass he held. "And what image is that?"

"That you're a cruel bastard who doesn't care about anyone, or anything, except himself. That everyone is beneath you, and therefore, not worth your time. That you have no need or want for friends, and only use people. That image."

The silence between then was so noticeable, it was almost painful. Despite the noise of the restaurant, it was as if they were alone with their uncomfortable pause.

"I know lots about you, Kai…" Rei said, folding his hands in his lap. "Your favorite color is blue – dark blue, actually. You don't have a favorite drink, but I know you don't like alcohol, because you don't like the debilitating effects, but despite that, you like to drink wine with dinner. You also like hot chocolate, because you always smile when you taste it… You would like to think that you didn't have a best friend – that you had no friends at all – but you smile at Max when you think no one is watching. You laugh at Tyson's jokes when no one is listening. And me–"

"You're my best friend, Rei."

"What makes you say that?

"Because you know me."

Kai said nothing else, but Rei was happy with that. The silence was again comfortable, companionable, and almost welcome. In the silence, Kai would not question the faint tinge of pink on Rei's cheeks.

---

Kai glanced over at Rei as the car rumbled to a stop in the driveway. Rei had closed his eyes after a few moments in the car, annoyed at the flashing lights overhead as they passed. It had not taken long for him to slip into sleep.

The door clicked and opened beside him, his Driver holding it open. Kai leaned over and poked Rei in the arm in an attempt to wake him. The only response he got was Rei slouching further in his seat, his dark hair falling across his brow, his lips parted.

"Sir?"

Kai waved his hand at his Driver. "He's alright. I'll take him upstairs."

"Yes, Sir."

Kai reached over and unbuckled Rei's seatbelt. He made a small noise as he slumped forward, unrestricted. Kai held him up, placing one hand on his chest.

"Rei, wake up," he said.

A gentle sigh escaped Rei's lips as he opened his eyes. He stared up at Kai, his eyes bleary from sleep. He managed to nod, shifting forward to exit the car. Kai caught him as he stepped out, before he could fall. In one fluid movement, he placed his arm under Rei's knees, the other under his arms, and lifted him. Rei opened his eyes wide, shifting in Kai's arms, feeling very uncomfortable.

"Aren't…I heavy?" he asked, pausing mid-sentence to yawn.

"Well, next time you eat out, remember this moment." Kai turned towards the house, carrying Rei as though he weighed a lot less than he really did. He did not trust his friend's balance right now. This way was safer.

Rei yawned again. He leaned his head on Kai's shoulder, raising one hand in a weak effort to steady himself.

Kai took the stairs one by one, watching his step. He could hear Rei's gentle breaths close to his ear, and the way his body relaxed meant he was drifting into sleep again. He pushed open the door to Rei's room and put him down on the bed, slipping his arms away so he could sit unaided.

"…Kai? Thanks…" Rei rubbed his eyes with the ball of his hand.

"Night, Rei."

Only when the door closed, did Rei look up. He sighed, scrubbing his hand through his hair. He must have made a terrible date; he could not even stay awake!