A/N: Just a short chapter before I twist the story up even more. Well it wouldn't be fair if I plunged into all the good bits right after I've just thickened the plot, would it? shadowcat and Ashley: Of course I'll update. Wouldn't want to disappoint my readers now. Shadow Vampiress: Thanks and thanks for reading. ChibiPhoenix: Yup. That he did. He was being treated unfairly and thanks for the review. CarmenTakoshi: Well, it wouldn't be a story if you didn't have a nosy little imp running around and causing trouble and you're right, Rei is just to genuine and pretty. grEMLin eVil: Update for you!

Chapter Twenty-Four

He knew what he was doing. He was sure of it. He'd been so upfront about it too. No regret. Eyes poised and untroubled. He knew exactly what he was doing and even after he'd spoken to him, he'd been as cool as a cucumber, but as devious as a snake, a poisonous one. He had poisoned him ever since he had set foot in this place. He had poisoned him down to the route and now it was killing him from the inside. Tearing him apart and he knew what it was doing to him. Kai had planned Tala's downfall all along.

How had he been so accurate? So clear and concise. How had he known? It just didn't make sense. Bryan had tried to squeeze any knowledge out of Ian, but that hadn't worked. Even though the youngest Russian was a cunning trickster, the redhead should have known that he'd never turn his back on them. He was loyal, through and through and to only them, which did have its ups, he supposed, but now Ian had problems of his own. Just like they all had. Just like Tala.

The slimmer of the three had found himself in the dining hall that lunchtime, prodding at his food with his fork, not feeling at all hungry, but Bryan had suggested he eat something since he hadn't been eating at all that much, the same thoughts plaguing his mind. Childish, jealous thoughts that could easily be read into by a strong mind such as his. That could easily be gotten rid of, but a resilient mind such as his. All he had to do was not care at all. Forget about it. Forget about him. So why couldn't he? Why was Kai all he could think about? He didn't love the stoic character anymore. For that he was for sure. So why was he jealous, disappointed, all things negative beneath the sun. Maybe Stanheld was making him soft. Being in the presence of lilies like Oliver could certainly turn a person. After all. Rei had turned.

That name almost immediately set the Russian on fire, even more then his own hair colour. He had disliked Rei almost as much as he loathed his partner. Lee. Their groups had never seen eye to eye from the beginning, but now for some reason, that hate had switched and Rei was at the brunt of the majority of it. The Chinese boy was foolish anyway. Did he really think Kai found him attractive? Did he really think that Kai truly loved him? It was laughable really. Kai had loved no one else. No one. Except for Tala. Except for him. Yet, Kai was rubbing Rei in his face, playing a game, like a puppet show with Rei being his puppet. The Chinese boy would do anything for him, only to be tossed aside later like a piece of trash.

Tala looked up from that thought. For hadn't that been the same thing he had done to Kai.

"If you keep looking over at him, he'll only know you've lost," Ian spoke from the opposite side of the table, spooning in his desert.

"This isn't a game, Ian," Tala voice was much more calm then he actually was.

"Never said it was," Ian replied, licking his lips at the sweetness of the gateau. "But I think you're making it obvious."

He whispered the last part, looking towards the bulky form that was Bryan's, who was still wondering along the foodstuffs, choosing his lunch.

Tala narrowed his eyes.

"Just what are you talking about?"

Ian glanced over at Bryan once more before he spoke.

"I mean, it's obvious that you've still got feelings for Kai,"

Deep inside Tala's mind, something exploded and it wasn't long before Ian was literally dangling in the air by his shirt. Tala had moved his tray to the side and leant himself over the table, his hand grasped firmly upon the younger Russian's shirt, his eyes a picture blue fury. The redhead's face was leant inwards on the verge of saying something, when he noticed that the room had suddenly fallen a deadly silent, save for the voices of the officers who were trying to stop any form of violence from ensuing. Tala's grip loosened and Ian fell back into his seat, his indigo eyes wide in shock. Bryan who was rooted in his position glared harshly at Ian knowing that it had been him who had provoked the sudden outburst and Tala in the meantime took his seat and lifted a cup to his lips as if nothing had happened.

When the noise of the cafeteria started up again, Ian remained silent for a while and then Tala spoke.

"Don't make me have to do that again," His voice was ominous.

Ian nodded. Everything he had wanted to say had flown out the window.

-

"At least now, you can keep Tyson busy and I can get some rest."

Max chuckled at Kenny's comment, as he leaned back onto the mattress that belonged to Tyson.

For the first time in ages, when Kenny had gone to pick up a sandwich, Enrique and Tyson had managed to persuade him to hang out with them instead of retreating to the library like he was used to. Kenny had declined, but due to some very forceful tactics, they had reeled the gogglehead off his post and into Tyson's dorm where Max, Oliver and a couple of the other inmates had been waiting with an assortment of snacks, a small table from the gamesroom and a pack of dominoes.

Max and Tyson looked much happier also, Tyson having cut off some of the excess hair and Max having neatened himself up a bit. The newly reformed couple were now sat together on Kai's mattress; hand on knee, while Tyson chomped down a packet of crisps.

"Oh come on," He said between mouthfuls. "I wasn't that bad."

"You were sulking,"

"...And you…weren't even paying attention."

"I'd already told you what to do,"

"Yeah…good lot of help that did,"

"I bet you didn't even take the advice, did you Tyson,"

Tyson thought for a second, stuffing another helping of crisps into his mouth. He then shrugged innocently, causing the room to laugh again.

"Anyway, it's all over now" Oliver spoke from the edge of Tyson better, where he was half resting on Enrique who had picked himself a chair from outside and parked it in front of the small table.

"And for that, I'm glad," Enrique added picking up his plastic cup and raising it in formal toasting position. "To Tyson and Max"

The group followed, raising their own cups in gesture.

"To Tyson and Max!" They all repeated and began knocking cups before downing the orangey substance.

"Man, that stuff is vile,"

"We need to get some alcohol up in here,"

"Yeah, like that'll ever happen,"

"Anyone for dominoes,"

"Alright! I wager two chocolate bars and a packet of crisps…"

While the group began to set up for the game, Max's smile broadened as he watched Tyson from the side. The blond would have to say that he felt happy all over again and much more happier then before also. Perhaps the hard times had finally died for good because Tyson had certainly changed since the day they'd been locked inside the laundry room. Oliver and Enrique had been smart in what they had done or Tyson would have perhaps never admitted that he had been wrong and this small reunion would have never happened. Max and Tyson would have still been miserable and Oliver would have never survived living in the shadows with his lover worrying after him. Max supposed it was the best that could happen for both couples.

"Aww look! He's got that look," Oliver's voice sounded over the decisive noise as he caught Max's expression.

Everybody, of course, followed Oliver's gaze causing Max to snap out of his thoughts and blush greatly.

"What look?" Tyson asked.

"Don't you see it?" The Frenchman said. "He's fallen in love all over again."

There was a slight chatter, a childish whistle and a nudge from here to there, while Tyson smiled and then turned to the others.

"Well, you might want to leave us alone then," He joked, causing Max to blush even more.

Things were definitely back to the way they used to be.

TBC.