All right! My Dad, being the wonderful man that he is, is letting me use his laptop, instead of making me wait to use our other computer. So, gomen if the formatting is a little funky. ^.^
Win Me Back
Part 2 - Chapter 2
"I really don't know why you hate gym class so much Kai," Liam said as he stepped into the musty locker room, peeling off his sweaty gym shirt as he went. "That wasn't so bad. In fact, I had fun."
Rolling his eyes, Kai moved towards his locker, spinning the combination on his lock. He pulled out his clothes and started to quickly dress. The locker room was empty thanks mainly to the fact that he and Liam had held back after class for a few minutes, waiting until most of the class had changed and left for the day before going in themselves. "Sure." He mumbled. "If playing volleyball with a bunch of idiots is your idea of fun, that is."
Liam laughed despite himself and glanced over at Kai. Because of the other boy's lack of a shirt, Liam had clear view of Kai's pale back. His light brown eyes drifted lazily to the red scar that marred the otherwise flawless skin of Kai's right shoulder. On first glance, the mark might look to be just a random series of scratches, but upon closer inspection, one could clearly see that the scar spelt the name 'Tala'.
With a sigh, Liam looked away as Kai pulled his shirt over his head, effectively hiding the mark from view. "Hey Kai, Tala is the name of your boyfriend, right?" Liam asked, careful to keep his voice low in case anyone was still lurking around and might overhear. He knew that he had asked Kai that question several times before over the course of their friendship, but sometimes he felt it necessary to ask again.
Scarlet eyes fixed him with a deadly scowl before Kai answer. "Yes."
"And he doesn't live around here right?"
Kai sighed. This talk again. "No, he lives in Russia."
"That's pretty far away." Liam hesitated, biting his lip nervously. "Are you sure that the relationship is worth it? I mean, you probably don't get to see each other much, maybe you should move on."
There were a few moments of silence, before Kai slammed his locker, causing Liam to jump in surprise. Kai stared at the pale blue metal in front of him. This wasn't the first time Liam had questioned the validity of his relationship with Tala, and he starting to get sick of it.
"Yes, I'm sure it's worth it." He snarled. "Just because he doesn't live around here doesn't mean anything." Grabbing his bag, he left the locker room, not bothering to wait for a response.
Stepping out of the gym building and into the mostly empty courtyard, he sighed. Of all the things in the world, he was most aware of the situation he and Tala were in. they both knew how far away the other was, and how hard to not be near each other. They didn't need anyone else to remind them. Dwelling on their separation would only make it more painful to face. Instead, they made the best of it, and tried, at every opportunity, to find a way to see one another.
A few stray students raised their eyes as Kai passed; his eyes fixed on the ground. Tightening his grip on his bag as he heard footsteps approaching, he raised his eyes just slightly.
"Don't bother to apologize, Liam, I've forgiven you." He mumbled, knowing full well who was walking behind him.
Liam slowly his pace, grateful to have caught up with Kai so quickly. "Listen Kai, I was out of line." He explained, as the pair passed the school gates. "I know how much you care about Tala, and I didn't mean to offend you. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I'm sorry."
"Didn't I just tell you not to bother apologizing?"
Mildly surprised, Liam looked up, trying to meet Kai's gaze, but the silver haired teen continued looked straight ahead.
"You don't understand the situation between Tala and I." Kai continued. "So that's why I'm forgiving you. Forget it alright?"
With a small, grateful smile, Liam nodded. Who was he to question Kai's quick forgivingness? It was true, he didn't know a lot about Kai's relationship with Tala; the boy hardly ever spoke of him. "Thanks." He said. He walked a few steps ahead and looked back at Kai. "Hey, what do you say we go work on our term paper together? We only have two more days, you know."
Kai suppressed a yell of frustration. "Is that all you think about? Schoolwork?"
"No, but…"
"Right." He sighed. "Ok, yeah, sure."
A bright smile crossed Liam's face. "Great! I'll go home really quick and get changed, then I'll come over your house." He broke off and turned down the street leading to his own home. "I'll be there in about half and hour, ok?" breaking into a run, he quickly disappeared.
With an amused shake of his head, Kai headed down the road to his grandfather's mansion. It was kind of ironic, Kai thought, that despite how much the old man wanted nothing to do with him, he still insisted that Kai live at home. But then, some things never change.
When the imposing figure of Voltaire's mansion loomed up in front of him, he sighed 'Home sweet hell." He thought, ignoring the security system and jumping over the gate. Whenever his entered his personal security password for the estate, a buzzer would go off in Voltaire's study, letting him know that Kai was home.
'Best to avoid that.'
He pushed open the large front doors, stepping inside and tossing his bag on the floor. After removing his shoes, he headed up to his room, glad to hear that the mansion was silent, save for the gentle hum of the air conditioner.
Passing by his grandfather's study, he paused a moment, straining to hear any noise from beyond the closed doors. From what he could hear, the room was silent, and he hoped that just maybe, the old man wasn't around.
Kai made it to his room undisturbed and slipped inside, shutting the door behind him. The bedroom was done in shades of dark blue and purple, with a few pieces of black furniture to even things out. At the bedside table, he paused, picking up a small picture frame and kissing it lightly before returning it to its original place. Crossing the room, he pulled open the heavy draperies covering the window and letting light shine into the room and fall on the large perch in the corner, where a large crimson bird sat, apparently dozing. It lifted its head and blinked in the sudden light.
"Stop pulling the drapes closed, Dranzer." Kai mumbled, walking over and stroking her feathers fondly. "I do like a little light in here, you know."
Dranzer blinked at him with intelligent, dark eyes, as if trying to feign innocence. Kai laughed. "Don't give me that."
He crossed over to the dresser and began pulling out clothes to wear. "Liam's coming over, so you'll have to go back into your bit for a while." He looked over his shoulder apologetically. "Sorry."
With a soft coo, the firebird disappeared in a magnificent flash of flames. From his place at the dresser, Kai rolled his eyes.
"Show off." He mumbled, walking over to his door when he heard someone knocking. Pulling them open, he called back over his shoulder, "you don't earn points for showmanship. Yes?" he asked addressing the black clad butler at his door.
The butler bowed his head slightly in a show of respect. "Sorry to interrupt, master Kai, but you received a letter in the mail this morning." He handed over an envelope to Kai, who took it eagerly. "As you requested, I brought it up to you without letting your grandfather know you had received it."
Scanning the envelope, Kai nodded half heartedly at his words. His hopes rose as he studied it, but after turning it over and looking at the return address, his face fell.
"Is something the matter, Master Kai?" the butler asked, noticing the expression on his pale face.
Kai shook his head. "No, it's nothing." He turned away, holding the door open. "I'm expecting a guest, please bring him up when he arrives?"
With a bow, the butler stepped back, pulling the doors closed. "Of course."
Ripping open the envelope, Kai sat on the edge of his bed. Pulling out the single sheet of paper, he quickly read it, smiling despite himself when he finished. Honestly he had been hoping that the letter would be from Tala, but he should have known better. He had sent his last letter out only a week ago; it was much too soon for a response. Besides, Tala's letter were always much longer, usually encompassing several sheets of paper. But this note was from probably the next best person.
Robert.
Of all the people he had met during the world championships, the European blader was the only one besides Tala that Kai kept in good contact with. Sure, he had exchanged letters with the other former members of the Bladebreakers, and had even received a letter from Max's mother Judy, who had seemed sincerely worried about Kai's welfare after everything in Russia and had offered him safe welfare at her research facility in America should he ever need I, (Kai had replied by assuring he was fine and declining her offer, although he promised he would keep in mind.) but he had never kept up with those correspondents.
He folded the letter up and stuffed into his pocket, making a mental note to write back as soon as Liam left. The violet haired blader had done a lot for him in the past, and Kai was determined to keep the friendship intact.
It had been at the celebration of the Bladebreakers victory in Russia, that Robert had first approached him. Figuring that Kai had probably had enough the childish antics of his teammates; the European blader had invited him back to his own hotel room for a drink in congradulations.
Sincerely grateful for the excuse to get away, Kai had accepted and the two had gone back to Robert's expensive, and in Kai's opinion over done, room. At first the two had just made small talk as they nursed their drinks; a bottle of insanely expensive wine for Robert, and a bottle of vodka for Kai. After a while, their conversation changed however, as the alcohol started to take effect on Kai. The vodka made him more open and honest, and before he even knew what he was doing, he was confessing to Robert everything that had happened during the world championships. He told him everything about Boris and Biovolt, everything about his past at the abbey and Black Dranzer, but most importantly…
- "I'm in love with Tala."-
Robert, who was the type to spend an entire night sipping a single glass of wine, had suddenly gulped down his entire glass in apparent shock over Kai's confession.
- "Tala, of the Demolition Boys?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
"Since I went back to the abbey."
"Does he know?"
"We're together." -
To Kai's surprise, Robert had actually responded well after getting over his initial surprise. He had encouraged Kai, and even congratulated him on it.
After hearing about the bet Tala had made, however, his outlook changed slightly. He sunk down his chair, pouring his fifth glass of wine and giving Kai a sympathetic look.
-"What do you plan to do, now that Tala lost?"
"I don't know." -
With great understanding, Robert let Kai vent his feelings, trying vainly to offer advice in a situation even he couldn't find a solution to. The talk, however, only lead Kai to a feeling of even greater desperation, rather than making him feel better,
Robert, who had consumed his entire bottle of alcohol, soon fell asleep, despite his best efforts, and Kai had taken the opportunity to slip away. Half-drunk and miserable, Kai had wandered the dark streets, not even aware of where he was going until he arrived at the back entrance of the abbey. He couldn't remember whether he had called Tala outside, or the Russian blader had found him himself, but Kai soon found himself in Tala's room, being comforted by an equally depressed Tala.
- "You can't do this to yourself Kai."
"But I want to stay…"
"I want you to stay too, but there's nothing we can do. I've lost Kai…" -
Throughout the entire night, Tala had comforted and taken care of Kai. The two had sat awake until the early morning hours, whispering softly and making desperate, illogical plans to escape and be together. It had been around dawn when Kai finally fell asleep with his head in Tala's lap as the red-haired Demolition Boy stroked his silver hair and whispered a soothing Russian hymn in his ear.
Robert, in the meantime, had woken up and upon finding Kai missing, had correctly assumed he would be at the abbey and went to retrieve him. He had carried the half conceius Kai back to his hotel, where he insisted the distraught boy sleep and rest. He had even made up an excuse for the curious bladers who had come seeking the teamcapitan.
When he had finally come around, and the events of the night before became more clear to him, Kai had been endlessly grateful. He was sure that no one else would have down what Robert had done for him. Up until the last day they were in Russia, Robert and Kai had remained in contact, even as Kai snuck back and forth to the abbey in order to see Tala. When the time finally came for them to part ways, Robert and Kai had exchanged addresses, and for the first time in his life, Kai thanked someone for their support.
Smiling at the memories, Kai took the letter out of his pocket and tossed it on his desk.
There you have it. I know everyone is looking forward to when Tala and Kai actually get back together, but that won't happen just yet. But they will be back together! I promise! ^.^ Anyway, please review, and I'll update as soon as possible. ^.^
Win Me Back
Part 2 - Chapter 2
"I really don't know why you hate gym class so much Kai," Liam said as he stepped into the musty locker room, peeling off his sweaty gym shirt as he went. "That wasn't so bad. In fact, I had fun."
Rolling his eyes, Kai moved towards his locker, spinning the combination on his lock. He pulled out his clothes and started to quickly dress. The locker room was empty thanks mainly to the fact that he and Liam had held back after class for a few minutes, waiting until most of the class had changed and left for the day before going in themselves. "Sure." He mumbled. "If playing volleyball with a bunch of idiots is your idea of fun, that is."
Liam laughed despite himself and glanced over at Kai. Because of the other boy's lack of a shirt, Liam had clear view of Kai's pale back. His light brown eyes drifted lazily to the red scar that marred the otherwise flawless skin of Kai's right shoulder. On first glance, the mark might look to be just a random series of scratches, but upon closer inspection, one could clearly see that the scar spelt the name 'Tala'.
With a sigh, Liam looked away as Kai pulled his shirt over his head, effectively hiding the mark from view. "Hey Kai, Tala is the name of your boyfriend, right?" Liam asked, careful to keep his voice low in case anyone was still lurking around and might overhear. He knew that he had asked Kai that question several times before over the course of their friendship, but sometimes he felt it necessary to ask again.
Scarlet eyes fixed him with a deadly scowl before Kai answer. "Yes."
"And he doesn't live around here right?"
Kai sighed. This talk again. "No, he lives in Russia."
"That's pretty far away." Liam hesitated, biting his lip nervously. "Are you sure that the relationship is worth it? I mean, you probably don't get to see each other much, maybe you should move on."
There were a few moments of silence, before Kai slammed his locker, causing Liam to jump in surprise. Kai stared at the pale blue metal in front of him. This wasn't the first time Liam had questioned the validity of his relationship with Tala, and he starting to get sick of it.
"Yes, I'm sure it's worth it." He snarled. "Just because he doesn't live around here doesn't mean anything." Grabbing his bag, he left the locker room, not bothering to wait for a response.
Stepping out of the gym building and into the mostly empty courtyard, he sighed. Of all the things in the world, he was most aware of the situation he and Tala were in. they both knew how far away the other was, and how hard to not be near each other. They didn't need anyone else to remind them. Dwelling on their separation would only make it more painful to face. Instead, they made the best of it, and tried, at every opportunity, to find a way to see one another.
A few stray students raised their eyes as Kai passed; his eyes fixed on the ground. Tightening his grip on his bag as he heard footsteps approaching, he raised his eyes just slightly.
"Don't bother to apologize, Liam, I've forgiven you." He mumbled, knowing full well who was walking behind him.
Liam slowly his pace, grateful to have caught up with Kai so quickly. "Listen Kai, I was out of line." He explained, as the pair passed the school gates. "I know how much you care about Tala, and I didn't mean to offend you. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I'm sorry."
"Didn't I just tell you not to bother apologizing?"
Mildly surprised, Liam looked up, trying to meet Kai's gaze, but the silver haired teen continued looked straight ahead.
"You don't understand the situation between Tala and I." Kai continued. "So that's why I'm forgiving you. Forget it alright?"
With a small, grateful smile, Liam nodded. Who was he to question Kai's quick forgivingness? It was true, he didn't know a lot about Kai's relationship with Tala; the boy hardly ever spoke of him. "Thanks." He said. He walked a few steps ahead and looked back at Kai. "Hey, what do you say we go work on our term paper together? We only have two more days, you know."
Kai suppressed a yell of frustration. "Is that all you think about? Schoolwork?"
"No, but…"
"Right." He sighed. "Ok, yeah, sure."
A bright smile crossed Liam's face. "Great! I'll go home really quick and get changed, then I'll come over your house." He broke off and turned down the street leading to his own home. "I'll be there in about half and hour, ok?" breaking into a run, he quickly disappeared.
With an amused shake of his head, Kai headed down the road to his grandfather's mansion. It was kind of ironic, Kai thought, that despite how much the old man wanted nothing to do with him, he still insisted that Kai live at home. But then, some things never change.
When the imposing figure of Voltaire's mansion loomed up in front of him, he sighed 'Home sweet hell." He thought, ignoring the security system and jumping over the gate. Whenever his entered his personal security password for the estate, a buzzer would go off in Voltaire's study, letting him know that Kai was home.
'Best to avoid that.'
He pushed open the large front doors, stepping inside and tossing his bag on the floor. After removing his shoes, he headed up to his room, glad to hear that the mansion was silent, save for the gentle hum of the air conditioner.
Passing by his grandfather's study, he paused a moment, straining to hear any noise from beyond the closed doors. From what he could hear, the room was silent, and he hoped that just maybe, the old man wasn't around.
Kai made it to his room undisturbed and slipped inside, shutting the door behind him. The bedroom was done in shades of dark blue and purple, with a few pieces of black furniture to even things out. At the bedside table, he paused, picking up a small picture frame and kissing it lightly before returning it to its original place. Crossing the room, he pulled open the heavy draperies covering the window and letting light shine into the room and fall on the large perch in the corner, where a large crimson bird sat, apparently dozing. It lifted its head and blinked in the sudden light.
"Stop pulling the drapes closed, Dranzer." Kai mumbled, walking over and stroking her feathers fondly. "I do like a little light in here, you know."
Dranzer blinked at him with intelligent, dark eyes, as if trying to feign innocence. Kai laughed. "Don't give me that."
He crossed over to the dresser and began pulling out clothes to wear. "Liam's coming over, so you'll have to go back into your bit for a while." He looked over his shoulder apologetically. "Sorry."
With a soft coo, the firebird disappeared in a magnificent flash of flames. From his place at the dresser, Kai rolled his eyes.
"Show off." He mumbled, walking over to his door when he heard someone knocking. Pulling them open, he called back over his shoulder, "you don't earn points for showmanship. Yes?" he asked addressing the black clad butler at his door.
The butler bowed his head slightly in a show of respect. "Sorry to interrupt, master Kai, but you received a letter in the mail this morning." He handed over an envelope to Kai, who took it eagerly. "As you requested, I brought it up to you without letting your grandfather know you had received it."
Scanning the envelope, Kai nodded half heartedly at his words. His hopes rose as he studied it, but after turning it over and looking at the return address, his face fell.
"Is something the matter, Master Kai?" the butler asked, noticing the expression on his pale face.
Kai shook his head. "No, it's nothing." He turned away, holding the door open. "I'm expecting a guest, please bring him up when he arrives?"
With a bow, the butler stepped back, pulling the doors closed. "Of course."
Ripping open the envelope, Kai sat on the edge of his bed. Pulling out the single sheet of paper, he quickly read it, smiling despite himself when he finished. Honestly he had been hoping that the letter would be from Tala, but he should have known better. He had sent his last letter out only a week ago; it was much too soon for a response. Besides, Tala's letter were always much longer, usually encompassing several sheets of paper. But this note was from probably the next best person.
Robert.
Of all the people he had met during the world championships, the European blader was the only one besides Tala that Kai kept in good contact with. Sure, he had exchanged letters with the other former members of the Bladebreakers, and had even received a letter from Max's mother Judy, who had seemed sincerely worried about Kai's welfare after everything in Russia and had offered him safe welfare at her research facility in America should he ever need I, (Kai had replied by assuring he was fine and declining her offer, although he promised he would keep in mind.) but he had never kept up with those correspondents.
He folded the letter up and stuffed into his pocket, making a mental note to write back as soon as Liam left. The violet haired blader had done a lot for him in the past, and Kai was determined to keep the friendship intact.
It had been at the celebration of the Bladebreakers victory in Russia, that Robert had first approached him. Figuring that Kai had probably had enough the childish antics of his teammates; the European blader had invited him back to his own hotel room for a drink in congradulations.
Sincerely grateful for the excuse to get away, Kai had accepted and the two had gone back to Robert's expensive, and in Kai's opinion over done, room. At first the two had just made small talk as they nursed their drinks; a bottle of insanely expensive wine for Robert, and a bottle of vodka for Kai. After a while, their conversation changed however, as the alcohol started to take effect on Kai. The vodka made him more open and honest, and before he even knew what he was doing, he was confessing to Robert everything that had happened during the world championships. He told him everything about Boris and Biovolt, everything about his past at the abbey and Black Dranzer, but most importantly…
- "I'm in love with Tala."-
Robert, who was the type to spend an entire night sipping a single glass of wine, had suddenly gulped down his entire glass in apparent shock over Kai's confession.
- "Tala, of the Demolition Boys?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
"Since I went back to the abbey."
"Does he know?"
"We're together." -
To Kai's surprise, Robert had actually responded well after getting over his initial surprise. He had encouraged Kai, and even congratulated him on it.
After hearing about the bet Tala had made, however, his outlook changed slightly. He sunk down his chair, pouring his fifth glass of wine and giving Kai a sympathetic look.
-"What do you plan to do, now that Tala lost?"
"I don't know." -
With great understanding, Robert let Kai vent his feelings, trying vainly to offer advice in a situation even he couldn't find a solution to. The talk, however, only lead Kai to a feeling of even greater desperation, rather than making him feel better,
Robert, who had consumed his entire bottle of alcohol, soon fell asleep, despite his best efforts, and Kai had taken the opportunity to slip away. Half-drunk and miserable, Kai had wandered the dark streets, not even aware of where he was going until he arrived at the back entrance of the abbey. He couldn't remember whether he had called Tala outside, or the Russian blader had found him himself, but Kai soon found himself in Tala's room, being comforted by an equally depressed Tala.
- "You can't do this to yourself Kai."
"But I want to stay…"
"I want you to stay too, but there's nothing we can do. I've lost Kai…" -
Throughout the entire night, Tala had comforted and taken care of Kai. The two had sat awake until the early morning hours, whispering softly and making desperate, illogical plans to escape and be together. It had been around dawn when Kai finally fell asleep with his head in Tala's lap as the red-haired Demolition Boy stroked his silver hair and whispered a soothing Russian hymn in his ear.
Robert, in the meantime, had woken up and upon finding Kai missing, had correctly assumed he would be at the abbey and went to retrieve him. He had carried the half conceius Kai back to his hotel, where he insisted the distraught boy sleep and rest. He had even made up an excuse for the curious bladers who had come seeking the teamcapitan.
When he had finally come around, and the events of the night before became more clear to him, Kai had been endlessly grateful. He was sure that no one else would have down what Robert had done for him. Up until the last day they were in Russia, Robert and Kai had remained in contact, even as Kai snuck back and forth to the abbey in order to see Tala. When the time finally came for them to part ways, Robert and Kai had exchanged addresses, and for the first time in his life, Kai thanked someone for their support.
Smiling at the memories, Kai took the letter out of his pocket and tossed it on his desk.
There you have it. I know everyone is looking forward to when Tala and Kai actually get back together, but that won't happen just yet. But they will be back together! I promise! ^.^ Anyway, please review, and I'll update as soon as possible. ^.^