I do not own Beyblade or 1992 film "The Crying Game".

Songs mentioned in this chapter:
"Morning Glory" by Kehlani

The Crying Game
-You're My Home-

- x -

And I might look like, who did what and why
Up under all of this
But you came to spend the night
So you know
That there was way more to me

And if you don't want me at my goodnight
Then you can't have me at my morning glory
At my morning glory
And if you don't want me at my goodnight
Then it's gon' be goodbye (gonna be, gonna be)
Gon' be goodbye

—

Karma, some call it. Or maybe this was merely fate or destiny.

The universe always had wicked ways in exacting wrongs, renewing balance.

Hiwatari Kai knew this, and try as he may to move on with his life.. the feeling was never going to leave him alone. The constant reminder nips at his heels with every step he took forward, the grief of this complete stranger, whom he honestly couldn't and shouldn't care much for, was becoming more and more unbearable. It was slowly, and he knew most definitely, was eventually going to pull him right back. The family he once held dear, the walls around him were beginning to break and crumble. Inevitably destroying the new life he's built.

The normal, boring, conventional life he so desperately wanted.

Guilt had become less of a stranger now. Ever present, especially when he was with Rei—which was always. He didn't deserve her, he's known this right from the beginning. But, if there was really a God or some higher level of spiritual force that actually existed out there in the world... couldn't he, just in this lifetime, live quietly... be happy, be human? And suffer in the next?

He loves her... he's come to learn just how much he loves Rei. She has to know by now, right? Aside the guilt and shame that looms over his head, he did not want this relationship to become an obligation. It was a privilege to love someone like Kon Rei. One who genuinely lifts his spirits, one who offers warmth and security. Everything he lacked. But the obvious guilt was beginning to make him paranoid.

Kai has unexpectedly become very clingy.

It started with picking Rei up from school, awaiting her by the gates of the university like a dog waiting for its master to return home. He shortly began tagging along her and her friends when they went out shopping, and even joining their little girls' nights; nights entailing junk food and wine over sappy chick flicks, or a hitting up a club and dancing until two in the morning. Rei quickly got over her jealously, seeing as he was attached to her by the hip. He quite enjoyed hanging out them in fact, Ming Ming and Hiromi were great girls. Like his kitten, they emitted a sort of innocence that he's come to relish being around, even craved. He'd been steeped into darkness for so long, he felt renewed whenever he was caught up in these little moments.

It wouldn't last long, however. And he's should've known that before diving in so deep.

It wasn't long after until Rei's own family at the Red became his own. The staff would immediately greet the pair as soon as they stepped in, and it didn't take him very long to match every name to their respective faces. Oddly enough, he's grown quite fond of Johnny as well. While neither would ever openly admit it, the two had become rather good friends.

Their nights would usually start off with insults thrown here and there, trading barbs and dirty jokes.

"You've got to be kidding," Kai slurs, feeling the affect from the shot of tequila he just down. "Miss. July is way, way, way hotter than Miss. September could ever hope to be."

"Oh my God, are you blind?" Johnny throws his head back, slapping his forehead. "I know you're stupid, but I didn't think there was something wrong with your vision as well. Holy shit."

"I may be blind, but at least I can see well enough to see that no girl could ever come close to my Rei." Kai boasts, reclining his weight against the counter behind him.

He watches her walking off the stage, a proud smirk on his face. Another soulful performance, his baby never failed to disappoint the crowd with her angel like voice.

Johnny grins, looking ahead as Rei approaches beside the Russian man. "What she sees in you, I'll never understand."

"See what in who?" Rei inquires.

Kai swiftly grabs Rei by her waist, halting her body close his for an extra long, hard kiss. Rei undoubtedly yields, wrapping her arms around his neck. Kai propped an eye open, rubbing in Johnny's face as he squeezed her wonderful ass.

"Johnny's just bemoaning the very sad and real reality that I got you, and he's still single. Take pity on him."

Rei lightly slaps Kai's shoulder, "don't listen to him. You're too great of a guy to stay single for long, trust me."

"Thanks dollface. But you know, if you ever get bored of this loser and realize you deserve better, I'll be right here waiting." Johnny winks at her, bearing a wolfish grin.

Kai huffs and folds his arms, resenting that. Rei softly laughs, "I'm gonna go change, you two behave."

He sighs contently, attentively surveying as she maneuvers her way through the crowded taproom to the dressing rooms. He was so ridiculously enamoured by her marvelous ass, the hem of her little black dress was dangerously right underneath her derriere and it was driving Kai crazy. He couldn't wait to take his baby home, and make love to her under the sheets until dawn.

Rei returned moments later, dressed in what she came in with; a loose flowy pink shirt, tight white shorts and white Vans. She had her hair pinned up a high messy bun, her face still full of makeup. Damn, he really wanted take her here in the restrooms. But his Rei was a classy lady, and she should never be treated anything short of one.

Rei had her complimentary usual, scotch on the rocks. The pair exchanged conversations and a few laughs among the staff as they finished their drinks, eventually saying their goodbyes to Johnny and everyone else in sight before making their way out of the Red.

When Kai reached out to open to door for Rei, the door flew open, revealing two ungodly familiar faces before him. He gulped thickly.

"Kai."

Said man's eyes flit to and fro between the two taller men, ascertaining whether if this moment, right now, was merely a horrible dream or reality.

"Sergei, Moses." He tries his hardest not to flounder. Of all pubs in the red district, why'd they walk into this particular one?

"How have you been?" The blonde asks lightly, casting a eccentric glance at Rei, to which Kai inwardly growls at.

Kai tucks Rei behind him, shielding her from the pairs of perils. To which Rei instinctively obeys, her eyes discreetly peer over Kai's shoulder as she latches onto his arm unwaveringly.

"Fine...how's everyone?"

Sergei rose an intrigued brow by the way the latter queried, Kai mentally curses at himself by the obvious display of perturbance. He must've looked like a true madman right about now.

"Fine," Moses finally spoke, his voice was rather explicit.

Kai straightens his composure, "well I've gotta head out, you gentlemen have a good night."

The pair steps to the side, granting Kai and Rei enough space. Kai hastily hauls Rei through the door, keeping her on the opposite side of him. Not liking how intensely they were gawking at his woman like she was some piece of meat. If he were absolutely out of his mind at that particular moment, he would've thrown his fists barbarously. Shame be dammed.

"Kai?" Rei softly calls out the male, her steps barely behind theirs. "Who were they?"

Kai didn't enunciate a word, he was much too bent on getting back to the car and driving far, far away from this area.

"K-kai?" she attempts again. She was more or less being dragged down the street, the sense of urgency discharges when his pace turned more brisk.

Kai instantly unlocks the car when it come to full sight, he immediately opens the door for Rei as quickly as he closes it back. Locking their doors, he starts the engine and maneuvers into the roads out of the parking lot.

Rei weaily glances over at the man again, the strained expression on his face deposits unsettling feelings that began to stir in her gut.

"Who were those guys, Kai?"

"No one," he answers offhandedly, his eyes remained focus on the road ahead.

"Friends of yours?"

"More or less, we lost contact a while ago."

"Oh...they didn't seem very friendly to me," she trails off, mindful of words she chose to use. She didn't want to bite off more than what Kai was willing to share.

"Things didn't end well," his voice finalizes, wanting to end the topic.

What should've been a passionate night led into entirely different direction. Rei was feeling exceptionally tired that evening, she took a hot bath and went right to bed. This did not disheartened Kai at the very least, having already known how exhausted his baby was. Exams were coming up, and Rei barely had any time to herself besides studying and working at the Red. The summer was approaching them very soon, Kai figured a much needed vacation would be a good idea. Although having not decided where to go yet, he wanted to surprise her with utter euphoria.

Kai cradles Rei in his arms, her weary body held protectively against his large frame. He kisses the crown of her head, gentle fingers pushing away fallen strands of hair from her lovely face. He graciously observes the way she slept, her face resembling a child. While she will never admit it and may even continue to deny it, her snores were steady and soft, endearing even. Kai is quite fond of the dulcet sounds of her snoring, it allays him to witness her sleeping so soundly. He wonders what she could be dreaming of right now. And if she's ever dreamt of him.

Thoughts such these would've never seized his mind before meeting Kon Rei. What this girl has transformed him to become was frightening and exhilarating, so different and out of character.

He could only hope that tonight was an isolated incident, and there would no more random repeats.

All that he was needed for now was to see the job through, if the plans he's formulated really worked. After that, he was going to take Rei away. Kicking and screaming if need be, he was going to take her out of Tokyo—nay, out of all of Japan. He knew it was selfish, but it was the only way to protect her. The only way to protect them. She would accept it eventually, right? She's done it before, she could do it again. And this time, she was going to be comfortable. She won't have to worry about money anymore. Money was going to the lasts of her woes. He's already sold off his shares of several businesses and share holds, transferring all of his inheritance to a new account he's created solely under his name.

Everything was going to be alright as soon as he cut ties with Hiroshi, with the entire brotherhood and everyone he ever knew. And Rei will be fine, too. They were going be fine. He just has to continue waiting patiently for the day. While Kai was not a religious man, but he prayed that everything remained quiet until the day comes and he shall be free forever.

—

*KNOCK, KNOCK

7:23am

Kai groggily pries his heavy eyes open. Sleep did not grant him salvation until five in the morning, who the fuck could be at the door this early in the morning? He notices Rei was no longer in bed. He shoots up, fret instantly floods his entire being, where could she be? But ease rushes back when he hears the shower running from across the hallway. Rei was getting ready for class.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!

"What the actual fuck..." he grabs his sweatpants from the floor and steps into them as he walks out of the bedroom.

He runs a hand through his messy tousled bedhead, practically dragging himself. Was he really that triggered to answer whatever annoyance that stood on the other side of the door? Before he was even given the chance the check who it was through the peek hole, another series of howling knocks entails.

"What?!" He demands rudely, swinging the door open.

"Well good morning to you too, Kai-kun."

Julia. What the actual fuck, how the fuck did she find this address?!

"W-what the...what the fuck are you doing here?"

Julia merely smiled, absolutely loving the shell-shock expression on the other's face. "Come now, Kai-kun. You should know there aren't any secrets among the family."

If he had fangs, he would be bearing them right now. Animal instincts were compelling him to grab her neck, and tearing her throat wide out with his jaws.

"And I must say, this is certainly a development no one saw coming."

'Damn Sergei and Moses.'

"Nice place," she mildly remarks, eyes stealing a glimpse of the living from where she stood.

"Cut the bull, what the fuck do you want?" he bites, wanting her to leave as soon as she came. He didn't need Rei witnessing what was transpiring right now.

"Aw, did Kai-kun wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Want to go back and try this again? I can even follow you back to your room if you like."

Why did her eyes always remind him those of a snake? So cold and calculating, but more annoyingly, mocking and wretched.

Kai swiftly catches her hand before she could lay a finger on him. He eyed her disgustingly lick her upper lip, her lascivious gaze inspecting every inch of his bare upper half. By the tone of her voice, he wouldn't be surprised if she was telling the truth. He could blatantly see how much she still wanted him, how much she still yearned for him. Despite their bitter exchange, if he truly wanted Julia back, he could have her crawling and begging at his feet in mere seconds.

Afterall, first love never dies, right?

"I swear to God, I am going to slam this door right against your blotched nose job."

Resenting that gravely, Julia fiercely glared at the Russian man. "Fuck you."

Kai rolled his eyes, he was beginning to lose his patience.

"There's been a change of plans, the date's been moved up—and brother Hiroshi wants a dry run immediately."

What? "When?"

"Now, dumbass."

"Well now's not a good time, bitch. Deal with it."

"Kai?"

'Fuck', Julia's shrilling voice must've been loud enough for Rei to overhear them.

Compared to Julia's sultry demeanour, Rei looked like an absolute angel. She applied a light wash of makeup, just enough to conceal the sleepiness that was still evident on her angelic face. Her hair held up in a messy bun, she was clad by a loose pale purple sweater, a beige skirt grazed midway her thighs and white lace knee socks. She looked so fresh and so perfect.

"I'll be right there," he says gently, his eyes urging her to give him a minute to chase away Julia.

Rei shot a bemused look at the mysterious woman who appeared at her doorstep, but nodded at the male, retrieving back to her room to gather her stuff for class.

"I've heard you gotten yourself a little birdie, but I had no idea how raw you liked them. The poor girl hasn't even ripen yet, Kai. Just look at how flat her chest is, how pitiful. What is she, twelve, ten years old? But then again, you could never handle a real woman."

Oh the irony, Kai was nearly compelled to laugh out loud.

"As you can see, now's not a good time." Having heard enough foolishness from this damn wench's mouth, he proceeds to close the door on her face. The brunette stuck her heeled boot between the wedge of the door, not having any of that.

"Listen, I don't give a fuck about your pedophilic boner, the boss is expecting you. Now. So just call the little bitch a cab that will take her right back to whatever nursery you kidnapped her from."

"Your claws are showing," Kai slightly smirks, loving how peeved Julia was becoming.

Said female's claws were curling into fists at her side. Julia had always been the jealous type, and it only etched his amusement so much more by how ridiculous she looked and sounded. However, it also made her very fierce. Possessing a violent streak that'd matched her ferocious temper, the last person he would want standing on the receiving end of her feral lashes would be Rei.

"I'll meet you there, okay?"

"I am to personally drive you there."

"I don't need an effing babysitter," he was really starting to lose it with this bitch.

"And I don't need your effing shit either, so hurry the fuck up and let's go."

"Bitch if yo-"

"Kai?"

The latter bit his tongue back, inhaling deeply before turning his attention back to Rei behind him. His kitten had her school bag slung over her shoulder, shoes on and phone in her hand.

"I'm going to ride with Ming this morning, I gotta get going now if I want to make it in time for class."

This desolated Kai to some degree, he wanted to be the one to take his Rei to school this morning. Maybe treat her to some Starbucks or a light breakfast on the way over. But alas, Julia went and ruined everything. He'd hoped that she won't be ruining anything else for him in the future. Otherwise, he'll have to go through grave measures to make sure her body shall never be found out.

Kai knew Rei had probably heard more than she should've, and with the monster at their door, she probably felt extremely uncomfortable. Leaving him to deal with the situation, she most likely wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Sorting out whatever he needed to, he figured it would be best with Rei left out of the equation.

"Okay baby," he gingerly pushes the door wide enough for her to go through.

Rei carefully saunters besides him, intending for a light peck on the male's cheek. Kai swoops her with his free arm to his body and kisses her tenderly in front of Julia, mumbling "have a good day at school, kitten. I'll come get you later" between their lips.

Rei nods quietly, briefly glancing at the other woman as she passes. Not looking back once as she heads for the elevator.

"Well, she's certainly a pretty neko-chan, isn't she?" the brunette tightly remarks, her eyes ice cold and hard.

The male smirk widely, feeling fucking proud of himself. "Now if you'll excuse me," finally slamming the door in her face. He proceeds to dress him, and find out what the hell Hiroshi wanted this time.

—

shorter chapter than what i usually post, but the end is near. so until next time, take care. :) also, please ignore spelling/grammar, will fix everything once story is completed.