A/N: I'm a week late.. I apologise. However life has been just a tad busy. I got back from visiting my r/l Tyson back end of last week and then I was thrown straight back into work and it's just been crazy.
For anyone interested in it I have a short fic documenting our friendship featuring true events called "Long Distance." Cute little Tyka Friend Fluff.
Buuut back to this absolute shit storm.
The darling that is Lux helped with this, but seriously don't even ask who was who. This chapter was an inbred mess where we reguarly swapped characters. Was only Pierre, bless him, who didn't get tossed about. xD
I know a few of you have been looking forward to this.. and again sorry to keep you waiting longer but I hope it's worth it.
K~
Chapter 15 - Just Deserts
"Remind me why we're doing this again?" Tala groaned out, dragging his feet along the pavement with his arms folded over his chest like a sulking teenager being forced to see some distant relatives at Christmas.
When he'd first heard Bianca bring up the idea of a double date whilst he was contortioned underneath Kai's desk he thought his darling wife was just being friendly.
One of those, 'Oh we should totally do that!' - And then never do that moments..
But when she'd announced this morning over her tea with one sugar the two of them would be joining 'Mr Hiwatari and his partner' tonight for dinner it became immediately apparent that she was in fact deadly serious.
Tala had tried to get out of it. Practically begged her in fact.
He argued it was 'weird as hell' to be going out with two total strangers.
Bianca argued it would be 'great for the two of them to get out the house and to get to know some new people.'
So, obviously they comprised..
.. And the two of them were going out for dinner tonight with Kai Hiwatari and his partner.
Bianca tutted.
This again?
"Why not?" She asked as she shot him a look, "Like I said, you can use some more friends."
Tala scoffed at her, "I've got plenty of friends' thanks."
He knew what Bianca really meant was he could use some better friends. Ones in higher places and not 'riff-raff' she claimed his current associates to be. Which was hilarious because she'd met her brother right?
Legit felon!
Bianca snorted in response, turning her nose up before a sharp hiss left her lips and she had to stop in her tracks. Bending slightly forward as she rubbed at her stomach, waiting for the small jolt of pain to pass through before she practically brushed it off and kept going.
"What if I want more friends?" She asked as if nothing had even happened.
Tala's head snapped towards her upon hearing her gasp out.
"You alright?" He asked, his voice laced with concern as he brushed off what she'd said and placed a hand behind her back.
Maybe someone up there was watching him after all and knew this evening would be a bad idea.
Work with this Tala c'mon!
"We can just turn around and go back home if you're not feeling good? I can run you a bath and we can get all snuggly on the couch?" He suggested, sounding almost too hopeful as the restaurant was in sight now.
"No, just the baby in my ribs again." Bianca brushed off, though leaned into his touch. "You know how much she likes getting in there-"
"-We really can just reschedule if you want, no one would mind B, seriously.."
Practically cutting her off Tala's tone was becoming more pleading with every step they took. He was running out of time!
"And turn around and go all the way home, it's right there Tal." She bit back in a huff, throwing an arm up and pointing at the brick building. "And it would be rude to just walk back home, they're probably already there."
With his feet coming to a standstill Tala used his other arm to wrap around her and gently pull her back around to face him. Taking her hands in his and looking right into her green eyes.
"They'd understand Bianca. Come on, you're heavily pregnant. If you're not feeling good we should just go home. Don't worry about it. Tell you what, I'll call us a cab right now." He said pulling out his cell phone from his pocket and started dialling a number.
Bianca frowned as she snatched it, "I'm fine, just a bit winded so the sooner we can sit down the better since I'm so 'heavily' pregnant. What is your problem tonight?" She asked as she pushed by him, keeping his phone in her hand as she continued without him.
Tala felt a pang of uneasiness of his phone currently being clutched by those polished fingernails and jogged a little to catch up to walk alongside her again. He was running out of options here and his desperation to get out of this evening was really starting to show.
"I'm just worried about you baby that's all. I don't want you to feel like you gotta push yourself to try and impress this guy or somethin'.. He's honestly not all that y'know."
"Who said anything about me trying to impress someone?" She asked as she snapped back to face him, "Not like I'm very impressive being so 'heavily' pregnant to start with." She continued to use his line, hoping he'd catch on that he was one foot closer to sleeping on the couch tonight.
Tala suppressed an eye roll.
This night really was going to be a living nightmare if she was fixing to start on him before they'd even got through the door.
"You're gorgeous babe and you know it." He sighed out. "I just know how you get around new people and I'm telling you, you really don't have to put on a front with them.. If you're not feeling great we can leave."
Bianca just narrowed her eyes at him, she was done talking and threw her nose back in the air and kept forward. She'd go by herself then. Seriously though, what was getting his knickers in such a twist tonight?
x-x-x
Kai's hands were gripped on to the steering wheel. His knuckles starting to turn white as they were just a few blocks away from the restaurant now. There'd been no message from Tiffany informing him of any cancellation so he could only assume Tala had failed to get out of this one too.
Wasn't he meant to be the smooth talker? Useless.
"You okay? You're awfully quiet tonight." Ray said as he was doing his last minute pruning in the visors mirror.
"Mhm.. just tired." Kai mumbled out in response, his eyes remaining fixed on the road.
Ray gave him a quick questioning look, that didn't really seem right. It had been a pretty chill day, for the both of them, and they actually slept together for the first time like a couple again. His heart stopped at that thought. Maybe Kai didn't sleep as well as he did then, because it was too hard on him being like that again.
"We don't have to stay long, just get some food and drinks and be home before ten." He compromised, if Kai was tired and upset about the night before then he didn't want to keep him out in the crowds for too long.
Kai nodded in response though hadn't listened to a word Ray had just said. His mind was racing, not even being able to envision how this night was going to go.
His eyes then trailed across to the restaurant on their right as they pulled up. Having tried to drive as slow as he possibly could all the way here but could only stall for so long before it became obvious.
Flipping up the visor Ray sat back in his seat, giving Kai one last look over with a slight frown on his face. Sure, the whole premise of this double date was a bit odd to say the least, but it was better than them avoiding each other inside the house and staring at the walls until the painful task of going to bed was commenced.
"Ready?"
'No.'
"Mhm.." Kai spared him a look as he slowly unclipped his seat belt.
Glancing up through the windshield his eyes glared over to the restaurant as he prayed it'd just burst into flames right there and then.
This was it. No getting out of it now.
"Let's go."
Ray didn't bother to say more, following him out of the car quietly and smoothing out his shirt and messing with his hair a bit more. Having left it all out for the night, no ties or bindings which he was slowly regretting as it was already knotting up like he knew it would.
x-x-x
Tala nervously tapped his fingers on the white linen table cloth as he glanced between the two empty chairs in front of him. He was starting to feel nauseous now never mind fixing to eat a meal.
'Come on unborn child of mine, help daddy out and give your mother another kick or something..'
Bianca's eyes took in everything at once, this place was beautiful but of course she hadn't really expected any less when dining with Kai Hiwatari.
As her eyes kept roaming she eventually caught sight of the familiar two-toned hair stepping in, a mass of long dark-purple coming in with him. Excitedly she smacked Tala in the arm and pointed to the two coming in; if she could she'd bounce in her seat.
Tala tutted and simultaneously shot her a frown before icy blues fixed on what Bianca was getting his attention for and his stomach almost dropped out his ass.
Kai looked as riddled with nerves as he did, a hand stuffed in his black trouser pocket as the other was shaking the maître d's hand at the foyer.
How the two of them were going to blag their way through this was beyond him. Hopefully Bianca and the cat would be doing most of the talking since they were the ones who wanted this shit show.
"They're both so gorgeous." Bianca said as she fanned herself a little in jest, "Is this why you've been in such a tizz all night?" She jabbed more playfully than she had been since they left the house.
"Sure." Tala sarcastically replied with a scowl and picked up the glass of water in front of him. Taking a few sips he watched Kai over the glass as he and Ray were led over by the restaurant manager.
"Your table gentlemen." The middle-aged male introduced in a strong French accent.
Kai swallowed as he locked eyes with blue for a second before quickly breaking the contact.
Placing his glass back down on the table Tala cleared his throat and pressed his lips together to supress the smirk that was daring to appear. He had no reason to laugh as this scenario wasn't funny in the slightest but his nerves were reaching off the scale now that Kai was here.. with him.
How the fuck did they get in this mess?
Either ignoring the weird vibes coming off Kai or just not paying attention, Ray painted on a smile as he got behind his chair in front of the woman and held his hand out.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Ray."
Bianca's eyes sparkled and instantly held out her hand, loving the high class feeling this evening was bringing thus far.
"So good to meet you, I'm Bianca but you can call me B. This is my husband Tala." She directed once they had shaken hands and Ray was sitting down in his chair.
Ray blinked a little, oh so that was his name?
"Good to see you again."
"Likewise," Tala dryly responded with a single nod, his attention barely on him as he instantly glanced up at the suit clad male that was going to be sitting directly opposite him for the duration of this evening.
Of course he was. Where else would Kai have sat? Furthest away from him? Nah that would've made this dinner slightly more bearable and he of course didn't deserve that!
Whoever had originally been watching him from above must've clocked out for the night.
".. And you Kai, nice to see you again." He added as innocent as he could, the two shots of vodka he did before leaving the house coming into play once Kai had draped his jacket on his chair and sat down in front of him.
Kai sent him a brief look before mimicking his words.
"Likewise."
Ray just nervously glanced between Kai and Tala, that was a little rude but not wholly unlike Kai to begin with. Given their other issues they were burying for the night he tried not to let it bother him.
"Can I get you some drinks for the table?" The Frenchman then asked once everyone was settled and offered a menu in Kai's direction.
Without so much as taking the menu Kai waved him off before casually speaking out, "A bottle of Cristal will do Pierre, thank you."
His gaze then trailed over towards Bianca when he remembered her current impregnated state and gasped.
"No! Actually – sorry. What would you like to drink Mrs Ivanov?" He blurted out in a slight fluster, raising a hand to stop Pierre from leaving with his eyes fixed on the lady of the table.
"Oh no, you three enjoy your drinks tonight. I'll be fine with some water." Bianca waved off politely.
Kai gave her a nod though turned back to Pierre and had a brief back and forth in French, ordering her a sparkling fruit juice. He couldn't have her just sat drinking water.
Was the least he could do considering all he'd done with her husband.
Ray then turned his attention back to Bianca and gave her another smile.
"How far along are you?" He asked, hoping it wouldn't set her off.
"8 months," She replied returning his smile, "Only a few more weeks to go!"
"Congratulations! That's amazing." Ray gushed, he loved babies.
Bianca continued to smile warmly to him. Aw he was the sweetest thing! Kai better be treating him right..
Tala felt sick to his stomach, half due to trying to keep himself from laughing about the whole situation or actual nerves setting in harder than before.
"What did you order?" He finally had the guts, what was left of them, to address Kai as he hadn't understood a word that was said.
Kai's eyes shot up to Tala, admittedly a little caught off guard he'd actually had the balls to speak to him but of course they had to act like they didn't really know each other and were attempting to change that.
Wasn't exactly a lie though. Whilst they were more than familiar with each other physically, Kai didn't actually know a damn thing about the guy.. But nor did he really care.
"Champagne and a sparkling cranberry and lime juice for the lady." He answered gesturing over towards Bianca. "I hope you don't mind Mrs Ivanov but I couldn't possibly have you sat here sipping on just water whilst we have Cristal."
Bianca put a hand to her chest, "That's so sweet Mr Hiwatari, you didn't have to but thank you, that sounds lovely."
Kai smirked some. "Please, just call me Kai."
His eyes then tauntingly locked back on Tala's.
The moment they clicked Tala's leg shot out from under the table, getting him in the leg.
Kai shifted, biting back the pain as he instantly sent him a glare across the table.
"Are you two wanting children one day?" Bianca asked her green eyes glancing between Kai and Ray opposite her.
Ray's smile he had been wearing since they got to the table fell slightly, his eyes shifting almost nervously to Kai.
"We haven't really talked about it..." He answered in almost a sigh.
He had wanted to bring it up, were plenty of times that he almost did but then life would remind him they were too busy for children let alone too busy for each other half the time now.
"I would love to be a father though one day." He then added, perking up some and deciding to throw the hint Kai's way regardless.
Kai cleared his throat and swallowed.
Where was this damn champagne Pierre? If they were going to start gushing over marriage and babies he'd need to start drinking ASAP.
"Aw well you've plenty of time." Bianca said waving her hand at them. "It's a big thing and you shouldn't rush into things like that.. Trust me, we of all people know."
Tala held in the groan he felt bubbling up inside him, trying hard to ignore Ray's not so subtle look over at him like he was waiting for him to elaborate. Thankfully Ray turned his attention back to his wife instead.
"I take it this isn't your first then?" He guessed.
Bianca shook her head, "Nope we have Natalia who's three. Total handful but completely worth it."
Kai's jaw clenched as glanced back up at Tala, his expression remaining plain though his eyes held a rage Satan himself would falter to. He didn't even know why he was surprised thinking about it now. Honestly he knew Tala was a fucking dog but that was just the cherry on the cake.
"Are you having one of each or both girls then?" Ray asked quickly as he gestured at Bianca's belly.
"Another girl." Bianca gushed though felt a little uneasy now at being the clear centre of attention of the table. She should've just arranged to have dinner with Ray since these two wet blankets sat in silence beside them were looking just as awkward as the other.
"Ooo, that's gonna be rough when they're older." Ray sympathized as his eyes went back towards Tala while for the first time since that day did Mariah pop into his head.
An involuntary shiver ran down his back, he couldn't imagine living under the same roof with three females.
Tala tried to ignore him again but the shifty eyes finally got under his skin enough, he couldn't bite his tongue all night.
"Believe me, it's already rough."
Bianca threw a glare towards her left before quickly forcing out a laugh trying to brush off her darling husband's comment.
"He doesn't mean that."
If he wasn't sleeping on the couch before he definitely was now.
"I didn't mean that in a bad way." Tala said as his body jolted more upright, "Just think about it, I'm the only guy in the house now. What when the girls start reaching womanhood it's not going to be fun. You can't really argue with me on that one B."
Kai pulled the corners of his lips down slightly as he listened.
The dog had a point.
He couldn't imagine living with one female, never mind three of them, though, Tala did deserve everything he got at this point.
Bianca just silently rolled her eyes at him.
They'd talk about this when they got home.
Showing her up in front of high profile guests.
Making out that she was anything but a constant fucking delight.
How dare he!
Pierre then promptly reappeared with an ice bucket for the champagne and the tall glass of fruit juice for Bianca.
Placing it down in front of her, her green eyes sparkled, her earlier annoyance at Tala a moment ago diminishing a little as she sent a nod of thanks in Kai's direction.
Nodding his head back to her Pierre then handed everyone a menu and waited with his pen and little notepad.
"Ladies first. Madame?"
Gazing over her menu she trailed her finger down as she quickly scanned the options. Most of it was written in French and the portion of it that wasn't was stuff she'd never even heard of. She noticed there also wasn't a single price in sight next to any of the dishes.
God how were they going to afford this dinner?
Tala will just have to take care of it.
"I'll take the uhm.." She showed the menu to Pierre and pointed at one of the dishes, not even wanting to attempt to pronounce what she'd decided on.
"Les asperges vertes á la hollandaise.. good choice madam." He rolled off, his accent very strong now.
"Sir?" He asked, his attention turning to the redhead.
Tala did a double take from his menu to his wife and back to the waiter and down again.
Why did she do this to him?!
"Wouldn't happen to have steak would you?" He asked a bit sheepishly.
Kai lifted his menu a little higher to hide the smirk he was trying to bite back. Watching the redhead squirm was a sight alright.
Pierre nodded saving him a glance as he jotted on his notepad.
"Steak au poivre, and how do you like your meat sir?"
"Medium, please." Tala said, resisting the urge to pull at the collar of his shirt as he felt a sweat break over his skin.
Pierre gave a firm nod, always thankful when he didn't have to destroy a good piece of steak with a 'well done' request.
Taking down his order he then looked over to Ray.
"Monsieur Kon?"
"I'll have the usual Pierre, thank you." Ray smiled at him, he always liked him when they came here.
Pierre smiled quickly jotting down on his pad of paper again before turning to Kai.
"And the usual for you as well Monsieur Hiwatari?"
After a moment Kai silently nodded before snapping the menu shut, gave Pierre a half smile of his own and handed the menu back to him.
Pierre then collected the other three menus and took a slight bow to the table before having another brief exchange with Kai before taking his leave.
Taking a few large sips of his champagne Kai was starting to feel a little bit more settled... a little.
Everyone was on their best behaviour, the food was ordered. It was fine... this would be fine.
"Are you sure that's all you wanted B?" Ray asked after the table had gone quiet for a bit too long.
"Hm?" She asked looking across to him over the rim of her glass.
She had no idea what she'd even ordered but she'd heard of hollandaise before?
Kai frowned looking over to the two of them at the other end of the table.
He hadn't even been paying attention when she'd ordered too engrossed in his own menu and thinking about how Tala really liked his meat.
"What did you order?" He asked her but then turned to Ray knowing Bianca clearly had no clue what was even going on here.
"Les asperges vertes á la hollandaise." Ray told him before turning back to Bianca, "It's just asparagus with hollandaise sauce, it's really good but not that filling."
Bianca's cheeks flushed.
Did she keep face and just go along with it?
She was starving but she didn't want to seem unrefined and admit that she had no idea what the majority of the menu said in front of them, especially to full on French speaking Kai Hiwatari over there.
Her and Tala could always grab a burger on the way home..
"Yeah, no it's fine. I'm not all that hungry. I might get a desert though after if I still am." She saved, throwing a quick smile.
Ray frowned a little, but what more could he really do?
A shiver went down his spine as he took a sip of his champagne, his eyes going back towards Tala who was oddly staring at him now for some reason. Was it something he said, had done?
He didn't mean to offend, he was just thinking of the baby!
"I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to come off as offensive." He apologized quickly to Bianca.
Bianca waved her hands at him. Bless! He was so lovely!
"You didn't! Don't be silly! Kai, please tell your boyfriend he's the sweetest thing ever and he doesn't need to worry, he didn't offend me."
Kai gave a small laugh through his nose hoping that would be enough of an acknowledgement to her. He wasn't exactly one to gush over Ray on a normal day never mind in public and especially not in front of strangers.
Ray blushed a little, that was good and all but what was with Tala staring at him the way he had been then?
Tala honestly hadn't even been paying attention to the fact that he was staring at him the way he was.
One thing, aside from the blaring obvious issue with him sitting across from Kai after everything, something had been bothering him.
He didn't know the full tale between the two of them of course. But enough to know something wasn't quite sitting right.
Ray had gone to China with 'big tits', completely ghosted Kai for however long…
Not suspicious at all by the way.
But then he comes back home and everything's all fine and dandy? Only it clearly wasn't as the tension between the two of them Tala noticed could be cut with a knife.
Hell, he knew Kai wasn't the most talkative of guys but even he got more words out of him… Well, he definitely got more sounds out of him.
Why was Kai just settling for this guy when he could do so much better?
Kai had noticed the odd glances between Ray and Tala during the course of the evening so far and annoyingly for him it was clear he had something else in common with the redhead it would seem – Poker face expressions.
When he wasn't sporting a wolfish grin Tala's face often wouldn't give much away in regards of what he was thinking. He couldn't read him.
Whilst it was obvious they were sharing the same bout of nerves right now he couldn't quite work out what else could be on Tala's mind.
After several minutes of very brief chit chat Pierre thankfully came back, breaking the silence and placed each of their chosen dishes down in front of them.
Bianca blinked at the four pieces of asparagus with the trickle of hollandaise sauce in front of her and they all began to eat quietly.
"So what is the 'usual' for you two?" She asked looking over at both Kai and Ray's plates to make conversation.
Ray smiled a little, "It's Boeuf Bourguignon, just a really fancy word for beef stew, but it's got some red wine and bacon in it. With that I'm pretty much sold anyways." He chuckled.
"Ahh.. that looks nice.." She murmured out practically salivating over it, wishing she'd paid more attention in French class now. "And you Kai?"
"Bouillabaisse," He purred out, his French accent almost as good as Pierre's.
"It's basically a seafood stew… Has different kinds of fish, oysters, potato that kinda thing." He quickly reeled off, not wanting to bore the table with his knowledge of French cuisine.
"Ooh oysters?" Bianca sang out, her lipstick clad lips suddenly curling up into a smirk and her eyes glanced to Ray and then back to Kai. "Aren't they an aphrodisiac?"
Kai blinked a few times.
"Uh, so they say?" He replied a little uneasy and unsure. Couldn't say he believed in any of that stuff.
"Hear that Ray? Looks like someone's getting lucky tonight." She threw a wink at him, her smirk still prominent as she took a sip on her sparkling juice cocktail.
Ray's blush came back as he about choked on his next bite of food. The fuck was she going off about?! And why?!
"Mhmmm..." He hummed around his fork, not looking up and letting his bangs come over his face to hide it. Thankful he just left his hair alone for the night, could hide under all of it if he wanted to.
Tala made a face as he cut into his steak, watching with satisfaction as the bit of blood oozed out from it with the grease.
Kai couldn't help but die a little of embarrassment for both Ray and himself as he took a quick side glance to him, the blush on his cheeks clearly visible.
It'd be a Christmas miracle if either of them were to get lucky this evening since the two of them had only just got back to cuddling last night and even that made him feel a type of way.
He swore he could still smell the pink thing's scent all over him, he wasn't sure he could take any more steps further whilst it still lingered. Not yet anyway.
Taking a mouthful of his own food ruby eyes then dared to look directly ahead of him at Tala who, like for the majority of the evening, was remaining uncharacteristically quiet, his eyes just fixed down on his plate.
He was really expecting to be made to squirm tonight with the redhead's usual confidence always dominating. Taking a quick glance to the woman beside him, it was becoming evident however who really wore the trousers in his relationship.
Noting Ray and his wife had fallen back in to their own deep conversation again after swiftly moving on from the earlier moment of awkwardness, Tala dared to slowly ease out his phone slyly under the table, keeping his gaze down low and touch typed a text to the male opposite.
With a ping and his phone vibrating in his back pocket Kai arched a brow, pulled out his phone and swiped before his face fell a little for a second.
T: [U look hot as hell.]
He glanced over at the sender who had just resumed cutting into his steak like he wasn't just on his phone a second ago.
Did he just ignore it? Yeah.. he was ignoring it.
Shoving it back into his pocket Kai reached for his champagne and took a sip, his unimpressed eyes locking with the redhead over the glass who sent him a quick smile when he glanced up from his plate.
'Playing hard to get again I see..' Tala thought to himself seeing that Kai had no intentions of responding to him.
He discreetly took his phone out once again as another idea came to him.
With another buzz, Kai looked straight ahead at the culprit who once again was playing innocent taking a sip of his own champagne.
He knew he was relentless but this guy needed to learn about timings.
Ray was right there. His wife was right fucking there! They weren't doing this anymore! He might have a death wish, but he certainly didn't.
Bianca looked like she wouldn't hesitate to throw hands, pregnant or not, and he knew if needed, Ray had sharp claws.
He continued to pretend he'd not just felt the vibration against his leg though couldn't ignore the leather shoe that had started brushing against his calf.
Tala sent him a smirk before gesturing down with his eyes for him to look at his phone.
Kai took a quick glance to his left before pulling his phone out again and opening the message, only to quickly turn it face down on his thigh and send him a glare.
Really Tala? Of all the times to send a fucking dick pic you think this is one of them?
Tala pressed his lips together, the laugh at Kai's reaction threatening to escape him.
God if he could see his face right now.
Kai looked to his phone again to read the line of text that was attached under the image.
T: [Come talk with me in the bathroom.]
He would have scoffed at that if he was alone. He'd do nothing of the sort.
[Whatever you have to say you can say it here.] Was his reply.
A smirk curled on Tala's lips. - [Nope, I can't.]
K: [Why? Cat got your tongue?]
T: [No, but he might have urs later tonight Mr. Aphrodisiac.]
Kai took another sly glance down to read the response, his expression now mirroring Tala's for a moment.
[Is that a hint of jealousy I'm sensing?]
Tala's smirk only got bigger at the reply, [Why, u want me to be?]
Kai took a glance over at him as he took a mouthful of food, catching the famous Ivanov smirk in full force before glancing back down to his phone.
[Just saying if you are there's no reason to be.]
Tala's smirk fell just a tad, [What do you mean?] He typed quickly.
Kai locked his eyes with Tala's over the table.
Both their expressions sharing the same plain unreadable look though it was almost like the two of them were communicating telepathically now; Knowing exactly what the other was thinking.
[Cat got a little too curious in China..] Kai informed, hoping he wouldn't have to spell it out to him further.
[Ur kidding?] Tala typed quickly, his mouth gaping a tad as he took a small glance towards Ray still hiding behind his bangs and eating.
He knew they were off with each other! Knew it!
Kai unnoticeably sighed through his nose. Losing his appetite somewhat as he typed back his reply.
[Wish I was.]
Tala choked on his next piece of steak, about jabbing the fork down his throat as his eyes bugged out of his head as he read the text.
A noise of some kind coming out of his throat that gathered Ray and Bianca's attention.
"You okay?" Ray asked, watching Tala spit and splutter as he pulled the fork from within his throat.
Kai's eyes widened as he quickly shoved his phone back into his trouser pocket. His eyes darting to the other two at the table.
Bianca patted his back a few times, "You're meant to chew your food Tal."
"Yes dear... I know..." Tala coughed and choked, taking up his glass and knocking it back as much as he could. Half wishing it was something stronger.
Kai quietly continued eating his food like the little scene before him had never occurred.
He wasn't even sure why he'd told him in the first place. He just needed to vent perhaps.
Keeping the secret of Ray's infidelity to himself had felt like a massive weight on his shoulders ever since he'd told him. He hadn't told any of their other friends as he hadn't wanted to tarnish Ray's shiny reputation. But, he just needed to get it out.
Slamming his now empty glass down, Tala righted himself by clearing his throat. "Where's the bathroom?" He asked, his eyes on Kai looking somewhat pleading.
"Near the door where we came in at and to the right." Ray answered.
Catching the blatant hint from him Kai too cleared his throat after swallowing another mouthful of food and eased himself up from the table.
"I'll show you.. Please, excuse us," Kai added with a slight bow of his head more for Bianca's benefit and turned on his heel heading back towards the front of the restaurant.
"Is he okay?" Ray asked Bianca once the other two were gone, having watched Kai walk off with him and found himself frowning slightly.
Sure, things were already off since before they left the house, but something in the air smelled different now and he didn't know what.
Bianca nodded her head that was resting on her cupped hands, her elbows on the table.
"Yeahh he's fine. Always was the melodramatic.. So tell me more about you and Kai." She dreamily asked.
x-x-x
The second the bathroom door was closed Tala turned to Kai who had followed him like the good dog he was, his wolfish grin coming out to play in full force as he took him in more properly.
"Clean up well, don't you think?" He asked as he did a little twirl to show off his own suit.
"Mhm. Put on a good performance too." Kai dryly said brushing him off.
Whatever Tala had to say he'd better spit it out, they couldn't stay in here long without raising suspicions.
"Look, I tried to get out of this, believe me. She wouldn't budge." Tala practically whined at him, "But really, you think I look good?" He distracted again as he gestured down at himself.
"Well you should've tried harder," Kai bit out. "And sure, Bianca dress you again I'm guessing?"
Tala's hands went to his hips as he pouted, "Oh please, I'm a big boy now and can dress myself. But of course..." He said, his voice going slightly seductive as he sauntered up to Kai. "You know all about that, don't you?"
Kai immediately took a step back from him and took a glance at the door.
"Really Tala? You didn't learn your lesson from before?"
"Oh c'mon, it's like the first time all over again." Tala purred a little in excitement as he touched Kai's chest, walking his fingers up it as he followed the buttons of his shirt. "Besides, it's not like she can walk in here. And with the cat straying off, you should put those oysters to good use."
Kai gave him a bored look as his eyes continued to occasionally glance over his shoulder to the door behind him.
Now he regretted telling him about Ray because he was going to try and use it as fuel so he can continue to live out whatever twisted fantasy he was trying to live.
"If you keep playing with fire like this Tala you're gonna get burnt." He said in a low tone of warning.
"Is that a promise?" Tala asked as his wolfish grin took over his face again, leaning as close to Kai as he could.
Kai tilted his head away from him.
This scene really was bringing back memories.
The first occurrence they'd crossed a line in a bathroom stall was just the start of the slippery slope, just the start of what fuelled Kai's desires on wanting more.
He wanted more. He got more. It had all led to the night they'd gone past the point of no return and Kai had hoped it would satisfy the hunger, but it didn't.
He had sworn to himself after getting in his car and driving away from his office that that was the last time. Convinced himself they were done, and with Ray home now that should've been cemented.
Though the second Ray's own affair was brought to light Kai was back to square one, lusting after the wolf.
All the dirty messages, promises of what Tala would do to him given the opportunity again.
Kai had wanted this chance again, to be this close to him, to be alone with him.
But he couldn't. Not with Ray a few feet beyond those walls. And not after all he had done for him and said to him last night.
It had all been fairly easy to mess around with him thousands of miles away, like an asshole Kai never gave him a second thought. But even with Ray's own infidelity cursing his mind, now that he was in the moment, he couldn't.
Last night, as strange as it felt at first, felt sorta nice to have Ray back in his arms again.
The familiarity of his body against his bringing him some solace.
They had to fix this, and starting this toxic cycle again once more with Tala wasn't going to do that.
As tempting as it was, and by god how tempting this all was with him looking as good as he was tonight, Kai knew that Ray was trying, and he had to end this.
"We're not doing this anymore Tala." Kai firmly spoke out, holding his ground as the redhead took a step closer towards him once more.
"You keep saying that, but you followed me in here when you didn't have to." Tala said with a dull voice as he closed the distance and caressed a finger up and down Kai's chest again.
Kai scoffed. He wasn't wrong, but, whatever.
"Please, you practically begged me to with your eyes.. I just figured you had something important to say but my mistake, won't happen again. I should really know by now nothing of any substance comes out of that mouth of yours." He bit out, turning on his heel from him and heading towards the bathroom door.
"Except your cum." Tala bit back.
Kai stopped in his tracks and turned back to face him, his mouth opening to speak but no words came. He just stared at him, shaking his head slightly as a faint smirk that had no business being there dared to creep on to his lips.
Wow.
"And since I begged you and you followed, that says a lot more about you than me, don't ya think?" Tala continued since he got silence from him, "You can keep playing these games, the only one you're burning is yourself here Hiwatari. Obviously there's a reason you've wanted this, so why not just spit it out already?"
Kai was done with the child's play. They all wanted the two of them to get to know each other?
Fine. Let's get to know each other.
"I could ask you the same question," He spat back. "You've a gorgeous wife, not just one kid on the way but a three year old who's probably the spitting image of you, and yet you're here pointing fingers. Why do you want this Tala?" Kai tried to keep his voice down but the rage this man before him brought was something else.
"And? What's your point? It's my life let me fuck it up how I want to. Now, I'm fine with being a nice piece of ass, 'cus I am one, but what more are you looking for here?"
Tala had an idea of what it was the CEO was after but he wanted to hear him say it. Wanted him to admit it. Maybe the two of them could come to some sort of agreement here... A business deal if you will.
"Why do you never answer any fucking question that's thrown at you?! Just be honest! For once in your fucked up little life. You want to screw around so bad and throw away what you have, cool great. But why?!" Kai hurled at him, partly asking himself the same question though deep down he already knew the answer.
Tala held a fire just like his only the redhead's burned a little darker. It was menacing. Mischievous. Kai desired a fire that would out scorch his, and he just didn't have that with Ray.
"Because I asked you first." Tala answered like he were talking to his child.
Kai held the bridge of his nose. He was getting on his last nerve right about now. The guy was fucking impossible.
"Me and Ray hadn't been great for a while." He finally admitted in a frustrated sigh. "Whole thing became stagnant. Boring. You came along and life got a little exciting again… There."
"And you want to give it up why, because he's back? Why not just toss the cat out with the rest of the mangy strays?"
"And then what Tala?" Kai bit, "I get rid of him and then what? Me and you go live happily ever after? You gonna leave your wife and two kids?"
Tala rolled his eyes, "As if, she'd send her maniac brother to come and cut our dicks off."
Kai frowned at the horrible imagery before shaking it off. "So even more reason to stop fucking around and just try and go back to how things were before.. before this." He said gesturing between the two of them.
Tala arched a brow at that, "You're going to make yourself miserable if you don't cut that leash."
"Likewise." Kai spat back.
"What does that even mean in a moment like this?" Tala asked in an exasperated tone.
"You think it's not blatantly obvious how miserable you are with her? Now you answer my question. Where the hell do I fit in with your, as you say, fucked up life?"
Tala squirmed where he stood, he hadn't really thought too much of the answer to that. It all just started with him being able to get his rocks off since Bianca didn't put out all that much anymore. But then it got so much deeper.
Kai made him feel how a man should be made to feel. Desired. In control.
Hell, he couldn't remember the last time Bianca looked at him as anything other than an annoyance but the way those crimson eyes drank him up.. Mmm.. He just knew he did something to him and he wanted to keep on doing it.
"You pretty much just answered your own question." Tala answered with a slight eye roll, "If it's that obvious I'm miserable, why wouldn't I do what anyone else would? Find something better to play with."
"So we're just each other's play things then huh?" Though the wolf's game had become obvious the second he'd seen him and his wife interact it didn't make the taste in Kai's mouth any sweeter.
"What else would you call this?" Tala asked as he gestured between the two of them, "No way in hell am I leaving her with her brother alive. And hell, you do whatever you want with the cat that's not my business."
Kai already knew he couldn't leave Ray. He could tell anyone that for free. No matter how much it hurt finding out about what he did he knew he had no place to talk.
"We're not calling this anything because it's nothing. Like I said, we need to just stop this and go back to our normal lives. Delete each others numbers, for good, and forget this ever happened."
He was getting irritated now. Sure it was shit for the pair of them in their respective relationships but it was going to get better between him and Ray. They were going to be able to rebuild, get over the heartache and come back stronger than before.
Tala's own wave of frustration flowed through him, the answer to both their problems was clear as day in his eyes.
"Obviously he can't give you what I can, and you know that and I know that because you said it. If they never find out then why not keep doing what we like?" He asked, he wasn't one for begging and maybe this sounded like it but that power trip he felt, that rush when he got Kai on his back was nothing like he had ever felt before.
He wanted it, he needed it. Who cared if he got burnt? That's what made it more thrilling, worth every scratch and mark left on him.
He took a chance, if Kai was really done with this then he would have already been gone before this dragged out the way it had.
Stepping up to him again he didn't give heed or warning as he pulled him by the shirt, forcing their mouths together in a bruising kiss that about knocked his own balance off.
Kai was just about to open his mouth to speak when Tala's lips crashed against his own. Grabbing hold of his arms to steady himself his eyes snapped shut and his tongue wasted no time in making its way into the wolf's mouth.
The second Kai's tongue slipped in, Tala pushed him off of him. Keeping his hold on the front of Kai's shirt as he stared into his eyes with a cold stare of his own.
"Now after all that, what you just kept going on about stopping this, you're willing to continue?" He asked, more just as a confirmation that this could be something. Label or not, it needed to be cemented somewhere that they were going to keep crossing that line with each other. He needed this. This side release. Shit, Kai clearly did too. All they had to do was verbally agree with each other.
"Just… Stop fucking talking." Kai panted out before grabbing the back of Tala's head and pressed his lips against his once more.
This was wrong, he knew it was. So why was this making him feel better? Every flick and twirl their tongues made against each other, slowly healing the cuts on his heart that had been there the moment Ray confessed.
He knew Tala wanted him to admit something to him out loud. But he couldn't play the villain role. It may have suited him once upon a time, but this couldn't keep going.
He was screaming at himself, this couldn't keep going! Though Kai's hands found themselves fumbling with Tala's buttons on his shirt, undoing them quickly as their lips stayed locked.
Getting the first two buttons undone on his shirt was all Tala allotted him, pushing Kai off of him again and backing him into the biggest stall before shutting and locking the door behind them.
Licking his already swelling lips with his tongue slowly he crowded Kai against the wall next to the toilet, just enough space for the two of them to stand there comfortably, going back in for another demanding kiss that left his head in a fog and his hands fumbling against Kai's body as he gripped and groped under his clothes.
With them in the privacy of the stall now Kai felt more daring, the three glasses of champagne only fuelling him further as his hands found themselves unbuckling Tala's leather belt. If they were going to do this they needed to be quick, who knows how long they'd been in here already for.
Pulling their mouths apart, but keeping close and going for Kai's neck, Tala nipped at the pale skin there as his hips moved against Kai's. Aware he was already fiddling with his pants, letting him have at it for the moment until the best idea to ever cross his mind flickered through.
Why bother getting his pants and knees dirty when Kai could do all the work? Was his fault they were all there to start with, and he still needed to return the favour..
Snaking his arms around Kai's neck, his hands going to the back of his hair where he gripped onto the darker locks he pulled Kai's head back to look at him.
"Down." Was the command in a harsh breath that ghosted over Kai's face.
Kai faintly gasped out at the tight grip on his hair, his mouth staying open slightly from where Tala's lips had abruptly left them, as his lust filled eyes gazed back at him.
This was a role reversal. Though he figured last time Tala was just left hanging underneath his desk.
Licking his lips Kai kept his eyes locked on his as he slowly sank down onto his knees and pulled down Tala's zipper.
"And watch the teeth." Tala reminded as he used his free hand to lean against the wall behind Kai, his body slightly bent over the top of him while his other hand stayed in Kai's hair.
"Thought you were into that kinda thing?" Kai teased as he shimmied Tala's boxers down just far enough to release his cock, licking his lips once more and stared up at him.
"And you must like having all your hair ripped out." Tala countered with a brow raised, tightening his hold on Kai's hair as his fingers dug into the back of his scalp.
"Now stop fucking talking."
x-x-x
Bianca fiddled with her white napkin, the conversation having died down between her and Ray for a good few minutes now.
What the hell were those two doing in there?
Lifting up her glass she finished off her juice and sent a half smile over at Ray once she'd put it back down on the table.
Ray, for the tenth time, tried to find something else to talk about and glanced over at the empty seat beside him.
Maybe Kai got up and went home, left him there to fend for himself. Wouldn't put it past him to already be changing the locks on the doors right now either. This was what he got for being a dirty lying cheat, he deserved this.
Taking up Kai's forgotten glass of champagne he sunk into his seat, knocking it back just in time for Pierre to step up to the table to check on them.
"Could I have a bottle of Louis Jadot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru for the table please?" He asked once the glass of champagne was gone, needing some kind of kick tonight.
Bianca blinked and looked between Ray and Pierre who simply nodded and left to get the bottle.
"You okay Ray?" She asked, having noticed the little kitten's mood seemed to have dropped incredibly low now.
"Oh, I'm alright thank you. How're you holding up?" Ray asked, taking in her empty plate that had been empty for a while now considering what she got. "Did you want something else? I don't mind ordering for you or..." He stopped, glancing down at his bowl of half eaten fancy beef stew. "You want this?" He asked with a weird crack to his voice.
Bianca would've been lying if she said she hadn't been eyeing up his plate since Pierre first brought it to the table.
"Would it be weird if I said yes?" She asked noticeably cringing slightly. This place was clearly super fancy and eating off someone else's plate would more than likely have been deemed beyond uncouth but she was fucking starving.
"Not at all, please have at it." Ray said as he moved the plates around, taking her empty one and putting it down where his was, giving her the stew instead.
Bianca did a quick glance around to check if anyone was watching them do the peasant plate swap before picking up her fork and digging in. With a piece of beef in her mouth she moaned out in delight as it practically melted in her mouth.
This. Was. Heaven!
x-x-x
Ohh this was heaven!
Tala moaned as Kai dragged his mouth down his shaft slowly, his fingernails about chipping on the wall of the bathroom stall as his legs tensed.
If it weren't for the wall he would have come crashing down on top of him, the hand that had been clinging to Kai's hair through it all having moved and inched its way towards Kai's jawline where he rubbed the pad of his thumb along it. Getting Kai to look up at him, the sight only making this a thousand times better.
Kai stared up at him, his eyes watering slightly from the constant jabs to the back of his throat.
Letting his eyes fall shut he took a hand to the base of him and worked him harder than he had been doing, bobbing his head furiously up and down the length of him as his free hand held on to the back of Tala's thigh to keep him balanced.
As the head of him nudged the back of his already sore throat, he let out a groan as his own cock twitched and pulsed inside his pants.
He needed release but with how long this had already gone on, he knew in the back of his head that wasn't going to happen right now. Thinking of the time only made his head bob faster, his teeth grazing against Tala's shaft and feeling it twitch between his teeth.
The hand holding the base of him squeezed harder, and it was clear Tala was close to the edge now. One more little push and they could get out of there, his knees were killing him.
"Fucking hell Kai.." Tala continued to moan out as he was getting close, the hand he had resting on the wall clenched into a tight fist now as waves as pleasure relentlessly soared through him.
He hadn't had one this good for a while, Bianca never getting on her knees for him anymore, he wasn't sure how much longer he was going to last.
Fuck it.
With his own knees fixing to buckle the hand Tala had on Kai's jaw slithered back into his slate locks, taking a firm grip of them as he pushed Kai's head flat against the cubicle wall and thrust himself down his throat until the twist in his gut became too much and he finally climaxed, releasing his seed down his throat.
With a start Kai about choked, the hand squeezing Tala's cock tightening so hard his knuckles turned white and the one on his leg dug in so deep he left nail indents.
Gaining his bearings he shoved him off of him, spitting and gagging on the thick fluid that had shot down his throat, making his insides twist at the taste and wiping the bit that had trailed down his chin away with the back of his hand.
"Fuck Tala..." He coughed, his voice strained and hoarse as he pulled himself off the floor where his knees popped.
"That's my name.." Tala contently sighed out as he pulled up his boxers though momentarily leaned back against the wall to give himself a minute. His head still a little fuzzy as he came down from his high.
"Mm... You're alright you Hiwatari."
Spitting out what he could into the toilet bowl, Kai stood up straight again with a glare on his face.
"Paid off my debts?" He shot at him, wiping the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb.
"And some," Tala smirked, tucking his shirt back into his trousers, pulling up the zipper and buckling his leather belt.
Kai looked him up and down, once again that wave of guilt washing through him once it was all over and the head on his shoulders was back in the drivers seat. The feeling in the pit of his stomach was something awful, but in the moment, whilst they were at it, that was the feeling he craved.. But was the come down really worth it?
All he was thinking about now though was that he needed to get off.. and now.
"I'll be in touch." Was all Kai said to him before opening the stall and darting out the bathroom.
Tala smiled to himself, his icy blues lowering straight to Kai's ass in those tight suit trousers.
He hated to see him go but by god did he love to watch him leave.
Kai might not have openly agreed to a label. He didn't even admit to there being something here. But making future plans was a clear indication they were going to keep on crossing this line, soaking it all up for as long as they could.