Disclaimer: Same ol', same ol'.

A/N: Hi you guys! Bit of a cliffhanger last time, huh. I'm sorry? ^^ I think (I hope) this chapter will make up for it.

As always, a huge HUGE thank you to everyone who's still with me on this, especially Guest, ooli, Stuti Mohanty, Tyka's Flower, Tyka lover 4ever and Slacking Slifer for their words, favs and or follows. I was super happy about all of it.

And now on with the show ;)

Chapter 23

Complicated

"You're a pretty bad liar," Kai murmured.

And then he leaned in and gently lowered his lips on Tyson's.

Tyson knew this was probably the moment when he was supposed to close his eyes and enjoy. His eyes, however, went wide with surprise. This was really happening! If this were a dream, he'd have woken up by now, because he always did when he got to the good part, to this part.

Again he asked himself: what now? Was there even a point in struggling against this anymore? If there was, Tyson couldn't see it. It wasn't like he'd lost it and jumped on Kai – Kai had jumped on him. Well, snuck up on him. But whatever! Point was… they both wanted this, right? So where was the point? Was it protecting Kai not only from him, Tyson, but also himself? There was no way on hell he'd be able to do that. No one would be able to withstand the stubbornness of Kai and him combined.

So what now?

I'm only human, Tyson thought. I tried – I failed. I can live with that.

And then he closed his eyes and leaned into Kai and into this kiss.

It was as if something inside him exploded and sent little shockwaves through his body. It was the most delicious feeling and Tyson didn't want it to ever stop.

Unfortunately it did when Kai pulled back after what seemed only a second to Tyson.

"So you did lie," Kai murmured against his lips.

"Well, err, … kinda, I guess… It's complicated," Tyson muttered back.

"I think I'd still like to hear it."

"I-…"

He had a hard time concentrating with Kai being this close. Where had the bashfulness gone? More of the old Kai in there than he'd thought. At least he'd had the decency to blush, even if it was only a bit. But blush or not, Kai still made his head spin, so Tyson gently shoved him back a bit.

"I can't concentrate like this," he muttered and blushed, too.

Kai smiled cheekily. He clearly took it as a compliment – which it was, in a way.

"I-… Kai, I don't know if it's a good idea to get into all of this."

"To quote a great man: I think that ship has sailed," Kai said. "Plus, I put a lot of thought into this and I think it is."

The stubbornness. Hopeless to fight, when deep down he didn't even want to. Tyson took a deep breath.

"Fine."

This was it. His moment to come clean. Boy, that moment had come a lot sooner than he'd have thought. A little time to prep for this sure would have been nice. After all he'd only had like… two months or so to go over about a million confession scenarios in his head.

Just freaking say it, Tyson, he told himself.

"I…"

He took another deep breath. Then he locked eyes with Kai.

"You are more than a friend to me," he said, his voice low but firm.

He kept staring straight into Kai's crimson eyes. Kai looked back at him calmly. There. He'd done it. He'd said it. Now the ball was in Kai's court.

"I am? Or he is?"

"He is – that is, you are. Ugh, I told you this was complicated!" Tyson growled. He ran his fingers through his hair and started over, "I realized that I… that I liked you while you were still in the coma. I might have started liking you a long time ago, I don't know. Doesn't matter. My feelings didn't change after you woke up without your memories. My head was majorly confused, but my heart just didn't care. And then, my head kinda came to like you, too – the new you, no, this other side of the only you. Aw man, it really is a complicated mess."

Tyson had imagined his love confession in thousands of ways and various languages (French, amongst others, Hilary would be proud!), but this was more chaotic and unromantic than the worst of his imaginations. Was there a way to take it back and try again?

"It is, isn't it," Kai murmured.

But then he smiled. It was the kind of smile that lit up the entire face. It was breathtaking – he was breathtaking.

"I don't know if my old self felt the same, but I know right now… I really like you, too."

A couple seconds passed before Tyson realized what he'd just heard. And suddenly he felt so light, as if he was floating. And happy like never before. Except maybe for that moment Kai had finally woken from his coma. Kai liked him!

That meant he didn't have to hold back anymore, right?

Tyson reached out and brushed along the hem of Kai's shirt. No holding back anymore. Tyson closed his fingers around the hem and slowly pulled Kai closer until they were barely a hand-width apart. He almost couldn't believe what he was doing. It felt so surreal; way too good to be true.

"So complicated," he murmured against Kai's lips.

"This isn't," Kai said, and sealed Tyson's lips with his for the second time that day.

It was a kiss so quick, Kai had pulled away again before Tyson even had the chance to react to it. Kai opened his mouth to say something, but Tyson had it with words. He was done talking for now. No amount of talking could solve this mess anyways, so why bother. So he tucked hard on the hem of Kai's shirt that he was still holding on to and pulled Kai into another kiss.

It seemed like all the tension that had built up over the past minutes, hours and days was released at once. Their bodies practically crashed into each other, their lips moving passionately. Tyson's hands finally let go of Kai's shirt and dug into Kai's hair instead. It felt a lot softer than he'd imagined. More than Kai's hair, though, Kai's lips occupied his mind. The way they moved against his made Tyson's knees go so weak, he wondered for a brief moment if they were still carrying his weight, or if Kai's arms wrapped around his lower back did. The next moment, he shoved aside every bit of thinking and simply felt. The way Kai's body felt against his, how his skin prickled where Kai touched him, how he felt lighter than air.

Tyson couldn't get enough of the Kai's lips, and Kai seemed nowhere near done either. They would surely have carried on for a while longer – if only they had been undisturbed. But as fate wanted, they weren't.

"Tyson? Kai? You still trainin'?"

Fate had decided to bring Tyson's grandfather into the game. At the sound of Gramps' voice, Tyson and Kai jerked apart and stared at each other. Lips slightly swollen, out of breath and hair in a mess …it wouldn't take a genius to figure out what was going on. Instinctively Tyson grabbed Kai's hand and pulled him into the little storage room off the side of the training room and slid the door almost shut. Only a second later they heard Gramps come into the Dojo. With their breaths held they listened to the old man complain about Tyson leaving the light on again and disappearing without a word.

"If Ryu decides to look in here, we will have some explaining to do," Kai whispered in Tyson's ear.

Kai's lips so close to his ear sent a pleasant shiver down Tyson's spine.

"If you have an explanation for this, I'm all ears," Tyson whispered back.

He felt Kai's hand cup his face and a thumb strike across his cheek. He instinctively leaned into the touch.

"You were demonstrating how important it is for a kendoka to rely on senses other than his sight," he said, his voice so low Tyson could barely hear him.

If Tyson would have to rely on his hearing alone, he'd be in trouble. His sense of touch seemed to be fine, though.

"Never underestimate the sense of touch," he said with his voice equally low.

He listened intently. Gramps continued to mutter outside their door. Then there was the sound of footsteps, a door closing and finally silence.

"I think he left," Tyson said in a hushed voice.

"I think we should wait a bit, just to be safe," Kai whispered.

Tyson chuckled as Kai placed one kiss on his cheek, and another on his lips. He was beginning to understand what was meant by 'drunk on love'. He felt giddy with excitement and so happy he could burst. He really, really hoped this wasn't a dream.

"I think I could live with that."

Later Tyson couldn't tell how much time they'd spent in the dark storage room, whispering to each other and exchanging kisses.

Finally, Tyson said, "I think he's gone now."

"Do you really?"

Kai gave a low laugh. Tyson would have stuck his tongue out at him, but since it was dark, there was really no point in it. So he let it slide, this once. Tyson carefully opened the door. The dojo lay dark and deserted, as expected. He was about to step out of the storage room, when Kai pulled him back.

"Wh-…"

The rest of Tyson's question was muffled by Kai's mouth. It was a short and sweet kiss. Just when Tyson was getting into it, Kai stepped back.

"Okay, now I think I can let go of you."

Tyson smiled. He entwined his fingers with Kai's and pulled him through the dark dojo to the door. There he let go. He took a deep breath, put a hand on the door and murmured, "Right, friend-mode on."

Then he slid the door open and stepped outside. The sun had already set, and the air was crisp and clear. A thick blanket of snow covered the ground.

"What do we say where we have been?" Kai asked.

"A walk?" Tyson suggested.

"But it's cold."

"A fast walk."

"A run?" Kai suggested and grinned.

Tyson made a face at him.

"No one likes a smart-ass, Kai."

"At the risk of you not liking me anymore, can I point out one more thing?" Kai asked, the grin lingering.

"Fine."

"Neither of us is wearing shoes."

Tyson looked at his feet. Socks, yes, but not shoes. Damn.

"Your turn," he said, defeatedly.

Kai thought for a moment, then said, "An emergency. Tala needed us. We could have taken a cap in slippers?"

"That cabbie would have had the time of his life," Tyson muttered.

"We might not need an excuse. We can sneak in."

Tyson liked that. They exchanged looks and Tyson slowly and as soundlessly as possible opened the door to the living room. He had barely set one foot into the house, when Gramps voice made him freeze.

"Oh look who's decided to show up at last. Where you been, ma peeps?"

So much for sneaking in.

"Emergency," Tyson muttered.

And Kai added, "Tala needed us. Sorry for not letting you know, Ryu. It was rather sudden."

"Emergency?" Gramps asked. "What kind of emergency? T-man alright?"

"Stray cat," Kai said, the same second Tyson blurted out, "Beyblade accident."

Gramps raised a brow.

Oh damn, Tyson thought. They should have agreed on what kind of emergency beforehand.

"He, err, hit a stray cat with his Beyblade," he muttered.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kai's eyes had gone with wide with horror and gave him a (as he hoped) subtle nudge with the elbow.

"The Beyblade's fine now, err, I mean the cat," Tyson hastily added. "We'll, um, we'll get changed."

They trotted down the hallway.

"I don't think he bought it," Kai whispered.

"Let's hope he thinks Tala got into some embarrassing situation we keep secret," Tyson whispered back.

When they reached their doors, they exchanged one last meaningful look before they went into their respective rooms.

Tyson shut his door and slumped against the cool wood. He traced his lips with his fingers and sighed happily. He'd told Kai he liked him. He was liked back. And they'd kissed. Again, and again, so many times he couldn't say how many. It had just happened like that. He grinned his most silly grin. Who'd have thought Kai could be so sweet.

And suddenly, his happy bubble burst.

Who'd have thought Kai could be so sweet… His heart that had been fluttering until just now suddenly stung. This innocent, carefree, amnesia-version of Kai was sweet, yes, without a doubt. But what would happen once Kai had his memories back? Would he still openly say things like that? Would he even like him anymore? Did feelings get lost in exchange for returned memories?

His stomach dropped.

Oh god, what have I done, Tyson thought.

It hadn't been him alone though – Kai had been the one to kiss him. Kai had as much fault in this as he had. Had he, though? After all, Kai didn't know his old self. Tyson did.

Ray's voice echoed through his head: A rather complicated mess.

How right he was. But Tyson knew it was too late now. Even if he himself would be able to go back – which he so wasn't – who knew if Kai could. So he'd have to make the best of it.

And honestly, how could mutual love ever be wrong? It had felt so good, so right!

Tyson smiled to himself. Then he pushed himself off the door and went to his closet to finally get changed.

After dinner, Tyson retired to his room, claiming to have homework to do. That technically wasn't a lie. He still hadn't done his math and history homework - he wasn't planning on doing them tonight though. Hopefully Kai had got the message… Otherwise he might really end up writing an essay on a Saturday night. The idea alone was depressing.

Tyson switched on the lamps on his nightstand and desk and turned off the overhead light, that was way too bright and not cozy at all. He set down at his desk and rocked back and forth in his chair for a while. He cleaned up his desk. He tidied up his room. He did some more rocking back and forth in his chair. Just when he thought he might really have to pull out his history book, there was a low knock on his door.

He turned in his chair.

"Who is it? I'm busy writing a history essay here," he called.

The door opened and Kai poked his head into the room.

"Need help?" he asked, a mischievously sparkle in his eyes.

"Yeah, I think I could do with some help," Tyson said.

Kai smiled. He slipped in and closed the door behind him. He then walked over and sat down on Tyson's bed, like he'd done many times before when Tyson had actually been doing homework (or trying to and failing miserably). Should he join Kai on the bed? Or should he stay here and not throw himself at Kai right away? He'd been so caught up in the moment, he'd just gone along with it. Now he hesitated. Old Kai surely wouldn't appreciate it if he clung to him. How about new Kai?

So complicated…

Before Tyson could get deeper into that matter, Kai asked, "What's the assignment?"

"Seriously?"

Kai shrugged.

"I like history."

Tyson rolled his eyes.

"To be honest, I haven't even checked yet."

"So what have you been up to?"

"I cleaned my desk instead."

Kai laughed. He looked around.

"Your room, too – were you bored?"

Tyson blushed. He didn't know why though. Kai knew he was messy – he'd seen the mess, many times. Maybe the reason was more Kai figuring out he'd suddenly decided to hide his messy side from the guy he liked. Maybe. What he knew for sure though, was that he didn't want to discuss this with Kai and make everything even more embarrassing.

"Do you know what Gramps is up to?" he asked instead of giving an answer.

Thankfully, Kai took the bait.

"He wants to go out to play mahjong or something like that with Mr. Dickenson in a bit."

"Oh, he won't be back 'til late then."

"Are they close friends, Ryu and Mr. Dickenson?"

Tyson shrugged.

"I guess. Odd pair, aren't they! One wearing a top-hat, the other a tacky Hawaiian shirt?"

"Maybe that's why they get on so well. They kind of… balance each other out."

"Mhm…"

Tyson scratched his head.

"In a way we're like that, too."

"Tell me," Kai said.

He patted the blanket next to him. So Kai didn't mind him getting closer. Tyson smiled. He got up and joined Kai on the bed. Just sitting there next to him tripled Tyson's heartrate. Oddly enough, it felt nice. He leaned his back against the wall and crossed his legs.

"The first thing that pops into my head is that I kinda talk a lot and you… well you not so much."

"I gathered that much," Kai said and smiled. "I'm the strong and silent type of guy."

"Or used to be."

Tyson grinned.

"Low blow. But you're forgiven, go on."

"Well… I usually try to solve a problem when I'm up to my chin in trouble, and you always seem to have a masterplan well in advance – hang on, can we not do this? I just realized how bad this makes me look."

Kai smiled. He took Tyson's hand in his and stroked the back of Tyson's hand with his thumb.

"For what it's worth, I think your babbling is cute."

Again, such a sweet thing to cay. Would he get to hear such things from Kai in the future?

Oh, to hell with these worries, Tyson thought. Que sera and stuff.

He pushed off the wall and turned so that he was now facing Kai. He reached out and cupped Kai's face in his hands. He locked eyes with Kai. Beautiful crimson orbs looked back at him. Tyson searched for a sign that he should stop, but there wasn't one. Kai looked back at him calmly, almost expectantly.

And so, Tyson leaned forward and brushed his lips against Kai's.

So crazy that he was actually doing this. Kissing Kai Hiwatari – just like that. It still felt like a dream. Also felt weirdly brave. Tyson opened his eyes again and took another searching look at Kai.

Kai smiled.

"Yes, you may," he said.

Tyson blushed. What to reply to that – sorry, but this is too good to be true? He'd sound like a proper idiot. But Kai didn't want an answer. He placed a hand at the back of Tyson's neck and gently pulled him into another kiss.

His skin tingled pleasantly where Kai touched him and the butterflies in Tyson's stomach did another one of their little dances. It felt so damn good. Tyson couldn't see how he could ever get enough of this.

Not able to resist, he increased the pressure on Kai's lips, and Kai in turn increased the speed with which their lips moved against each other. Suddenly, the kiss had gone from gentle and sweet to passionate and hungry. This was new ground for them. They had exchanged many kisses in the dojo, some longer ones too, but apart from that first (or second?) one they'd all been somewhat careful and innocent. This was a whole other story.

When he felt Kai's tongue nudge his lips, Tyson hesitated for a second. Tongue was new. Was tongue a good idea?

Oh hell, he then thought. This ship has sailed so far, it's halfway across the pacific by now.

It turned out tongue was an excellent idea. It was thrilling! Tyson's blood was rushing loud in his ears, and he was feeling somewhat dizzy. It was a good kind of dizzy, though. A bit like earlier, but less surreal. If that even made sense. Overall this made him want even more. Tyson wanted to close that unnecessarily large gap between them, but this was easier said than done – he just had to sit with his legs crossed! How to untangle them without interrupting the kiss, pulling a muscle or kicking Kai in the process?!

Who knew, maybe Kai was psychic, just like Ray. While Tyson was still trying to figure out how to untangle his legs, Kai wrapped his arms around him and tipped them over to the side.

Oh, that's how, Tyson thought.

He'd always known Kai was the smarter out of the two of them. Not that this was the time to get into that. Tyson shoved aside the thought and concentrated more on untangling his legs. That turned out to be pretty easy now that his full bodyweight no longer rested on them. Tyson was finally able to inch closer to Kai. Then he began tracing the outlines of Kai's upper body through his shirt. Oh, how he'd love to do that without the annoying piece of fabric… Oh god. This was spiraling out of control.

Tyson gathered what little self-restraint he'd left. He gave Kai a last peck on the lips, before he pulled away a little. As soon as he opened his eyes he wished he hadn't. Looking at Kai didn't make this easier. Kai's eyes were practically glowing. His cheeks had a touch of pink and his lips a tempting cherry red.

Distraction, quick! his inner voice yelled.

And so Tyson asked the first thing that crossed his mind.

"Is this weird?"

Oh, nicely done. If it hadn't been weird up to here, there was a good chance it was now.

"No," Kai said.

Luckily Kai wasn't easily weirded out. He traced the outlines of Tyson's face with the hand that wasn't buried by Tyson's body.

"I know looking at this rationally it probably should be, but… right now I just… am. There's you, there's how I feel about you… and that's enough for me."

He loved this boy so much it almost hurt! Tyson smiled.

"Don't get me wrong," Kai continued. "Once I realized what I was feeling, I did think about this whole situation and if it was a good idea to act on these feelings. More about this than those dark memories, if I'm honest. For days. I've been thinking about hardly anything else since the Christmas party. I know I probably shouldn't have given in to my emotions, given my situation. But today… after this morning, and then earlier… I just felt there was something. Something mutual. And so I figured I'd stop trying. Sorry if that puts you in an awkward position."

"Oh I'm comfortable in my position," Tyson murmured and leaned into Kai's touch.

"Step by step?" Kai asked.

"Step by step," Tyson agreed, and sealed his promise with a kiss.

A/N: Normally it's baby steps for them. I think this one was more an Olympia-gold-medal-long jump. ^^ I originally planned to put this at the veeeery end... but then it kinda turned out like this. What do you guys think?

Hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend and a good start into the next week. ~Bird