Author's Note: Look it's back! And not dead! This one takes place between Gundalian Invaders and Mechtanium Surge. And is pretty cute, if I do say so myself.

Reviews are welcome!

Chapter Four: Interspace Showdown

"Welcome one and all, to the Bakugan Interspace doubles tournament!" the disembodied voice of the announcer came over Interspace as the screens lit up.

Shun and Dan watched from their spot in the café in the hub. As the reigning champs of Interspace Doubles, they would be facing the winners of the tournament tomorrow.

"Who do you think is gonna win?" asked Dan. He was leaning back in his seat, neck craned back to stare at the current match on the big screen, despite the small one in the café. Shun lifted one foot and planted it on the chair between Dan's legs, dropping it back into place just before it over-balanced and tipped over.

"Thanks," said Dan, grinning. He studied the smaller screen inside the mock café while he sipped his milkshake.

Shun hummed and stirred his tea, idly. "Team Mark is doing well in the standings," said Shun. "As is Team Valkyrie, but I think their match with Team Amazon will knock them out of the tournament."

Dan nodded. "That makes sense. I mean, Valkyrie is wicked, but they don't have the defense to handle the Amazons."

"Agreed," said Shun. He looked over his shoulder at the screen just in time to see Team Delta fall at the hands of Team Mercury. "I thought they'd last longer."

"Nah," said Dan. "Ever since May and Eliza broke up that whole team has been doomed. Those two were a power couple. Without the other, neither one is an A-Level brawler."

Shun nodded. "Reminds me of us."

"Dude, you could kick my butt if I didn't have Drago." Dan grinned at him and fiddled with his goggles.

"I was talking about you, actually," said Shun. He sipped his tea.

Dan guffawed. "Hey!"

Shun laughed, a soft sound that had him smiling around his tea.

"Just for that, you don't get your ring," said Dan, sticking out his tongue at Shun.

Shun raised an eyebrow at him, prompting Dan to pull a simple gold band from his pocket. He held it out to Shun, who took it with a furrowed brow and a wrinkled nose.

"What on…?" Shun shook his head. "You actually bought me a ring." The disbelief in his voice was half masked by the slight grin he wore. A disbelieving grin, but a grin all the same.

"Yup," said Dan. He leaned back in his seat, arms folded behind his head. The chair tipped back on two legs. A flush had worked its way across his cheeks and nose. "I was gonna propose when we won the doubles tournament tomorrow. You know, freak out the fans. Give 'em something to crash the forums over."

Shun shook his head, but the mirth was still evident in his eyes. "Dan."

"I mean it's lame, we've only been dating for two months so I'm not serious," he continued. He cleared his throat, not looking at Shun.

"Dan."

"What?" asked Dan, blinking owlishly. He looked back at Shun.

Shun held up the ring, smirking. "This is a wedding band, not an engagement ring." A pause. "And it's the wrong size."

"Seriously?" said Dan. He groaned and rubbed his hands across his face. "Dang it."

Shun reached up with one foot and nudged the underside Dan's already unsteady chair. It toppled over backward unceremoniously and dumped him on the ground.

Dan yelped. Shun laughed and flicked the ring back at him.

"Try again, Dan," said Shun, grinning. He hopped up and held out his hand to Dan, who was pocketing the ring.

"We still on for movies tonight?" asked Dan, rubbing his head.

Shun nodded. "Are we actually going to watch the movie, or are we going to make-out in the back again?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"Dude!" said Dan, grabbing Shun's arm. "It's Alien Invaders from Jupiter 4!"

"Making out then," said Shun, drily. Dan let out a protesting scoff and threw an arm around Shun.

"I have gotta show you the joys of cheesy alien movies, dude," said Dan.

"Mm-hm," said Shun, mildly amused. "You can try."

"I will!" said Dan. "Right after I return this ring and find you a new one." Shun shook his head and laughed.