Tala coughed and ran his fingers awkwardly through his horned hair. His crystal blue eyes were flickering from the ceiling, to the floor, and back again. He was really at a loss for words. Kai hid his face with his hair, muffling a groan and holding tightly onto his cup. His cheeks were stained a vivid red, the blue face-paint showing alarmingly against his prickled skin.

"What?"

Tala mumbled, tilting his head to the side and gazing up at the bluenette. Kai closed his eyes in agony and stifled a grin, shaking his head quickly.

"It doesn't matter; it was stupid to even suggest it…"

The red-head smiled kindly and timidly placed his hand over Kai's, caressing the skin with his fingertips.

"I'd love to come and stay with you; that is, if you're sure you want me to"

Kai jumped slightly at this response and stared at his companion, reading his expression carefully. After a few short moments he breathed out noisily, smirked and stood, taking tight hold of his now, empty coffee mug.

"Well of course I want you to, idiot; otherwise I wouldn't have asked would I?"

Tala laughed and poked Kai lightly in the sides, used to this kind of mockery the blader flaunted. Kai winked and strolled over to the counter, his spirits lifting immensely. He pushed it onto the surface and turned once again to the wolf-boy, his smile not leaving his lips for one second.

"Don't worry about sleeping arrangements, I'll kick Tyson out and you can share my room"

Tala bit his lip and forced a smile, tossing his apron onto the table.

"What about Tyson though?"

He asked calmly, moving silently over to the bluenette. Kai leant his elbows on the top of the counter and rolled his eyes in quick-thought.

"Don't know…and to tell you the truth, I don't really care"

Tala pressed a hand over his thin mouth and subdued a giggle, his eyes flashing with excitement and general giddiness. Kai couldn't help but stare fondly at the younger teenager. He spared a few moments to just melt into those icy-blue pools of his, clashing tremendously with his flaming red-hair. Tala was so unique, so strange and peculiar, so…special.

"Shall we get going then…?"

Tala murmured, trying to hide the blush that was slowly creeping over his already pinkish cheeks. Kai nodded and lead the way to the shop entrance, his heart leaping about in his chest. Living in the apartment wouldn't seem so dull anymore.

"What do you mean he's staying with us!?"

Tyson yelled, narrowing his eyes at Kai, then Tala, in turn. Tala hung back awkwardly, scuffing his trainers against the floor, his hands laced together coyly.

"Kai…maybe I should…"

"NO!"

Kai yelled, gritting his teeth feverishly.

"Tala is staying here whether you like it or not, I'm in charge here so I say who's in and who's out, so Tyson, if you don't shut your mouth you're most definitely out!"

Rei swallowed hard and tried to avoid getting involved with the heated argument; he stood and hurried into the kitchen, quickly surpassing a glare in Tala's direction. Tyson groaned loudly and grabbed his jacket off the back of the sofa, pulling it hastily over his shoulders.

"Fine!"

He shrieked, pointing a shaking finger directly at Kai before whipping it back down to his side.

"I'm out!"

And after a few brief moments the blader was in the hall and out the door, slamming it furiously behind him. The rest of the team fell silent, their eyes fixed unswervingly on the new member of the household. Max was the first to speak up, breaking the silence with a small chuckle.

"Don't worry Tala, Tyson always throws these kinds of moods, he'll be back soon"

Tala nodded shyly but still stayed hidden in the doorway, his eyes burning a hole in the carpet. Kai sighed loudly and nodded gratefully in Max's direction, before taking tight hold of Tala's wrist and dragging him upstairs.

"Ugh, I hate this place so much!"

Kai groaned, tossing Tala's suitcase onto the spare bed. The wolf-boy pulled his beyblade out from the depths of his pocket and stroked it delicately, smiling dotingly at the image of his bitbeast, Wolborg. Kai took it gently from the boys' hands and placed it on the desk next to his own.

"Dranzer will appreciate the company"

Tala laughed mutedly and sat on the edge of the bed, flicking open the catch on his black leather suitcase. Kai strolled over to Tyson's chest of drawers and jerked each one open, scowling at the contents inside.

"I'd rather not touch his junk…"

Kai mumbled, closing the drawers again. Tala spread his clothes neatly out on the bed, sectioned them into piles, then closed the suitcase, smiling briefly.

"Are you all right?"

Kai asked suddenly, a look of deep concern over his face. Tala sighed heavily and twiddled his thumbs, averting his gaze back to the floor.

"I don't think you're friends like me very much"

He grumbled, quickly stealing a glance at the team leader. Kai shrugged and sat beside him on the duvet, placing a hand caringly on his thigh.

"Don't worry Tal, you'll get used to them"

Tala blinked nervously, he tore his gaze away from the wooden boards and stared at Kai, a smile gracing his features. With a short, slow movement, he dragged his fingertips down his friends arm and rested his hand over his, squeezing it gently. Kai felt goose bumps tickle his skin, the swift, tingly feeling still present where Tala had touched him. He closed his eyes and smiled; tilting his head gradually to the side until it rested on his shoulder. Tala beamed down at the older boy and nuzzled his silky, grey-blue hair, breathing in its sweet, musty smell.

"Kai…"

Jumping slightly, Kai opened one eye and gazed up at the red-head, still nestling into his thick, warm sweater.

"Yes?"

Tala swallowed hard and sat up, brushing Kai off him. He blinked and placed both hands on his lap, trying to find the correct words.

"Kai…"

He repeated.

"We can't keep this a secret forever"

Kai furrowed his brow, sitting up properly and moving his gaze firstly to Tala's lips, then his eyes.

"Tell them what?"

Tala swallowed, his eyes shining with distress.

"Well…us"

"What about us?"

"They think we're just friends…"

"We are just friends"

Tala shook his head sorrowfully, blinking back tears.

"That's not how I see it"

Kai raised an eyebrow then frowned, opening his mouth to speak.

"What do you mean? It's not like we're-…"

Tala sobbed quietly and pressed a shaking finger to Kai's lips, silencing him instantly. He closed his eyes and leant forward, so he was only inches away from Kai's face. He bit his lip and quivered as a ghost of a tear rolled swiftly down his tinted cheeks.

"Kai"

He breathed; his voice an unsteady whisper.

"I love you"