Chapter 2: A Romantic Stroll

Ray woke up from a good night's sleep yawning. He walked to the window and looked outside. It was nice and sunny out. He stripped off his pajamas and put on his robes. He headed for the door and looked around the living room. Hmm? He thought scratching his head. Where's Kai? He took a step out and heard another door open.

"Hi, Ray." Kai said sounding half asleep. "You woke up early. Let me get changed." The door closed again. Ray waited outside the door patiently waiting for Kai to change. After a few minutes the door opened again and Kai had changed into his samurai robes.

"Let's go." He said fixing his sash. "We'll just take a stroll around. There are a few friends I'd like you to meet."

"Alright." Ray replied smiling. He skipped towards the front door with Kai behind him. He opened the door and took a few steps out. "It's even nicer being here then just looking from inside."

"It sure is." Kai said laughing. "We'll go this way today." He pointed to a path to his left. "That path leads to town." He continued walking in the direction he pointed out.

"We're going to town next week right, Kai?" Ray asked jumping up and down in excitement. He ran to catch up with Kai. "I can't wait."

"It's nothing to get excited about." Kai commented seriously. "The people down there steal. Both items and people. When we do head to town, stay close."

Ray nodded his head and walked a little closer towards Kai. He blushed. "D-do you have to walk so close, Ray?" He questioned staring down at the happy boy beside him. "I did say when we head for town."

"I know." Ray responded grinning. "I just want to walk closer. There's nothing wrong with that is there?" He held a blank expression on his face.

He's clueless, Kai thought giving a big sigh. It's… kind of cute. He felt something tug at his sleeve.

"Are you alright?" Ray asked worriedly. "You completely blanked out for a second there." He continued to pull at the sleeve to make sure he was paying attention.

"I'm fine Ray." Kai responded after blanking out for another second. What weird thoughts I'm having. Kai thought. He repeated the words in his mind. He's… kind of cute? He might be younger but he's still a guy.

"So… who are these friends of yours Kai?" Ray questioned looking around. "Are they people?"

Kai laughed. "Not really actually." He replied. "I think they live around here somewhere. He carefully searched the area. "There." Kai pointed to a hole in the ground on a small hill nearby.

Kai made one long whistle and a fox poked its head out of the hole. It came out with its cubs behind it. It started to run towards Kai. It stopped a few inches away from his leg. Kai bent down and scratched one behind the ear.

"Don't worry they're friendly." Kai smiled and took Ray's hand. "Just scratch it here." He led Ray's hand to a spot behind its ear and he started to scratch it. The fox just sat there and enjoyed her friends company. The cubs climbed onto their laps and curled up into a ball.

"They're so cute." Ray said stroking the fox cub that lay in his lap. "You have some nice friends here."

"Yup, the first time I met them they didn't scratch or bite. They're very friendly." Kai explained picking up one of the cubs. "I've known them for a few years now."

"You're so lucky to be living in the wilderness on this mountain." Ray commented placing the cub by his mother. "I wish I could live here."

"You are." Kai said smiling. "You're living with me now. Even if it might not be forever, you still live here."

Ray came closer to Kai and wrapped his arms around him. "Thanks for letting me stay here." Ray said putting his head on Kai's shoulder. "I'm forever grateful towards you."

"Ray…"

They stayed in an embrace that Kai wished would never end.