Okay, sorry this has taken so long to get out, me being weird, only had the urge to write a 2.00 or 3.00am, when the computer is out-of-bounds, so…. yeah! ;

Sorry fro before if any characters seem OOC, but I've not seen or read any in almost a year, so I'm probably rusty.

Please take the time to read and review, constructive criticism is very welcome, as it's not my best, and pointers are valued!

Again same code:

'blah' thinking

"blah" talking

Disclaimer: Me no own! (TT)

hr /hr

Just like a sister, Right?Chapter 2: Revelations

Ray remained in stunned silence – she didn't think he felt that way about her, did she?! He felt… he felt so much that it couldn't quite be put into words, and the small occurrences everyday were making him analyse further. Like…like the way her sunny smile seemed to brighten up his day, even when he was feeling at his worst and lowest; or the way she would stand by him, supporting him no matter what – even if that meant leaving her, when they had been such good friends.

But even through all those rough times he had put her through, she had never shed a tear, at least not due to his… callousness, as there was no other way to describe his behaviour. He had certainly been shocked to see the salty water escape from her eyes, she was a strong girl, not one to give into emotions like that, and his heart twisted within him as he knew he was the reason. 'She has such beautiful eyes,' he thought, 'nothing deserves to put a sadness into them; least of all me!'

He tossed over in his mind how distraught she had been because she thought he didn't value her, or her company. Mariah, boring? The two words didn't belong in the same sentence in his head! He had in fact been moaning to Max about having to entertain the pop-star wannabe, also known as Ming-Ming. The new inclusive BBA required that they make friends with the old Bega beybladers. However, he did not have to like it; the pint-sized diva was too conceited and vain for him to be able to stand in anything other than small doses.

Unlike Mariah, on the other hand, who, even after improving immensely over the season, was still not one to brag about how amazing she was. She provided good company, with her gentle teasing humour that kept him grounded and stopped the arrogance from setting in; she had a keen eye too, helping him solve problems in his game, which he hadn't even noticed himself! He found it quite remarkable really, of how she stayed so sweet and normal, even with herds of fanboys declaring their undying love for her. Heck, even he had to admit, he had found his eyes straying at times to rest on her delicious form during lulls in their training. True, it was Ming-Ming, who had the self anointed title of most attractive of the female beybladers, but his Mariah's had a loveliness more natural, the bloom on her cheek a natural inner radiance instead of gaudy paint forming a mask of so-called "beauty"

Yes, she was certainly something, and it was hard to miss how she had grown into a young woman. But he had known this lovely creature all his life, and had perhaps taken it for granted. True, fleeting thoughts of how enchanting she was, and how she would fit just-so into the curve of his arm, but they had been hastily quelled with the reminder that she was just like a sister to him.

Those thoughts he could ignore, but the incandescent rage he felt and the very primal desire to rip that blondie boy's arm out of its socket, when he saw that it was around his Mariah; was not something that he could. 'But why? I shouldn't feel so angry about this guy; I could understand if I was her boyfriend or something, but…' he stopped short in his musings and gulped anxiously, 'her boyfriend? Oh Kami, I can't be jealous, can I?' He realised with a grinding conclusion. It was all so beautifully simple, the little gestures of affection that he would play and re-play in his mind, the warm feeling he got at her compliments, the way he always felt the need to look after her and make sure she was safe – he, Ray Kon, liked her, and not just as a sister either!

"Shit!" was his only expletive as he hunched over the rail, the usually calming pond, was no comfort to his jangled nerves. He had to realise he liked her, only after he insulted her like no tomorrow! There was no way she would ever agree seeing him, after he shouted at her, implying she was cheap and trashy. If he knew her by now, then she would think that it was him who though she was tawdry and it was him who wanted to use her! And then she had that ridiculous idea that he found her boring, which he now had no chance to rectify, as she would be leaving with that blonde who had started the whole mess in the first place!

"Damn you Kon!" he muttered to the impassively watching stars, glaring at the moonlit garden that was covered with the shroud of a warms summer's night; a night for lovers to stay in each other's arms and to enjoy the sweet smell of the night queen, that came wafting up to the veranda. If it were him and Mariah tonight, they wouldn't have gone to a stuffy restaurant, with pompous waiters; not when she loved to be outside so much – especially when it was warm and serene like tonight. No, they would have had a picnic under the stars overlooking the river with –

He was roused from his reverie by a soft thump alerting him of another presence. He turned around to be greeted by Kai. He inwardly groaned knowing he, of all people would be least sympathetic and not likely to leave him alone, not when he had something to say.

He was assessed with a disinterested glance followed by a soft sigh, as the slate-blue haired man shook his head gently. "What?" he snapped, not enjoying the pity of his team-mate in his current state of mind, with any luck he would know nothing, and just be here to notify him of cancelled training.

"I saw what happened." he said, confirming his fears. He should have realised; the roof was a frequent haunt of the ex-captain's. Ray chose not to say anything, staring mutinously at the other man; after all, what would he know, wasn't he like a human ice-box? "So…" the other started, "you like her, don't you?"

Ray's brows snapped together, his anger and frustration evident – was he so pathetically obvious, that even one of the most emotionally stunted people he knew understood his feelings? "What's the use, even if I do?" he replied, "It's not like she's going to talk or listen to what I have to say, after the stupid speech, I gave to her just now!

The other smirked ironically, "Yeah, not you're smartest move Kon." he agreed. What? So he was here to taunt and make fun of him now? How dare he, seeing him at a low point, with no idea how to fix things, yet coming to sneer at him! He turned to the railing, a signal that he was not about to listen or put up with the sadistic bluenette.

Kai raised his brow at this, the poor guy was apparently more cut up than he had first realised; he was not even willing to argue or snap back. Great, so this meant he had to play agony aunt and work through it with him. "Just go, okay, I don't need you to rub salt in the wound just now", he was told.

The blue-haired young man gave a weary sigh before speaking, "Look, just hear me out…you've been friends with that girl for like what, 11 years?" Ray nodded and affirmative, "Well, then her forgiving you should not be a big deal, not if you're really friends." Ray frowned at the word; that was the whole point, he didn't want to be just friends now! Kai saw his look and hastened on, "And because you care about her, you should give her the choice…just look into her eyes and tell her what you feel when you look at her. If she feels the same way, she'll make her decision, if not, you've saved yourself a lot of wasted time. That's all the advice I can give you."

Ray was upset and angry, just looking for a place to vent himself; "Oh really? Worked well for you did it? I suppose you're the guru on all relationships, seeing as though you've been skirting around that girl for months, not even daring to ask her out?" he snapped back. The other was taken aback, this was not the Ray he was used to, not someone who brought up private matters. He retreated behind his icy façade, "Hn. Whatever you want, just make sure it doesn't affect your game – I don't want to have deal with an unfocused blader on my team next year." He replied turning away and leaving.

The remaining beyblader returned to leaning over the railing, pondering the words of the other. He was right, in what he said on further thought; being honest with her was the best way – he hadn't got very far on deceiving (himself, that is). And letting her have the choice of the guy she wanted showed that he respected her, something she needed to know, after he had practically called her trashy. So what did he feel when he looked at her? Those emotions were the ones which were difficult to unravel. He stood, mulling quietly, watching the faint ripples created on the surface of the pond by a playful breeze. It brought a smile to his face, thinking how similar it was to his love: happy, free, and bringing a pleasant freshness, as it caressed his face. Yes, giving her the choice was the right option, he would just have to trust her judgment and wait until she returned from her outing – he would not call it a date, not until he had said his piece, that is.

A sudden fear gripped him; what if she rejected him? She had, after all, said how she liked blondie-boy, though not in as many words, but her blush had given her away. It made sense she would choose the blonde over him, all he had ever done was cause her pain and anguish, when he left the village, betraying them; when he didn't keep contact, when he ignored her and her helping hand, being too proud for it, and when he talked down to her, like today, undermining her intelligence and opinion. Why would she choose him? And didn't she see him as a brother anyway, heaven knows he had said it enough times this season, trying to convince himself; but had it pushed her away from thinking they could have a more intimate relationship?

He swallowed thinking of his many faults that could drive her away and Xiao's many virtues – Mariah had said so herself, and he of all people knew how difficult it was to gain her high estimation! Maybe…maybe it would be better to not say anything, they would get over their argument, but at least he could still be there for her. 'She might even be mad that I decided to tell her how I feel; knowing her, she may still be angry and think that I am just saying things for the sake of breaking up her relationship with Xiao, and make her uneasy.' He thought, frantically, once more unsure what to do.

"Um, Ray-kun?" a timid voice broke off his thoughts, as he turned to the pinkette's tearstained face. Renewed guilt immediately washed over him as he saw her uncertainness and unhappiness. "I…I wanted to talk to you about…about before." She said softly. Ray nodded, saying that he too wished to do the same. She placed her hand on his arm, stopping him momentarily in his tracks before asking, "Can, can I go first, please?" He instantly stopped, nodding his assent for her to continue. "I was thinking about what you said before, about Xiao, you know?" she looked up for an indication, but was greeted only by shadows from his bangs covering his face. Ray felt shameful of his earlier words and insinuations, and couldn't face her. She sighed softly and continued, "Well, I guess you're kinda right, he is 18 and 3 years difference is quite a lot, I suppose; and I'm not that world-wise, so it could be a problem. And though I don't agree with what you think of him, being a loser, I respect your opinion, you've always looked out for me, from when we were tiny and the other kids bullied me," she smiled in fond remembrance, "so I know what you said was because you care and don't want me to get hurt. I appreciate that, but more so your friendship, more so you, and I could tell my plans were upsetting you, so…so I cancelled."

She drew in a shuddering breath, steadying herself, "Those things I said to you, about not caring, I know they're not true, I said them in anger…I just hope you can forgive me for them, because you're a precious person to me, and I don't want that ruined because of an argument. I was hoping that I'm a precious person to you too…" She drifted off, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, looking for any response.

He finally lifted his head, eyes once more visible. They too, were unnaturally bright, a strange and unfamiliar twist within the golden depths. Mariah was distraught by this, never had Ray-kun looked like this when they had had their little tiffs, afterwards, his eyes were always warm and humorous, and he would forgive her with a smile and a hug. Surely he wasn't so angry with her that their friendship was at stake?

Her lower lip trembled as she desperately held in the tears, he hadn't said anything after her apology, evidently not accepting it…in that case, there was no reason to remain, he probably wouldn't want to be bored be her being around anyway…

She turned to leave, breaking a mesmerised tiger from his reverie; how could it be she was apologising when indeed he was in the wrong? And why was it that she still managed to stay looking so adorable while talking so seriously? He knew that he should reply, yet was unsure as to whether she was just a figment of his overwrought imagination.

As she turned to leave, he hesitantly reached out and caught her arm, bathed in the moonlight; hair silver tipped and each curve highlighted to perfection; she looked more like an ethereal creature, come to tantalise human minds; one touch and it seemed like she would ebb away from this earthly plane.

However, his hand met with warm, silky, skin, his very real and human Mariah. "Mariah," he murmured gently, his thumb caressing the inside of her wrist, "turn around for me, please." She did so slowly, greeting him with eyes that had big droplets gathered at the edges, threatening to fall with the mere blink of an eye. His heart ached within him to know that he had been the cause of them.

"Why are you apologising to me?" he asked gently, she looked even more upset at this, so he continued, "I should be the one apologising to you not the other way round! I had no right to say the things I did, Xiao is obviously a good friend of yours and you choose all your friends wisely… so, I'm sorry for not trusting you." She looked up, her face brightening significantly and a trace of annoyance visible.

"But," he carried on, "I am glad you didn't go on that date with him tonight." She opened her mouth, ready to defend her friend, as he cut her short, "Not so much because I think he's out to take advantage of you; but for myself." She looked thoroughly confused by this, for once remaining quiet rather than adding her bit.

Ray stopped, his mouth dry at what he was going to reveal to her, 'I hope your advice works Kai.' He though as he strengthened his resolve; "I guess, I was annoyed when I realised you were going out with another guy, and when I saw how comfortable and familiar you were with him." At this point she looked at him as if he were crazy, "Annoyed? But Ray-kun, I'm just as comfortable and familiar with you! I don't really understand what was wrong!"

He raked his hands through his bangs exasperatedly, how could he get her to understand, another tack was needed. "What I'm trying to say, Mariah, is that you…you're one of my 'precious people' too; and I thought that if you went out with him, you would be taken away from me, and I certainly don't want to lose you" Her eyes mellowed and she smiled, yet she still had no idea of what he was trying to tell her.

"Mariah, I don't tell you this enough, but you're beautiful, incredibly so; and you're smart, and talented, and have one of the loveliest personalities that could possibly be found, and, and so many more things. You could take your pick from anyone you wanted, but I never thought much about it, thinking you're too young for all that. But you're not, you're a capable young woman and you…I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hated the way his arm was wrapped around you – it's usually where my arm goes and it looked strange and unnatural if anything!" he finished huffing.

She looked surprised, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. Smiling coyly she asked him, "Surely you weren't jealous of that? I thought that I was 'like a little sister' to you, that's not the right sort of attitude to have towards siblings, now is it, Ray-kun?" She teased. He growled softly at this, he had just poured his heart out, yet she was joking around! 'But then, she wouldn't be Mariah, would she?' he thought. She laughed at his put out expression, the noise like the brook that tumbled down over the rocks near the Holm-oak outside his house.

"That's the whole point!" he rejoined, "I'm sick of this 'siblings' thing! I don't want to be friends, I certainly don't want to be your brother; I feel we should be …" he drifted off suddenly aware that she hadn't accepted him; there was still the chance she may choose the blonde guy. He turned away suddenly unsure of himself.

She came up behind him, wrapping her arms around him, "Oh, I'm so glad! I think so too…that we should go out, you know?" she mumbled into his shoulder. He faced her again, sliding his arms around her waist, the action feeling just so, right! "Really?" he asked her, unsure if it was one of her jokes. She nodded shyly, admitting she thought he was a pretty cool guy, and mumbling something about 'really liking him' into his shirt; with a rosy hue to her cheeks.

He smirked at this, leaning in closer to her face, noses almost touching. "Is that so? Well I happen to really like you too." He grinned. "Honestly?" she asked somewhat dazed, her eyelids heavy, the distance between them closing. "Mm Hm" he replied no longer as interested in the conversation as to the delights her glistening cushiony lips could offer. Both caught up in each other, neither noticing the other presence outside on the terrace. Lee caught sight of them and smirked, he knew his friend would take good care of his little sister. "Must remember to thank Xiao for his help, I knew a push in the right direction was all they needed." he muttered as walked back in to give the two some privacy.

The two enamoured on the porch were oblivious to the world around them – even to the noisy arrival of two friends and rivals. "No Monkey-boy, I've told you a million times!" shouted the taller of the two. "Aww come on Tyson, it's just a rematch, or are you too chicken to - hey! Isn't Ray and Mariah there? urgh, gross! They look like vapires or mutants fighting each other " exclaimed the shorter.

"What?! It can't be! He said only today that she's just like a sister!" defended the older Champion, before looking closer. His eyes widened when he saw the spectacle and turned to the shorter red-head who had come to the same conclusion, "Ewww! Incest!"

hr /hr

Hmm, for those who think that Kai was OOC in his advice giving, just look at the match in China between Ray and Mariah! "When he looks into her eyes…" Aww, sweetie, we all know you're a romantic at heart! 3 Oh, and I realise the ending was quite weak, and the humour may not be to everybody's tastes, but please forgive me, as I am only new to this business!

I hope you enjoyed, if you did, please let me know in the form of a REVIEW and if you didn't then let me know how to improve for your reading pleasure!

For those people that read but don't actually give anything back, just think of how you can make a young girl's day with even a sentence after clicking the beautiful purple button!

So Click, please, you now you want to! All reviewers get cookies form my never-ending supply!