AN: Sorry about the wait! Not that anyone really reads this anymore anyway ; ) I have two other chapters besides this written so hopefully that will do for the semester since I don't know how much time I'll have for writing. Cheers!
The party that took over the popular karaoke bar had lasted well into the night. By the end of it, it had been the teachers/chaperone's showing up that had put an end to the fun. By then, it was past midnight, well past in fact, and adults were tired and cranky.
Needless to say, the next morning (or rather later that morning) there was a zombie like haze over the girls that inhabited second floor dorm room. All of them carried heavy purple bags under their eyes and would have rather slept in.
Except that they couldn't. This was partly because they knew they had to get up and get to the Bey Complex for the mandatory drug tests, as well as the Singles Sync (the opening event) selection. However, though they knew that they had to get up for these reasons, the real reason they all actually got up was pounding on door and the appearance of Kai and Robert, who burst in demanding to know why the hell they were still in bed.
This had earned the two boys several pillows to the face and some violent swearing and colourful insults. Being who they were, their reactions weren't what the girls had hoped they would be – that is leaving them alone. No, Robert had frowned and made his opinion known, and when Kai, smirking, had turned on the lights, Robert strode over to his captain's bed and flicked her in the forehead to further make his annoyance known.
Liika, not being a morning person in any sense of the word, took offence to this and, without a thought, dove off her bed and onto Robert, shrieking like an Amazon as she did so. This sent them both to the floor and had the others up within seconds, most of them attempting in vain to pry off Liika's death grip on Robert.
Kai just laughed his ass off.
It was only when Lenore and Katherine appeared that Liika was pried off Robert – who was extremely disgruntled by the way – though she didn't look anymore awake than she had when Robert had flicked her. Robert, thankfully, knew her well enough not to be angry, though he was annoyed. He told her point blank she was doing twice as many exercises during their practice.
At least she had the grace to look sheepish when she finally woke up enough.
Kai got a smack from his mother for laughing hysterically instead of doing anything to help. He didn't mind though, to him the scene was priceless enough that it was worth all the scolding his mother could offer.
After that it took only twenty minutes to get the girls ready enough to troop down to the Complex, bathing paraphernalia tucked away with their blading stuff. They stuck together, talking in low tones and reminiscing about the night before in a way that was so common for teenage girls.
There was a moment of irritation when they caught sight of several of the males that had shown up the night before. Brooklyn in particular was looking impeccable – as if he had had a full night sleep instead of the couple of hours he had actually had. Even Athrun looked much better than any of the girls, a fact that did not go unnoticed by his girlfriend.
Of course, it was only a matter of time before it got out that there had been a party the night before and that most the male residents of the Asakura guesthouse had not been invited; this caused chaos and loud complaining – particularly from a certain blond, and several younger members of the teams. To these complaints the girls merely replied that it had been on a need to know basis, and they hadn't needed to know. Particularly the least desirable elements of the group – aka Akito. Not that he wanted to go anyway, according to him.
Kai hadn't been particularly disappointed that he hadn't been there to defend his team's honor, stating arrogantly that his team had way more honor than any other anyway.
Liika smacked him too.
It was a long, rather hard trek to the Bey Complex. It was about 7 am, Tokyo time, and although it was not a weekday, the Tokyo streets were crowded with people of all vocations. There were businessmen and tourists, shopkeepers, and civilians. Yet, the most numerous were the bladers, identified easily by their colorful and diverse uniforms and tracksuits, as well as their different skin colors and languages. It was like all the countries of the world had descended on this particular district of the major urban city.
The Bey Complex was as busy as the streets outside it. People swarmed everywhere, talking, laughing, commanding, worrying. Everyone eyed everyone else too, mostly challenging sneers or nervous glances. Here and there BBA officials moved, shouting in loud voices for teams to follow them, or move this way, or report here. Press of every nationality flittered everywhere, shouting at teams, snapping pictures, frantically writing down things that would go in the evening news report. In one word, it was chaos.
For the four teams that stayed at the Asakura guesthouse, it was no different. They entered the complex, intent on showers, but quickly found out that there were certain hurdles they had to jump before they achieved their goal.
"Liika Hiwatari and An Tachibana have arrived!" Someone shouted from the throng.
All at once it was as if every eye in the place was on the two girls. Liika suddenly wished she didn't look like hell warmed over, particularly when camera flashes began.
"Liika! An! Can you answer some questions?"
"How do you feel being the only two female captains here at worlds?"
"Have you had to deal with much chauvinism in your journey to the top?"
"Liika! How does it feel to be a member of one of the most powerful families on the planet?"
That was it; Liika couldn't take the flashes or the questions any longer, and held up her hand in front of her face. "Please," she called over the shouting throng, all together conscious of the eyes of other team captains on her. Apparently this was a test of sorts. "I haven't slept well in two days, I have jet lag and I need a shower," she laughed nervously, smiling what she hoped looked like a genuine smile. "I'll catch up with you all later!"
An echoed her sentiments, waving cheerfully at the still pushing paparazzi. Thankfully, the girls found themselves flanked by large male teammates. Bryan took Liika's left hand and stuck close to her side, while an unknown Japanese male appeared beside An, placing a hand on her shoulder. Robert and Lee took up behind them, while Enrique, Tala and Kai positioned themselves in front of them. It appeared they would have an entourage.
Liika smiled gratefully up at Bryan, squeezing his hand. "Thanks, Ryanny. You'll block out the flashes."
The look he sent her wasn't exactly friendly, but it was at least a touch amused. "Whatever, squirt. Just like you to need a man to save you."
"What-"
An's giggling, as well as her companion's interrupted Liika's come back and made her realize that Bryan was trying to get a rise out of her. Instead of replying to Bryan, Liika deigned to ignore him, and instead changed the subject to An's new escort. "I don't think we've met," she said with a smile. "I'm Liika To-Hiwatari."
"So the reporters said, though I would recognize you anyway." He had a similar smile to Brooklyn's, so benign it was almost threatening. "I'm Syusuke Fuji, An-chan's doubles partner."
"You must have been waiting for us," An put in, looping an arm through her partner's. "Either that or have really good timing."
"Atobe expressed some concern about you finding us on your own and set me to watch the entrance for you." Syusuke replied. "And for me to give you the message that our training time is at noon in Gym 6 upstairs."
An's retort was dry, but her eyes sparkled up at the slender Japanese boy. "By 'expressed some concern' you mean he complained loudly. I've been so busy, I forgot to set up a meeting time with you guys. Sorry."
"It's okay."
Even with the crowds, it didn't take the large group too long to file up the escalators to the second floor of the massive complex that housed the facilities. "We bid the farewell here," Liika bowed dramatically to her and An's impressive escort. "We thank you all for services rendered."
Kai and Tala rolled their eyes, muttering as they took off towards the male facilities. Robert mussed up her hair as he passed, smirking a bit as he not so gently reminded her to meet him downstairs in the cafeteria. Lee of course followed him, while Enrique, still mad about not being invited to karaoke, huffed off in silence. Bryan, being who he was, saw fit to lean over her and whisper absolutely nothing in her ear just to make it look like her was kissing her, and seeing her off like a good boyfriend would. Now it was Liika's turn to roll her eyes.
An sent Syusuke off with a wave and a promise to meet downstairs in the cafeteria in an hour or so. With their entourage dispersed, there was no one to save them from the press that still followed them and so both girls, without pause, dashed into the facilities, following the other girls that had been with them.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
"Enrique, I don't care if you are mad at me, you will bloody well listen to me, or you will be benched the whole god damn tournament!" Liika yelled, hands on her hips, eyes flashing dangerously at the blond blading only feet from her current position. "Now, tighten up and control your rotation. Or else!"
She was more than conscious of the people that were pressed against the windows of Gym 4 – people who included not only press, but other teams as well. As USA 2 was seeded in the top six teams in the world, they were at the center of almost everyone's radar. They were the American champions after all.
However, figuring that a good captain would ignore the spectators and focus on their job, Liika focused with almost frightening intensity. She caught everything at the practice – something she rarely did, as she relied on Robert to catch any mistakes she missed. This time, she felt the need to prove herself, just the questions had asked her, and she was going to prove herself or die trying. Even Robert didn't escape her critical eye.
Enrique scowled, but he did as he was told. He was rather annoyed to notice that as soon as he followed Liika's instruction his match against Shino began to go a lot better. Damn it. "You don't need to yell at me you know!" He called back, not taking his eyes off the dish.
"I wouldn't have yelled at you if you had actually followed instructions in the first three times I told you." Liika replied exasperated.
Lord she was tired, something she felt in her very core. She wanted to go back to the guesthouse and sleep for like a week. Unfortunately for her, that wasn't an option.
The mandatory tests had been done in the morning after breakfast, but there was still so much to do. They still had some half an hour left of practice, and then there was the press conference with the top seeded captains, then there was a promised photo shoot and question and answer section with just her and An (they were almost a pair now, everyone lumping them together like some freak show novelty), and then of course there was the selection for Singles Sync, and the opening banquet.
Why had she thought it would be a good idea to take that slot herself?
She just thanked her lucky stars that there would be no practicing with their appointed partners until the next day. Though she imagined that she would be dead the next day as well, considering that she had both team practice as well as Sync practice. Liika sighed. Worlds was looking to be a whole lot of work for very little gain.
Fuck, there he went again. Liika's turquoise eyes rolled skyward. "Akito, you are going to be benched as well if you don't knock the crap off."
The blond Abbey captain smirked at her, barely paying attention to the blade that clashed with Bryan's in the dish. "You can't threaten everyone with that – if you bench us all you'll have no team left witch."
"Maybe not," Liika replied sweetly, striding over his and Bryan's dish. "But, like it or not Imoraz I am the captain, not you, and that means you either listen to me, or you can go home. I can still replace you in Singles Battles."
"A fucking mistake," Akito spat, still smirking. "This team isn't going anywhere, and I'm going to be there when the world realizes it."
Bryan had had enough by this point and easily knocked the blond boy's undefended blade out of the dish. Catching his own Falborg, he strode around the dish and towered over Akito, grabbing a fistful of the boy's t-shirt. "I've had enough of your attitude Imoraz," Bryan growled. "You better start having some respect, or your going to find that pretty face of yours unrecognizable."
"Get your hands off me Neanderthal, or you'll wish you were never born."
Liika rolled her eyes again, practically hearing the gossip outside the gym, even though she couldn't hear anything outside of the room. " Look at that!" They would say. "Can't even control her team. Not much of a captain."
Her fists clenched at her sides, and her expression became darker and darker. When Robert approached she held up a hand and sent him a look that clearly read: Back off. Robert did so, bowing his head and stepping away to give her space.
"Enough!" She commanded so loud that the entire room stopped – even the beyblades ceased movement.
Every eye in the room turned to her, some wide with surprise, some with questions. Liika steadied herself, her chin rising as she schooled her voice with authority. "Back away from each other, now."
The two boys complied immediately, even Akito who was looking more surprised than anyone else in the room. "Now," she continued, looking at both in turn. "That's enough. Bryan," she looked up at the large boy who stared down at her with unreadable eyes. "Thank you for coming to my defense. However, I am the captain, and if I cannot control my team then perhaps I do not deserve to be captain." Something moved his eyes then, but he said nothing, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Akito," she turned to the blond, a cold, stony expression on her face. "Let's get something straight right here and right now. I am not someone that you can walk on whenever you feel like. At home, I let you get away with your bullshit, and maybe that was my fault. But no more. You listen up and you listen good." Her eyes narrowed and she leaned forward, her finger prodding his chest. "I will not tolerate any disrespect towards me, or any of your teammates or trainers. You will follow my or Robert's instructions, or you will find yourself on a plane back home so fast you will not know what hit you. That's my power and that's my promise. Is that clear?"
Akito was silent, merely staring her down, willing her to back down or to flinch. When she did neither, he smirked, placing a hand in his pocket and rocking back on his heels. "Not bad Hiwatari. You might just turn into a captain yet."
The surprise obviously showed on her face because he laughed before saluting her in a way that was halfway between mocking and serious. Liika blinked, trying not too look too confused for fear someone watching at the windows might see, which would have meant that putting her foot down would have meant nothing.
"Back to work. If I can't even beat the Neanderthal, however am I going to beat those in Singles competition?" Akito grinned, returning to the dish and motioning for Bryan to do the same.
"You handled that well."
Liika looked up to find Robert beside her, arms crossed and smiling. She smiled back, running a hand through her bangs and blowing out the breath she had unconsciously been holding. "You think so?"
"You'll do fine." Robert replied, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. "Forget all those people outside. You have nothing to prove. You got us this far Liika, and you are an excellent captain. Don't let a few hundred reporters and rivals shake your confidence."
"I couldn't have done it without you," she smiled back, her voice low and sincere. "Seriously. Even with the crap you pulled at States."
The two laughed, sharing a moment that earned them some strange looks from their fellow teammates. They laughed for a few moments before sobering a bit, though still smiling, and began to talk about blading stuff, comparing notes on members skills, strengths, weaknesses and how the team as a whole was coming along. Something they had not had the chance to do since arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun.
"Mariah's been distracted and ill looking, do you know what's going on?"
Liika shook her head. "No, she's been battling a flu bug the last week or so, that's all I know. She's looking better though, I think she'll be healthy for competition."
Robert hummed, watching the doubles battle now in progress between the Golden Pair and Max and Emily. "Her attack is sloppy, and Lee is covering it. Max is too nice to pounce on the weakness, but they will be eaten alive in competition if she doesn't fix it." He glanced down at Liika who nodded, her gaze concentrating on the pink blade.
"You're right. It comes a half second behind, and Galux isn't responding in time, which leaves a gaping whole in both their attack and defense. I'll go talk to them. Can you go check on Shikamaru, Sakura and Jade? I want to know how Jade is coming along so I can know where to put her."
Robert nodded and they went their separate ways. Liika headed straight for the doubles dish, coming to a stop beside the Golden Pair. The four combatants didn't particularly know what she wanted, thus didn't know what to do, so they ceased their battle, and hovered at the edge of their respective sides of the dish. Liika smiled at Mariah. "You're attack is behind about a half second which is causing Galux to be late, leaving a hole in your offense and defense. Can you speed it up a bit?"
Mariah blinked, glancing down at her spinning pink blade. "Is it really?" She asked, frowning. "I hadn't noticed." Instantly her gaze was on the other three bladers. "Why didn't you guys capitalize on it? Or at least let me know?"
Max laughed nervously, and Emily looked a bit sheepish. Lee shrugged as if to let her know he hadn't really noticed either. "We were going to say something after the match, but we wanted to see if you would notice and correct it on your own." Emily answered finally.
Mariah huffed, smacking her cousin. "You should have at least noticed, since my mistake was costing you as well."
"You've been so touchy lately, I didn't want to be the one to bring it up," Lee replied, grumbling.
"Mariah, it's not that big of a deal, that's what I'm here for right?" Liika laid a hand on the other girl's arm. "What am I here for if not to be the bad guy?"
Mariah cracked a smile as she recalled her blade. "Well, you do have a certain knack for delivering bad news. Thanks, I'll fix that right away, anything else?"
Liika thought on it, stroking her chin for effect. "Well, Max and Emily – you need to be more willing to push people's mistakes. If you see a hole or a flaw then press it, take advantage of it. If it's your teammate it will teach them their mistake, if it's in a match, then it will help you advance. Okay?"
The boyfriend-girlfriend pair nodded, understanding completely. Liika then turned to Lee. "And you, if there is something wrong with your partner, you need to let them know instead of covering for them. That will get you into trouble you know? And by the way," she leaned forward a bit, "Galeon is favoring his right front paw, you might want to look into that. I think covering for Mariah instead of telling her has put too much of a strain on him."
Lee sighed but nodded, wincing when Mariah smacked him again. "You see? This is why I don't want to tell her."
"You only get hit when you don't tell me crucial information. Now hurry up and recall your blade so that we can re-launch and begin the real match!"
Liika smiled, glad that that was worked out, and was about to find Robert when the main door to the gym burst open and Tyson appeared, panting and wheezing as if he had just run a marathon. "What the hell-"
"Liika," Tyson puffed, taking in gulps of air in attempt to catch his breath. "You might want to come quick. They are announcing the Singles Sync pairings in the main auditorium. Kai and Tala are already there."
Well that was fast – or early as the case may be. Liika blinked and then shook her head. Better get down there before she was late, which could very well disqualify her and her partner. She bet that would go over well.
"Someone should go with you," Robert said, appearing at her side. "All the teams should have two representatives, the captain and the member competing. Since you are the member competing it's only smart that you take someone with you."
"You go with her Robert," Kakashi suggested, appearing as well. "Practice is just finishing up, and you guys have done all you can for the day. I'll see to them for the rest of the time."
"Thanks Kakashi," Liika responded, turning immediately and heading for the door, Robert on her heels.
"Good luck Liika!" Her team called after her as she stepped into the throng that was the upper hallway.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Liika wanted so badly to run, but two things stopped her. A) Robert was with her and there was no way he was running and making himself and the team look back and B) the press and everyone else was watching. If being at Worlds had taught her anything, it was that she needed to think before acting.
Strangely, no one attempted to stop her to talk, as if they knew she had somewhere to be and couldn't take the time to talk to them. The selection was being held in an auditorium on the third floor of the complex, and that meant traveling up stairs, that, even with escalators, took a few minutes. By the time they got up the stairs, and through the throng of people that crowded the door of the auditorium the selection had already started.
Flashing their ID, Robert and Liika entered into the lecture theatre-style auditorium and scanned the room for somewhere to sit. Quickly sighting a spot near the top, Liika motioned to Robert to follow her. The spot just happened to be beside Britain 1, whose two members (Brooklyn, the captain, and a blond named Mystel who apparently was competing) nodded at the two USA 2 members who nodded back. Liika took the seat next to Mystel, while Robert sat on her other side.
"I hope we haven't missed anything."
Brooklyn leaned over, smiling at her. "It just started, they haven't even announced the first pair. I think they were waiting for you."
Liika flushed, cringing. "I hope not, we were in practice and no one told us until a few minutes ago."
"Shhh, they are going to announce the first pair," Robert silenced the two, directing their attention to the front of the room.
Did he just shush me? Was Liika's first thought, sending her vice-captain an annoyed look. He ignored her.
"The first pair in the Singles Sync competition will be, Hakkai Cho of China 1 and Emilio Lopez of Spain."
"China, competitive, but not unbeatable….Spain, not even on the radar." The blond beside her yawned, waving his hand dismissingly. Liika raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. If the boy wanted to be arrogant, that was his business.
The two selected boys had made their way up front by then and were shaking hands. So that's how it was going to be done. She had wondered. How would you know what your partner looked like? Meeting on stage seemed like a good idea.
The two left the stage just as quickly as they had appeared on it. With 33 pairs to announce, there was no time for dallying in between.
The next six or seven pairs passed in a blur for Liika. She was antsy, wanting to get it over with so that she could go back and train. Or sleep. Sleep would be preferable, though she knew she wasn't going to get any, any time soon. After this was a press conference and then a photo shoot… maybe she could push the Q&A off to tomorrow… then the stupid banquet. She almost groaned out loud.
"Maes Hughes, Germany; Tala Valkov, USA 1."
This caught Liika's attention, and she leaned over the table to try and see where Tala was coming from. He was on the other side of the room, near the middle. She caught site of Kai who looked just as bored as she did, but who was eying Tala's partner with some interest.
Tala's partner – who had been seated near the front – made it to the stage first. He was a tall boy, with a shock of half slicked back, half spiky dark hair and glasses. He had a wide cheesy grin on his face and wore his black, yellow and red tracksuit in a messy fashion – not unlike the way Tala wore it. The two boys shook hands upon Tala's arrival and it looked like the German boy had already begun to talk. Tala looked as if he was rather amused.
The next bunch of pairings went by in a flash. The boy from Japan 1 was paired with some girl from Brazil while the boy from Japan 2, one Liika recognized as the vice-captain Shanks was paired with a blader from Korea. A boy from Israel ended up with the first person from Britain 2, a boy she didn't recognize – there was a brief moment of fumbling when the British boy stuck out his left hand for the handshake after quickly withdrawing his right, which was wrapped in an ace bandage. The Israeli thankfully took the switch in stride.
"Mystel Kehl, Britain 1 and Nicol Amarfi, Canada."
The blond beside Liika stood, smirking a bit as he exited their row to make the long trip down to the stage. Liika glanced at Brooklyn, whose eyes followed his teammate. "The co-captain of Canada, they'll be hard to beat." She commented casually.
Brooklyn turned to smile at her. "I imagine they will be. Mystel is pleased with the match."
"All the harder for you," Robert muttered at Liika, nudging her. She nudged back with a grin.
It turned out that Liika and Robert hadn't needed to worry about being late, as Liika was one of the last selected. By the time she was selected, the room was getting anxious and it was obvious everyone wanted to leave. Thus when her name was called it was a surprised, and because of her notoriety, everyone stopped.
"Liika Hiwatari, USA 2 and Marik Ishtar, Egypt."
I'm getting really tired of the eyes following me everywhere I go, she thought dryly, standing and making her way down the stairs.
It was only when she was half way to the stage that she realized who she had been paired with, and in that instant her eyes swiveled to the stage, where he stood, arms crossed, looking down at her with a condescending smirk. Oh lord, here we go…
"You." She said upon arrival, sticking out her hand dutifully.
"Me," he smirked back, shaking her hand but squeezing harder than necessary. "Now I really hope your blading skills are better than your singing voice."
Liika rolled her eyes and turned, her expression dry and sardonic. She exited the stage before the officials could evict them, knowing he was hot on her trail. "Of all the luck in the world…"
"Don't worry USA 2, I can do this without you. I'll take home gold, just like I did last night."
"You fluked out last night. Besides, why in the hell," she whispered with annoyance, "Did you chose yourself for an event that required cooperation?"
He tugged on the hair at the back of her neck, wicked delight dancing on his face. "Amusement mostly," he replied, not bothering to hush his voice at all, which earned them some glances. "Curiosity."
"Arrogance," she supplied, pulling her head out of range of his long fingers. "You just wanted to be in the opening event. Why me?"
He snorted, reaching out and pulling at her hair again, this time earning a swat for his effect. "Go sit down with your co-captain freak."
"Whatever, I'll see you tomorrow little hag."
Liika ground her teeth as she stomped up the stairs away from him. Working with him was going to be a complete pleasure. He would probably gloat about his win in the karaoke contest all day tomorrow too. Ugh.
By the time she reached her seat the thing was over and people were beginning to make for the exit. Robert was standing at the end of the row when she got there, Brooklyn and Mystel had apparently disappeared by then.
"I'm going to assume you know him?" Robert commented when she reached him.
"Last night, he won the contest. He's an arrogant jackass. Don't count on a medal," she replied cringing.
Robert chuckled. "If anyone could put up with arrogant it is you. Come on, we have a press conference in ten minutes downstairs."
"Oh goody."
xxxxxx
"Our father has been glaring at you for most of the evening."
Liika couldn't help the smug smile that sprang to her lips at Kai's words. "Not glaring exactly, more like frowning disapprovingly."
"And you look so contrite," Kai chuckled, ruffling her hair fondly. "Good choice on wardrobe, especially if you chose it to annoy Kevin."
"It's pretty nice isn't it?" Liika glanced down at her black, flared slacks, silver satin blouse and loose black tie. "I thought it was more appropriate than the frilly pink dress he chose for me." She winked with a laugh.
"Won't get the respect you deserve wearing a pink frilly dress," Kai agreed with a mocking nod and a glance as the tall, distinguished looking man across the expansive ballroom. He was barely visible through the throng of people – easily over eight hundred – but seeing as he was surrounded by three extremely large men dressed in black, he was noticeable.
"You're damn right. Wolves, the lot of them. There are still lots of people who don't think I should be here – I've noticed the looks, particularly from coaches and captains. What our father doesn't understand is that if I showed up here wearing a dress, my credibility would have been completely shot. You'll noticed that An didn't wear a dress or a skirt either."
Kai shrugged, sipping from the clear plastic cup he carried. "Not everyone thinks like that, I think you two get more respect that you think. I also think there are a lot of people here that admire you two." He slanted her a look. "You would remember that you both are in the top six favorites to win."
Liika waved him off with a skeptical look. "They would be stupid not to, it's obvious that we have quality teams behind us. Besides, neither of us is the favorite to win. I think if they had the choice they would discount us completely. It's obvious they think I'm a joke, and that the only reason I'm here is because I have a strong team."
"Yeah well, I think you are spoiling for a fight."
"What, our Icki? No way!"
Tala slid into the conversation with ease, gliding in between them. Leaning one arm on Kai's shoulder, he laid his other hand on the top of Liika's head. She did her best to shove at his hand but ultimately failed to dislodge it from her hair. He just smirked at her, eyebrows quirking in challenge.
She didn't fail to meet it. Raising her eyes to clash with his, Liika smirked, "You keep hanging off Kai like that and everyone is going to think you two have something going on, if you know what I mean."
Although Tala didn't move, it was worth it when Kai stiffened. It was gratifying to know that she could rile at least one of them, especially if it was her arrogant brother. Tala obviously realized her game, and had enough sense not to react.
Of course, that was before she continued her line of thought, her face covered in malicious glee. "I know a few girls that would pay good money to see it, particularly if it was you two." She added a wink for good measure. "Come on, help a girl out."
Tala had enough dignity not to make a sound, his lips merely flattened into a line while his arm dropped from Kai's shoulder. Kai, however, sputtered, scowling. "You fucking don't need any help."
Liika laughed, and skipped away, eyes dancing over her shoulder at the two boys. Unfortunately, she wasn't watching where she was skipping, and skipped right into someone. Fortunately, however, that someone had more grace than she did, and quickly turned their tangled fall to the floor into a twirling polished dance.
"Let's dance, shall we?"
This was said in her ear, and it took Liika a few moments to realize that it was Britain 1's captain that held her. Her face blossomed as she mechanically followed his lead. "Um… you realize that no one else is dancing right?" She was all too aware of the eyes and whispers that were beginning to center on them.
Brooklyn sent her out in a twirl and then reeled her in, smiling down at her with a teasing expression. "Does that bother you?"
He was really good at dancing, so much so that he was distracting her from thinking about the whispers. His beat was exact, despite the fact that there was no music. "Er… not really." It didn't… much.
There was a good reason the BBA went without a dinner/dance at Worlds, instead opting for just the banquet. While at the lower levels, States and Nationals, there was a significant minority of girls up and coming in the sport of beyblading, at the World Championship level, girls came up short. Holding a dance would prove pointless, since boys out numbered girls some 38:1.
Brooklyn, however, didn't seem to care about numbers, or the fact that no music was playing, or even that many of the boys around him were laughing. He had nabbed one of the girls, and that was all he seemed to care about.
He spun her around the little area of the floor that had been cleared for them by the ever growing crowd of spectators. He moved in the classic steps of the ballroom dance, steps that Liika was hard-pressed to keep up with since she could barely recall the lessons from her freshman year. It had seemed unimportant at the time.
"You handled yourself well this afternoon," he said after several minutes of silence.
It caught Liika off guard and she almost stumbled, only to be saved by a sweeping movement from Brooklyn. "At what?"
"The press conference you and USA 1 attended."
"Oh, well," Liika shuffled, quickly side stepping with his foot. "I've had practice dealing with the media the past months. Besides, the questions weren't ones I hadn't answered before."
He smiled at her, quickening their pace. "You left your fellow captain in the dust. There is talk now of USA 2 finishing ahead of USA 1."
She snorted. "I have the unfortunate advantage of being who I am – that is a girl. Being one of two female captains, I've had to face the questions and the barrage much more often, and with much more ferocity than Kai. I don't think he was really expecting it to get that intense."
"Inexperience can destroy a team in this tournament," he commented lightly, "Especially if the heart of the inexperience lies with the team's leader."
"I'll take that advice to heart, seeing as it came from someone who's been here before."
The orange haired captain slowly wound them down to a stop. Smiling the smile she assumed was his heart breaker, he brushed his lips over the back of her hand and pulled away. "I highly doubt inexperience will be your downfall, Liika Hiwatari."
And then he was gone, gliding through the milling crowd as he had glided them through the strange dance. What a weird guy. Was he trying to psych her out?
"What the hell was that?"
Bryan looked as annoyed as he sounded when she turned around to greet him. She shrugged, throwing up her hands. "You know what?" She said, tucking her hand into the white cotton of his half unbuttoned dress shirt, "I have no freaken idea. Let's go."
He frowned down at her, confusion reflected in his lavender eyes. "Where?"
"You, my friend, are going to escort me to the dessert table, I saw some cake earlier that was calling my name."
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