A/N: Okay you guys have my friend Cathy to thank for this update because that slave driver put me up with a deadline. It's not very long mainly because it's late.

Something tells me I'm giving off all the best lines to Tala… Anyway, read, enjoy and review and please don't keep quiet if you don't like something. CC is of course welcome.

My Roomie

By Stunstar

Chapter 8 An unexpected ally

Like a possessed demon fired off a cannon I shot out of my bedroom nearly flattening Kenny in the process (no idea what he was doing at my place) and raced towards Tala's place across the hall. Outside his door I paused to catch my bearings.

Okay, scenario: Tala is in there probably reading my book. Chances are he might not have read it yet, I mean come on - who would want to read some damn notes? Maybe he forgot about it. Maybe he accidentally dropped it in the fire and burned it. But what if he did read it? What if he's already told Kai? What if they are plotting to dispose off me? What if - ? Maybe I should stop asking 'what if' questions right about now. Okay, breathe deeply, one…two…three…that's good.

I hadn't realised until then but my palm was sweaty as I grasped his door knob; slowly I turned it. I didn't knock because I wanted to have the element of surprise (sounds like some corny mafia movie). It was open and I cautiously stepped in. The place was in a semi-messy state. Okay, no time for that now. Actually I have no idea what possessed me to come in here without invitation. They may not like it. But they do it all the time so it's justified, right? Right? Who the hell am I asking? Of course I'm right. Right? Right!

Weaving through strewn about clothes and other whatnots I noticed that the main area was deserted meaning Tala was probably in the bathroom or the bedroom. I hope to God Bryan isn't home; this place is messy enough without my blood and guts spilled over it. I decided to try the bedroom first, incase Tala isn't there I can just flick my book and get the hell out of here. Nice plan huh? I should work with James Bond.

I was faced with two choices since their apartment is similar to ours. Now which one is Tala's room? I decided due to some instinct to try the left one. I grasped the doorknob and turned…I was expecting an ominous creak just about then but it didn't come since this is not a horror show. I opened the door and stepped in and was greeted by the sight of Tala who was lying on the bed on his stomach, elbows propped up and his chin resting on his hands. He was grinning. He was reading –

"My book!" I shouted, startling him as I lunged forward like a mad man and grabbed my precious economics notebook/Kai fantasy book and hugged it to my chest like the treasure it was.

Getting over his surprise at my sudden arrival and outburst (which is probably going to give him ear problems like temporary deafness) he sat up on the bed and crossed his legs. Still grinning (or was he smirking?) he patted the space on the bed beside him in an obvious act of invitation.

"Hi there Ray! Do sit down, I was just reading the most entertaining book anyone could find. Who says study is boring? But I had no idea that was what economics is all about…I think it would be more suitable for chemistry or maybe biology."

Somehow I deeply mistrusted his overly cheerful disposition. Instead of sitting on the bed I grabbed a nearby chair and turning it sat with my legs on either side with my chest to its back. But of course, I could not ignore what he had said which could only mean one thing.

"You read it?" I asked dismayed. It was actually a rhetorical question which was answered with a nod. He scrambled forward on the bed so that he was in closer proximity and I leaned back just in the slightest. His overly cheerful response (something which I would expect from Max) was disconcerting.

"And you don't have a problem?" I asked somewhat tentatively. Even though he hadn't given any inclination to feeling otherwise I did not want to risk anything especially since you can never tell with Tala; like I said these Russians are weird and unpredictable.

He shook his head. "Why would I?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, I mean most people hardly consider it – normal." I said that for want of a better word.

He waved his hand as though warding off an irritating fly. "When in love, there is no gender, or age or religion or nation or anything. They are mere technicalities."

I couldn't help but grin as I raised a questioning eyebrow, "I never knew you were philosophical."

"I'm not really. I just thought I'd say that."

I decided to give one of the most burning questions a shot. "What do you think, do I stand a chance? I mean you probably know Kai pretty well."

He scrutinized my hopeful look before answering. "You know that's the common assumption most people make. But the fact is that if Kai is mysterious to one person he is to them all – Bryan and I included. Now you probably know Kai a bit from observing him right?" I nodded. "That's pretty much the same with us. We've observed him for longer that's all. It does not mean he bares his soul to us and he did leave the abbey a long time ago. But I think I do know enough to say that Kai has never been interested in girls."

"But what's to say he's interested in boys?" I asked.

"You are right but I do know that he likes you. I mean your relationship ladder - I think you are sort of on the same level as I am. Don't worry; with the right help and guidance, that is, from moi you'll reach the top of the rung with no problem. You have my word. But let's get down to more serious things – like the contents in this book for example. I particularly liked those sketches of yours, but you should get some of them censored."

He grinned mischievously and I couldn't help but blush as I thought of my sketches (which I also consider my masterpieces) let's just say they are Kai's and well some of them with me in various, um, postures. I'll say no more I think all the perverts out there can come up with pretty imaginations themselves and are possibly grinning from ear to ear just like Tala is doing right now.

"And to do them in your notebook now that takes guts! I have new respect for you! I mean what if the teacher had asked?" Tala said literally bouncing. I don't think I've ever seen him this happy.

"I hadn't thought about that," I mumbled.

"Figures, you were so engrossed in what you did, who would consider all these minor details right?"

Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?

"Should I open the windows?"

"I said that aloud, didn't I?" I asked half hoping for a negative but Tala nodded. He patted my arm sympathetically. "It happens," he said and then without warning snatched the book from my hand. I didn't see any point in fighting since he knew enough to blackmail me by anyway.

He flipped through a few pages then paused at one. "Hmmm. What's the Spiderman fantasy?" he asked curiously.

Okay so he saw my fantasy page, I decided to answer what harm could it do anyway? "Well, have you seen Spiderman part one?"

"Bits and pieces. They didn't really have 'movie-time' at the abbey. We watched a couple of movies when we got out."

I nodded in understanding then continued, "Well there's that scene in the alley where he rescues M.J and he hangs upside down when she kisses him in the rain– that one."

"Oh yeah that's a nice one. You wanna hang upside down?"

I shook my head, "Kai'll do the hangin' I'll do the kissin'" I replied with a grin. Actually I'm finding this fun to discuss with someone; God knows I've kept it within me long enough. But is it just me or are we acting like teenage girlfriends minus the nail polish and fashion magazines?

"Kai's not Spiderman…," Tala trailed off frowning thoughtfully placing an index finger below his lower lip then he brightened up and said, "I know! Bryan and I could tie Kai up and hang him upside down from the window ledge into the alley next to our building. Then we'll spray the two of you with water in case it doesn't rain and since we don't have a mask…we'll give him a monkey cap then you can lift it and kiss him."

And sign all our death warrants that way, really wonderful idea! (Note the sarcasm). Before I could put forth my thoughts Tala scanned the page again and asked, "What's the Titanic fantasy? Is it the nude sketching? Don't you have enough of those already?"

No need for lights, blushing Ray Kon is here! "That's not the fantasy," I mumbled. "I was thinking of the scene in the car down in the hold."

"Oh, the handprint one? Nice. Why that one and not the other?"

"Because in that one there's more, um, contact." We can keep this up and conserve on electricity! I think my face'll burst into flames.

Tala laughed. Loudly. Very loudly. I'm going to die of heat wave. "Oh my God," he gasped after five minutes and thirty two seconds of laughing while I studiously studied the ceiling; I spotted three splotches, a graffiti of a pregnant sasquatch (at least that's what it looked like) and what looked like squashed bug. This building is a dump, it needs serious renovation. My apartment is way better; no wonder they hang out at my place.

Tala's voice brought me back to the land of mortification, he stopped laughing? "Ray Kon I had no idea," Tala gasped again after another series of chuckles. "You are such a-"

"Only when it comes to Kai," I interrupted hoping to save some face.

"Hey, don't worry I'm not judging you, its fine. Only now I know looks can be deceiving because you are not an innocent."

"I never said I was," I huffed and crossed my arms. "If people assume such things it's not my fault."

"You are so precious," said Tala and pinched my cheek. "Anyway let's get back to this shall we? Hmm now what's the pool fantasy?"

"That's where Kai and I dive into the water for an underwater smooch."

"Oh but you must consider the consequences. You could like inhale water and then choke and die if you make one teensy mistake."

Somehow, this is the second time he's managed to douse ice cold water on my sizzling fantasies. I snatched the book back from him.

"Hey!" he protested. When I refused to give it back he crossed his arms and gave a sly grin. "You know that I could tell anyone I wanted to anytime," he chided.

"And what are you going to do? Moan it out to them?" I took a shot in the dark there but when I saw Tala's expression I knew I'd hit jackpot. His grin faded and his eyes widened but then he quickly arranged his face into an impassive look.

"What are you talking about?" he asked guardedly.

"Oh I was just commenting on something I happened to hear…" I said airily. The next instant Tala leapt forward making me jerk back and almost fall from my chair. He grabbed the edge of the chair to keep me from falling but leaned forward so that our noses were almost touching.

"Tell me what you heard - now!"

I think this is that part of Tala which is all serious. I have to be careful.

"Okay, here's the thing Tala. Remember yesterday you came out of your room and saw me and Bryan standing there and I was acting like a major fool? That was because I had heard you moaning and first I thought you and Bryan were being naughty in here and then he came along and I was darn confused and ran off. So now that you know mine what kinky secrets are you hiding Tala? Or should I just ask Bryan?"

Bingo!

From the look on Tala's face I know I played my cards right. He moved away to sit cross legged on the bed again.

"So?" I prodded further.

He sighed. "Okay I guess it's only fair that you should know. And before you say anything I was not hiding anyone in here. I was sort of daydreaming."

"Don't stop; about who?"

"Take a guess."

"If it's Kai I will roll up my notebook and whap you across the head with it." I stated but with a small grin.

He looked at me incredulously but with a tinge of amusement. "Ray, if I had liked Kai the moment I got my hands on this pornographic book of yours I would have hunted you down. But I must admit he is a spicy one. Make a guess."

I decided to have some fun. "Oh is it Michael?"

"No, even though he is a hottie…"

"Kenny?"

"Are you out of your mind, Kon?"

"Tyson?"

"What's the number of the local mental asylum?"

"Max"

"You're doing this on purpose aren't you?"

Yeah baby and I'm having the time of my life (you should see his expression; I'm this close to cracking my ribs to keep from laughing.)

"Okay, is it Harold the guy from the laundry?" His face looks so funny!

"Ray I want to kill you but-" he sighed and then closed his eyes, then looked at me and sighed again. "Time to 'fess up Ray - it's you."

Holy Mother of – Wha - ?

"Tala – you," I spluttered, "I don't know what to say. I mean you know about me and Kai and – oh God." I started looking around wringing my hands helplessly. He is such a nice guy I don't want to hurt him and as I was going through this mental anguish I was distracted by loud laughter. I looked up to see Tala laughing helplessly tears streaming from his eyes. Oh my God did my rejection unhinge him? Oh dear God.

"Ray you fell for it!" He said and laughed again collapsing sideways on the bed.

Okay forget about the nice guy crap I want to kill him.

"You looked so awesome I wish I had a camcorder." Tala said. "Tala – you" he started imitating me wringing his hands; "I don't know what to say. I mean you know about me and Kai and – oh God." And he laughed again.

Okay anybody have a butcher knife? And I didn't sound that hysterical did I?

I crossed my arms and huffed and looked away from him. I know I'm being childish but hey. I really thought it was really for real, I'm telling you he's one darn good actor and he's wasting time in economics class.

"Ray."

I gave a 'hmph' and turned further away. Damn, I think I cricked my neck.

"Ray you are such a sweetheart and you know despite your book and stuff you are innocent. Okay, truce? I mean come on, you thought of me and Tyson! That deserved payback."

"Okay fine truce." I said. "And I was only joking about Tyson and the others I have a feeling you have a thing for Bryan."

"Yes, Bryan. I like him a lot but I don't know if I'm that serious yet."

"What do you mean?"

"Well let's just put it this way that I'm kind of – fickle." He paused looking at me for a reaction. O-kay what the heck am I supposed to say to that?

"What?" That one should do for the time-being as it expresses my profound knowledge and my vast and extensive vocabulary.

"Look, I was only half kidding when I was talking about you. As in I find a lot of men desirable. Bryan's on the top but you are one of them. Face it Ray, you are one hot n' sweet thing and if I were Kai I would jump you in a flash."

That is not the kind of revelation I was expecting. But first things first, let me give a modest blush and bask in such a wonderful compliment. And I did just that – I blushed and basked and now that that's done –

"What! You mean to say you are um, a flirt?" I ventured for want of a better word.

"Not a flirt, per se, I just like variety and I appreciate beauty and sheer gorgeousness when I see it."

Another blush and bask.

"Okay so the other day were you moaning over an orgy or something?"

"Nah! That was just Bryan. I mean just Bryan and me."

"Okay so where does that leave us now?"

"That leaves us with you loving Kai and me wanting Bryan. So now that we know we must both stick together and help each other out okay?"

I bit my lip before replying. "Okay. But I'm not really sure how though."

"Like I said; don't worry with the right help and guidance, you'll reach the top of the rung with no problem. Just to make things official-"

Pausing there Tala got up from the bed and stood in front of me. Placing one hand over his heart he said, "I, Tala Ivanov, as of now solemnly pledge that I shall aid thee Ray Kon in thy quest to ensnare Kai Hiwatari. I shall do everything in my power to make thy dream come true."

O-kay. Corny but sweet.

Now I have Tala as my ally. Just one question – is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Tbc…