ACROSS THE PAGES
CHAPTER 5
Rei,
Don't worry so much about today's match. He won't be able to hurt you, and you know that.
Rei had to smile at the rough, but caring words.
You've improved a lot, and you and I both know that, so don't let the memories of a past thing get to you. You're stronger than that, Kon, and you know it.
Pale lips curled up at the old reference to his family name. Kai had reverted to his first one only a little while ago, but he was already used to it.
Get out there and do your best. You're the calmest one out of the three, and you're not going to be stopped now, do you hear me, Kon?
Get to it. You know not to disappoint me.
Kai.
Rei folded the letter up again, neatly.
Rei and Kai's friendship continued to grow. Although they never stated it, both knew that the bond was growing steadily.
We already respected each other, so I guess it was natural, Rei thought to himself, sitting under the maple tree in their garden. He always went there to relax, and even on rainy days, loved to watch the leaves sway, from underneath his bedroom window.
And it's not like we're not the responsible ones in this complete minefield of…brats, Kai thought, leaning against one of the poles in the terrace. His crimson eyes were closed, his skin enjoying the blissful fingers of the breeze as the wind caressed his face.
It was approximately two hours before a friendly match with the Saint Shields. After having been beaten, the two teams had shook hands –although Rei was still slightly apprehensive about Dunga. Since then, they had made up a time for a friendly match; just to show that each team would not hold any grudges, and this was the day.
Surprisingly, Kai had ordered them to take a day to relax. Each team member was too uptight, and high strung, and Kai had noticed. In the morning, he'd literally commanded them to take the morning off.
"A holiday," Kai had said, while they were eating breakfast. Max had dropped his spoon, and Tyson had almost poured milk right on top of Dizzy's keyboard.
The familiar squeak of the garden gate interrupted his thoughts, and he sat up amongst the grass and dandelions he'd been lying against seconds ago.
Blue, orange, blonde and green hair met his vision, and he found himself facing the Saint Shields team. Ozuma walked towards them. Out of the corner of his eye, Rei noticed that Kai had already stood up, walking towards the opposing team with a steady stare.
"Hey," Ozuma said, with a casual wave. "You guys ready?"
Tyson and Max, previously lounging on the swing chair on the other side of the small patio, were already making their way towards them. Both bladers had a cautious edge in their steps; although Tyson already had a tad of forgiveness in his eyes.
Max, Rei noted delightedly, was sporting a rather abnormal (or at least to his standards) wary look, and was walking in front of his navy-haired friend in a rather shielding manner.
They drew slips.
It was quiet, although not altogether unfriendly, was not exactly companionable.
The pink and white pieces of torn notepaper came out routinely.
One…
Tyson was against Joseph.
Two…
Max was against Ozuma.
Three…
Kai was against Mariam.
And lastly…
Max inhaled, rather sharply as Kai drew breath. Crimson eyes watched as the neko-jin's hands clenched together just that small fraction. They had all known it, but they had each needed the fact to present itself.
Rei was against Dunga.
Kai adopted a calm face. "Well? Shall we?" His voice stating a challenge to the other team.
"Of course." Ozuma smirked, gesturing with a little nod of his head towards the shortest of his team.
The matches began.
By the time it was Kai and Mariam's turn, the score was equal.
They each launched their blades. Both watching their's with unerring concentration. Attack, defense, attack.
One blade flew out.
Mariam's.
The score was 2:1.
Dunga and Rei looked at each other.
Kai closed his eyes, wondering if it was worth it to call off the match. They'd lose the trust of the other team.
Rei looked at Kai, as Kai opened his eyes. Rei smiled, slightly, one of his little ones that meant that if nothing else, he trusted you. Kai's eyes softened, nodding at his team mate…and recently, friend. He looked towards Dunga, his eyes shifting to a cold, calculating gaze as he watched the blonde blader.
Rei, standing only a few metres away from his captain, looked on amusedly. Kai's stare was almost…protective, at the least. He faced his –friendly- opponent again.
If Dunga won, the match would be a tie. If Rei won, then the Bladebrakers would have won again.
They launched, Rei keeping an eye on both their blades and Dunga's face.
Again, it was attack, defense, attack.
Narrowly, Rei managed to maneuver his blade out of the way.
Again, attack, defense.
Dunga's face scrunched up, and Rei took his chance. Swiftly, he fired out an attack, taking the blonde blader completely by surprise.
The dust cleared. Rei smiled.
He'd won.
Kai nodded, satisfied with the battle's outcome. He turned to Ozuma, holding out his hand.
"A match well done," he said sincerely.
Ozuma grinned. "Truly, a match well done, my friend."
The bladers shook hands with their opponents.
When it came to the last two bladers, Dunga looked away, his face tinger a little with a shamed red.
Stoutly, Rei held out his hand. Amazed, Dunga took it, his eyes shining with gratitude.
When the sun set that day, the bladers had parted friends.
That night, Rei was combing out his hair on his bed when the door creaked. Not bothering to turn around, he continued his task in silence, knowing very well that Kai would be irritated if he'd been contemplating something and there was an interruption.
Hands brushed his neck as strong fingers unexpectedly took his brush, leaving his own hands empty. Kai set up a steady rhythm of combing through the knots, Rei finding the sudden interference soothing to his nerves.
"You did well today." The abrupt statement was said calmly, and Rei arched his neck a little, going with the flow of the brush.
"Thank you." A quiet reply; they both knew that it wasn't just for the compliment.
Kai grunted a little, having finished with Rei's hair. An exchange of hands resulted in Rei getting the hair brush, and Kai getting a piece of paper in his fingers.
Rei had fallen asleep before he started reading, though.
Dear Kai,
Thanks for the last-minute coaching –I really needed a sarcasm boost when I got out there.
I didn't know you gave pep talks –that's certainly a first. You think Tyson would faint if he ever got one? I'm sure he would appreciate it after he got over the shock.
Of course I'm the calm one…if it weren't for me, there'd be no house to come back to. Grandpa would have to live somewhere else after a month or two.
Anyway, I'm going to bed now. We won, so I'm guessing you'll sleep well.
Goodnight, captain.
Rei.
P.S. Thank you.
Kai smiled.
Author's Note: I am SO SO SORRY I'M OVER A WEEK LATE! I came back from Phillippines and apparently in one week my family had managed to sabotage my computer. I'm not kidding. It would have been fine and dandy if it weren't for the fact that I was on holiday so I couldn't use a school computer! And as per normal, I'm not allowed to other people's houses…so yeah. I APOLOGISE! I have gotten down on my knees and will run spell check later to see that this part of the apology ahs no spelling mistakes! Again, I'm so sorry!
Responses to Reviewers: BloodyShadow: I agree with your opinion on the Kai/Tyson friendship relationship. I believe that deep, deep, deep down, Tyson believes, and knows that what Kai does is good for him, it's just that he can't resist protesting because, well we all want what isn't good for us, right?
Echo in the Dark: I'm so, so, so sorry that you had to wait even longer than was originally planned! There will never be a late chapter again, I promise you!
Prozac Fairy: The best place to hide is under the enemy's nose! Except of course, we all know that Kai really isn't Tyson's enemy…
Skimmie: Here you go! Hope you liked it!
Kaei kon: I'm glad that you liked it! I'm sorry that I didn't update soon, but here it is! Finally!
Reis1Gurl: I'm glad you're updating…I haven't had time to see your fic yet, as I've been busy updating this and another fic I'm doing, but I will, I promise I will!
Black Magician Girl3: I wasn't soon, but it's here now!
Leo : You're visiting! It's best at the end of the year because you don't bake over here….I hope my city does us proud! I promise you'll shop till you drop over here! And don't forget to visit Stanley Market, Lamma Island (especially Tai O, don't forget the seafood over there), and DO NOT forget Fa Yuen Street. I can give you a few names of restaurants if you want…my family loves food, so basically I collect telephone cards!
Kristen Hiwatari: Glad you do!
Dark-night-sky: If we ever meet, I hope you teach me how to make apple crumble! There's only really two things I can make so far with a blasted oven, and that's mini chocolate cakes (like cupcakes, except not) with strawberry mousse as a sandwich-like filling, as well as baked tomatoes filled with beef and covered with brie cheese. And I hear you, I hear you!
Beloved a.k.a The Fool: Did I ever tell you that you don't seem like a fool to me? Thank you for the compliments! I'm updating, I'm updating!