Perfectly Incompatible

Summary: A few of the mothers from his hometown think it's time for him to settle down, but Michael can't stand the girl they chose for him; Mariasha! What happens when he gets into a fight with Mariasha and ends up lost in a snow storm? Who will come to his rescue?

Pairings: Michael/Kai

Disclaimer: I don't own the Anime Beyblade or any character associated. I do own Mariasha "Maria" Evans. She is an original character and all likeness to people living or dead is purely coincidental. This character is not on based one anyone else's character design, again if any likeness, it's purely coincidental. There are also minor Ocs in this story as well, eg; Michael's mother and great aunt.

Warnings: Kai is a girl in this story. The use and introduction of a female Original Character. Any fans of OCs and OC pairings should leave now. Anti-OC pairings and blatant bashing of my own character. I created her; I can do what I want with her. And I plan to.

Gripe for the Day: I've probably said this before, but I hate Suethors who write Kai as an egotistical playboy who flirts and sleeps with anything female, only to go off at you for writing Kai (or any other character for that matter) supposedly out of character. Yeah, having Kai acting like a male gigolo isn't out of character? Please, you might as well stick him in a tutu and make him a ballerina, same shit, different pile, that's all I can say. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but Kai is not a fucking player, you morons! He wouldn't be remotely interested in some perky or bitchy Sue.

AN: Hello again everyone. Another chapter from me, again no Mariasha but she will make an (obnoxious) appearance in the next chapter. In this chapter, we see Marly slowly starting to come to her senses.

Thank you so much; DarkBombayAngel, G-Wing Gurl, mimic shalle, CleverPhoenix, Rapunzelle, angelvan105, van, Miako6, kaitouahiru, marishka91, Tony, Elemental Gypsy and Blaze Queenie for reviewing the last chapter. Hope to hear from you all again very soon ^^

Comments, suggestions and rants are always welcomed. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter and don't be afraid to let me know what you think.

Chapter 12:

Once again Nana found herself sipping at her tea, observing Kai quietly from her seat at the kitchen table. Young Kai was currently clearing the kitchen of used utensils and placing them in the dishwasher. The two of them had spent a good half an hour preparing Michael's favorite dessert, Nana revealing an old family recipe. It takes a few tries to master it completely, but although Kai's first attempt wasn't perfect, it was still very good for someone who has never attempted a dessert before.

A warm smile slipped across her lips as she set her tea cup onto the table before her and turned her attention to the young woman in the kitchen. There was one other thing she wanted to share with her.

"I have a confession to make, child," Nana said, immediately gaining Kai's attention who tilted her head to the side in question. "This recipe is actually a secret family recipe handed down by my mother and her mother. I have never taught anyone how to prepare this dish before."

An expression of surprise flittered across Kai's face, her eyes holding a sense of confusion. "Really? Then why me?" she asked as she shook her head almost in disbelief. "I don't mean to be rude or anything."

"Oh course not," Nana replied with a chuckle. "What can I say? I'm a good judge of character. Besides, Michael seems to really like you. You must be someone special."

"Special?" Kai repeated before immediately shaking her head in the negative, totally dismissing the idea, inwardly thinking that the notion is ludicrous. "Oh no, that can't be it. There's nothing special about me."

The modesty in Kai's voice was most certainly not faked, just as Nana expected. The obvious fact of Kai being nothing like Mariasha filled Nana's heart with warmth, knowing that she was right about Michael deserving better and he may have found that someone better all on his own.

She has only known Kai for a few hours, but she knows that she is a genuine confident young woman who thought about others before herself. No one could keep up a selfless facade for a couple of hours straight without slipping up at least once, no matter how talented they are.

And the fact that Nana could spot a faker from a mile away also helps cement the fact that she is the perfect woman for Michael.

She always said that love can't be forced or arranged.

"You're nothing like Mariasha at all," Nana said, mostly to herself, but her voice loud enough for Kai to hear, which she did so on purpose. "I knew he would make the right decision on his own."

Overhearing Nana's words, Kai brows furrowed in confusion as she removed the creamy chocolate muffins from the oven. She placed the tray on the stove to cool, removing the oven mitts from her hands as she opened her mouth to question the elderly woman further when the sound of the front door opening and closing caught her attention.

"I'm back!" Michael's voice echoed through the house.

"We're in the kitchen!" Kai replied back, momentarily forgetting about questioning Nana further about what she meant about 'he making the right decision' to focus her attention on Michael as he walked into the kitchen.

Immediately, the two youths caught each other's attention, Kai studying Michael's face for any sign of distress, silently asking him whether everything went alright with his mother. She knew that when he left earlier he was feeling apprehensive about seeing his mother, almost as if he was expecting a lecture of some kind.

However, she found nothing that cause her any concern, in fact he held a sense of achievement in his eyes and Kai can't help but wonder if he had a confrontation with someone and won, getting a few things off his chest in the meantime.

"Hmm, something smells great." Michael said as he drew in a deep breath, walking over to Kai who was still standing near the stove, hoping that he may be able to coax her into letting him taste test a few things from the menu. "I'm getting hungry."

"You're always hungry," Kai lightly teased as she playfully stood between Michael and the food that was just about ready.

Michael flashed her a smile before attempting to lean over her shoulder and steal some food when he paused, his eyes widening in a sense of surprise. "This is-?"

"Don't touch, they're for dessert," Kai said as she swatted at him with the oven mitts, lightly pushing him away.

Michael let her push him away, his gaze still lingering on the muffins gently cooling on the bench-top. "But these are-?"

"Creamy chocolate chip muffins," Kai confirmed for him, a sudden sense of nervousness appearing in her chest at Michael's reaction. "They're not as good as Nana's, but I guess it's not bad for a first attempt at a dessert, is it?"

"How did you-?"

"Nana taught me while you were with your mother."

"Really?" Michael asked as he turned to face Nana who merely inclined her head in agreement, a soft smile on her lips. Michael blinked at her for a moment or two before a grin appeared on his lips as well. If Nana actually taught Kai that recipe, it meant that she...approved of Kai!

"That's great!" he said as he turned his attention back to Kai, who smile softly at him with a sense of relief in her expression.

That relief soon turned to amusement when Michael attempted to steal one of those muffins, prompting a light scuffle between the two of them, Nana chuckling lightly to herself at the scene. Kai had one hand on Michael's chest to push him back, her other hand grasping at Michael's wrist in an effort to stop his hand from grabbing the desserts. Michael, in turn, had a hand against her side as the two playfully fought. It was nice watching the two of them act like the teenagers they are.

Oh yes, Nana thought to herself as she took another sip of her tea. I definitely approved of Kai.

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The sun had long since set and Marly was becoming concerned. It was unlike Michael and Nana to be out so late, especially when visiting a friend during the winter season where storms were frequent.

The meal Michael brought home for her, along with the items of her errands, sat half eaten at the kitchen table. The concern and the knowledge that she could be losing her son from her own belligerent means had taken away her appetite.

When did her son grow so distant from her? She didn't know, but it scared her. Their brief conversation earlier today was like a slap to the face. He was defensive, almost weary and suspicious of her. He kept looking over his shoulder, almost as if he was expecting Mariasha to appear and throw herself at him.

And the way he said Mariasha's name; it was so bitter and full of resentment. Hatred didn't seem to be a strong enough word.

The sound of a car pulling up out the front caused Marly to practically leap up from her seat and race over to the door, relieved that she won't have to sit in an empty and quiet house by herself a moment longer.

As she greeted her two family members, Marly was struck with a feeling of self distress as she watched Michael get out of the car and help Nana inside, barely acknowledging her presence as the two laughed about something, Michael appearing happier than she had seen him in a long time. He almost had this glow about him, as if he was content with life at the moment.

In Nana's hands, she noticed that she was carrying a couple of food containers, no doubt leftovers from the meal they had at Michael's friend's place.

"I'm going to have a shower and then probably go to bed," Michael announced as he took the leftovers from Nana's hands and placed them in the fridge. "I'm getting up early again tomorrow."

"You do that, dear," Nana said as she paddled her way over to her seat in front of the fire, settling herself down with a surprisingly look of contentment herself. "I've had a big day; I may have to go to bed soon myself."

"Kay," Michael said as he placed a quick kiss to her cheek. "Night Nana, night Ma."

"Ah, goodnight Michael," Marly said as Michael moved passed her and she watched as he ascended the stairs two steps at a time before disappearing from her sight completely.

Slowly, she turned toward Nana and approached the elderly woman cautiously, almost hesitantly. She perched herself on the edge of the coach, closest to Nana and folded her arms around herself, appearing deeply troubled by what's going on around her.

"Michael told me that you were visiting one of his friends," she said as she tried her best to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

"That's right," Nana confirmed as she nodded her head.

"But you've never visited one of his friends before," Marly stated as she chewed on her bottom lip. "You've never been over to Mariasha's place."

"This one is special," Nana said with a sense of defiance, her nose wrinkling at the mention of Mariasha's name. "They are very close, the two of them. Mariasha doesn't stand a chance."

Marly's eyebrows shot toward her hairline. "Michael's friend is a girl?"

"That's right," Nana confirmed again before giving her a mildlt sympathetic, yet understanding look. "I'm not surprised he hasn't told you, though."

"But I thought he and Mariasha-?" Marly stuttered.

"Dear, he can't stand Mariasha," Nana said firmly as she raised a hand to silence her, a frown marring her features. "Are you blind to see that he did everything in his power to avoid her?"

Marly found herself swallowing thickly. "But she's such a nice girl..." she trailed off.

Nana immediately gave her a disapproving look, her scowl deepening. "Keep telling yourself that, dear," she said. "Mariasha isn't the sweet little country bumpkin she plays herself to be. Next time she comes over, sit down and really pay attention to your son's body language and listen to Mariasha's words. Poor Michael feels trapped by everyone else's expectations. Thank goodness for that Kai girl friend of his, at least she's on his side."

A flicker of confusion appeared on Marly's expression. "Who's Kai?"

"A good friend of Michael's," Nana explained as she raised a questioning eyebrow at her, seemingly surprised that she had no idea who Kai was. Everyone in town knew who Kai was, especially now after her confrontation with Mariasha in the middle of the street.

"She's living by herself, fixing up that abandoned ranch and Michael is helping her," she continued, her frown not shifting at all. "For heaven's sake, he's been over at her place all the time. He constantly speaks about her. Hasn't he mentioned her to you at all?"

Marly felt her heart sink into her stomach at the realization that she really is losing her son. "No, he hasn't," she replied sombrely.

Nana shook her head sadly before appearing deep in thought. "Hmm, come to think of it, Kai never mentioned you either when I saw teaching her how to make those delicious muffins."

"You taught Kai how to make creamy chocolate chip muffins?" Marly questioned, all but spluttering in shock and disbelief. Nana's muffins were famous, everyone asked for her to teach them, but she turned every single one of them down!

"That's right," Nana confirmed yet again before a look of warmth appeared on her face. "Amazing young woman, she got it right on the first go."

"But you've never even told anyone the recipe!" Marly said loudly with a sense of indignantly. "You never offered to teach Mariasha."

"Have you forgotten?" Nana unintentionally snapped at her, sick and tired of hearing about Mariasha. Surely, it was possible to have a conversation that didn't involve the obnoxious young woman?

"I can't stand Mariasha, why would I teach her a family recipe?"

"But you don't know Kai," Marly said softly, quickly realizing that she was angering the elderly woman.

"I know her enough to see that she genuinely cares for Michael," Nana replied with a huff. "Not like Mariasha."

Marly found herself unable to defend Mariasha like she would normally do. Instead, she found herself flopping backwards into her seat, a blank expression on her face. Her thoughts quickly turn to Michael and how distant and detached he has become. He would only engage in minor conversations with her now and would immediately terminate the discussion as soon as Mariasha's name was mentioned, claiming that he had something important he needed to do.

Was Michael, her son, beginning to...hate her?

"I'm a terrible mother aren't I?" she whispered as tears threaten to fill her eyes.

"You've just lost you way a little, dear, nothing more," Nana replied in a soft, reassuring tone. "Just pay more attention to Michael in the future; you might even hear him speak about Kai. He does so ever so fondly. I think there might be something between them."

Marly sat a little straighter in her seat. "Really?"

"Call it a hunch," Nana said with a wink. "But I've never seen Michael so happy."

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A full week has passed since her conversation with Nana about Michael and Mariasha, and Marly has found herself watching Michael carefully from afar. She was mildly surprised for someone who wasn't one for getting up early in the morning; Michael has taken up a habit of getting up at the unusual time of 7am in the morning and leaving the house a little before 7.30am.

She knew where he was heading, he was heading to Kai's place where he would literally spend the entire day there and when he came home at night, an hour or so after sunset, he was always in a very good mood. Sometimes, even Nana would go with him which would make him appear even happier.

Nana appeared somewhat more content with life as well after paying a visit to Kai's estate. She would return home with Michael with a knowing glint in her eyes, smiling softly and sharing inside jokes with him.

He was never, ever like that in Mariasha's presence.

In fact, that good mood would immediately plummet, turning him into an annoyed and broody teenager with a chip on his shoulder as soon as Mariasha would make her presence known.

Marly has heard all about Mariasha's confrontation with Kai in the street and about Michael's own argument with Noreen the very same day; the women in town are all abuzz about it. To make matters even more intriguing, when some of her friends told their husbands about what happened, the males all backed Michael and Kai!

She had no idea that Mariasha was so detested in town. She always thought that everyone loved her for her sass and wit, but over the last week, even Marly herself was beginning to doubt Mariasha's integrity.

It was the little things about the young woman that was beginning to annoy her. For starters, the way Mariasha would walk into unannounced and demand to know where Michael was as he's been a jerk for ignoring her. She would then state how she put up with so much from him and how she could do better, how she deserved better and how much she hated the way Michael would make her wait.

Having a conversation with the young woman was near impossible unless it involved speaking about Michael in a very unflattering light or about her in a much higher regard.

Marly has even taken up the habit of pretending to be very busy so she wouldn't have to spend the entire day with Mariasha as her only company. She was truly beginning to understand the entrapment her son felt whenever she or any of her fellow mothers made the two of them spend time together.

And over the past week, Marly had noticed that whenever she overheard Michael share a conversation with Nana, this Kai woman seemed to be the main topic, seemingly unintentionally. He would talk about her without meaning too, simply saying something along the lines of; Kai said this or Kai did something like that once.

It wasn't like Kai was the only thing he talked about, her name just happened to come up in conversation quite a bit.

By Friday night, Marly decided that she needed to get involved with her son's life again, but this time do it in such a way that is unbiased to who or what he talked about. If he wanted to rant and rave about Mariasha, then she would let him without jumping in and interrupting him like she normally would.

It was time for her to meet this new woman in Michael's life.

"Ah, Michael?" Marly said as she found her son rifling through the fridge, looking for a late night snack.

Michael popped his head out of the fridge and popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth. "Yeah?"

Marly had never felt so nervous in such a long time and she felt unsure of where to start or what to say. "Well, I've been hearing much about that new friend of yours-"

"She's not a new friend, Ma," Michael said as he immediately fell defensive, something he always did when he feared that someone was going to say something bad about Kai. "I've known her for years."

"Ah, yes of course," Marly said, stuttering lightly. "I was...I would like to meet her."

That defensiveness quickly turned into suspicion and Michael narrowed his eyes slightly. "...Why?" he asked wearily.

"She sounds like a nice girl," Marly explained as she tried to stop herself from wincing at the blatant suspicion in Michael's tone and posture. "We should invite her over for dinner one night."

Michael took a moment to let those words sink in, still ungodly dubious of the suggestion but soon realized that if he wanted his mother to finally realize that he did not like Mariasha, then her meeting with Kai had to happen sooner or later.

Hopefully, with Nana here as well, nothing overly dramatic will happen.

"I guess that couldn't hurt," he said finally, feeling a sense of satisfaction that his mother might be regaining some of her senses again. "I'll ask Kai to drop by tomorrow, ok?"

"Sure," Marly nodded with a smile. "Be sure to tell her not to bring anything."

"I will."