When the sun rose, Takao groaned slightly at the light hitting against his face and scrunched slightly. He couldn't stand the shine, and covered his face with the blanket. Even going way back to his childhood, the bluenette was always the heavy sleeper, and so was Hitoshi. Both of the Kinomiya brothers always slept in and tried to find an excuse to skip out on kendo practice. He started to stir slightly, seeing himself at a younger age, but having to be ten years old in the dream…

Takao slowly woke up, getting out of his bed to get a glass of water. He yawned, not getting any sleep and he was thirsty like hell. He went to the bathroom, going to the sink and took a plastic cup. Before he turned the knob, he heard a noise and he jumped. This caused the somewhat startled pre-teen to find out what it was. As he tip-toed, he heard the noise continue to grow loud and heard a crash from Hitoshi's room.

He ran to the room, poking his head in and saw six figures. His grandpa lying on the ground and he struggled to get up. "Grandpa!" He exclaimed.

A mysterious man with cyber armor, red shirt with long sleeves, black leather pants, and stood very tall like, had blue hair, and eyes like Hitoshi disappeared. He reappeared in front of Takao like a ninja, his cold and piercing red eyes gazed into the big chocolate ones. He took off his mask, revealing Hitoshi's face. "There will come a day, when I will destroy everything of the past," he assured.

Shooting his body up, he yelled and clutched his chest. Takao panted heavily, wondering if the nightmare was fake. It felt like a repressed memory, but of what exactly? He figured he should ask Grandpa because no matter how kooky the old man was, he was a good listener and gave out advice in his weird hip-hop language.

"I see you're awake," Rei said, who was already up but with a stoic face plastered on him. His golden eyes were on his lover, still remembering their last conversation from the night before. It still gnawed at his mind, wondering if the world champion would leave him for beyblading. Here the bluenette was supposed to be Kouji's father, and all he could bring up was the future.

Takao rubbed his eyes, smiling when he saw Rei. If there was one other person that helped him in the past, it was his lover. "Morning Rei, I take it you slept well?" He asked, his hand reaching out to touch the neko-jin's soft cheek. He watched his lover slap that hand away, making the bluenette confused and worried. "Rei, what's wrong? Did I snore too loud? Was Kouji trouble?" He asked.

Rei rolled his eyes, letting out an irritated sigh and his eyes on Takao. "No, but the way you screamed could've woken our son up," he said, trying to keep his temper in check. He could not understand why Takao couldn't own up to the responsibility. The neko-jin needed someone who would be ready to take on the world as an adult, and the only thing his blue haired lover owned up to was his beyblading skills. "Anyway, breakfast is almost ready," he informed Takao.

Takao nodded, going to change his clothes and went to the bathroom. He got out of his night clothes, took a quick shower, and came out all nice and clean. "Alright, let's eat some breakfast," he chuckled, taking Rei's hand.

&&&

Grandpa was making some scrambled eggs and pancakes, turning his glance to his great grandson. He couldn't help but grin at the little raven haired infant, being playful with him as he made a silly face. It reminded him of when Hitoshi and Takao were Kouji's age, when they looked so cute and adorable. Now both of them were growing up so fast, that Grandpa missed the good old days. However, there were new ones to make and he'd spend as many years as he could with Kouji around.

Takao turned his glance, laughing quietly at how Grandpa was making Kouji laugh. "Grandpa, I think you should pay more attention to the food you're cooking, and less on Kouji," he said.

Grandpa turned his glance, hands on both sides of his head and yelled in a comical way. He quickly went back to the cooking, but noticed Rei was helping him. "Thanks Rei my man, glad to have some extra hands around the dojo," he smiled.

"It's no big deal," Rei shrugged, his eyes glancing over to Takao and glared at him slightly. "However, it wouldn't hurt for some people to take responsibility once in awhile," he added, his words aimed for his lover. He was still mad about last night, about Takao not answering his question. Just a simple question.

Grandpa was confused, never seeing Rei like this before. Sure, he'd seen Takao and Rei have a few lovers' quarrels in comical fits. However, Rei taking a pot shot at his grandson was unlike him. It was best to let Rei cool down a bit, and not get dragged into the conflict.

A motorcycle rode up in front of the curb of the dojo, Adam putting the brakes on and took out the key. He hopped off, taking off his helmet and walked to the dojo. Once he was in, he could smell the fresh eggs being baked, and remembered how the elderly Kinomiya always made breakfast for him and Hitoshi whenever they were up for practice or going to school. The raven haired teen took off his sneakers and left them to the side where Takao's shoes were. He walked straight into the kitchen, seeing little Kouji awake and smiled. "Morning Grandpa," he said.

Grandpa turned his gaze to Adam and grinned. He was glad to see the young man stop by, and had an extra plate out in case Max, Jonouchi, Kai, or Daichi stopped by for breakfast. "Yo, Adam Banks, my home dog! Pull up a seat and chow down," he said with enthusiasm.

Takao smiled slightly; at least Grandpa's friendly personality would brighten the day. After all, he was friendly to mostly anyone who gave him a chance. Now if only Grandpa would hold off on the kendo lessons. "So Adam, what brings you here for breakfast?" he asked.

Adam pulled up a seat, sitting next to Grandpa and took a bite of his food. "Well, I was going to see if Hitoshi wanted to join me for breakfast, see if I can try to find out what was wrong with him. I couldn't find him anywhere," he explained.

Takao wasn't surprised; he knew his brother was on and off on his travels and could care less. However, he was still family and it concerned him that something was up. Although it was debatable because his older brother treated him like dirt. 'That's funny; Hitoshi wouldn't leave without saying goodbye… Would he?' he wondered. "I'm sure he'll turn up. Anyway, what really brought you over? I know it wasn't Grandpa's eggs that attracted you here," he teased.

Adam let a grin crack at Takao's words, but regained his composure. He was staying at Mr. Daitenji's place when he had informed the chairman about becoming a permanent resident in Japan again. He wanted to find a place he could call home, and the dojo he and his mother lived in seven years ago was the first thought that came to his mind. "Well, I wanted to ask Grandpa if I could move in and I'll pay the rent if there is anything I can contribute to."

Grandpa chuckled and patted the raven haired teen's shoulder, taking a sip of his tea quickly. "Adam, there's no need to go through all the trouble. You can stay here as long as you like, and if you want to move in I'm down with that. Takao's friends are always sleeping over on some occasions. Plus Rei and Kouji are a blast to have around," he assured, and pointed out the positives about living in the dojo.

"Where are you currently staying?" Rei asked, remembering when he left China he had stayed under Mr. Daitenji's roof after settling into Japan when he was only eleven years old.

"I'm currently living with Mr. Daitenji. Before I moved back here, I gave him a call and told him I was coming back, and he offered me a place to stay," Adam answered, his midnight blue eyes on Kouji.

Kouji didn't know who the stranger was his memory a little fuzzy and remembered all he was thinking about was sucking Draciel in his mouth. When he saw Adam make a goofy face, he squealed with delight.

Rei smiled a little bit, but noticed Takao had finished his breakfast, going to the sink and went to wash his plate. "Takao, if you get the chance, can you wash our plates and take care of Kouji?" he asked, figuring it'd be a way to get back at his lover, and toughen him up a bit. After all, he was still in a snippy mood with him.

Takao blinked, knowing he'd be happy to take care of Kouji but they needed to practice for the big tournament. Why was Rei acting so out of character? He wasn't pregnant again, was he? He knew Kouji was enough, but having anymore babies would be a lot of weight to carry around. He noticed everyone was done with the food, his eyes moving towards Grandpa. "Grandpa, can you take Kouji out for a stroll? I'll handle the dishes… And Rei and I need to have a talk," he said and his chocolate eyes landed on Rei, his last sentence in a low voice for Rei's ears to pick up.

Grandpa could see the tension between the two, thinking it was best for them to settle this their way. He lifted Kouji up from his booster seat and left the kitchen. Letting a sigh escape his lips, he had a feeling Rei was holding something against his grandson, and he didn't want the 'mother' of his great grandchild to do something he was going to regret.

&&&

A very tall man was moved with grace, his long silver hair flowed with him, and the long bangs that split from his face revealed cold sea green, with cat-like pupils. His physique was very elegant and slender, but had a perfect muscle tone and was very tall. He wore black clothing, matching his long flowing leather trench coat, forearm gloves, jeans with metal straps, and boots. He also wore a white t-shirt that clung tightly to his upper body.

Another man countered this mysterious man's long katana blade with a large weapon called a Buster Sword. He was in his early twenties, with spiky blonde hair, and shining blue eyes. He was at least 5'7" and his body was as toned as the other's. He wore a dark blue sleeveless turtle neck shirt, brown fingerless gloves and boots that matched, and baggy midnight blue trousers. "Ultima, counter!" He yelled, his navy blue blade counting a black and silver blade.

Both men were not only strong sword wielders, but experienced bladers as well. They countered to clashes with each other, their spinning tops mimicking their movements. They continued to trade blows with their fighting styles that were honed with years of practice. The spiky blonde man yelled, bouncing off the wall and his long blade glowed. "Shining Shooter!" He called out and a huge armored warrior with curved blades in different sections that carried a jagged sword was summoned from its master's bitchip.

The silver haired man closed his eyes, one black wing appearing behind his right shoulder blade, and expanded. He reopened his eyes, revealing them to be gold and cat-like. "Jenova," he whispered, summoning a large fallen angel-like bitbeast taking the form of its master. She was one with the man that summoned her, and countered the large dragon.

There was a flash of light, as both bitbeasts clashed with each other; the beyblades stopped spinning and landed next to their masters' feet. The tall silver haired man picked up his beyblade, walking over to the other. Just when he thought he was about to end the young man's life, he knelt down and extended his long arm out. "Let's make our next practice last longer Cloud," he said.

Cloud smirked briefly, taking his partner's hand and was hoisted up onto his feet. He dusted himself off, glancing into the silver haired beauty's eyes. "If that's what you wish Sephiroth, I accept the challenge," he assured, rubbing his gloved hands to get the dust off.

The waves of the ocean clashed violently against the rocks, causing the two swordsmen to glance towards what was causing it. They heard from their friend and teammate Tifa Lockhart that the weather was supposed to be bright and calm. Sephiroth knew that someone was watching them, his enhanced abilities making everything around him sensitive. He turned his glance, seeing a tall man moving his arms. He had messy and spiky brown hair, red eyes; gray skin, blue lips that were metal and blue wires that attached to both ends of the lips then stopped to both sides of his earlobes, and stood about 6'0". He wore a leather olive green trench coat with yellow straps that were kept in place and stopped midway to form a V-like view, showing his black undershirt with long sleeves, baggy tan cargo pants, and black boots with red leather straps.

Cloud placed an arm in front of Sephiroth, not wanting his captain to waste his energy on such an opponent. However, the blond man walked over to the mysterious stranger, and stopped in motion.

A giant Great White Shark popped up, with crimson eyes and blue and white skin tone, silver and jungle green spikes and markings, and a vicious set of sharp teeth. The mysterious man grabbed a huge chunk of meat, throwing it at the mutant shark and feed it to him. "Good boy, Sharkborg," he said, his accent being British. He saw the mutant shark move his way and patted its nose. He took out a turquoise beyblade with red markings, with the bitbeast called Sharkborg glowing and it jumped into the bit.

"Hey you," Cloud spoke, but saw the mysterious man lose his balance, and fall into the ocean with a splash. The spiky blond raised an eyebrow, seeing the weird British man climb back up onto the rock he was standing on. "You do realize you're trespassing on private property."

The man that appeared to look like a 20 year old turned his gaze to Cloud and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry mate, but give me a warning when you're going to startle a bloke like me, would you?" He said, rubbing the back of his head.

Sephiroth's eyes were on the man, and instantly recognized the man. He walked to Cloud's side, still keeping his eyes on the other stranger. "Alistair Lonestar, I didn't expect you to be here of all places," he said, using a calm tone in his voice. He felt this man was trouble, having a shady background in the past and knew him from seven years ago in a beyblade tournament in Russia. "What are you doing here anyway?" He asked, being straight forward and to the point.

Alistair blinked, a finger scratching the side of his head. Then it clicked to him and put a hand in his side pocket. He made a face, seeing the envelope was all wet now. "Here, your lover should take it."

Cloud narrowed his eyes, walking over and swiped the once clean envelope from the British man. He slowly opened it up carefully, reading over the details and glanced to Sephiroth. "We're invited to a Beyblade Tournament by someone named Jin," he informed the silver haired man.

Sephiroth took the soggy paper, looking over the details and glanced up at Alistair with piercing eyes. He knew there had to be a reason for this, and he would get that answer one way or another. "Give me one good reason why my team should enter this tournament?" He asked.

Alistair folded his arms around the back of his head, smirking slightly and dropping his goofy façade. Sure, he was a goofball in real life and was slow, but he knew how to work around his enemies on and off the arena. "Because if you don't… Let's just say I could inform a certain someone of your whereabouts and expose them," he answered with no hint of sarcasm or quips in his voice. His words were the truth, and they stung like hell.

"Tell this Jin we accept," Sephiroth said, not wanting any causality in the process. The silver haired swordsman had a lot of blood on his hands, and he didn't want to become a monster again under the company he was once used by under their influence. It was only thanks to Cloud and his friend Zack Fair that he had escaped, but in the end Zack sacrificed himself. Plus it took him every day to fight the voices inside his head, and control his impulses.

Alistair smirked, knowing he had his answer. He took out his iPod, putting on his headphones and was in the mood to listen to some rock music. He also pressed a red button on his advanced iPod, and a portal appeared behind him. As the British man walked backwards, he tripped on a rock and yelped as he comically fell into the vortex and faded.

A young silver haired boy, with lighter green-bluish eyes ran to Sephiroth. He wore a white sleeveless vest with yellow trimming and straps, a black t-shirt, baggy blue pants, and white sneakers with yellow and blue markings on them. "Hey Sephiroth, Tifa is making some lunch… What's that in your hand?" The sixteen year old boy asked.

Sephiroth glanced at his little brother Riku, knowing that he and his teammates were going to have to come out of hiding. It was time that he faced the company Cloud and he had once worked for once and for all, but he needed to participate in this Jin character's tournament first.

He and Cloud had been practicing religiously, and during one of those five years, they had saved a boy named Riku claiming to be Sephiroth's little brother. Since then, the older man had been raising and supporting his brother to make sure the company never found out about him. He didn't want another innocent life lost and used like a weapon. "It's an invitation to a beyblade tournament by Jin… And tell the others were practicing tomorrow."

&&&

Takao had his glance on Rei, wanting to know what was up with his lover. Something was eating up at him, and he needed to know what. He didn't want their bond to be tainted over something so minor. Choosing his words carefully, he was going to talk but Rei spoke up immediately.

"Takao, why won't you marry me?" Rei asked, his gold eyes locking onto the other's chocolate brown eyes. He was in no mood for game, and he wanted an answer here and now.

Takao's face was shocked, his mind running through the thoughts. Is this what Rei was thinking? Sure, he knew being a father was a committing task and responsibility, but he was only fifteen years old. Many years ago, his mother passed away and the only real adult to nurture and support him was his grandfather. His own father would stop by every once in awhile to see him, but it was hard being an archeologist. The bluenette made a vow to be a devoted father figure to Kouji when the infant was born, and would always be there for him. "Rei, I do want to marry you, but…" His voice trailed off.

Rei snorted, thinking the other was going to make up an excuse. "You know what Takao Kinomiya; all you care about is beyblading! This is the real world, and we both have a child! You either decide to stay as a happy-go-lucky jerk that only cares about himself and his toys, or you man up, taking some initiative to being a father to Kouji!" He snapped.

Adam was going to speak up and defend Takao, but Rei narrowed his eyes at the government agent and stalked past him. The raven haired teen was shocked, never having seen that look in Rei's eyes. He took the Chinese boy to be calm and collected, but polite and caring towards his loved ones. His midnight blue eyes turned to see the hurt inside Takao, knowing the younger boy was already having enough problems to deal with. "Takao… Don't worry about it. Rei needs to blow off some steam."

Those chocolate brown eyes glanced up, looking up at his big brother's former rival with sadness. Rei had really hit him hard, and he wasn't used to Rei being this harsh. "The only time Rei was like this was a year ago… In the last tournament, Kai and Max got to face me at my fullest, but not Rei. It was when Borcloff turned the BBA into BEGA. Rei told me that it wasn't about me, and that Hitoshi and Kai viewed me as their strongest rival… I took it the wrong way, and it took me this long to figure it out…" His voice stopped, feeling his eyes tear up and felt himself about to crack. "Adam… Do you think I'm slow and dumb?"

Adam was taken aback by Takao's words. Sure, Hitoshi was a little slow, but he was fast to pick up on things, and always found ways to release things in a positive light. It was the negatives he would not accept, and always found a solution to overcome it. "You're not stupid Takao. I see you as a smart, bright, and sincere young man in his own way. I think you care about making friends and bonds that last a lifetime. And you would never hurt those you love," he reassured, pulling Takao into a tight hug and wiped away his tears. "I see the way you and Rei are with one another, and I can tell you really are a perfect match. I think being a teenage mother is tough on Rei, and right now he needs to find a way to balance out his life."

Takao was surprised that the older boy hugged him, and he felt content in his arms. It wasn't one out of love, but more familiar like how he hugged Hitoshi. "Whoa, I really forgot about that… Rei's always has been the second most mature one of the team, and he's always put himself second… You're really wise Adam," he said, moving at arm's length and wiped away his remaining tears.

Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I can't take all the credit… My own grandfather back in America gave me good advice over the years, and it's come in handy. Anyway, do you have Jonouchi's cell phone number?" He asked.

Takao blinked, but shrugged anyway. He told the other boy his friend's phone number, dialing it into his cell phone. Watching him walk outside of the dojo, he started thinking that maybe he should tell Rei or Grandpa about his nightmare. 'That nightmare… There's something about it that makes me think I know something, but what?' He wondered, and groaned.

&&&

Once Adam was outside, he started dialing the inu-jin's number and brought the cell to his ear. He waited for the dials to come through and heard the phone being picked up. "Hey Jonouchi, its Adam calling and I wanted to ask you a favor," he started to explain, about to get into details.

Jonouchi and Kai were walking side by side, stopping in front of the dojo. The blond inu-jin grinned, having a perfect trick in mind. "Okay, explain to me the juicy details… But beware the hand that's going to attack you," he said and snuck up behind Adam and his hand reached to tickle his neck.

This caused the older boy to yelp, turning around, surprised to see it was Jonouchi. He clutched his chest, panting heavily. As the midnight blue eyes were on him, he couldn't help but let out a laugh. After all his years of training as a government agent, the other blader found a way to outwit him. "Oh man, I can't believe you did a 'sneak attack' on me," he managed to say.

"Well Adam, watching all of those fancy spy movies won't help you," Jonouchi snickered, leaning against the wall and regained himself.

Kai raised an eyebrow, wondering what made Jonouchi make that reference and shook his head. His lover had an odd sense of humor like Takao, but he embraced the other's easy going nature. Although he wondered how Adam had called his lover's cell phone and what this 'favor' was. A part of Slade's words started to be brought up again, making the stoic Russian debate whether he was right or not. "Anyway, what was it that you need help with?" He asked, his crimson depths glancing at his teacher.

"Oh right… Rei wants Takao to marry him and Takao probably brought up some stuff that made sense, and to make a long story short: Rei is in a pissy mood," Adam explained, thinking that Jonouchi and Kai got the idea.

Jonouchi sighed, shaking his head and knew what Rei was like when he was moody. It was a nightmare, and it was the second scariest thing ever besides the female beybladers with explosive tempers. Hell, he knew if you got on Rumiko's bad side you'd better be prepared. His brown eyes glanced at Adam, and he knew what to say to Rei. "I've got a plan Adam. Although I'm going to need your height for this, and where is our beloved kitty right now?" He asked.

Adam figured Rei was still around the dojo, so he probably thought the neko-jin used the back. "I think he's in the back," he answered, motioning for Jonouchi to follow him.

Kai watched the two walk away, his eyes narrowing as he glared at his former teacher. He took out his launcher and Dranzer, walking into the entrance of the dojo as he loaded up his blue beyblade. He would practice to get the frustration out, and he knew his own bitbeast would help him through.

"What's the matter Kai, aren't you curious to see where your lover is going?" A familiar voice asked; a tall blond figure sitting on top of the entrance. "After all, your teacher seems to be connecting well with your love," He added, smirking slightly. Adam only uses people for his own benefits, just like he used me,' he thought bitterly, but he wouldn't show it on the outside.

Kai heard that voice, causing him to glance up and his crimson eyes met with those cold silver eyes that taunted him. "I have faith in Jonouchi. He's always been there for me, no matter how rough it was," he said. His voice filled with a serious tone.

"Says the boy who manipulated him to join Neo Borg three years ago," Slade countered, smirking down at the stoic Russian, and his eyes became serious now. "He may have had three best friends on the Silver Wolves, but he also had a little sister. Imagine how she felt when her own brother tricked and betrayed her. Not only did you take the bitbeast she formed a bond with, but also her own brother. Her own flesh and blood. You say you beyblade with honor and dignity, but all I see is a coward who's too afraid to get close to others besides your lover and bitbeast."

Kai glanced away at that, remembering that Jonouchi had abandoned the others and joined Neo Borg on his own free will to join him. As a sign of loyalty, he sacrificed his Kuroiryu to Black Dranzer to increase her power. Also, the former captain of the Silver Wolves lead his teammates into a trap and the dark phoenix took their bitbeasts. It made him feel guilty and admitted to himself that what he did was wrong. He turned his head back up, seeing that Slade was gone again and clenched his fists.

&&&

Rei was in the backyard, his eyes closed as he sat on the ground. He would practice his beyblading skills, but he wanted to keep his anger in check. However, his mind was still on Takao. The bluenette was sometimes impossible to predict on what he was thinking. If Kouji was going to have a father, he was going to have to model Takao properly and not let his lover slack off.

Jonouchi and Adam arrived in the backyard, both boys tensing when they sensed the aura that Rei was emitting around him. The blond glanced at Rei hard, walking over and motioned the older boy to follow him. "Hey Kon, what's up?" He asked. "You wanna talk about something?"

Rei opened one eye, seeing Jonouchi being the one to ask. He wondered why Adam was tagging along, but his focus was more on the taller inu-jin. It was obvious that he was annoyed, and felt his meditation go down the drain. "Nothing until you interrupted my meditation," he snapped at the other.

Jonouchi ditched the casual and laid-back persona, his features on his face becoming serious. He knew something was eating at Rei. The two may have been rivals, but the blond did not want anything bad happening to Rei. Takao would be hurt and devastated if the neko-jin continued down this path. "Alright, I tried being the nice guy, but I guess I'll come out and say it. You being moody with Takao ain't a picnic for him and I don't like how my best friend is being treated," he said bluntly.

Adam was surprised how Jonouchi could be so serious. There were times when his inu-jin teammate was serious, but Jonouchi had brains underneath that energetic and upbeat personality. He smiled slightly, thinking the inu-jin had an attractive personality. However, he knew Rei would be pissed like hell and he saw how snappy the raven haired boy was if provoked.

Rei wondered how Jonouchi knew about this, and wondered why Takao hadn't come to talk to him about his behavior. Then it hit him, and his gold eyes landed on Adam. He hadn't forgotten the government agent had been in the kitchen with him and his lover. Adam must've told on him to Jonouchi and the taller boy would lecture him. "You have some nerve getting in other people's business," he said, keeping his temper in check.

Adam mentally winced when Rei's words were aimed at him, but he became serious as well. He wasn't going to let Rei take his frustration out on Takao. He didn't want the neko-jin to be like Hitoshi, and saw so much promise in Rei. "Rei, Takao may not be my brother, but he's like a second family to me and Jonouchi. You and he are still teenagers, so it'll be awhile before you two get married," he explained calmly.

That was the final straw, as Rei lunged at Adam. He would not be lectured by this newcomer and washed-up has been. "My relationship to Takao is none of your concern!" He yelled, feeling that in his mind Adam strung a personal cord. He clenched his hand into a fist, about to aim it at the raven haired teen. However, a hand not belonging to Adam's caught his fist and his gold eyes landed on brown depths.

"Now Kon, you do realize violence isn't your thing, right?" Jonouchi said, smiling slightly at Rei, but using a serious tone.

His attention was not focused on Jonouchi, pushing him back. This deep anger inside Rei for his old rival had been repressed for too long. He used a series of kicks and punches, trying to land a hit on Jonouchi. The Chinese boy was blinded by his own anger, only focusing on those who were putting their noses in his and Takao's relationship. He would not let anyone take him away, tell him how to live his life, and certainly not take away Kouji from him.

After what seemed like thirty minutes, Rei was starting to tire out and pant heavily. "Adam, now!" Jonouchi exclaimed, making Rei blink and felt a pair of arms hold him down.

Adam put his arms underneath Rei's arm pits, and hooked onto them tightly. To think he wouldn't have to use any of his training on a fellow civilian or blader. Although this was Jonouchi's plan and he wasn't going to let Rei snap at Takao. He felt the other wiggle from his grip, glancing up at Jonouchi. "Jou, whatever your plan is now would be a good time," he said, hinting that Rei was getting out of his hold.

Jonouchi nodded, walking over to Rei and saw him stare eye to eye with him. "Kon, calm down and listen to him," he said firmly, but his words were sincere.

Rei reluctantly took a deep breath and felt Adam loosen his grip. Whatever the inu-jin had to say, he was willing to listen and he felt is anger boil down. "Speak Jonouchi."

"Thank you, Rei…" Jonouchi said softly, using Rei's first name and placed a hand on the other's shoulder. "Anyway, Adam told me that you and Takao were talking something about marriage. I'm all for it with me and Kai someday, but you're still young. So you being angry about not getting a simple yes or no answer isn't something that'd get you upset so easily. So Takao has a different way of looking at it, but you should know he's a great father and always committed."

Rei bowed his head down, his gold eyes on the ground and frowned. He hadn't realized that his snapping at Takao only made things worse. Out of all the times, Takao has always been there for him since the very beginning and they always had each other's backs. As much as Takao loved beyblading, he wanted to put his relationship with himself and his lover first. "Takao's always been there for me," He whispered softly.

"And he always will be. You know you mean the world to him, including us. That behavior of yours' is gonna put the team off balance. Whatever you feel, we all feel your pain and suffering. We're a family and we'll help you with your problem," Jonouchi assured.

"Rei!" Takao cried out, catching Adam and Jonouchi's attention. The bluenette noticed Adam let go, and the moment he did Takao instantly hugged Rei tightly. All he wanted to do was comfort and reassure his lover that he'd always be there. "Rei, I'm sorry I didn't answer your question. I'll marry you and promise to own up to the responsibility of being with Kouji. I don't want us to be apart and live our lives in anger," he rambled on, wanting to cry on Rei's shoulder.

He felt his gold eyes tear up, looking up at Takao and managed to smile for a bit. When Takao told him those words, he started to feel sorry for what he did the other night and hugged his lover as tightly as possible, holding him lovingly. "Don't you dare apologize… I should be the one who's sorry. You're right, a lot could happen in many years, but I do know our relationship will last a lifetime and you'll make a great father for Kouji," he said with sincerity, kissing Takao on the lips.

Adam smiled, seeing the two holding each other and he witnessed the strong bond between those two young lovers. Takao and Rei were meant for each other, and their personalities were a good foil. He felt a hand on his shoulder, glancing at Jonouchi. "What's up?" He asked, feeling the other's grip was strong yet very gentle.

"Let's leave these two love birds alone," Jonouchi suggested with a grin.

Adam nodded in approval, walking along side the taller blonde and glanced up at him. "Hey, let's practice on our tag team style. I'm sure Kyouju would want to record the data for it and see where we can improve on."

Jonouchi chuckled, putting his arm around Adam's neck and grinned as he showed his canine fangs. "Adam my friend, you and I are on the same page."

Once the two were out of reach Takao pulled back from Rei's kiss. He looked into his golden eyes, feeling like he had fallen for the wonderful boy in front of him all over again. No one would rip them apart, not until the end of time itself could tear their hold. Suddenly, Takao remembered he wanted to tell Rei something. "Oh Rei, I have to tell you something… Something I need help with."

Rei's smile turned to concern, hearing the way Takao was describing how he needed help. He had always been there for him, and gave him his attention. "You can tell me anything love," he said softly, having a patient smile on his lips.

Takao smiled slightly, but that smile faded once he started to remember the nightmare of Hitoshi and those five unknown strangers in his room. "Remember when I yelled this morning?" He started explaining. "I'm starting to think that… I had a repressed memory of when I was ten years old, and Hitoshi was there but… as Shippu no Jin."