a longer one than normal, I know. written soon after coming from my version of march, so it might be odd. dunno. wrote it few days ago, and I don't do rereading despite what it said or commanded. if I did, there would be no updates, so better not press on the matter if you wanna read more. have a blast.

Chapter 5

Tala's friends still seemed to have something against Kai, even after being told how Kai had more or less rescued him from Brian. So, he had formed a plan to get them accept Kai. Meaning that when he next time run into Kai, he would ask him to meet his friends at a coffee shop. Luckily, he had met Kai rather quickly, and even though it was a brief meeting, he had got Kai agree on coming there on Sunday. He smiled at himself, recalling how Kai had reacted to the plea.

"You know, usually people introduce their parents, not their friends." the smirk had made his stomach go into a tight knot. His memorizing was interrupted

"Tal, are you there?" Ian was waving a hand in front of his face. They were in the middle of lecture, and he had no idea what it was about. He blinked few times

"Yeah, of course..." Ian rolled his eyes.

"If you don't focus, you will flunk the test" he grinned

"Okay mommy, I pay more attention now on" Ian swatted him on the arm and focused again on taking notes. He shook his head, sometimes Ian was a bit too serious about school.

He waited for the next break before telling his friends about weekend plans. Sure, in a way it probably had been wiser to make sure they had time, but in case he wouldn't have met Kai, it would have made Kai look bad when he wouldn't be coming...besides, what was done was done, too late to ponder it now.

"So, you guys have any plans for weekend?" the three looked each other and shrugged

"Guess not. I am meeting an old friend on Saturday. Why?" Spencer asked. He couldn't help but smile.

"Because then you have a chance to meet Kai. He is coming with me to the coffee shop and if you want to check him up, this is your chance". Ian looked dumbfound, Spencer frowned and Connor shrugged.

"Fine by me. I have nothing better to do, and I have to say I am curious to see what this 'superman' of your is really like." he smiled to Connor and nodded as a thank you. Good thing he had Connor, who wasn't so quick to judge and was usually the calmest of them, sometimes being a bit too quiet even. And once Connor had agreed to it, the others had no other chance but to say yes. He grinned and told his friends the time to come to the cafe. Of course, he had told Kai different time, because he wanted to be there with Kai a moment before the rest would come, just to brief Kai in about everything. That made him chuckle quietly, funny idea to tell Kai something he wouldn't know already. Even though it was a bit strange and freaky how Kai knew so much...he shook his head, he is not going to think something bad about Kai. When he looked back at his friends, he was receiving a very curious and slightly worried looks.

"What?" he demanded.

"It's just.." Spencer started, stopping for a moment to word it out "Are you feeling all right? Because first you laugh to yourself, then frown, and then shake your head. It looks a bit abnormal." he shrugged and smiled mischievously.

"I'm feeling great. And better now when you all are coming. See you tomorrow, I better go home right away and study a bit, so Ian won't have to worry about my grades and blame Kai for taking so much of my time"

"So he is the reason you are so distracted in lectures!" Ian gasped. He laughed

"I didn't say that, just that you can't blame Kai for it" with that, he waved his friends and left school.

The rest of the week seemed to go by so slowly, and he needed to reign himself so he wouldn't be talking about Kai all the time and make the others get fed up with him in advance. But Saturday was even worse, he had nothing better to do than homework and the just surf in the net and watch telly. At one point, he googled and tried his best to find any info of Kai in the net, but he didn't find anything he could be sure of, mostly because there was more than one Kai in the world, and he had no idea what was his Kai's last name.

Finally, it was Sunday. He woke up all excited, and ate breakfast, then had a nice hot shower. He felt good and relaxed once he emerged from the steaming bathroom. He whistled to himself while he get dressed. He was in no hurry, so he had more than enough time to make sure the clothes he had chosen were spotless, there were no holes and that they did look good on him. He was satisfied with what he saw. The snow white dress shirt made his hair stand out, but not too much, and since he held few of the highest buttons open, it looked casual but not sloppy, and the necklace he wore was a nice addition. It was a gift from his grandmother, it was a wooden image in a black leather string. He had no idea what it was supposed to be, but he thought it looked really nice and unique, thus being one of his favorite accessory. Then he put on basic jeans, but a tad tighter than the ones he usually wore, just so his best sides could be seen, but not so tight that it would be shameless. He took one last look from the mirror, checking that everything was really as h had planned, took his jacket from the hanger, grabbed Kai's cloves and turned the lights out, exiting the apartment.

He was first in the cafe, so he was able to pick whichever table he wanted to. He chose one in the corner, where would be more private and yet he could see to the door and out of the window. He waited five minutes. No sign of Kai. After eight and half minutes, he was starting to get nervous. Granted, it was still few minutes to the time he had told Kai to come, but he had taken Kai as someone who would always be early. He kept glancing his watch, knowing he was being an idiot, but having no way to stop himself. When it was three minutes past the dead line, he was officially worried. Had something happened to Kai? What if he had gotten robbed and was lying unconscious in some dark alley? Five minutes past the time, he was ready to leave and start looking for Kai, when there was the tingle of bells in the door and to his relieve, Kai walked in.

"Sorry I'm late" Kai breathed out. He looked at Kai with a frown. The other was out of breath, but somehow he didn't think it was because of being late.

"Is everything okay?" he tried to sound casual, but he was feeling oddly anxious, without knowing the reason why. Kai shrugged and waved the waiter to come.

"It is impossible for everything to be okay, but as far as I am concerned, things are as good as they could be in this situation" his frown deepened, and without meaning to, he crossed his hands to his chest.

"And what do you mean by that?" the waiter came to their table at the same moment as Kai looked him deep in the eyes. But like before, there wasn't the smirk. Kai was being dead serious.

"Let's just say there was a slight miscalculation on my part, but I don't think it's anything too serious" he was not pleased with the answer, and he knew Kai could see it, since the other just shook his head apologetically "I can't tell you anything more at this point even if I would want to, it would just cause more problems for me". He lifted an eyebrow

"I don't have any idea what you are talking about, you sound like a second class movie, but if we leave that at side, what I would really want to know is do you want to tell?" there was a long silence, and during it, Kai leaned back in his chair, looking him, but not really seeing him, more like being in inner battle. Then Kai's eyes focused at him, and the flaming red eyes narrowed.

"Not really. " he felt deeply hurt and he needed to bit his lip in order not to snap something rude. Kai saw this and shook his head, leaning back forward and reaching over the table wiping a strand of hair from his face and behind his ear. The touch was softer than he had thought Kai could do, and it made him look at Kai's eyes again. "It's just I don't enjoy talking about it, I'd rather have some fun on my free time you know, not having it shadowing everything". He could tell Kai was serious, and he felt a little cold. What was Kai really involved in? It sounded something really not nice, something be probably wouldn't even want to get involved, even if he would want to know about Kai. But if it was something bad, would he really want to be with Kai, spend time with him? The doubt and hesitation must have glowed through, because Kai sighed in defeat and pulled back, sitting straight in his chair.

"If you want me to leave, just say so. I won't hold it against you" for the first time, he thought he saw something about the inner Kai, the side that was always held hidden. He could sense the loneliness, and the effort Kai put out to stand alone and be strong. It made him smile softly and shook his head.

"I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I have yet to introduce you to my friends. You can't leave before that." he smiled at the guy, only to receive a stern gaze. "And to top it off, I still have your gloves." Kai lifted an eyebrow.

"You can give them back now you know" he shook his head.

"I can't. Forgot them home" Kai smirked and relaxed.

"Is that so? So the gloves I see on the table aren't mine, but yours?" he blushed. Crap. He had left the gloves there so he could give them back and not forgot them.

"Um, yeah, those are mine..." he mumbled. Kai chuckled and shook his head, amusement shining from the red eyes. Even through his blush, he couldn't not to smile back. He loved seeing Kai smirk like that, and the rather dark chuckle made his heart beat faster. There was no way he could leave Kai, he had already fallen head over heals for the guy. A cough brought them back to reality. They had completely forgot the waiter that had come to take their orders before their little talk. He felt really embarrassed after talking something so personal while having an audience, and partly having taken so much of the waiters time. Kai on the other hand was his usual self, not seeming to care, as confident as ever.

"Are you gentlemen ready to order, or should I come back later?" it looked like the waiter wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or amused.

"Sorry for the wait" he said and smiled apologetically. "I'll have a soda and..."

"Cafe Au latte" the waiter scribbled down their order, nodded

"I'll bring them right over" then the waiter hurried of. He sighed and run a hand through his hair

"That was a bit embarrassing..." Kai snorted.

"You think he had any idea what we were talking about?" he shrugged

"But still. He had to wait for so long, and he didn't seem too pleased."

"I think you have better things to worry about than pleasing a waiter." he cocked his head and looked at Kai puzzled

"How's that?". Kai jerked his head towards the door.

"Your friends arrived" he glanced at the door, and Kai was right per usual. Spencer, Ian and Connor really did walk in. he waved at them, and the trio started to walk towards them, whispering about something, and staring Kai. Before they reached the table, he asked

"How did you know it was them?" Kai smirked.

"The way they looked around, full of doubt and mistrust." he would have wanted to comment something, but the trio had reached them and took a seats around them. It was a round table, and since Kai had sat opposite of him, the others had no other chance but sit between them. The atmosphere tensed, but he giggled once Kai winked at him and leaned back in his chair, just like he would have control over the whole situation. That of course made at least Spencer become more alert and give Kai hard looks. Connor simply looked at Kai, making his own opinion about the fellow, but not letting it out yet. Ian on the other hand skipped Kai altogether.

"Hi Tal. Did you have good weekend?" Kai snorted at that, and once Ian glanced at him, Kai merely raised his left hand as a sloppy greeting. Ian frowned at that, but more because of confusion than annoyance or anger. "So, this is the Kai you have been talking about?" he felt his face heat up, and Kai's smirk reached a new level on amusement.

"Yeah. This is Kai. Kai, this is Spencer" he pointed said person, and for a moment, Kai and Spencer looked each others straight on, but then Kai broke it by lifting his eyebrow and shaking his head in amusement. "This is Ian" the two nodded each others politely, although Kai didn't bother to wipe all of his smirk away. "And this is Connor". And then there was something odd. This time it was Kai who frowned looking closely his ordinary looking and quiet friend. Connor on the other hand looked nonchalant, just popping his head as a greeting.

"Are you adopted?" Kai suddenly asked. The table fell silent. All eyes were on Kai, who was still inspecting Connor, who crossed his hands.

"Why do you care?" Kai shrugged.

"You just seem like the type" now Spencer got riled up.

"And that's a bit too personal thing to ask in the first meeting". Kai shook his head, but before he could say something, the waiter came to bring their order, and while at it, took the others orders.

"So, why are you curious about that?" Ian asked, struggling between curiosity and being offended. Kai closed his eyes briefly, as if collecting himself. But once he opened his eyes again, there was no sign of pain or distress.

"I was raised in orphanage myself, so I was just thinking is someone had better luck." Connor sighed, smiling sadly at Kai.

"I was in one too, but I was adopted when I was six, so I don't recall much of it". Kai rolled his eyes

"I don't need pity. I am not saying it wasn't educating experience" there was another silence. Then Ian spoke uncertainly.

"Not everything should be about learning. You know, playing around, being with friends and stuff?" there was a hard grin on Kai's face.

"That depends solemnly on who you ask." then Kai turned his piercing red eyes to him "aren't you glad too that you learned something new?" he wanted not to nod, but that was the truth. Even if Kai wasn't that eager to share his things, he was happy to hear all this. But his nod got Kai smirk again, and take his cup from the table and took a sip. There was uncomfortable silence. Maybe he had done a mistake bringing his friends to a meeting this quickly, he should have gotten to know Kai better before this. Now it was possible he had offended the red eyed without meaning to. He glanced at Kai when the rest of the drinks came, and to his relief, Kai gave him a quick smile and didn't seem bothered at all. And apparently Kai had done what was needed, since the tension had eased up a bit, the trio wasn't giving Kai hard looks anymore, more like curious glances. After a while, they started talking about normal everyday stuff, Kai staying mostly silent.

"Kai, have you been in university yourself?" Spencer asked. He felt happy. All of his friends seemed to accept Kai at least to some extent. And he was also happy about the opportunity to learn all this stuff about Kai.

"That is a good question." Kai just said. All of them were looking at him, waiting him to continue. But instead, Kai finished his drink. "I'll go for a smoke. Anyone else coming?" they shook their head, and Connor piped

"Smoking is bad for your health, especially on such a young age" Kai smirked

"You have good friends". With that, Kai stood up and went out to smoke. They were silent for a moment. Kai's tone had been hard to read, none of them were sure was it for real or sarcasm. Finally Ian spoke.

"At least you were right. He sure is something else..." and he wasn't sure did Ian mean that as a good or bad thing. He decided better not to comment, and looked Kai through the window. A little smile tucked his lips. A light breeze ruffle Kai's hair while he fished a lighter out of his pocket. The sight was really nice, even if Kai's garments were rather loose, not showing all Kai had to offer. But he knew better, and that was enough. He continued to talk random stuff with his friends, and wait Kai to come back.

Once Kai came back, the trio decided it was their time to leave. As a final words, they warned Kai not to do anything bad for him, or they would make him regret the day he was born. Kai rolled his eyes at that, but didn't comment anything so the situation didn't heat up again. Once they were alone, Kai looked at his soda.

"All this time, you have asked me for a coffee, and then you don't even drink one?" he smiled at Kai and cocked his head to the side.

"That way, this doesn't count. You still have to come for a coffee with me one day" Kai lifted an eyebrow.

"I have to? Says who?". He grinned mischievously

"Otherwise I am not giving you your gloves back". Kai chuckled at that.

"I don't need one pair of gloves that bad, thank you very much" he looked at Kai.

"Did you really grow in orphanage?" Kai nodded

"No reason to lie about that. But to be more precise, it was owned by my grandad." he frowned

"Why didn't you live with him?" Kai shook his head, looking a bit weary.

"It was better being in there than with him. He didn't know how to raise kids" he wanted to know more, but something told him Kai would stop answering soon, and it seemed better to leave it before he crossed some line.

"But why did you bring it up?" Kai lifted an eyebrow and looked him like he would be really stupid.

"To gain trust of course. Now they think they know me, and they won't be so troublesome here on onward" a pause. He stared Kai eyes wide

"Did you plan that? I mean, you did all that on purpose?" Kai laughed at his expression and nodded. His heart skyrocketed when hearing the laughter, it sounded so cheery and relaxed. He wanted to hear more of it.

"Wasn't it the point? To get me on their good side?" he nodded

"Yeah...just asking, do you ever do things just for the sake of it, in spur of the moment without planning?" Kai pondered that a moment, looking him deep into the eyes, so intensively that he nearly forgot where they were and why.

"Sometimes. If I have to. But I try to avoid that." he frowned

"Was our meeting a coincidence, or planned thing?" Kai got up from his chair and walked to him, bending down.

"Who can tell" Kai whispered into his ear and then a hand was on his neck, gently turning his head, and he was blessed with a kiss that made the world fade away so there was nothing else than he, Kai and the kiss.

did ya like anyway? hope so. Kai is an odd case, trust me, I know. and I didn't mean any offend by anything I said. in case someone misundestood something in somewhere. and that was not roundabout way to say it...-smirk-