Hello! Here is the next chapter! ;)

~ CHAPTER 3 ~

Those feelings

Later in the evening when Kai and Tyson went back to the dojo Gramps waited them with extra amount of dinner. However, even the delicious smell of lasagne couldn't distract completely the topic from Tyson's mind. Meanwhile he was stuffing his mouth he kept nagging Kai to teach him how could he learn the telepathy-talk with Dragoon. Of course, he remembered that one time when he'd heard Dragoon talking to him at the first Championship when he was in deep crisis, but he didn't know Kai had also worked up to the next level wherehe can make direct contact with Dranzer. Tyson was just as curious as jealous of him.

Kai knew it was impossible to rub off the whining teen when he put something in his mind determinedly and for his misery, he couldn't resist to those damn puppy eyes. He was sure it was Max's fault that Tyson learnt how to manipulate him. Darn it. In the end Kai sighed in agree. The blue haired grinned broadly then he wolfed down his meal with great gusto. After they'd finished cleaning away the dishes and did their homework, the pair walked out to the beach which had become their favourite place. Kai adored it dearly because at this hour no one was around and the twinkling stars and the shining moon on the azure sky, as it reflected back on the rippling sea, always recalled that dreamful place where he was desperately wishing to return with Tyson. One day, they would make it again. He was sure of it.

The dual haired took his stance and aimed his launcher. "Watch closely." he said sternly to the young teen who stood beside him. Tyson nodded and showed full attention to his former captain.

The Russian narrowed his gaze in concentration and launched his blade forcefully. A thrilling shiver run up on Tyson's spine at the radiating heat that emerged from his rival's body. Kai's elementary power had really grown stronger which increased Tyson's desire for a full-out battle with him. But right now he tried to focus and learn. Dranzer's blade crashed onto the sand with a heavy impact, burning immediately a huge crater. For a few seconds nothing extraordinary happened, then Tyson saw it. A red light brimmed around the majestically blue blade and when he turned his gaze at his friend he was shocked to see the same light reflect in those crimson eyes. It was like Kai was in deep concentration as he stared intensely at his blade.

"You need to focus your mind and soul fully to your blade to form the connection." Kai explained him while he didn't take his eyes from his blade for a moment. "If you concentrate hard you'll be able to feel your bitbeast's power not just in your mind but sense every move it takes."

"That's cool!" Tyson was awed.

Suddenly, feeling the urge to tease the bluenette for the chance and because he wanted to give him a taste of his own show-off as a lecture, a wicked thought came to Kai's mind. A slow smirk curved his lips as he turned his eyes at the rippling waves. Gaining ultra-fast speed, Dranzer dashed towards the sea. The Phoenix Master could barely hold back a smug chuckle at the gobsmacked face Tyson gave as he stared bewildered. The blue blade was riding on the waves with such graceful elegance like a pro surfer. Normally, it wouldn't really surprise Tyson if it was Max's blade whose element was water, but such awesome ability from the Fire Wielder? The blade kept sliding over the splashing waves with ease like a roller-coaster. When a huge wave suddenly rose and towered over Dranzer, instead of escaping from the sweeping blow Kai directed boldly his blade towards the deluge. The torrent splashed down ominously and engulfed the blue blade. For seconds there was so sign for Dranzer but Kai showed no worry. Then something shot out from the water in a tearing speed and Dranzer flew back right into Kai's awaiting hand.

"Oh man that was amazing Kai!" Tyson bounced excitedly. "Fort a moment I really thought Dranzer wouldn't make it, but she just busted out like flash!"

"It was just an easy gallop, nothing much." Kai brushed off a few droplets of water from his black jacket in a bored tone. Though, inside he was grinning pridefully.

"I'm gonna have to try that, too." of course Kai should have expected that Tyson's cocky confidence would get the best of him again. Trust to show a new move for the teen and he would jump straight to the point where he wanted to over-soar everyone.

The bluenette was about to launch his blade but Kai stopped him. "Wait. If you send out your blade before you mastered the technique you might risk to lose it in the sea."

"Oh." the Dragoon holder lowered his hands. "You're right Kai. I guess I got a little carried away." he rubbed his head sheepishly.

"You still need to learn to be more patient Kinomiya." Kai told him chidingly, but not in his cold, scolding tone as in the past. He was more into giving advice for his friend as in help than being the cold-hearted bastard who put him down.

Tyson knew and was grateful for it. "Okay, but how do I start then?" he looked at the smart dual haired inquiringly.

Kai looked around and thought for a moment. Then he got it. Tyson's eagerness only grew when he saw the familiar sly smile on his friend's face. He knew that look so good.

"Let's see if Dragoon can flick gravels on the water surface."

"What?" Tyson stared at him baffled.

"The one who can flick more gravels across the water without diving, wins."

The bluenette gaped at him as if Kai had gone nuts. "Um… I know you've come to enjoy blading with us day and nights, and you've opened up enough to treat people humanly instead of scaring the shit out of them but aren't we a bit old for such childish games?" he asked wryly.

A vein throbbed on the back of Kai's head in pure annoyance. If it wasn't Tyson but someone else who dared to say such for him, he sure would stuff the person's head in the cold sea or bury him in the sand. It was safe for Tyson that he was so damn lightheaded most of the times, yet so adorable with those innocent eyes, that he couldn't be really mad at him. "It's a practice so you learn more control of your blade and strengthen your bond with Dragoon." Kai crossed his arms, then he flashed an arrogant smirk. "Unless you're scared that Dranzer and I would outrun you."

"Heh. Get prepared for needing your teddy bear tonight pal because Dragoon and I gonna race you down so fast it makes you cry." that overconfident, challenging gleam sparkled in those mahogany eyes as Tyson adjusted his trademark cap on his head.

"Hn. The one who is gonna need a teddy bear is you, Kinomiya."

They took wide stances side by side to each other. An overwhelming thrill washed over them at the eager anticipation of their new competition. It was always like that whenever they went up against each other, putting all of they got and pushed themselves over limits. But damn if they weren't crazy addicted to this adrenaline-rush sport. They gripped hard their launchers and when their arms touched ghostly a spark of electric feeling shot through them. Taking one glance at his greatest rival made Kai almost lose control at the wild spark in Tyson's eyes. He barely could hold back himself to not ravish the teen and kiss him senseless right then and there. Instead, he shared a heated glare with him and together they started the countdown.

"Three… two… one… Let it rip!"

-* ~ TK ~ *-

Close to midnight Kai decided it was time to go back. Tomorrow was school and it already took hard measures to wake Tyson up in time. If he got late again Hilary sure would rebuke him with some cleaning duties. The streets had completely emptied and the comfortable silence that settled over was more than welcoming as they were walking back.

Kai hadn't disappointed neither this time. Tyson's learning skills at beyblading were miraculous how fast he could catch up new moves and tricks then combine them with his own style – no wonder he was the World Champion. Despite that Kai won their little game with one strike the stubborn bluenette wouldn't let up until he got a rematch. After countless of winning and losing, vice versa, Tyson jumped to the next lecture until he was able to maneuver Dragoon through the rippling waves.

However, there was a small unrest that kept bugging Kai. He didn't know if it had something to do with Dragoon's strange behaviour recently or there was something that bothered the younger teen which he couldn't get over with it. In the last two years they'd spent almost every day together and Kai realised Tyson had a bad habit of pretending that everything was alright when not. For that Kai usually had three tactics; one, he barked at the teen commandingly until he stopped the comedy act and spit it out. Second, they would have a rough beybattle which would help the bluenette deflate the steam from his upset mind. Third, wait and let Tyson come up to him first like a kicked puppy who was searching comfort and tell Kai who listened him always.

He trusted that the blue haired angel would come through no matter how tall wall stood in front of him, and if not, Kai would be there to reach out a hand for him just like Tyson had done many times before. What still bugged him, though, was Dragoon's periodical weirdness. He and Tyson had a strong bond ever since their first meet and Kai often envied their team-work until the day he also found harmony with his Phoenix. He'd left his dark side and finally he understood what it meant to have his bitbeast as a friend. Not only giving orders in a battle for Dranzer but trust her fully.

However, it seemed something had changed in this few weeks. There were times when things worked normal between Tyson and Dragoon as they moved in perfect synch, then sometimes it was like the two had opposite ways of thinking. He didn't get it but his instincts told him something was up recently, so he decided to keep a close eye on them.

Turning on a corner, they were nearing the dojo while Tyson kept babbling all the way. "Hehe, and when Max poured the whole tub of mustard on Daichi's plate the poor guy almost threw up." the teen snickered and Kai revealed a small smile in return.

Suddenly, an ominous chill ran up Kai's spine and he grabbed Tyson's arm, stopping him abruptly.

"Hey what gives?!" the boy looked at him bewildered only to be hushed by the older teen. Crimson eyes narrowed as he scanned suspiciously the dark shelter of trees on the sideway ahead of them. For a flick of moment he thought he saw something move over there… or someone. Probably it was just an animal but his instincts ticked on alarm.

"Kai what's wrong?" Tyson looked at him in worry. He didn't get what made the dual haired tense up all of the sudden but when he followed Kai's gaze his own eyes widened too. His body went stiff.

Something was lurking behind the trees. Their heart hammered harshly and they unconsciously reached for their launcher. They may were the most talented bladers of the world but they were still teenagers who were currently wandering on the streets at late hours. Chances they might bumped into some psycho criminal wasn't actually impossible. The bushes rattled suddenly. Kai tightened his grip on his blade while he kept Tyson close to him, ready to jump in front of the bluenette protectively in case the attacker had a gun.

The next moment a squirrel jumped out from the leaves and skipped across the street. The boys eased down with a sigh. Tyson turned to the wary enigma. "Well, this was the scariest vampire I've ever seen." he mocked.

"Zip it Kinomiya. There could be still a criminal who bullies innocent youths, or an old enemy of ours who wants revenge after we took down many of them. We can't be enough careful." Kai rebuked him stingily for being so reckless.

"Oh lighten up Kai. If you keep worrying too much you'll get wrinkles on your face and that would cause you to lose the title of the most handsome bad-ass blader."

"You're saucy as always."

"That's why you like me." the boy winked at him.

Kai rolled his eyes. "Whatever." he noticed Tyson was shivering in cold and indicated them to move on. However, he took unaware glances randomly till they reached their destination.

At the gate they parted ways.

"Goodnight Kai."

"Hn." the older nodded to him in goodbye and waited for Tyson to walk into the house in safe before he took his own leave. It was more often than not that Kai spent almost every day at the dojo where he was welcomed and felt like a real home than any other place. Gramps always kept spare bedsheets and clothes for Kai whenever he would like to stay for the night, which the dual haired was very grateful for.

However, he still kept his one-bedroom little apartment for himself close to the park where he could retreat if he wanted to be alone and have some peace, since Tyson's constant snoring through the wall gave him headaches. Also, he didn't like to recline upon others and didn't want to be a burden – though Gramps not once mentioned he would welcome Kai to move in to them whenever he felt so. But the stoic Russian couldn't give up his pride for such generosity. Even so, this was all false excuses. The truth was that he'd completely fallen into the blue haired boy and he still had no clue how should he handle this unfamiliar case. He didn't know how did it happen or when exactly but this new overwhelming feeling in him was just as frightening as thrilling for Kai.

He assumed it had something to do with their last beybattle at the third championship. That battle was so colossal and mind-blowing that nothing could come near to what Kai had experienced thus far. They battled with so much passion and love for the game that it became an obsession for Kai, wanting to experience it again. Maybe it was then when it happened… when their powers crashed together and their souls became one. Maybe it was already there, that feeling, he just hadn't realised it yet. He wondered if Tyson had felt it too. Did he feel the same, or not?

Kai remembered the first time he had become aware of his feelings for the teen – it was last year of Halloween, when that little issue happened. The former teams from the last tournament came together organizing a Halloween Party in the BBA building thanks to Mr. Dickenson's approval. Kai should have known better to keep an eye on the Blitzkrieg Boyz because they usually had a habit of doing naughty pranks with others. Their victim this time was Tyson. It was a bad choice. They probably thought it would be fun to lock the bluenette into a store-room with a zombie that was made by a puppet and it had red glowing eyes. It was almost an hour when Kai finally managed to find the captivated teen but what greeted him was more than a shock.

When he heard the banging sounds from the room he quickly unlocked it, only to be tackled down by the Wind Master in a heavy blow. Tyson was probably trying to break free by running against the door several times when Kai opened it suddenly. However, what made Kai's heart stung was the unshed tears in those brown eyes and how the teen was gasping like he was in panic. Of course Tyson was trying to brush off the topic, saying he was panting only by the lot of attempt of pushes on the door and the big amount of dust stung his eyes. Like Kai was going to believe that bullshit.

After dropping a several dreadful threat for the Blitzkrieg Boyz that he would roast their asses with Dranzer's flame, Kai walked Tyson home. After then Kai had refused to leave the teen alone and said he would stay with him for the night, in case he had nightmares. Tyson was surprised at the unexpected gesture but didn't complain. It was the first time Kai had ever felt someone so close to him and was protective for the teen. Laying side by side under a blanket with Tyson who snuggled up to him was the warmest, ever nicest thing Kai had experienced. Then the bluenette finally shared with him a secret he hadn't told anyone… not even for Max.

He'd told Kai that when he was five years old he accidentally got locked in a dark cellar and got very scared. It happened because he was playing with his new beyblade in the garden he got for his birthday when it accidentally toppled down into the cellar, beneath the house. He went to search it and the door suddenly slammed shut behind him and the fastener fell on the lock. It was a good two hours when Hiro and Gramps finally found him after a long search. Despite Tyson was calling for them, they couldn't hear him. That dreadful memory was still haunting him ever since then.

Not long after that Tyson relaxed in Kai's arms and managed to fall into a peaceful slumber while the dual haired kept holding him. Next morning, however, was more like hell for the Phoenix Master when he woke up in a very awkward position. Tyson's face was only inches from his and for his misfortune there was a stiff bulge in his pants. Lucky that Tyson was a dead-sleeper or else Kai didn't know how to explain himself. He was quick to leave the room before the bluenette woke up. Ever since then he became very protective for the blue haired boy while he still kept up his cold mask most of the times. If Tyson felt the same way Kai wasn't sure but he would wait for the stormy teen as long as he had to. Till then, he had to keep the discrete distance and check on his emotions before he gave into his feelings too soon. If it turned out that Tyson considered him only as a friend Kai would still value him and accept his decision.

The light of streetlamps illumed the blue triangles on his pale cheeks as he ambled along the pavement, his white scarf flicking softly after him in the light breeze. Soon he turned in a corner and disappeared from sight. The little squirrel skipped back upon the tree and climbed to its shelter. Among the dense bushes a dark figure was hiding in the shadow. He had been watching the two teens intensely when they walked past before they had parted ways.

"So the Phoenix holder is guarding the Kinomiya boy. Very interesting." the young man stared after the dual haired male as he turned in the corner. His piercing brown eyes glinted menacingly. He was standing with crossed arms against a tree. "Boris is gonna have fun breaking him." he smirked, then disappeared in a flash.

Oh yes. Kai has very good senses, but they still don't know what trouble is waiting for them... but I'm not telling more. Wait for the next one. Bye. :)