Hello! Thank you for the review. I'm glad to know some of my previous readers are still here.

So, let's see how Tyson is handling school. ;)

~ CHAPTER 4 ~

What he really means for him

"Ugh, school sucks."Tyson banged his head on the desk in a pathetic groan. Whoever had made the law for putting through students final exams near to the start of summer, right before graduation, was a sadistic child-torturer.

Sitting in the classroom on such a beautiful sunny day was enough reason for Tyson's gloomy mood. Most of his friends had graduated and were spending their free time probably on the beach, or at the BBA center, or some fancy job while he, the third times World Champion, was still stuck in school. Okay, so Hilary and Kenny too, but that didn't cheer him up one bit. After all, he was the World Champion. Didn't he deserve some privilege for it? Damn.

Max was helping out for his dad in the Hobby Shop while Rei was working at a homemade Chinese restaurant where Tyson also liked to drop by sometimes. Tala and the Blitzkrieg Boyz took the Beyblade kids-class for this week so Tyson and his friends could have their own private training. And Daichi… well, the red haired brat was an unpredictable typhoon who popped up then vanished from sight for days or weeks. Also, there was their stoic ex-captain who was as mysterious as full of surprises, Kai Hiwatari.

Honestly, Tyson's jaw nearly hit the floor when Kai declared that he would continue his studies and to put the icing on the cake, Gramps was not only beaming with proud of Kai but he made a sideways remark for Tyson that he should follow his example. What the heck! – Tyson thought. Kai was one of the richest men in the world. He could travel through the whole world ten times, buy a big castle in the mountains if he wanted while laze around and didn't have to work at all for his entire life. Hell, if he wanted a diploma he could buy one for himself – okay, that would be cheating against law, but still… why would he push himself to work up good grades in a boring university like some bookworm geek? - Apologise for Kenny.

Tyson couldn't get it. Kai explained him that just because he possessed big wealth he didn't want to spoil away his life in a luxurious idleness, do nothing important. As much he'd learnt from his grandfather's failed world-dominating attempt, one thing was true: big money gave you freedom and power to do whatever you want, but greediness can destroy you if you use it for bad things. Responsibility was something Kai took seriously. He wanted to set an example for the world, just like he did with beyblading. That match against Brooklyn confirmed Kai how important honour was. At this point Tyson had to give in that Kai was right. He wasn't silent about the fact that he was always proud of the Phoenix master ever since the day he'd managed to step out from his darkness, and he didn't need to prove anything… but the dual haired was stubborn as always. He never gave less than the best. That was a common characteristic about them.

So the damn lucky bastard was learning in his comfortable apartment alone, as a home-student, while he was stuck here with no comfy couch or fridge at the near. This was so not fair. Another pitiful moan erupted under his bags.

"C'mon now Tyson, stop whining." Kenny nudged him across from his seat. "Two hours and Friday evening is here."

"Ugh, still too long." came the low grumble.

The former Bladebreakers had talked to spend Saturday at the beach for relaxing a bit, combining with a little training as a nostalgia for the old times. Also, Kai promised him they would watch a movie together in case Tyson left him alone so he could study. The bluenette was desperately suffering through the whole week. He glanced up at the clock above the blackboard. Damn that thing moved painfully slow.

"In two months we're gonna graduate. Does that not cheer you up a bit?" Kenny prompted him further.

"Duh… that's even longer." the teen murmured. His eyes dropped shut. A loud SWAT on his desk jolted him back upright. The bossy brunette girl stood beside him with a ruler in her hand. "Ack! Hilary, what the heck?!"

"Rise and shine mopy-head!" sang the girl with a wicked grin. "I saved the wake-up call for you, if you might intend to fall asleep on class again."

"Give me a break, will'ya! Can't I have a little slumber before the torturing continues?"

"Nope. Unless you want me to put you into cleaning duty after class which would totally ruin your little date with Kai." she wriggled her eyebrows naughtily.

Tyson's head turned bright red. "It's not a date! We're only gonna watch a movie."

"Yeah right, and I am Queen Victoria." Hilary deadpanned. "When will you realise it?"

"Realise what?" he blinked dumbly.

There was something about the way Hilary peered at him that made Tyson uncomfortable. The girl leaned over him slyly. "Say Tyson, how do you feel when Kai is around?"

"F-Feel?" the boy stuttered nervously. "What kind of stupid question is that?"

Hilary moved even closer to him and Tyson slid spontaneously backwards on his seat. He didn't like at all those spying eyes on him, it was freaking him out. Suddenly he felt a dumpling in his throat which he couldn't swallow.

"When Kai is around don't you feel like the air is suddenly hot and the world start spinning faster?" she leaned closer.

Who wouldn't feel hot if a guy who possessed a fiery phoenix unleashed his beyblade at you on a match? Thought Tyson sardonically.

"Or that little butterflies are dancing in your stomach whenever you hear his voice?" she continued.

Yeah, there were times Tyson felt little bubbles dancing in his stomach, but he assumed it was because he drank too much coke. Wasn't that normal?

"And when you are so close to each other there is barely an inch between, you have this desperate temptation to touch his skin? Or kiss him? Isn't this how you feel?" she fluttered her eyelashes.

Tyson was practically laying back now on his chair while Hilary was towering over him on her toes. What was this weird love-sick enthusiasm by girls? Whenever they sensed romance they wanted to play matchmaker. His face was cherry red by the pleasurable images the devil girl put into his mind. However, he couldn't ignore that irritating smell that was prickling his nose, and when he opened his mouth, he blurted the first thing that crossed his mind. "Ugh, the only thing I feel right now is nausea because of that disgusting perfume you're oozing on me."

"Tyson!" Hilary slapped him hard with a history book.

"Ouch!"

"You boorish nerd! You goofy moron!"

The girl continued hitting him mercilessly with an animalistic look on her face. Kenny stared gobsmacked, feeling sorry for Tyson a bit but had no nerve to hold back the angry girl.

"Ow!... Hey! Cut it out!... Hilary!"

"I'm gonna show you! You obnoxious lazy pig!"

When Tyson couldn't dodge her assaults anymore, he jumped from his chair.

"Come back here!" Hilary started to chase after Tyson in the classroom. In the dusty race they were turning up chairs.

Kenny sighed wearily. "I don't think he got your point Hilary."

-* ~TK ~ *-

Later in the evening Tyson and Kai were laying comfortably on the sofa in Kai's apartment. There were two bowls of popcorn and a big plate placed on the coffee table, filled with snakes and cakes, much for Tyson's satisfaction, while they were in the middle of watching an action film. Well, Tyson was more just peering at the screen than paying attention. His mind was wandering far away in his confused thoughts. It's not like he wasn't interested because he had to admit that Kai had a good taste picking out exciting, mysterious films that hit perfectly both of their tastes, which he couldn't say about books. Tyson usually read only manga and comics while Kai was more onto novels.

Somehow Tyson couldn't get rid of what Hilary had said him earlier. The same question was bugging him over and over again. How did he really feel about Kai? Tyson always thought the answer was clear for him. He never gave much thought for it – not that he used to anyway – because he was certain that whatever invisible bond had drawn them together when they first met, it was the cause why they managed to find back their way to each other even in good or dark times, or in beybattles. None of their enemies could tear them apart for long. They always managed to come through whatever barrier life put between them.

When they finally got the opportunity for a real full-out beybattle it was the most amazing experience Tyson had received from his greatest rival. What happened in that battle, when they transferred from this world to another wonderful dimension that only they'd seen, it confirmed in Tyson that their relationship was special. Kai was special for him. He was his friend. But how much Tyson hadn't really realised… until now. How far had their relationship developed? Had they really crossed a line unawares that parted ways between friendship and romance? And if it were so, which path were they going to stepping on?

As far as Tyson could remember back his deepest wish was always to have Kai as his friend. No matter how many times the dual haired teen tried to push him away, the bluenette always believed it was all just false barriers which Kai had built up neatly as his self-defence. His dark past, all those painful memories, sorrow, and injures Kai had gone through it was the only way he could protect himself, to shield his warm heart behind a cold mask.

Betrays and arguments. Cheers and smiles. They went through all of them. Never giving up on each other, not even when things turned very bad they would always reach out a hand for the other one. And when they'd reached to that place, flying across shooting stars and universe, for the first time, Tyson could really see the person Kai truly was. Kai was a true warrior with no fear from the consequences. No matter what would be in the end, he would always reborn from his ashes, fight back forcefully till victory. He was a real Phoenix.

He inspired Tyson in many ways. Kai taught him that pure luck and rashness didn't bring real victory. He had to train hard and believe in himself even at the very edge of losing. And Tyson did win – thanks for Kai who appeared out of nowhere, standing on the top of a ruined column like a guardian angel. That was all Tyson needed. The victory of G-revolution was not thanks for only one person but for all of his friends cheer and faith in him.

Could it be that, after all that time, Kai awoke such deep feelings in him that over-stepped their friendship? Was this really love? Or it was just a game of silly teenage emotions? Tyson didn't know. It became so natural for him having the stoic captain around himself that he didn't notice how close they'd really come to each other.

Unnoticeably, he shifted a glance at their position. They were laying on the same sofa, stretched out across side, their legs nestled comfortably beside each other in a slight touch. A few years before Kai wouldn't allow anyone to come in his near, let alone touch him, he would rather stand in a farther corner with his arms crossed than to share a couch… not that he was much different now, but when it was just the two of them Tyson felt like something changed. Those rare moments when Kai held him close when he was upset about something or prodded him to let out what was bothering him, either the harsh way or with gentle words, instead of giving his cold shoulder in a non-care manner, it all meant a lot for Tyson. A small, encouraging smile from Kai came up to hundreds of champion titles.

It felt nice how Kai's leg brushed slightly against his. Tiny, joyful sparks prickled through Tyson's body. The way Kai was peering at the TV, his features looked soft and relaxed, Tyson had to admit for himself that he often saw that handsome face in his dreams. There Kai was looking at him with a real smile that made his heart hammer in his chest happily. Those vivid crimson eyes emitted so much strength and light that were more beautiful than anything in this world.

A bashful colour spread over Tyson's cheeks. Damn that Hilary put these mushy thoughts into him.

"Are you okay?"

Somewhere among his thoughts Kai's smoky voice filtered in, snapping Tyson out of his trance. Shit, did Kai catch him daydreaming? He tried to clear out hid fuzzy mind. "Um… huh?" Very clever Tyson, he thought.

"You look like you've drifted to another dimension." crimson eyes scanned him warily.

"Why do you think?" he asked innocently.

"Your bowl of snacks tells everything." Kai gave a point with an arched eyebrow.

Tyson glanced at the small table. Kai's bowl was already half empty while his own was still barely touched. Usually, it didn't take much time for the bluenette to wolf down his own part by the time they came to half of the film. He sighed. He knew there was no chance he could fool those eagle eyes. "Hilary went kind of my nerves today."

"That much?" Kai looked amused. "Normally you never pay much attention whatever she says."

"Yeah, but… before we left school we were discussing what plans we have for the future." The blue haired teen went silent for a while and Kai waited patiently. He knew it was probably hard for the teen to say out whatever was weighing his chest, otherwise he would babble out.

"I'm a bit unsure." Tyson said quietly. "I mean, I still don't know what should I do after I graduate. Hilary wants to go some fashion school to study stylist… Kenny has so good grades that he doesn't have to worry which high school to choose. Max and Rei have also their own ways going. You are going to university, but I…" He locked eyes with Kai. "What about me? All I've been doing in my life is beyblading. I haven't been interested in anything else only my love for this sport. Beyblading is my life and I always thought nothing could change that."

A sympathetic smile curved on Kai's lips. The bluenette was growing up slowly. Tyson's heart speed up the way Kai smiled at him. "You shouldn't give too much thought for these things. As I know you, you sure will think out something. After all, you never gave up on me in the past."

"Yeah, but… I can't see what future holds for me."

"You're the one who can decide your future, no one else. Choose what you think the best and go for it, whatever others say."

Tyson pondered over that. The pressure on his chest eased up somewhat at Kai's words. "I guess you're right." he nodded.

For a while they stayed silent.

"Kai?"

"Hm?"

A small blush crept over Tyson's cheeks and he hoped Kai didn't see it in the dim light. "What about us? Will we always stay like this? I mean… we are friends, right, even if we are rivals?"

Kai sighed. He knew that sooner or later this discussion would come up but he wasn't expecting it now. Guess, he underestimated a bit Tyson's maturing side. The bluenette wasn't always as reckless and childish as he often acted, but he liked that carefree, impish side of Tyson. If Kai listened to his heart he would comfort Tyson with all the words that would put away the worries from the Dragon boy's distressed mind and promise him that nothing would change. But that would be a lie. Life was unpredictable. However, about one thing, he was sure. "I can't promise you that I'll always be here for you, but whenever you need me, I'll stand by your side."

Tyson's eyes grew wide. This was the first time Kai openly said something like that for him. He really did care. Suddenly, he felt like thousands of sparks were dancing joyfully in his stomach.

The Russian smirked. "Besides, I'm not planning to let you seize the Champion title this year, so you better prepare for it. We have a score to settle."

That over-confident trademark grin returned on Tyson's face in full brightness. Kai always knew how to clear out things when he sank deep in the mess, and if Kai's words weren't enough convincing for Tyson, then he didn't know what."I wouldn't want it other way! I can't wait to have another battle like last time."

"Be careful Kinomiya. The tables will turn this year because I'm not planning to lose to you."

"Heh. You wish." the bluenette sneered and gave a nudge on Kai's knee with his leg.

"Smartass."

"Wet-blanket."

"Nitwit."

"Grouch."

Kai rolled his eyes. "You're an immature brat."

"And you're a big Sourpuss with the reputation of most badass-blader."

"That's how I like it."

They broke into snicker. The distress drifted off from the atmosphere like it never had been there and the boys turned back their gaze on the movie. Tyson felt his heart lighten up. Kai was right. No matter what would come there was nothing and no one that could tear their relationship apart.

Half an hour later Tyson didn't remember the end of the film. He had fallen asleep. He did not stir when Kai moved off beside him and turned off the TV, nor did he notice when a warm blanket was pulled over him. Leaving the small lamplight on, in case the bluenette woke up in the middle of the night, Kai watched for a while the peacefully snoring teen's face. Carefully, he brushed away a few locks of hair from Tyson's closed eyelids. "I'll always protect you, Tyson." he whispered. Then he silently returned to his bedroom.

Oh I love whenever they are bickering with each other. Can't leave out such funny part. ;)

I have a few chapters already written but need to correct them before I update. So you might have to wait a bit for the next one.