~ CHAPTER 8 ~

The Drama Queen

It'd been a very long time since Tyson felt put off about something. After he had no other choice than to accept his role – much to his friends' prodding – his fears that he'd be embarrassed in front of so many people didn't let up. He was sure he was going to have nightmares where he was standing on the stage in a frilly, pink dress with a big tiara on his head while people were laughing at him in the background. His reputation would fail miserably.

When he went to school he beat himself up for the worst. He expected that students would throw at him abusive words, like cross-dress faggot, or Barbie-guy, which most likely would end that he threw out a few punches. Tyson wasn't a cringing guy who let anyone get away with mocking him. Gramps probably wouldn't be happy if the director called him in because his grandson knocked the guts out from a few students… right close to the exams. Yeah, that definitely wouldn't be good. He could hear in his head Gramps giving him scolding lectures – 'T-man, martial-art skills don't give you permission to use it for benefits. That's against our great samurai honour.' Yeah, but samurais never got teased to death by their classmates.

However, none of those things happened, luckily. If it was thanks for miracle or destiny went on vacation, he didn't know, but nobody seemed to care that he was going to play a princess in a theatre show. Most of the students were more occupied about the upcoming exams and where did they want to continue study, or they were chatting about the upcoming vacation. For the first time in his life, Tyson was happy that he wasn't in the spotlight in a topic. Now that his worries had eased somewhat, there was still someone who he needed to talk.

Kai.

After the dual haired teen had walked out the office door on that day Tyson didn't see him for a week.

He knew Kai had an independent personality that he did what he wanted and the way he wanted things to be solved, no matter what anyone told him. He wasn't the type of person who talked out whatever was in his mind, or just let out the steam as Tyson did usually. No, he always chose to do it in a hermit way, secluding himself in a quiet place where he could brood, or he launched his blade to smash to pieces a few pumpkin sized rocks.

Whenever Kai left, Tyson waited for him to return, and Kai did come back, always. There were times in the past when Tyson had doubts of him. When he was mad and wanted to punch Kai when he felt betrayed for leaving him, but then he realised something. That every time Kai ditched him for another team, his main goal was to face Tyson in the finals, as his only true competitor. Their rivalry meant as much for Kai as their friendship. That was one of those things Tyson honoured about him. No one worked so hard and pushed himself to the limits at the training as Kai did, just to get the best out of their beybattles. Tyson didn't want to let him down, not for a chance. Tyson trusted Kai more ways than one, and despite he was the World Champion he always considered Kai the best beyblader who could inspire him to reach the stars. Without him, Tyson wouldn't be the champion who he was now.

Somehow, their destiny interwove magically. Since the last championship they'd come even closer to see through each other's barrier. The way Kai acted when they declared the theatre performance and then he secluded himself for days told Tyson that Kai was upset about something. Deep down, he had a feeling it had something to do with the show, but what? If Kai really didn't give a damn about this whole thing, as he said, then why would he disappear? It didn't make sense. He didn't show up on Friday evening either, when Gramps cooked dumplings with strawberry jam for dinner, which was Kai's favourite, too.

Patience and keeping his curiosity in hold wasn't Tyson's strength. He couldn't wait another day that the Phoenix blader showed up or not. He went to Kai's apartment. In case the Russian was in a grumpy mood and would attempt to kick him out, Tyson packed in a lunchbox with some goodies for his taste.

He knocked on the door. "Kai? Are you home?"

There was no answer.

Did he really want to see Kai? Bullshit, of course he wanted! Hell, he would spend every day with Kai, even if he would be ordered to train harder all the time. But when did he start longing for the dual haired boy that he needed to be close to him above everyone else?

A strange tingle washed through him as Kai's smirking face flashed before his inner eyes. 'This time you're on your own, my princess.' Tyson's cheeks once again flushed horribly. He shook himself to clear out his hazy mind and fight off the blush from his face. 'Come on Tyson, what got into you? Kai was probably just teasing you.' He clapped his cheeks and blew out a deep breath. He knocked once again and this time he could feel his heart hammer faster. "Kai, it's me, Tyson. If you're home open up please."

He groaned mentally. Very clever Tyson. Of course Kai would open it, if he was there.' At worst case, he would throw open the door and bark him off, if he was pissed. But no answer came. Kai was definitely not home. He was probably ambling somewhere in the nature, maybe laying under a tree in the park, or training with Dranzer. With no other option left, Tyson put the lunchbox on the doorstep with a note attached to it, then he left.

Later at twilight Kai came home. He was surprised when he found a small lunchbox on his doorstep. Folding out the note, his insides were rushed with warmth instantly. 'Gramps made some extra dumplings for you, since you missed Friday. I miss you buddy.' His crimson eyes went soft and he couldn't suppress the small smile that stretched his lips. "Tyson."

* ~ TK ~ *

Days went on and the show was coming nearer. It was about time Tala struck his plan. He knew better than anyone what were Kai's favourite hidden places when he was brooding. He went down to the harbor to the small pier. He didn't disappoint. Standing close to the edge, he spotted Kai.

The awakening sunbeams shone over his silky, grey hair while the soft breeze ruffled absently his long scarf. His gaze was so lost in the endless horizon that he didn't notice instantly as Tala approached him.

"I figured you would be here." Tala spoke absently.

Kai gave him a brief glance then turned back his gaze at the sight.

Tala wasn't offended. He knew well that it took some time when Kai started speaking and his relaxed state didn't give any sign of warning for the red haired Russian that he should buzz off. Tala leant against a lamppost casually and mimicked Kai's posture, folding his arms. For a while they stared wordlessly at the bright horizon, watching the sun come up.

"This place brings back some memories." Tala mused.

Kai grunted.

"Last time we met here it was nearly the same reason."

"What do you mean?" Kai asked.

"I know you joined us only so you can have your chances in the finals to battle with Tyson. Even though you knew he would be upset if you ditched him again." Tala pointed out, then sighed. "Ironic that sometimes our goal and feelings don't match."

"Life is not easy, but those who have no aim in their lives, they have no path to follow." Kai droned.

"So even if there was someone who is very important to you, you would still toss away the opportunity to reach out for him just because you have a title to go for?" Tala frowned at him.

Kai growled. He hated cross-questions. "Spit out what do you want Tala."

"I could ask the same from you. Honestly Kai, sometimes I don't get you! You finally got the perfect chance to show Kinomiya how do you feel for him – though, I don't know what do you like about that goofy brat. Yet, you backed off." Tala looked annoyed.

A bitter smile came over Kai's lips. "You say it like it's so simple."

"Hell, how simple could it be?" Tala stared at him incredulously. "Ok, so there will be a hundred of people out there watching you, but hey, no one would know the truth! They would think it's only play."

A heavy sigh left Kai and he closed his eyes. Tala didn't get it. He really didn't want to talk about it but since Tala knew his feelings for Tyson there was no point to deny it. "That's the problem. They would think it's just acting, and Tyson too. Even if I took my chance to express my feelings openly it wouldn't mean anything because he would believe I'm only giving into my role and not because I really want it. I don't know if that's what he wants from me. You guys forced Tyson into a situation he didn't want to be in and that's not how I want to tell him."

"I see." Tala nodded sincerely. He turned his gaze to the bright sky and for a while they said no words. After some while he spoke. "You do realise if you don't accept the role someone else will take the prince's place."

"Hn."

Tala narrowed his brows. What could trigger on Kai's jealousy side? "I take it you don't care then that Brooklyn was very enthusiastic when Fujiko offered him the role. He looked suspiciously joyful that he could pair up with Tyson." he cast a sly glance towards Kai from the corner of his eyes.

Kai smirked. "Don't waste your breath Tala. I know what you're trying to get at, but it won't work."

Tala's eyebrow twitched. Damn that smartass.

"Really? I guess then there is nothing more to say." he shrugged, pushing himself off and started ambling away. "Who knows, maybe Brooklyn would be a good choice for Tyson. After Tyson got his first kiss maybe his feelings took new ways."

Kai whirled around his head in shock before he could catch his guards. "What?"

"Don't tell me you thought there's gonna be only a little love-tap. What would be the point of a love story? Brooklyn wants to go with it fully and Tyson didn't protest much either. Maybe they would make a better couple." Tala added smugly.

"Bullshit!" Kai snapped. Hot rage burnt in his eyes and Tala was very pleased at the fiery reaction. Now way that carrot haired prick would stole Tyson's first kiss.

"Wow. I would gladly see you roast Brooklyn's ass and his blade to save your bride. "his lips stretched in amusement.

Kai growled harder.

Then, suddenly Tala's expression turned very serious. "Anyway, that's not the only reason I want you to play along with us. I have a feeling something is up."

Kai furrowed his brows suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

Tala ran a hand through his hair, and sighed. "I don't know if I should tell you this… maybe it's just my negative thoughts. But my wolf instincts kicked on when I read the scenario. There are some details that are similar to our past. Like how you met Tyson, or how did Boris have an influence on you to use Black Dranzer to seize their bitbeasts'. We never told anyone these things. How could an ordinary girl know those things when she wrote that story?"

Kai's eyes went wide in cold fair. "You're saying that…"

"There might be an enemy out there who is playing with the strings." Tala pinned firmly. "Maybe it's just coincidence but what if someone is standing behind all of this? Trying to put us out of the way?"

Kai's jaw tensed. Shit, he should have been more aware. Could it be there was a new enemy behind the curtains? They'd finally beat Boris, Barthez, Gideon and Dr. K., and he'd come over his grandfather's power and now someone showed up again? Could it be?

"I've already warned Bryan and Spencer, if anything fishy happens during the show, we will be ready to take them down. If I were you, I wouldn't leave my friends out of sight, mostly Tyson. Maybe he and Dragoon are the target." with that Tala turned and walked off.

For long minutes Kai stood frozen, taking in with great anxiety what Tala had told him. There was a strange pressure in his chest that deluged him with fear. What if Tala's instincts were right and unbeknownst they were all in danger? What if Tyson was in danger? No, he couldn't let it happen. Not when he fell in love with the bluenette boy who meant everything for him.

He hurried back to his apartment. He grabbed the big envelope from the kitchen table where he'd dropped it carelessly, days ago, not bothering to open it. He ripped off the flap and slid out the scenario print. He flipped over a few pages of the script before his fingers stopped at a certain line. His eyes went wide.

'It couldn't be!'

He scanned through more pages until he came to stop at the second last part. His heart nearly stopped at what he read.

'Tala was right.'

* ~ TK ~ *

"Tyson, hold still!"

"Ugh, Hilary can't we take a break?"

"No. I want to get done with this."

"But my legs are tired, and I'm hungry." Tyson moaned.

"You're such a drama queen." Hilary scowled at him. She stuck another stitch on the cloth as she draped it carefully around Tyson's waist. Good thing Tyson had an athletic body, despite he was such a chow hound, or she would be in trouble to find a dress that fit on him.

On the other side, Tyson was getting annoyed of this whole fuss. This was the fifth dress he was trying on and his legs were killing him, standing on a foot-stool for hours. This fashion show was such a waste of time. He would gladly go out and train with Dragoon than to stand here like some probe-doll. The first dress Hilary showed Tyson wanted to puke. To the second he said he would pull it down the toilet. At the third one he declared that he would rather jump down from the Eiffel Tower than to try it on. At the fourth Tyson thought wearing it would be worse than dancing in the frozen tundra, stark naked, while singing 'Oh Happy Day!'. When Hilary came up with the fifth version all Tyson gave was a grumble. A purple costume from the Renaissance wasn't his style either, yet it was the most decent one among the others, so he chose to go with it.

"I don't understand why are you moping Tyson. This one looks really good on you. I would be happy if I could play in a dress like this." she sighed dreamingly.

Tyson growled. "If I was a girl then maybe me too, but I'm a beyblader." he crossed his arms with a huff. "It's still so embarrassing."

"Think of it this way, the ancient Greeks performed lot of theatre play and all of them were men. In those times women weren't allowed to take part so the women roles were played by men, too."

"But we don't live in ancient times and we certainly are not Greeks, Hilary." Tyson rolled his eyes. Getting bored that he was standing like a statue and his back felt so stiff as if someone had dug inside a kendo sword. He tried to wriggle out the tension from his muscles, he twiddled with the hem of his collar.

"Tyson, if you move again I'm gonna pinch you with my needle!"

"Yes maam." he groaned. His shoulders slumped.

Suddenly the living room door opened and Gramps walked in.

"T-man, if you're finished learning you should get start to train'ya kendo…" Kinomiya Grandpa trailled off as he froze and stared gobsmacked.

Tyson hastily held up his hands in panic. "Gramps, this is not what you think!"

Gramps blinked dubiously at his younger grandson. "Sony, why didn't you tell me you have a taste for cross-dressing?"

Tyson sweat-dropped heavily. "Urgh. Gramps no! I don't… I mean I'm not…"

"It's okay T-man. Your great-grandfather was a cross-dresser too."

Hilary's eyes perked up with curiosity. "Really?"

"Oh yeah. The old geezer liked changing into women clothes now and then, yet he was a great samurai." Gramps chuckled proudly.

"Grandpa." Tyson's eyebrow twitched irritably.

"Was he a loud-mouthed chow hound like Tyson?" Hilary asked, smiling cheekily.

"You bet he was." Gramps prickled his moustache. "Once he got an invitation to a fancy restaurant for dinner where many famous samurais and business men were sitting in circle. It was a big honour for him, but at the end of evening the old man got so stuffed that he couldn't stand up. They had to roll him out of the door."

Hilary and Gramps broke into laugh.

A huge vein throbbed on Tyson's head now. "Grandpa!" Why were things like that always happening to him?

"What? There is nothing shameful if your ancients were a little weirdo." Gramps said and winked at him. "The same goes for you, too, my boy. Just because you decided to wear women clothes, I won't love you less…"

"Grandpa I'm not dressing in women clothes!" Tyson snapped, losing his temper. "We're gonna play in a theatre show that Mr. Dickenson is organizing."

"Oh. That explains it."

Tyson let out an exasperated sigh. "Now, would you please get out?"

"Okay, but I'll definitely come and take some photos in our family album." Gramps grinned cheekily to his ears.

Tyson's face turned the same color as his dress. "Hell noo!"

"Hey, you can't close out your old bonie who wants to see his grandson play!" Gramps scowled at him and wagged the kendo sword at his gaping grandson.

"Get. Out!"

"I'll call Mr. Dickenson to save me a spare chair." Gramps swung the sword over his shoulder and waltzed out.

Tyson slapped a hand to his face. "Oh boy. Can this get even worse?"

A few minutes later approaching footsteps could be heard. The door opened again, but it wasn't Gramps. Tyson's heart suddenly skipped a beat at the person who walked in.

"K-Kai." Mahogany eyes met crimson and Kai found himself fall into trap by his emotions. That beautiful boy who stood in front of him in a purple dress, midnight blue hair cascading down freely over his shoulders, couldn't be his rival… no, he was a gorgeous angel.

The way Kai was staring at Tyson with seductive gaze for long minutes made the bluenette bashful. He turned away his face flushed and tried to swallow down the agitating nervousness that was rippling through him. He didn't get why did he feel suddenly so shy at Kai's presence. And why was Kai staring at him like that? They were both guys after all… heck, he'd not once walked around only in a pair of boxers in front of his friends many times before. It was total normal. He never felt uncomfortable around anyone, then why now? Maybe because Kai was staring at him so strangely as he'd never done before.

How would he feel if Kai suddenly walked up and kissed him?

Shit, Tyson! Pull yourself together!

Hilary turned around smiling. "Hey Kai. It's nice you dropped by. I need someone who tells me his opinion about my work. Isn't Tyson charming?" she batted her eyelashes innocently. The cockiness was evident, though.

Tyson was sure he was going to melt away in heat.

"Hilary!" his face went scarlet once again.

"What? I'm curious to know and Kai always gives straight answers."

Kai bit on his tongue. If he would say out loud what he really thought about Tyson's appearance it might be flabbergasting. Right now he wished he would be a real prince. He would throw this beautiful bride over his shoulder and kidnap him. Then he would lock themselves into a far off castle, where nobody found them, and he would have Tyson all for himself, pinning him to a bed seductively and fulfill every pleasurable fantasies that his blue dragon craved him to do. He slapped himself mentally…. Damn it Kai. Behave yourself! He swallowed thickly. "I think he looks pretty… I mean good."

Tyson's breath hitched as he looked at him surprised. Did Kai really think he was pretty? Or was he just teasing him again?

"Oh thank you, that's how I think too. I'm so glad that someone finally appreciate my hard work." Hilary was beaming all over to herself. She didn't realise Kai wasn't paying attention her but still staring at Tyson, not taking his eyes off.

Kai cleared his throat and rasped. "I actually came to see if you want to train with me, but if you're busy…"

"Sure! Dragoon and I are ready anytime!" the bluenette's face lit up joyfully. Training with Kai, just the two of them, was the best thing he'd heard in these past few days. Plus, finally he found a good excuse to escape from his flustered situation.

"Not until I'm done!" Hilary screeched in resist.

"Sheesh Hilary, how long do you want me to – Yikes!" he yelled painfully when something sharp pinched him on his butt.

"I told you to hold still!"

Tyson growled. "That's it, I had enough!" he bursted. He quickly pealed himself out of that suffocating cloth which was itching him all the wrong places. Dropping it with a fuming blow, he leapt down from the foot-stool. He was so done here! Clad now only in his boxers, he stormed out of the living room and disappeared in his bedroom to change back into his battle clothes that were way more comfortable.

Hilary shook her head reproachfully. "He can be such a nuisance."

Unnoticeably, Kai's smouldering eyes followed every move of Tyson's delicious bare backside till he was out of sight.

Next chapter is coming up...