When two hearts are ready, they will speak

Title: When two hearts are ready, they will speak.

Subtitle: Home

Author: Lady Snowblossom

Rating: PG-13– Just to be on the safe side

Notes: Well, here it is the last chapter of this tale. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and enjoyed. In the interest of not replaying the match between Tala and Tyson, we will ignore it, as well as Mariah’s time in the infirmary with Rei. The Majestic’s aren’t the only ones, who noticed the sparks between the phoenix and tiger. I do not speak, read or write either: Japanese, Chinese or Russian. And as for the English, well, let’s just say its’ been a long time since English class. And yes, Rei isn’t the type to have hysterics, but I think we can make an exception - just this once.

Additional note: This one is going to be the longest chapter I’ve done for this story. There will be angst, and sap, sap, sap!

Final note: Thanks to Enkeli Star for her help with the Chinese, so if I use the wrong phrase, it’s not her fault! I’ll take the blame for any mistakes in all four languages.

Status: complete and my keyboard is grateful. I’ve rewritten this nine times and I can only hope it ended well.

Disclaimer: By the laws of any land you care to name, they ain’t mine! More’s the pity.


Scowling down at the last line on the incident report, Kendra Pratchett started to sign her name, when she was startled by a forlorn cry from Room 204. Dropping the pen, she rose from the chair, just in time to see the technician, she had spotted earlier-and forgotten about in the excitement over the fight in Room 2ly oly out the door, race to the stairwell door-yank it open and vanish. She stood there for a moment-stunned into paralysis, until . . .

Nurse Trava Crestat came running out in full cry. “Intruder! Kendra! Call security! “ The black haired woman waved her hands frantically, as she babbled out her warning.

Dropping back into her seat, Kendra snatched up her radio and keying it-barked, “This is Kendra Pratchett on second floor; we have an intruder! I repeat; we have an intruder! “ The radio squawked at her and she snapped back, “No, I didn’t get a good look! All I know is he is wearing a technician’s uniform, and just fled down the stairwell!” The radio went dead and she glared at it, “Idiots.”

She dropped the radio to the desk and looked up at her trembling subordinate; the woman was the color of her uniform. Rising, Kendra stepped around the desk and took the woman by the arm, and led her over to a chair and made her sit down. “Stay there.” She ordered, then spun and headed for Rei’s room.

~*~

Racing down the stairwell and out its door: Kai narrowly missed a doctor by spinning around the surprised man. He ignored the man’s angry shout, and sprinted down the hall to where he had left his coat. Retrieving the piece of fabric from behind the planter, he donned it on the fly.

“Halt!”

Kai shot a look over his shoulder, at the other end of the hallway, stood a security guard with a drawn gun. Instinctively, Kai ducked into a running crouch with his hands up to protect his head. A burst of speed brought him to the cross hallway, and he skidded around the left-hand corner; praying he’d be lucky enough to reach the front doors before they caught him.

“Damn it!” the security guard sheathed his weapon, and took off after the fleeting shadow, calling on his radio at the same time. “This is Sergei! Intruder is heading west in Hallway One-Bee! Am in pursuit! Looks like he may be heading for the front doors! Cover them!”

~*~

Rei slumped back against the mattress-shattered; his moment of magic-replaced by stomach churning fear. Closing his eyes, he clenched both hands in the folds of the sheet across his waist, fighting to suppress the tears that threatened to choke him. ‘Kai,’ he thought, miserably. ‘I wasn’t worth the risk.’

Kendra stepped softly into the room and walked to the bed. “Mr. Kon, its’ Head Nurse Pratchett. Are you all right?” She asked softly. She watched as the boy’s eyes shot open and he looked up at her with pain in his ey
“
“I’m fine.”

Kendra didn’t believe him for an instant. She had two teenage sons and she knew machismo, when she saw it. The kid would rather have his leg sawed off without anesthesia; then admit that he was scared. She bent over the boy, reached for his wrist and took his pulse. Under her fingertips, she could feel the frantic rhythm of his heart, and she frowned. Laying his hand down, she said softly, “I’m going to call in Dr. Darnell, and have her look at you. I’ll be right back.” Turning, she crossed the room in five strides and left.

Rei watched her go and breathed a sigh of relief.

~*~

Lungs laboring, Kai reached the last corner between him and escape. He slowed to a rapid walk. Reaching the corner, he pressed his shoulder against the wall and peer around the corner. The foyer was empty and more importantly, the security desk was unmanned. He stepped out into the open and sprinted cross the polished green and blue tile floor to the steel and glass doors.

“Halt, or we’ll open fire!”

Kai stopped and slowly turned. Leaning over the low wall of the second level were two guards with their weapons aimed right at him. The thunder of footsteps in the hallway, he’d just left announced the arrival of Sergei.

“Keep your hands, where we can see them.” Sergei commanded, as he carefully approached the grim youth. Not taking his eyes off Kai; he began to remove his handcuffs from his belt.

It was then that Kai received his second piece of good luck. A pair of nurses: unaware of the drama-taking place just inside the doors - entered. At the sight of the guns, both women screamed, and turned in opposite directions to run. One blundered between Kai and his captors. Using the woman as a shield, Kai leapt the last couple of strides to the doors and smashed his fist against the button that opened the handicap access door. The door was barely wide enough when he squeezed through. Thanking whatever deity was watching over him, he took the front flight of stairs in two leaps; and hit the sidewalk running.

The crimson-eyed boy sprinted across the street and up the alley. If he could just make it to behind the restaurants, he’d seen three streets over; without getting picked up by the police, he’d able to get rid of his disguise.

Over the women’s howls, Sergi added his own curses. He ran to the door, and dashed outside; but the intruder was no where to be seen. Disgusted, he turned and went back inside. His two compatriots were waiting for him. Sergi shook his head and they relaxed. “He got away. We need to call the chief administrator. Let him deal with it now.”


~*~

‘Did he get away? Why hasn’t anyone said anything! Is Kai safe? Is he hurt?’ Rei twisted his sheet, torturing himself with different scenarios of Kai’s capture. A light knock on the door sent wide half-fearful, half-desperate eyes shooting to the door to see who was entering. When Kendra and a petite blonde haired woman walked in, Rei let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

The two separated as Kendra walked around the foot of his bed and went to the IV pole and checked the bag of clear liquid hanging there. While the blonde walked over to him and held out her hand. Rei reached up and lightly shook it, before letting go.

“Hello, Rei. I’m Dr. Tina Darnell and I’ve been asked to take a look at you.” She smiled down at the boy. “I hear you had a little excitement tonight.”

Rei smiled wanly at her.

She swiftly inventoried the figure before her. The boy’s cheeks were too pale, his eyes were bright with unshed tears, and he was biting his lower lip. ‘Poor kid, first that terrible match, and now this. It’s’ a wonder he isn’t comatose from stress.’

Pulling her stethoscope from her pocket, Tina continued in the same calm, quiet voice. “Rei, what I’m going to do is just check your blood pressure, then I want toten ten to your heart. Did the intruder touch you? Harm you in any way?”

“No, I was just dozing off when he/she came in and just brought a chair over and sat down.” He said, telling just enough of the truth to make it sound plausible.

“Hmm, that’s strange.” with no further comment, Tina put the stethoscope in her ears and went to work.

~*~

Grimacing, Kai shoved his stolen disguise deep among the bags of garbage and closed the lid of the trashcan. Cleaning his hands as best he could on his thighs, he turned and walked slowly away from the battered tin cans.

As he trudged wearily down the alley, he could feel the energy his adrenaline rush had given him slipping away. Stifling a yawn on his forearm, he leaned against an ice-covered wall. ‘I’ll just rest here for a moment.’ he thought, as he closed his eyes.

How long he stood there, he didn’t know, but his eyes snapped open when a loud purr startled him. Blinking, he stared in disbelief. Across from him, perched regally on top of a wooden crate; a white cat with a long black stripe down its spine and huge golden eyes gazed serenely at him-before flowing off the box and out of sight.

“Dobroi nochi*, Rei.” He laughed. Then still smiling, he stuffed his hands into his coat pockets and sauntered off to the end of the alley. It was time to return to the hotel and grab a little shut-eye.

~*~

‘Buzz, buzz!”

Trava slowly reached for the telephone; hands still trembling from the fright, she’d received. “Hello second floor desk. No, I’m sorry the head nurse is with a patient, can I take a message? “ Trava asked, as she reached for a notepad and pen. The phone squawked some more and she dropped the receiver. Forgetting the phone, Trava leapt to her feet and ran for Room 204.

All three people looked at the door, as the excited woman burst in - shouting. “The intruder got away!”

“Nurse Crestat! “ Kendra snapped, furious that the woman had shouted her news like that. “Get out of this room and return to the desk! I want to have a few words with you, when we’re finished here!” The woman retreated under the blazing eyes of her superior. The head nurse was turning to apologize to her patient; when a small whimper forestalled her. She stared aghast as wide gold eyes began to spill over.

Rei whimpered with relief, then he began to tremble and hot, scalding tears began to cascade down his cheeks. ‘Kai’s safe, Kai’s safe.’ His mind made the words a sacred mantra. His breath began to hitch, as sobs of relief choked him.

“Oh, hell!” Dr. Darnell exclaimed, as she stared down at a skyrocketing reading. She tore off the pressure cuff and wheeled from the bed. Hurrying to the door, she exited, leaving Kendra behind with the sobbing youth.

The head nurse took Rei by the hand and began to calmly talk to the boy. “Shh, it’s all right. You’re safe. It’s o.k.” She looked up as Dr. Darnell hurried back into the room: a syringe in her hand.

Reaching the bed, Tina handed the syringe across it with a terse, “Inject this into the IV line.” Kendra grabbed the IV tubing and flipped the cap off the hypo; in one smooth movement, she pushed the needle into the portal and depressed the plunger - emptying its contents into the fluid. Removing the needle, she walked over and disposed of it in the ‘Sharps’ container. Returning to Rei’s side, she watched as the boy’s thick lashes fluttered and he fell asleep.

The young tiger didn’t even notice when his mind shut down.

Dr. Darnell glared across the bed at the patiently waiting head nurse, and spice ice dripping from every word. “Get . . . that . . . woman . . . off . . . this . . . floor. Fright or not, her conduct is inexcusable! Upsetting a patient like that. Are your nurses usually so undisciplined? I’ll leave a report for Dr. Cheretto and I’m sure he’ll have a few things to say to her and you as well.”

Kendra opened her mouth to answer, when a soft cough announced another presence.

“Doctor, Head Nurse, is it possible to have a few words with the boy?”

Both women turned to look at the security guard standing in the door.

~*~

A bored desk clerk noted the entrance of a weary young man, but paid no further attention, as the youth walked over to the elevator and punched a button.

Kai yawned, as he waited for the elevator to arrive. The walk had drained him of all the strength he had left and it was all he could do to stay upright.

The old-fashioned bell pinged, and the doors open. He stepped tiredly into the car, and pushed the fourth floor button. The doors closed and he leaned against the wall: grateful that he was the only passenger.

The car stopped and the doors opened. Leaving the small cage, Kai dragged his weary body down to Room 408. Unlocking the door, he entered and paused only long enough to flip the ‘do not disturb’ sign; close the door, lock it and kick off his shoes; before walking to the bed and tumbling onto it. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

~*~

“ I’m afraid that won’t be possible. The patient was so distressed that I thought it advisable to give him a sedative, he’ll be asleep for at least six hours and with the high level of stress he’s been under, it’s possible that he’ll be out for even longer.” Dr. Darnell said.

“I wish you hadn’t done that, doctor.” He held up a hand to ward off the glare she graced him with. “Now, doctor, I’m not criticizing your decision. I just wish you had held off for a little while, Mr. Kon might have been able to tell us something about the intruder.”


~*~

*Buzz, buzz!*

The insistent ringing of the phone woke Mr. Dickenson. Sitting up in bed, the portly head of the BBA reached over to the nightstand and fumbled for his glasses, before grabbing the receiver.

“Hello, Mr. Dickenson, here.” The phone squawked and Mr. D. blanched. “Is Rei all right!?” He demanded, his grip tightening on the receiver. There were more squawks, then Mr. D sighed. “I understand. Please let me know the minute you know anything. Goodbye.” Hanging up the phone, the old gentleman laid back and stared off into space, his mind whirling.

Giving up on the idea of trying for more sleep, Mr. D. rose from the bed, stuffed his feet into his slippers and snatched his bathrobe from the back of the chair, he’d flung it over and donned it. Walking to the window, he watched as the sky began to lighten. ‘A mystery, that’s what it is, a mystery.’ He thought, as he brought his formidable intellect to bear on the problem. ‘ Why would someone sneak into Rei’s room and do nothing more than sit in a chair? Something doesn’t add up.’

He let his eyes drift over the vista as he pondered the question. On the streets below him, the city was slowly like - a tired leviathan - coming awake. He could see delivery trucks and a few joggers. As he continued to scan the horizon; he stopped at the gleaming Biovolt Stadium. “Voltaire!” He growled, and clenched his fists. Hopefully, today would see the end of his threat to the world. And Kai would be . . . Suddenly a startled look crossed his features and he relaxed his fists, as he began to laugh aloud. “Why you little devil!”

Feeling lighter hearted, than he had in a long time, Mr. Dickenson turned from the window and still chuckling headed for the bathroom to begin his busy day.

~*~

Kai climbed out of the shower, and rubbed vigorously at his hair. Walking across to the sink, he reached up and opened the medicine cabinet door and pulled out the bottle that contained the paint he used for the marks on his face. He uncapped it and using a small brush drew the outline of the first wedge on his right cheek.

“Knock, knock!”

“Hn, that was fast. I only called room service fifteen minutes ago.” He put down the paint, draped a towel around his shoulders and went to his bed to retrieve a pair of pants, before he opened the door. His eyes widened with surprise, when instead of breakfast, he found Mr. Dickenson leaning on his cane, his wise old eyes twinkling.

“May I come in.” The head of the BBA asked politely. Kai stepped back and ushered his guest in. The older man walked in and went directly to the wingback chair that set in a corner. Once settled, Mr. Dickenson placed both hands on top of his cane and gazed benevolently at the youth standing before him in nothing but a pair of baggy sweats, some blue paint and a towel.

The two stared at each other in silence for the space of several heartbeats. The silence was finally broken by a soft chuckle.

“How did Rei take your confession?”

Kai’s mouth dropped open. Did everyone in the universe know his secret? Then he sighed. “How long have you known?”

“Oh, since I caught you watching him exercise on the cruise ship. Sometimes, my boy, your eyes give you away. And I figured that it would be only a matter of time, before you’d do something about it.” He chuckled again, “Although I must admit I didn’t quite expect you to sneak into the infirmary. You certainly shook them up.” He shook his leonine head, “Tell me, my boy, just what made you pick that particular method?”

His crimson eyes full of shadows and memories, Kai murmured softly, “It was time to change the fork in the road.”

“What a strange answer.” Mr. Dickenson thought as he watched the teen turn and walk to his bed, and sit. Most other people would have been nervous-given the circumstances; but not this fiery phoenix, the boy was a cool one, and he was glad that his grandfather had underestimated him.

“Kai,” He began; all trace of his earlier good humor vanishing. “As head of the BBA, I am here for two reasons. First, I am officially telling you, that I can not condone what you did last night. How could you have done something so dangerous? Not to mention – illegal.” Kai opened his mouth, but the glare, Mr. D gave him made him think twice about it.

“ Tell me,” the old man pressed on, “ what would you have done, if some of your grandfather’s men had grabbed you? Or, perhaps the police?” He leaned forward, his knuckles turning white from the force with which he gripped the cane head. “Did you even stop to think about what your little stunt might have done to Rei, if you had been caught? As it is, they’ve sedated him, and it will be hours before he’ll wake up.”

Kai winced, a thread of sorrow filling his breast at the thought of upsetting his tiger so much. His head drooped, and he closed his eyes to hide the pain in them. “They won’t,” he whispered, “I used a disguise and Rei won’t tell.”

Mr. Dickenson gazed at the slumping youth and relented a little, ‘Kai, since I understand why you did it. I’m willing to overlook what happened. And I will never divulge your identity, unless evidence is found to prove you were there. If that happens, I will do my best to help you.” He waited for a response, but Kai only stared at him. Mr. D sighed, “ And that leads to my second reason for being here: in return for my help; you have to promise me, you will never do something like this again.”

“I promise.” Kai sighed, raising his head. “I give you my word. I won’t do it again.”

Mr. D nodded, accepting Kai’s assurance.

“Then, we will never speak of this again.” He rose from his chair and stepped over to the youth. He placed a hand on a slight shoulder and said softly, “Be strong, Bladebreaker, and good luck to your team.” A gentle pat and Mr. D. headed for the door, only to stop when a soft murmur reached him.

“Mr. Dickenson.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

Mr. D. nodded, and left Kai to his thoughts.

~*~

Robert walked out of his and Johnny’s bedroom, to find Enrique hanging up the phone and Oliver inspecting an array of dishes on a cart standing near a small table set for four. Both blondes looked up at his entrance and greeted him quietly.

“And just what have you two been up too already?” He asked, as he surveyed the scene. He moved slightly to the left as Johnny appeared at his shoulder.

“I had Verney call room service, so we could eat, before going and having our little talk with Tyson and the rest.” Oliver said, as he took a seat at the table and nodded as his man brought over a coffeepot and poured.

“And I called and talked to Max. He has agreed to wait for us.” Enrique reported, as he took his seat and picked up the neatly folded cloth napkin and placed it in his lap.

“What did you tell him?” Johnny asked curiously, as he and Robert walked over and sat down across from each other.

“Just that we needed to talk to them. I felt it was best to not explain over the phone.” Enrique picked up his coffee cup and took a sip.

Robert nodded. “Good, that gives us time to discuss just what we’re going to say.”

“Will Kai be there?” Johnny asked, as he began to cut into the piece of ham on his plate.

Enrique sighed, “Max didn’t say, but I have a feeling; that he won’t be.”

Oliver paused in the act of reaching for the salt. “Why?’

Enrique smirked, “Oh, did I forget to mention that before I called Max, I called down and asked the desk clerk if anyone came in ‘real’ early this morning. Guess who did.”

Johnny’s eyes widened, “Kai?”

Enrique nodded.

Johnny looked over at Robert, “Do you suppose?”

“We’re just going to have to ask him and find out.”

Breakfast was finished in silence.


~*~

Max hung up the phone and looked over at Kenny, sitting on his bed. “That was Enrique. He and the other Majestic’s want to talk to us.”

“Really. Wonder what they want.” Kenny said, as he bent over to tie his laces.

“Don’t know. He just said, they wanted to talk, and they’d be down right after breakfast. So, would we please wait for them.” Max stood and began to smooth the comforter on the bed.

“Hmm,” Kenny titled his head to the side, “Breakfast. That reminds me, should we eat here, or down in the dining room.”

“Depends on how long Robert and the others take to get here.” Max said, heading for the bathroom door. Reaching the brown door, he began to bang on it with his fist; nearly taking Tyson in the face, when the brunette yanked the door open.

“Max, what do you want? You’ve already had your turn in the bathroom!” Tyson yelled, as he glared at Draciel’s companion-hairbrush in hand.

“Stuff it, Tyson! Robert and the others are on their way down, so get out here!” Max snapped-all patience gone.

In the background, Kenny hid a snicker behind his hand.

“What do they want?” Tyson glared at Max. “I don’t have time for that bunch of . . .”

“If you’d get out of bed, when the rest of us did.”

“I was tired! If the bunch of you hadn’t woke me this morning!”

“Guys! Guys!” Kenny sprang off his bed and ran between the pair. He pushed Max back and wheeled to face Tyson. “We don’t have time for this! Tyson, Max is right and you know it! You’re always oversleeping and don’t use this morning as an excuse! Max and I were up at the time, too! Yet, we got up an hour ago! And we’ve managed to bathe and dress in that amount of time! Now, get it together!” Kenny balled his fist and shook it under Tyson’s nose.

Eyes wide and holding out his hands, Tyson backed slowly into the bathroom. “Ok, Chief! Calm down, I’ll be out in a minute! Just give me a sec!” Tyson shut the door, and leaned against it. “Sheesh! You’d think the world was coming to an end.” He grumbled, as he went over to the bathroom mirror and finished brushing his hair. Checking his reflection he gave himself; a thumbs up and crowed, “Looking good! Watch out Tala! I’m . . .”

“TYSON!”

“I’M COMING!” He roared, jamming his hat on his head. Stomping to the door, he flung it open, only to come face-to-face with his grandfather.

“Well, mini-me, your peeps tell me, you’ve been dragging your feet all morning! Maybe, what you need is a session of training with your old granddad!” With a wick gleam in his eye, the old man pulled out his big stick and took a swing at Tyson, who ducked and ran past: looking for cover. The old man pivoted, and barely missed a blow to the boy’s back.

“Grandpa!” Tyson yelled and rolled across Kenny’s bed.

Max and Kenny clung to each other giggling madly.

“Knock! Knock!”

Tyson and hiandfandfather froze where they were, as Kenny went to the door and opened it.

“Hello, Kenny, may we come in?” Robert said, quietly.

“Please.” Kenny stepped back. The German led his teammates into the room and raised an eyebrow.

“Were we interrupting something?” Oliver asked, grinning.

“Just giving the mini-me a training session!” Grandpa said, airily as he put away his stick. “Guess you peeps got important stuff to blim-blam about! Don’t need an old codger like me around! So, I’ll just go grab some grub, and see ya all at the stadium! Don’t forget to keep your head, Tyson! No need to go losing it now!” The old man was still handing out advice, as he went out the door.

“Is he always like that?” Enrique asked, as he stared after the oldster with bemusement on his face.

“Yeah.” Tyson replied, “Its’ his way of keeping me in shape.” Max handed him his hat, and with a smile of thanks, Tyson crammed it back on his head. “So, what did you want to talk to us about?” He asked.

“Why don’t we all get comfortable, before we tell you.” Oliver said.

Uninvited, Robert took a seat in the nearest brown wingback chair. Oliver claimed the other, while Enrique leaned on the back of it. Johnny leaned against the wall, and crossed his arms.

Kenny sat on the end of his bed, while Max and Tyson sat on theirs, a look of expectation on their faces.

“We’ve come to apologize about last night, or rather, this morning.” Robert began. “We were in error. Kai and Rei are not lovers.”

“Are you saying, they’re not gay?” Tyson blurted, “Man, that bites! Didn’t your mother teach you about spreading rumors?”

“Tyson!” Kenny and Max shouted, and the brunette subsided.

“You’ll have to overlook him.” Kenny apologized, “Sometimes, his mouth runs away from his brain.”

“Hey!”

Robert waved away the apology. “You mistake my meaning. Johnny and I spoke with Kai last night, and he admitted that he loves Rei, but has never told him. As for Rei, since we have not spoken to him, we can not say with certainty that he loves Kai.”

“Well, Oliver and Enrique were pretty sure this morning. Sure enough to wake us out of a sound sleep.” Tyson said, testily.

“That’s only partially true, Tyson. We were more concerned about where Kai was going at such an odd hour.” Oliver replied, quietly.

“But, if Kai loves Rei, why hasn’t he told him?” Max asked anxiously, his fists gripping the edge of the bed.

Johnny raised an eyebrow, but answered quietly, “Because he doesn’t feel worthy of him, anymore.” The Scotsman’s eyes grew haunted, and Max shivered at the sight. “He was feeling guilty about many things last night.”

“Guilty? What was he feeling guilty about?” Tyson leaned forward on the edge of the bed, for once serious about something.

“Betraying the team. Threatening to take your bit-beasts. Being the cause of Rei’s injuries.” Johnny began to tick the points off on his fingers.

“Whoa! Wait! The cause of Rei’s injuries! That was Bryan, not Kai! So, why is he feeling guilty about that?” Max demanded, as he too leaned forward.

“Did he or did he not demand to blade first?” asked Enrique.

“Well, yeah, but that still doesn’t mean . . .” Max began, but stopped when Enrique shook his head.

“For Kai, it does.” Johnny responded, “Look you weren’t there, we were. The guilt was tearing him apart! He was just sitting there; wondering what he could have done differently! So . . .”

“So, basically, I told him, we needed to know if he could lead his team. And that until he knew where he stood with Rei, he’d be useless to everybody.” Robert crossed his legs, and stared at the boys on the beds. “And early this morning he was seen coming into the hotel, so I think he may have gone to see Rei.”

“All right,” Max said, slowly, “But, I still don’t see why you had to speak to us-here. I mean, this could have waited until after the match today.”

“No,” Oliver responded. “It can’t, because we couldn’t take the chance of Tyson’s being distracted by anything. So, what it comes down too, is this. Do you have a problem with Kai and possibly Rei being gay.”

“We talked about it after you left last night.” Kenny answered, “And while I admit your news took us by surprise, none of us have a problem with it.”

“That’s good, we got worried about it, after Robert told us what Kai had said.” Enrique sagged against the chair back in relief.

“Why would you be worried?” Max asked, a puzzled look in his blue eyes.

“Well, you could have pulled out of the championship, or waited until after it to throw them off the team.” Oliver replied.

“What! Pull out for such a stupid reason? Give us a little credit, will ya!” Tyson snapped, as he jumped to his feet, hands clenched. Max reached up, grabbed his shirt and yanked Tyson back down.

“Hey!”

“Tyson, sit.”

“But, Maxie!”

“Tyson, I can understand they’re reasoning, so there’s no need to fly off the handle.” Max said, softly. He kept a grip on Tyson’s shirt, but gazed earnestly at the four Europeans. “Thank you for your concern. But, Kai and Rei are our teammates, no matter what.”

Before anyone could say anything to that, there came a sharp rap at the door, and Kai walked in.

“Kai!” Kenny, Max and Tyson all sprang to their feet and rushed to their captain. Kai stood there, bemused, as each of them seemed to need to touch him. Over their heads, he locked eyes with Robert and slowly raised an eyebrow.

Robert nodded.

“That’s enough.” Kai said calmly, and the other three slowly backed away. Kai walked confidently up to Robert, who rose to meet him.

“I’ve chosen a new fork, and while I don’t yet know the outcome of that choosing; I thank you for pointing out the wisdom of doing so.” Kai extended a hand to the German.

Robert looked down at the extended hand and took it. Then he raised his eyes to gaze into the calm pools of red before him. “It was my honor to be of some assistance.” He replied simply.

The two captains shook hands.

Releasing Kai’s hand, Robert turned to his team, “It’s time to go. We have done what we came to do.” Turning back, he bowed slightly, “I wish you the best of luck, today, Tyson.” The lavender-haired youth said. Then he headed for the door. Quickly, the other Majestic’s voiced their best wishes and followed.

Kenny went to the door and closed it. He turned back to find Max regarding Kai with a quizzical expression.

“What did you mean, you chose a new fork?” He asked.

“Later,” Kai replied, “We don’t have time for idle talk. It’s time to head for the stadium.”

Tyson’s stomach chose that moment to rumble. Kenny laughed.

“We can’t go, yet!” Tyson protested, “I haven’t had breakfast!”

Kai smirked, “We’ll buy you a doughnut on the way.”

“A doughnut!” Tyson yelled, “You’re kidding, right!”

Smiling slightly, Kai turned away and headed for the door, Max and Kenny armed with Dizzi on his heels. Tyson stared opened mouth at their backs. He blinked. Then rushed for the door.

“Kai!”


*~*

Rei sighed. He’d been sitting on this marble bench for awhile watching as the crowd of Beybladers and spectators simply wenazy.azy. When over two dozen battles had broken out among the Bladers, he’d retreated to where he could watch, but not get trampled in someone’s enthusiasm.

“Rei, my boy! Here you are! Why are you hiding?” Mr. Dickenson walked up beside the young Chinese and rested a friendly hand on his shoulder.

“I got a little tired and didn’t want to get in the way of the mob.” Rei waved his hand at the seething sea in front of them.

Looking out at the chaos, Mr. D. chuckled, “I see what you mean. They are a little enthusiastic, aren’t they.”

“Yeah.” Rei sighed. His eyes sought and found a certain figure standing-arms crossed, as he watched Tyson show-off for a bunch of reporters. How he wanted to be with Kai! He sighed again, frustrated with being so weak.

Mr. D felt the sigh, and looked down at the slender youth, a soft light of concern in his eyes. “Rei, do you want my driver to take you back to the hotel? Or perhaps, you should return to the infirmary?” He blinked when a pair of glowing gold eyes swung up to lock with his own. Rei rose, causing the older man to pull his hand back.

“Mr. D, can I ask a favor?” Rei asked eagerly, “I want to go back to the hotel, but there’s something I need.”

“Anything, my boy, you know that. What can I do for you?”

“I’ll explain on the way to the car; if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.” Mr. D turned to lead the young warrior away. As they walked, Rei explained, and Mr. Dickenson laughed. “Rei, you and Kai are going to be the death of me, but I’ll do it.”

~*~

Kai had the distinct impression he was being manipulated. It was like everyone in Moscow was trying to keep him away from Rei for some reason, and he was getting tired of it. First, there had been at least a dozen interviews, where he had to watch Tyson make a fool of himself – not that that was hard to do.

Then, Mr. D. had requested that he accompany him to the Abbey, where he had spent the afternoon showing the authorities through the building. And while, they had found many boys still at the Abbey, not one knew, where the Demolition Boys had gone, nor had they found Black Dranzer, and that made him uneasy. Everything he’d done so far had been necessary, bu cou couldn’t help, but feel like they had been arranged to delay him for as long as possible.

When Mr. D suggested attending one of the parties being held to celebrate the championship, he had put his foot down, and refused.

Now, he was back in the hotel and nothing was keeping him from Rei’s side.

He moved restlessly, waiting for the elevator to reach the fourth floor, anxious to see his tiger.

‘ Ping!’

The doors opened, and he rushed out to hurry down to his room. Reaching the door, he put his key in the lock, and pulled the door opened to reveal a shocking transformation.

The room had been completely changed. The floor was covered with tatami mats. Off to the right set against the wall was a black table and on it was a Buddha. In front of the idol was a censer from which a curl of smoke was emanating. Two tall fat red candles flanked the whole.

As he stepped into the room, he caught the scent of jasmine. His eyes widened as he slowly surveyed the room; every available surface was covered in yellow and red candles, the window shades were drawn and the drapes had been replaced with gauzy cloth in green, red, blue, gold and lavender jewel tones.

But the dominant feature of the room was the ebony bed. It was set dead center in the middle of the room and covered with a red bordered gold silk counterpane. Two gold pillows with red tassels were propped against the backboard. On the front of the pillows were embroidered the figures of a white tiger and a phoenix locked in battle.

Slowly, he dragged his eyes down the bed and blinked. At the foot of the bed was a large square of white silk.

And kneeling in the center of the square was . . .His tiger, his beautiful, exasperating tiger. Rei was wearing a pair of black pants that were cut low on his hips and a red vest that framed his well-defined chest. His tight abs glistened with a light sheen of oil and his long ebony hair flowed in a shimmering torrent down his back to spread in an inky pool around him.

Looking up at Kai, Rei smiled gravely and leaned forward placing the palm of one hand on top of the other, then he gracefully bowed until his forehead met his hands.

Kai was stunned. Why was Rei kowtowing to him? Why that ancient sign of submission? Did Rei think he, Kai was better than . . . “No,” he whispered, crossing the floor in four rapid strides, “No!” Kneeling, he reached for the beauty and taking him by the forearms raised him up. Gold eyes met his and he brought up a hand to cup a creamy cheek, “Never, Rei, never do that again. You are not below me, my angel.” Kai whispered, “I’m the one who is beneath you.”

“No, you’re not.” Rei shook his head in denial. “You are my captain, my friend and . . .Ni shi wo de wei yi.”

“What does that mean, Rei?” Kai asked, softly, as his thumb caressed the warm delicate skin of Rei’s right cheek. ‘I could stay like this forever..’ He thought, as he continued to stare into golden depths.

“It means, you are my one and only.” Rei blushed, as he looked away from his phoenix’s crimson orbs.

Kai sat down and pulled his suddenly shy love into his lap, gently guiding his legs around his waist. “Ya TebyA lyublyU*” He whispered, as he inhaled Rei’s scent, an intoxicating combination of sandalwood and cinnamon. Wrapping his arms around his tiger, he buried his hands in the long mane, and gently began to nuzzle the ivory skin of his love’s throat.

Rei gasped as the Russian began to slowly nip his way down his throat. He squirmed as a thumb found its way to one of his nipples and began to gently rub it: while Kai’s other hand cupped his rear. He frantically grabbed Kai’s shoulders in an effort to anchor himself in the maelstrom of sensations his soon-to-be lover was creating. He shivered, when soft laughter against his skin made it vibrate. “Kai.” He moaned.

Kai was delighted with how responsive his neko-jin was. He’d never have guessed at the range of sounds his love could make, or how easy it was to make him writhe. The sound of his name being moaned in that needful way sent the blood pounding in his veins. Nipping his way back up the delicate expanse of his beloved’s throat, he whispered, “Ti takAya krasIvaya.*” Then, he claimed his tiger’s delicious mouth.

Unseen by either of the lovers, the door slowly began to swing open.

~*~


“Put me down! I wanna go party some more!” Max giggled, as he squirmed and waved his arms around.

“Stop squirming, Max!” Johnny growled, as he tried to hang on to the wiggling-definitely-had too much to drink blonde. “Tell me again, why I agreed to carry him.” He grumped.

“Because,” Kenny said, squeezing past the Scotsman. “You offered.”

“I must have been out of my mind.” Johnny snarled, as Max began to sag; forcing the redhead to readjust his grip-yet again.

“Well, Johnny, it’s nice to know that you can do something that’s actually useful.” Tyson snickered.

Kenny twisted around and fixed Dragoon’s companion with an exasperated look. “Tyson, that was rude! Apologize!”

“Why? It’s the truth.” the brunette insisted, “Name one thing they’ve done that has been useful, since we’ve got to Russia.”

“Help train you.” Oliver muttered.

Enrique snickered, as Tyson swung around to face the Frenchman, an outraged look on his face. Before he could say anything, however.

“Be quiet, all of you.” Robert said, calmly. “There may be people in this floor, who would not appreciate being woke up by your juvenile behavior.”

“I am not juvenile!” Tyson defended hotly, glaring at the lavender-haired German.

“Could have fooled me.” Johnny muttered, just loud enough for Max to hear. The little blonde giggled, and the Scotsman smirked down at him.

Tyson pointed a finger at Robert, complaining, “Honestly, I don’t know what you’re all getting so worked up about. We won! The world is saved from Kai’s evil grandfather and . . . Kenny, why did you stop like that! I nearly ran over you.” Tyson’s rant stopped as he followed Kenny’s pointing finger.

While they had been arguing, they had come even with Kai and Rei’s room door, and there was Kai and Rei in each other’s arms; engaged in a passionate lip lock.

They only had a moment to l bef before Robert reached out and firmly closed the door.

“Hey!” Tyson protested. “What did you do that for!”

“Some things are meant to be private.” The German said, and took Tyson by the arm. “Let’s go down to your room and finish our ‘discussion’ on juvenile behavior.” And keeping a firm grip on the younger boy, he dragged him down the hall.


~*~

Inside the room, Rei broke the kiss and looked at the door. “Did you hear something?” he asked.

Kai reached up and cupped his cheeks between his hands; “No, Itooshi, and neither did you.” And pulled his face close for another kiss.

~*~

Dobroi nochi – Goodnight

Ya tebyA lyublyU – I love you

Ti takAya krasIvaya – You are so beautiful

Itooshi – Beloved

Finally! I didn’t think I was ever going to get this chapter written!

Rowan: Well, nine rewrites are a record even for you.

LS: Hey! Who asked you?

Duo: Nobody.

LS (frowning at her fav. Ronin and G-boy): Why are you two here?

Rowan: We were feeling lonely. You’ve been spending too much time with Kurama and Hiei.

Duo: Not to mention those new toys of yours.

LS: Toys?

Duo: Yeah, the longhaired rat and Heero II.

LS: Duo Maxwell! That is no way to talk about Rei! He’s a neko-jin! Not a rat! And you, me boy-o are just jealous, that his hair is longer than yours-not to mention prettier!

Duo (gasps and grabs braid): I’m telling Heero! (Runs off)

LS (yells after disappearing pilot) And I don’t think Kai will like being called Heero’s clone!

Rowan: Now you’ve done it. Do you really think Rei’s hair prettier than Duo’s?

LS: No, but I like stirring him up. As for having done it, yeah, well, if I can’t outrun Spandex Boy, do me a favor and bury me in a box of my favorite books and fanfictions, so I’ll have something to read in hell. Oh, and cancel my skiing lessons with Hyoga.

Rowan: Will do. Wait A Minute! Who is Hyoga?

LS (grinning): Another and I quote-new toy. He’s a Bronze Knight from ‘Knights of the Zodiac’. And of course, there’s Kenshin and Hiead.

Rowan: Are you collecting a harem?

LS: I wish!

Rowan: Are you through?

LS: Yep, I . . . Eep!

Heero: I want to talk to you.

LS: Just remembered! Have to go torture Sage. Bye! (Runs)