Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Endure ❯ Barely Breathing ( Chapter 4 )

Authoress' Notes:  This update is part of the massive updating I'm doing, which I am affectionately calling the “Chaos wave.” I'm updating ALL my current WIPs, so make sure you check out my other fics, dear readers! As for this chapter of Endure, I guess I'm going to be mean and put the bishies through some more angst before I start turning things around for the better for them. *sweatdrops* Sheesh.

 

Warnings:        Yaoi, adult language, angst, & probable lemons.  Specific warnings will be given each chapter if relevant.

 

Disclaimer:       I do not own Beyblade, its characters, or anything else to do with it.  I do not own any of the songs from which I borrowed to make chapter titles. They belong to whomever they belong to (which isn't me!). I own only the OCs that will appear in this fic.

 

Pairings:        & nbsp; TyKa, Rei / Mariah, Max / ?, Kenny/Hilary, Tala / ?, others TBA.

 

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Chapter 04: Barely Breathing

 

  “Man, Zeo, you really are sneaky!” Max laughed, clapping the aqua-haired blader on the back. “You knew all along Kai and Tala were coming, didn't you?” They were standing near a table that had been set up and now held several open pizza boxes. Everyone was milling around, getting to know one another more - as well as renewing old friendships and acquaintances.

“Of course I did.” Zeo chuckled. “I thought it would be a nice surprise for all of you.” He frowned thoughtfully, looking from one side of the room where Tyson and Kenny were talking to Ozuma, Salima, and Michael, to the other side where Kai was standing with Tala, Kane, Mariah, and Mathilda. “Max, is it just me, or are Tyson and Kai avoiding each other?”

“No, its not just you.” Max ran a hand through his blonde hair, unsure what to say or do. “I don't get it. Normally Tyson would have been practically attached to Kai's side for a while, until he was sure Kai wasn't going to disappear on him if he looked away. But instead…”

“It seems more like he's doing his best to stay away from Kai.” Zeo finished Max's sentence with a shake of his head. “I hope they're not in an argument or something.”

“Let me guess…Kai is Tyson's roommate?” Max couldn't help snickering. “Oh boy…this is going to be interesting!”

“What is?” Rei wondered, appearing beside his team mate for another slice of pizza.

“Kai and Tyson having to live with each other for about eight months.” Max swallowed back his laughter.

“You're kidding.” Rei munched on his pizza thoughtfully. “You're right, Maxie. That is interesting.”

“Heh. By the way, Rei, do you have any idea why they're apparently avoiding each other?”

“Um, not specifically, no. Though, I suspect Tyson's probably mad at Kai for not keeping in touch. And you know Kai - he doesn't actively seek people out.”

“You have a point there.”

Kenny broke away from the group and Tyson, turning to go find Hilary. Looking around, he spotted her talking to Miriam and Joseph, and went over to join her.

“Hi, Chief!” Joseph shook Kenny's hand in greeting. “Hilary was just showing us her ring! Congratulations!”

Kenny blushed. “Ah, yeah, thanks, Joseph.”

“What's up, Kenny? You look like you're confused about something.” Hilary murmured as the others wandered away to join Ozuma.

“Something's up with Tyson and Kai. Tyson doesn't seem to be as thrilled to see Kai as I would have thought he'd be.” The Chief frowned.

“Yes, I noticed. What's up with that?”

“I don't know. But it worries me. Tyson's still not recovered from losing Gramps, and he's needed Kai badly. I don't know…maybe I'm reading too much into it. It's still early and Kai did just get here.”

“Maybe. We'll just have to keep an eye on them, won't we?” Hilary squeezed his hand. “Oh, hey! Tyson's leaving!”

They hurried after him and managed to catch him at the elevator doors.

“Tyson! You're leaving so soon?” Hilary asked in concern.

“You okay, pal?” Kenny added.

“I'm fine. I'm just tired and stuff, so I'm going to go up and finish unpacking a few things before I go to sleep.” Tyson responded, sounding weary.

“Well, if you're sure. We'll come by tomorrow, alright?” Hilary gave him a quick pat on the shoulder.

“Yeah. I think we should have a team meeting/reunion of our own, don't you?” Kenny added.

“Sounds like a plan to me, Chief.” Tyson agreed, stepping into the elevator and waving slightly at them. “See you both tomorrow.”

As soon as the doors closed, Tyson pushed the button for his floor and slumped back against a wall, the energy having drained right out of him after that emotional roller coaster in the common room.

What's wrong with me? Kai's back, and I couldn't even say hello. All I wanted was for him to come back, or at least to see him again and when I finally have the chance…I am so lame! Argh! He resisted turning around and banging his head on the wall when the doors opened. Instead, he left the elevator and walked down the hall to his suite.

Once inside, he sighed and kicked off his shoes. “Ah…forget unpacking. I'm too tired.” Stretching and yawning, he decided to have a hot shower and go to bed, so he went to look for his shampoo and conditioner, and his night clothes.

~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Kai ~

 

Not long after Kenny and Hilary had returned to the gathering, Kai quietly slipped out without anyone noticing - except Zeo, who had an uncanny knack for knowing exactly where everyone was at all times. They'd exchanged wary nods of acknowledgment as Kai paused at the door to pick up his bags. Zeo made his way over and handed him an envelope.

“Here's your residence package. You'll find your key-card to your suite in there. You're in suite…”

“I know. You've put me with Tyson, haven't you?” Kai turned the full strength of his gaze on the cyborg.

“Um, actually, Mr. Dickenson did.” Zeo smiled ruefully, though he had to look away from those penetrating eyes. “Suite 16, eighth floor. Oh, and Kai?”

“What?” The older teen growled impatiently.

“Have patience with him, okay?” Zeo's expression became more serious, and he lowered his voice. “Tyson needs his friends, but he needs you perhaps more.” He shook off the sadness in his voice and eyes. “Anyway, welcome to Spirit Hall, Kai. Have a good night!” Zeo walked away before Kai could respond.

Having no idea what Zeo had been talking about, Kai frowned and made his way to the elevator, considering the aqua-haired teen's words. Why did he sound so sad? Tyson looked tired, but that's normal after a long flight. He didn't seem any different to me…well, maybe a little bit.

Stepping off the elevator on the eighth floor, his frown deepened as he walked down the hallway. Come to think of it, Tyson didn't even say hello to me - or Tala, for that matter. Normally he'd have been loudly demanding to know where I've been, what I've been doing, and why I haven't kept in touch, but…it was like he was…avoiding me.

Kai stopped in front of the door, dropping his bags and rubbing his chest as if he could ease the ache that idea caused. He couldn't be that angry with me, could he? I thought…I was sure once he'd gotten over his initial mad, and I had a chance to tell him what happened, then he'd…he always forgave me anything. The dual-haired blader dug around in the envelope for the key-card. I've needed that. He gave me the chances I needed to put my life in order again, and be me. I know I've been hard to deal with but…

Now Kai was worried. He'd counted on Tyson for so long, despite himself, and it hadn't really occurred to him that he might have pushed that forgiveness too far, and possibly lost any chance he may have had with Tyson - for friendship or anything else.

Sucking in a breath and letting it out slowly, Kai took the key-card and unlocked the door, pushing it open and picking up his bags to carry them inside.

He'd been expecting to see his storm-eyed team mate right away, but he was greeted by an empty space. Relieved and disappointed at the same time, Kai huffed and kicked the door closed with his foot and stopped in the middle of the huge room to look around. It wasn't what he'd been expecting either. It was spacious, clean, and fairly home-y feeling for a dorm at a university - and one that no one had lived in yet, no less.

Explore later. He told himself, shifting his bags when he remembered them and how heavy they were. Put this stuff somewhere before my arms die on me.

Kai glanced at the two closed doors, figuring one was Tyson's room and the other was probably the bathroom. So he went for the door that was slightly open and went in to the empty bedroom. He dropped the bags again, this time for the last time, by the closet and ran a hand through his hair. He glanced toward another closed door, where he could hear the sound of running water faintly. Ah…he's in the shower. At least I know he's here.

Since he didn't feel like unpacking, he wandered out to the kitchen to paw through the cupboards in the hopes of finding some coffee or tea. He got lucky and found both in one cupboard, with a little note that said `compliments of Spirit Hall.'

As he was pouring the boiling water into his mug over a tea bag, he heard a door open and glanced over, expecting Tyson to come out. When he didn't, he shrugged and took his tea over to the balcony doors, going outside and taking in the view from it, overlooking a river. Leaning on the railing, Kai sipped his tea to the fading sunlight, calming his emotions and mind as best he could, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Tyson ~

 

Tyson paused in lathering up his hair. He thought he'd heard a door opening and closing in the empty room - not that it surprised him. He had a pretty good idea who it was he was going to be stuck living with while he was here. Slowly going back to getting clean, the bluenette sighed wearily. He had hoped to be done his shower and in bed by the time Kai came up, but it looked like he wasn't going to have the chance to get in some sleep before he had to deal with facing his long lost team captain.

He stepped out of the shower and dried off. He slipped into his pyjama pants and went into his room to find his matching top. He pulled it out of his carry-on bag where it had been buried under a pair of jeans and put it on. He buttoned it up and grabbed his towel to dry his hair, walking out to the main living area. He didn't see Kai, but he spotted the makings of tea on the counter and figured, why not? He'd probably need it.

Freshly brewed mug of tea in hand, and towel draped around his neck, Tyson took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he moved toward the balcony doors, where he could seethe achingly familiar shadowed figure of his rival and secret love.

He pushed open the door and stepped out quietly, joining Kai at the balcony and mimicking his stance. He sipped his tea, relishing the soothing warmth and resisting just putting his mug aside and hugging Kai to death. Opting instead to drink his tea in silence, he observed the older blader out of the corner of his eye. He looks…well, he looks really good. But he seems thinner or something. He's a little taller, too. Tyson blinked, surprise washing over him suddenly as he took in Kai's profile. Kai's not wearing his shark fins! Holy crap!

He looked away casually to hide the faint dusting of pink that was tingeing his cheeks and painting a swath across the bridge of his nose. Gods, he's hot without them…maybe more so than he was with them.

While Tyson was mastering his urge to drool, Kai was wishing he'd just say something so he would know where they stood with each other. It was difficult enough as it was, but with Tyson standing so close to him, radiating heat (his own and the result of his shower) and smelling clean and so…Tyson, it really didn't help his chaotic senses or mindset to help him think clearly. He wanted to run his fingers through Tyson's damp hair and just curl up with the bluenette in his arms - or be in Tyson's arms. Kai wasn't that picky on that point. All his life he'd been lacking affectionate attention, and though Kai didn't think he'd be that comfortable with it out in public yet, alone he thought it would be fine. He needed it - but specifically, Kai craved Tyson's affections.

Tyson swallowed the last of his tea and stared at the bottom of the cup. The silence was becoming unbearably uncomfortable to him. Not really sure what else to say at the moment, he cleared his throat and said, “Nice view, huh?”

Kai felt a little piece of hope die. Small talk…so that's how it is. Well, if that's the best I can have with you, then I'll take it. So he put on a neutral expression and turned around, leaning back on the railing on his arms. “Yeah. Not what I expected.”

“Me neither. I think I may like it here. I was…expecting more of a city-like place, you know? Urban. But this is…green. More like a small town than a city.”

“Hn. We didn't come here to enjoy the scenery. It's a bonus, but it's not vital to our education.”

Tyson scowled, though it was exactly like Kai to say something like that. “Do you have to do that? You always do something to put a damper on things for others. Can't you lighten up? And just when you're finally back, after all this time…” In his exhausted state of emotion, he didn't even notice the hot trickle of tears that spilled down his cheeks. “You just disappear for over a year - no letters, no emails, no phone calls, nothing! Damn it! A smoke signal would have been fine! At least I wouldn't have worried about you!” Tyson put his cup down before he dropped it. He was shaking with temper, and his hands clenched into fists as all his emotion came venting out. He didn't see Kai wince or look down at his feet, either. “Why? Why, Kai? You always run off and when I need you I can't find you…no one can! Even Kenny couldn't track you down!”

Kai looked at him in shock and concern at the lost, lonely tone in the bluenette's voice. He was worried about me? And he needed me? His eyes went wide as Tyson released a sob and turned away, blindly pushing open the balcony doors and stumbling inside.

This is new. He's never been this upset before. Not really sure what to do, he grabbed their mugs and hurried after Tyson. “Kinomiya, wait…” Kai left the mugs on the counter as he went past and managed to catch Tyson by the arm. “Wait a second!”

Tyson shook him off - well, tried. Kai wouldn't let go. “Just…leave me alone. It's what you're good at, after all.” He said bitterly, trying to wrench his arm away. “Let me go!”

Kai felt a pang of hurt at that, especially because he thought it was true about himself probably more than Tyson did, and it made him feel guilty. But he didn't let go. “No.” He replied, forcibly directing the bluenette toward the living room and making him sit down. “What's going on with you, Tyson? You're acting strange.”

Tyson was on his feet and in Kai's face, poking him in the chest as he raged tearfully at him. “Strange? Worrying about someone I care about when I haven't heard from him in months and he suddenly just pops up out of nowhere without explanation is something strange to you? Being angry with you for your lack of consideration for the feelings of others that are supposed to be your friends is strange? Excuse me, oh high-and-mighty one, for being a little upset because I'm just a mere mortal and you're obviously not.” As he spoke, his voice became hoarse and raspy, and he pounded his fists weakly against Kai's chest. “I can't…I needed…”

Kai stared down at the younger teen when he simply collapsed against him, crying and clutching at Kai's shirt as if he was afraid he would disappear again. Hesitantly, he raised his arms and wrapped them around Tyson, pulling him closer and holding him.

“Shh…” He rubbed Tyson's back with one hand, instinctively trying to soothe. “I'm sorry, Tyson. I know it doesn't mean much to you, but it's true. I deserve it, if you hate me and never want me to talk to you again…” Kai's own voice cracked and he swallowed. “I'm sorry…”

Tyson shook his head, hair tickling Kai's chin, and clung tighter. “Don't leave. Not again…”

A determined expression passed over Kai's face, and with a conviction he'd never felt before, stated simply, “Never. I'm back to stay.”

Something in his voice was convincing enough to Tyson that a huge wave of relief washed over him, and something in his heart loosened to the point that he got light-headed. If he'd been exhausted before, then he was dead on his feet now, and as such, slumped in Kai's arms with a deep sigh.

Kai stumbled back at the sudden dead weight and grunted. “Tyson? Hey…” He tipped the bluenette's head back to discover he'd passed out. “Oh, Tyson…” Heaving a sigh of his own, Kai moved around a bit so he could slip his arm under Tyson's knees and lift him up to carry him to his bedroom. He laid the younger teen on the bed gently and tugged the throw blanket at the end of the bed up over him. Placing his hand on Tyson's head and brushing his hair out of his face, Kai stared down at him in concern.

“I don't understand all this, Tyson. I don't know what has happened to you that's made you so depressed and sad, but I'm here, now. I hope you'll give me one last chance and let me help you for a change.” He smiled faintly when Tyson rolled onto his side and curled up like a kitten, his breathing evening out to a steady rhythm. “I am sorry though, if I've caused you unnecessary pain and grief somehow. I'll do what I can to prove it to you. But for now, sleep, and we'll talk tomorrow so I can explain myself.”

With that promise, Kai quietly walked out and closed the door. He'd been tired, and truthfully still was, but he had a fire lit under him by his concern for the object of his affection. If Zeo seemed to know what was wrong with Tyson, then chances were good that Kenny and Hilary would know, too.

In typical Kai-style, he went to the door and put on his shoes, grabbing his key-card from his jacket pocket and heading out, marching down the hall and knocking determinedly on the first door - not knowing exactly which was Kenny and Hilary's and which was Max and Rei's. All he knew was that they were on the same floor.

When he got no answer at that door, he moved on to the other. This time, as he raised his fist to knock, the elevator opened and his team mates stepped off.

“Kai? Were you looking for us?” Kenny asked, a little surprised to see him outside their door.

“I want to talk to you two.”

They looked at each other, then back at Kai. “Uh, sure. Come on in, then.” Hilary opened the door and flicked on the light switch.

The three took off their shoes, and got settled in the living room. Kai was tapping his fingers on the curve of the sofa chair he sat in with an uncharacteristic show of impatience. Hilary curled against Kenny's side and watched him with a raised eyebrow. Now that he was here, right in front of her, she couldn't help feeling a great deal of resentment toward the dual-haired blader on Tyson's behalf.

As if he'd felt it, Kai met her eyes and said quietly. “What's going on?”

Hilary crossed her arms and said nothing. Kenny glanced at her and laughed nervously before answering the captain - kind of.

“Going on? Not much, Kai. We all just got here, after all.”

Kai just looked at him, eyes narrowing.

“Okay, okay. Look, I know you don't want to hear this, but you should let Tyson tell you himself. It's not our place to tell you his personal business. Besides…”

“He'd want to tell you himself, now that it doesn't affect him quite as badly as it did right at first.” Hilary finished, her voice stern and soft with concern for the bluenette all at the same time.

Kai made an exasperated noise, more confused than ever as concern morphed in to worry. “I don't understand. Did something happen to Tyson I should know about? And even though I don't know what the heck's going on, I know it's still `affecting' him.”

Both brunettes' gazes focused sharply on him.

“Why? What makes you say that?” Kenny wanted to know.

“Well besides the fact that he barely came near me this evening - which was totally unnatural as it is - the fact that he broke down into real tears and passed out from his emotional state is enough to make even me wonder what the hell is up with him.” Kai's voice was sarcastic and caustic, but under it, Kenny heard what Kai wasn't able to say. He was worried. And heaven help whoever or whatever was the cause of Tyson's tears - even if it was himself.

“What?!” Hilary exclaimed, her voice piercing both male's ears. “Tyson had a breakdown? What did you say to him?” She demanded.

Offended, Kai scowled back at her. “Nothing. We were talking about the voice from the balcony, and he just suddenly started raging - which was semi-normal, except for the way that he went about it - and then he suddenly started sobbing and begging me not to leave before he collapsed.”

Hilary's hand flew to her mouth in stunned shock and her eyes watered. “Oh, Tyson…”

Kenny sighed. “I see. Listen, Kai, you have to know it wasn't all your fault. Just…give him a chance to rest, get his bearings back, and then talk to him.”

Kai opened his mouth, about to demand an explanation, but Kenny shook his head and stood up.

“I'm sorry, Kai, but we're not going to interfere. This is between you and Tyson.”

Hilary stood up, too, taking her fiancé's cue. “It's late, and we're all tired. Let's all get some sleep.”

Indignant, since they were all but physically booting him out the door, Kai got to his feet and stalked toward the exit. “Fine.” He stated, putting on his shoes again. “I expect he'll sleep in, and then we ought to get groceries, since we have no food.”

Kenny nodded, and saw him out. “Okay. I guess we'll have to put off a team meeting then. I'll let Max and Rei know. Goodnight, Kai.”

Even if he'd wanted to, Kai didn't get the chance to reply as Kenny practically closed the door in his face. Grumbling to himself, the phoenix stalked back to his suite, not even bothering with an attempt to try and extract information from Max or Rei because he was pretty sure they'd tell him the same thing Kenny and Hilary had - nothing.

Instead, he kicked off his shoes and made his way into his bedroom to change into his night-clothes, and then to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth.

As he turned off the water and hung up his washcloth to dry, he paused, heaving muffled noises emanating from Tyson's room through the door. Frowning, Kai opened the door and stuck his head in the room to check on the bluenette. In the darkness and illuminated only by the light from the bathroom, he could see Tyson's figure on the bed toss and turn, kicking of his blanket, and he could hear small whimpers and moans that held such a note of desolation in them that it was enough to make Kai turn out the bathroom light and pad quietly over to him.

“Tyson…” Kai laid a hand to his shoulder and gently shook him, trying to wake him up a little and bring him out of whatever dream was haunting him. “Hey, wake up, Kinomiya.”

In his sleep, Tyson grabbed Kai's hand and refused to let go. A low sound accompanied his name before the bluenette sighed and fell still. “Kai…”

Expression softening, Kai gave in and lay down next to his dragon, seeing as how he wasn't getting his hand back without resorting to drastic measures, and how his presence seemed to have a calming effect on the younger blader. Shifting in an attempt to get comfortable, Kai pulled the throw blanket back up over them, and settled on his side facing the bluenette.

For a while he simply laid quietly with Tyson, watching him sleep. But eventually, his eyes drooped shut and he succumbed to his body's demand for sleep, his hand still clutched tightly in Tyson's.

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Authoress' Notes: I know, I know. I'm dragging them through the angst and they're so OOC. I promise the torture will end! One last comment, I don't know where people are getting the idea they're in Edmonton…if I wanted them there, I'd have said “Edmonton” at some point. Actually, the place isn't that important. *sheepish grin* It's just some nameless city that I modeled after Red Deer, actually. Ah, who cares. It's a fictional place that doesn't exist in central Alberta, Canada. Let's leave it at that, shall we? Please R/R!!!!