A.N.hides behind the fanfic Please don't kill me! I have an incredibly short attention span and major writer's block hit me. The other day, inspiration hit my like a bus lol so here ya go. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope its long enough to satisfy you until I post the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own beyblade

Warnings: Shounen-ai

I must say, mouth agape and speechless is not my most attractive look. Apparently Kai felt likewise because within seconds I was standing by myself, the warmth of Kai's arms having been replaced by a rush of cold wind in his haste to remove his limbs from my body. I decided to busy myself with the task of dusting off my clothing and avoiding the situation all together. Unfortunately Kai had to go and speak which I knew would initiate a somewhat... uncomfortable coversation with questions I didn't know how to answer.

"What are you guys doing out here?" Kai asked, typical 'I dare you to question me' look set on his feautres.

"Just wanted to get something to eat," Max explained. "You know Tyson's stomach controls his brain! He was starting to eye me like something tasty!" I gave a small laugh at this, figuring complete silence on my part might indicate some kind of guilt or... something. Before silence could make itself cozy among our group again, Tyson directed the conversation back to things that were better left undiscussed.

"So... is everything okay? What was going on before we got here?"

Glancing at Kai from the corner of my eye, I silently urged him to take the lead. As he seemed to think about what to say I had a sudden realization. 'This is like the moment of truth.. What do I truly mean to him... and can he be open about it? Is he ashamed of our relationship or...' I couldn't help the nervousness I was feeling, but somehow I knew what he would say. A feeling of warmth spread through me as I anxiously awaited his response.

"Rei tripped."

With those two one-syllable words, my entire world was devastated. A sudden chill swept my being, a cold more biting than the wind whipping at my face. 'Was that it? No other explanations?' Desparately trying to remain in control of myself and stop the shaking of my hands, I looked into the questioning faces of my teammates and forced a sheepish smile and nod. I couldn't look at Kai however. My happy little fantasy was mercilessy blown apart and my heart was breaking merely remaining in his prescence. Softly clearing my throat to gain the attention of my friends, as well as repress the choking feeling that was overcoming me, I spoke so softly I didn't think they would hear. At this moment in time, I didn't particularly care.

"If you guys don't mind, I think I'm going to head back to the hotel. I'm starting to feel a little sick."

As I started to walk away, effectively cutting off any argument or further conversation, I tried with all of my strength to ignore the confused and concerned faces of my friends, but I couldn't stop myself from looking... just once. In that one, momentary glance, my heart nearly burst from the swirling mass of emotion and confusion. In a pair of crimson eyes I saw my pain echoed. There was something of a desparate confusion in them that I could not understand. As hard as it is to read Kai, for that moment in time his heart was exposed to me. At any other time I would have tripped over myself trying to latch on to such a chance to understand him. The breaking of my own heart only increased in speed when I saw in Kai regret and pain.

In my already fragile state my mind could not even begin to comprehend what all of this meant and so, when I rounded a corner, out of sight of those blooddrenched eyes, I had a sudden burst of speed. I began to run, hair whipping behind me, several of the dark strands coming loose. Like the hair struggling to free itself from its bonds, I ran as though if I ran fast enough I might free myself of this emotional burden. I might forget the warmth of Kais arms, his lips... and the haunting look of those eyes as I fled. My feet carried me a long distance before I could finally stop. Surveying my surroundings, I became aware of several benches in the midst of trees and wildlife. 'Ah, a park.'

The peaceful scenery seemed harmless and almost relaxing. The park looked somewhat deserted at the moment, so I decided to seize this opportunity of solitude. I took in the beauty of nature as I strolled aimlessly. The tension in my body began to slowly melt away as my thoughts strayed. Taking a moment to lean against a large tree on my path, I had a temporary moment of peace. For a second I believed I could deal with the way things were developing.. the way my world seemed to be crumbling. That momentary lapse into hopefulness was torn from me as a memory made its way to the forefront of my mind. A memory of being in a park.. back against a tree.. only instead of the pit of lonliness in my stomach there was a fluttering, flustered warmth in its place.

Completely blindsided by these thoughts, I could no longer keep control. In one massive burst of emotion I collapsed onto the soft earth and began to weep. Choking sobs wracked my small frame until my throat began to feel dry and my body weak. I slowly became aware of the sound of feet softly coming toward me. Their pace seemed to increase in unison with the volume of my crying. Through the haze of my vision I saw someone round a corner. At the sight of the mess that happened to be me, the figure began to run in my direction almost frantically. The fear of more questions - questions I didn't want to think about, questions I didn't have the answers to - propelled me upward. Unfortunately that was all it did, because a wave of dizziness kept me from going any further. The only thing that even kept me on my feet was the support of the person that had been running toward me. Semi-alarmed at the thought of some strange person holding me, I took this opportunity to take a closer look at them. The familiarity of the touch lessened the surprise of meeting worried golden eyes framed by soft pink hair.

"Hey Mariah," I managed to croak out, laughing with a hint of sadness still audible. "Wh.. what's up?" Biting back tears I tried to smile at her, wanting to assure her I was fine.

"Oh Rei!" This exclamation was followed by a rather large and (somewhat) unexpected embrace. At the comfortable feeling of being held by an individual that understood and deeply cared for me, my moment of control slipped from my shaking hands and I allowed my arms to tighten their slack hold on the solid being in front of me. My head fell to Mariah's shoulder as I began to silently weep again. Saying nothing she just stroked my hair and let me ruin her top.

"What did I do?" I whispered, almost unintelligibly. "What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything Rei," she said gently, never ceasing her soothing movements.

"Then.. why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did he lie? Why did he reject me?" The hot tears streaming down my face only increased in number as I voiced the countless questions I could not comprehend. "Was he ashamed of me? What we were? Did he actually care about me at all? or was I just a distraction... is.. is there something wrong with me Mariah?"

The childlike confusion in my last question must have broken down Mariah's defenses because I began to feel slight tremors as she held me close. Teary eyed and with much effort I lifted my head to gaze into the eyes of my friend. Her obvious concern made me feel a bit guilty, but I could not get a reign on my emotions. Speaking became too difficult so we sunk to the ground and wept in silence.

After a while, my emotional turmoil began to calm and I was left with exhaustion. Though I should have returned to the hotel, I remained seated in the comforting embrace of my friend, practically my sister. One question remained with me however.

"Where the heck did you come from?" I inquired with furrowed brows. With a soft giggle, Mariah explained that Max had given her a call.

"He sounded worried and didn't know what he should do. I wanted to make sure you were all right. I know things might not keep going so smoothly with that attitude of Kai's, so I was out the door in seconds when I heard that something was going on." With a deep breath I prepared to explain the situation to her, but she cut me off before I could even begin.

"Rei. You don't have to. I don't want you to hurt anymore. I don't know what Kai said or did but you just need to stay calm and sit for a while."

At this she took my hand and I allowed myself to be lead to one of the several wooden benches scattered throughout the park. So absorbed in keeping my control and taking in the comfort being provided to me, I missed it. I did not hear the sound of twigs and other items being snapped as a pair of careless feet took flight. Nor did I see the figure flee wihtout its typical grace or agility. I was not aware of eyes that were squeezed shut, chasing out the image in the park.

Crimson eyes...

R&R It will please me