Warning: yaoi

- 9. chapter -

You are here, deep in my heart

Kai woke up with the most cheerful smile on his lips. Through his closed eyelids he could feel the already rising sunbeams as it shone warmly over his bare skin and face. He could imagine how beautiful the water looked now as many tiny sparkles danced on the surface. However, he didn't want to wake up, leastways not right away. Instead, feeling perfectly comfortable where he was, nuzzled his face into Takao's soft, silky hair, and pulled the bluenette closer into his tight embrace. The younger teen didn't deny and although he was still asleep he snuggled automatically up to Kai, hiding his face into the warmth of the dual haired chest.

For moment Kai opened his eyes, his crimson eyes glanced down at his lover, who cuddled to him like a child to his teddy bear, and he couldn't hold back a brighter smile. With a pleasant sigh he closed his eyes again and went back to a little slumber, while his left arm was caressing softly Takao's back.

Kai didn't think he could feel happier than he was now. It was so unbelievable how everything had turned out in the last couple of days. His most wonderful and feared wish he'd never dared to hope it could ever come true one day, had completed. It was really like it was written down; it came fast and rapidly as the lightning, and overwhelmingly strong as only love could shoot at you with so much power.

Takao was now truly and only his, and what last night happened was only the beginning of their new relationship. But what the best was – okay, maybe the second best, after that wonderful love making that neither of them would ever forget -, that it seemed his nightmares had ended. Kai might never be able to forget all the painful memories, but now he felt ready to move on...

As the sun came more high on the sky and the birds' twittering forced Kai's mind to awake fully, what he wasn't willing to do, but then he remembered something. He realized where were they and that they had only one day to reach their destination, where presumably their worried friends waited for them. However, Kai knew way too good how hard it was to make Takao wake up in the mornings, so taking his secret drastic recourse – which he'd longed for so long to try on his blue angel – he smirked before took action...

Takao was having a beautiful dream... a very sweet, delicious, dream. There were lot of ice creams... so tasty and creamy... Takao was currently licking eagerly a vanilla one with hazelnut pieces, when suddenly something wet and warm fell onto his neck. An ice cream was licking him?... No, wait... it was...

"Kaiii!" Takao moaned long, and irritably when he was suddenly awoken by his beloved phoenix, who was busy to drive him insane with licking his tanned neck tenderly.

"Hmm?" came the humming voice and a smug grin appeared on Kai as he felt the bluenette shiver under him, when he found a good spot and sucked harder. Then he pulled away and looked down at his angel's sleepy mahogany eyes. "Morning Love. It's time to wake up now."

"Mmm... Kai, leave me alone for a bit. It's still too early and I'm so comfy here." Takao wriggled himself deeper in the protective embrace, and Kai broke into a smile at the adorable way Takao pouted.

"Come on Taka, you can't sleep all day..."

"Why not?" came the grumble while Kai spoke.

"Besides, Rei and Max is waiting for us, remember?... And aren't you hungry?"

"Nope." Kai heard Takao's muffled voice under his chest, though his statement belied itself quickly, when his stomach gave a claiming rumble.

"I think your stomach doesn't agree with you." Kai chuckled.

"Shut up." the bluenette flushed from his ears to his neck.

To placate his embarrassed Dragon, Kai tilted his face up by placing a finger under Takao's chin and gave a mind-blowing, dream kiss. Takao appreciated gladly Kai's warm lips and he took advantage instantly of the opportunity. He buried his slim fingers into the older teen's hair, pulled him down to deepen their hot kiss, which slowly turned more intense and passionately.

Kai, having enough control to not let things go too far where none of them would be able to stop, pulled away slowly, panting. "Hi, again."

"Hi," Takao whispered.

"How do you feel? Wasn't I very rough on you last night?" Kai looked into the brown eyes that went almost black with lust and love.

"No. You were amazing." Takao said, and when Kai started kissing tenderly his palm that came down from his hair to his cheek, he smiled lovingly. "I love you."

Kai blinked at him, then pressed his forehead on Takao's. "I love you, too."

They closed their eyes and stayed there for a while, simply enjoying the little contact as they lay close to each other, feeling the other body's warmth and that how perfectly they fit together. Takao then linked one of their hands together and said. "I was thinking about something."

"Well, that's a new one, too. Just don't think too hard 'cause you'll hurt your brain." Through his closed eyes Kai could feel the hot glare Takao shot at him. And the little kick, which he got on his leg made him snicker.

"Your teasing comments' getting old now, you know... Sourpuss."

"As yours." replied Kai and opened his eyes to give an apologetic kiss on Takao's nose. "So, what were you thinking about?"

Takao played with Kai's black neck-hair. "I just imagined what will Hiro say when he gets to know that we are a couple."

For a minute Kai blinked at Takao with owl eyes, then with a destroyed grunt he dropped his head onto the young teen's shoulder. "Oh, crap." He'd totally forgotten that Takao had a family, whom he still owned some respect and attention. Not like Kai, who had no one to fit anymore, only himself.

The surprise was even bigger on Takao. He sweatdropped slightly and raised an eyebrow. Never, ever he would have thought to see such a reaction from his ex-captain, the ice prince, Kai Hiwatari. He sluggishly tapped Kai's shoulder while he said.

"Don't worry. I don't think Gramps would take it bad, after I saw how much he likes you since he's met you. He treats you as if you were his adopted grandchild... Well, Hiro is another cake. But if you're afraid of him, I'll protect you."

Kai's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'm not scared from him." but he softened when he looked at Takao, since he knew that he was still Takao's brother, and his family. "I just don't want to cause any problem or fight for you with your family. You, Rei, Max and Kenny know who I am, but other people don't think that way – not that I care what others say or think about me. I've no one who I should think of or own respect, but you do, Takao. They are your family and you'll need them always in your life."

"Might. But I'm the one who choose the path in my life. Who I want to be with is my decision, and I never want anyone else than you, Kai... And as good I know my brother, who is almost as protective around me as you are, sooner or later he will agree with us. Believe me."

"Okay." Kai sighed and leant on to gave a kiss on his cheek. Then he smirked. "Now, that you are fully awake we can get up to have breakfast and move on."

The bluenette made a displeasing grumble and went back to his comforting place – snuggling himself back into the warm chest. "Mmm... I still feel like I could sleep for a few minutes..."

"Oh no you won't, you little scamp." Kai gave him a clear demand look, but Takao didn't bother to give any attention to that. So, Kai used one of the most effective method, which he knew was one of Takao's weak points. He took his large fingers to his sides.

"K-Kai... Cut it out, will'ya?" the bluenette giggled as he tried to not wriggle under the tickling fingers. "Haha... K-Kai, it tickles..."

"I know." he smirked. "If you want me to stop, you have to get up."

Takao broke into a hard, uncontrollable laugh, until Kai suddenly found himself on his back with a very eager Takao grinning cheekily at him. He pinned both of Kai's hands beside his head, who allowed himself to the little play, he didn't struggled and let the young teen take the role now. Takao engulfed Kai's mouth. The kiss was slow at first, but soon it deepened, their tongues swirled around each other while their mouth were stuck as if they were one.

It was as if they tried to evoke the last night heated passion. One of Takao's fingers entwined and held tight onto Kai's while the other left him to place it to his neck caressing it softly. Suddenly a pleasant, hoarse sound came from Kai's throat as he grabbed forcefully into Takao's midnight blue hair and pulled him down more. Kai was feeling something overwhelmingly, an awakening power in him, which he'd never felt till now – neither at their last night. It was new and strong – his legs automatically tangled with Takao, giving him place to nest between his thighs. His large hand wandered slowly up and down on the bluenete's back and Kai relaxed totally in Takao's strokes and loving kisses. 'It's so different... and still, it feels right."

As if something hit Takao, he tore his mouth away from Kai's, and he looked at his phoenix eyes, which went deep burgundy by lust, desire and love. They both panted hot breath onto each other, as if they'd run miles.

'Unbelievable.' Takao thought. 'He is so beautiful. I don't know how long will I be able to hold back... and he is looking at me like he wants me to...'

An hour later when they'd managed to separate themselves from their longing hug and tangled limbs – they thought there would be still lot of other occasions for fun -, they got dressed, had breakfast and made themselves ready. Kai held out the the map for the young teen. "Here. Wanna hold it?"

Takao jumped back two steps as if Kai had showed him a poisonous snake. He held up his hands dismissively. "Em... no thanks. I don't want it." When Kai raised a questioning eyebrow at him Takao lowered his head a bit sadly. "It's better if you take the lead."

The dual haired smiled sympathetically at him, and walked to his only love, then placed gently a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't we do as you use to it?... Teamwork."

The smile that reached Takao's ears, was brighter than ever. "I'm in."

Before they could start on their way a strange noise hit their ears. They spun around and saw that across the lake, beside the waterfall stood the most bizarre creature. The deer with its silver fur and white flashing eyes floated all in its glory above the surface. Its long, large diversified horn shone brightly under the sunbeams, and tamped lightly with its hoof. Takao felt like his eyes played him false. "It's beautiful." he awed.

"Yeah, it really is." Kai admitted with a small smile of his own. Then he placed a hand on the blue haired teen's shoulder, stroking him softly as he looked down at him. "Come on, let's go."

"Okay."

They linked their hands, turned around and left. The deer still stood there for a while, then when the two teenager were out of sight it disappeared with one flash - tiny sparkles fell onto the water.

Kai and Takao were walking through the forest. Slowly, as the trees became scarce they felt one step closer to their friends. Takao started to get eager to see Max and Rei again, and he was skipping excited beside Kai, slightly pulling the other teen's hand as an urge to speed up their walk. The dual haired didn't mind, though he couldn't hide the smirk on his face – the child was still there in Takao.

Soon they found the river again, which meant they were on the right way. They started to walk on the inshore when suddenly...

"Hey, look!" Takao cried and he ran, carefully skipped across the small rocks.

Kai, who was still nervous when Takao was closer to the deep water than the older teen thought it safe for him, sprang after him. "Taka, wait! Where are you..." but he cut off quickly when he saw the bluenette pulling something out from the river. Something dark, wet cloth-tatter looking thing was.

"It's my bag!" Takao shrieked. "The river drifted it so far. It's stuck in a cliff... Ugh, I think we won't eat ourselves fill with my food anymore, but the tent is okay... And my clothes needs only a little wash." he took a smell on them just to pull them quickly away, his face went green by disgust. "Ew... I think it's taken the stink of the rotting food."

"Throw that shit already into the river before we both get sick." Kai demanded while he held his hand onto his nose.

Takao flashed a very wicked grin at him. "I guess I have to wear your clothes still for a while, Kai."

Later when the evening fell onto them and the sparkling stars came up on the clear sky, they camped down to a river-near lookout, where they had a nice view onto the valley.

The fire was blazing brightly. When Takao finished to spread out his stuff on the ground, he joined Kai, who was sitting on the sleeping bag, beside the fire with a blanket loosely over his shoulders. The bluenette snuggled up to the phoenix, who welcomed him gladly to share with him his own warmth. Takao rested his head on Kai's shoulder with a happy sigh, and they stared at the orange-red shaded fire.

"Kai?"

"Hm?"

"I love you."

The dual haired didn't say anything. He hummed only, his arm tightened around Takao's shoulder and he leaned on to give a light kiss to his head. Takao was more opened to not just show but put into words his feelings, which wasn't new for Kai. Still, it always warmed his heart whenever Takao said those three little words what no one had told Kai for a long time.

"I don't want to go home." Takao continued. "I miss Max, Rei and Gramps though, but... I would love to stay here with you a little longer. Just the two of us."

"Hn, yeah it would be good. But we can't, we have to go back... Besides, it would be hard for you the living outside here. For me it wouldn't make any trouble, after I've gone through worse, but for you..."

"What do you mean but for me?" Takao raised a suspicious eyebrow at Kai.

Kai smirked slyly. "Sorry Love, but for a chow hound as you are the chances of the survive would be quite small in the hard nature."

A vein of anger popped on the bluenette's head, and he punched Kai slightly on the arm, who only chuckled. "I'm not a chow hound! I'm an eighteen years old teenager who is still growing. And if I want I can survive without food for days... Hey, what's so funny? Yes, I can!... Kai! Don't laugh at me!"

It was a bit late 'cause Kai was now far from covering his mouth to force back his chuckle, and broke into an uncontrollable laugh. The adorable angry pout on Takao's face was such a funny scene and somewhere deep he felt so damn good, than never before. No one else than Takao could make Kai feel like this, and now he didn't feel anything about that self-denial he always made, using it as a wall that protected him. Takao broke down this wall, too.

However, Kai'd missed the evil grin on the Dragon's face, who took the opportunity – to take revenge – and tackled Kai down, tickled him hard. "Now you'll get it back!"

The dual haired totally helpless by the unexpectedly came attack could only wriggle and laughing hard while he was desperately trying to push Takao's hands away from his sensitive sides. "Ta-Takao! S-sto... stop it! Or else... I'm going to, haha..."

"What, Love?" Takao himself was giggling abandon amusement that he was making Kai laugh... and under him. "I've got you now!"

Suddenly a strong arm took a harsh grip on Takao's shirt, and yanked the unsuspecting teen to press hard Kai's lips, full with passion onto Takao's. Just as Kai's other hand grabbed onto the midnight blue hair, keeping him in place that he could angle his head a bit and deepen their kiss, the shock disappeared instantly from Takao. He kissed back with a same intense, accepting Kai's challenge, when his tongue took a fight with Takao's for dominance.

Their tongues swirled around with each other in a slow dance. A deep sound of pleasure came from Takao's throat and he caressed softly with one free hand Kai's painted cheek. He felt while Kai's one hand was holding on his head, his other free hand wandered down to Takao's waist and pulled him lower that their groins pressed together. Takao couldn't help but let out a long moan into their kiss.

It was almost too good and too much Takao could take from Kai's constantly busy hands. He felt like his body bursting slowly into flames as a shudder past through his spine. It was like Kai wanted him to...

They broke apart, panting, and wild darkened mahogany stared into deep reddish violet eyes.

"Kai?" he whispered, shivering above those fiery looking eyes.

"I love you." the dual haired said, not recognizing his voice. Kai didn't know where did it come from, but an unbelievable power was releasing in him, filling his whole body with warmth. It seemed Takao noticed it, too, because he looked wide eyes at Kai's glistering orbs. Kai knew what was this power now, and he eased a half smile. "I'm not scared to admit it anymore how much I love you... And now I trust you more than anyone to show you it."

"What? But, Kai... I'm not..." he looked shocked, almost panicked.

"Shh..." Kai placed gently a finger on his lover's lips. "I know, Takao, and this will nothing change. Believe me, I won't let you go with it so easily." he gave the bluenette a warning challenge look, that held possession. Then he placed a hand on his tanned cheek and said. "But for once in my life I want to let go, everything... Do nothing just be and feel, free. I want to do this because it feels right. I don't care what others expect from me... I'm not doing anything against my own will, just being myself, at this night. For you."

He pulled down Takao's face and gently joined their lips together, again. The single, crystal tear that escaped from Takao's closed eyelids rolled down before it disappeared under Kai's stroking fingers. They kissed slow and lovingly, but felt how their bodies melted in each others embrace. Shivers of pleasure and longing were running through over and over again Takao, fighting with the urge how badly he was desiring Kai. Still, at the same time he held back himself to dare to touch such a pure virgin.

But Kai didn't need anything more than having Takao like this, for himself, now. There were no needs of the walls, because the trust was the only wall that was surrounding both of them now.

'You might think I would never let being dominated. Well no, I sure will dominate my angel after this, and how... But now, just once I want to know how does it feel, to be loved vulnerable, fully giving myself to my only love.

I've never thought I would ever willing to give anyone this. And what surprised me, that I wanted it, desperately...

I felt it. It was like when the phoenix rise from its ashes. I was pure.'

And now Kai was proving it by giving him the most hallowedthing in his life – himself. Kai wanted to make Takao understand he was still sure in his decision. He took gently Takao's left wrist, slowly guided it to his hip and placed there with a little meaning squeeze. His other hand clasped around Takao's, their fingers entwined beside their heads, while they kissed with growing passion. Takao's lips went to kiss Kai's jaw then slowly under, planting more small kisses. Kai turned his head to add free access, and he gave a faint shudder of his own, his body came up a bit when Takao's lips launched onto his neck, exploring the pale skin.

As the heat grew, Kai felt how he became free and careless. Like all those bad memories and nightmares had vanished as they'd never existed. And as Takao's encouragement grew, his kisses and strokes became frantic, Kai's every limbs were shivering, trembling lightly to get touched, be loved with the other one's bare skin. Just when he was going to give a very distracted demand to his cheeky beloved to quit teasing him, Takao got the mental message 'cause his fingers pulled out the black shirt from Kai's olive-green pants, and slipped under it to meet bare skin.

An evil grin crossed over Takao's lips by the keening moan that escaped from Kai when his slim fingers caressed sensually over his navel. He licked once the spot between his neck and shoulder before he buried his teeth gently to bite the sensitive flesh. It didn't surprise him when this time Kai gave a tiny cry of Takao's name mixed with passion and irritation, and he grinned more wicked at the hot glare Kai shot at him.

"What is it, Love? Can't handle it?" Takao smirked with big amusement, how much he enjoyed driving Kai crazy. The bluenette wondered with not little hungry what kind of more sounds of pleasure could he still get out from his Phoenix. "I thought you would let me take..."

"No. I didn't say I won't let you... it's just, can't you bring it on?" Kai grunted with open impatience. He was so bothered and felt hot in his clothes. The fact that Takao was laying on him, taking a pressure on his tightened pants didn't help at all. He was struggling hard to not wriggle under him how bad he really wanted to tear his loaned clothes off from Takao's enticing tanned body. His lovely Dragon was beautiful as angel, but sometimes such a tease as an evil, and if he didn't do something very soon...

"Oh, eager we are." the pure lust that shone clearly in Takao's eyes were dangerous, and Kai's breath hitched as he looked at him. Takao pulled away to sat up, making himself comfortable between Kai's legs, who wantonly pulled them apart for Takao. Never breaking their eyes contact Takao took the hem of his oversized T-shirt and with a slow motion pulled up, off from his head. Then he pulled out the hair-band, and his long dark blue hair fell onto his smooth, golden shoulders, lightened in the fire.

Kai swallowed. "God, you are beautiful." and his hands went over the slender, but muscular abdomen by lot of training, touching every inch.

Kai watched with hot gaze as the little muscles tensed whenever his pale fingers brushed a sensitive spot. He licked his lips unconsciously by the erotic sight Takao was shivering above him with his eyes closed, his arms trembling with force to not break out under him as he propped himself, and inhaled deeply. Crimson eyes darkened with lust when his fingers found the dark, hard nipples and started making slow circles, gently rolling the small teats.

"Aah!... Kai! Mmm..." Takao moaned innocently, his arms threatening him to give way any moment and his face flushed by the pure pleasure. Then for a moment he came back to reality when he heard Kai's satisfied, dark chuckle, and remembered who was having the control now over the situation. Takao didn't even waste time to remind of it Kai by giving a low growl, he pulled away from his large hands and started working on to pull the rest of Kai's shirt out from the pants.

"Now, let's get you bare, too, my Love."

Kai raised his spine a bit to make it easier for Takao, and sighed relieved when the shirt slowly came up from his sweat body by the heat. He didn't expect it though, when instead that Takao got him rid off the cloth, he stopped half way and Kai let out a startled cry when the young teen launched his hot mouth onto his stomach. The dual haired bit his lower lip to cut off more loud sounds, he clenched desperately his hands into his lover's hair, panting uncontrollable. The next moment Kai let out a yell of Takao's name to the stars, when the shirt went up farther and wet, slowly licking tongue swirled around one of his nipples.

"T-Takao... Oh, Gods!... Please..."

Now it was Takao's turn to chuckle, liking to torture and drive wild the always calm and never anxious dual haired, who was now sweating, wriggling under him almost helplessly. This turned Takao more on, beads of sweat covered his back as the pleasure increased to unbearable, loving every sound Kai was making. However, Takao was impatient, too, and to speed up things a bit he quickly removed the shirt from Kai totally, who acknowledged it with an approving grunt.

"Finally... What took you so – hmph!" he didn't get the chance to finish the sentence, because Takao's lips crushed instantly to his. They were kissing again, hot and deep, mimicing with their tongues what was going to come. Kai's hand went to Takao's damp back, stroking him lovingly, while the bluenette's hand went frantically to the belt of Kai's pants. He gave a frustrated growl into their kiss, his hand trembled by the effort, when he didn't manage to undo it and Kai chuckled. "Shall I help, Love?"

They both sat up just to make things easier and fast. Kai wasted no more time with unnecessary preparations, he quickly undid the belt then pulled down the pants and boxers, before he reached for Takao to help him, whose hands were trembling now so much that he wasn't able to do it.

Takao watched with half lidded eyes as Kai tore the last cloth off from himself then he came to assist him, too. During this little pause while they worked to get rid off the become unnecessary clothes, Takao's mind cleared enough to remind him what was really on the way to happen. Till now the little fore-plays they'd made with lustfully kisses, teasing touches to send glow to the other one's body were fun, but now Takao realized what they were really planing to do. He felt something new was on the way and he couldn't help but his stomach cramped.

Was it right what he was doing? Wouldn't he regret it later?

"Taka. Love. Hey, what's wrong?" Kai took Takao's cheek between his palms, and looked worried at his suddenly became anxious bluenette. The fire lightened their naked bodies, and the faint scarves on Kai.

"Nothing, I just... Kai? If I tell you won't laugh at me?"

Kai looked wide eyes at him. He didn't understand what was bothering the blue haired angel that made him look at Kai with fear in his brown eyes. He stroked reassuringly his cheek. "I won't."

Takao said a little embarrassed, quietly. "I'm just a bit scared, Kai. Scared that I might do something wrong, or I hurt you and... "

Kai kissed Takao passionately then said. "Everything will be okay. I know you'll do it great, because I trust you more than anyone else all over the world. And you trust me, right?"

"Yeah." the bluenette smiled.

"Good. Come..." he pulled down Takao with him once more. When their bodies pressed together and lips fused in a long, loving kiss Takao's last drop of fear had disappeared, too, and the world had finally stopped existing around them, truly.

Kai's mind was like a swirling fog, but he didn't try to hold on to the reality, he let himself slowly swept away a something new and unknown experience. Soon the warmth of the fire, but much more the heat of the increased pleasure overtopped as sweat covered bodies pressed and slid on each other. Wandering hands stroked, gripped and drove wild the other one whatever part they could reach. Takao's hand went slowly up on one of Kai's leg nudging it gently more apart to complete the last preparation of their mating.

While Takao was kissing Kai passionately he looked into his crimson eyes, and held onto them for a moment. Suddenly Takao realized the light in his eyes which till now had been covered by the past's mist. Kai's eyes were shining as the starlight night reflected back in them. Every emotion showed onto his eyes clearly: there was the happiness, passion, hope and love. Finally, he'd opened up.

In Takao's eyes Kai was beautiful; he was so fiery as a phoenix and proud as a God. He was the most strongest man Takao had ever met. Their faces were inches apart and their eyes locked together, followed with hot pants.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Takai shifted above Kai, then without further warning he pushed gently, but determined into his beloved. The two cries of pleasure echoed in the forest but were engulfed quickly as Takao pressed his lips onto Kai's, exploring his mouth as a distraction to give him time to get used to the feeling.

"O... O-okay?" Takao asked when he pulled away just a bit. He trembled by the big effort to hold still. His hands were wandering all over Kai's abdomen dementedly with the unbelievable burning desire how wonderful it felt to be joined with his phoenix, again. Still, it was different. This time Kai was taking the lead, in spite of that Takao was inside him, Kai gave Takao trust and the reassurance he needed, therefore Takao would do anything as Kai wished him to.

"You think too hard... but I'm perfect." Kai panted harshly and he clenched desperately onto Takao's shoulders – which would definitely leave marks tomorrow. He shifted and bucked his hips to give a hint or any damn realization to the bluenette that he wasn't a fragile, and he should do something very soon before Kai went insane by the desperate need. "Move." he rasped.

Takao's eyes went wide and he started on as Kai told him. First with slow movements then they built up a constantly intensifying rhythm and their mouth connected together, cutting off any more sounds of pleasure that cried out from them. Their whole bodies were covered in sweat. Takao's hands went to Kai's cheek, stroked him sensually. He didn't notice the blue smears on his fingers while the rest of the paints wore off slowly on Kai's sweaty, pale cheeks.

The older male met him with every thrust, their bodies interwound as they were truly one and Kai let Takao drive him higher and higher as he'd never felt before. It was like they were no longer on earth but far away, somewhere else.

'Anyone who said this is heaven was beyond far from the truth. It's so much more than that. We were no longer on the Earth and not even in paradise – it was beyond Heaven. Something incomprehensible and wonderful surrounded us as we were drifting in the space.

The stars and planets shone and circled around us. I didn't feel the soft ground under me as I laid there. I was so light and free as never before.

All I could see was Takao's eyes as they locked into mines, just as were our lips while we kissed passionately, with no end. As our bodies joined together again and again I could feel not only mine, but how is own pleasure grew as he was stroking me feverishly, all over my body he could reach, to give me more pleasure.

God, he was gorgeous, so mesmerizing with every movement he made. This is, how it feels to be loved.'

° ~ x * Ö * x ~ °

"Rei?... Rei, wake up already!"

"Aww... what is it Max? Can't you let me sleep?" the raven haired muffled under his nose. It was still too dark to get up and Rei didn't understand what made the blonde haired awake in the middle of the night? 'He must be having sugar-high again... But he didn't eat any yesterday.' thought Reihalf awake, and he wanted to drift back into his slumber, but his young beloved didn't let him.

"Come on now, Rei. Don't be such a sleepy cat." he poked his arm insistently and pulled up the come Rei. "Look!"

The raven haired blinked a few times to clear his eyes, then turned the direction where Max pointed and his half lidded golden-yellow eyes suddenly went plate wide. "Oh my God!"

Where they backpacks lay two flashing lights were shining – it was Dranzer and Dragoon.

Max and Rei watched awed the happening and as the lights became stronger they both jumped up from their sleeping place. Rei hugged Max's waist protectively and pulled him back a few steps.

"What's happening?"

"I don't know." Rei shook his head.

Suddenly the two - red and blue - glistening lights shaped into long, twisty trail of lights and snaking around each other slowly they rose to the starlight sky. It was something familiar what not only Max and Rei had seen on that last big battle between Kai and Takao. Still, it was so much different than then, it was like...

"Dranzer and Dragoon..."

"Are they... dancing?" Rei frowned with mixed amazement and shock.

And truly, the two spirits whirling around each other danced the elegant rounds, until they towering up above the mountains reached the starry sky. Then the beautiful, fiery Phoenix spread its gigantic wings and the two spirits interlocking tightly became one.

A wonderful light covered the land when it suddenly exploded, then the flash disappeared and tiny red mixed with blue glitters fell under the re-darkened sky...

° ~ x * Ö * x ~ °

Lying beside the fire Kai stroked lovingly the little dark blue locks from Takao's face. The young teen slept with a faint snuff on Kai's chest, totally exhausted. As he watched him the dual haired gave a small smile. "I love you, Takao." then he kissed the teen's sweat forehead and hugging him tight Kai drifted into a deep sleep, giving the rest to his own body to recover.

When Kai woke up the next morning the first thing he noticed was a warm blanket around him, but Takao was nowhere... again. He sat up abruptly and was surprised when he saw that Takao was already awake, dressed... and he was making breakfast?

"Good morning, Kai! Slept well?" Takao smiled angelically at him what made always tickling butterflies in Kai's stomach. God that smile was the most beautiful.

"Yeah, I did." he replied still a bit tired and rubbed away the last sleepiness from his eyes. 'Did I sleep so long?... Shit.'

It came a little surprised for him when Takao dropped onto his knees in front of him to place his mouth lovingly on Kai. This made the dual haired awake instantly, and fully. After a minute of breath-stopping, passionately kiss Takao pulled away slowly.

"Wow." was the first thing that came out from Kai's mouth. "Where did that come from?"

"For that wonderful night you gave me." Takao purred and nuzzled his nose onto Kai's lovingly. "It was the most beautiful thing in my life."

"For me, too." Kai said softly. Although he felt a bit abashed under Takao's mischievously hungry gaze, dressed, while the only thing that was still covering Kai's body was a blanket. He said in a distraction. "How long have you been up?"

"A while now." he mused. "I have a little surprise for you."

"What? Did you burn the eggs again?

Takao gave him a slight tap on his head, but Kai only stuck his tongue out to him, teasingly. "That happened only Mr. Smartass because you had to make a seductive show in front of me with your hot body."

"Oh, did I?" Kai played innocent. Then, taking a mental note to himself never seduce Takao in the kitchen or they would end up in the hospital, he asked. "So, what is that surprise?"

What Takao loved most of all was Kai's curiosity. "Mmm, guess... or if you don't wanna then give me a kiss and I might tell'ya."

Kai didn't like guessing games so he chose which was much more likeable and he planted a chaste kiss on Takao's lips. "So, what is it?"

"Coffee."

"Coffee? What do you mean..." Kai stopped on his sentence when he felt the aroma of the hot drink. "Where did you get it?"

"I smuggled it into your pack before we left." he confessed with a sneaking smile. "Though I didn't mean to hide it that you wouldn't notice... Next time I won't place it to the bottom."

"I totally forgot to put it in my pack."

"Now it will come in to a good use. It's better if I wake you up with a hot coffee in your hard mornings than I would buy you an alarm clock, eh?"

The playful, still wild growl Kai made was enough warning for Takao to scram away on a fast motion, grinning nervously. He knew that Kai was very dangerous if he was badgered before he got his coffee. And after a total exhausting, hot sex was only the mousse on the cake. When Takao went back to finish the preparations for breakfast Kai's lips went into a smirk. He grabbed quickly his clothes and got dressed while the bluenette didn't pay attention. He tensed a bit by the discomfort feeling under his groin, but he didn't mind. It was a pleasant sore.

When breakfast was ready Kai sat down on a trunk with his plate, in his other hand he took a sip from his cup. "If I were you, I wouldn't sit on there." he motioned when he looked up at Takao.

"Why not?" Takao blinked at him. Kai pointed on Takao's seat – on the trunk was sitting a hedgehog with a quite angry glare, ready to let out its quills.

"This muck is following me or what?" Takao glared and reluctantly moved on and took another seat close to Kai.

During their eating Takao took a glance at Kai's smeary cheeks and smiled, but said nothing.

° ~ x * Ö * x ~ °

Kai was kneeling beside the river, taking fresh cold water in his palms to wash away the smudged, blue face paints from his cheeks. As the paints slowly disappeared and floated in the water for the first time Kai'd watched wondered his now clear face in the surface of the river.

It didn't bother him anymore to not wear his stigmas - though he liked them -, just as he wasn't holding onto the memories of his past. He was free now. 'That's who I really am.' Slowly he stood up and his gaze looked into the distance, and the sun shone brightly at him...

"Kai."

Takao appeared not so far. He'd packed now everything and was ready to go home. He waited patiently Kai who was still standing silently the ashore admiring the view. Then he turned his head towards Takao and the young teen gasped, looked bewildered at him. Under the magically shining crimson eyes the most beautiful smile Takao's had ever dreamed of was looking back at him. As the sun beamed at Kai's clear, pale face he looked more attractive, and Takao found himself falling into him over again, deeply.

"What?" Kai asked amused, seeing Takao's gaping expression.

"God, you're so beautiful." he blurted out in the end, and a shy blush came over his nose and cheeks. Takao didn't know why, but for some reason he felt very embarrassed himself in front of the new Kai Hiwatari.

Kai walked to him and he took gently both of Takao's hands. "So, it doesn't bother you?"

The blue haired boy smiled at him and shook his head. "Not at all. Though I think it suited you and you looked very... handsome with them. But I also love you without them."

Kai sighed, then bent down and pressed his forehead on Takao's.

"Let's go home."

"Let's."

° ~ x * Ö * x ~ °

"Where are they?"

"Patience, Max. I'm sure they will pop up somewhere soon."

Max and Rei were standing on the balcony of the wood-house which was built on top of a hill, had a very nice view over the land, and they waited for their two friends to arrive.

"What if something happened to them?" Max looked concerned.

Rei snickered that his white fangs showed. "I very suppose that something did happen between them, or else my plan will fall flat."

"I didn't mean like that." Max sent him a censure glance. "What if what we saw last night was an evil omen, or they... Hey, look!" he suddenly pointed to a path which led to the deep forest. Among the dense trees two contour of figures emerged.

"It's them! It's them! It's them!"

"Whoa! Hey, calm down Maxie!" Rei grabbed quickly his blonde beloved by his waist before he fell across the balcony.

Max spun around on his tracks, and jumping out from Rei's grip ran in, then down on the stairs. Rei rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Takao!"

"Hey, Max!" Takao let go of Kai's hand and ran to his best friend.

The blonde teen jumped and knocked down the unsuspecting bluenette and hugged him so tight as if it had been years since he saw him. "Oh God, it's so good to see you guys again! I missed you so much! Missed'ya! Missed'ya!"

"Erm, yeah. I missed you too, Max... But can you let me go so I can breathe again?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." Max pulled away.

"Be careful Max. You don't want to kill my boyfriend right?" came Kai's voice when he reached them.

"Haha, sure not... and, wow. Your boyfriend?" Max looked left and right between them with excitement. "Does this mean, you two...?"

"Yeah, we are together." Takao smiled and took Kai's hand in a gentle squeeze, who returned a small smile.

"Hurrah! Congratulation guys!" Max jumped up and down happily.

"Thanks, Max." Kai gave him an appreciative nod.

Soon Rei arrived to them, too.

"Rei! Rei! Guess, what..."

"I've already known it just when I saw them." the raven haired waved off abstractedly. "I knew my plan was brilliant."

Kai gave him a sly look. "Maybe, but next time if you're planing any outrage against us, please leave out the mountain-trips." Kai suggested and took out his hand as a friendly greeting, and also as a silent thank you.

"Heh, okay. I'll keep that in mind." Rei accepted the gesture and he was surprised when Kai gave him suddenly with one arm a friendly tap on his back. "Wow. I can't remember I've ever got such from you, pal." he smiled.

"And you won't get another one in a hurry till Christmas."

Max and Takao laughed.

"I've never thought I would ever hear a joke from Kai." Max giggled and turned to his blue haired friend. "Say, what did you do to him?... You both look so strange. What happened to you?" Max took a minutely glance at Takao's borrowed clothes then looked at Kai's unpainted cheeks.

"It's a long story, Max."

Takao gave a meaningful glance to Kai, then all the four of them started walking back to the house. On the way Max nudged Takao silently. "Hey, tell me how was it?"

"How was what?" Takao raised an eyebrow at him.

Max smile turned to a very naughty grin. "Nah, you don't have to pretend. We watched a very good night show with Rei last night, when your blades suddenly started shining and we were eyewitnesses of a very exciting love-dance of your bitbeasts." the blonde wriggled his eyebrows. "So, how did that happen?"

Takao made a startled noise of embarrassment, his face flushed red as a tomato and he quickly speed up to catch up Kai and Rei, who were walking ahead of them.

"Oh, Rei! You left us something for lunch, right? I'm hungry like a wolf."

"Oh, sure. If you guys tell us during every details about last night."

"Rei!" came the shout from Kai and Takao in chorus.

(Kai's Pov)

On the clear, starry sky shone the Moon, flashed palely the land fronting the house. This night was just as beautiful as last night. Pure. Peaceful. And perfect. I always liked standing outside – somewhere high above – in these evenings, and watch as the stars lit the top of the trees, lay faint shadow on the declivitous highland.

In these opportunities my only company was my lovely bitbeast, Dranzer, who was shining brightly in my pocket now. Still, something was missing...

"Kai?"

My lips curved into a small smile and for a moment I closed my eyes, when I heard the beautiful, soft sound of my name. Then I turned a bit and saw my beloved came out on the balcony, joining me. He was already dressed into a pair of grey pajamas and his long midnight blue hair hung free over his shoulders, made him look more gorgeous. This always reminded me how lucky I really was that I could have such a beauty by my side... but even scared me, that how close I was to almost lost him.

"What are you doing here outside? Aren't you coming in?" he looked at me with those always shining, hopeful eyes and I felt like I could meld in them.

"I'm coming, just... wanted to see the land when the Moon come up." I said and I felt a bit unsure of myself when I admitted this little fantasy – yeah, I admit that even I have my weak moments, but no one's perfect... as my Lover said once -, and that it might sounded dumb.

But not in Takao's eyes. He was always the one who understood me more than anyone ever could. He simply smiled and walked to me to snuggle into my chest in a loving hug, and I closed him in my embrace. I don't know how long did we stay there, in the silence, listening each other heart beats and the crickets intoning chirp in the distance. In this simple little moment as we stayed there was the most beautiful moment in my life – if I don't count that unforgettable battle in that special world of us. That was another memory which I would always remember.

"I love you, Kai." he muttered against my chest and my arms tightened around him automatically. There were still so many things I wanted to tell him, and so much time we had lost. I wanted to find a way to tell him, show him what did he really mean to me and how much he'd captured my heart. I loosened my hold on him only that I could look down at him. He'd truly grown a lot because he was almost reaching my eye level.

"Takao. I know I'm not the right person with words to tell you what do you mean to me. I love you isn't enough to tell how I really feel towards you." I looked at him and noticed the reflecting stars in his mahogany eyes. "Still, I want to find a way to show you it... One day, would you accept... would you wear a symbol that would connect us together, forever?" I squeezed lightly his ring finger, my hand trembling a bit on his own.

Angling his head he smiled the most tenderly way at me, understanding what I meant earlier. "Kai, you know if you ever asked me I would say yes. And I would be the happiest person all over the world to be your mate." he took my other hand, too, and entwined our fingers. "But never, ever could any ring or expensive jewel make me more happier than I am now... Because I already have the most important, and ornate thing in my life. You, Kai. Right here, deep." Takao let go one of my hands and pointed over his chest where his heart was. No words came out from my mouth. "My wish is fulfilled if I'm the chosen one for you. If I'm the Phoenix's Love."

I looked deep in his eyes.

"You are." and I know that I didn't need to say more. I took gently a finger under his chin and pulled him for a long kiss, and we shoved how much we loved each other.

The Moon shone brightly above us and a shooting star swished past under it. Sometimes I wonder how different would have my life worked out if we hadn't met. That's why I give gratitude every day that I have the most wonderful person by my side, who had changed my life, Takao Kinomiya.

Takao was right before and I also know now, that what I've missed was always there with me. I just didn't notice it, till now. Wherever I go he's always with me, even when I can't see him, because he's really here, deep in my heart.

The End