Hey, again, sorry for the delay with this final chapter of 'The way things happen'. I'll let you all read the chapter first then I'll blab on a nit more. So, I hope you enjoy.

Epilogue

"Here we are back home again." Kai heaved a sigh of relief as he came through the door to his huge mansion back in Japan. His grandfather had gone into hiding with Boris and hadn't been back since. In fact, if he came back, the police would be on him in an instant. Recalling this and thinking on his freedom, Kai smiled serenely and dumped his bags near the entrance.

Smiling he turned to Rei. "I'm so glad we're finally away from that hotel. It was nice enough, but everyone knew where we were. Besides, it's always good to get home."

"I guess." Rei looked a bit hesitant as he slowly entered the alcove leading into the main hallway.

Kai frowned slightly then smiled. "Rei, I told you: Consider this your home too. You don't have to be nervous."

"I know, it's just ..." Rei trailed off thinking things through as he glanced around at the opulence he saw everywhere around him. "Overwhelming," he finally admitted.

Kai stepped towards him and took him in his arms. "Like being with you for the first time was for me." Kai kissed Rei deeply, hoping to ease his nerves slightly. He broke off and smiled at the pouting neko-jin. "Come on, I'll show you around."

Rei nodded then grinned slyly. "So which is my room?"

Kai grinned back. "Mine of course."

"Good. Do you have an ensuite?" Kai just looked at him sceptically and Rei blushed. "Silly question."

"Yes, indeed it was." Kai laughed and pulled Rei closer to him, taking him on a long tour around his new home.

By the time they reached the last room, their bedroom, Kai was starting to feel pains in his stomach. Rei looked over in concern and, without a word, went over to his beloved and helped him to stand and walk straight. Kai smiled gratefully at him.

"So this is our room?"

"Yes, it is." Kai smiled at the look of wonder and delight on Rei's features. he room was very nice, elegant and slightly dark, but intriguing and curious as well. Kai grinned as Rei started poking about the room, into the darkwood furniture and the paneled mahogany walls. Finally he stopped just before the wide four-poster bed.

Rei grinned mischievously. "So, what did you have planned for tonight?"

"A quiet night in. The servants aren't expected to be here until tomorrow." Rei grinned and Kai knew exactly what he was thinking. "It's a good thing that we ate a large meal before coming here."

"Yes. it gives us more time for ... rest and relaxation."

Kai smiled at him innocently. "Yes, I am rather tired. A good night's rest will do me wonders."

Rei pouted. "Kai, you're not serious?" He lay down on the bed, looking sulky and very desirable as he twined his hair though his fingers. "I was thinking we have some fun first."

Kai shrugged. "Perhaps later. I think we both are in dire need of a shower first. I know my wounds are aching." Kai smiled at him. "Perhaps you might be able to help me out in the bathroom."

Rei grinned. "Love to." He got up and walked over to the door with Kai. He gasped as he opened it.

"What would you like to do Rei?" Kai asked, sidling up to him and placing his arms about his waist.

"The Jacuzzi," Rei answered without hesitation.

Kai laughed at his enthusiasm. "Jacuzzi it is then." He walked over to the large tub and began filling it, the jets turning on automatically. Rei grinned and walked over to him, staring in amazement at the huge bathroom.

"I don't think I've ever seen such wealth."

"Well, this is my room," Kai answered with a smirk.

"Ours, didn't you say?"

"Indeed." Kai kissed Rei deeply. Everything of mine is yours."

"Even your most private personal possessions?" Rei asked with a sly look.

"They were yours a long time ago," Kai breathed.

"Good." Rei returned the kiss, drawing it out languorously, slowly stripping Kai of his clothing. Kai was doing the same to him. Finally both of them stood completely naked, totally engrossed in each other.

Kai broke off with a soft smile. Suddenly he yelped in surprise as Rei lifted him up and placed him in the water.

"Rei!" he called out indignantly.

Rei got in and straddled him with a smirk. "You're injured," he said in justification.

Kai pouted cutely. "Don't get used to doing things like that. I'll get strong again. A wound like this won't keep me down forever."

"I hope not," Rei smirked and settled down properly on Kai's lap, leaning in close to Kai, planting kisses down his neck, delighting in how Kai shivered in pleasure beneath him. The warm water was making them both feel a bit drowsy and Rei decided to just relax and nip lightly at Kai's neck.

They stayed like that for a while, light lingering touches the only interaction between the two as they soaked up the soothing atmosphere. That is, until Kai finally noticed how long they'd been in there.

"Rei," he murmured lazily.

Rei looked up at him. "Yeah?"

"We should get out now."

"Probably. It wouldn't be good to fall asleep here." Rolling his eyes and groaning slightly in annoyance, Rei got up and out of the Jacuzzi. Kai stood up and frowned as Re tried to pick him up again.

"Just trying to help," Rei protested before he picked up a towel and dried himself off.

"I know, but I'm not a complete invalid." Kai grabbed another towel and rubbed carefully around his wound, wincing slightly. "Though I do hurt like hell," he admitted with a grin. Rei laughed at him.

Finally getting back to the bedroom Kai laid down with a sigh and Rei sat beside him.

"Something on your mind?" Kai asked after a long silence.

"Yeah."

"Are you still thinking about what happened?"

Rei nodded. "Everyone just seemed so stunned. I'm not sure if I'll be able to even look them in the eye again. Even Tyson, Max and Kenny. Kai, do you think they're disgusted with me?"

Kai sat up and grabbed Rei in a tight embrace. "Never. You heard how supportive they were."

"But what if it was all an act?" Rei looked flustered. "What if they really hate me? I don't think I could handle that."

Kai tried to calm the rambling boy. "Rei, no one could hate you."

"You don't know that! Who knows what they're thinking. They could —" Rei was cut off as Kai shut him up by kissing him deeply.

Breaking off, Kai looked directly at him. "They don't hate you, no once could possibly hate you and even if they did, why should it matter? You'll always have me by your side. I'll never leave."

"Kai." Rei smiled at him and kissed him back, just as passionately as his meaningful words were spoken.

"I love you Rei," Kai said, smiling softly as he pulled away. "Never doubt that and I swear you won't have to ever face anything alone."

Rei smiled. "Thank you. I love you to Kai."

They laid down together on the bed, wrapped in each other's comforting arms, taking strength and love from the simple contact. The new home, new situation, they would always be there, together, to face everything.

AN: The end! I don't know whether I should laugh or cry. I think I'll do both.

First of all, I know I promised a citrus, but I thought it might detract from the ending and I know it's short, but it's just a neat little wrapping up of the fic.

Second, I want to thank every single person who reviewed this fic, or even just read it. I really do appreciate that you took the time to do so and I'm so glad that so many of you enjoyed it.

Third, Don't worry, for those who are wondering, there is a sequel in the works. It's mostly a Bryan/Tala fic, but with huge dollops of Rei/Kai in there as well. I know some things were left unsaid, but they will be addressed in the next fic. It's called 'Cause and Consequence' so watch out for it.

Well, that's all from me I suppose. Once again thank you all so much *showers petals over reviewers* and right now I am rather tired so I shall bid you all good day and farewell.