Author’s note: This is a short story that I wrote two years ago for Ryu’s twentieth birthday (according to the 2V series). At the time, I didn’t have a website or anywhere to put this so it just lay there. Since I currently have an awful case of writer’s block, I decided to quickly edit this to make up for my lack of work in the last month. Hopefully, it has been revived adequately to keep you Street Fighter fanatics occupied. ^_^ Copyright © July 19, 1999 by Silver Rayne

A gift for Ryu
By: Silver Rayne

The trip to San Francisco had been an endless and tiring one for Ryu. He hadn’t been able to sleep since departing from Japan. His best friend, Ken Masters, had sent him a large amount of money to fly first class all the way. But, that was the last he had heard from Ken. After receiving the money at his small village, he had tried to contact Ken and demand an explanation. He was unable to reach Ken at his home, instead being put through to the head of the household. Ken’s father had insisted that he rush over to the States immediately.

What if something has happened to Ken?

Ryu clenched his fists and stared hard out of the taxi cab’s window. They had been best friends for nearly eight years at present, and training partners for even longer. A strong bond formed between them instantly upon meeting. Together, they could do anything if their minds were focused and their hearts pure.

The taxi cab stopped in front of the large gates which blocked off the Masters’ mansion and estate grounds from the rest of the city.

"Should I drive in?"

Ryu turned to the cab driver and paid his fare.

"I’ll walk." He got out and stepped up to the gates. His mild concern changed into fear when he was able to swing the gates open without ringing ahead. Now, Ryu had good reason to panic after seeing Ken’s security perimeter shut down. Gathering his bag of earthly belongings close to his shoulder, Ryu took off in a sprint towards the main building. Trees and bushes passed by quickly making him forget just how much Ken’s front lawn resembled a large park.

At the front door, Ryu rang on the doorbell and knocked heavily on the brass ring but no one answered. So, he barged into the mansion and went straight for the stairs which would lead him to Ken’s bedroom.

All of a sudden, a mass of young men and women jumped out from various hiding spots and screamed, "SURPRISE!!!" Ryu nearly flew out of his skin upon seeing so many people and being given the shock of his life.

While Ryu was looking from one unfamiliar face to another, he was unaware of the hand which slowly snaked towards his throat. At the last possible second, he snared his attacker’s wrist and swung him into view.

"Whoa! Calm down!" Ken raised his other arm to block whatever Ryu was about to throw at him.

"Ken?" Ryu refused to release Ken and instead pulled him closer, an expression of confusion on his face. "What is going on?" His inspection of Ken relieved any suspicion that his friend had been injured. Ken was fine and healthy along with his cocky attitude and handsome good looks.

"Happy birthday!," Ken said triumphantly. "I couldn’t let you turn twenty-two all by yourself. You don’t have to thank me though, when it’s my turn, I expect the same kind of attention," he joked.

"I don’t intend on thanking you," Ryu muttered as he dropped Ken’s arm. Then, a couple of people came forward to give Ryu presents. He graciously accepted them, opening each box individually to find something he couldn’t have afforded with his minimum wages. It was all he could do to go along with what the people gave him and pretend to enjoy their company. "I don’t know anyone here." Ryu followed Ken into the living room where the rest of the youths were playing games, dancing or eating. "These are your friends, not mine.

"I felt like sharing. Lighten up, Ryu. This is your party, and you should be enjoying it." Ken tossed back his long bangs and picked up a drink which he gave to Ryu. "Go dance with someone. There are a lot of attractive ladies here." The interior decorator had completely changed from what Ryu remembered the rooms looking like in the past. There were brightly colored balloons everywhere and lanterns lit along the walls to remind Ryu of home. Even the furniture looked more down to earth to please the younger crowd. A lot of painstaking work had been put into the elaborate party made just for Ryu.

Ryu grabbed Ken’s shoulder, stopping him from joining the others. "I want to talk to you…now!" He half dragged Ken out of the room and up the stairs towards Ken’s bedroom. At the top of the stairs, everything was the same as the last time Ryu had visited. The more mature decor was evident in the natural wood finish of the steps and railing. Also, more sophisticated artwork hung from the walls in the hallway leading to Ken’s own private wing.

When they entered Ken’s room, it was a whole new atmosphere. The lighting was dim and peaceful and the furniture comfy with loads of pillows. One desk was dedicated solely to Ken’s martial arts trophies and another for where his dog’s belongings went.

"Why do I get the feeling that you aren’t happy?" Ken wasn’t prepared for the shove Ryu gave him that sent him tumbling onto his bed. He was going to get up and push Ryu back but a firm hand on his back prevented him from moving. Just by using his hand to Ken’s lower back was Ryu able to pin him there.

"I could kill you," Ryu growled.

"Not before you smother me, right?" Ken moved his face away from the pillows and laughed. "Can’t you give up the warrior attitude and enjoy yourself?"

"I thought you were dead!" Ryu yanked Ken up from the bed and shook him roughly. "What were you thinking? This is the worst prank that you have ever pulled on me. And these friends of yours…they don’t even know me. Some crazy girl gave me the keys to her car. Is this what you call a good party? First you scare the hell out of me and then you dump your shallow friends into my lap!" His enigmatic eyes were shining with the threat of punishment.

"Ryu, stop it!" Already, Ken’s nicely ironed suit was crinkled and his tie lopsided. He hadn’t even considered the fact that he might have scared Ryu. But, Ryu was so furious that he accidentally slammed Ken back into the one of the hard corners of the bed. "Oww!" He fell back onto the mattress looking up at stars. He felt Ryu ease off of him and then brush away his hair to search for a bruise.

"Ken, I’m sorry," Ryu said quietly.

"Sure you are," Ken said sarcastically. "Do you think I’m a punching bag? Next time, try to knock me out so that I don’t hit back!" Ken kicked his friend in the ribs and sent him sprawling onto the floor. Before he could get the upper hand, Ryu was on his feet and ready for battle. Some birthday party, Ken thought to himself. "You’re such an ungrateful bastard!" He performed a series of kicks and punches which Ryu blocked.

As Ken was coming around for another few lightning fast kicks, Ryu moved to one side and roundhouse kicked him into the closet door. Ken collided with the door and hit his head again before his legs gave out on him. "Ken!" Ryu rushed over to Ken and caught him as he collapsed. Either Ryu had grown stronger in the time they had been apart or Ken wasn’t as good as he used to be. It had been too easy to overcome Ken with his strength. "Are you all right?"

"Thanks a lot," Ken sniffed, tears welling up in his eyes. "I try to make this day special for you and I get beat up for it. You’re a great friend, Ryu." Ken allowed Ryu to help him back to the bed where he leaned into Ryu’s arms.

"I didn’t mean to hurt you." Ryu stroked his hand down Ken’s long hair and heard him gasp at the pain. So, he moved his hand to Ken’s shoulder and affectionately squeezed it. "You shouldn’t have done this though. I’m no good around other people, being social is your thing not mine. And to let me think that something had happened to you is unforgivable."

"I really screwed this up then. It’s just one more stupid mistake between us."

"That isn’t true. I do appreciate your efforts, however misguided they were." Ryu smiled slightly and hugged Ken tightly to him. "I still want to kill you but I know that I’ll never find a friend as loyal and kind as you. We will always remain best friends, no matter how many stupid stunts you pull."

Downstairs, the party continued even without the guest of honor. The two best friends returned to mingle among the girls, looking for one imparticular. As they were searching for their old friend, Chun Li, Ryu came across another girl who had been stalking him throughout the night. "Are you really Ryu?" Her eyes gleamed when Ryu nodded. "My name is Sakura and I absolutely love your fighting style. I have my own and I’m at the top of my class," she bragged.

"That’s nice," Ryu sighed. The girl was turning into an annoyance. He had noticed her unwanted presence from the moment he stepped into the room.

"I can prove it to you. Fight me!" She took up a fighting stance and bumped into some guy behind her. "Watch it, you moron!" The girl gave her a dirty look and went on to find Ken.

"How old are you?," Ryu asked with boredom. He knew her type, too eager to leap into a fist fight just to prove how good she was. It was a pointless strategy to better her skills but he wasn’t about to say so.

"Fifteen. And, I’m old enough to kick the crap out of you…unless you want to dance with me." She fluttered her eyelashes at Ryu who inwardly groaned. Dancing was not something he did well but it couldn’t hurt to learn a few moves. After all, Ken was very smooth with his dancing techniques although he wasn’t asking any of the girls into the middle of the room. That puzzled Ryu, how Ken could be so popular with the ladies but not take advantage of it.

"Only to keep you out of trouble." Ryu cringed when Sakura dug her nails into his sides and gleefully swung him around in circles.

"They sure look cute together." Chun Li had arrived late and was catching up with Ken. She had traveled all the way from Hong Kong to congratulate Ryu for ascending another year without any permanent scars.

"I don’t think so," Ken scoffed. "How can Ryu like a girl who dresses just like him." He crossed his arms in front of his chest and frowned. "Do you think Ryu likes her?" With each twirl that Sakura performed, her mini skirt fluttered higher around her thighs. It was merging very close on turning into an indecent performance.

An amused Chun Li regarded Ken rather oddly. "She worships Ryu. What’s so wrong with that? Besides, it isn’t as if you can choose who Ryu dates…if anybody." The song ended bringing Ryu over to their place by the wall. Sakura tagged along and gave Chun Li a cold glance. "Happy birthday!" Chun Li hugged Ryu and passed him the gift she had been carrying.

"A razor? I suppose that’s a hint of some sort. And cologne…thanks Chun Li." She probably thinks I’m living under the stars back in Japan. "Do I really need to shave that badly?" The first opinion he sought out was Ken’s.

"No." Afterwards, Ken remembered how Ryu’s fuzzy stubble had rubbed against his cheek when Ryu had hugged him. It didn’t bother him in the least.

"Actually," Sakura joined in. "A bath would help get rid of that strange scent you’re wearing." She received a lengthy glare from Ken for that opinion.

Amazingly, Ryu nodded in agreement to her advice. "This party is a bit dull for me. Ken, would you mind if I washed up?" All over the mansion, the rest of Ken’s wild friends were making plenty of noise to show that they were having a wonderful time.

"Not at all. Follow me." Ken showed Ryu to the bathroom which was equipped with a shower stall and a hot tub. "Take your time. When you’re done, my maid will find you something to wear."

"Ken…" Responding to his name, Ken turned to see Ryu shrugging out of his dusty gi. Ryu’s body was incredibly muscular, his chest as solid as stone and a light tan to go with it. Not one spot on Ryu’s body wasn’t rigid with muscles and power. Ryu watched Ken blush and give his attention to the floor. "You’ve seen me naked before. What’s wrong?"

"Nothing! It’s been so long since I last saw you," Ken stammered.

Without any warning, Ryu shut the bathroom door and locked it. Ken’s eyes opened wide, a nervous shiver going up his spine. "I really appreciate what you did for me today. It was very kind and thoughtful of you. Meeting Sakura was not one of the highlights."

"Yeah…Sakura," Ken mumbled. He gasped when Ryu took hold of his right hand and rubbed his cheek with it. A crisp feeling bristled against Ken’s skin but he refused to look at his friend.

"You really don’t mind if I don’t shave?" Ryu’s voice was becoming deeper as he edged nearer to Ken.

At first, Ken wasn’t able to respond. Finally, he retreated to press his back to the door and gave Ryu an answer. "Well, you wouldn’t look good with a beard or goatee if that’s what you’re asking. Go ahead and shave…I’m going to talk to Chun Li." The door knob was right by Ken’s elbow but for some reason, his fingers missed it.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" Ryu was always considerate of Ken’s emotions but he now had the urge to ignore them. There was an invisible attraction building up between them. Once more, Ryu had his hand out but this time he caressed Ken’s face with his fingers. "Come away from the door, you’ll get a splinter." Wrapping his free arm around Ken’s waist, he reversed their positions so that he was now blocking the door. He crushed Ken to him and inhaled the sweet fragrance of long strawberry, blond hair. "This is why I didn’t want to visit," he murmured into Ken’s ear. "You’ve grown up so much but it doesn’t change the way I feel about you."

"Someone spiked the fruit juice," Ken exclaimed. "I’d better tell the others." He reluctantly squirmed out of Ryu’s grasp only to be caught again. "Ryu, cut it out. This isn’t funny." Ken was honestly upset that his friend was playing with these desires so casually. Could Ryu know the secret hiding deep inside of him?

"I had nothing to drink and you know it. Maybe you’ve forgotten about the jealous eye you gave Sakura. Isn’t it about time we set aside our fears? I want to celebrate my birthday with the one person on this planet that I truly care for. All I wanted was to be with you today, Ken. The rest of your associates can get drunk in the backyard without you. I won’t let you leave." Ryu kept his weight jammed to the door and his arms clamped tightly to Ken like a vise. He could hear Ken’s breathing as well as feel it on his neck.

"You’re still the aggressive one," Ken stated. "What makes you think that I like you in that way?"

"Why are you trembling? You can’t even make eye contact with me. What are you afraid of?" Ryu slid one of his hands under Ken’s shirt and pressed it firmly to his abdomen. A shudder passed through Ken’s entire body as that warmth spread all over his flesh. The touch was so gentle and he was cautious not to be too forward in his actions. "You’re so tense. I can fix that…" He was on the verge of unbuttoning Ken’s shirt when Ken slipped out of his grasp for the second time.

Ken yanked Ryu off balance and tripped him into the hot tub. He then proceeded to turn on the faucet and soak Ryu with freezing cold water. "Getting sober is your first priority." Ryu yelped and helplessly watched as Ken escaped from him. "Damn it!" Swearing in Japanese, Ryu tossed off his pants and began to add hot water to his bath.

Downstairs, Ken was speaking with Chun Li and reminiscing while Sakura pouted in a corner of the room. "Where’s Ryu?," she repeated for the hundredth time. Many of the males at the party were checking out her short skirt and trying to see what color her panties were.

"Sleeping." Ken went right back to Chun Li without blinking an eye.

"I want to spar with him." Sakura stood on her toes to look Ken straight in the eye. A strange expression clouded her face. "What have you two been doing? Now, you smell just like him." Ken faltered under her scrutiny and found himself longing to return to Ryu. By now, Ryu would most likely be entirely nude in his bath. But, was he serious or drunk?

"This is my house and if I say he’s sleeping then you aren’t going to disturb him." Sakura snarled at Ken and went to find someone else to harass. Across the room, one of the chefs hauled out the monster birthday cake lit with twenty-two candles. "Uh…Ryu won’t be here for the cake," Ken apologized to everyone.

"Sure I will." Out came Ryu who had just thumped his way down the stairs. His short hair was damp and messy but other than that, he appeared to be very respectful in his clean suit. Ryu grinned when he saw Ken checking out his new threads. This would be the first time that he had ever worn a suit in his life. If it made Ken uneasy, then it would be a weapon to make his friend surrender to the truth. "Okay, stand back everyone." Ryu took a deep breath and blew out the candles. Some girls clapped but the guys were unimpressed with the different attire. Ken was speechless when a perfectly composed Ryu suddenly piled a plate full of turkey, potatoes and french fries. He sat cross legged on the floor and munched away.

Some of the guests were put off by Ryu’s behavior. "That guy is really rude," one girl commented. She was one of the many who didn’t understand the man’s aloof personality.

"I can’t understand why Ken would befriend an imbecile like Ryu. He’s so uncivilized and stupid," her boyfriend added.

Lucky for them, Ken had overheard what was said. "Take that back!" Ken latched onto his friend’s shirt collar and came close to choking him.

"Get out of my face Masters!" The youth that Ken had challenged was twice his size and nowhere near as nice as he was. Charles, from half a block down, clamped his massive hand over both of Ken’s and seized them. His other hand slapped Ken across the face as he released him. "Rich brat!" Ken sank to the carpet moaning, clutching his temples with his hands. Earlier, Ryu had stunned him with a mild headache but the pain he was feeling intensified that discomfort. As Ken crawled to his knees, his eyes tightly shut, Charles slammed his fist towards Ken’s throat.

A solid arm came between Charles and Ken, absorbing the full throttle punch. A raging blaze was shooting up Ryu’s veins as he considered the damage Charles could have inflicted on Ken. Winding up, Ryu let loose a dangerous uppercut, causing Charles to hit the sofa and roll over the top of it. "I hope that hitting Ken was worth it for you," Ryu said bitterly. "Because I am going to make you suffer for it." The people who had come to have fun at a party were now more interested in spewing blood than cake. Charles was up in a second, aiming a knife at Ryu’s chest. It vanished and reappeared in Ryu’s astonishingly quick hand.

To one side of the room, Chun Li was getting some ice and a towel for Ken’s head while Sakura cheered Ryu on. "Go Ryu!! Beat him black and blue!"

Charles grabbed a tray full of glasses and whipped them in Ryu’s direction. Not a single shard scratched Ryu’s skin. Two of the glasses missed Ryu and smashed Ken’s arms as he covered his face. A horrified Ryu saw thin lines of red blood grow bigger and turn into small puddles at Ken’s feet. "You bastard!" Ryu’s fingers turned into claws at his side, his palms facing each other near his waist. An eerie glow of blue light spread out from his hands, reaching his fingertips and pulsating from his entire body. As Charles was picking up something else to throw, he chickened out when a massive flaming ball of energy was clasped between Ryu’s open hands. Reacting to his imminent demise, Charles caught hold of the long knife which was used to cut the cake slices. Knowing that he couldn’t defeat Ryu, he flung it straight at Ken. "NO!"

The fireball burst into nothing but dust when Ryu dove towards Ken’s prone body. At the trajectory that Charles had thrown the knife in, it would pierce Ken’s skull. Ryu slid his arm beneath Ken, rolled to one side and shielded Ken from the sharp object. A hollow clanging sound filled the silence as the knife bounced off of a lamp pole and dropped to the carpet. Not one person spoke while Charles limped out the front door leaving Ryu huddled on the floor with Ken in his arms.

Ryu attempted to peer into Ken’s face but he couldn’t see past the waves of silky hair which blocked his line of sight. "Ken…" One of his fingers traced back a lock of Ken’s hair to see that he was unconscious. In the other end of the room, several girls began to clap and squeal, joined moments later by the guys. Their laughter at the live entertainment they had received sickened Ryu. He ran his hand down Ken’s left arm, wiping away warm blood and remnants of glass. When he leaned down to listen for Ken’s breathing, the noise from the crowd of onlookers got louder.

"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Ryu practically divided the room down the middle with his booming voice. Nobody moved so much as an inch. "I said…GET OUT!!!" A tiny fireball grew from only one of Ryu’s closed fists. That was enough to start the quick evacuation of Ken’s house. In less than thirty seconds, only Sakura and Chun Li remained. "Why did Ken push that man into attacking him?" Ryu gazed over at Chun Li, demanding an answer.

"He insulted you and…you know how Ken has a bad temper."

"All this over a few harmless words?" A sneaky Sakura was listening to everything Ryu said, reveling in his untold power. "I’d like to be alone with Ken." He gave Sakura a withering glare when she stubbornly refused. "This is not the time to be testing my patience, girl! Leave now!"

Sakura left to sulk over how mean Ryu had been to her. On the other hand, Chun Li wasn’t so sure her presence wasn’t needed. "Can I do anything, Ryu?"

"Not now. I’ll talk to you later." Then, Ryu was completely alone with Ken in a room full of plates, broken glass, partially eaten food and one bloodied carpet. Carefully, Ryu lifted Ken up and carried him to his bedroom. Halfway up the stairs, Ken gave out a little moan and coiled an arm around Ryu’s neck. This action caused Ryu to falter and stop outside of Ken’s room. Ken was regaining his wits and using his last amount of energy to cling to Ryu. "Are you awake?"

In response, Ken moaned and shook his numb arm which wasn’t hanging onto Ryu. He couldn’t open his eyes but he felt Ryu change positions so that he could place Ken’s arm back in his lap. "Thanks." A door closed and the click of an overhead light being turned on made Ken wonder where he was. Then the familiar, welcoming creaking of his bed springs reached his ears as he was laid down on it.

Whispers of movement flitted from Ken’s face to his arms as Ryu set to work treating his wounds. "What were you trying to prove?" Do I really want to know? With Ken, it was probably a macho problem. Why did you have to pick that punk to fight?

"Nothing…he pissed me off." A stinging sensation ran up Ken’s arm, burning red hot in his brain. "Oww!!!" He automatically swiped at Ryu, knocking the antiseptic ointment onto the comforter. Ryu sighed and caressed Ken’s cheek with the back of his hand. Either Ken was totally disoriented or very tired because he didn’t reject Ryu’s advances.

"What did he say? You can’t fight someone when all they’ve done is speak harshly against you."

"He called you uncivilized and stupid! If I had straight out punched him…none of this would be happening. How bad are my arms?"

"You’ll live. Most of your pain is coming from that bruise on your temple." Ryu crouched down and gently pressed his lips to Ken’s injury. "I’m honored that you felt the need to defend me."

Ken’s eyes opened painfully when he realized what Ryu was doing. Blurred outlines covered Ryu’s face but Ken could clearly see the happiness in his best friend. Ryu brushed a few, feather-light kisses down Ken’s face until he reached Ken’s lips. "I ruined your birthday." Shame was written all over him as well as depression at his failure.

"Never. I still have a chance of making my wish come true." He looked deep into Ken’s brown eyes, marveling at how long his eyelashes were. Surrounding Ryu was an aura of complete tranquillity and concentration. What he wanted to do was new to him and undoubtedly to Ken as well. There had been many females in Ryu’s life but not one had become more than a friend to him. Would Ken push him away? Ryu casually brushed Ken’s hair out of the way before stroking his thumb across Ken’s lips. Slowly, he lay down next to Ken and hooked a leg over his friend’s hips.

This can’t be for real. It has to be a dream. "What did you wish for?," Ken asked timidly. He became aware of how Ryu was immobilizing him when a heavy arm came to rest over his wrists. "Hey! Don’t I get a say in this?"

"No, it’s my birthday, not yours." All Ryu could hear from Ken were muffled protests when Ryu sealed his lips over Ken’s. Damn! I thought that he wasn’t going to struggle. Ryu was stuck in a wrestling match with Ken when his friend panicked before the kiss had even started. "How do you expect me to show you my true feelings when you won’t trust me?"

"I…I don’t know. I want this but…some part of me doesn’t."

"So you don’t know how to kiss?" He was amused when Ken narrowed his eyes and gave Ryu a look of contempt. "We’re best friends, I can tell that you aren’t sure. If you would just relax, your fear will go away." Ryu forced his lips to Ken’s again and kissed him tentatively at first. It was an intoxicating experience with his lips locked to Ken’s, his arms and legs wrapping around Ken like a snake. Ready for another fight, Ryu slid his tongue seductively along Ken’s lower lip.

A firm set of perfectly straight teeth bit into Ryu’s tongue when it nudged between Ken’s lips. "Get…your…tongue out of…my mouth!"

Bitterly, Ryu withdrew but kept his body draped over Ken’s. "Why do you keep teasing me? All I want is one kiss from you. Is that too much to ask after all these years of restraint?" Ryu saw a sparkle in Ken’s eyes, then nothing as Ken blinked back tears. Concern made Ryu give Ken back his breathing space. "Are you crying?" All he got for his question was a stifled sob followed by a river of tears. What have I done? No one has ever made Ken cry…until I went and upset him "Please…don’t do this," Ryu pleaded. His touch was very gentle on Ken’s soft skin as he attempted to erase each tear which raced down Ken’s face. He embraced Ken to him, combing his fingers through the hair that always hid Ken’s neck. Ryu buried his face into Ken’s hair, and nuzzled his neck affectionately. "I never meant to hurt you but all I seem to do is just that."

"How can I trust you when you always leave me?" Ken moaned with grief and wept harder.

Now Ryu could comprehend why Ken was resisting so violently. "My birthday has nothing to do with these urges I have. I won’t lie to you…I want you…permanently. My honor would never allow me to desert you, nor would my strong emotions for you. I’m not drunk and I’m not sorry that I pressured you. Your decision will decide whether I go or stay, it’s up to you."

"Just like that? If I don’t do what you want, you’re gone?"

Ryu hugged Ken tighter and groaned with defeat. "No matter what I do, I lose. If I stay, you’ll hate me and if I leave, you’ll hate me more. How can I escape this without your help? Tell me what I should do." He returned to drying Ken’s tears as he swallowed his pride. "I need you, Ken…my love. If you reject me, you’ll break my heart," he whispered into Ken’s ear.

Gazing up at Ryu with determination, Ken pressed his quivering lips to Ryu’s mouth. Ryu sank into the mattress with Ken warm against his chest. He kissed Ken and glanced at him to witness that he was still crying. A single tear shined in Ryu’s eye when he took into consideration how much Ken cared for him. Seconds later, Ryu was pushing his tongue into Ken’s mouth and kissing him passionately. It was what they had both longed for in their times together and apart. And, the first moment their tongues entwined was far more than they ever imagined it would be.

This is much easier than I thought it would be. Ryu is doing most of the work anyway. Ken trembled all over when Ryu moved one of his hands up under Ken’s shirt. Not this again! But, Ryu’s hand stayed on Ken’s side, below his ribcage, only desiring to touch Ken’s flesh. When Ken tried to experiment on his own with Ryu’s chest, he became afraid when Ryu’s body shook in agony. "Your knee," Ryu groaned. "Move it!" Ken blushed as he lowered his knee away from Ryu’s groin. "Was that on purpose?" Ryu pulled his hand around to lay it flat on Ken’s stomach. There was something about Ryu’s tone of voice which made it sound like a taunt. He wanted to have an excuse to go further but was too decent to go ahead on his own.

"Why would I do that?" Now, Ken was acting innocent, his sadness forgotten. He wanted to tease Ryu but he didn’t want the consequences involved with his actions.

I don’t want to take advantage of Ken. He’s already given me more than I have to offer him. "You need to rest." Ryu started to ease off Ken’s shirt, being extra careful not to bruise Ken’s bandaged arms. "I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me. I’ll do anything to make you just as happy as I am."

"I already am." To everyone else, you’re a respected and feared fighter but to me, you’re just a big teddy bear. What did I ever do to deserve you? Ken sat up and changed into his pajamas while Ryu did the same in the bathroom. "Where are you sleeping tonight?" Ryu crept under the blankets in his boxer shorts and cuddled Ken close to him.

"Beside you. Unless you have a better idea." Ken merely smiled and flicked off the light switch. His headache got worse without Ryu’s constant attention to keep his mind off of it. It had gone unnoticed while they had been flirting but now, Ken remembered how abrupt the slap to his head had been. "Go to sleep," Ryu murmured when Ken fidgeted. "This is the best birthday that I ever could have wished for. All I want now is to enjoy the remainder of the night with you in my arms."

Ken smiled shyly. "Always the romantic one," he whispered sarcastically.

"From now on, you’re going to see a much different side of me. One which I promise you is here to stay."

Shortly afterwards, Ken could be heard breathing quietly in the darkness, his body relaxed with sleep. It would be hours later before Ryu joined him, instead choosing to lie there and gaze at the beautiful fighter that had dropped into his lap. He couldn’t have felt any luckier to be twenty-two years old and in love.

The End.