Chapter 1

"So it's all right then?" Steve asked, placing his large hands on the island of this kitchen. The blonde British boxer was in his usual attire: a button down shirt, top button undone, loose-fitting pants, and beat up boots. He cocked an eyebrow, waiting for a response.

"I don't mind at all. As long as he pays his share of the rent and isn't a psycho, I'm cool with it," said Elena, his roommate. He eyed her suspiciously. She was in dark, baggy boy jeans, which were held up by a black belt with a turquoise-encrusted belt buckle. On her feet were crazy-patterned Nikes, and on top she wore a tiny orange t-shirt under a green cardigan and a multi-colored scarf. For as long as he has known Ely, he never understood her sense of style, yet it was so completely English. She looked like the girls that walked down the streets of London.

"Are you sure?" he questioned again. Steve stood up straight and crossed his muscular arms over his chest. The topic they were discussing was leaving him unsettled. They had a spare room in there spacious apartment, and Steve kept on bugging her about whether she minded if his friend came to live with them. On the surface, she seemed okay with the change in living situation, but Steve had known Ely long enough to know that there was always something lurking behind that cool exterior.

"I'm going to start ignoring you if you keep asking me," she said, cocking one of her eyebrows, and mimicking his stance. He couldn't help but laugh at her attitude. Though she was a taciturn girl, she always knew how to stand her ground. Steve came around the island and gave her a big bear hug, which, as usual, she ignored.

"All right, all right," he said, "I was just checking. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I just don't want to make you miserable," he told her as he looked her in the eye. What he received was a deadpanned look, an expression Ely rarely diverged from.

"But you already do," she said in a flat voice, poking him in the ribs. Steve chuckled, but didn't even feel the touch he received from his friend's tiny hands. He squeezed her once more and ruffled her magenta-streaked waves, making them look more unruly than they already were. She softly tugged on one of his golden locks as he returned to the island and sat on one of the electric blue stools.

"So what's this guy's name again?" she inquired, placing a bowl of soup in front of her roommate. She placed the remaining cookware in the large metal sink and began to wash the dishes as Steve devoured the food he was so accustomed to her making.

"Hwoarang," he said with his mouth full.

"Hmm."

"What?" he inquired.

"Nothing."

"What was that 'Hmm' for?" he asked in his deep, accented tone.

"Interesting name. Where's he from?" she asked as she turned to face him.

"Korea," he replied, continuing to stuff his face.

"North or South?"

"Why? Does it really matter?"

"In America it does," she replied jokingly, retaining her trademark sarcastic expression. He narrowed his eyes at her and half-smiled.

"What a comedienne," he said. "He's from South Korea, if you really must know."

"Huh. I guess that's cool. All the Koreans I've ever met were hot," she said, returning to her chores. "Is he?"

"Well……." Steve hesitated.

"Well, what?"

"He's………..popular."

"Popular? With whom? Toddlers?"

"You know what I mean," he sighed, rolling his eyes at Ely's constant sardonic comments.

"Oh. I see," she said, "So he's a manwhore," she stated frankly.

"That's one….blunt interpretation," he said, a smile crossing his face. He stood and handed his plates to Ely. He leaned against the counter and watched her wash, her brow furrowed and her lips pursed.

"Does that bother you? You look quite perturbed."

"No. I'm just thinking that there must be something really special about this guy," she said with a questioning looking in her almond shaped eyes.

"Well, he's pretty charming," Steve said, "Wherever he goes, he always seems to have a trail of females after him."

"Charming."

"You know what I mean," he repeated.

"I guess I should. Do you think I'll fall under his spell?" she asked, flicking water into his face. He backed away quickly, dodging the docile attack.

"I don't know, honestly. You don't seem to have fallen yet. Besides, he doesn't seem like your type."

"What type is he?" she asked, using air quotes.

"Well…." Steve hesitated again. "You'll see tomorrow. Are we still going to meet you at the club?" he asked, dodging the question.

"Thank you for avoiding my question," she said as he grinned boyishly. "Yes, I work until two, so just come up to the booth. I'll add you to the list so you two can get in."

"Great," he said, "We'll see you there."

"Hwoarang," Ely said. "Let's hope he likes cats," she said as she petted her tabby, Kiwi.

"Let's," Steve said, eyeing his unconventional roommate.

I do not own Tekken or its characters. All unfamiliar characters are my own. Enjoy and review (please)!