( Disclaimer: I don't own Chun Li, Street Fighter, or anything involving it.
The first Flashback takes place after Street Fighter Alpha)

Chapter 2 ; The Meeting

( Flashback #4: Ken Masters )

It had been only hours after was forced defeated. Well, at least for the time being. Ryu had done away with him after Bison fled the warehouse where Charlie was killed. Chun Li had narrowly escaped the blast with Guile, and suffered some injuries. Weak, she and Guile tracked down Bison's location and joined in Ryu's struggle to overpower Bison who was begging for Ryu to release his 'Dark Hadou'.

The fight was awfully one-sided, despite the numbers game. Bison took a special sadistic liking of beating on Chun Li. That was until Ken Masters arrived to join the fight. Things started catching up on Bison with Ken and Ryu at the forefront. In the end, however, it was Ryu's Hadouken that sent Bison away.

Again, this was just hours after that epic battle. Chun Li had checked out of the hospital early, as many fighters did. She exited out of her room, bandage on her cheek, leg bandaged up around her mid thigh, and taping around her waist. She was hurting, but she felt better at home than a hospital. She didn't even notice someone was waiting by the door.

"Finally up, sleeping beauty? You had me worried you were gonna flat-line or me or somethin'." She heard a voice say. Turning, there would stand Ken. He was in a white T-Shirt with a red zip-up hoodie that was unzipped to the near bottom. His jeans and sneakers were proof enough he was perfectly fine. He was going out.

Chun Li closed her eyes and gave a smile. Sleeping beauty huh? This Masters was a charmer. "Well Mister Masters, I do not think it is my time as of yet." Her eyes opened, each arm folding behind her back."I see your injuries are not worrying you at all."

"Injuries? Hey, Bison fights hard, but it's gonna take a lot more than a cape and extra large chompers to hurt me." Ken chuckled a bit, tucking his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. "You need a lift?" Ken tilted his head.

Being with Ken a little longer? He'd been flirting with her ever since they met! It wasn't like many guys were lining up to flirt with a twenty one year old woman who could crush watermelon with her legs. She was probably coming off as a dominant woman. Chun-Li thought for a second..."I assure you, I'll be fine. I've taken cabs bef--"

"Cab?" Ken raised one of those split ended eyebrows. "I've got a limo to the airport. I can take you to Hong Kong with my jet."

JET?!

Chun-Li opened her eyes widely. Needless to say, she thought it wouldn't hurt...to taste luxury just a little bit. Her memories rushed, she didn't quite remember what happened from that point in perfect order. She did remember a lot of joking and talking. She also remembered being scared out of her guts taking a private jet. What would people say if they heard she was in a private jet with Ken...alone?

Once she landed in Hong Kong, Chun-Li allowed Ken to drive her home.

This guy has cars everywhere waiting on him! She remembered thinking.

As she arrived home, she was walked to her door.

"Thank you, Ken. You really didn't have to though. I could of just called HQ..." She fumbled with her keys. She was starstruck, but was trying to keep her head on her shoulders.

"Hey, don't mention it. You're always welcome, Chunners." Ken smiled, watching her fumble with her keys.

Chunners?

That nic-name was cute. She gave a playful giggle, still fumbling with her keys. She wanted to ask him in, honestly. It was too soon though. It wasn't even a date! It was a ride home! She couldn't give out freebies for a ride home! Then she'd feel like she owed everyone who did so! No! No invite in!

She could at least ask him if she'd see him again. Maybe they could talk more. They did have a decent conversation. It wasn't about crime or fighting. It was just normal human being discussion. Ken wasn't all about swinging his fists and feet--he was about living life. He'd told her the most amazing stories about going to Italy, France, Japan, and other places. He told her about him getting ready to take over the family business next year. He even spoke of his goals to open up a pasta place one day...it was his favorite food.

Chun-Li had told him about some of her childhood memories. How it was raising the twin knuckleheads, Yun and Yang, with help from their grandfather and her mentor, Gen. She actually said she probably would be more patient with them if they were actually her children. That prompted Ken to give his input on kids--he actually loved them.

Kids....aaah...

"...Having trouble findin' the key there Chun?" Ken noticed she'd been fumbling with them for the last ten seconds.

"Oh! Yeah it's just, kind of dark." She fumbled with her words as well. She got her key and gave a small nod to Ken. "Thanks again, Masters. I appreciate it."

Failure! Failure! Say something, girl!

Chun Li was screaming in her head as she eased her way inside of her house, preparing to close the door.

"Oh, hey?" Ken spoke out.

Chun-Li swung the door open fast. "Yes?" She felt her heart thumping in her chest. Was he going to ask to come in?

If he does, just have some tea, okay? You're injured.

Was he going to ask her out?

Don't jump for joy. Just be cool. It's a mind game, stay in control."I was wondering if maybe...when you're healed, we could go out for dinner one day?" Right then and there, everything seemed to be soft and fluffy in her eyes. A lot like a soap opera. "I know some great places around here. We could go to Italy or something too. I'll have the jet gassed up!"

Chun Li stayed in control on the outside. She nodded to him. "That sounds great," She offered a smile. "I suppose you'll need my number then. Hold on." She thought it over for a second, and gave Ken her number. She was amazed how fast he got it programed in his phone. Quick with his fingers.

"Alright. I'll be in touch. Ciao, Chunster" He gave her a wink while he turned to head back to his limo.

"Good-bye Mister Masters." First Chunners then Chunster. He was making her blush!

However...things did not go as planned. She could remember getting heavier hours at work. Interpol was calling non-stop. Every time she did get to check her messages, she was far too tired to call him back. When she woke up, it was right back to work. Justice was her life. It didn't let her slow down for any relationships.

Ken kept calling. First once a day, then once a week after a while. Soon the messages stopped coming all together. Each time she did listen to them, they were always so polite and hopeful. No sign of frustration. He was a good man. She felt bad for doing him like that. It was just there was so much work to d--

"Hey! Snap outta it!"

( The Present )

Wallace had called out to the snoozing Chun Li, shaking her shoulder.

Chun-Li woke up alright. She woke up and pulled her pistol, aiming at his face! "Why didn't you call him back?! Stupid-stupid-stup...id.." Chun Li realized she was awake now. Wallace had his hands up as far as the ceiling would allow.

"Hey Chun-Li! It's me, Wallace! What are you talkin' about?!" He was scared out of his mind!

Chun-Li pulled the gun back and holstered it. "Sorry...nightmare!" She tried to play it off, patting Wallace on his shoulder.

"Phew...I was about to say I was plannin' on callin' my brother later today." He rubbed the back of his head, still coming down from that sudden burst of adrenaline. "You don't look so good, Chun-Li. You sure you're okay?"

"Peachy." Didn't sound like it at all. She noticed they were no longer driving, though. "...Why'd you stop the car?"

"Lunch break. Fantastic-Unique-Real-Original Ray's Pizza is packed though. I was about to get out to grab a slice." He parted the car door some. "You want any?"

Pizza? Again? She didn't feel like running her treadmill longer tonight to burn off that pizza again. "No thanks. I'm going to nap for this break." She sunk back into her seat while Wallace got out of the squad car.

"Suit yourself partner."

She folded her arms across her chest to keep warm, starting to close her eyes. She found herself shifting around more than she actually could sit still. So uncomfortable. Aggravated, Chun-Li opened her eyes, looking across the street. She saw someone..familiar...walking toward an ATM machine from a limo.

Blonde hair, built, handsome, dressed in the finest of materials for his winter wear...this was either a movie star, or Ken Masters. What if he saw her? Would he be angry she never returned his calls? She wanted to hide..she couldn't face him. She needed...the courage to face him. She didn't have that right now.

"HEY! C'MON, C'MON!!" Her Inner-Terry screamed.

He was right! She should just go and do it! Stepping out of the car and closing the door. Freezing her butt off already, Chun Li strutted across the street to the ATM machine. She was in uniform, so the driver didn't panic at all.

I need something clever to say to him...hmm...

"Emergency, Mister Masters?" Was the best she could come up with. When Ken heard her voice, she felt like running away immediately. What if it was the wrong -- no it was Ken. No one had eyebrows like him.

"Whoa! Christmas came late for me this year I see!" He still looked the same to her. Just a little more built. Ken had a bunch of cash going into his money clip and then to his pocket. Though his gloved hands left his pockets a split second after and approached her shoulders. Frozen up, Chun Li just reacted and brought her arms outward.

Ken gave her a hearty hug, and Chun Li gave him one in return.

...He smells amazing...he's..warm too..

Chun Li didn't want to let go, but once the hug ended, Ken was grinning from ear to ear, holding her shoulders. "Man! It's been so long! You look great Li!"

How do you respond to that?! "You don't look bad yourself, Mister Masters." She remained formal, though the red in her cheeks wasn't just from the cold!

"Heh, well I try. I'm just taking out some money. There's a problem with my restaurant. We need new registers after the fire. The place that makes them only accepts cash. Seriously, what the hell, you know?" He gave a brief laugh, joined by that of Chun Li.

"So, you're still an officer of the law huh?" He continued on.

He wasn't going to ask about the never-returned calls? Wow. Had he forgotten? Wow, she felt bad. He'd totally forgotten?! "Yep. This seems to be what I do best. I'm glad this is my last day for a few weeks. I've got enough vacation days to take paid vacation until next Christmas, though." Chun-Li was a work-a-holic. That much was apparent.

"Yeah? That makes two of us then. I haven't taken a day off that wasn't a holiday in six years. Masters Corp. takes more of my time than I do." He gave a sigh, shaking his head. Seems he too was a workaholic now. They could relate on that subject now!

"It's not all that bad sometimes though. At least things get done how we need to do them, right?" She couldn't take it anymore! She had to say it! "Oh, I'm sorry for not returning your calls Mister Masters. I was always working a new case and..." She wanted to explain, but it was just sounding like a bad excuse. She was sincere though, and hoped he knew that.

"Oh, don't worry about that Chunster," He placed his hands in his pockets, smiling down to her. "I figured you were. Always saving the world one case at a time. Anyway, I should get going..." He looked toward his driver, who was standing by the back door, waiting for Ken to head back to it.

"Oh...alright. It was good seeing you, Masters. Have a happy New Year." He was going to be out of her life again. Oh well...at least he looked healthy...and...delicious. Look at those broad shoulders. Those beautiful chocolate eyes. His fresh smelling breath and cologne. His big hands andfeet. He was like a dream!...Chun-Li didn't see any ring print under his gloves. He was still on the market after all these years!

Wow, what women were stupid enough to not seek him out?!

"Oh! That reminds me." Ken turned back to her. He pulled a card from his pocket. "I'm having a party on New Years Eve in town. You should come, we could catch up." He gave her another wink as she took the card. It had the party details and Ken's contacts. Perfect!

"Oh, sure. That would be lovely!" What the hell was she going to wear?! More importantly, how'd she get around her grandmother to stay out all night? She'd know she was with Ken and company...she'd probably try to come too! That's ruin her chances!

"You'd be the one to know a lot about lovely. Heh heh. See you around Chunster." He gave her a thumbs up, heading back into his limo. Chun Li waved good-bye to him as the limo soon drove off. Standing on the snowy sidewalk...Chun Li began to jump around cheerfully, making a spectacle of herself.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"She cheered, running across the street back to her squad car. When she noticed people staring..she calmed down...and peacefully got into the car. Minutes later, Wallace returned with his oversized slice of pizza.

Oh my goodness...would our child really have blonde hair? Oh my...if we ever had kids they would be so beautiful! Chun-Li Masters!...Or Xiang-Masters. Hm...four is a good foundation. They'd never have to be alone like I was...

Those minutes, Chun Li had been in fantasy world. She was locked in now. Ken was going to be the man she wanted to date. She was thinking about the future already! She knew she had to calm down, or she would be set up for disappointment early. The car started up...they were back on the road.

She turned on the radio. This would help her get her mind off babies and Ken.

Get the sale now for your New Years Baby-wear!

She turned the station quickly!

We've been married twenty seven years now --

She turned again with a grunt!

Have a baby by me baby~! Be a millionaire~!

That was it! She shut the radio off with a growl, folding her arms tightly. "Stupid thing!"

Wallace glanced over at her, swallowing the piece he'd just bitten. "What, you don't like the song? I know all the words to that one, c'mon!"

"...Shut up, Wallace."

****

( That's the end of Chapter 2! Things are still moving slow, but I hope you enjoyed it! :] )