Authors note: sorry for the late update, for that this is a tribute for all those Ayane/Ryu fans out there, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the DOA characters, they all belong to Team Ninja, the ACC belongs to me

Intertwining words

I waited in front of some fancy restaurant wearing my best dress, I ask myself for the hundredth time why in hells name am I here, "because I lost to that guy, THAT'S why!" I told myself angrily, I watch a couple quickly move away when they saw me scowl at them, I can't fathom why he would ask me to be here on what I can see is date central place.

Glancing in the glass that reflected my image, I'm wearing a simple dark purple dress, the dress is a little tight at the hip with the skirt going down to my knee snugly, my shoulders are bare except the two straps the held the dress onto me, I blush at the front of my dress which is modest but showed off a little off my womanly asset.

My hair has been brushed so it didn't look like a mess like it was, whenever I sleep in the wrong position, I absent-mindedly flick one strand of my hair back into place, I felt a little weird that I'm not wearing my usual dark purple Bandanna, I've worn it for so long it's become part of me, I even wear it while I sleep and even during baths, I took it off just for today because it didn't suit with my dress.

Hanging over my shoulder is my black purse, that held the precious Bandanna, that fitted with the dark tone of colour of my dress, I wouldn't be wearing this but considering I lost to the guy fair and square he told me to come here to the front of the restaurant at six O clock in Kyoto wearing my best dress.

Slowly I recall the day when I dropped by his apartment, for a man he kept the apartment extremely clean with no laundry anywhere except in the basket, the guy I dropped by to see is an informant, and good friend of Ryu and myself, his name's Terry Fury.

He's a nice guy, despite been a little too friendly for my liking, since I known him for more than half my life I thought it would be rude not to drop by when he asked me to, I known him to ask me to drop by for information to pass to the clan elders, but this time he asked me to play cards with him.

I still can remember berating him while he was shuffling the cards until he told me it's a game with high stakes, "whoever wins can demand anything from the loser, and I mean ANYTHING, but ONLY once," he told me giving that look he would saying he's quite serious.

First I object but then I thought of the things I could make him do, so I told him that he will be my slave for a week if he lose, he accepted without telling his demands, something which I'm regretting now, I'm a pretty good at poker and mange to have won against every match in the clan and on a few missions as well.

But somehow, maybe he cheated, the game ended with him winning and me standing here waiting for him to turn up, I gave my word so I can't back out now.

Someone approached me from behind, restraining myself from kicking the poor sucker behind me I turn round to see who it is and felt my heart skip a beat.

Standing directly behind me a man wearing a black tuxedo with a red rose pinned through one of his pockets on the jacket, his chestnut long hair tied back into a low pony tail, his eyes stare at me with those brilliant emerald eyes that I marvelled, I couldn't believe it that behind me standing in the Tuxedo is Ryu Hayabusa.

I felt my mind become muddled whenever I'm alone; with no one else I know, with him, "been waiting long?" I heard him asks in his calm voice, I couldn't tell was he anxious like me or was he afraid that I might throw one of my legendary temper tantrum at him, which he knows I'll never do, Terry on the other hand is a very different matter.

Then what he said confused me, as if reading my mind, which he's been able to do ever since we met which kinds of makes me wonder how transparent am I to him, "I was told that you wanted to meet me here," suddenly I figured it out, that weasel of an informant had specifically arranged for me in my best dress to meet Ryu here for dinner, which I didn't mind one bit.

I swear when I get my hands on that guy I'm going to kick him into the middle of next year for tricking into this, "is something the mater, Ayane?" I snap out of my imagination of beating the hell out of a certain informant we both know, "no, nothing!" I reply hastily then kicked myself mentally for giving out such a hurried reply.

Either he saw how nervous I'am or not he opted to give me one of his rare warm smile, "I see, shall we go in?" I nodded slowly, having to watch my every action to ensure I don't make a fool out of myself.

He held out his hand to me making me try and think what am I suppose to do, my body naturally responded before I could think of my actions and placed my own hand on top of his, I watch those hands of his envelope into his then stepped up the stairs that lead to the restaurant as my feet follow with him guiding me.

The building I entered is large with pretty much the entire front made of glass, I wonder why is that as the glass doors are opened by a man wearing a tuxedo and gave a small bow, "welcome to Le Morte d'Arthur," it felt strange for a stranger to bow to me, Ryu gave a curt nod and pass by the man, I caught the smile on the mans lip, the smile is filled with curiosity than malicious.

The red carpet we walked on took us to the wooden stand where a man wearing the same uniform as the man at the front door, he gave a pleasant smile as we approached, "ah, welcome, do you have reservation?" I didn't know, I was told to be at the front door, that's all I know, "yes, Hayabusa," Ryu replies calmly.

I watch the man on the stand flip through a large black book for a few moments, he kept flipping through the book making me wonder are we late or there isn't any reservation, I kept fidgeting with my other hand with the hem of my dress, I felt a gentle squeeze by the other hand held by Ryu, I felt myself relax by his show of concern for me.

Finally the man turns to the last page, "ah, sorry the entry was made after the book was taken away," the man apologises to us then rings a bell that summoned a young man, "please show them to table eighteen," the young man gave a nod and gesture with his hand, "please this way," Ryu follow the man while I follow guided by his hand.

We weave through the tables, I counted twenty nine tables, half of them filled with couples that talk in low whispers to one another, their face illuminated by the small red candle set between them, I felt my ears begin to burn that I might be dining with Ryu in such a romantic atmosphere.

I saw a small stage to the far left where a piano sat, I wonder do they provide music as well, I'm glad they didn't, despite it helping with the romantic atmosphere it'll probably get on my nerve sooner or later.

Our guide stop at a table that's next to the window, the building is set upon a hill that face towards the sun set and the city below so the view is quite spectacular as the sun set it bathed the city in fiery orange, the young man pulls the chair back and with a gesture to me to sit down, I comply and was about to set my purse down when he reach for the folded red napkin on the table over my shoulder, my hand snaked up to grab hold of the arm and held it in place.

A moment later I let go, my instinct had kicked in and grabbed the man's arm, still it annoyed me a little, "don't try that again," I tell the injured man in a low tone, he nods while he held his wrist that I held onto while his face looks a little pale, I watch him hurriedly pull the chair for Ryu and this time took the napkin in front of Ryu and place it upon his lap before leaving almost in a run.

I glare at the man as he disappear round the bar that's located some feet away from the entrance, when I turn my eyes away from him I find myself instantly look back to Ryu, he's watch me with a grin that made me look away hastily, my cheeks burning with embarrassment of what I did to the man.

Before I could even speak the waiter came forward, "here is your menu," he hands the menu to us, I gave a growl at his timing and watch him looks nervous, "I'll return once you are ready to order," like the boy before he quickly leaves, satisfied I made my point I look down at the menu and saw the complicated names they have, thankfully the description of the food gave me an idea of what they are.

I felt like some sea food, but I didn't know how big they are, the price tag on them made me nervous to order, I peeked a look at my supposedly date to find him reading the menu with a neutral look, giving me no idea of what he might order, before I could read on a man stood beside the table, "are you ready to order?" I felt my annoyance rise, "No, I've only just starting looking at the menu," I tell the man sternly hoping he'll scuttle away like the rest.

To my surprise he didn't and remain by the table, "I'm sorry madam, I'll return when you are ready," he turns then stops and gave a small bow, "sorry for not introducing myself, I'am Lancelot White, I'll be your personal waiter for today, if you require anything I'll be happy to help," despite my annoyance of the man taking the trouble of introducing himself when I'm not even going to say his name I have to admit the guy is better than the rest who scurry away when I glared at them.

I looks to see Ryu glancing at the waiter with interest, "something the matter, Ryu?" he shook his head, "nothing," as he looks back at the menu, if he thought he could fool me by saying it's nothing then he'll be surprised, I've known the man for years whenever he says "it's nothing" with no explanation then there is something wrong.

The thought made me smile that I know quite a bit about Ryu, like how when he's nervous he would squeeze and unclench his hand, even when holding onto something, as evident as I watch his left hand move slightly every ten second, it chuckle to myself that I can read him just as well as he can read my mood.

I turn my attention back to the menu, after reading the entire menu three times I still didn't know what I like to eat, from the corner of my eyes I saw Lancelot returning, a part of my mind wonders is that the man's name as Lancelot is suppose to be a knight from some story or something.

Quickly I made up my mind to go with the scallop dish, when he finally arrives he brought out a pad with a pen, "are you ready to order?" he asks us pleasantly, I try my best to reply without sounding like I'm angry at him, "I like the dish with the scallop," I watch him a few moments thinking he'll write the order down.

He gave a grin, "may I give a suggestion if you're looking for seafood dish madam?" instantly my temper rose and I felt like hitting the guy, but I didn't want to make a scene nor do I want to beat up the guy who'll be serving me all day, "what do you suggest?" I ask while trying very hard not to scream at the guy, if looks could kill the man would require a plastic surgeon by now.

Stepping so he standing beside me he points at one of the dishes on the menu, "this dish is very good but the Scallop you're ordering is quite small in size, more of an appetizer," looking at the dish her pointed I felt my stomach growling for food, I had to agree the dish he pointed sounds more better than the one I'm ordering, "fine, I'll order this then," with a smile he writes the order down and moves to Ryu, surpassingly the man also pointed out another dish for him and Ryu accepted, when he's about to leave Ryu calls the man back.

I wonder what would Ryu want with the waiter, "the dishes you pointed out are quite expensive," I looked back at the menu and found that he's right, "they are, but for tonight and your lovely companion here, a special discount has been made, so please don't worry and enjoy the meal," I felt my cheeks turn scarlet at how the waiter address me and Ryu, he's practically said we're a couple.

Ryu didn't seem bothered, "I seem to have seen you somewhere before, have we met?" the waiter shook his head, "no sir, this is my first time meeting you, by chance there couldn't be someone as handsome as me could there?" I look at the guy more closely and wonder is he trying to be funny.

The suit he's wearing seem a little tight at the waist, probably hiding his beer belly, while the rest of his body seems a little on the chubby side, he even has a slight double chin as well, I laughed inwardly at the man, but somehow his face do bare some resemblance to someone, I just couldn't figure out who.

I look across the table to see Ryu's eye brow move a little, he's trying to figure out who the man is, after a few more moments I watch his shoulders sag, a sign of defeat, "no, sorry I probably mistook you for someone," the waiter nods, then leaves to get their orders ready.

The silence that follows after the man left made my nervousness rise, I review that I've been a little irritated, this I can see is a fault of myself that happen when I'm nervous, unfortunately whenever I'm with Ryu, alone that is, I'm always finding it hard to talk with him without stammering, it makes me feel frustrated which ends with me walking off on one occasion, with the excuse I was needed somewhere else.

Sighing at the thought I turn my attention to the window and felt admiration as the night sky moves in turning the sky dark, the lights of the city that seem to shine like the stars in the heavens, this train of thought made me remember when I was young I use to play with Kasumi.

Those memories are old and I don't feel anything about them, hate nor joy, whatever the case maybe I don't want to think about it on this night, not with the one I love so close to me, "the city seems like it's alive," I heard him spoke softly, I gave a nod, unsure was he speaking to me or to himself.

Slowly I turn to see him staring out of the window, his eyes filled with anxiety, I could tell at the way he stare out of the window so intensely, he has his left hand supporting his head while he rested upon it, while his right is tapping lightly on the table, another sure sign which I could read, "what's he so nervous about?" I thought to myself.

Shortly after our meals arrive, our waiter kindly placed the plates and asked if we wanted to use chopsticks instead of the knives and forks, I declined and Ryu did so the same, he left us while we ate our meals.

The dish I order is a large place filled with variety of seafood that range from shellfishes, lobsters, prawns and fish, I don't know could I finish the plate all by myself, Ryu on the other hand has a large plate with a large fish with it's head and tail place at the end of the plate, the middle is divided into four different type of food that's been made from the same fish.

I pick up the fork and got ready to dig in when Lancelot returns with a bottle of wine, "would you like some wine?" I look to the wine then to Ryu, "how much will it cost?" the waiter gave us a smile, "don't worry sir, the manager has told me that this wine is suppose to come with the young ladies meal, considering your meal is suppose to come with one too I've decided to pick a good vintage for the two of you to enjoy," from his belt he produce a cork opener and unscrews the cork.

With care he pours the wine into my glass to half then moves to fill Ryu's to half a glass as well, next he wheels a trolley with a bucket filled with ice next to our table and places the open wine bottle into the bucket, once done he gave a bow and told us to enjoy our meal before leaving.

I'm feeling grateful for the guy, he's done a fantastic job so far, polite despite me been rude to him, picking a splendid dish for us as well as telling us about the discount, now the wine as well.

Ryu may not know, but I've drunk an entire bottle of sake before and developed fondness for it, so I won't be drunk from drinking half of the bottle.

I took my glass between my fingers and swirl it a little to allow it to 'breathe', as I heard some people call it, slowly I took a sip of the wine and felt the powerful taste of it nearly made me gag, I wasn't expecting it to be this strong at first but as the liquid went down my throat it felt wonderful, once I got use to the taste I found it very tasty.

Ryu has also sampled his glass of wine and gave an approving look, when he caught me staring at him he smiles then raise his glass of wine up to me, I smile understanding the gesture as I did the same, slowly with tap our glass together.

We silently toasted to one another and drank our cups before refilling it and finally returning our attention to our meal, while I was picking the meat out of the last shellfish someone stood up abruptly five tables behind Ryu, I look up wondering whose trying to ruin my mood.

The one standing up is a tall man, probably as tall as Ryu, he has long black hair that's tied into a low pony tail, he wore a tuxedo, I couldn't tell what is happening with the black hair man's back towards us, but judging by the way he stood up I'm guessing he's surprised or even angry.

Next he turns and leaves, I didn't see his face from the angle I sat, somehow I felt like I've seen him before, but I can't recall when, I shrug and look back to the table wondering who the man who stormed off was dining with.

I saw a man sitting at the table with only a glass of red wine next to him, he wore a neatly pressed black tuxedo like everyone else, his hair is ash white, he seem to be happy about something as I can see him smirking at the gnereal direction of the entrance.

When he turns his eyes towards me I felt my blood drain from me, the man stares at me with two deep blue eyes that seem to be bottomless, I felt a fear inside me well up as I continue to lock eyes with him, my hackles rose as the moments tick by as I try to break the eye contact but found it impossible task.

I began to tremble as the man's smile turn larger, I felt a radiance of negative feeling round him, "is something the matter?" I heard someone asks before shaking me, this action manage to break my eye contact with the man, "you're sweating," I look up to see Ryu looking concerned, he held one of my hands in his, I felt my cheek flush bright red at finally noticing it.

The white hair man stood up, still smirking he leaves quickly, I felt my fear suddenly evaporate, "what's up with that guy?"

Finally I finish my meal, I smile as I lean back on the chair, "that's the best meal I had in a long time," I thought while rubbing my stomach wondering have I gained a few more pounds by consuming so much food in one go, "enjoy your meal?" Ryu asks with a satisfied look, I nodded with a smile of my own, "I have to admit this restaurant isn't bad at all."

He chuckles making me feel special, he rarely laughs at all but I notice he laughs more when I'm around, "I had help finding this restaurant, it wasn't easy to book either when we did found this place," I nod then rethought what he said, "hold a sec, you had help?" he nods with a knowing smile.

It only took me a moment to think of who it could be that helped Ryu, "I asked him after I try a few dozen places, when I told him he begged to lend a hand, so I couldn't refuse him," I groan inwardly, Terry is well known for sticking his nose were it's not needed, I've had him snooping into my private life way too many times to count.

Like how he manage to find out my favourite place where I buy my makeup's, or how in hells name did he found out about the kitten I'm raising in my house, which I should mention hasn't set one foot out of the house, nor has anyone in the village seen him, so I ask myself how did the guy found about the pet I'm keeping.

I couldn't be the food because I don't buy any pet food, plus I manage to get it vaccinated in complete and utter secret with a vet from another city, it's a big mystery which I want to know so I can avoid him finding out anymore about me.

A few idea spring to mind and one of them involve the man in front of me, he's the only one who knows about the kitten in my house, as if reading my thought he ask a question, "how's little Kyo?" he asks fondly, the kitten has taken an instantly liking to Ryu, not that I can blame him, "fine, you should come round sometime, he's been wanting to see you," I fell silent for a moment and watch him nod.

I listen to him saying how it's strange I'm keeping a pet in secret, I have my personal reason which I prefer not to say just yet, "Ryu, can I ask you something?" he stops and nods, "have you told Mr nosy about Kyo?" I watch him give me a blank look before scratching his chin.

I rested my chin on my hand, "you told him didn't you?" he just gave an apologetic shrug; I won't ask how did he manage to get Ryu to talk, something which I haven't figured out yet, maybe I'll ask him in favour of not strangling with his guts then hanging him to dry.

We drank our wine while having idle talk, I felt relaxed and peaceful as we talk about things like the weather or about the Clan as a whole, we were just talking to pass the time.

Finally we decided to leave after I check the time to find it's nearly eight thirty, Lancelot didn't came as we call for the bill, it was the young man that showed us to the seat, he laid down a silver platter with the bill.

Ryu inspect the bill, I watch him look to the bill then to the young man, "the bill is correct sir," I wonder was it asking for a lot of money, Ryu hands me the bill so I took a look and felt my eye brown twitch when I saw the price.

I took another look again to be sure I'm not reading it wrong, "The bill says that someone paid for our meal, do you know who?" Ryu asks after I look at the bill again to be sure that I'm not missing any small prints, the young man brought out a note from his inner jacket and place it in front of us.

I watch my date open the letter read it, I watch him for any sign of what the letter might mean, after a few minutes passed he finally passes it to me, in flowing letters is written, "Meals on me Love birds, enjoy your date, T.F" I felt a sudden urge to screw up the letter when I found out it's Mr Nosy who had paid the meal, I'm beginning to wonder how much of this date do he know about, I'll ask him when I next see him, with a hammer to make him talk as well.

Ryu didn't seem to mind at all, instead he chuckles, "let's leave Ayane," he told me, I agree and watch him quickly move behind my seat and pulls it back a little before I stood up, I gave him a smile of thank you, he accept and held out his hand, I took hold of it as he guide me out of the restaurant, the manager told gave a polite "have a nice day," to us as we went pass him, even the man at the door gave a smile then told us to have a nice night.

Once outside I moved closer to Ryu and looped my arms round one of his arm and smile inwardly as I rested my head on his shoulder, I could see the tell sign of a blush as he tries not to look at me, I chuckle inwardly at my success in making him blush.

We walk aimlessly through the quite streets, the street lights illuminated every step of the way, I let my love take me where he wishes, as long as I'm close to him it don't matter to me, I look at the people the walk by, some of them couples that in a similar position with the women hanging onto the man's arm while he idly talk with them.

I began to notice as we left the city central that the houses become more spacious and older in design, I look round to see a tea house with the old style Japanese building architecture, it fits in well with the surrounding buildings, some of the people that walk wore Kimonos.

I wonder where we are to have wondered into a area that seem so out of place in the modern world, I look up to Ryu hoping he may give me answers, he didn't and kept his eyes ahead of him, I thought I saw a curl at the edge of his lips of what could be a smile he's trying to hide.

Whatever it is I'm sure he's got his reasons for not telling me, so I return to observing our surroundings while we walk, I felt a little tired and slowly my eyes begin to close until I saw nothing, only guided by Ryu as I listen to the sound of the busy streets we pass by.


A gentle shake at my shoulder made me open my eyes, I must have fallen half asleep while I walked, I felt my cheeks burning that Ryu might have carried me on his back if I did fell asleep, I look to see his emerald eyes staring at me with amusement, before I could say a word of apology a finger is placed on my lips.

I didn't say anything, he remove his finger from my lips and points to something behind me, I turn to see what's he pointing at and felt surprised.

Around me is trees coloured in a shade of soft crimson, the petals that fell from the branches of these make my heart flutter at the wondrous sight, "Sakura Trees," I thought, the sound of water made me look to my right, a hundred yards from me is a small rock formation that mimic of a water fall, the water the flows down spreads around the area, I see roots of one of the trees partly submerge into the water.

The sakura petals the fell into the stream flow down towards me and went underneath the red wooden bridge I stood upon, I look at the bridge to the path that lead onto a stone placed path that fits with the harmony of the entire garden I stood in.

I couldn't hold my wonder at the place I stood, harmony embodied in this very place, from above I felt the gentle light of the moon as it peers from behind the cloud casting a reflection into the stream, the petals the fell from the trees turn slightly silver making them seem to shine as they landed in the silver stream and made their journey down stream right underneath the bridge I stood upon.

Never have I felt some peaceful as I stood there, I turn and was about to say my thanks to Ryu when I felt my heart stop at the very sight before me, my right hand went to my mouth thinking I might bite my tongue, my other hand clutch the rail of the bridge tightly.

My entire body tremble as my mind thinks my eyes are playing tricks with me, part of me is unable to believe it still as I stare at the scene before me, never in my wildest dreams will I ever thought I would see this, the sound of my blood rushing to my head as I took in the scene before me as been real.

Kneeling down in front of me with his head bowed before me with his left hand at his side while his right hand held a small black box that's open for me to see what's inside, the gentle moonlight illuminated the object inside of the box, a golden ring.

When he look up to meet I saw the sincerity in them like none I've seen before, when he spoke I had to strain my ears a little as he spoke in a gentle and slow voice, "I've always wonder what I should do for you, the one who has been by my side through all the hardship I've faced, the one whose willing to share my pain and sadness, the one who will open her arms to me," I stood their motionless as he spoke.

He paused letting the genuineness of his words sink in, "what could I humbly do to make the one who has faced many hardships alone, who has nobody to turn to and has suffered tragedy after tragedy, what could I do to ease the darkness within the heart of the one I truly care about?"

From somewhere I could hear a Shinobue playing a soft melody and alongside it a koto, the Shinobue is playing very softly so it didn't sound so loud as it should be, the Koto played alongside it enhancing the entire atmosphere of the garden I'm standing into a different atmosphere, with the cherry blossom petals falling it really did made the feeling of harmony previously felt replaced with a more romantic, as what I called it at the time.

Ryu continues on despite having heard the music been played, I wonder did he arranged this, "I ask myself that question day after day while I watch, always the answer eluded me, then I found the answer at long last, an answer to happiness for me, and for you," I held my breath as I know what he's about to say.

Time stood still as I waited for him to say the words, the words which will change my life, "Ayane, will you marry me?" despite knowing he was going to say those words it still felt strange to actually hear them.

My heart beat loudly in my ear as I thought of an answer for him, I know the answer I want to say, no, I know the answer for both of us is more correct, I know that at the very bottom of my heart I love Ryu and he loves me.

I cannot deny my feelings for him nor can I deny my own, "y…yes," I manage to stammer out, not how I picture it with me telling Ryu confidently that I accept his proposal of marriage.

My knees gave way and I fell onto them while my hands went to my face, I wonder why for a moment when I felt tears running down my cheek, through the tears I saw him looking worried for a moment, "yes, I accept to be your bride," I finally said again, this time with more confident to show that I'm sincere about my words.

With trembling hands he pick up the golden band and took hold of my own hand into his, gently he ease the ring onto my finger then let go of my hand so I can bring the hand with the ring on it up to my eyes, I stare at it still unable to believe it's actually there.

Then I threw my arms round Ryu and hug him as tightly as possible, the only words I could say over and over again to him was me saying I will be his wife, despite having the ring on my finger I still wanted to say it again to him, to confirm that I'm really saying it of my own will.

He pulls me away gently as I stare at his face, the smile he gave me while the tears the run down his face, tears of joy as he kissed me deeply, while whispering the words before our lips met, "I love you forever and always, Ayane."


Japanese instruments name and description

Shinobue this is simply a hollowed out bamboo which is played as a flute, this has a high pitch sound to it

Koto this is a large instrument that's on a wooden wood which has thirteen strings stretch upon it which is plucked, this is an derived from the Chinese instrument Guzheng

Please Check wikipedia for more details.