21st December 2085, that morning.
They arrived in Paris just after dark and they hid the God Phoenix before they made their way into the city in their individual vehicles. Ken had gotten a lift in with Jun and she liked the feel of his hands on her waist.
But they hadn't spoken a word.
"We're almost to the city." She called out over her shoulder, it was obvious but she had to break the silence somehow.
"Ahhh Good, we need to book into the hotel, and then make our way over to the International Christmas fair." She called into her ear, she could feel his breath and she wanted to say something about the day before.
"O.K." she called back over the wind, and then they went silent again.
She took a deep breath; she had to talk to him about what had happened between them, so she started with the conversation that they didn't get to finish. "Ken about the other day…You wanted to ask me something." She started, and she felt him stiffen a little behind her and he drew in a deep breath.
"Jun, I'm sorry I acted that way…The last thing I want is to lose your friendship and trust." She wanted to see his face, look into his eyes and tell him that she cared deeply for him, she new deep down that she fell in love with him a long time ago.
"Why would you think that?" She felt him take a breath as he shifted in his seat and he was hesitating.
"It's just that well…I do need to ask you about something, but now's not a good time…once the mission is finished…" Ken leaned just a little closer but it was to point out the hotel they were staying at, she spotted Joe and Ryu ahead of them, she changed lanes and tried to not to think about last Christmas…
Her feelings for him began to deepen last December when he cuddled up to her, he was still drunk from the night before, but Ken felt so good and he told her she was beautiful…and the most special person in the world to him. He was much more open to having fun in those early days of the war and he would laugh and make jokes with her and Jinpei. She loved his company, they had become close, and they talked for hours, about the future and what they wanted to do when the war ended over the bar at the Snack J, Ken had his quieter side as well, but she saw more of his open side in the early day.
She even used to go and visit him occasionally at the shack for a beer, and they'd sit on his front porch and watch the sun go down just enjoying each others company, word's were not needed at those times between them because they were so comfortable with each other.
Then on Christmas Eve he gave her a special present and a light kiss on her lips.
"Merry Christmas Jun…" He whispered softly in her ear.
"Merry Christmas Ken." She smiled as she looked up at him, she was so happy, he wrapped his arms around her and they just held each other close, at the time she thought it was the beginning of something special that was happening between them.
That all stopped after a meeting he had with Dr.Nambu not long after New Year, then after that he got the idea that his job mattered more than anything and he became a stickler for keeping to the rules, Joe continued to push Ken to come back to the man who used push his boundaries by going for bird missiles without getting permission from Dr.Nambu, he would always act on his instincts and Joe knew it better than anyone, he couldn't understand why Ken had changed like he did.
But Ken began focusing totally on the job, sticking to the rules and he kept to himself more, he distanced himself emotionally from her, and he became worse even after his father died.
Ken changed, but she knew the person she fell in love with was still there inside him, he showed that compassion he had for others when they were on missions, and occasionally he bent rules. But then Ken was never a rebel like Joe could be. He always had limits and he did think before he acted most of the time.
As she pulled up, the Valet came out to greet Joe.
"Sir, Welcome to the Hotel Grande. If you will step out if the car I will park it for you-"The Valet formally informed Joe.
"Thanks for the offer, but I can park my own car, just let me know were you parking bay is." Joe drawled as he waited for the directions.
The Valet stiffened at Joe's lack of class in his eyes as he went to open the driver's side door.
Ken whispered in Jun's ear. "That was a mistake on the Valets behalf." And he chuckled along with her as they watched Joe pull the door shut, and give the Valet a Condor glare.
"We do not have self parking-"But he stopped mid sentence as he caught the Condor's steel grey eyes. "It's to your left Monsieur, take the ramp down the parking is under the building." The Valet finished quickly and stepped out of the way as Joe gave him a smooth smile. "Good to see we think the same way…" was all Joe said as he drove away. Jun followed him and gave the Valet a friendly wave and Jinpei followed her in his buggy.
She pulled up in the parking space along side of Joe. A few moments later they were all assembled in Ryu, Joe, and Ken's suite, Jun and Jinpei had their own room that had a connecting door. The Hotel was luxurious and she noted that her room had a spa bath in the ensuite from her room. She intended to make full use of that spa bath when the mission was over. Dr.Nambu always gave them a few days to relax if it could be spared if they had accommodation.
She stole a glance at Ken and for a moment she caught his eyes, he gave her a small smile, which was promising at least.
"We have to go in undercover so I suggest we find occupations at the fair so we can get an inside look at what is going on." His face was nothing but serious now.
"I got it Ken," Joe acknowledged his side long glance. "No fooling around with Miss Christmas entrants while on duty." Joe teased Ken as he waited for them to move out, in a way it was good to see Joe lightening up a bit.
"Alright is everyone ready?" Ken asked with a sense of urgency now." Remember keep frosty."
"We will Ken." Jun called out as she ran towards the door, she gave him a smile over her shoulder as she saw the look in his eyes as he smiled back briefly as he ran behind her.