(A.N) Hey guys! I have another chapter for all of you guys. I don't really have much to say, but my computer got taken away, so I'm updating through the school comps. If there's anything wrong, don't hesitate to tell me! Please review, follow, or favorite if you like ;u;

Turning 9 o'clock without her father returning, Asuka felt a wave of anxiety rushing over her; her father was always there for her. He stayed strong after her mother's death for her, after his sister's death, and especially after the family name had been tainted so. It seemed so silly to Asuka; why wouldn't he return home because of the dojo's debt? Adopting a brash personality from a young age, the obvious thing to do was to go looking for him immediately while giving him a good scolding; however, her common sense soon kicked in.

"Maybe he just has some extra fines to pay, or more bills to clear...We've been waiting on the new shipment of foot guards for quite a while now."

Sitting directly across from the Asuka, Lili couldn't help but notice her rather flustered body language. Upon Asuka's strange request to stay for a currently unknown reason, the blonde watched her hug her knees, comb through her hair with her fingers, and rock herself back and forth in silence.

Attempting to snap her out of her daze, Lili spoke up.

"You've been sitting there with quite a troubled expression for quite some time now. Is something the matter?"

Shifting her earthy gaze, the brunette girl met the sky-like eyes of the other, debating whether she should share all of her suspicions, feelings, and worries at that moment.

"Wait a sec, what am I thinking?! Somebody like her wouldn't understand, with all of the money she's been born to inherit. Her technique isn't the best, but her skills would be more than enough to help me out if anything happens to the dojo..."

"Will you stay the night? Listen, the dojo's been under a lot of financial stress lately..."

Asuka stopped.

"I-I mean, I want you to stay. My dad hasn't come back home yet, and he was said he would be back for dinner...Anyways, stay until he comes back. It's only because I'm worried about him, and it will be easy if anything happens if we work together! I don't need your help, but it would save us a lot of time."

"Nothing's coming out right! I can't even talk without it sounding like I secretly like her or something! I don't want her to get any weird ideas..."

Lili's plans at keeping a neutral yet understanding expression were soon thrown out the window; an overjoyed smile soon graced her elegant features. Not only had Asuka finally acknowledged her fighting prowess, but she wanted Lili to join her in a personal mission as well!

"Do not fret, Asuka Kazama. I know perfectly well how deadly my graceful attacks can be. I will assist you in finding your beloved father; I'm overjoyed that you've cleaned the mist from your eyes and saw the beauty on my person and in my battling skills!"

"I-Idiot! It's too late for this. You're gonna come to school with me and right after we're gonna track my dad down!"

Grabbing the gushing Monégasque girl by the wrist, she led her up the stairs.

"You'll be in the guest room. It's stuffed with clothes and gear, but it'll be fine for now."

Asuka parked Lili inside the cramped room, setting off to grab a futon for her to sleep in.

Hastily spreading it out and returning to her stuffed animal ridden room, the brunette felt like a huge weight fell from her shoulders.

"It feels exhausting being around her! I don't want her to find out anything she doesn't need to about me. Everytime I talk to her, more and more comes spilling out."

Exchanging her aikido gi for a pink striped tank top and a pair of flannel shorts, the japanese fighter arranged herself in her futon after turning the lights off.

After two minutes in the darkness, Asuka felt the weight return to her shoulders when the blonde dragged her futon into her room and settle it next to hers.

"What do you want now?" Asuka groaned, shielding her eyes from the abrupt brightness of the room.

"I've never told you this, but I do not enjoy sleeping alone."

The harmonious tone of Lili's voice only made it harder for Asuka to stay awake.

"...Asuka Kazama?"

"Mmm? What is it?"

"Can you let some light into the room? It's a bit too dark for my preferences."

Half-dreaming, the shorter girl lazily stood up and trudged her way to her green curtains, allowing a stream of moonlight into the miniature bedroom. On her way back, Asuka's line of sight settled on the nude ivory form laying beside her, illuminated by the moonlight.