Lei Fang sat on the bar chair with both her chin resting on the palm of her hand. She was tapping her finger on the marble counter, thinking. She glanced at the kitchen's calendar.
It's been two months already and Jann's birthday was quickly approaching. Lei Fang sat there in silent trying to figured out what to get him. This year was different. Everything happened so suddenly but she wouldn't changed it for the world. 14 years they've known each other and she wonder how long it took for both her and Jann to realized the attractions they had for each other. She was still in disbelief that Jann was hers. It was a large milestone for the both of them to accepted and to walk side by side on the same path.
Nothing really changed much beside their new relationship title of course. Jann and Lei Fang still continued their rivalry sparring. Even go as far as joked about being nothing but rivals when it comes to fighting. They still can't come to termed between her Tai Chi Quan and Jann's Jeet Kune Do. She rolled her eyes as she heard her boyfriend's cocky words clear as day in her head.
'Nobody can defeat my Jeet Kune Do. Just admit your loss and we can call it a day with no hard feelings.'
Okay, As wrong as it sounded... she might of admitted that sometimes she really does get the satisfaction of punching his face during their battles. Lei Fang grinned.
"I really hope you're not thinking anything dirty, Lei cause I can just call Jann to come over for you and spend the night somewhere else" Tina joked. Lei Fang rolled her eyes.
"Jann birthday is coming up in two weeks. I don't know what to get him" Before Tina could make her typical dirty comment Lei Fang spoke "And not that kind of present, Tina." She glared at her mischievous friend. Tina burst out laughing at Lei Fang's fast comment.
"Hey, The bastard doesn't want anything but two things; You in lingerie ready to be tied down or the most challenging opponent to filled the hunger of winning." Tina noted.
"Beside the lingerie part, you are right"
"Oh don't you 'beside the lingerie part' me!" Tina rolled her eyes. "Y'all been going at it like a bunch of rabbits. So I don't see why he wouldn't be pleased with a little seductive Lei Lei" Tina winked at her, Making Lei Fang blushed at the scene in her head. Lei Fang leaned back trying to forget what Tina said. using the chair's back to support her back as she crossed her arms under her chest. She watched her friend hummed carelessly while making her lunch. Tina phone vibrated on the counter. Lei Fang couldn't help but to glanced at it.
MONSTER IN BED JESS
Lei Fang raised an eyebrow at the name displayed on Tina's phone. Tina laughed nervously.
"What? He was a monster in bed." Tina giggled. She grabbed her phone and answered it. Lei Fang stayed quiet listening to the conversation. She was curious. Very curious. Tina was the type of women who only does one night was a very popular women with both man and women either from jealously or lustfully so because of that; she always give out fake numbers out to avoid them.
After Tina hung up, She glanced up at Lei Fang. "What?" Tina questioned.
"What do you mean 'what'? Is there something going on beside under the covers that I should know about?" Tina laughed nervously at Lei's questions. "You're not the type to continue lingering on the same man."
"I know, I know. But...he's interesting."
"Interesting?" Lei Fang raised an eyebrow.
"Yes;interesting, Lei Lei." Tina rolled her eyes. She took a bite of her freshly homemade chicken salad. "He's actually pretty fun to be around. I'm surprised he's even Jann's friend."
"No offence to my boyfriend but Jann doesn't have any friends." Lei Fang corrected.
"True!" Tina yelled out as Lei Fang and Tina burst out laughing. "But seriously. Jess is pretty fun to be around. I like him."
"You like him?" Lei Fang choked at the word "like". It was very rare for Tina to be interest in someone. Lei Fang was thrown off guard at the new information that laid out in front of her. There was a long silent between them.
"Yeah...I'm going to admit that I actually do like him." Tina confessed. "I mean I'm not getting any younger. I am turning 28 next month." Tina noted. " I think I had enough fun throughout 27 years of my life." Tina stretch her arms. as she yawn. She put her empty bowl in the sink. Lei Fang was stunned. She was slowly but surely registering all the new information in her head.
"Wow..." Lei Fang finally let out softly.
"Wow? No Lei, You're not in bed with Jann. So don't 'wow' me. Say something else; anything. Tell me exactly what you think." Tina half joked. Lei Fang was not phased at all with her joke. She was used to her dirty humor now. Thinking carefully. Lei Fang Shrugged.
"I think it's actually great to hear. But I remember Jann did mention the bouncers there would always bring home different girls left to right."
Tina shrugged. "Maybe I should be a bouncer then" Tina half joked, only to have Lei Fang rolled her eyes at her.
"Please don't." Tina laughed.
"I know already. Jess confessed to me last week." Tina said casually. There was a long silent.
"He did?"
"Yeah."
Lei Fang paused for a moment. "He really did?"
"Yeah."
"Like, full on admitting?"
"Yes, Lei. He did."
"Wow...I think you got him wrapped around your finger." Lei teased. Tina was amused at her friend's stunned face.
"Alright, Enough of me and Jess. We need to figure out what to buy Jann for his birthday since you don't want to dress in lingerie for him." After she finished washing her dishes; She grabbed her bag and house keys. Lei Fang followed her best friend as they headed out for the day.
"Dang , Jann! I swear any harder you punch on the punching bag, you're going to break it" Zack laughed. Zack been in China for almost a week already. Helena as notified him to hand-delivered the important packages to Hayabusa, Hayate and Jann Lee. Wanting to visit his three friends; he decided to go to China last to spend a little longer time after his assignment was completed. Jann Lee stopped his practice as he stared at Zack.
Zack took out the package with Jann's name on the left corner of the package.
"Helena request to have you for the mission two months from now. All the information is in the package." Zack then crossed his arms. "So what's the plan for your birthday? I heard it's next Saturday."
"Train and work. What else? I have an upcoming underground fight coming up soon." Jann bluntly responded.
"Awe c'mon! Stop being stick in the mud. It doesn't hurt to have some fun."
Jann ignored his comment. He placed the package inside his gym bag. Zack can be as annoying as Jann is being a huge jerk. Even if Jann can't deal with his constant talking, his ridiculous outfit and non stop talking; Jann still see him as a respectable man who he can consider a close comrade. Beside his lack of control to being sane; Zack was a good enough opponent for him to have a couple practice rounds with.
They walked towards Jann's home as Zack continue his rambling about his life and job working with Helena. Approaching to the entrance of Jann's apartment. There was a glass bridge connecting the two building together; One leading to the back of the club which was employee only as the other one was the apartment the bouncers, some close families and friends of the boss living in. They notice two familiar women engaging in a conversation; unaware of them.
"What about strawberry shortcake? Everyone loves strawberry shortcakes!" Tina asked.
"No...Jann doesn't really like sweets." Lei Fang sighed.
"Okay...well what about some nun chucks?" Tina asked.
"It's Nunchaku and no. He already have three different kinds."
"Nunchaku, bunbacku. It's a gift and that's all it matters" Tina rolled her eyes. Then they turned their attention to a loud excited yell.
"Long time no see, Ladies!" Zack said happily as they approached them.
"Well, Well, Well! If it isn't Zack!" Tina happily ran up to him and gave him a hug. Zack lifted her up and swung her around. They did had a past history together but nothing more but a fling. For years of trying to ask Tina out; she finally gave him a chance for just one date. Being young and wild; they both agreed to keep a mutual relationship. One thing lead to another and they became close friends; more or less family. Zack could never see Tina more than just a friend now that he is engaged.
Lei Fang admit that it felt weird to watch everyone either getting married or having kids. Lei Fang glanced at Jann Lee who was paying no attention to anyone. He was in his own world; his own life, thoughts and schedule. Of course Jann was distance for the moment. His main focus right now was to train for the underground deadly battle that was fast approaching. Jann took notice of Lei Fang stared as he smirk at her. Lei Fang felt her cheek was getting warmer as she knew exactly what kind of smirk it was. She quickly looked away from him with annoyance; Making Jann amused at her reaction. Zack who was listening to Tina's rambling took notice of their behavior. Before he could say anything; Jann opened the building's door with his key; letting everyone in.
They walked into the building; following behind Jann and Lei Fang . Zack noticed the sudden closeness between them. There was no words coming out from neither of them but there was a sense of comfort and calmness around them. Zack elbowed Tina; getting her attention.
"Hey; What's up with those two?" Zack whispered. Tina snickered as she whispered in Zack's ear. Stunned, he jumped back.
"Wait, What?! when did that happened?!" Zack yelled out, causing Jann Lee and Lei Fang stopping mid track and looked at him confused at his sudden action.
"What is it now, moron?" Jann asked annoyed. Zack pointed an accusing finger at Jann.
"You!" Zack yelled. "When did this happened?!" Zack was feeling a mixture of stunned, confused, and happiness all at once.
Lei Fang arched an eyebrow at Zack. Then she slightly blushed remembering that their DOA friends only knew their relationship based on their last encounter before they returned home. Come to think of it, non of Lei Fang's family and family knew about Jann or her new relationship status.
"We...well...We've been dating for two months now..." Lei Fang slowly spoke in a soft voice.
"Seriously?! You and that emotional tight ass actually became an item?!" Zack laughed but quickly stopped and cleared his throat after receiving a death glare from Jann. They walked up the stairs and straight to the proper door. Jann opened the door to his apartment; ignoring Zack constant suggestion of activities that Jann should do for his birthday, He slammed his bathroom door at Zack's face.
"You don't have to be so cranky all the time! It's not cute , Jann!" Zack huffed then turned his heel to the living room making a comfortable landing on the couch perfectly. "Seriously Lei, How do you deal with that emotional tight ass? He needs to let lose and have some fun!" Zack asked a little annoyed and 'hurt' at Jann's poor behavior towards Zack. Tina laughed as she was sitting on the lazy chair ; swinging her leg freely and texting away most likely to Jess.
Lei Fang was amused as Zack noticed Tina was texting a little too much.
"Yo, T. Is there something you gotta tell me yourself?" Zack teased. Tina rolled her eyes; trying to hide her blush. "Spill! I've known you ladies for years! What are you hiding?" Zack paused. Then he gave Tina a mischievous grinned. "So, Who are you hiding?" He teased.
"N-Nobody!" Tina nervously laughed. It was a lie and both Zack and Lei Fang knew it. Lei Fang couldn't hold in her snickering seeing how her best friend felt embarrassed. If anyone can make Tina stuttered better than Lei Fang; it would be Zack.
"uh huh." Zack rolled his eyes. "I'm not that stupid, T."
"Just a guy." Tina said casually after clearing her throat. She was not afraid to let them know. She's Tina freakin' Armstrong. So what if she might developed some sort of feeling for someone? If it's not a crime, then she doesn't see a point of hiding it around. She doesn't want to feel like it was a shame to want a little change in her life. "Hayate and Hitomi are engaged, Lei Fang and bastard are finally dating, Ninja boy and Kasumi been married for what? three? two years? Helena have men lined up for an arrange marriage, and you're engaged."
Tina paused thinking for a moment. "Lisa is seeing someone herself. Eliot and Kokoro are still young and being free. So why not? I mean it doesn't hurt to feel like it might be time for a change." Zack and Lei Fang smiled at their blonde friend. Tina sighed. "We're all just getting older and older by the days. One moment we're constantly finding tournaments and going in the ring one after another. Next a family?" Tina laughed imagining their next gathering will be everyone coming to visit with their kids. "For sure , I'm going to pass on my father's legacy the way he passed it on to me."
Lei Fang sat back on her chair as she listen to her best friend. She never heard her talk about something serious like this. It was different. It was refreshing. But it was also triggering. Lei fang took over the dojo and continue on her teachings. Even Jann came with some street kids and taught them Jeet Kune Do to keep them out of trouble. Some had preferred to learn Tai Chi Quan. Either way; she felt happier. To be able to go to the job she loved the most and to be with the man she love everyday. Tina was even opening her own gym with private wrestling lessons. She would even bring Lei Fang to show them Tai Chi Quan, attracting plenty of young people.
Hearing the knocking on the door; Lei Fang, Zack and Tina stopped their conversation and glanced at the front door.
"Go answer it Zack" Tina demanded while she continue looking through her phone.
"What?! Why do I have to?!" Zack responded quickly. "Lei, You go. You practically live here anyway"
"What!? what gives you that idea?!" Lei Fang argued back as her cheek slightly turned pink.
"Well if you're going to do the dirty deed with him, then you're going to get used to doing the other deeds for him" Zack said casually; receiving a punch on the face. Zack yelped as he was thrown over the couch.
Jann flung his bathroom door opened . He death glared at the three people. Tina quickly looked away embarrassingly blushing along with Lei Fang.
"I don't know why the hell I let you guys in my damn apartment if you guys won't open the door!" Jann spat out as he went to his front door with only a towel wrapped lowly around his waste and hair very damp from the shower. aggressively, he opened the door, revealing Jess who was taken back at the aggressiveness and the irritating looking Jann.
"Uh...Did I come at a bad timing?" Jess asked as he nervously chuckled. Tina jolt up from her chair and quickly pushed Jann out of her way. Jess gave Tina a charming smile as they started a small flirting conversation. From the distance; Zack got up rubbing his now swollen cheek.
"Damn, Lei! Can you be a little softer next time?" Zack whined. He rested his arms on couch's back, watching Tina and Jess. He whistle at the scene.
"No Homo, but that man is pretty good looking. No wonder Tina was embarrassed to spill." Zack chuckled. Lei Fang rolled her eyes with a smile playfully appeared on her face. "He doesn't look like he's from around here." Zack noted seeing how Jess style was different than theirs.
"Jann told me he's from Britain." Lei Fang responded quietly.
"Ahh. A British guy, Eh?!" Zack was amused. "I heard they can give out a good pack when you lay then down under the sheets." Zack winked at Lei making her blushed.
"Zack!" Lei Fang groan. She could only handle one dirty person, not two of them. She wasn't sure who was worse. Zack or Tina. It's because of how their thinking , personality and similar joke is why Lei Fang wasn't so surprised at how well they got along and how close they were.
"What? Just saying... That reminds me; Does Mr. Roaring dragon over there gives you enough of his packaging?" Zack purred jokingly only to receive a death glare from Lei. "Ki-Kidding Lei! please don't punch me again" Zack pleaded as he step back from Lei Fang, waving both his hand in front of him in defense. Before Lei could do anything, They heard the front door closed along with Tina and Jess approaching to them.
"Hey Lei Fang." Jess greeted. Lei Fang put both her hand behind her back and gave him a cheerful smile.
"Good to see you again, Jess." Lei Fang greeted back happily.
Zack went up to Jess and offered his hand. "I'm Zack; a family-friend of Lei, Tina and Jann Lee."
Jess gave him a questionable look. "Family-Friend to Jann? He actually have friends?" Jess joked, accepting the firm handshake. Zack laughed.
"He's not all bad. He's a pretty big softie and overprotecting when it comes to Lei Fang. In fact; Jann hit me with a volleyball ball because I was playfully flirting with Lei Fang in the Bahamas. She wore this very cute and sexy looking swimsuit that showed off her amazing body!" Zack teased only to receive a sudden punch on the face once more. Zack flung across the room as Jann Lee glared at him.
"What the hell?! Is it 'beat the hell out of Zack day'?! " Zack cried out. He groan as he struggled himself up after taking a hard impact with the wall.
"Do you want it to be that? Because I won't hesitate to go all out on you"' Jann spat out angrily. Zack hid behind Lei.
"Lei! Control that animal of yours!" Zack cried out. Jann was ready to punch him once more until Lei stopped him.
"Er..Jann, I don't think this is the right place to fight." Lei Fang nervously laughed at her very irritated boyfriend, feeling a sweat coming down her forehead. Jann scoff as he looked at Jess.
"What is it, Jess?" Jann asked coolly but still have a hint of anger in his tone. Jess couldn't help but to feel amused at their very lively energetic personalities.
"Oh, nothing. Chang wanted me to let you know that you're going to take over tonight shift. He's going out of town to take care of his ill mother." Jess responded. Jann nodded
Lei Fang sighed as she laid down on her bed. Today was a very productive day. Tina insisted they go to the mall before visiting Jann's apartment to see Zack. Then after visiting them, They all went out to eat. Zack and Jess was getting along very well which doesn't surprised Neither of them. Zack was a very likable guy. He can be annoying and crazy but his personality and how compassionated he was with his family and friends is why it's hard to hate him or be mad at him too long. Jann in the other hand was difficult to handle because even though Zack realized his joke went a little too far, it still ticked off the dragon.
She hoped and prayed that she won't wake up to a call from the police or doctor that Zack was in a coma or dead in the scene knowing how Jann can go a little too far with his attacks. She felt her stomach that Jann punched too hard, having her rushed to the hospital few years back. Even though Jann never knew about the incident nor did Tina ; It was a reminder that scar her. When Jann fight, he won't hold back no matter what.
If Tina ever founded out; guaranteed she would of gone and break Jann's door to tried to beat the hell out of him, or at least leave a couple of scar on him since she tried to many attempt at the DOA to defeated him and fail. She doesn't want to take that risk. Plus it was few years ago and it was mostly Lei's fault. She was the one who demanded a duel and of course, with that cocky smirk that he always give out, Jann accepted her challenge without hesitation.
Lei Fang sighed as she still forgotten about the most important thing; Jann's present. After everyone went their separate way; Tina left with Jess which of course resulted to Jann and Zack insisting to take Lei Fang home only to get declined by her. Lei Fang wanted to go to her favorite bookstore that she haven't had a chance to go to since she graduated from college. Her parents was not pleased about the new of Lei Fang taking over the dojo and not proceeding into a proper career. Her dad tried to nicely stated that he felt like Lei Fang wasted her courses in college and doesn't see the reason to why she would rather make her hobby into her life than being a doctor.
Frustrated; Lei Fang told her parents that it's not their right or place to tell her what she needed to do or become. If they want the best for her, they would support her wish to continue on being the Taiji quan master. Tai Chi Quan was her life and her passion. Of course, Her father gave in as her mom reminded him where they first met and how everything started was meant to be.
Almost falling asleep; She heard her phone vibrated. She quickly sat up and scrambling to find her phone. She looked at the name displayed on her phone.
Jann
Lei Fang quickly answered the phone.
"Open the door" Jann voice rung out through her phone. Lei Fang ran downstairs and then opened the door to only revealed the very irritated Jann Lee. Lei Fang gave him a questionable look until she thought about Zack. She almost wanted to laugh. Most likely Zack was being annoying at home.
"You know you only have two days left until Zack heads back home" Lei Fang said laughing. Jann, who didn't take the joke too hearty walked in the house. He went upstairs to Lei Fang's bedroom and straight to her bathroom to shower the night of work away. Lei Fang sighed as she went to the kitchen and grabbed two water bottles for them and followed along.
She glanced at the clock that displayed on her end table.
"Wow. It's getting pretty late" Lei Fang sighed. She haven't heard Tina walked in, most likely was staying at Jess apartment. It was already 4 in the morning. Lei Fang yawned and laid on her bed looking through her phone.
" Hey , Lei! don't wait up for me.
XOXO- T"
'Yup, most likely having a night with Jess.' Lei fang thought, a smirk played out on her face. Jann who was still in an irritated mood sat on the edge of the bed as he towel dry his hair. Lei Fang crawled to his side.
"Are you okay, Jann?" Lei Fang asked as she tilt her head.
"Humph." was the only thing Jann responded. Lei Fang rolled her eyes at her boyfriend's lack of words.
"I'm guessing Zack is the reason for your irritation and you staying for the night?" Lei Fang accused while giggling. Jann narrowed his eyes and tensed up a little. 'Bingo.' Lei Fang thought. She then hugged Jann from behind and rest her head on his neck. Lei Fang couldn't help but to smile softly when Jann muscle relaxed to her sudden warmth. Jann felt at ease. Lei Fang was the only person who putted his heart at ease. He felt calmer, and his all his problem disappeared. Her laughed made it hard for him to continue staying mad at her or anyone else. Her smile warmed his heart. Her scent relaxed his mind and body. She was someone he couldn't get enough of. The only person he accepted in his world. Something about Lei Fang made him want something more. He kept denying over and over about his feelings toward Lei Fang. Still til this day, he never told her he loved her but somehow she knew. She knew and still accepted him even though he never told her. He never needed to because she was the only person who understood him the most.
Jann Lee let go of Lei Fang's arm and quickly pin her to the bed. He stared into Lei Fang confused look in her eyes. Her facial than turn soft. Jann never thought he would let her in his world. She fought over and over for him when all he ever done was pushing her away from him. He cuss, taunt, and said hateful words to her, hoping she would leave. But in the end, she continue fighting over and over; becoming stronger and stronger every time he encounter her. Her determination was the reason they're in this room, alone. Together. Her will and promised was the reason why he fell in love with her. She was different from every women he met, known, and seen. She was someone he cherished.
"I don't need anything for my birthday, Lei Fang." Jann finally spoke. Lei Fang was taken back at his comment. She stared at him confused. "I know Tina been trying to help you find a present for me. I told you so many time...I don't care about my birthday."
"But it would be nice to get you something..." Lei Fang responded. They stared at each other for a long moment. Jann smiled at her and leaned in, closing the gap between them. Lei Fang was always the person who gives out gift to people she cherish and care for. It took so long for Jann to realized the last 6 years of their lives, she brought present for him or a simple birthday cake for him because she cared about him. She accepted him as her own friend, her own person that she cherished. She accepted him for who he is, and how much she appreciated him being in her life. He wasn't sure if she knew her direct feelings for him then.
Catching their breath, Jann placed his forehead on Lei Fang's.
"The only present I want is you." Jann spoke quietly. Lei Fang felt tears in her eyes as Jann then collided their lips together, spending the rest of the night restless together.