Hwoarang eased back on the futon, cringing as he did so. He had won his fight against Brian Fury, but not without cost. He received worse, but that knowledge didn't make his current situation any easier to endure.

Agh, shit, he muttered through clenched teeth. He glanced at Dai, who set down a basin of ice. Uh. Sorry.

She looked bemused. Sorry? For what?

Cursing. It's- ah, agh, shhh-

He let out a long hiss as Dai placed an ice pack on his torso. She had insisted on helping him, and he had reluctantly agreed. After all, she knew where everything was, and he was exhausted.

It's what? she inquired politely. Whilst sympathising with Hwoarang's pain, she also found its results quite funny.

It's rude, Hwoarang gasped, managing a smile. I learnt many things in the dojang of Baek Do San, one of which is Never swear in front of a lady'.

Dai chuckled. How sweet. I wish he could have taught that lesson to the patrons of The Swan back in Derbyshire. They could be quite abusive whenever I beat them at darts. Or snooker.

She placed another ice pack on his bruised ribs, trying not to look. Well, not obviously, anyway.

So, you're quite the sportswoman? Other than martial arts? Hwoarang asked, his interest piqued.

Ha! I'd hardly call darts a sport! she laughed, placing yet another ice pack on his swollen ankle. She was fairly certain it was only surface bruising, but she had plenty of ice. And I wouldn't call martial arts a sport either - especially not in front of Yamada-sensei. She grinned. No, he would be most upset.

You know what I meant, Hwoarang sighed, although not without a smile.

I hated sports at school, she said. The games were just so...lame. Take netball, or rounders. Standing in the freezing cold, in a skirt so short it would get you thrown out of school in any other circumstance, whilst a bunch of girls scream at you like a bunch of screeching harpies-

Dai shuddered in an exaggerated fashion. Never mind Dante's Inferno, that was hell. Okay, so I was good at everything, but I hated it. I refused to join any of the teams, much to the bewilderment of everyone else. They all took it so seriously.

She shook her head. No, I'm more of a solo act. When I was eight, my mother grounded me for three months for going off rock climbing by myself.

You like mountain climbing? Me too! Hwoarang grinned.

Well, there's not really any mountains in the Peak District, hence the term rock climbing', Dai corrected. I took all the gear, left a note, and off I went. My mother was furious. I remember thinking she was most unjust. Yamada-sensei refused to speak to me for a week, and Reiko looked so disappointed...

They remained silent for a few minutes as Dai replaced the melting ice packs with new ones. Suddenly, Hwoarang burst out laughing.

Dai said, laughing herself, but not entirely sure why. Hwoarang looked at her with a lopsided grin.

Funny day. Dressed up as a janitor, got put through a window, had the crap kicked out of me. Funny...
Dai grinned. 'It's always funny until someone gets hurt-'

And then it's just hilarious'! Hwoarang finished. And we should run some sort of tally on how many times I find myself being ice packed...

Hey, I could do shiatsu if you prefer, Dai said, raising her eyebrows. But I figured you wouldn't want to go in for anything so...can't think of a direct Korean translation, so I'll stick to the English -airy-fairy, as Jeremy puts it.


If it stops my body from feeling like it's been put through a tenderiser, I don't care, Hwoarang chuckled.

Just lie back and relax...


****

Hwoarang woke rather startled. He didn't remember falling asleep, but...

He gave his ribs an experimental prod. Nothing. Not even a twinge of pain. He pulled up his t-shirt, and, although the bruising was still there, it was far less severe than a few hours previous.

Go airy-fairy, he muttered in disbelief. His disbelief was heightened when he looked at his watch; not only had he fallen asleep, he had slept throughout the night.

He sat back and listened to the sounds of the forest. The sounds of the forest, and the sounds of Mr Yamada singing atonally as he worked on the gravel in his garden. Hwoarang grimaced slightly.

Come now, he's not that bad, Reiko chuckled. Hwoarang started. It didn't matter how much time he spent with the Yamadas, he still jumped every time. Reiko merely stood there, smiling serenely, holding a full tea set. He hadn't even heard the slightest rattle.

Well no, Hwoarang said, composing himself. His voice is...distinctive. Unusual, even.

Reiko grinned at Hwoarang's cod-musical criticism. Yes. Unusual. Although, she reflected, After twenty-eight years, you get used to it.

Hwoarang said, bowing his head in gratitude as he accepted a cup of tea, For that privilege, I'd marry him myself.

Reiko burst out laughing, pleased to see that Hwoarang finally seemed at ease in her home. She smiled at Hwoarang's reaction as Dai glided in, dressed in a traditional kimono.

Ah, Dai, Reiko began, handing Dai a cup. Have you been to the shrine?

Dai nodded. It's still beautiful.

Reiko looked at the two youngsters briefly before grinning mischievously.

Well, my beloved and I are going into the mountains this morning, but we'll be back for your fight. In the meantime...have fun.

Dai rolled her eyes. In the meantime, make sure Yamada-sensei doesn't start off any avalanches with his singing-

Reiko nodded. Don't worry, I'll keep his singing to a minimum.