Chapter 25:

Lightning

"Jin, you ought to go outside and see if your girlfriend has caught a cold, rather than chase her brother around." Kazuya smirked behind the pages of his book. Jin glared at Kazuya. He grumbled and stepped outside. Jin's mouth gaped open. The glittering rain splattered down into the smooth tanned skin of Kazi's face. It soaked her clothes and wet her flaming red hair. Kazi peered into the deep blue-gray sky. Her face was very solemn, the clothes of Jin's mother's clung to her body, outlining every curve and giving away a mystical look that made Kazi seem ageless. Lighting tore the sky with a loud crack; Kazi smiled happily and turned to Jin. She looked at the ground and then back up at Jin, blushing slightly.

"Ah...." Jin's voice was completely gone. She took his breath away. Kazi held out her arms like a little lost child. Jin took a step out into the rain and pulled Kazi into his arms. "Kaziya..... Please come inside. Its cold out here, you'll catch something." Kazi mouthed 'As long as that something is you.' And hugged him tighter. Jin smiled and brought her back to the porch and into the house. Jin let go of Kazi's hand and brought down a towel in which he wrapped her in it. Hwoarang sat holding Denise's hand and playing charades to pass the time.

"Jin, take Kazi upstairs. She's going to catch something if she isn't warm as fast as possible." Jin nodded and led Kazi upstairs. Hwoarang yawned while Baek sat quietly in his room trying to get some sleep, but with no avail.

Hwoarang sat on the edge of his bed; Denise had escorted him up there and was now leaving.

"Hey!" Denise turned around. "Uh... Could I- well I mean... would you- uh... am I able to- well..."

"Sleep with me? As in, in the same bed?" Hwoarang flushed red at Denise's sudden comprehension of what he was going to ask.

"Um... yeah..." He stared at the carpeted flooring and wasn't to happy at the fact that he had gotten his voice back as of cause he was making a mere fool out of himself. Denise thought for a minute and then smirked, almost seductively.... almost.

"Ok..." She walked from the room, Hwoarang following her slowly. "But," She whipped around so fast Hwoarang jumped backwards even though he was already six feet behind. "Don't try anything." She flashed the pistol, which in Hwoarang's logic, was loaded obviously. A part of him squeaked at the thought of being shot between the legs. He knew she would. She had the guts. Unlike Kazi, who in his mind was too wrapped up into thinking she actually 'loves' Jin. 'He's using her, just like Kazuya did to Jun. I won't let it happen. They can stay as close as possible but if Kazama lays a finger on my lil' Kazi-chan....' Hwoarang swore to himself as he followed Denise into her room and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting until she was dressed for bed.

"Don't look so tense." Denise's voice came from behind Hwoarang, he sat up straighter than before. As soon as he felt her hands massaging his shoulders he relaxed. Hwoarang sighed and bowed his head, the curtain of red falling into his face. The blood red of his hair had begun to fade about a week ago and now it was turning its true color, flaming red, almost orange. Denise began to play in its silky strands. Hwoarang had never liked anyone playing in his hair but with Denise, it felt good having her play with it. 'It's so soft.... Damned people. Always got the good hair' Denise thought. Hwoarang's hands touched hers gently.

"It... Um... really feels good but.." Hwoarang paused, not blushing at all he stated, "Don't turn me on. I'd like to keep my balls, ok?" Denise only laughed and replied,

"Yes, Sergeant..." Hwoarang's head shot up from his gaze at the floor. 'She didn't....' He turned to look at her with disbelief. Denise laughed harder. His face changed and had a mischievous grin on his face. Hwoarang pinned Denise down to the bed and grinned. Denise's laughter ceased. She actually looked unsure. Hwoarang shrugged and pulled the covers over them. He laid down flat on top of her.

"Eh... Maybe another day." Hwoarang yawned and fell asleep on Denise's shoulder. She gave a sudden sigh of relief and eventually fell asleep after the darkness crawled through the room and the moon set its perch in the sky. Somehow to her, Hwoarang's weight seemed right. The way she felt comfortable and safe. The way he slept, so much like an innocent child, his shoulder-length hair lying gracefully on her and seemed to trace the curves as if they were one. It all seemed so right. And it was to her.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

"Are you alright?" Jin's voice became soft; he sat on the edge of her bed. Kazi turned around. She smiled,

"Yeah. I'm ok. But if you don't mind..."

"Huh?"

"Turn your head, please." Jin turned his head and tried not to peek. His curiosity overcame him and he snuck a peek. Kazi's smooth back was scarred in all places, the hideous scars he had seen when she pulled her shirt off and showed them in the living room. Jin stood up and ran his hands gently down her back. Kazi straightened up in shock and pulled her arms to cover her chest, but to her surprise Jin's hands only traced her back and the scars. Jin hugged her, pulling his arms around her and his hands touching her shoulders.

"I love you, Koi-Ka." He kissed her cheek and headed for the door. Kazi quickly pulled a shirt on and grasped his hand loosely. He turned and smiled, giving her a full kiss before wishing her a good night and leaving towards his own room.