Now...

Excuse me...

Not you again, Kazuya scowled. Is there any point in your following me, Miss Kazama, or are you just going to give me another tiresome lecture?

Jun had been dogging Kazuya's footsteps for weeks. At times, they had gotten dangerously close to something resembling civilized conversation. For the most part, however, Kazuya had been cold and dismissive

Beneath the icy exterior, Jun was certain that there was still a decent person in Kazuya, one that was still capable of love and compassion. Alarmingly. she had found herself more and more drawn to this concept, to the idea of what this man before her could be.

I'm trying to help you, she said quietly. You have suffered much grief and anger-

Kazuya halted and turned on the spot, causing Jun to nearly crash into him. His expression, to Jun's surprise was one of grim amusement. Do not speak to me about grief, and anger. What grief I have is my business, and mine alone. As for anger, it has kept me alive for twenty-five years, so I don't see the problem.

He began walking away, wondering if this woman would ever leave him alone. He sighed as she called his name.

Kazuya...has it kept you happy? Truly happy? Do you even know what happiness is?

Kazuya paused in his tracks, but said nothing. He knew he was looking forward to nothing but another night of restless dreams.

**********

Back then....

Kira sat down heavily on the sofa, and threw her shoes off. Kazuya had already taken his off out of sheer habit, and placed them neatly by the door.

Are you sure you're all right? he asked again, clearly concerned. Kira nodded with a weak smile.

I know I'm being pretty flaky, considering that he didn't even touch me...I'm just a bit creeped out still, that's all. She looked up at Kazuya. Please, sit down.

Kazuya complied. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'll be complaining to the organizers, I promise you.

Who was he? Kira asked. Kazuya's expression darkened.

An ex-employee of the zaibatsu, Kazuya explained. He was one of my father's most trusted advisors...therefore one of my least trusted.

So you fired him? Kira asked.

I had every reason to, Kazuya explained grimly. Quite apart from his past with my father's administration, it came to my attention that he had been bestowing unwanted attention on some of the female staff. Most of them put up with it; my father never did anything except laugh if they complained, and they didn't want to lose their jobs.

Kira shook her head. How did you find out?

A young office girl booked an appointment with me, he explained, smiling. She was smart; she had no idea if I'd do anything on the basis of sexual harassment - a lot of corporations don't - so she presented her argument with the repeated reminders that he was a close ally of my father. Kazuya smirked. My...dislike of my father is common knowledge.

I bet she was quite surprised when you acted on it, Kira commented.

Even more surprised when I promoted her. I predict that she'll be the head of the HR department within five years.

Kira thought of Natsuko, and grinned. It had to be her.

When I took control of the zaibatsu, Kazuya continued, I realised that a lot of talented people were being overlooked on the grounds, merely because of their gender, race or social upbringing.

Kira thought of Takashi's treatment of her; he was obviously a remnant of the old school. So you treat people on the basis of talent above anything else.

Kazuya laughed. Not because I'm noble, don't get that idea. I just like to exploit everybody equally.

Kira grinned, although she saw the truth in his words. As the head of a massive organisation like the Mishima Zaibatsu, Kazuya undoubtedly often viewed his work force as just another resource, to be expanded and culled according to the needs of the business.

Sorry about the mess, Kira said suddenly, jerking her head in the direction the towels and assorted bottles that adorned the chairs and tables clustered around the mirror. I spent the best part of the day getting ready.

Kazuya glanced around her apartment, and took in the details for the first time. Over the mantelpiece there was a frame which quickly earned his curiosity; he stood up, and walked over to read it. It said:

St. Mary's School for Girls'

It was followed by a long list of subjects, and grades attained. The achievement grades were high; the effort grades were abysmal. They were followed by comments from teachers:

Kira is a bright girl of high potential, but persistently shows an utter lack of respect, both for teachers and fellow pupils alike. We fear that her unrelenting appetite for moral turpitude will lead her to ruin - Madeline Warwick, Headmistress

Kazuya laughed at the last comment.

The sooner Miss Wilson realises that she's not living in a Monty Python sketch, the better - Allison Davison, Head of Year.'

I wasn't very popular at school, Kira acknowledged with a wry smile.

And proud of it, I see, Kazuya commented.

People have to earn my respect. Half the teachers were always taking the moral high ground, but had private lives that would make the Marquis de Sade blush. And my classmates were morons. She paused thoughtfully. Does that make me horribly arrogant, I wonder?

Kazuya sat back down. That's the second time you've asked that sort of question, and the answer is still the same - it's not arrogant, it's just honest. He raised an eyebrow. Have I managed to earn your respect?

Kira looked a little embarrassed, but nodded.

Even though I blackmailed you into working for me? he asked, genuinely curious. Kira responded with a grin.

Especially because you blackmailed me. It was a riskier option; the easy option would've been to shop me to the police, but you exploited me to your own advantage. Her grin widened at Kazuya's slightly puzzled expression. That showed that you have the intelligence to spot a potential opportunity, devious enough to plot it, and bold enough to take it. Deviousness is highly underrated, in my opinion.

Kazuya shook his head. You're a strange one.

You also showed that you can be chivalrous, if needs be, by your actions tonight. And, she added, You don't dance. That alone would earn you my respect.

Kazuya laughed, then looked at her earnestly. I am glad to have to have it. Too many people bestow false praise upon me, purely because of my name, and my status. Such ingratiating behaviour eventually becomes tedious. He edged closer to her, and her stomach began fluttering. That's one of the reasons why I...like you.

As he leant in and kissed her, Kira's terror melted into pure joy.