ssp47's corner Thanks, Chael(That's an interesting thought, but hmm…you'll just have to find out! Hahah!), Siar, orlha, and taste of fire for the reviews. Much thanks goes out to all of my reviewers! You guys are awesome and are what keep me working on this fic. THANK YOU!!!

Thoughts- are surrounded by whatever shows up! --;; sighs

-Chapter Six- Lust

Keiji stepped out of the shower, water slowly dripping from her body. Her eyes widened in shock. She stood still as a figure stepped away from the wall, turning the lights off at the wall. A sudden thrill went up her spine as she felt a familiar tongue glaze her lips. He had grown stronger and taller; the evidence was clear as his arms held her close against him.

It had been so long. Such a long time that Keiji could only barely remember. Her childhood memories hit her fast and hard.

"Masao." She murmured pushing him away. She could see his smile in the darkness. Three years had done a wonder to him. His sickly frail body had metamorphosed into the definition of strength and beauty, something that seemed so impossible for any human technology and medicine. He was no longer a man in a boy's fragility anymore.

Masao took her hand and rested it on his face.

"I've finally found you." He whispered. "I've never forgotten,"

Why? Keiji was burning to know, but now felt so vulnerable. Both of them had changed so much. She silenced herself and stepped away.

"Why did you surprise me like this?" She asked, her voice shaky. Keiji felt around for a towel and quickly covered herself.

"Are you afraid?" Masao asked half laughing.

"Don't laugh at me!" Keiji commanded her voice rising. She was afraid, realizing that he was now stronger than she. She was afraid that she understood his desires all too well.

Masao quieted. He stepped in close to her again.

"Keiji…" He said slowly. "I told you I'd find you again. I've followed you for three years hoping-"

"Nothing's changed, Masao."

"Nothing has." He whispered seductively. He took her lips with a sudden lustful touch that Keiji found hard to resist. She could feel his hands fall from her face to her shoulders, enjoying the burning feel of her wet flesh. No, nothing really had changed.

Keiji instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and gave in to his demanding kisses. Moisture dripped from their mouths as their tongues tied together. Fire was burning in her body that she didn't believe could exist. Suddenly Masao let go.

"When you're ready, come to me." He said quietly and left the confused young woman alone.

Keiji sank to the floor enraged that he still had power over her. After all the years nothing had died. During all those years, it was she who had created Masao.

It was a love story without love that ended in tragedy. As soon as Masao saw Keiji he desired her and no one else. It became an obsession until he became her lover. Then Keiji was left alone. Her family passed away in the affects of a car accident. Keiji left everything in despair. Leaving Masao changed his whole being. Even then his obsession and lust for Keiji kept flames lit inside of him until he met Rei. His desire dimmed for Keiji for the time being, but after the time in prison the flame was rekindled. It had changed both of them.

Kira nervously glanced at her partner while handing out pillars of ice every five seconds. It had to be today. She just couldn't wait any longer, nor could she stand to work among ugly men with horrendous manners. She missed her free time with Rei and the others. Sometime the longings in her heart pained her beyond toleration. It just had to be done, and if rejected…

Well that's happened before right? Life's gentle caress…

"Aso, hand that man his drink before he throws you out the window!" Keiji said roughly, catching the blonde's attention.

"Oh, s-s-sorry. Here." Kira stammered. The disgruntled man gave her eyes of disgust and stalked off taking large swallows bigger than his esophagus. Kira flinched at Keiji's sudden sigh that seemed louder than any rude male bodily functions.

"What are you doing here, Kira?" Keiji asked so suddenly causing the blonde to mind jump, breaking all her concentration. Kira looked over at her partner to make certain that she had heard correctly and that her nervousness hadn't played games with her.

"Whaaat do you mean?"

"You've been wearing black wool ever since I gave you the interview. You're not made for this. I'm not the one who will kick you out but there's no hard shell around you to protect you from those who will."

"I don't understand." Kira said glancing around but quickly realizing their conversation would never be heard nor bothered by the tables of beer and men. Keiji dropped the rag she had been holding and tossed her head towards the back room. Kira followed as other employees instinctively took their places to fill the demanding orders.

When the door closed, not providing much silence from the noise beyond, Keiji beckoned Kira to sit on the wooden stool.

"Look, it's not my business what you do. But the longer you stay the more you stick out and I can't protect you form what might happen." Keiji was encouraged to continue from the look in Kira's pale eyes. "The men come into the bar expecting a drink and a place to sit their fat as- well you understand. Women around these jobs are tough for a reason, to protect ourselves, because no one else will give a damn. The men are noticing you Kira. I've seen some look at you in ways that would reward them a boot out the windows if directed at me." Keiji paused and folded her arms. "What I don't understand is why you're here in the first place. You're smart enough to sense the danger and threats here."

Kira bowed her head. The reason, the reason had become more clear with each passing day and the more interaction between Keiji the stronger her desire became. The colors, the strength rivaled Rei's. Both were red, orange and black. The colors of anger, strength and despair. Both were spirits of fire, consuming everything else about them. Kira felt a strong attachment to such spirits. It was almost like destiny had placed Keiji here.

"What do you want, Kira?" Keiji asked breaking the silence.

Everything and Kira knew it too well. She lifted up her gaze, her eyes watering and breathed deeply.

"To satisfy my passion, to quench the thirst I feel consume my whole being, to free my mind from your face." Kira suddenly stood up and threw her arms around Keiji. "I want to capture your colors, your strength, your beauty. I just want to paint you, Keiji."

No glance of surprise came from the brunette nor did her expression change at all. Kira suddenly let go and shook her head violently.

"Please don't take it the wrong way. I can never love anyone as I love Rei. I'm only drawn to your soul, Keiji. Somehow I feel that I'm the only one who sees it and it's not meant to be hidden from this life."

Keiji turned around and shook her head, her back rippling with surpressed laughter. Finally she could hold it in no more and Kira frowned at the sight.

"That's it?" Keiji demanded in a grin. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I…I was afraid you'd reject the idea." Kira said, a little relieved.

"I won't agree right away." The brunette warned. "I'll have to think about it."

Kira gazed into her eyes seeing the face of her lover from years ago.

"I understand." Kira said smiling. "I can wait.