A/N: If you want to know the details of why I'm doing this then circle back to the first edition on Testing the Waters. Otherwise enjoy the scene! Oh, and one more thing. I do not own DOA, the only thing I can claim in these scenes is the character of Yao.

I woke up and stretched since being asleep would stiffen my limbs up. After getting dressed and putting my limiters on, I went downstairs and flipped the sign to open as I headed outside. Per my routine, the delivery boy chucked the newspaper as I caught it with one hand.

"Here's your paper, Yao Sifu!"

I thought about correcting him, but he's been doing that for years now. Best to just let him have that though I'm not a Sifu in technicality. Heading back inside, I began brewing a cup of tea for myself and sat down on my stool. I put my 'ring for service' sign on the display table and read the newspaper.

"Global Conglomerate MIST exposed as a military and terrorist organization. CEO Victor Donovan was found dead in the main building wreckage." The headline read.

"Jeez... I know the others said they weren't taking any prisoners, but shit. That whole op was chaotic anyway. I'm glad they didn't ask me to help." I murmured to myself.

While Ryu and the others know how powerful I am, I don't like getting involved in other people's messes unless I'm faced with no other option. It's very disrespectful to barge in. Now I'm starting to sound like Oro. Just my luck.

But it's justified. I helped Ryu takedown Bankotsubo, Genra, and Alpha-152. The biggest hurdle last time was Christie, and that psychotic bitch was a break though I still didn't enjoy being there at all.

The only upside was meeting Hayate's little sister, Kasumi - a gentle soul despite feeling conflicted about fighting others and herself. She's still growing into the person she'll later be, so that's to be expected. I thought I saw her again a couple of weeks ago, but it turns out that it was just a clone of her. I wish the best for her wherever she may be. As I continued reading through the newspaper...

*DING*

The bell never fails.

With Yun and Yang still hanging around, they ring the bell to annoy me. Wow, I really am starting to sound like Oro. I pray to Buddha that Jian visits soon as I need someone to wash this disgusting cynicism off me. Peeking above the newspaper, I looked to see if it was one of the Lee Twins or an actual customer.

It was neither, hence why I'm frozen by the person who rang the bell.

"Kasumi?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

She chuckled at my shock. "In the flesh."

"Sure you're not a clone?"

"I'm positive," Kasumi stated with a smile. "It's good to see you."

"Likewise, Kasumi. Have a seat, and I'll make you some tea."

She giggled. "Thank you, I'll take you up on that offer."

I helped her get comfortable and made Kasumi some tea as promised. She wasn't wearing her ninja clothing, but rather a lovely pink and white sundress with an accompanying sunhat and heels.

"So, this is your home and workplace? I thought you were joking when you told me that you ran a medicine store."

"That tends to be the trend with people who are more powerful than they appear. Master Gen Fu runs a bookstore, Ryu runs an Antique Shop, and I run a medicine store," I joked while restocking some oils that I just sold. Kasumi chuckled at my light jests. "You're awfully cheery, more so than normal. Good news have you feeling well?"

"What makes you think that? Maybe I find your jokes genuinely funny?" She playfully countered.

Now it's my turn to chuckle as I head back over to the display table. "Because I'd be the first to tell you that my jokes aren't that funny, if at all."

I gave her a second look as she walked over to the opposite side of the display, where I usually stay when the shop's open. "But I can tell that you have changed, Kasumi. In a good way. You no longer have the look of doubt you used to when last I saw you. Like you've made peace with whatever gave your mind its conflict."

"A lot has changed in two years, Yao. You know this well." She said as she gripped my wrist limiters. "I have changed a lot, and the conflicts I have faced allowed me to mature."

"I can tell, Kasumi. From your demeanor and how you carry yourself, you've become a fine young lady."

"Thank you. But I'm surprised you didn't ask me why I came here to see you."

"I was going to, but I really enjoy your company," I said with a warm smile.

"As do I." Kasumi paused. "I remember when last we talked that despite being who you are, you wished to live a quiet life with a woman to come home to. And despite being a minor, I concurred without what I wanted for myself. At first, I thought it was just to return home and see Hayate again. But as time went by and I grew, I realized that wasn't what I truly wanted. And through talking with Hayabusa-san and Muramasa-san, and thinking back to what you said, I knew that I wished the same as you do. A quiet life unbothered by troubles."

"Well, I'm happy to have played a part in you finding your inner peace. You know, I wish for nothing but the best of you, Kasumi. I can guess your revelation of having similar wants as mine brought you here?"

Kasumi nodded then joined our hands together. "If you'll allow me, I want to be a part of your life. I want to be there for you when you wake or sleep in times of good and bad. I wish to be your steadfast pillar of support. The one you love and cherish with every fiber of your being. Will you grant this of me?" She poured her heart out to me. "That is what my soul is telling me to do. And if not, I understand. But at the very least, allow me to watch over and protect you as your guardian angel. I just... wish to be with you always."

"Wow, Kasumi. I never thought you'd feel this way. It warms me inside to hear you be honest with yourself and me. But what of your family back in Japan? I thought you wanted to return home?"

"A product of my childish desires. A nukenin can never come back to her home, lest she is killed, regardless of whether she was the Clan's princess or not," Kasumi said as she looked down, breaking eye contact. "While my family may have forgiven me for turning tail and running away to avenge Hayate, the others do not share the same sentiment."

"Do you share any regrets about becoming a nukenin?"

"No, I don't. Meeting you told me that doing what you think is right builds character. Your scars are proof of that. I remember you telling me every one of your scars was from being a good samaritan. Instead of being bitter, you took it as a lesson and strived to be a better person for it." Kasumi's expression brightened again. "I was awestruck when you told me that, and I firmly believe that it gave me more confidence." She then blushed. "Then I knew I wanted to take a more personal role in your life. But I was too young and wanted to clear things up with Hayate and Ayane."

Did Kasumi just admit to having a crush on me since she was 17? That's a lot of time to let that simmer. I'm glad she didn't act on it while still a minor. When I was still a green Sennin, I was making bad decisions all over and did not want to ruin both our lives because of another.

Additionally, Ayane's animosity toward Kasumi and anyone associated with her was baffling. She lashed out at me for even talking to her older half-sister. I put Ayane in her place physically, but it was like she was violence triggered at the mere mention of Kasumi. Ryu, Hayate, and I had played a part in reducing and eventually getting rid of the pent-up hate she had for Kasumi. Alas, Genra's death played a significant role since she acted that way due to his manipulations. Once he was gone, she slowly started regaining her sense of agency.

After dealing with the Alpha-152 clones, the two finally buried the hatchet in front of Ryu, Hayate, and Helena, so Ryu told me.

"I have made my peace with my family and myself. Now, I want to be your peace, Yao. That's all I ask of you. Would you grant me that honor?"

"I never would've imagined that I would play such a big role in your steps of maturity. Are you sure that being with me is what you want?" I gave her a chance to back out.

"I'm positive this is what I want. I want to be with you. Whether a day or a lifetime, I wish to spend whatever time I have left with you. Will you have me?"

She closed the distance between us. As Kasumi looked up at me, her sunhat came off to allow me to see her face in full.

"Yes, Kasumi. You can stay with me. I look forward to every moment with you," I proclaimed.

"And I feel the same," she breathed, her hot breath teasing my lower lip.

Testing the waters, Kasumi shyly reached and gave me the softest kiss as we both breathed deeply, taking a deep whiff of each other's aromas.

Sakura petals.

A/N: Kasumi's sundress is my favorite costume of hers next to her other sundress and leather jacket combo and her sleeveless top and jean skirt and scarf outfit. Those are *chef's kiss* magnificent. Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the content I'll be back soon.