Hey guys, I am finally updating. Thanks to all the people who gave such great reviews for chapter 5, your input is greatly appreciated.

Sachi: Hopefully this chapter doesn't make you gag (lol) but keep in mind that though I dislike this pairing, it's all necessary and an important part of Julia's life.

Wine and roses: Yeah, I'm thinking about re-posting "Love Found," because people might be wondering about what happens to Julia after "Wanderer." Thanks for the awesome review, by the way. :)

So, here goes.

A Heart Awakened

Jin

She was beautiful yes—long dark hair, kind eyes. But no, that wasn't it. That wasn't what made me love her in that instant. I've never felt this way before about a woman…

I grew up in a world of lies, a life built upon fear and betrayal. But when I looked at Julia, all I saw was light. She was honest with me. I heard it in her voice, saw it within her eyes, and it felt nice to finally see goodness in a person instead of deceit. In that moment she had given me a little taste of that life that I could have had, a life beyond what I lived now.

Or maybe it's just because Julia awoke in me a heart I thought incapable of feeling.I can't say I'm not afraid though. I fear what my feelings for her could mean, what they could bring. I'm afraid I'll hurt her. The Gene flows strong within my blood, too strong, and one wrong move could possibly destroy her, like it was slowly destroying me.

The even scarier thing is, lately I've been feeling less and less in control of the demon within me. But I don't want to stay away from Julia, even now when times are getting worse. She may be my last link to sanity, my only hope for goodness. Perhaps she can help me keep the demon at bay.

Still…I have to warn her about myself. Hopefully I won't frighten her away like I have everyone else.

Julia

James made me keep my word. I forced myself to go out to dinner with him and a couple friends the night after I'd met Jin at the ruins. I laughed at James' jokes, ate the food, danced a little to the music, pretended that I was having a good old time…but the whole evening all I kept seeing in my head was Jin's face. I felt so guilty too, because if I thought about him, then it was like betraying Mom. Having secret fascinations about the supposed enemy (or whatever it was I felt for Jin) was one of those boundaries you just can't cross, I guess.

I hadn't had any alcohol that night. I was only twenty after all, and I consider myself a law-abiding citizen—no alcohol until twenty-one. Mexico's drinking age was eighteen, but how could I put something into my body that would only make me sick? Nope, no booze for me. However, my peers took full advantage of Mexico's law, and pretty soon I was surrounded by a pack of cackling hyenas, cheeks flushed, eyes glazed over, exaggerated laughter, including James. Disgusted, I gathered my things, set down some pesos for my share of the bill, and left the place.

The night was warm and as soon as I exited the restaurant, I inhaled the clean air. Dark sky above me, the streets still and quiet, I finally had peace. Sighing, I turned to begin the trek down to the hotel where my class was staying. Sure I had enough pesos for a taxi to take me, but I preferred the "old fashioned way": walking. The streets were a little dark, lighted dimly by only a few scattered lampposts here and there, their bulbs flickering, but it was still tranquil. I had nothing to fear. If some punk decided to take advantage of me in the dark, at least I knew I was ready to fight back. I still possessed a clear mind untainted by alcohol, unlike my friends back at the restaurant. With this thought in mind, I considered going back for James to lug his drunken ass home; I didn't want him to get hurt after all. But, after a moment, I shook my head and continued to walk. I'm not his mother after all.

Again, I believed I was alone.

Then, a whisper in the darkness: "It's dangerous to walk alone at night."

Perhaps the punk had already arrived, but my mind told me it wasn't so. I knew it was Jin, but that didn't prevent me from being a little startled. I kept my eyes forward, avoiding his gaze, trying in vain to conceal my alarm, and his dark shadow kept up easily with my brisk pace. I noticed how gracefully he moved, how he seemed to glide upon the ground.

"Well, you sure know how to sneak up on people!" I said, slightly irritated. Yeah, he was fascinating and undeniably attractive, but Jin was still kind of creepy in a way. And what frustrated me further was that, regardless of that, I liked him being here with me. It was wrong, but I enjoyed his presence.

Forgive me, Mother.

I sneaked a quick glance at him, and noticed that his face was solemn, cold and stoic as usual. However, I detected a small smile at the corner of his mouth; yet Jin seemed to resist that smile from fully forming, and I found myself wondering how he'd look like with one on his face. I looked away, obliterating the thought. For the spirits' sake, Julia, he's a stranger! Stop being so goddamn desperate and trusting!

"I'm sorry for frightening you. May I walk with you?" he asked softly.

He was so polite. It seemed a little odd, his stiff formality, but I nodded my consent anyway.

"Oh, it's ok, it's just that I wasn't expecting you," I mumbled. Well, no shit I wasn't expecting him.

We were both silent for the rest of the walk, and it was a good kind of quiet. We walked together, just enjoying one another's company, and surprisingly I felt safe with this supposedly cursed, evil child of Kazuya's. He didn't walk too close to me, respecting my space, but I found myself wanting to fill in that empty void. It felt awkward liking a guy, for I had never felt this strongly for one before, and several times I'd think about starting a conversation, going over the words in my head to make sure it all sounded right. But no words ever came out. There was just me and Jin and it felt…right.

We finally reached the hotel and Jin walked me to the front door. In the light he was even more handsome and I lowered my eyes shyly. I was about to thank him for walking with me, keeping me safe, but it was Jin who spoke first.

"Thank you, Julia," he murmured.

"For what? I thought that was my line," I replied.

Again there was that slight shadow of a smile. "Thank you for the walk. And I was also thinking maybe…maybe I could see you again."

I was so shocked I must have stood there too long, silent and unbelieving, until Jin finally said goodbye and began to walk away.

"Wait! My classes start at nine a.m. and end at three at the university. After that, I'm free to do whatever," I explained quickly, hoping he'd listen.

Jin simply turned and nodded once.

"Uh, where should we meet?" I asked. What does one do on dates anyway?

"Don't worry about that," he said softly, "I'll find you."

And then he disappeared into the night like a phantom, his ebony form becoming one with the darkness.

It was hard to believe. Jin did manage to find me the next day after class, but he wouldn't tell me how he'd done it. I mean, I'd never even given the guy directions! But somehow, there he was at the school exit, waiting for me at 3:00 sharp. I guess Jin could have asked the locals for directions, but somehow…somehow it didn't feel that way. When I'd asked him about it he'd just shrugged, took my bag from me without asking, and then we continued our silent walk together. Behind me I could feel James' gaze burning holes through my back. Usually it was he that walked me to the hotel, but it seems now that Jin had taken his place as escort. James was obviously jealous, but he didn't bother to confront Jin about it. Oh well.

It was so strange being with Jin, so unbelievable. It felt like I was in one of those cheesy romance novels that my mom used to read all the time after Han had left. It goes like this: Plain Jane meets mysterious, dark, handsome stranger. Plain Jane and Mysterious Man like each other, they eventually fall for each other, have some troubles near the middle, but then all is good in the end. I started giggling as the thoughts came into my head, and Jin flashed me a questioning glance. When he did, that triggered more laughter on my part, and the poor guy only shrugged and adjusted my backpack onto one shoulder.

He really was quiet. Any other guy would have asked me what was so funny.

"I'll wait out here for you," Jin stated as we reached the hotel. He handed me my backpack and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

"Hold on now. What do you mean you'll wait for me? You have plans for us?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing.

"Yes. But we can't do them unless you put that backpack away."

It was a little strange yes. I didn't even know this guy all that much, only that I was supposed to be staying away from him. How did I know that he wasn't going to take me somewhere and hurt me? Nonetheless, I merely shook my head and entered the hotel.

When I returned, Jin and I continued to walk once more.

"Where are we going?" I asked softly.

I think Jin detected the note of uncertainty and slight fear in my voice, because he abruptly stopped walking. His dark eyes pierced mine, and once again I couldn't look away.

"Julia. You're not afraid of me…but do you trust me?" he murmured.

And surprisingly I found that I did. That part of me was certain. He was a little mysterious, strange, but I trusted him completely.

"Y-yes, I do; I was just wondering that's all," I replied quietly.

Jin bit his bottom lip, and for a brief moment I thought I saw a hint of emotion in that stony face of his. But I blinked once, and the moment was over. Well, he was very talented at concealing his emotions, but what did he have to hide anyway?

"Good. Well, I was thinking maybe we could go down to the market. The Day of the Dead is almost over, and it's something you wouldn't want to miss," he explained.

We spent the rest of the day in the market, and Jin was right. I was glad I hadn't missed the last day of Mexico's Day of the Dead. All of the skull figurines and paintings were a little macabre and grim, but I enjoyed myself still. The people were jovial as usual, children's laughter blending with the festive music, and of course the food was excellent. It was strange though. Maybe it was because of the celebration, I'm not sure, but there were no piropos for me today—or from then on. No men tried to flirt or even dare to look my way.

And, looking behind me, I knew why: Jin. Maybe it was just my imagination, but it seemed as if all the people here were afraid of him. They sensed something in him, something I was unaware of, but they steered clear of him, and, since I was by his side, they avoided me too. It was strange but I didn't think much of it. When night fell, Jin and I eventually strayed from the markets and all along the way we were silent again.

"You didn't seem to be enjoying yourself, Jin," I commented, trying to make him speak. He was a man of few words. Yes, his silence was attractive—he was every bit the mysterious, dark stranger—but sometimes it frightened me. I never really knew what he was thinking, what his opinions were; therefore, I didn't know much about Jin Kazama at all. I didn't like being kept in the dark when I was used to always being ahead a few steps.

"I did enjoy myself, Julia."

"But you were so quiet, I couldn't really tell. You didn't talk to the people, eat the food…are you sure? I'm not a burden am I?"

And then, Jin smiled. He really did. His mouth was closed, but his face immediately softened and his eyes shined with something that hadn't been there previously. All I could do was stare dumbly at his face, at that impossible expression. I had to enjoy it while it lasted, because this man sure didn't smile a lot.

"No, Julia, you got it wrong. I had a wonderful time; I like seeing you happy," he stated casually.

"Oh. I was happy, I guess, I just didn't, you know, well…"

I blushed at his words, ducking my head in an attempt to conceal it. He was sweet that was for sure, but I had yet to get used to it all. At the moment I wished that I possessed Christie's endless supply of confidence. I wasn't used to all of this attention from a man.

To ease the tension, Jin said, "Hey, I know of a place where you get the best view of the stars. Wanna see?"

Before I could answer, Jin had taken my hand, and I swallowed hard as I felt his skin pressed against mine. His grip was strong, but he was gentle as he hurriedly led me away. We seemed to walk for awhile, and the sounds of the festivities from the markets faded as Jin and I found ourselves in a secluded little area. The trees loomed above us, the heat was less stifling tonight, and even when we'd reached our destination, Jin did not let go of my hand.

"Here we are. No one can bother us now. This is the best view, right here," he whispered, looking down at me.

Lifting my gaze skyward, I realized that Jin was right. The stars were beautiful here, the moon even brighter, and the sky was just beginning to turn black. The night cast shadows across Jin's handsome face, and I found myself looking more at him than at the stars.

"Back in the temple you said you knew my name. And do you know also who I am? What's inside me?" Jin murmured without looking at me.

It took me a moment to answer him. He was just as afraid as I was, afraid that if I knew who he truly was, then I'd leave him. But I didn't feel that way. The moment I'd seen him I knew what huge risks I was taking, how deeply I was hurting my mother…yet, sometimes, I believe there is goodness in all things. One just has to take the time to seek it.

And I was seeking it now in him.

"You are Jin Kazama," I replied simply, "and you carry the Devil Gene, don't you? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"

Jin swallowed and he finally released my hand. "Yes..."

I turned to him then, my eyes searching his face. Jin refused to make eye contact, but I sensed the difficulty in him doing so. It seemed as if his stony façade was failing as well.

"Well, I won't say that that isn't a little scary, but it doesn't change anything, Jin. Why are you telling me this? Why did you bring me here?"

With his eyes still gazing up at the stars, he replied, "So you'd know what kind of a man you're with. So you can make a choice and leave if you wish, before it's too late."

"Jin, what do you expect to happen? We've just met!"

There was sadness in his eyes, but Jin forced it away. "Exactly. So if you go it'll be painless, like it was all a dream."

All a dream…I was reminded again of the painting.

Licking my lips, I looked up at the stars once more. "Do you want me to leave, Jin?"

The slight breeze kissed my skin and the ebony night finally descended. His eyes never left the sky, but I felt the strong hand grasp mine once more. Jin's warmth seeped into me, and I knew his answer before he voiced it.

"No. I don't, Julia."

It was around midnight when Jin finally took me back to the hotel. The walk was quiet again, as usual, our hands kept to ourselves this time, but there was something new between us. No words were needed to express the emotions, and when Jin left me at the door with a simple "good night" it was just enough.

Once I'd reached my room, I shut the door and took a long shower, remembering Jin's hand in mine. Afterwards I thought I'd watch some TV, but there came a soft knock on my room door. Pulling my bathrobe closer to me I shuffled to the door, opened it, and found James in my doorway.

"James! Can I help you with something?" I said quickly, taking in his grim expression and tousled blonde hair. It looked as if he'd been waiting for me to come back all night.

"It took you long enough to get back. Can I come in?" he asked softly, his voice expressionless but his face betraying him.

"Sure," I replied, stepping aside. What was going on?

After I shut the door, James turned to face me. "Who is that man, Julia? The Asian guy you've been seeing."

"What? That is none of your business!" I replied, appalled that James was openly prying into my personal life.

James only chuckled humorlessly. "Look, I'm glad you've found someone you like, but the thing is, I don't like it."

"You're just jealous."

"I am not—ok, yeah, maybe I am a little. But still, if he were any other guy, I wouldn't care. I'd be happy for you, seriously I would be. A little sad, but happy. But I dunno, Julia, there is something—something weird, something off about that man, and I don't like it."

"So?"

"So you should stay away from him!"

"I can't believe this! You can't just come in here and act like you know what's best for me!"

"Julia, listen to me—"

"Good night. It's late and I'm tired, and I don't want to hear anymore."

"Julia—"

"Out, James!"

Tight-lipped and fuming, James reluctantly obeyed me, and he slammed the door on his way out. What the hell was wrong with him anyway? He was just jealous that's all. His anger only motivated me to stay with Jin longer and get to know him. I'd prove that Jin was more than he seemed, that Jin was not the freak James thought him to be.

But as I lay awake in bed that night, I realized that it wasn't just James that I was trying to prove wrong. If I could prove to Michelle, and myself, that Jin wasn't like the rest of the Mishimas, that he was different and harmless, then maybe all of this hatred and tension might cease. But the thing is my mother is almost never wrong; she's got great intuition, and that's what worries me. Should I trust my mother's word, or trust Jin, a supposedly dangerous man I've known only for a day and night?

Remembering Jin's gentle smile, I made up my mind.

"You like nature, Julia?" Jin asked me three days later.

"Love it."

"Then that makes two of us. I remember the long walks my mother and I used to take. We'd walk through the forest for hours and hours, and I never tired of it."

We'd been together for five days now, and it felt as if I'd known Jin my whole life. He and I shared so much in common; we were both raised by our mothers, our fathers had left us when we were children, and the love for nature was just another one to add to the list.

This was the first time Jin had ever mentioned Jun, and I listened closely, knowing that his mother was dear to him, and knowing that, for the first time, he was finally opening up. I remembered the article in the newspaper about Jun's death six years ago, and as I listened to Jin talk, his eyes alive with his memories, I realized what a terribly sad life he led. That only motivated me further to stay with him.

"You're mom sounds like an incredible lady," I remarked.

Jin smiled slightly. He'd been doing that more often since I'd met him. "Yeah, she really was. You would've liked her a lot, Julia, and she you."

I smiled, and inside I thought, what would my mother think of Jin? Well, I didn't want to think about that now, even though I'd have to tell her sooner or later.

Not once did Jin ever mention his father or Heihachi. He was ashamed of that part of his life, a little sad even, and I never asked him about them. I sympathized with him, for I had experienced loneliness before as well.

Jin's smile disappeared. "But I don't think Michelle would like me, would she Jules?"

Sensing the hurt in his voice, I replied, "Of course she would like you. My mother is very accepting, Jin. It's only Heihachi she hates."

In response, Jin only sighed and took my hand. He knew I was lying, and I felt so bad that I ended up telling him the truth anyway.

"I'm sorry, Jin, it's just that Michelle wants the best for me, but she doesn't know you, and it doesn't mean—"

"Hey, don't worry about it. I understand completely."

"No, I'm really sorry—"

"I said, don't worry, Julia. Be glad, at least, that you have a mother who cares for you like this."

Under his breath he murmured to himself, "I wish I had that…"

He brushed his hand against my cheek, and his smile was forced this time. And I did something I wouldn't have dared to do to a guy, something I thought only Christie capable of doing: I kissed him. I know, pretty pathetic, and it doesn't sound like a big deal 'cause girls kiss guys all the time after all. But for me, this is something huge. I'd never felt anything like this before, and hell, I was so sick and tired of seeing that sorrow in his face, I just had to do something about it.

My mouth rested onto Jin's, our lips meeting smoothly, and although this was my first kiss, it all came naturally. I sensed Jin's hesitation, but gradually he responded and I felt his hands pressing me closer to him. His mouth was soft against mine, slightly moist, and I inhaled Jin's clean scent as the kiss deepened, his embrace becoming tighter. I felt small in his powerful arms, yet safe and loved at the same time, and I knew that no other man could take Jin's place. Jin was the one for me, and after realizing this, I knew then that I loved him. He was so sweet, gentle, kind, and he was the first guy I'd ever allowed into my heart.

Love…what a strange, wonderful feeling. I never thought I'd be able to feel it, and so soon too, and towards the most unlikely of people…but that's how it was. I love Jin Kazama. (A/N: Remember, this is necessary, people! However, no offense to you JinJulia fans: somebody please blind me right now…)

Eventually the kiss ended, but Jin refused to stop holding me. He smiled softly as he gazed down at me, and I resisted the urge to kiss him again.

"What was that for?" he asked softly.

I only shrugged, but Jin didn't need an explanation. He and I no longer needed words when it came to our emotions. The only thing he did was hold me to him, and everything was understood. It didn't matter that he carried the Gene, it didn't matter what my mother said—

"Ow…"

Jin leaned back slightly to look at me, his face concerned. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," I replied, and tried my best to ignore the sudden pain in my hand.

For the next week I couldn't wait until 3:00 arrived. I would sit in my desk, fidgeting and anxious, watching the clock and wishing away the minutes. I could no longer concentrate, had abandoned my studies, and the only highlight of my day was when I would see Jin in the afternoons. When those times finally came, I abandoned my schoolwork and spent the rest of the day with him. Afterwards, I'd often be too tired to study, and would go to class the next day exhausted and unprepared for discussions. Often I noticed Professor Vega eyeing me oddly, but I always ignored him. What did he know about me anyway? He should just mind his own business.

And, strangely, I didn't freak out when grade updates came in and I discovered that I had a B- in that class. I've never had anything below an A- in my life, and the old Julia would have started stressing and studying her ass off that night. But Old Julia left the moment Jin entered my life, so when I saw that B- all I did was shrug and race out the door as Mr. Vega signaled the end of class.

As usual, the man I loved was waiting for me outside, 3:00 sharp, and a smile lightened his face as Jin caught sight of me.

"Hey there, beautiful," he greeted, taking my backpack from me. He kissed me softly on the cheek, and I noticed some of the girls in my class staring in envy. However, I noticed that James was purposely looking the other way. Oh well, forget him.

"So, what do you have planned for us today?" I asked, taking his hand in mine.

Jin smiled slightly. "Do you like to swim, Julia?"

After an afternoon at the beach, Jin and I returned to my room. It was nearing evening, and I invited him in, wanting to spend a few more hours with him. I was pretty stupid at the time. It had never occurred to me that a comfortable bed, plus night, plus love and a handsome man could lead to…well, yeah.

So when Jin began to kiss me a few moments after we'd entered my room, I didn't know how to react except to kiss him back. His mouth traveled to my neck, his touch gentle but urgent and fueled by desire, and his hands were surprisingly talented. I closed my eyes, fully enjoying the moment; he'd never kissed me like this before, and I didn't stop him when his hands crept up my shirt. But when Jin's fingers began to pull at my shorts, I instantly recoiled. Now I knew what this was getting to, and I wasn't sure if that was what I wanted.

"Oh God, Julia, I'm so, so sorry," Jin gasped, and he immediately backed off, though I still detected traces of desire in his voice.

Speechless, I could only stand there, smoothing my rumpled clothing back into place, heartbeat racing. I can't believe I'd been so careless! Yes, I loved this man with all of my heart, and for the past nights I'd been wondering what it would be like if Jin and I made love…but now that the moment had finally arrived, I wasn't so sure.

Sex is not a game to me; it is sacred, something special, only to be shared with someone you love deeply—but didn't I love Jin? Yes. Then why was I hesitant to spend this night with him? Perhaps it was just too quick, too sudden.

"I'm sorry," Jin tried again, and there was a look of genuine remorse on his face. He swallowed hard and looked down at his feet as if ashamed of himself.

Knowing that he was truly sorry, I went to him and hugged him tightly.

"It's ok, it wasn't you. But Jin, I just dunno if I'm ready yet. I love you, but…" I sighed, staring up into his face.

Jin smiled down at me, cupping my face in his hands. "I love you too, Jules, and we don't have to do anything you don't want to do. I'm sorry, I was just so caught up in the moment…"

"It's alright, really it is. Would you like to stay anyway?"

Jin sighed softly and his hands dropped from my face. "It's kinda late, and I think I should get going. See you tomorrow?"

We both knew it wasn't getting late at all, and Jin didn't have any other plans, but the mood was ruined. So, smiling, I nodded and saw him to the door.

After Jin left, I sat on my bed wondering about what had just happened, about what had almost happened. What was wrong with me? I loved him, and I'd been curious about it for the longest time…

However, I let it go once I crawled into bed. There would always be other opportunities, and Jin had been sweet about it, patient and understanding. It was no big deal really; all that mattered was that I loved him.

And I think it's time I finally told my mother about Jin. I'm not looking forward to it, but Michelle needs to know. I don't think she'll believe me when I tell her that Jin is a good man regardless of his roots, but it's worth a try.