Disclaimer: Tekken and its characters does not belong to GrimGrave, they belong to Namco/Namco Bandai. GrimGrave doesn't make any money for writing this fiction.
Be My Tag Partner
The continuation
Asuka hummed a cheerful tone to herself as she nearly skipped through the crowded street. She couldn't help it; Lili had not only agreed to be her partner for the mini-tournament, but she had even considered the possible friendship. It made her heart soar with joy, and her mind feel at ease. She threw a glance to her left side, happily grinning as she saw the long blonde hair wave in the wind , her beautiful Lili right next to her.
She still had a way to go, however. But she remained happy nonetheless. She was so close now.
"Fille insolente." Lili said. "Just because I vaguely accepted your forced offers, it doesn't mean you can drag me around like a dog in a leash."
"Oh come on Lili! If we are to be friends, then we should start getting to know each other a little better! And get accustomed with each other presences." Asuka patted Lili on the shoulder, still grinning. "I know a very nice café just around here~"
"Oh, to dread that I almost missed out on spending time with you in a café." Lili said, sarcasm heavily coating her voice. "Merde…"
"Don't be like that! Oh! There it is!" Asuka pointed at the large sign that hung over the entrance, bright in colour. Without further ado, the brunette grabbed the blonde by the wrist and dragged her inside until they reached a private booth. The inside was bright and spacey, giving off a relaxing atmosphere for the customers whilst displaying a cute design for details.
Asuka scanned the menu with comically hungry eyes. "Ooh… What should I pick…"
"I hope you are not expecting me to pay for the both of us."
"Of course not! In fact, I will pay for the both of us!"
Lili gave Asuka a puzzled, but mildly amused look. "Is that right? I guess that only makes sense, since you are the one who initiates… everything." She shot Asuka a mild glare before delicately picking a menu of her own, her glare still present in her blue, clear eyes.
"I sure am!" Asuka exclaimed. "So what do you want? I think I'll go with ice-tea and Angel-Food cake…" She licked her lips at the same time as she glanced up at her blonde object of affections, playing it off as if she actually licked her lips because of the food. ´The things I would do with my tongue against your body, Lili…´
"Uniquely fascinating, I'm sure. Since its your treat, I guess I'll have coffee and a…" Her eyes kept looking for a few seconds. "Strawberry cake."
Once they had settled on what to order, the duo of girls quickly let a maid know of their order before talking about everything; Asuka prompting Lili to actually have a conversation with her, regarding the tournament, private life (to a lesser extent on Lili´s side) and generic stuff in lack of better subjects. Asuka was thrilled the whole way through; she finally managed to actually learn about her blonde friend. They were connecting, at least in her own eyes. She knew that Lili still wished for nothing more than to just get out of there, far from her, but she had agreed to give their potential friendship a chance. Asuka didn't wish to loose it
Looking down, she realized that there was barely just crumbs left on their white, petite plates, and their beverages was nearly fully depleted; time had gone by too fast in her opinion.
"So, are you looking forward to the tournament? We could get signed up for a first round today if we are quick enough." Asuka said, grinning like an idiot; but in her own opinion, an idiot in love. Something Lili didn't know of, except for the idiotic part, evident in her mild glare.
"I was looking forward to it, until you showed up. But…" She paused momentarily. "I suppose we do make a good team. It has worked before."
´Yes!´ "Exactly, which is why we should stay together for these things! You wouldn't want a lesser experienced fighter mooch of you through these tournaments would you?"
Lili´s scowl deepened. "Absolutely not! Tch… Even if I prefer to be alone. Honestly, why did they decide to have a tag-team based tournament of all things…"
"Because of reasons." Asuka said with yet another cheerful grin, flashing her teeth. "So, shall we go? A good match will surely raise your spirits!"
"You better be right."
::::
Once Asuka paid for their drinks and cakes, the two was on their way to the booth near the small tournament grounds, ready to announce their participation and team, and with little effort they were now in the roster. Luckily for them, they could, if they wished, to participate in their first match right away instead of waiting till tomorrow. Asuka beamed with happiness as she eagerly grabbed Lili by the wrist, dragging her to the nearby, rented rooms in a building that participants could use to change. Luckily for her, she had rented a locker where she had her change of clothes, whilst Lili had Sebastian quickly bring it over.
The Japanese girl felt like she was in Heaven; her beautiful object of attraction was changing clothes right next to her again, for the first time since nearly a year; usually, neither used to change clothes, but occasionally they had their own customised garb that they liked to use. Asuka´s choice was a purple hakama and white foot guards, with a purple karate top, both of which had the Kazama mark on them. Lili on the other hand usually chose jeans with a black tank top. Simple, almost uncharacteristic but Asuka didn't mind; she wasn't exactly the girly girl herself.
"Jeez.." Asuka said, faking an annoying tone. "All that running over here in this heat made me so warm…" She glanced vaguely over at Lili. "Better take off my jacket~" She couldn't help but to smirk. Slowly, and almost in a professional manner, her jacket cascaded down her arms, rendering the shoulders bare along with her arms. She flexed them, playing it off as she was inspecting, or even admiring herself. She knew Lili was watching her, and now was a good chance to "subtly" flirt with her. Her muscles tightened as she "admired" her arms, before she turned around and slowly pulled down her hot-pants. Revealing her well-shaped, firm rear, clad in black panties of simple, but cute design for the blonde to see (and hopefully to be tempted).
"Asuka Kazama. If you wish to get dressed slowly, be my guest. But I for one will try and get this over with." Before Asuka could turn around, Lili had already left through the door, changed and ready to battle while Asuka remained partly clothed in her usual outfit. The awkwardness, as well as bitterness was not easy to ignore. She pouted.
"Damn it…"
::::
Few minutes later, clad in her hakama and karate top, Asuka met Lili near the arena, eager to fight alongside her once again.
"What took you so long?" Lili asked with a scowl. Asuka grinned bashfully as she stepped up to her friend. "I was locked in thought, that's all. So, who are we facing?"
Lili motioned with her thumb at the other end of the arena; a due consisting of a man, tall and dark-haired, slightly muscular and generally looked like a guy who visited the gym quite often. Asuka narrowed her eyes on him - his stance made her believe he wasn't an experienced fighter. She shrugged, and glanced over at his partner, a young, somewhat muscular girl with a long ponytail. They could've been siblings, or just coincidentally looked alike, but Asuka wasn't impressed by them by the slightest.
"Looks like this will be more than a walk in the park."
"Well spotted Sherlock." Lili said dryly. "But sadly, we have to beat them unless you feel like being seen as a quitter."
Asuka threw Lili a cocky smirk. "Who'll go first?"
They both knew that Asuka didn't need to ask.
As soon as the bell rang, Lili dashed toward the man, easily dodging his incoming punch; in her great rush, she ran up on him, still gripping his hand and used her own weight to stomp him down onto the arena floor, all while pulling on his entire arm. The small crowds winced at the sight of brutality and the sound of the bones, but Lili simply giggled. Groaning, the man hurried back up, motioning for his partner who ran to his aid. The blonde glanced back at the brunette - they knew the drill.
None of the two was surprised when a clear hit against the solar plexus knocked the girl out instantly. But it didn't stop Asuka from grinning as she walked back to Lili.
"Well, that's one way of killing ten minutes."
::::
"You were right." The blonde stepped into her regular white boots, glancing at Asuka who shot back at puzzled expression. "About what, Lili?"
"It raised my spirits. Somewhat. A pity the two couldn't handle more." The brunette chuckled. "I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow. At least then there will be continues matches."
"Valid point."
"Thank you!"
"I regret my statement."
"Oh, don't be like that! Lighten up! I for one think its awesome that we're back again, fighting side by side!" The Japanese girl struck a pose, as if to emphasise her statement, only to be met by Lili´s cold, neutral stare. "If there's one thing I've never understood about you, and that bothers me so much, is why you insist on keeping in touch with me. For such a long time."
She turned around and fully faced Asuka with a solemn face. "What is it you want from me? Surely you can make other friends, and honestly, there must be loads of other fighters that are better suited with you and your fighting-style."
"What I want?" Asuka went silent. Her hazel eyes pierced right into Lili´s blue emeralds, a small smile still on her lips. She took a step forward. Lili took one backwards.
"I thought you would never ask anything of the sort…" Another step forward. Lili backed away until she felt the wall halt her movement. Asuka stepped up closer, still smiling. ´I guess I should stop beating around the bush… Though I should've waited a bit longer, truly gain her trust and friendship but… I just cant contain this anymore.´
"Lili…"
"A-Asuka..?! What are you doi- Mmph!"
Asuka caught Lili´s lips, clumsily but hungrily in a kiss that was hot to the touch, a touch that took root down Asuka´s back in a rippling pleasure. The sweet taste of Lili´s lipstick and the scent of her daily cleansing routine was overflowing, urging Asuka to keep on going.
Until she felt Lili push her back with great force. She stumbled backwards, desperate to regain balance when she felt a boot crashing into her stomach, knocking her down upon the cold, hard floor. Dazed, she look up in bewilderment to see Lili glare back at her, her visage a mixture of anger and horror.
"Qu'est-ce que l'enfer! H-how, how DARE you, Asuka Kazama?! That's what you were after?! Prostituée! I knew it was a mistake to accept your offer! All this time, you've lusted after me huh?! I am not some sick…" She paused in her anger, as if to find the right word. But in her rage, she ignored all formalities, her pride as a girl of nobility. "Some sick dyke! Disgusting!" Grabbing her bag, Lili stormed out of the building with hasty steps, and already calling Sebastian.
Asuka stormed out after her, astounded and confused with a heart that was nearly shattering into millions of fragments. Everything had happened so fast that she wasn't even sure what had happened. All she knew was that her tear ducts was ready to burst and that Lili had vanished.
"Lili…? LILI!"
Her fists clenched tightly, her sinews tightening something fierce. Anger and confusion engulfed her, slowly escaping the cracks. When she felt the first tear run down her cheek, down to the ground, she voiced her emotions, loud and clear.
"Lili wa baka yaro!"
::::
The evening sun slowly passed, dragging the darkness of night behind it as the hours passed. A glass of water, half-empty, stood on the desk right next to Asuka who stared right in front of her. She sighed deeply, reaching for the glass to take a sip. Her screaming rage had left her throat slightly sore and dry, and the depression had kicked in to leave her broken and unmotivated for anything.
She thought back to that moment. That one moment of bliss and happiness she had felt when she embraced Lili, and how just as quick it had turned into a nightmare; a horrific wakeup call of realization, of fear.
"Damn it…" She muttered. "Damn it! DAMN IT!" Her fists slammed into the wooden desk, knocking the glass over by the force. "Why did it have to happen?! If only I hadn't been so careless! If only I had waited a little longer!" Her shoulders slumped down, her head hung lifelessly between them. She felt her tears slowly returning, but made no effort on wiping them away.
"Sick dyke huh… I suppose it was too much to expect you be the same as me…"
She slowly raised her head, staring at the hotel window.
"No. No I wont give up. Not when I finally have found you." In a fluid motion, Asuka got up from her seat, slamming her left fist into her right palm. "I wont give up, if I so have to beat you in order to make you see." Quickly wiping her eyes from tears, Asuka spun around, ready to find Lili. Fortunately, she knew which hotel Lili stayed on, thanks to their earlier discussions. It would be a breeze.
´Lili, you idiot! No matter how you feel, running away is not how you handle it! You're a fighter right? Then show me your backbone!´
She walked with quick steps, determination burning in her eyes as she pushed her way through the crowds of people that was still out. The darkness had now fallen over the sky, and Lili´s hotel was just in sight. The brunette grinned.
´Just you wait Emilie de Rochefort! I don't know what game you are playing, but it ends here! Who are you to run away from conflicts?! Face them like the fighter you are! I- Huh?´
She stopped in her tracks in the middle of a crowd of people, staring in puzzlement at the sight she caught by the corner of her eye. She recognized Lili´s long, blonde hair anyway, but the rest of her was not what Lili would be wearing; the top of the head was hidden under a baggy newsboy cap of black colour, whilst the rest of the outfit consisted of baggy cargo pants and a puffy jacket. It could've been anyone, but the small glimpse Asuka had managed to catch of the girls face as well was clear; it had to be Lili. The way the jacket had its collars up, and the cap was pulled down indicated that she didn't wish to be recognized.
´There's no way.. That couldn't be Lili right? What would she need to be in disguise for? She has never… No, I need to confirm this. I wont let you escape, damn it!´
The hazel eyes kept staring at the girl, her feet keeping up with her while at the same time keeping Asuka a good distance away to avoid being detected. Her suspicions grew by the minute as she followed the girl through the streets, even more so when the girl began to take routes through alleys. Dark alleys.
The shadows would help her keep her hidden as she pursued the girl till her destination.
Finally, the pursuit had reached its purpose. Hiding behind a wall, she could see that the girl ventured into one of Kyoto's "underground" clubs. A gay underground club. Asuka knew of that one; she had been there a few times, it was the perfect spot to pick up one-night-stands of the same gender. As soon as the girl went past the doorway, she hurried over.
´If that really is Lili… then she better have a good explanation for this! That little hypocrite- …´
Her muscles stopped functioning as soon as she stepped inside. Frozen in shock and bewilderment, Asuka felt her eyes widening at the sight, and her heart missing a few beats.
She had been right. Underneath the tomboyish attire was Lili. Asuka could clearly see her face from the profile-angle she was presented, and there was no way she wouldn't recognize those eyes, and especially those lips. Those lips that she had tasted not too long ago, but had been rejected.
Those lips that was locked with another pair of lips. Lips that belonged to a girl who Asuka slowly identified as someone she had met before. Her eyes widened with horror as it dawned upon her, and when it did, her horror morphed into rage.
Lili de Rochefort, her object of affections since a long time, who not only had rejected her and called her a sick, disgusting lesbian, was now in a gay bar, making out with Miharu Hirano.
Her body trembled with animosity. With lungs filled with oxygen, she stomped her ground with all her force and let out her hatred, her rage in one powerful shout for the second time of the day.
"Hirano Miharu wa kono yaro!"
Cliffhanger! Yes, this is not the end, as some of you may have thought. But in the end, I decided against it and went with cutting it off here. But I promise, next one is the final chapter!
Hope you enjoyed it, and maybe drop a line on the review section. ^_^