When he sat down, it was as far away from Fuu as he could get. He liked it when she served him, but then she'd start to babble and get herself in trouble. He liked to watch her too, but if he stared at her too much, it attracted attention from the sleazy guys. Last time, a yakuza noticed and raised his eyebrows.

"She's a fine piece of work, ain't she?" Mugen had just shrugged.

"She's alright. Chiyo's more my type. She'll do anything for ya, if you just ask her." Luckily, it was the truth, and Chiyo had went home with the guy. He'd never looked twice at Fuu again. He often got guys away from her this way. Since Mugen looked like a yakuza himself, no one ever guessed that she was his girl, and he was protecting her. When he thought about anyone else laying their hands on Fuu, it put him in a killing mood.

He was wondering if he should order a drink or not, when he heard a woman's voice behind him.

"Hey, there." He turned around.

"Remember me?" Mugen smiled.

"How could I forget? You're that chick that wouldn't give me my nookie." She sat down. "That's me. The name's Yatsuha. I never really got yours, though." Suri interrupted.

"Can I get you anything?"

"I'd like to order a good strong sake for me and this guy." She poked Mugen's shoulder like they were old friends. When Suri left, Mugen looked at her.

"Name's Mugen."

"Well, Mugen. I hope you're a sake drinker, cuz I plan on sticking around until this place closes shop."

"Oh, yeah? I think I can handle it. The sun's comin' up in a couple of hours." She just laughed.

"Let's make 'em count."

"Yeah." Mugen looked over to where Fuu was, only to find her gone. His stomach clenched. Damn, what does this girl want with me? When the sake came, he drank it in two gulps like he hadn't puked his guts out a few hours ago. Yatsuha smiled at him.

"So, uh, didn't you have two earrings the last time I met you?" Mugen arched his eyebrow.

"What if I did? Kind of a weird thing for you to notice."

"Well, I liked them on you. Earrings are attractive on men. Did you lose the other one?"

"Who knows? In case you hadn't noticed the last time you met me, I fight hard."

"Mmm. Good too. Almost as good as me."

"Almost." Mugen smiled. Then he noticed Fuu plop down a bowl of udon in front of Yatsuha.

"Oh, thanks. I'll take another couple of sakes, too."

"No problem." Fuu's voice sounded brittle, like it would break any moment. Mugen gritted his teeth. She's gotta hate me right now.

"What about you, Mugen?"

"Uh, nothing, thanks." He waved her away like he didn't know her. Yatsuha ate a few spoonfuls of udon, and the smell of it, mixed with the sake churning in his belly, was making him sick again.

"That's weird." She said between bites.

"Eh?"

"That bartender girl. She's got an earring that looks just like yours. Same color and everything."

"Small world." Mugen shrugged.

"Not that small. I've never seen anything like that stone before." A sudden dizziness washed over Mugen.

"Look uh...I know I said I'd stay here, but I-"

"Whoa, you don't look so good. I thought you were a real sake drinker." She lay a cool hand on his forehead, and he flinched at her touch.

"You're burning up. Have you been sick?" Mugen sighed.

"Yeah. I should probably go." He stood up, but she caught his wrist. What was with this broad?

"Mugen, I still need to talk to you."

"What's there to talk about? Hey, I don't care that you never delivered. The money was bogus anyway."

"It's not about that. Let's get some fresh air, and I'll tell you about it." What Mugen really wanted to do was shove her away and run out of there, but she'd just keep hounding him until he let her talk.

"Alright. Let's go."

When they reached the door, he turned around real quick to see if he could spot Fuu. He did, and when he saw the look on her face, it made him want to tear his own heart out and stomp on it.