Sisters of Mine

It was the smell of hot, warm pancakes that brought her out of her sleepy state. It smelled sweet and her mind began to picture fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and a few slices of strawberry on the side. She could hear the faraway laughter of Dad and Ryo… She curled up tighter in the bed and pulled the sheets over her head. Later, she would join them but for now, she was just so exhausted for some reason. Her muscles refused to listen to her and though her stomach seemed to grumble loudly, nothing could pull her out of the warm bed.

As she embraced the pillow tighter, she thought she heard the faint voice of Robert and King. They were arguing about something but her mind was too tired to really comprehend what they were talking about. It was the sound of the door being thrown open and the voice of not her family that made her fall out of bed.

"Oi Sakazaki! Riiiiise and Shiiiine! Pancakes are ready!" she groaned in confusion. Who the hell was that?! The voice was both familiar and unfamiliar and as she pulled herself up from the ground she could not for the life her, comprehend who the hell she was looking at. Her mind felt foggy and her eyes were tired and a little puffy from all the crying that she had been doing recently.

"Joe Higashi?" she croaked out.

Her voice was dry and it hurt to talk a little but something just wasn't adding up. Why in the world was Joe in her house talking about pancakes… unless this wasn't her house but this was? She shakes her head and looks around the room. It was a small white room, a cabinet in the corner. There were no stuffed animals or pictures around the room, heck there wasn't a single object that was the colour pink in the whole room. She rubs her face in confusion and her mind desperately trying to make sense of what was going on.

"Hey, there sunshine! You going to join us or what!" came the loud, enthusiastic voice of Joe as Yuri continued to stare at him in confusion.

What the heck was going on here?!

"Joe, leave Yuri alone." came the tired voice of another unfamiliar person. She watches as a long blonde-haired man come into the room. He looks at the sleepy and confused girl and chuckles at her probably dumb looking expression and disheveled hair.

"Sorry about Joe but if you're not too tired breakfast is ready." he smiles at her as he puts Joe in a headlock and drags him out of the room. She manages to sit back on the bed and wonder what in the world she had been smoking or drinking. Did she just hallucinate Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi barging into her not room? This was not her room and those people were not her family.

And just like yesterday, the memories came rushing back to her like the bullet train dead set on making its destination. Mai and her devious plans, her cheesy escape plan, the mini-meltdown with her new friend Rock.

OH GOD… she stares blankly at the white walls and wonders if this was how every morning was going to be from now on. It's was like the Robert breakup fiasco was some sort of memory that refused to just sink in. Did she need to hire a group of people to infiltrate her mind and firmly plant the idea that she was indeed single.

It was the sound of her stomach grumbling loudly that brought her back to the present and she hears Joe outside complaining about Terry dragging him out of the room. She felt the same sinking feeling of shame at the pit of stomach appear again. These were the same people that she ran away from yesterday and now here she was about to join them for breakfast. For the first time in a long time, she stared down at her borrowed clothing and felt self-conscious. The clothes were too big and as she ran her hands through her long brown hair, she felt the tangles snap and break as she forcefully tried to tame the disheveled thing.

Oh god, I bet I have morning breath… I mean Ryo would always tease me about my bad breath in the morning! She breathes into the palm of her hand and gives it a sniff.

Well, it smells fine to me but what if I'm just used to my own stench?! Omg, okay we are just going to sneak into the washroom and freshen up.

She grabs her clothing from yesterday and sneaks out of the room. The door thankfully not creaky and when she opens it she sees the clean but simple apartment in the light. There was a beaten up brown couch that's seen better days, a coffee table and a tube tv. Her feet are silent on the laminated floor that seemed to be imitating wood. With the washroom so close by she slips in without anyone calling her name or possibly noticing her.

Once inside she debates on whether she ought to shower but then she'd have to take one of the towels and one of those had probably touched… her face heats up and her eyes widen at the stupid perverted train of thought. That she has to slap herself on the cheeks for being an absolute idiot. This time she really tries to focus on cleaning up and takes a look through the cabinets. The hairbrush from last night was still there, some toothbrushes and mouthwash.

How come in those movies or stories, the main character never has to worry about this stuff anyways?!

Yuri decides on just splashing her face with water and using the mouthwash. There was no way in hell that she was going to use one of the toothbrushes or even attempt to shower. She quickly runs the brush through her hair and slips into her clothing from yesterday. Which to be honest was not the cleanest nor was it the most appealing. You'd think Mai would have handed her something a bit more attractive especially since this was the operation love whatever mission. She drops the dirty clothes in the hamper in the corner of the washroom and decides it was time.

Stepping out of the washroom, she makes her way into the loud kitchen and sees Rock wearing an apron working over the stove top. At the table, she spotted the loud brunette Joe shoving a pile of pancakes into his mouth and Terry reading a newspaper while sipping from a mug. There was also another person sitting down at the table quietly eating and listening to Joe talk and eat at the same time.

Oh god. It was also Andy Bogard. This was legit the group of people she ditched and ran away from yesterday! What kind of sick and twisted luck did she even have?!

Terry spots her and gestures at the seat next to him. She nods and makes her way into the heart of the kitchen to join them. Andy keeps a watchful gaze and Joe loudly welcomes her to the group and continues talking about some hot girl he met last night.

Oh geez, there goes my plan of cooking for them in the morning.

When she sits down, her eyes lock onto the giant pile of pancakes in the middle of the table. All fear and hesitation gone. Her mouth salivates and as she slowly reaches out to grab some, a fork came out of nowhere, stabbed into the pile and disappeared from the middle of the table. Maybe she was a little slow this morning but as she looked to see the beautiful fluffy cakes being cut up by Joe.

My pancakes… that bastard! She blinks in confusion before her eyes narrow at the perpetrator. Also, the thoughts she had silently thought were not really silently thought. Because pancake thief gives her one of those victorious grins

"Sorry kid, ya snooze, ya lose!"

"You will pay for your crimes, you porcupine!" she growls at him as she slams her hands on the table and abruptly stands up. She was starving and this loud idiot needed to pay for his crimes against humanity!

"Who are you calling a porcupine! You little shrimp" Joe is also standing up and as Yuri is about to launch herself at the challenger. Joe seems to freeze up and she feels an ominous aura behind her, she turns around and sees the most terrifying expression she had ever seen.

Rock was behind her holding a plate of pancakes, the kiss the chef apron dirty from the batter he had most likely been mixing earlier. His eyes were dark as he scowled directly at Joe, almost daring him to challenge him to fight. The new plate of pancakes is set on the table loudly and Terry pauses to watch the scene.

"Yeah Joe, I'd apologize to Yuri if I were you." he gives a chuckle as Joe loudly gulps in fear for his life. He squeaks a quick apology to her and Yuri can't help smirk at the idiot for even trying to pick a fight with her.

"Joe...I swear to god if you don't share the food…" Rock's voice trails off but the ominous threat hangs in the air as he turns back around and walks back to the stove to finish up cooking. Joe let's out a sigh of relief as Yuri finally starts cutting the pancake and happily shoving food into her mouth. It was unladylike but who cares! There was some mumbling coming from Joe but she chooses to ignore him. Who knew Rock could even cook!

"Hey Yuri, sorry about Mai." came the sudden voice of Andy Bogard. She looks up mid-bite to see him looking at her. His blue eyes, sincere as his shoulders seem to sag in resignation and embarrassment from his girlfriend's actions. She puts the cutlery down and shrugs at the apology.

"I'm the one who asked for her help. So, it's not really her fault." she defends her friend. No matter how insane Mai's plan was. She did agree to go along with it. So, who was the real idiot in this situation? The idiot or the idiot who decided to follow and listen to Mai? Andy shakes his head disagreement.

"Yeah, I know but she can be a little..." Andy responds but is cut off by Joe.

"Batshit crazy?" which earns Joe a glare from Andy.

"Overzealous." finished Andy as he continued glaring at Joe, who was laughing nervously at his friends glare. That porcupine idiot just didn't know when to shut his mouth up.

"It's fine. I have to head back there today anyways." Yuri finishes her sentence and begins dreading her trip back to Mai's place. Not only would Mai be upset with her but the consequences would probably be even more absurd lessons that would drive her up the wall.

Yuri takes the moment to look around the room once more. Even though she was in a room filled with strangers, she didn't feel weird or unwelcome. On the contrary, it felt warm and cosy, there was something nice about the domestic scene playing out in front of her. Joe was still scarfing down food while talking to Andy who was quietly eating his meal. Terry was still reading his newspaper and then there was Rock turning off the stove top and removing his apron to finally join the group.

"So, what's the exact plan for today?" Rock grabs a chair across from her and begins cutting into the freshly made pancakes that he had brought to the table. Yuri pinches the bridge of her nose, irritated at the mess that she had somehow managed to create in the span of 2 days.

How in the world did I manage to run away from home, run away from my second home and now end up in the home of a stranger? Geez, I'm like some stray dog looking for love or direction.

"Well, I'll probably go to Mai's place to apologize, find King and then head home." It all, in theory, sounded simple. Except it was not so simple, there was Robert to deal with at home and what if Ryo had already killed him?

Yuri doesn't know whether to be glad or sad about that idea. She settled on 50/50 on her feelings about that.

She continues shoving more pancakes in her mouth while contemplating how in the world she would approach this issue. There was no choice but to just go and see how the situation would play out. But then again, her eyes wander back to Rock

"Alright, let's head out after breakfast." Rock reaches over and pours a bit more maple syrup on his pancakes. She wonders how in the world she had managed to make friends with this total stranger. It was all a mystery to her, the whole incident of things.

When breakfast finally comes to an end Yuri decides to help out by `doing the dishes.

"I'll do those Yuri, you and Rock head out," Terry says. She refuses to just mooch off their kindness and insists on helping them clean up. It seems that the great Terry Bogard does not like arguing with very determined women since he conceded and lets her continue washing.

Rock the mother hen of the place shoos Andy, Joe and Terry out of the kitchen. As he begins wiping down the table. She focuses on the running water and cleaning every speck of dirt on the plates that she doesn't notice Rock make his way towards her and begin drying the plates with a towel and setting them on the rack.

When she finally does notice him drying the plates, she chooses not to say anything and just enjoys the company. It really was nice here, it was like being at home. As they finish cleaning up the kitchen and head towards the door Andy offers to go with them. Just in case Mai decides to be unreasonable about everything.

Terry nods his head in the background and agrees that it sounds like a good idea. Joe was too entranced with the morning cartoons to give an opinion.

"I think it's a good idea," she looks at Rock and lets the weight of his words sink. It did seem like a good idea and even Terry agrees! having Andy there would mean that she would be able to get into Mai's good graces a lot easier with her hubby around.

"Would you really?" she finds herself asking without thinking to Andy. He gives a smile and laughs at her outburst.

"Yeah, trust me I know how eccentric she can be." she jumps up and down like a small kid.

Before they leave she runs back into the living room and thanks Terry for his hospitality and makes a mental note to come over with something as thanks. He gives her thumbs up and wishes her luck.

"Thanks, I'll need it!" she mutters and Terry just shakes his head at her response. Probably already familiar with how the kunoichi was like.

"Bye shrimp!" calls out Joe who still cannot even be bothered to look.

"Bye Porcupine head!" she replies back and walks back to the entrance where Rock and Andy were waiting for her. And so, it was decided that her human shiel…. Reacquainted friend Andy Bogard would also be coming along for the wild ride of dealing with the bouncy ninja.

As they walk outside, she takes the time to slow her pace and let Andy and Rock walk ahead. She tries and remembers the small talk that Mai and King would have made. What were they talking about? Why couldn't she just pay attention for once?

She gives up thinking about that and begins wondering how she was going to apologize. She begins mentally practicing them in her mind:

Hey Mai, sorry for running away like that and going missing.

Hey Mai, please forgive me! *dramatically falls to the ground begging*

I'M SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE ME MAI!

God, what if she never forgives me and never wants to train with me ever again. LIKE FRIEND OVER SAKAZAKI!

She tries to keep calm but there is nothing that she can do to stop the thoughts from flowing in. What if Mai was done with her just like Robert was? Because she was so immature and had a habit of doing the most ridiculous things.

While deep in concentration, she feels a hand rest on her shoulder. It breaks her train of thoughts and as she realizes that Rock is actually like her emotional rock right now.

"Relax and breathe," She really had to ask King why it seemed like people could pinpoint what she was thinking. Without a doubt, she probably had some sort of tell that tipped people off about her emotions. I

"That obvious?" she mutters as the blonde seems to just throw her a smile that would probably leave some girls swooning.

"Very," this time the response came from Andy, as the apartment was coming into view. He gives her one of those it will be okay looks.

"But what if she doesn't forgive me?! WHAT IF IT'S WE'RE OVER AND FRIEND OFF!" she rambles off to both men. Wondering if she sounded like a lunatic?

Andy sighs and realizes there was a reason that Yuri and Mai got along so well. At the heart of it, Yuri was also just as overzealous as Mai. Andy watches Yuri fidget and bite her lip nervously, he realizes just how terrified she was as he listened to her speak.

"Mai, is really important to me. I think her and King might be my best friends… Well, King by default is probably going to be my sister-in-law if Ryo can ever actually gather the courage and the money to do something about it. And well Mai, I've known her for an eternity and sure we don't talk every day and all but she's still one of my closest friends and…."

Her incoherent verbal diarrhea is cut short by Andy.

"Mai isn't the type to stay angry very long with the people she cares about. Just be sincere and I know for a fact that she feels the same way as you. She wouldn't offer to help you out like this if you were just anyone."

Yuri lets the words float around in her brain and she looks at Rock for help. His eyes meet hers and she feels the itching feeling in her feet to run away but it's his firm look that reminds her of last night's fiascos. That nothing was going to get fixed unless she did something, here were people willing to help her when they barely knew her.

"To be fair, she did tie you up and drag you out. I probably would have done the same thing" said Andy. Rock snorted and Yuri couldn't stop the giggle from escaping her lips. Just the image of Andy doing the same thing put some things into perspective.

Somehow, they were in the elevator and Yuri was trying to control her nerves. The elevator doors open and they make their way down the hallway towards the apartment at the end. It's Andy who steps forward and knocks on the door, there is some shuffling and to Yuri's surprise it is King who opens the door. But instead of the calm and collected expression on her face, there are traces of exhaustion all over it.

King's eyes had dark eye bags and her hair looked greasy from being unwashed. But the moment their eyes met, it widened in surprise before relief flooded in and replaced it. Yuri was unable to move from her spot behind Andy but could feel the slight nudge from Rock to move forward. She had to apologize to King for everything.

"Hey King, I came back to say sorr…" her words were cut short as she felt herself being pulled into a tight hug from the older woman. Yuri could feel the relief and exhaustion rolling off the form of King.

"Don't ever do that again, we were out looking for you everywhere." An image of King and Mai searching all night makes her stomach twist in pain. Yuri felt her eyes begin to sting with shame once more. She hugged King tightly and blubbered out incoherent sorrys over and over.

King pulls away and leads her into the room, to where Mai is angrily on the phone. Yuri watches the usually cheerful ninja pace back and forth by the window. Her hair was unkempt and there was an air of panic that seemed to cover her.

"What do you mean I have to wait 48 hours to file a missing's person report?! My friend is missing! No I will not calm down!" with that she slams the phone down and all Yuri could feel was her heart racing and her stomach churning. It was a weird seeing Mai so serious, in all honesty, it was weird not seeing her smile at all.

"Mai," the busty beauty, turns and meets her gaze. Mai's brown eyes are wide and just like King a variety of emotions flash through them: shock, relief and then finally anger. Mai turns away from Yuri and the room feels like it has dropped in temperature. It was odd receiving such a cold reception when she had all but prepared for dramatics and her agreeing to another insane love plan.

"Mai." Yuri tries again to call her name but Mai continues to stare out the window unmoving. Yuri's hand reaches out but she feels the rejection heavily and remembers Andy's advice on just being sincere. She takes a deep breath and lets the words flow out.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ran like that and I probably should have at least called to tell you I was okay. I don't know… I just panicked and I was so embarrassed. I didn't want to retell my pitiful story and I just ran"

Yuri bites her lip; her eyes fall to the ground unable to continue looking at Mai's figure. There was really no excuse she could give that Mai could accept because she was after all immature.

"I'm really grateful to have a friend like you. I know you had my best interest at heart but I don't think I'm ready for another relationship or to even go out looking." she feels her heart clench, the idea of looking for another person who could love her for being herself.

Her mind wanders back to the beautiful woman Robert was with and how strikingly different the blonde bombshell was in comparison to her very small brunette self. That woman was everything that she was not.

"I mean look at me… I'm not beautiful like you," she mutters quietly, the tears that were stinging the corner of her eyes now falling freely. The carpet was blurry but she kept her head down ashamed at all of the ruckus that she had caused.

She feels herself being pulled into a hug once more.

"Oh Yuri," Mai embraces the shaking girl and feels guilty for forcing her into her love plan so early. Yuri feels her nose was also getting stuffy and would probably have snot rolling down soon, so she stepped out of the hug and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. It was very unladylike but it got the message across to Mai.

"Mai you tied her up with Rope and dragged her out for lunch. I don't think you should be too hard on her." Andy who was watching the whole scene finally stepped forward. His arms crossed over his chest as he threw his girlfriend a knowing stare.

"ANDY! HOW? WHAT?" Mai is left without words and her eyes scan the room and spot Rock as well.

"ROCK IS ALSO HERE?" Mai was even more confused at what was going on but Andy waves it off and gestures to the bawling Sakazaki in the room. Mai's eyes soften at the girl, she couldn't stay mad at her for long.

"I'm sorry too, for forcing you to go through all of that. I just want you to be happy." Mai is serious and the regret is splayed all over her face. Yuri nods unable to form words. King appears beside her handing her a cup of water in hopes of Yuri being able to regain her speaking ability.

They all settle on the couch and Yuri finally calms down to explain the mystery of why Andy Bogard and Rock Howard were with her and how she ended up staying with Terry.

"You screamed at Kyo Kusanagi" Mai couldn't help but wheeze out the words as she clutched her sides from laughter.

Yuri, covered her eyes as her cheeks began burning from shame at the whole ordeal.

"Oh, I sense chemistry!" cooed Mai, Yuri could practically see the gears in Mai's head turning at the possibility.

"Shut up Mai!" Yuri said, trying her best to erase the memory of a smirking Kyo. Because in all honesty he was a good-looking guy but still he was taken and she wasn't a homewrecker.

King who was listening to the whole argument laughed as well. She would have to keep her eyes peeled for the Prince of Flames, who knows maybe there was a chance. But still some parts of Yuri's story were preposterous.

"Then you screamed at Rock and tried to punch him after helping you?" continues King and Yuri can only nod her head at all of the statements because she could not look at anyone without feeling like a total idiot.

"Thank you for taking care of her," King says to Rock who is standing close by. He tells her that it was nothing but King couldn't help but give a truly genuine smile at him. She was just glad that someone was kind enough to help Yuri during her time of crisis. King couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for pushing Yuri so much.

"Well, you should thank Terry properly when you get the chance." King reminds Yuri who finally stops covering her eyes and settles for avoiding eye contact with both Andy and Rock.

"Yeah, I plan too."

A silence settles over the room and Yuri feels the next subject, like a raging storm in the distance. Instead of waiting for it to arrive she jumps right into herself.

"I'm heading home today to speak to Ryo, I shouldn't have run away like that." Yuri feels her throat tightened at every word. An image of her family starving and dying flash before her eyes but she knows that it was her flair for dramatics are once again kicking in.

"Don't worry about it Yuri, I spoke to Ryo and told him that you needed space," King answers the statement and Yuri lets go of the breath that she had been holding. Thank god for King having her back! At least Ryo wasn't clueless about who she was with.

"Thanks but I need to go home eventually and besides..." Yuri trails off and glances at all the faces in the room.

Mai, King, Rock and Andy.

How in the world did she not talk to these people before? Well, she did talk to them but actually having a conversation. It felt like a breath of fresh air and yes there were bumps and some theatrics but overall, it felt like she had gained more through this experience. She would have to work harder at communicating and taking the time to talk to everyone more. Maybe she could get a cell phone? Speaking of cellphones, she really needed to go home.

"I miss Ryo and Dad." she finishes. It was the right thing to do, go home and sort out all of that crap. It would be unfair to everyone if she just kept dragging them into things that she could easily deal with if she just talked to the other person. Besides, they were her family if she couldn't talk to them who could she talk to?

Yuri stands up because it was time to finally head home. Mai nods in understanding as she stands up and pulls Yuri into a quick hug once more.

"Let's go shopping this week?" Yuri asks and the now cheerful brunette throws a million dollar smiles and promises to hold her to that request. Operation love whatever was still kind of a go but maybe they could take it at a slower pace.

King also steps forward glad that the two had made up and that it seemed like things were finally getting sorted out the right way.

"I'll go with you," says King.

Yuri is thankful that she has King on her side through this ordeal and begins making her way to the door. As she passes Andy, he reaches over and rustles her hair. There was something about Team Fatal Fury or maybe she should call them Team Wolf? Well, there was something about team wolf always treating her like a small pup.

"Good luck," he says as she pats her hair back into place. She gives him a triumphant smile because half the battle was won already. The last part, talking to her family would be the easiest.

"Have fun with Mai," she chirps right back at him. Andy's face goes red as Mai slides up next to him and embraces his arm. Shooting him heart eyes, it was so cute watching Mai being lovey-dovey.

Rock also steps forward finally speaks, "Do you want me to go with you?"

She remembers how he had promised to go with her deal with all her problems when she felt alone and scared last night. Yuri stares at his ruby eyes, he was sincere in his question and shakes her head in refusal. She had to do better so that he would stop worrying about her.

"There are something I have to do on my own and I have a secret weapon with me." she giggles and gestures to King. There was no way Ryo could stay mad at her if King was there to help reason with him. Another shiel…. Friend to help out haha.

He chuckles at her absurdness but he also he takes a moment to look at her. There is something different about her today. He wanted to go with her and see that asshole for himself but he would just have to settle with seeing that guy another day.

"Okay, but if you need me..." she nods her head in understanding. For some reason, she knew that if things ever got insane and shit hit the fan once more she could depend on Rock to help her out in a jam.

"I'll contact you," she promises and Rock accepts her answer. A part of her wishes that he would go with her but she knew that she needed to do this. She leans forward for a moment before stepping back, contemplating whether she should give Rock a hug or not. She feels the room get hot again as she wonders how to say goodbye, this was like last night all over again. Stupid hormones!

It's King walking out the door that breaks her train of thoughts, Yuri rushes after King while waving goodbye to everyone. She takes a quick at the group, well more like Rock before dashing off. She wanted to see them again soon, hell she wanted to make fun of Joe again.

As her and King walk down the streets of South Town in silence. It is King who breaks the silence.

"So, Rock Howard and Kyo Kusanagi, eh?" Yuri stops walking and stares at her friend as if she were insane.

No way in hell! Where in the world was this coming from?! Did King find out about her perverted thoughts?! She remembers Kyo's smirk and how she was absolutely convinced she was going to get kissed by Rock and the body parts that those towels have touched.

"No way! Did you hear anything I just said to Mai?" Yuri tries to control the octaves of her voice from rising in shock but King just laughs at her response. Shrugging at Yuri's question and waving her hand dismissively.

Yuri felt her cheeks burning again, is that what it looked like to people watching?!

The light conversation becomes heavy when she finally asks what happened to Robert. King was quiet for a while and Yuri was almost sure that Robert had definitely been killed by her brother and father.

"Ryo was livid and Takuma was ready to kill Robert,"

That was all King would say about the situation, Yuri knew that it was going to be one hell of a conversation the moment she got back.

It is the sight of the Dojo doors that removed all musings in her mind. She was home and it was time to face the music.

Guess who's posting again! I have no idea who is still reading this but to whoever still is, here is my new chapter! How will the conversation with Takuma and Ryo go?! only time will tell and I'm hoping to get a new chapter up soon. I definately plan on finishing this story, this year!