A/N: I know it's been a while, but still kicking and I'm still pushing this thing out.
Also, I claim no ownership of Street Fighter or any associated trademarks.
Ken's stamping his way down the halls of the head offices of Master's Hotel.
His brow creased in annoyance by the news he just received.
He doesn't break stride as he feels his phone vibrate.
Ken grabs it from one of the inner pockets of his Ferragamo suit.
It's a call from the front desk.
Hitting receive, "Yes," he answered in a short tone.
"Um," the attendant responded. Ken could feel them recoil through the phone, "Sorry Mr. Masters, but Mr. Hoshi is here. I directed him toward your office."
"Yeah, yeah," he said slightly more coolly, "sorry about snapping like that."
The front desk agent hung up without saying anything before Ken could even apologize.
Fuck, Ken thought to himself, that is not going to help my rep around here.
Ken had been anxious for days regarding his interview for Operations Director.
By all reports he had made a great account for himself in the interview and was more than qualified.
He did his best not to get his hopes up, but the more he thought about it the more liked the idea of moving up.
Which made it more disappointing when he was called among the tops executives this morning.
His father was among them and eyed Ken warily as it was said.
And it didn't help that most of the assembled executives seemed too gleeful with the news.
"It is with great regret we inform you Ken," the youngest executive said, who seemed to be remorseful, "that we've decided to purse other candidates. It is the opinion of this committee that your abilities are best utilized as Food and Beverage Manager."
Ken kept a good poker face as he was among them, but he left the board room with his fists clenched and a snarl on his lips.
He continued toward his office when his phone went off once more.
A text from a number not listed in his contacts but one that he recognized.
'I've been on her for this whole week. And she's done nothing to suggest she's into any dirt. She's gone by your officer friend's condo, a restaurant on 5th street, the gym and another apartment belonging to her younger friend that works at the previously mentioned restaurant. You said your friend is INTERPOL and she's saying Juri Han's clean as well. I can stay on her if you want, but whatever you think she's into she's not showing it. That tells me either she's really good at hiding it or she's clean. I'm leaning more towards her being clean.'
Great, more good news, Ken thought to himself.
'Keep on her', Ken messaged in response, 'I'm sure she's into something.'
Ken makes it back to his office but not before the phone goes off again.
The P.I had responded, 'It's your money.'
He puts his phone away as he enters his office.
His office was noticeable smaller than his father's but larger than most. It had the same-colored plush carpet, a large desk that had a phone and computer on top and filing cabinets on the far side wall.
There were two black chairs in front of his desk, one of them was occupied by his best friend and rival Ryu Hoshi.
Ryu was relaxed, leaning back in the chair. He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt tucked into light blue jeans with white walking shoes on his feet and his hands folded on his chest.
We need to take him shopping again.
His eyes were closed with a blissful smile and small dusting of red on his cheeks.
Whatever Ryu's thinking about has got him has him very inattentive as the brown-haired martial artist hasn't even noticed Ken entering the room.
He walks around to the black leather chair behind his desk and a mischievous smile makes its way across his lips.
He opens a desk drawer a decent amount then slams it shut abruptly, the action making an audible sound.
Ryu unloads a surprised yelp, practically jumping out of the chair.
Wide and panicked eyed, he bored his gaze on to Ken, whose has now gone from just smiling into full on laughing.
Ryu's features then morph into a look that says, 'what the hell', his eyebrows creasing.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," said Ken as he wiped tears from his eyes, an easy smile coming back to his face.
"Right," said Ryu, as he placed his hands in his lap, his face changing into his usual yet neutral expression. "I guess I should be more attentive if I'm to continue to be your personal security. Which is why I'm here. I'd like to discuss the terms of this position with you, Ken."
Ken's eyebrow shot up in curiosity, "You're not trying to juice me for a better salary, are you?" Ken asked jokingly.
"No, no of course not," Ryu responded as he shook his head, "the salary's more than generous Ken, it just doesn't feel like I'm earning my keep."
Ken leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "Ok, bud," Ken spoke, "what can we do to fix this?"
"I can report for more shifts," said Ryu, "five days a week."
Ken nods, smiling at his friend, "A negotiation, huh? Three days."
"Four," shot back Ryu.
"Three," responded Ken, "and you come visit us for Sunday dinner," he looks up as if contemplating something. Having completed his thought his eyes go back to Ryu, "Let's say twice a month."
Ryu lets out a sigh, "That as good as I'm going to get?"
"Not a bad deal if I say so myself," Ken said with a smile, as he opened his arms, shrugging.
Ryu nods at his long-time friend and rival. He then extends his arm out, offering a closed fist to Ken.
"More official than a handshake," said Ken, as he bumped Ryu's offered fist. "Moving on to other business, what had you so distracted when I walked in? That's so unlike you."
Ryu's cheeks start to flush once more, as he looks away from Ken. "I was thinking about the other night. I spent it with someone."
"Oh," said Ken in faux surprise.
But before Ken can flex his acting chops, Ryu responds "And before we go any further, I know that you know who I'm talking about."
"Juri Han," said Ken, trying not to let judgement seep into his tone.
It doesn't seem as if his attempt is barring any fruit as Ryu's eyebrow shoots up as if he's picking up on something.
It relaxes as he speaks once more "Chun-li told me you found out about us through a newspaper, that big tabloid you concern yourself with."
Ken knows that Ryu means no judgment or offense when he refers to the San Fransico Inquirer as a tabloid, (and on a lot of levels Ryu isn't wrong). Ryu spoke it as a matter of fact, like he's calling the sky blue or stating that fire burns.
It's pure vanity that Ken even pays attention to it.
He's even caught a few of their photographers' taking pictures of him and his family when he's out and about.
That doesn't stop a guilty feeling from creeping up his back.
Putting a private eye on Juri makes him feel as sleezy as the rag he spends too much time paying attention too.
He knows he can likely place trust in Juri. And who wouldn't keep things on the straight if they were facing what she was facing should she not.
But what if that trust is misplaced?
What if this is some kind of end game? What if there's something up her sleeve that can leaves those who've decided to trust her, namely Ryu and Chun-li, worse off?
Her being a former Shadaloo, and the suffering the people associated with that outfit have wrought just doesn't sit right with him.
But what does it say about him?
That he would use his resources at his disposal like this.
"I always told you underestimate how famous you are, Ryu," Ken said. "Anyway, are you going to share any of the details? Clearly it was a good night," he finished, clearly implicating more than what Ryu was saying.
Ryu's blushed once more, "It's not like that, Ken," he said hurriedly, "We didn't…" Ryu trailed off.
"Then what is it like," Ken asked, more than happy to let the conversation take his mind off things.
"I can't quite find words to describe it," Ryu began as a smile returned to his face.
Oh crap, Ken thought to himself, our boy's got it bad.
That doesn't help his guilt.
"She keeps me on my toes," Ryu continued, "she's got a very healthy sense of humor, she's uniquely beautiful in her own right but she's particularly alluring when she's smiling at me," he finished as his blush deepened.
"You think for sure she's changed," Ken asked, "I mean, you haven't known her long."
"It's true. We've only fought previously, but I do feel she's put a serious effort into reforming," Ryu responded, a pointed look coming on to his face at the question.
Damnit, Ken, he thought to himself, you're giving away the plot, letting this get to you.
"Is something on your mind, Ken," Ryu asked, his brown eyes boring directly into Ken's blues, "your ki is fluctuating like crazy."
Ken's heart rate picks up, he needs to think of something quick.
"I received some bad news regarding a possible promotion," said Ken.
Half truth's better than nothing, he thought.
"I was passed over and it's kind of eating at me to be honest," went Ken.
Ryu continues to size up his long-time friend, Ken beginning to feel smaller by the second under his gaze.
They're interrupted by Dalton Masters knocking on the door as he barged in, "Checking in on ya, kiddo," he went as he poked his head through the door. "Oh, Ryu," he then went recognizing the martial artist.
Ryu gets up from the seat, breaking eye contact with Ken.
"Mr. Masters," went Ryu, bowing slightly and reaching out his hand in greeting.
Dalton takes it, "Jesus Christ, Ryu," the C.E.O lightly chided with a smile on his face, "you're free and clear to call me Dalton."
Ken is very happy to have his father's interruption at this time.
He wasn't sure how much longer he would last under Ryu's withering stare.
"Sorry Dalton," said Ryu. "It's just a thing of respect."
"Still though, you're making me feel like an old man," said Dalton. He then looks to Ken," You holding up OK, Ken? I came to check up on because of what happen this morning, and one the front-end staff complained to his manager you snapped on him."
"Yeah," went Ken, "I'm fine."
"You are sure," Dalton added as he leaned back on the closed door, "looks like you and Ryu were having a serious discussion before I walked in."
I don't need two people on me like this, thought Ken as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I was just giving Ken a hard time about the security job he fixed me up with. I wanted to earn my way forward, you know," interjected Ryu.
Ryu shot him a look that said, 'we'll talk about this later.'
Ken was grateful for that, despite the situation.
Taking the bone he was thrown, Ken said, as he smiled weakly, "Yeah, see you tomorrow for your shift, three days a week going forward, right?"
"And two Sundays a month for dinner," Ryu reminded as he returned the smile.