Pairing: Raven / Tatyana (Master Raven)
Verse: Tekken
Relationship: Family (Until it reaches the end)
Additional Comment: I had this saved on my laptop for the longest as I'm in the process of rewriting Dark Desire. I edited and changed a few things around.
Manhattan, NY:
The world's recovery lasted eight years, every revolution around the sun healing each scar. Even now, Raven held disdain for Jin, though he had to admit he had genuinely changed for the better. After ridding the world of Kazuya, his sudden marriage to Xiaoyu and turning himself in served as proof.
Raven's thoughts dissipated at the sound of sheer laughter. He craned his neck and noticed two kids, a girl in her preteens with a six-year-old boy on her back in what looked to be a piggyback game. Both children were draped in winter coats and insulated thermals to stay comfortable amidst the current temperature. Raven slowly got up from his bench spot, bracing himself as the girl clumsily rammed into his sternum.
"Sorry, Dad!" the girl apologized. "Marcus is heavy."
"Am not!" the younger boy rebuked.
Marcus began bouncing on his sibling's back, adding to her discomfort before they fell to the snowy ground in a heap. The kids then started throwing failed snowballs, more like rubbing it in the other's hair.
Their father merely shook his head. "So silly, both of you. It wouldn't surprise me if you kept this up for the entirety of the day. You probably left your mother by her lonesome."
"They're just kids, Raven. Let them enjoy their youth," a warm voice sounded.
All three looked to see a welcoming sight. Dressed in a long charcoal coat and the same colored boots was Tatyana, hands firmly inside the coat pockets. She showed a sweet smile at the scene in front of her - their family.
Though making an excellent observation, Raven knew better that the kids wouldn't venture too far away. Tatyana loomed as the proverbial protective mother, never diminishing in her growing time as an agent.
"Besides, they couldn't get lost even if they tried." Tatyana ruffled Carla's hair before approaching Raven. "We should get going. The storm's coming through in a few hours."
"But mama, I want to see more snow!" Marcus protested, infatuated with icy precipitation.
His father gave a hearty chuckle. "You can see that from inside where it's warm, son. What do you say we have your favorite cookies when we get home?"
"YEAH!" Both kids cheered before tearing off toward the bus stop, leaving the two longtime ninjas alone.
Tatyana sauntered over to her husband of eight years, the same loving stare holding his eyes. "Everything ok?"
He enveloped her in a gentle embrace. "I believe so. The world is at peace, and I have you and the kids." Raven then softly kissed his spouse. "Seems like the perfect life to me."
His wife smirked. "I can attest to that."
Lacing their fingers together, Raven and Tatyana joined their children at the bus stop as they waited for the next scheduled ride. Raven didn't bother turning back to the statue.
'Never did I ever picture having this kind of life,' Raven lamented as their transportation screeched to a halt. 'And I don't intend on wasting this opportunity.'
Raven & Tatyana's Home:
Woodchucks splintered and cracked from the engulfing heat warming the now cozy condo, a sharp contrast from winter's frigid chill outdoors. True to his word, Raven and Marcus sat together munching on a batch of cookies Tatyana baked a few days ago. The father and son shared many similarities, including a sweet tooth.
Meanwhile, Tatyana wound her hands through Carla's scalp inside the guest bathroom, undoing the braids to let her daughter's hair down until the spring season. Ebony strands littered the bathroom floor as Carla did her best to ignore the constant pulling and tugging against her skull. She voiced no complaint knowing there were worse places to end up - as a potential orphan.
Flashback: UN Medical Center
Tatyana quickly passed through the doors leading to the infirmary. Her pace slowed after making sure no one was run over. She couldn't help it, though; the girl she saved earlier was in bad shape, both legs severely injured after being pinned under that slab of concrete.
Suddenly, Tatyana unceremoniously bumped into an unsuspecting patron, sending both to the floor. It was Tyra who absorbed the brunt of the collision.
"Sorry about that." Tatyana quickly apologized and helped her subordinate to her feet.
"No need for an apology. I have some info on our new guest," Tyra responded.
"Indulge me."
Tyra opened a folder containing everything on their casualty. "Name's Carla, four years old born in Queens. Mother taught math and science in the Manhattan area while her dad owned an insurance business. Sadly, both died just before you rescued Carla from the debris."
Sadness overcame Tatyana. She just saved the girl that had nothing left: no siblings, family, nothing. All she had were the torn, tattered clothes on her back. At that moment, the ebony woman made a sound decision.
"Is she awake?" Tatyana inquired.
"Yes, but what are you going to do?" Tyra asked.
Tatyana handed the file back to her subordinate. "I'm going to speak with Carla in private. No one comes in that room until I'm finished. In the meantime, I need you to call child protection services."
Tyra's look was one of horror. "Ma'am, you're not thinking of-"
"God no, that's not in the girl's best interest. I don't want someone like Carla ending up on the streets, which is why I need you to tell them what I intend to do." Tatyana began walking towards Carla's room.
"That is?" Tyra's question caught her boss's ear.
"The right thing," Tatyana stated aloud.
Patient Room:
Truthfully, Tatyana never liked hospitals as they reeked of that awful smell intermixed with the stench of illness and death. At the same time, this place had spared Raven from that very fate. She stopped at the door and pondered how to approach this fragile dilemma; no doubt the girl will be scared and fearful of what may happen to her.
Gently pushing the door open, Tatyana poked her head in to see Carla whimpering, knees huddled close to her chest. She was understandably a wreck; her whole world ripped from her tiny hands.
'She reminds me of myself at a much younger age.' Tatyana regretfully thought while taking a spot next to the frightened child, her voice gentle. "Carla?"
The young girl peeked from under her arms to make out Tatyana's face, lowering her legs in a sitting position, tears streaking her youthful features. "Y- You're the one who saved me."
Tatyana nodded. "The doctors told me you'll make a healthy recovery in a few weeks. Thank goodness you can still walk." She viewed Carla's face. "Your facial bruises are healing."
Carla touched her face, suffering nasty scratches but nothing to be considered severe.
"How did you end up back there?" Tatyana asked.
"I- I was walking with my parents from school," the girl began. "They held my hands and were so happy after I passed my spelling test. Daddy said he would buy me a new doll. Then, then..." The sobs return as Carla relived the horrid memory. "Someone shot them!"
She cried even harder, becoming another victim in this war of carnage. Tatyana then did what the next best option was. Carefully, the ebony ninja pulled the small girl in a loving embrace, running a caring hand over Carla's head to soothe her fragile state of mind. A notion then popped into Tatyana's mind. Carla mentioned that her parents died by gunfire. Is it possible that...
"I'm so sorry, Carla. No child deserves any of this," Tatyana told her, reverting back to her earlier assumptions. 'If that's the case, Nina needs to be locked away for good.'
Carla continued crying for an extensive period. Tatyana understood the girl had nowhere else to go and no other relatives to take her in. It reminded her of her stained past as a child.
Sniffling, Carla asked her savior, "What's going to happen to me? Will I be alone?"
"Not if I can help it," Tatyana stated before staring deep into the child's eyes. "Listen to me very carefully, Carla. I have no intention of putting you in an orphanage. A child like you needs nurturing in a stable home."
"But I have no place to go." Carla protested.
"That's why I wanted to ask your permission." Tatyana could already feel herself growing attached as she softly grasped the child's hands in her own. "Carla, would you like to stay with me, as my adoptive daughter?"
Carla was rendered speechless, unable to say even a single word. Tatyana's selfless act to save her from death had such a profound effect on her mind. It made the decision more comfortable.
"C- can I... call you mommy?" Carla timidly asked.
Tatyana's smile told the entire story. "You certainly may."
Despite new tears forming, Carla smiled and hugged her new mother, ecstatic she won't stay in the nearest orphanage. Her parents' death will haunt her in the short term, but having someone fill the void would greatly help. They held each other for what seemed like hours.
Both backed away as Tatyana spoke. "I'll go fill out some paperwork and gain full custody of you. Then, we'll go shopping, and I'll introduce you to my friend. Sound good?"
"Yes, mommy," answered Carla. "Can I have another hug?"
No answer was needed. Tatyana hugged Carla again. She could get used to being called mommy.
"Mom?"
Tatyana shook out of her reverie after hearing her name, realizing she stopped moving in Carla's hair. That day always replayed in her mind every so often.
Shortly after their conversation, Tatyana informed Raven and Dwight about her intentions to take Carla as her own and received alternating responses. Dwight stated his concerns for allowing the child to stay with his top agent, citing the challenges while still completing dangerous missions worldwide. He wasn't wrong, as both conglomerates refused to back down. Raven was a different story altogether, voicing that Carla would be safer with them than in any other place, particularly a shelter. He got to know Carla in the following days, and like his superior, warmed up to the girl rather quickly.
"Sorry," Tatyana apologized, eyes connecting with Carla's through the mirror. "Was thinking about something."
"Was it about me?" her daughter asked.
Putting the brush down, Tatyana obtained a scrunch to bunch the hair together. "The day I adopted you, and when you met your new father. Some of my fondest memories." She stepped back. "So, do you like it?"
Carla checked her puffy hair over. It was only temporary as Tatyana would relax it tomorrow. "I do." She turned to her parental figure. "Thanks, mom."
Tatyana kissed her daughter's forehead. "You're welcome. Go get ready for bed. I'm about to get your brother."
"Yes, ma'am."
They hugged one another before Carla exited the bathroom, leaving Tatyana to pick up the loose strands to throw in the trash. She flipped the light switch off and headed into the kitchen. Her two boys had seemingly devoured half the cookie batch she made, the younger one sporting a cheeky smile. Marcus was indeed the spitting image of his father, facial features in all.
"Young man." Tatyana placed a hand on her hip. "You know you're not supposed to have more than two cookies before bed."
"But I didn't, mom." Marcus defended himself. "Dad ate most of them."
Raven raised his hands in mock surrender after his son hung him out to dry. "Couldn't resist. Your desserts always hit the spot."
A devious grin formed on his wife's face. "Then guess who's helping me make more in the morning?"
The male ninja's face fell in defeat, knowing he wasn't going to get out of this one. "Yes, dear."
"Good." Tatyana's attention turned to their son. "As for you, it's way past your bedtime."
Marcus sulked. "Yes, mom."
Dejectedly, the boy dragged towards his room to change into his pajamas. Tatyana shook her head with a smile. She understood Marcus was a handful but could only imagine what he'll be like as a teenager. Two arms encircled her shapely hips, a sensible moan released as a pair of lips nibbled her sensitive ear.
Tatyana leaned into her husband's chest. "Don't think this excuses you out of cookie duty tomorrow, wise guy."
Raven pecked her cheek. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The couple moved into the living room to pass the time as the kids prepared for bed. Tatyana made herself comfortable between his legs underneath an electric blanket. Raven's attention honed on the mounted TV screen showing the news, his hands administering a deep massage to her back.
No further conflict flared in other parts of the world. Looking for trouble was a habit for Raven, remaining on edge even in his own home's comfort. Yet, nothing of concern appeared on the telecast like the days before tonight. These past eight years yielded unprecedented peace, something neither ninja thought possible.
Carla and Marcus brought a sense of pride and joy other than ensuring the world's safety. Raven envisioned parenting as challenging but was grateful Tatyana was learning alongside him. This was apparent after she found herself pregnant with Marcus following their abbreviated Jamaica honeymoon.
"Distracted, husband?" Tatyana murmured.
Raven halted his treatment to flex his fingers. "Sort of."
Tatyana changed her position and sat beside him, moving the blanket to cover herself and Raven before resting her head upon his shoulder. She pulled her left arm out, viewing the diamond ring Raven purchased, and subsequently asked for her hand. To this day, she'll be the first to say she didn't expect him to propose all those years ago.
Not that she would ever complain.
"You made me so happy that day, though I was certain Dwight would blow a gasket since we didn't tell him we were dating," Tatyana softly remarked. "Who else knew?"
"Tyra, Grant, Jackson, and Rodriguez all knew, but I made sure they kept it tight-lipped before I found the right ring. Rodriguez nearly spilled the beans, though," Raven explained before pausing. "I did consider what Master would think about all this."
Next week marked the anniversary of their beloved teacher's passing. Both Marcus and Carla haven't seen the grave marker but heard countless stories from Raven and Tatyana of their upbringing.
"He would've been proud, Raven," Tatyana told him with a caring smile, her hand on top of his own. "There's no doubt in my mind he approves what we've done in building the next generation of ninja within our clan. It helps that Carla is an eager learner. I want to begin training Marcus around May or June when school lets out for the summer." She then kissed him. "Also, I would like for us to try again..."
Raven's eyes widened. "What?"
A thoughtful look graced Tatyana, straddling him with a glint of mischief. "I'm asking if we can try for another baby."
Her request caught Raven by surprise, unable to say anything as she waited for a response.
"I... I'd welcome another child." Raven finally recovered. "Did you have any preference?"
"We can't control the gender, but I'll be happy either way." Tatyana then showed a sly grin. "But why wait a few years down the road? Hell, I don't think I want to wait a few months..." Her lips inched closer to Raven's ear. "Or even tomorrow."
She gnawed his earlobe, her body filled with an ember developing into a raging inferno whenever they were alone together like this. Over the years, their relationship blossomed into a kindred union. Their intimacy dwindled due to Carla and Marcus keeping the couple busy, added with traveling the world. Both thought about leaving the agency for good but knew it was a bad idea as another global threat could emerge. When the children wore themselves out like tonight, rendering the condo silent except for the swirling winds, Raven and Tatyana realized these chances came sporadically. The UN didn't need their services for the holidays, granting them some well deserved time off. The desire that consumed Raven and Tatyana a decade ago heightened in potency.
It was time to release some sexual frustration.
Raven's genuine smile gave his wife butterflies. "You make a good point. Are the kids asleep?"
"Eager as ever, I see," Tatyana joked with a sensual smirk. "I sent both of them to bed nearly an hour ago."
The ebony woman slid out of Raven's lap and off the couch. "Go check on them real quick. When you come upstairs..." she slid her hand underneath his chin, their eyes connecting. "I'm about to rock your world."
Tatyana sauntered past her husband, purposely swishing her hips on her way upstairs. Raven couldn't help but feel mesmerized at how she pushed his buttons at every turn. After powering off the TV, he ventured down the hall to check on their kids. Each was sound asleep in separate rooms, dreaming of Christmas after seeing various gifts under the tree. Raven then proceeded upstairs and entered their shared room, noticing the bathroom door closed before sitting at the bed's edge, waiting patiently for his lover.
His composure deserted him once the door opened.
Appearing in the middle of the doorway in a blood-red nightgown covering a lace black lingerie set was Tatyana, her long braids framing half her face. The dim lights did little to hide the building lust between husband and wife.
"Agent Raven," Tatyana purred while leaning against the wall, eyes twinkling in carnal passion while absently tracing a hand over her chest. "I require your assistance."
"How can I help you, Ms. Tatyana?" Raven went along with the role-play.
She turned around, fiddling with the sleepwear. "I seem to have a problem removing this gown. Could you assist me?"
Wordlessly, Raven pressed against Tatyana's back, inhaling a cherry perfume. He admired his lover's sumptuous curves before slipping her nightgown off, the fabric fluttering into a puddle around her feet.
"If earlier tonight was any indication," Raven whispered huskily in Tatyana's ear, making her knees weak. "It's best for me to begin our festivities."