A/N: After releasing the redone A-B-C Challenge with Yao and following up with an Anatomy of a Scene starring his OTPs, my editor and I discussed out of the women pitched who would he best match with? To come up with a more decisive answer, I had my editor write a scene with the final two women we considered that being Lei Fang and Momiji which are the two scenes you're about to see. Enjoy and share your thoughts on the pairings.
Lei Fang
'Well, there could be worse places for me to be,' Yao thought to himself.
He was correct in that assessment. Currently, the newly minted Sennin was strolling the streets of Beijing, the nicer area of the city. Why was he here instead of handling the store?
To celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival that came around every first weekend in June.
Boats of all sizes and designs sailed through the seas in a spectacle of showmanship or competition as viewers watched while eating rice dumplings and drinking regular wine. Today's atmosphere was one of leisure and happiness for everyone involved.
The same could be said for Yao and his companion, who invited him out this afternoon.
Locking arms with him throughout walking and watching from a nearby bridge was Lei Fang. She was having a great time if her visible body language alone and saucy eyes said anything. Her attire was also vibrant, dressed in a colorful Chinese cheongsam of white, green, and red with comfortable flats. Yao was glad she kept her usual hairstyle as it made her look elegant.
It's been close to two years since the two began seeing each other and their subsequent confessions. Yao made it no secret that Lei Fang was the woman he wanted for himself. Dating was anything but conventional during the two years as Lei Fang contemplated moving to Aberdeen. Yao quickly shot down the idea due to not wanting to uproot her life purely for a romance fling. Of course, Lei Fang countered that what they had was no fling. Fortunately, it went no further than that.
"Not bad for a snack," Yao commented on his food. "You usually come to these festivals."
"Yes, when school isn't bogging me down. This is one of the rare times when I don't have homework to beat my head over." She smiled. "But I'm glad you decided to come with me today."
Yao shrugged. "I figured this was too good to pass up, especially since you followed me up the mountain."
"And I thought you were going to mention my legs like always," Lei Fang remarked.
"Oh, I was. Then again, it wasn't a time for me to gawk at your stallion calves."
And who could blame the man? Lei Fang's dress made her legs stand out, almost rivaling a certain Interpol agent's despite being younger and not of the same build. Not that Yao minded one bit. She was her person and could hold her own if need be.
The day continued with the couple taking a pleasant stroll through a nearby park, arms interlocked with fingers clasped together. They looked like a glamour pair amongst everyone else though no eyes were on them. This was precisely was Yao was hoping for. A quiet date with his girlfriend with no worries of dealing with the supernatural or having to fight and defend either his or Lei Fang's honor.
Days like these were preferable.
"Uncle and Ren mentioned you before I left them," Yao broke the silence.
Lei Fang turned to him. "Really? What did they say?"
"Why I don't bring you around them more often. They've gotten so used to seeing you almost every week before you had to head back to school."
"Ah, so I'm rubbing off on them." Lei Fang huffed. "It feels as though all eyes have been on me since the tournament and the mess that happened afterward. Of course, I also had to settle some old scores."
Yao fought the urge to growl when she mentioned that word. Jann Lee caught wind of him and Lei Fang seeing each other and had to see it for himself. That was when a fight broke out between the two men, but not for Lei Fang's heart as Jann Lee could care less about the girl. Knowing that info, Yao made sure Jann Lee would never bother or humiliate his girlfriend again. Adding to the latter's pain, Yao made him apologize to Lei Fang for the constant mistreatment. Jann Lee did so, although grudgingly.
Lei Fang's handprint across his face served as a stern reminder.
"I hope you didn't go looking for him again," Yao said.
"No, silly. I told you, I'm done being that man's fool. He came looking for me and gave a decent apology. I took it at face value and ended it there." Lei Fang held her boyfriend tighter. "Besides, why worry about him when I have you?"
Yao gave her a coy expression. "So I'm your new boy toy? Where all your attention goes?"
"You weren't complaining when I finally told you of my feelings," she pointed out.
"Fair. But seriously, I'm glad that you put that pointless saga behind you. And I hope he did the same."
"Agreed. It was past time for me to move on to bigger and better things."
That was Yao's queue to put his plan into motion. "You took the words right out of my mouth, sweetheart."
Lei Fang raised an eyebrow. "What do you m-"
She couldn't finish her sentence as Yao's lips melded with her own as they stopped walking in the middle of the bridge. The sun had just set and gave a romantic setting that none could've predicted nor wanted to end so soon. Still in shock, Lei Fang slowly regained any semblance of thought before wrapping her arms around Yao's shoulders, bringing him closer to her body. He responded by tracing her curves, both hands shifting over her spine.
The kiss broke, Lei Fang's voice a mere whisper. "W-What was that for?"
"Other than the fact I love you?" Yao replied. "One, I wanted to savor these moments with you. And two, for us to take the next step in our relationship."
That statement caused Lei Fang's eyes to widen, though she couldn't comprehend exactly what those words meant. "You... you mean..."
With the swiftness he was known for, Yao quickly took his right hand and obtained a small black box from his back pocket. One flick of his thumb revealed a gorgeous diamond ring that nearly blinded Lei Fang. A startled gasp emerged from her as a single tear turned into numerous pouring down her face.
"Lei Fang, you are everything I ever wanted in a woman. Not just your outer beauty but also your ingenuity, elegance, and kindness toward me. Even more so, the fact that you saw past my shortcomings and didn't bat an eye. That meant more to me than anything in this world, even earning the title as a Sennin."
Yao bent down on one knee, his breath held inside his throat. "Lei Fang, will you grant me the honor of becoming my beautiful and loving wife?"
Two seconds passed before Lei Fang advanced on him and bear-hugged him with the strength of a thousand men. "Yes! Yes! I will!"
Happy as he could be (Despite the life being squeezed out of him), Yao returned her embrace and somehow didn't lose control of the box in his hand. That would've been a blunder that wouldn't go unnoticed, especially as the gathered crowd began applauding at the scene before them.
Separating, Yao carefully slipped the ring on his new fiance's ring finger, surprising Lei Fang as it fitted seamlessly. "How'd you know my ring size?"
"Hitomi told me when you both came to visit a few months ago. I'm just glad she didn't spoil the surprise, knowing how much of a talker she is," Yao commented on her bestie.
Lei Fang playfully slapped his shoulder. "Meanie. It's beautiful. Thank you, Yao. What made you decide to marry me?"
"There was no other woman on this earth that deserves my love other than you." Yao stood up with Lei Fang holding his hand. "Come on, we can call our friends and family about the news."
Before they left, Lei Fang gave him another kiss, one she didn't dare let go of for some time.
Silence.
Nothing could be heard save for the quiet ticking of a clock and the crickets outside. Nightfall had already enveloped the area, the half-moon serving as the only light source.
Yao stood hunched over a motionless body over a soft mat within the ninja retreat. Ryu and Ayane were away on personal matters while Kasumi and Hayate roamed throughout the compound. While some assistance would be beneficial to speed up the healing process, Yao figured it would be best to do it himself and not bother anyone. Considering his patient, no one was better suited for this job.
In his tender care was Momiji, the Dragon Shrine Maiden. Injuries and bruises marred her entire body, some more gruesome than others. The bleeding at the temples had finally stopped. Still, Yao was running out of salve to treat the other facial blemishes. Broken bones were felt in the left arm and a few cracked ribs for her troubles. Not to mention the possible head trauma.
An angered growl almost left Yao at the one responsible for his companion's current state.
Flashback:
He had to hurry. Any more time wasted meant more death and destruction.
Those in Yao's way had the unfortunate task of stopping them. None were successful though they were spared death. Some thought he was too forgiving for letting them live, but he cared not for others' opinions at the moment.
There was too much going on and everything at stake.
Ryu had his hands full with Genra, even with Hayate helping him out. Ayane went through a hellacious battle with her adopted father that left the young ninja emotionally taxed. Kasumi was nowhere to be found but still contributed to the mission in her way.
None of them worried him more than the lesser-known kunoichi.
Yao's speed increased to inhumane levels due to the limiters off his person. They were only going to slow him down. He ran faster to reach his intended destination and did so. The sight before him was nothing short of a horror show.
Christie, whom Yao loathed with a passion, had her boot heel atop the skull of her latest target. Though it wasn't the person initially tagged by her client, the payout for this capture or execution would be extravagant. And one could see why.
Momiji was unconscious while sprawled out, bleeding from different body parts. None worse than from her mouth and temples. Her outfit was badly torn as well.
"Well, well," Christie smirked deviously as Yao arrived. "Look who decided to join us."
"Why did I know you would show your face, Christie?"
"You know me so well, handsome," the assassin replied. "Funny how things turn out sometimes. I don't know why it took me so long to realize that taking down this girl would bring you to me. Two for the price of one."
Christie grounded her heel into Momiji's skull to further prove her point. "A shame she couldn't match her looks with my skill. So much for being a ninja. Even Kasumi and Ayane put up better resistance against me."
Yao glared daggers at her. "Let Momiji go. NOW."
Christie showed a mock pout. "And what will you do if I don't?"
Trudging forward, Yao prepared to wipe the smug look on her face but stopped as Christie quickly grabbed Momiji up by the hair and held her at gunpoint. "Come any closer, and your girlfriend dies here."
Despite having his limiters off his person, Yao couldn't bring himself to endanger Momiji's life than he already had. He cursed to himself for not getting here in time. If he had, perhaps Christie wouldn't have the upper hand to exploit at his expense.
"You can make this much easier on yourself, you know," Christie spoke again. "Surrender, and she'll live. Simple as that."
"Obviously, you're forgetting who you're dealing with," Yao shot back, mindful of another guest approaching their location.
"Of course, the new Sennin who's name has made the rounds around all inner circles. But tell me, Yao." She put the gun directly against Momiji's head as the girl winced in discomfort despite not waking. "Is that title and power worth more than her?"
Yao went silent... as rage bubbled to the surface.
That scarring memory caused Yao to stop his treatment and rack his brain for how he rescued Momiji from Christie's clutches. It still amazed him how everything played out so fast, yet agonizing slow.
Kasumi had teleported out of nowhere and managed to get the gun out of Christie's grasps without risking Momiji's safety. That lightning-quick response enabled Yao to make his move as he charged forward and began dismantling Christie with deadly precision. Each strike rendered the assassin extremely vulnerable. And with no backup to speak of, Christie stood no chance of withstanding Yao's assault before eventually succumbing.
Yao thanked Kasumi for her help and offered to take Momiji back to the ninja grounds himself as the others dealt with Genra. He didn't bother asking about what to do with Christie as she hastily made her retreat after failing her objective. Both Kasumi and Yao knew it wouldn't be the last they would see of her.
Back to the task at hand, Yao unraveled more bandages and prepared to apply them to Momiji's torso, which took a beating due to Christie's snake-like strikes. Before he could carefully tape the damage...
A hand with a vice-like grip had gotten hold of Yao's wrist... that hand belonged to Momiji.
"Woah! Settle down," Yao said, clearly taken aback.
"If you wanted to see me naked, you should've said so, Yao." Momiji's eyes opened, faint amusement across her expression despite the apparent pain racking her body. "Where am I?"
"Back at the compound. Master Ryu ordered me to bring you here after seeing your condition. Christie managed to break a few bones and ribs."
Momiji frowned at that knowledge as that woman continued to be a nuisance against the ninjas and Yao himself. Had she not grown overconfident and careless, their battle could've had a different outcome.
"That woman..." she muttered in disdain."
"Hey." Yao's voice sounded gentle. "Don't worry about her. I'm positive you'll get a rematch. For now, you need to rest."
"I find it funny that you of all people are telling me to rest."
Yao raised an eyebrow. "Well, what goes around, comes around."
"Fair enough." Momiji went silent. "How long was I out?"
"Only since yesterday. I did all I could with what you guys had here for medicine. Most of it is the same as I have at the store."
"Oh, I see..." was all Momiji could say afterward.
Yao could see she was still in thought, possibly upset with herself for letting Christie have her way, including almost taking her life.
"You sure you're ok?" Yao asked.
Momiji slowly stared into her savior's eyes. She became entranced, almost lost in looking into his focused yet gentle gaze. Here he was, the man she had hoped to become closer to in more ways than one. There wasn't any competition for him that she had to worry about. Yet, it was Momiji's own doubt that hindered her.
Until this moment.
Gingerly, Momiji sat up into a sitting position with Yao's assistance. She used that leverage to gain an advantage for her next move. One Yao didn't react to in time.
Taking her hand, Momiji began caressing his face, Yao turning red instantly. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing, Yao?" Momiji retorted.
"But-"
Momiji placed a finger over his mouth. "No more talking. Just let me do this. Please."
With that, the Dragon Shrine Maiden brought Yao's face closer to hers as they met in a gentle kiss. It took him completely by surprise, but he wasn't going to complain either. Yao always wondered what it would've been like to kiss this woman. No longer was she a mere girl in his eyes. The kiss they were sharing destroyed that notion in a heartbeat.
Yao could do nothing but continue in this bliss, taking the time to massage her lips. Momiji felt his action against her and smiled internally, her hands shifting down to his neck to hold him still. In response, Yao carefully placed his hands on her delicate hips, mindful of the bandages covering them. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they separated for air.
"You knew?" Momiji asked, her breath coming out in light pants.
"Somewhat, but what you just did confirmed my suspicions," Yao replied. "I'm sorry for not getting there sooner."
Momiji smiled. "Don't be. You saved my life, Yao. And I'll forever be grateful for your selfless deed."
Yao returned her affections. "Of course. Is there anything else you need from me? I don't want to keep you up as you need to lay down."
"There is something I require from you." Momiji took a considerable risk and discarded Yao's shirt, his bare chest exposed to her inexperienced eyes. "Stay with me tonight. I know you don't want to hurt me. But my desire craves you, Yao." She moved within inches of his mouth again, her following words husky with emotion. "Make love to me..."