A/N: 2025.03.05
Been a LONG TIME! I hope you all enjoy! This also takes place after "Hearts & Fists – Promise Kept".
Hearts & Fists – Growing Hearts
After Ryu returned from training with the Mu no Ken, life returned to some normalcy. However, some things that had changed since Ryu's Mu no Ken training did stay the same. Sakura basically lived with Chun-Li and Ryu now, and Cammy came to China more often than not. Mei was still training with her friends but was enjoying being a child.
A couple of months after Ryu's return, Chun-Li and Ryu welcome their second son, Shanyuan, into the world. A month after Shanyuan was born, Chun-Li was already back to training, even having a sparring match with a visiting Cammy.
While Chun-Li and Cammy were fighting at a high-level, Cammy wasn't attacking as intensely as she could. However, Chun-Li was pushing herself as much as possible, despite it being a while since she trained in excess. After an exchange, Cammy landed a solid kick on Chun-Li's side, who moved back.
Smiling, Cammy caught her breath, "Wanna stop?"
"Yeah," Chun-Li exhaled. "Sorry. Guess I still need time to… to get back to normal."
"You just had another baby, Chun-Li. Some women take more time off."
Chun-Li smiled. "Some."
Cammy laughed.
They sat down on the porch and looked at the landscape.
"How have things been?" Cammy asked.
"Wonderful," Chun-Li answered. "Ryu's still his amazing self. Mei and Sakura are just the sweetest and Ms. Yu is heaven-sent." She paused for a moment. "But… there is… something I want your opinion about."
"Good or bad?"
"Good, I think. That's why I want to talk to you."
"Alright."
"It's about Li-Fen," Chun-Li said.
Cammy knew her instantly. About a year older than Mei, Li-Fen was another of the children Chun-Li trained, though Chun-Li had decided to scale down on that quite a bit with recent life changes. However, Chun-Li made some exceptions, especially since Mei and Li-Fen were best friends. More often than not, Li-Fen visited just to hang out Mei, and Sakura if she was at the house, with Li-Fen even spending the night a few times.
"Alright, she's good kid," Cammy replied. "What about her?"
Chun-Li paused. "Mei told me that she doesn't have any real family. She lives in a foster home. They allow her to come here to train and spend time because the home trusts me. The reason Li-Fen keeps coming by is because… she said she loves it here and it makes her feel at home."
Cammy smiled. "And you want to add one more kid to the family and you're worried about talking to Ryu."
"See how much you're my sister? You figured all that out and I didn't have to say anything."
Cammy giggled a bit. "How long have you been thinking about this?"
"A few months?" Chun-Li admitted, nervously. "Longer. Even before Ryu returned."
"Wow. I'm surprised you didn't tell me before."
"That's because before it was just a thought. Now… I'm seriously considering it."
"Do you think Li-Fen wants to?"
"I know she does," Chun-Li answered. "I overheard her and Mei talking one night, when Li-Fen spending the night for what was probably the twentieth time. Which I also took as a hint. When I heard them, it was all I could do to not cry."
Cammy sighed. "That's heavy. For a kid, especially. But, in my honest opinion, I think you should go for it. I think it's good for all parties involved."
Chun-Li smiled. "Thanks." She looked off. "Now… I just have to figure out how to talk Ryu about this. I don't know what to tell him."
"Wait. Why? Did something happen?"
"No, no. He's still nothing short of amazing. Yes, he's still learning but he's still amazing. Every day. But another kid? Another foster child? Just after Shanyuan? That's a lot. I know Ryu loves and adores Mei and she loves him, but… I don't know! Another foster child… that's different. Only reason I didn't worry about it with Mei is because Mei was already in my life for so long beforehand. He knew all about her and us. Another one? At this stage? That could be a lot for a man who's still getting used to having a single place to call home. Plus… I don't want him to lose himself just because of the things I want. I…" Chun-Li sighed. "I just… I don't want to overburden him."
Cammy studied Chun-Li for a moment, then smiled. "You're a very caring wife and mother. Your family is lucky."
Chun-Li felt some relief at that and gave a small grin. "Thanks."
"That being said, I think you're worrying way too much."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Epically so. This is Ryu we're talking about. Okay, at worst, he says he's not comfortable with the idea. I don't think that means he'll stop Li-Fen from coming over or encouraging all of you to have a close relationship with her. Just talk to Ryu and tell him how you honestly feel. Keep in mind, doing that is why you two got together in the first place."
Chun-Li laughed. "You're right." Her cell phone rang and she answered, "Hello?" She was quiet for a while. "Oh. Oh, okay. Yeah, give me a few minutes. I'll meet you." She giggled. "You're welcome. I'll call you back." She ended the call.
"Sakura?" Cammy smiled.
"She needs a ride somewhere and it's kinda urgent."
"Why doesn't she have a car yet?"
"She's saving up. She said she wants to do it herself."
Cammy sighed, "Why is that kid so damn admirable?"
Chun-Li laughed.
After Chun-Li left, Cammy was sitting outside, scrolling on her phone when Ryu returned from one of his training sessions.
Ryu smiled at Cammy, "Hey, Cammy!"
Cammy smiled and waved.
"Where's Chun-Li?"
"Sakura needed a ride. Chun-Li took the boys and Mei to pick her up."
Ryu nodded. "Hey, in case I don't say it enough, I really appreciate you being here for Chun-Li and us. It means a lot."
"Happy to be of service," Cammy saluted.
Ryu nodded again and was about to head inside.
"Hey, Ryu?"
Ryu stopped and looked at her, "Yeah?"
"Do you have a second?" Cammy asked.
"Sure." Ryu sat down across from her.
Cammy thought for a moment. "Listen, I'm not trying to get involved in yours and Chun-Li's business, marriage, or family…"
"You're one of the few people who absolutely has every right to get involved."
Cammy giggled, softly. "Thanks. I'm glad you're okay with it because, despite me saying all of that, that's exactly what I'm about to do."
Ryu chuckled a bit.
"Chun-Li was talking to me about Li-Fen."
"Mei's friend? What about her?"
"Well… Chun-Li said she's actually a foster kid. She… doesn't have a family. And… Chun-Li has been playing with the idea of adopting her."
Ryu blinked and jerked his head back. He looked off, "Why didn't Chun-Li tell me she was thinking about that?"
"She was…" Cammy sighed. "She was nervous about you would react."
Ryu looked at Cammy in shock. "She doesn't have to be afraid to tell me that."
"I know," Cammy smiled. "It's not that she's afraid. It's that she doesn't want to put too much on you. You mean the world to her. You know that big heart of hers. Mei already gets along with Li-Fen, apparently both girls think of Sakura as their 'big sis', but it's a big decision. There are already three kids here and…"
"And since I haven't been here, Chun-Li didn't want to make a commitment without talking to me."
"She already felt guilty finding out you were having another boy without you."
Ryu chuckled.
"She was also worried about changing your life too much with another kid around here."
"Still worried about me," Ryu mused. "That sounds like Chun-Li."
"Doesn't it, though?" Cammy agreed. "Can I offer some advice? If I can risk one more overstep."
"You're the last person who needs to worry about that. Please."
Cammy nodded. "You're already an amazing father. Honestly, if anyone would've bet against you on that score, they'd lose the house. I know controlling the Mu no Ken and your training are important. I just think… the legacy you leave… will be one of a great fighter… and great father and husband. I know this can all be a lot. All of this is still new for you. But I fully believe you can handle it. You won't ever do this alone. I'll be back as soon as I can, as often as I can. I promise."
Ryu thought it over. "I just always want to be enough for Chun-Li and the kids. Yeah, I want to keep getting stronger and better, but… I can't even lie to myself. My life's mission goes beyond just being a fighter. I want to be strong enough for my family. If I succeed at the latter, even if it costs me the former… it'll be worth it."
Cammy's smile couldn't get any wider. "You're really making me believe that there are still men out there who are worth it."
Ryu laughed.
"I'm not going to tell you that you 'should' adopt Li-Fen. In no way, shape, or form is that my call. Not in the slightest! But just talk to Chun-Li and let her know that you are more than willing to talk about this."
"I will. Thanks, Cammy. You're a true friend."
"Well, I have to be. It's only fair I show the same friendship to you that you have to me."
"You're that friend, times a thousand," Ryu reassured.
That night, after dinner and everyone else was asleep, Ryu and Chun-Li were in their bedroom, getting ready for bed.
Ryu sat on the edge of the bed and looked at his wife. "Hey, Chun-Li?"
"Yeah?" Chun-Li asked.
"I… had a talk with Cammy today. About Li-Fen."
Chun-Li paused. She sighed. "She told you."
"She just wanted me to be aware."
Chun-Li decided to go ahead and take care of this now. She walked over and sat down next to him. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you first."
"It's okay." Ryu smiled. "When Cammy told me everything, I completely get why you were worried."
"I know you're doing the best you can. And, let me tell you, your best is amazing! You make me happy… you make this family happy. You're everything we need."
Ryu held his smile. He felt his heart warm up from that.
"I just…" Chun-Li paused. "…I feel something for Li-Fen. It's like when Mei came into my life when she was barely just out of being a toddler. It just felt right. Like it's the right thing to do."
"I understand. I really do. I've gotten to know Li-Fen a bit. She's a very sweet kid." Ryu looked up and exhaled. "She'll definitely bring some more hilarity around here."
Chun-Li paused, her eyes growing wider as she stared at Ryu. "She… will?"
"I mean…" Ryu looked at her, "if that's still what you want."
"Ryu…"
"I don't have any problem with this, Chun-Li. I really thank you for not wanting to make such a huge decision without me. That means more to me than you realize. But I can see how much this means to you."
Chun-Li's smile slowly grew as tears also formed. She sniffed. "Thank you."
Ryu nodded.
"Are you really sure about this?"
He shrugged, "It won't be easy… but I can see how strongly about this you feel. That's what matters."
"What you want matters, too," she reassured. "That's what I need you to understand, Ryu! You've done… so much for me! I don't even think you understand it."
Ryu smiled.
"I mean it!" Chun-Li giggled. "This home we've built… all we have… it's more than I ever thought I'd have out of life. I know life will always have its challenges. I just felt like this is me making so many decisions without you."
"But you didn't make a decision," Ryu countered. "It was something you were considering because you felt so strongly about it."
Chun-Li stopped. "I know. I just… I want this home… to be our home. Not just mine."
"It is our home. We're in this together. I love you, Chun-Li."
Chun-Li smiled and the tears started flowing. "I love you, too."
Ryu held his smile.
Chun-Li uttered a shuddered breath. "Uhh… Ms. Yu said she would be happy to start coming around more. To-to give Sakura a break. A-and us! Umm… I'll-I'll do more around the house. I'll just need your help. If-if that's okay."
"Chun-Li."
"Yes?"
Ryu kissed her.
After the kiss, Chun-Li smiled, immediately. "I love it when you shut me up like that."
Ryu chuckled. "I just wanted you to not panic."
"Not panic, shut me up, you just want to, I don't complain if you want to kiss me."
Ryu held his smile. "We can do this."
Chun-Li nodded. "Okay. As long as you're sure."
Ryu looked off. "It's funny. I always thought it would be Ken with a house full of children."
"Still could happen." Chun-Li rubbed his arm. "Keep training. I want this life with you… but you don't have to lose who you are."
"I know. That's one more reason why all of this is what I want… because you make it clear… you care about me in all my paths. That's why… I always want to make sure I'm worth this for you."
"You always have been. You always will be."
They kissed again. After the kiss, they stared at each other.
"We're crazy, aren't we?" Chun-Li laughed.
Ryu laughed, as well, "Insane." He smiled. "But I wouldn't change it."
"Neither would I." She studied him. "We can do this. We'll be fine."
"I hope so. I… hope I always get this right."
"It's us, Ryu. We're in this together. We can do it."
A/N: What did you guys think? To be clear, this is me officially bringing in Li-Fen to the "Hearts & Fists" universe. So, UPDATE! "Hearts & Fists III" is still being planned but it will have to wait until other things are done. I just really wanted to do another "Hearts & Fists" story and this story came to mind. Also, Shanyuan is a name of Chinese origin and it means mountain spring.