By Eli-Kun

Disclaimers and warnings: I don't own anyone used in this fic. Capcom does. Standard disclaimers apply. There is yaoi in this. Don't read if you are offended by the idea of two males being a couple.

*Ken loves me! I can't believe it! He actually loves me.* Ryu thought happily as he looked at the blonde boy in his arms. He wanted to stay in this position for an eternity, if only Ken would stay still long enough. Everything just seemed so right at this moment. He started to run his fingers through the blonde hair. It was a wonder how soft and smooth it was.

"Ryu?" Ken suddenly said. Their embrace came to a quick stop. Brown eyes met darker brown eyes. The lighter eyes were serious but were also filled with a sense of joy. The darker eyes showed confusion.

"What is it?" Ryu asked.

"What now?" Ken asked in response.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, now we know we love each other. I mean I'm not sure what the next step is."

"Next step? I'm not quite following."

"You're so cute when you're confused."

"Don't change your own subject."

"Sorry. It's just that..." He gulped. He seemed to be at a loss in figuring out what to say. Ryu was still confused. There was another uncomfortable silence between them. Ryu was slightly worried. Ken usually had no trouble finding something to say. He wondered if there was something bothering him, something to be afraid of.

*How could I tell Ryu what's on my mind when I can't even get my own thoughts organized? I'm in love with him. He loves me. We've already established that. Now I can't even finish my own damn sentences. That look he's giving me isn't helping. he seems concerned bordering on upset. Say something quick!* Ken thought.

"There's nothing wrong, Ryu. It's just that..." Ken said. He stalled again. When they declared their love for each other it had a certain signifigance. He wanted Ryu to realize it. He wanted him to understand the change that has come between them. The problem was that he didn't really understand everything.

"Ken, what is it you're having so much trouble saying?" Ryu asked. Ken gulped again.

"I...I don't want to be your friend." Ken said bluntly. Ryu showed shock, which turned to dismay. He lowered his head and turned away.

*I'm such an idiot. That wasn't the right thing to say.* Ken thought, as he noticed the hurt look Ryu gave.

"But I thought you loved me." Ryu said softly. He couldn't control the tremor in his voice. He started to walk away.

"Ryu, wait!" Ken called to him. He took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I do love you" Ken said, "Look Ryu, I didn't mean to say anything to hurt you. I'm sorry." Ryu continued to stare downward.

"If you love me then, why don't you want me to be your friend anymore?" he asked in a confused, choked voice.

"I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was, I meant..I can't figure out how to say thing."

"What?"

"It's just that..."

"Will you stop teasing me and tell me what you're trying to say?"

"I'm not teasing you. I'd have more fun if I was. I don't want to just be your friend. I...I..." Ryu started to clench his fists, despite the fact that Ken was still holding his hand. Ken winced.

"Will you stop toying with my emotion?" Ryu asked, frustrated.

"I'm not." Ken said softly.

"Then what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to tell you something but I keep stalling."

"What is so difficult for you to say? You already told me you love me. Are you suddenly changing your mind?"

"No."

"Then why don't you want to be my friend anymore?"

"I want something different."

"You want us to be enemies?"

"No way. I want us to be more than friends."

"We are. We're best friends."

"I know. I mean more than that."

"Huh? I don't get it."

"More, intimate."

"What do you mean?"

"Ryu, will you be my boyfriend?"

"What?"

"I'm asking you to be my boyfriend."

"I'm a boy and I'm your friend. What's your point?"

"I didn't mean it that way. maybe I've used the wrong words, ne koibito?"

"What exactly will this involve?"

"I'm not exactly sure. I've never had a boyfriend, or a girlfriend for that matter."

"Neither have I."

"Then again, I've never been in love before."

"Same here."

"So how about we both figuer this out together."

"What if something bad happens?"

"What if something good happens?"

"Sensei won't approve."

"So?"

"Do you have any idea what this could involve?"

"Well, there would be more kissing."

"That sounds good."

"And there could also be groping and maybe some day we could make love." Ryu looked at him skeptically. Ken grinned sheepishly.

"Maybe not." Ken added, "We're both too young. I'm not ready and I'm sure you're not ready either."

"I am tempted though" Ryu admitted with a nervous laugh.

"I wonder how we'd be able to date."

"What would you want with fruit?"

"Not that kind of date."

"Oh." Ryu blushed.

"You're so cute when you're confused."

"You said that already."

"I know. I had to repeat it. What were we talking about again?"

"You asked me to be your boyfriend."

"So, what's your answer?"

"I'm not sure. let me get this straight. You want us to be a couple?"

"Yes."

"But we're both male."

"So? We love each other. Nothing else matters."

"So, you want us to be a homosexual couple?"

"Well, yeah. So, what do you say?"

Ryu hesitated on this. He knew he loved Ken but he still wasn't sure how to answer him. At least he finally figured out what Ken was trying to tell him. He didn't want to be distracted from training. He didn't want to do something Gouken wouldn't approve of but Kens' presense brought out emotions which he never knew existed. It was as if Ken was the part of him which was missing previously. His mind couldn't grasp how he felt about Ken and how Ken felt. All he knew for certain was that Ken was important to him and that anything hurting him would be devastating. turning him down would certainly be painful. That was what gave him the answer he so desperately needed. It also helped that their hands were still linked.

"Sure, Ken. I'll be your boyfriend" Ryu finally said. He suddenly felt weak in the knees. Kens' reaction was unanticipated. His other arm was suddenly around Ryu and their lips were touching.

The kiss was tender and loving for something that came so quickly. This seemed to be how they were initiating their new relationship. The previous kisses were nothing compared to this. They were merely practice. This was the real thing. Ryu would have been thinking that if his mind was able to formulate coherent thoughts. At the moment he was too giddy for cogitating. Ken was in a similar condition. they both noticed something that caused the kiss to come to an abrupt halt.

A somewhat younger boy with medium brown hair was gaping at them. His eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open. Ryu glared at him. He knew the boy. He was friends with Ken. From what Ryu knew, the boy came from Hong kong. He would teach ken some things in chinese while Ken would teach him some things in english. So far, they both learned a few swear words. Ryu never liked the brat.

The younger boy closed his mouth. He blushed when he realized how long he had been staring at them. he bowed in apology.

"Hoshi-sempai, Masters-sempai, gomen nasai" he stammered. his voice was high-pitched from lack of maturity and shock. He quickly ran off embarassd and afraid due to the look Ryu gave him. Ken followed and called out to the boy.

"Dan, wait!"