Envy and Love Chapter Ch.1
By Ayame

Sakura suddenly noticed that someone was sitting in front of Ryu. "Who's this?" Sakura asked, looking up and down at Chun Li.

At first glance, Sakura had to admit Chun Li was PRETTY! Damn! And how she wanted her fine, long hair! Maybe that's why she felt so uneasy seeing her and Ryu together. But, she knew Ryu well enough to have hopes that he might not be interested in her at all. She also knew that Ryu had no interest in her either, but she can't stop following him for whatever reason it was! He was just soooooo darn attractive! Sakura felt confused of her feelings, but still kept her hopes high at the same time.

After hearing how Sakura asked the question, Chun Li couldn't help but feel a little hurt and offended. But since she was in a good mood, she decided to let it pass and put on a smile. "Hi, I'm Chun Li, you must be Sakura. Nice to meet you." Chun Li held out her hand.

(And she's so nice too! Argh! I have a baaad feeling..) Sakura shook her hand, even though she didn't want to. She immediately noticed how Chun Li was so likeable. She couldn't describe it. Even though she just said hi, she felt a tremendous amount of warm energy coming from her.

Ryu began talking. "Sakura, I'm very grateful and happy that you would want ME, to help you improve your fighting skills. But the reason I called you here isn't because I'm accepting you for a student."

"Yeah, I know. You're still a student, blahblahblah. I actually knew from the start that you wouldn't teach me. But I just wanted you to consider it! But I still don't understand your reason! Even if you are a student, you can still teach me! And you know what? You don't have to teach me!

We can just spar together! I'll just imitate what you do and learn by watching!"

Ryu sighed. "Sakura.."

"Please, Ryu-san?? Pleease?? What about if it were only two months? Just TWO MONTHS! I reeally really want to learn! Don't you understand? How would you feel if you were in my position?! Huh? So JUST please say yes!"

Chun Li saw how much Sakura wanted to learn, and she was amazed by her eagerness. It brought back so many memories of her past.

The days when she was so eager to get stronger, tougher so she can revenge for her father.

"Ryu.." Chun Li looked at him in the eye. "Why don't you train her?" She suggested. "I think it'd be a wonderful experience for you both. Look how eager she is! Like any warrior would be.. She has that spirit within her. Don't let it die! And you might even learn something out of this."

Sakura only nodded and looked at him with pleading eyes.

Ryu didn't say anything for a minute. He was weighing all the pros and cons in his mind, and with Chun Li on Sakura's side, it made him see the situation in a whole new perspective. Besides, it's only going to be two months..

"All right." Ryu said. "But only for two months."

Sakura began to jump up and down, gleeing happily. "WOOOHOOOO!!!!!" She bellowed. "YAYYYY!!! THANK YOU RYU-SENSEI!!!" Then Sakura threw herself in front of Ryu and squeezed him tightly.

Ryu managed to choke out. "Uh heh..Sakura..think you can loosen up your grip there?"

Sakura squeezed him for a few seconds longer and then let go. "Sorry! I was just so happy!"

Chun Li didn't say anything for the whole time. She was extremely happy for Sakura. Even for Ryu, so he wouldn't have to be alone so much anymore, but she was secretly hoping that someday, it would be her that would take his lonliness away. She forced a smile to stay put on her face. Somehow she was feeling a little envious of the relation that they had, and was frightened of it's potential. But what could she do about it? Ryu has no idea of how she feels, and he hasn't seen her in years! Just expressing it now, would reck what they have! Besides, he's probably been seeing Sakura at least, once a week, and it's so obvious that she likes him! Ryu can respond to her feelings anytime he wants too.

Sakura's attention reverted back to Chun Li. "Oh, um..thanks!" She said, calming down.

"You don't need to. I'm happy for you! And don't forget to put in all your effort into it! Ryu is a very strict teacher!" Chun Li winked at her.

"Of course!" (I could of misjudged her..oh well, I can't think of that right now. I'm too fired up about this whole training thing! ^_^)

Sakura left. Ryu and Chun Li were now together, alone..of course if other people in the cafe didn't count..

Chun Li looked at Ryu and beamed at him. "I hope you didn't mind that I stuck up for her."

"Chun Li... I would never be mad at you or anyone for sticking to their instincts. I admire hearing you standing up for what you believe in. That's what makes you so strong and vibrant."

Chun Li didn't feel anything after hearing his compliment, somewhere in her head she thinks he's overdoing the compliments. Other than that she had bigger worries..She wanted to make a big step to advance their relationship after seeing Sakura and him, but didn't know how. She felt so vulnerable and helpless right now! (Chun Li! Don't bury yourself in selfpity! Do something about him and you..!)

"Chun Li?" Ryu called to her.

Chun Li lifted her eyes and realized she was staring at the salt shaker long enough for Ryu to notice she was thinking about something else.

"Huh? Hehe, thanks! Hey Ryu? Want to go somewhere? I feel like putting my energy into good use!"

Ryu thought of the plans he had today, he had some, but they weren't important now.. "Sure. Where do you want to go?"

"Well..does ice-skating sound good? Or one on one basketball?"

Ryu tried to remember how to play basketball, and remember Ken's explanation of the rules. "I've seen Ken play that sport a few times.."

Chun Li's eyebrows lifted up. "Really? Have you played it before?"

Ryu shook his head. "Ryu! You're missing so much!"

Ryu just shrugged. "I didn't know you liked basketball.."

"I do, well, since you haven't played it yet, I'll show you how to, physically, so you can't just stand there and watch me!" She said mischievously, like there was some meaning behind it.

"All right, lead the way, my lady."

(My lady..I like that) Chun Li thought.