Hero of Heroes Ch. 10 - Promises
By Night

"Oh, that looks so cute on you!"

"You really think so???"

"It'll turn on the guys, THAT'S for sure..."

While looking through the men's section of the store, Ryu and Guy could overhear the three women in the women's section talking amongst each other. Guy walked over to Ryu and spoke softly. "When women are out together shopping like this, there's nothing known to exist that can stop them..."

"I... I see," Ryu nodded. He looked around through the various shirts, jackets and pants but found nothing of any particular interest.

"Can't find anything you like my friend?" Guy asked.

"I was never really into fashion... Clothing is for warmth."

Guy smiled. "I would've expected such an answer from you. It is indeed true that clothing is used to keep one's body from getting cold, but it can also make one attractive at the same time!"

"I suppose you are correct about that," Ryu replied. Chun-Li really did like how I looked in these clothes. Perhaps clothing really does show a person's character... Ryu continued to Guy, "But I really do not have a fashion sense..."

"Well, you seemed to have chosen very high quality articles on your first attempt. Try again! Perhaps you do have a good sense of fashion but just don't know it!"

Ryu continued to search throughout the rows of clothing and picked out a blue, reversible pullover coat. Ryu took off his jacket he was wearing and handed it to Guy. Looking into a tall mirror, Ryu pulled over the new item and unzipped it to where it stopped, showing a small portion of his white shirt underneath. "Hmmm... not bad..."

"Hey Ryu? What do you think of this..." Chun-Li ran over to Ryu holding a blue leotard up to her chest, but paused to look at what she saw, "Oh Ryu!!! That looks so cool!"

"You see my friend? You do have a great taste in clothing!" commented a smiling Guy.

"Wow... is this reversible?" asked Chun-Li as she examined Ryu's new coat, "Hey, it is! Please reverse it for me! I gotta see!"

"Okay okay!" Ryu laughed. He started to pull the coat over his head, but as he was pulling it upwards, his shirt underneath followed it up, exposing his abdomen right in front of her. Just as he reached over to pull his shirt back down, Chun-Li grabbed it and put it back in the right place for him... stroking the rippling muscles underneath at the same time. Ryu's abdominal muscles tensed at the gentle strokes of her soft fingers against the skin of his midsection...

She finished and looked up at him and smiled. "Well? Are you gonna reverse it for me or what?"

Guy chuckled to himself watching Ryu react timidly.

"Oh yeah..." Ryu said, rather embarrassed. While blushing, he pulled his coat over his head and reversed it. The reverse was in a black fleece as opposed to the blue. Ryu shrugged and put it back on, and adjusted the zipper. The folds revealed the blue color from the reverse side and Ryu stuck his hands in the pockets of the coat. Looking in the mirror and seeing Chun-Li right next to him in her outfit, he realized he matches her almost perfectly. "Hmmm... this appears to match with you even better than my jacket!"

"Oh, it's cute! You just GOTTA buy it!" Chun-Li exclaimed cheerfully, jumping with joy. "Oh, and what do you think of this?" She looked down and held up the blue leotard up to her chest again, and looked back at Ryu.

"...Th-that looks um..." Ryu stumbled. He pictured how she would look dressed just in that, and saw an extremely well crafted work of art...

"I don't quite know how good it'd look on me... should I try it on for you?" she asked.

Ryu shivered... his vision was going to actually become real...! "Well uh... I mean... are you sure you want me to see you in that...?"

Chun-Li leaned over to Ryu, and told to Ryu in a quiet voice that only he could hear, "Yeah why not? What's the point of buying one of these sexy outfits if you're not gonna show it to anyone? Besides, the only person who will be seeing it is well... you!"

Ryu blushed deeply and gave up. "Y-You have a point there... go right ahead..."

"Okay, I'll be right back!" Chun-Li bounded into the dressing room and occupied a stall. Ryu turned his head to the side thinking about how Chun-Li would look once she came out of that dressing room... he turned his head again and kept looking waiting to see when she'd come out. He stood and waited... and waited... for about ten minutes... Women sure take their time... it only took me a few seconds to decide to buy this pullover coat, but it takes her ten minutes to try on one item!

"I know, Ryu," Guy said suddenly, "women can take all eternity to try on clothes. It is something I do not understand as well..."

After a couple more minutes... Chun-Li finally emerged... she slowly walked out of the dressing room, and spun around showing all angles of the outfit. "So what do you think?" she asked as she brushed a hand through her long, soft hair.

Ryu looked at the now scantily clad Chinese woman in front of him... he was mollified. The cut was rather low, showing a small portion of the valley of her breasts, the sleeves stopped shortly after her shoulders, and there was no leg section. The whole leotard clung tightly on her body, much like a one piece swimming suit. And not only Ryu was mollified... Guy was looking wide-eyed as well, and the same with many other people inside the store.

Ryu first looked at her beautiful face... then down... noticing that there was no "outline" around her breasts... She... she's not... not wearing a bra...! He started to feel himself get excited... No! It is wrong to think of her in that way! He continued to look down her body... her arms were well toned... her waist was nicely slim yet, powerful... and her legs were extremely firm, muscular, yet still feminine. She is the most... stunning... and powerful creatures I've ever set my eyes on...!

"So...? How's it look? I gotta know your opinion!" Chun-Li cheerfully said, spinning again.

She looks like an angel spinning like that... and blue is definitely her color... Ryu finally got himself out of his thoughts and finally spoke. "You look... great!" He leaned over to her and whispered, "But um... don't you think you'll attract too much attention from other people?"

The Chinese warrior laughed and whispered back, "Oh please, Ryu! The only person that will ever see me like this is you since I'll only wear it at home! And since you like it... I think I'll get it!"

"Y-You will?!" Ryu immediately began blushing... knowing that he'll be seeing her again in that outfit... alone.

"Yeah of course! Since you like it, how can I not buy it?!"

Ryu was rather flattered by her comment. Hmmm... it appears I do have a good taste for fashion after all... I was never aware of this ability...

Chun-Li bounded back in the dressing room laughing.

She's so... graceful... flawless... captivating... Ryu thought to himself.

Chun-Li came back out a minute later in her regular clothes, leotard in hand, and Ryu still fixed on her.

She went right up to Ryu smiling happily. "Thanks for helping me pick it out! I've been dying to get one of these but just didn't know which one was right!"

"Well, it was all my pleasure..." Ryu nodded.

Chun-Li looked Ryu in the eyes a little evilly and smiled. "...all your pleasure eh...?" she said in a wicked tone.

"Er... I mean... to help you! All my pleasure to help you!" Ryu corrected as he turned red once again.

"Uh-huh, whatever!" Chun-Li poked the blushing warrior in the nose and walked back to the womans section to join Maki and Rina.

Guy watched Ryu throughout the entire conversation and was puzzled. He wasn't quite sure what was going on between the two...

***

The waiter brought the food to the round table where Ryu, Chun-Li, Guy, Rina and Maki sat. Around each of them were multiple bags completely filled with clothes. After a long, enjoyable time of doing nothing but shopping in the gauntlet of stores of Hong Kong, the party decided to have lunch.

Ryu picked up his chopsticks and his mouth watered at the amount of food in front of them. As he was going to begin to gorge upon the feast, he looked around him and noticed that he was no longer just in front of his best friend. He waited for everyone to let themselves get ready to eat, and started with them politely. He ate slowly, but still ate in mass quantities. Never has Chinese cooking disappointed me! he thought as he scooped down a bowl of fried rice.

"My, Ryu! Such an appetite!" Rina said as she watched Ryu eating.

Ryu put down his bowl and chopsticks and smiled. "Food is the best source for a warrior to replenish his energy!"

Guy chuckled. "Your eating habits have not changed from your younger days, my friend."

"When I left San Francisco, I didn't think I would ever eat food of that quality again. It's a good thing coming here proved me wrong!"

"You should see Singapore, Ryu! That country has the widest selection of food in the entire world! You would love it!" Guy said as he put an arm around his wife.

"And we're going there next!" Rina added, "We're leaving tomorrow! Do you wish to join us? We wouldn't mind paying for your ticket! You are perfectly welcome!"

Chun-Li's ears perked up at what she had just heard.

"And I could use a man to be with!" Maki winked.

Singapore was a country Ryu had only visited once in his travels, and he became wide-eyed at their offer. "Singapore is indeed a place I have not visited in the longest time," he started. He first looked at Guy, Rina and Maki and saw that they were expecting an answer. He turned his head and looked at Chun-Li, who was sitting right next to him. Her head was tilted down, and her eyes were sloped. I... I can't leave her... can I? Not without her knowing how I feel about her...

If he goes... then when will I ever see him again? Chun-Li thought to herself. Her eyes began to turn glassy, and she tilted her head further down and took a quick sniff.

"I..." Ryu looked at Guy, Rina, Maki, and lastly Chun-Li. I get to spend time with a long time friend in a country I have not visited for years... but I've only been here for two days... I cannot leave you now, Chun-Li! "I cannot go, my friend. Even though I have not visited Singapore for the longest time, I cannot impose on you. This vacation you are taking is a time for only you, your wife and your best friend... I should not interfere!"

Chun-Li looked up and saw Ryu looking at her. Her mouth began to form a tiny smile, knowing that somehow she was the reason for Ryu's answer.

"I see," Guy nodded, "Such honorable reasons. But we really do not mind! You would not be imposing, and we welcome any company!"

The Shotokan warrior closed his eyes briefly and spoke once again. "I am sorry, my friend. I respect your offer very much... but Chun-Li... she... I..."

Her mouth hanged slightly. Is he... gonna say it...? In front of everyone???

"She's been hospitable to me, she's shown me the great places here, because of her, I was able to see you again, and... I should stay here... until I can repay her..."

Hearing these words, Chun-Li felt a strange, warm feeling in the pit of her stomach causing her to sigh deeply. Somehow she knew there was a deeper meaning in Ryu's words. She knew that he didn't want to leave... because he wanted her to hear his answer first. Oh Ryu... why do I even wonder why I love you...

"My friend," the Bushido warrior said as he put a hand on Ryu's shoulder, "you are as honorable as you were ever since we were children. Always repaying your debts... Very well then. I don't want to break your honor, so we shall depart without you tomorrow. But I will contact you as soon as we return, and if we ever plan on visiting again you are more than welcome to come!"

"Thank you, Guy." Ryu replied, "You are an honorable warrior yourself for respecting my decision."

Chun-Li closed her eyes slightly and sighed while holding her hands close to her pounding heart. Thank you, Ryu... you do understand my feelings for you. I just know it.

Maki hmphed, "Darn! NOW who will I find to keep me company?!"

"Oh, Maki dear, do not worry! You WILL find the perfect man!" Rina said softly.

Maki put her elbow on the table and leaned her chin against her palm. Jeez, her optimistic, naive, personality can really get irritating!!!

For the rest of the meal, the party ate and chatted about various other subjects until the very end. They stood up and paid the bill, leaving a very large tip.

"Ryu, that's too much!" Chun-Li exclaimed.

"No... it's perfectly all right! I was given such a great feast and generosity has its own rewards. I do not mind one bit!"

"Well okay, if you insist!" Chun-Li laughed, giving up and picked up one of the bags near the table.

"Shall we depart?" Guy asked picking up his own bags, "We still have the entire night ahead and we don't want to waste the last night here before leaving tomorrow!"

Chun-Li grabbed Ryu's arm cheerfully. "Let's get outta here!"

Everyone picked up their respective bags and walked out the doors of the restaurant and back into the maze of stores of Hong Kong.

***

It was almost midnight when Ryu and Chun-Li returned back to the apartment. Chun-Li walked in, set her purse down and turned on the lights while Ryu went into her room and put down the many bags he was carrying for her. When Ryu headed for the door, Chun-Li was already standing in the door way, looking at him. "I'm glad you decided to stay, Ryu," she said softly.

"Of course, Chun-Li. I couldn't leave..." Ryu stated as he noticed that she was walking towards him.

She walked right up to him, and put a hand on his shoulder. "Because you didn't want to leave without telling me your true feelings?"

The Shotokan warrior turned wide-eyed. "How... how did you..."

"I just knew, Ryu," Chun-Li answered, getting a little closer to him, "I could tell by the way you looked at me after giving your answer to Guy."

"Well... that is the truth... I... I just didn't want to leave you so soon. Maybe because... because..." Ryu couldn't bring himself find the words he wanted to say... Because even though it's been such a short time... I've really gotten comfortable being with you and maybe I...

Chun-Li's eyes widened, and her mouth partially opened. Her heart was pounding, and she waited for what he was going to say next. Does that mean he...?

He put his hand near the side of her head and brushed his fingers through her small bangs... and continued to weave them through the longer length of her hair. Tilting his head lower, Ryu looked deeply into her eyes. Because of her, I was able to see Guy once again, and she took me out for a whole day and night in the town... I can't run away without paying can I? He tilted his head lower to her face and she tilted her head upwards. She could feel his hot breath against her lips and he still continued lower...

"Ryu..." she whispered as she closed her eyes. Her chin quivered, and she waited for his lips to touch hers... but only feeling them kiss her cheek. She re-opened her eyes and saw Ryu looking back at her. She wanted to reach up to kiss his lips, but decided it wasn't the right time.

"Because it would be dishonorable to leave without giving you your answer... I still have a lot to think about, Chun-Li... but I promise I'll give you my answer when I'm ready. I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful time you showed me today."

"Y-You're welcome..." Chun-Li slowly said, her heart slowly returning back to its normal pace, "I-I'm just glad you had a good time... and I'll be happy to show you even more! I promise!"

Ryu smiled. "I'll hold you to that promise."

"And I'll hold you to yours." She went over to the bags and pulled out the new pajamas she bought, along with the ones Ryu bought. "Here! Wear these to bed and I'll wear mine!"

"S-Sure...!" Ryu said as he took his new pajamas in his hands.

"Well, good night, Ryu!" the Chinese woman finally said as she left the room, closing the door.

"Good night, Chun-Li," he returned as he watched her leave.

Alone again. Ryu changed out of his clothes and put on his new pajamas, realizing that this was going to be the first night he has ever slept without his karate gi. As he climbed into the bed he thought to himself deeply. He knew he was approaching the answer he wanted to tell... but he needed to spend more time with her so he knows when it will be the right time to do so. Ryu reached up to turn out the light, and he put his head on the pillow, closing his eyes. Do not worry, my Chun-Li... I will never let you go... and I will tell you my true feelings for you... I promise.