Princess

Note: ::insert the "I don't own Street Fighter or King of Fighters OR
Fatal Fury, but this is my fic. I make no money off of this, only
hopefully happy feedback" note here::


"Princess: Fallen Star"
By: Domino


Seven in the morncamecame all too quickly. The alarm blared with
the fast guitars and heavy drums of Judas Priest as a young man yawned, sitting
up to shake the other man in the bed, "Get up, Billy. It's time for work."

The heavier frame snorted and opened his bleary eyes, "Already? I feel like I
just went to bed, luv. Vega, be a dear and shut off that bleedin' clock." Vega
chuckled and got up, shutting off the alarm clock and stretching out.

It had been a month since Shadowloo master M. Bison was killed,
and Vega had moved in with Billy and Lily Kane. Vega had since been hired onto
Geese Howard's office staff, and this morning both Vega and Billy had to be
at work in two hours. Thankfully, Billy was already starting breakfast as
Vega showered. It was only Vega's third day at work, and he was still learning
how to adjust to his life as a somewhat normal teenager.

After breakfast, Billy had his turn in the shower while Vega got dressed.
After both men finished getting dressed, they headed out the door and walked to
Geese Howard's main office building. In front of the main entrance, Billy
turned to Vega, "If ya need anythin' I can be paged on my radio. 'ave fun at
work, luv," Billy hugged Vega and gave him a peck on the lips before leaving
to report to his station.

The young Spaniard then called out, "Meet me for lunch?"

Billy gave him a thumbs up, "You bet!" He winked and ran off. Vega then turned
to the building and went inside.

~*~

Geese Howard was, in several ways, similar to M. Bison. He had the
tendency to be ruthless, cold, and heartless if necessary. One thing that
separated the two men though was the fact that Geese wasn't a total maniac,
especially at work. Vega arrived for his shift on time, and Geese immediately
assigned him the usual clerical tasks: file this, copy that, answer the phone,
etc. Little by little, Vega was getting used to such tasks. It definitely beat
being asked, rather being ordered, to eliminate powerful political figures.

The day went by quickly for both Billy and Vega. They had a peaceful
lunch at a nearby deli, and returned to their respective jobs. Geese then
assigned Vega to make him some copies of several papers. Vega nodded and
headed for the copy room, where another worker was finishing up. The man was
about Billy's age, with short black hair and glasses. He turned to Vega,
a smile creeping onto his face, "Well hello there. I was just finishing up,
so you can do what you need to."

Vega nodded his thanks, "Gracias, senor. I won't be long."

As Vega moved to the copier, the older man watched Vega's young form. "Are you
new here? I haven't seen you in the office before."

"Si. Senor Howard hired me recently."

"I see," The man grinned, "My name is Steven, but you can call me Steve." He
moved behind Vega, helping him out with the buttons on the copier, "There
you go."

Vega froze when Steve came up like that, "I... appreciate the help, but I
can manage it from here."

Steve smiled, "Where are you from? That accent is very alluring." His hands
slid up Vega's arms, making Vega bite his lip.

"With all due respect, senor, I would appreciate it if you stopped touching
me. I don't want to hurt you."

Hearing that made Steve chuckle, "So you have a dark side? Someone as
sexy and tight as you?"

Then something snapped inside of the young Spaniard. With his signature
lightning speed, Vega threw Steve against the wall, pinning him by his neck,
"You don't believe me?" Vega said sweetly as his eyes narrowed, the green
irises shining evilly.

"Wh... what the fuck??" Steve gasped, Vega's grip becoming tighter.

"My name is Vega Fabio La Salda. I'm a former assassin for one of the largest
crime organizations in the world. If you had gone further, I would have easily
disposed of you and hid your body so well that no one would miss you. But
since Senor Howard was so kind as to give me a second chance I will spare you."
Vega's death grip loosened on Steve's neck, but as soon as Steve was let go
his right wrist was grabbed. Then, in a heartbeat, his elbow felt like it was
hit by a train. Steve's arm broke instantly while Vega drew both of his hands
back, "I'll let that be my warning. Adios," Vega grabbed his files
and left the copy room, leaving Steve in excruciating pain.

Once he was outside, Vega took a deep breath. He calmly walked towards
the elevator to Geese's office. A female worker walked into the copy room, and
screamed when she saw Steve on the floor, his arm mangled and broken. Vega
heard the high-pitched scream as he walked onto the elevator, and a smirk
invaded his otherwise perfect face while the metal doors closed.

Vega entered Geese's penthouse-inspired office on the top floor. Vega
had been here a few times before, but each time made him feel at home more or
less. "Here are your files, Senor Howard. Is there anything else you
require of me?" Vega's voice was polite and sweet, something which usually
threw his past opponents off-guard.

Geese spun around from his view of Southtown, his leather chair squeaking
slightly, "Thank you, Vega. If you have time, I'd like you to...” His sentence
was cut off by the phone ringing on his desk. The older man smiled at Vega,
"Pardon me." He picked up the receiver, "Geese, here."

Vega stood silently while Geese listened to the person on the phone. The older
man's expression changed slightly before nodding and hanging up, "Vega?"

"Si, Senor Howard?" Vega said quietly.

"That was Jane, one of the executives. She said she found Steve, our mailroom
clerk, on the floor of the copy room with his arm broken. And before
he was carted off to the hospital he mentioned your name. Care to explain?"
Geese sat back, crossing his arms.

Vega sighed, "He touched me in a very inappropriate, manner, Senor Howard.
And I simply defended myself. The only man who can touch me in such a way is
Billy." One thing Vega could be counted on, was his honesty and loyalty,
not to mention his unusual sense of integrity...

Geese nodded to Vega, "I'm impressed at how you handled yourself, Vega. I'm
intolerant to unwanted sexual contact in my office, and I never liked Steve
much, anyway. However, I took you into my company to give you a chance to
start over. That means you can't go around attacking people for looking at
you the wrong way. Now, I understand that you're a former assassin and that
you've been trained to deal with these kinds of situations, but for your
sake and for sak sake of my staff, please... keep it to a minimum. Now, get
me some coffee."

Vega stepped back, a bit shocked, "You mean... the police won't arrest me for
assault?"

A slight chuckle came from Geese, "Steve has a history of being an asshole,
and I own the police in Southtown. You're here to stay Vega. And um... coffee?"
The older man gestured towards a very neat counter with a coffee maker.

"Oh... of course, senor," Vega walked towards the counter, looking at the
machine with the various boxes and mugs. He had seen the process many times
while he was with Shadowloo, but he never made his own pot of coffee.

Vega stared at it for several moments, catching Geese's attention, "Is something
wrong?"

"No! I've... never... worked with this model before is all," Vega's anxiety
showed through his tone of voice.

"Vega..." Geese said sternly, "Don't tell me you don't know how to make a
pot of coffee."

"Well I never had to before. The servants at either my old home or at Shadowloo
took care of such things," Vega shrugged.

Geese stood up, walking over to Vega, "I... I hate to have to use such a
comparison, Vega... but in this case, servant... equals you." He pointed his
finger at his young secretary before showing him how to make a decent pot
of coffee.

~*~

It was shortly after five-thirty when Vega walked through the front
door of the Kane household. He stretched and yawned while Lily, Billy's
younger sister, greeted him at the door, "Welcome home, luv. 'ow was your
day at work?" Her accent was softer than her brother's, but just as
distinct.

"Lily, it could have been better," Vega kissed her cheek and hugged her before
making his way into the kitchen, "You started dinner already?"

"I did, luv. Billy called and said he's gonna be 'ome in an hour, so that'll
give me enough time to get everything together. But Vega," Lily turned to
him, "Did you 'ave a bad day? You said your day coulda been better."

Vega sighed, "I'd be more comfortable discussing it once Billy gets home.
Nothing personal, senorita."

"No problem, luv," Lily smiled, going back to work on their dinner. Vega offered
his help, but Lily politely declined. She did however have him set the table
before he settled down in front of the television. All he could do now was
wait for Billy to come home.

As the house filled with the scent of homemade tomato soup and fresh
baked rolls, the door open and slammed, "Finally..." A weary voice breathed,
"And man does it smell good in 'ere!"

Vega almost jumped from his seat to hug and kiss his older lover, "You're home!"

"Yeah after a long-arse day of makin' sure no other twats are tryin' to
kill Geese. And 'ow was your day, luv?" Billy smiled and snuck another kiss
from Vega's lips, "I 'eard that mailroom bastard tried to make a move on you."

"He did," Vega said calmly, "and I broke his arm for it."

"Yep, Geese told me that part, too. You were lucky Geese was in a generous mood.
Of course I do feel like introducing Steve to my staff..." Billy mused while
Vega frowned. "Sorry, Princess," Billy said quietly as he saw Vega's disappointed
look.

Soon Lily began pouring the soup into the bowls on the table, "Dinner's ready,
you two!" She called, breaking the short silence between Billy and Vega. Bomen men sat down to a very hearty meal, thanking Lily for having the patience to
cook for them.

~*~

Vega's trip to Spain was creeping up. It had been a month since Vega had
defended himself from that man's advances, and he had perfected his skills as
a coffee maker. After a full week of begging and overtime, Billy managed to
get Vega his required time off for his trip. The night before Vega had to leave
Billy insisted on taking Vega out to dinner.

"Where are we going, Billy? You know I have to finish packing," Vega
protested as Billy walked his younger lover to a nearby pizza parlor. The
Brit remained quiet until he got them a table in a secluded part of the
restaurant.

Billy finally spoke up, "There. Now we can 'ave some privacy."

"You mean you want us to do it here?" Vega's eyes widened. He hadn't even slept
with Billy yet, and now Billy wanted their first time together to be in
public?!

"Wot are you babbling about?" Billy asked before the answer hit him, "No no! I
didn't want to do -that- 'ere. I just wanted us to 'ave some quality time
before you went to Spain is all." Billy tipped up Vega's chin, "You know I'm
gonna miss you."

Vega blushed, "And I'll miss you too, Billy. But you know I am coming back in
six weeks."

"But still..." Billy was about to move in when a server interrupted him by
tapping him on the shoulder, "Wot the bloody hell..?"

"I apologize, Mr. Kane. Would you like me to get your usual?" The server asked
politely.

"Yes, and hold the onions this time," Billy said as Vega chuckled softly. The
server nodded and left the two in peace again.

"Planning to kiss me eventually?" Vega smiled.
Wot Wot gave me away?" Billy leaned in again, sliding one arm around Vega.

"You told him no onions. I guess you figured out that I despise onion breath,"
The Spaniard giggled while Billy groaned. "So why did you bring me here?" Vega
eventually asked.

"Well... I wanted to give you a little something for your trip," Billy reached
into his jean pocket and pulled out a small blue velvet box. He opened it and
pulled out an unusual piece of jewelry. It was a semi-thin silver chain with
a pewter ring as its pendant. On the ring was an enamel inset of Britain's
Union Jack flag. Billy carefully took the necklace and clasped it around Vega's
neck, "This ring wae fie first thing I bought when Lily and I set foot in this
country. It always reminded me that even though I was far from home, that I
still had a home back in England. I want you to have it, to remind you that
you'll always have a home wif me, no matter wot happens."

In his former life, Vega would have scoffed at such a cheap trinket, but what
Billy said to him made his heart tingle, "It's... beautiful. Thank you..." He
whispered, as he wrapped his arms around B's n's neck, kissing him softly.
Neither of them noticed the server setting down their pizza on the table,
blushing as he walked away, leaving the couple in privacy once more.

~*~

The evening led the couple back to Billy's home, where thankfully Lily
had gone to work, leaving them alone for the night. Billy's lips never left
Vega's as they moved towards their bedroom, swinging open the door and landing
on the bed. It didn't take long for Billy to pop the buttons on Vega's shirt,
moving his hand in to pinch and rub one of Vega's nipples. The simple necklace
glinted against Vega's tattooed chest while Billy planted gentle kisses around
the silver chain, "Mmmm... it looks good on you, Vega." The Brit purred and
moved one hand down to unfasten Vega's pants.

Vega's emotions began to mix together, his moans turning to sharp cries when
he felt Billy's tongue over his nipple. Billy moved excruciatingly slow as his
lips and tongue trailed down to Vega's toned stomach, his fingers hooking into
Vega's pants, drawing them down to revega'ega's arousal clad behind the
thin fabric of his briefs. It didn't take long for Billy to push down that
fabric, kissing the tip of Vega's arousal gently. The Brit then trailed his
tongue up and down the shaft, smiling to himself when he heard Vega's soft
moans. Billy then took just the head into his mouth before moving all the way
down, engulfing Vega's length easily.

Gently moving up and down Billy made Vega grasp and twist the sheets.
The Brit's hands kept Vega's hips pinned as he moved a bit faster. Billy felt
his own arousal growing in his pants, straining against them as his attention
went back on Vega's length. It was hard to ignore it while working on Vega's
pleasure. Billy knew he'd have to "relieve" himself after this. Billy snapped
back into his ministrations when he heard Vega crying his name, wanting to
come. With one swift movement, Billy took all of Vega's arousal into his mouth,
feeling the rush of warmth as Vega nearly screamed Billy's name. Slowly
pulling himself up, Billy licked his lips and swallowed the thick fluid.

"'ow was it, Princess?" He asked while wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

Vega lay there, catching his breath, "Like... nothing I have ever felt before..."

"Glad you enjoyed it, luv... and I must say you taste good.." He winked as Vega
sat up.

"Billy? Your pants look tight," Vega pointed as a gentle blush graced Billy's
face.

"Well, it was arousin' to see you moanin' and stuff, but I can take care of it
meself," Billy assured. Vega smiled a little before unzipping Billy's pants,
taking his English lover's arousal out. "Wot're you doin', Princess?!" Billy
protested.

"It wouldn't be fair for me to have all the fun," Vega wrapped his hand around
the hard shaft and began to stroke Billy off. Billy's eyes rolled and closed,
as Vega pulled on him.

"V... Vega... Princess... You don't... 'ave to do this for me..." Billy
moaned, "Buut... If you.. insist....!"
ins insist," Vega purred, stroking the flesh gently and painfully slow. As the
strokes became faster, Billy's orgasm grew closer. It didn't take the Brit
much longer for his peak to turn liquid in Vega's hand. Billy's eyes opened
slowly to Vega licking his hand clean, "You're not so bad yelf,elf, Billy."

Billy smirked and tackled Vega lazily, kissing and cuddling him tight.

~*~

The plane was a little less than packed as Vega boarded his
flight. He sat in silence while gazing upon a goofy photo Lily
insisted on taking before Vega had to check in for his flight. It showed his
beloved Billy Kane, holding him close and smiling like a total dork. Vega
chuckled, as he looked at himself in the photo. He had never seen himself look
so happy before. Vega sighed and fingered the little ring on his necklace,
"(Billy... I'll return soon... I promise.)" With that he tucked
away the photo and lay back to rest. It was going to be a long trip.

~*~

The moment Vega arrived in Spain he felt a rush of familiarity enter
his body. Memories of being a matador-in-training engulfed his mind as he
walked down to claim his luggage.

He was home again.

It did, however, feel strange to him in a way since he hadn't been back in
seven years. He was just a child when he joined Shadowloo, and now he had
returned to his home as a man. One nagging question remained... where was his
family?

Vega arrived at a posh hotel in Barcelona courtesy of Geese Howard.
He settled in and began his search for his relatives, if any were still living.
The young Spaniard looked through various directories, search engines, and
other clues on his laptop. His mind was still clouded howevue tue to
several factors, including jet lag. He persevered though, determined to find
any living relatives and to unlock his past.

//"luv,luv, I 'ope I didn't wake you,"// A soothing voice comforted Vega as
he listened on his phone. It had been several hours since Vega began his
research, and he needed a break. Well, it was more of a semi-break as he was
still typing away.

"No, I'm still awake. How are things back in Southtown?" Vega asked while
typing.

//"Eh, it's nothin' new. Steve's beggin' for his job back, the stupid git.
Oh, and Geese said hi and that he misses you makin' his coffee."//

Vega laughed softly, "Well, tell him I miss making it for him. How's Lily?"

//"She's goin' on a date with that blasted Joe Higashi again."//

"Joe?" Vega blinked while he typed into a family tree website. "Who's Joe?"

//"He's this bloody Muay Thai champion from Japan. AND he's friends with the
Bogards. Not bad people really, but they get on my nerves sometimes. I've
never seen Joe act like an a in in my life."//

"Sounds charming," Vega said dryly. Soon something popped up on his laptop,
revealing a possible lead on his family, "Billy? I need to go."

//"Wot? Why?"//

"I may have found the break I've been looking for. I'll talk to you soon,
Billy!" Vega hung up his cell phone and kept reading and typing. He learned
of a large plot of land near the coast of Cataluna. It was said to have
belonged to the La Salda family since the Crusades. Vega quickly jotted
down the address before shutting off his laptop. He shut the lights off
and lay down to get some sleep. He knew he was going to have a very long day
tomorrow.

~*~

The first day of Vega's search turned up very little, but at least it
wasn't in vain. He asked around the city about the La Salda family and
where the address he found was located. Few people seemed willing to talk
for some unknown reason, but that didn't discourage the young man. He pressed
on, hoping to find out more about his lost family.

After several days, Vega had a vital break in his search. A local
shopkeeper told Vega that the La Salda manor wasn't marked on any map. The
worker told the young fighter how to get there, and then swore him to secrecy.
Vega wondered why everyone was so reluctant to tell him about his family, but
for now he shrugged it off and traveled to the coast of Cataluna.

It took him several hours to find the estate, but Vega eventually came
upon a majestic mansion. His eyes widened as his memories began to
unravel, images of him playing in the large courtyard, his family watching over
him. Vega swallowed hard and smiled a little as he drove up the long
road.

He was home. He was finally home.

Once he took a deep breath Vega stepped out of the car, and soon he was met by
one of his family's long time servants, "/Who are you?!/" The much older man
asked.

Vega smiled, "/It's nice to see you again, Ramon./"

"/L... Lord Vega..../" His eyes went wide as a smile graced his face, "/Is it
really you?/"

"/It's me. I've grown a little since the last time you saw me, though../" Vega
joked a little as the head servant hugged him tight. The man walked him into
the large mansion.

The doors were massive as the two men walked inside. Everything was
almost exactly as Vega remembered it, even though his memories were quite
fuzzy after all these years. Various heirlooms and rare paintings decorated
the walls of the foyer, and several of the family servants were out and about,
keeping the place immaculate as always.

As the two men walked, they found an older woman in the study, reading
a seemingly ancient novel taken from the thousands on the bookshelves. Her ash
blonde hair was done in an elegant bun, and her face was contorting just a bit
as the story turned to a pivotal part.

"/M... Mama....?/" Vega stepped forward into the room, trying to keep his voice
soft.

The woman gasped, dropping the book. As the heavy pages slammed onto the floor,
she stood up, turning to the direction of the voice, "/I told you to never..!/"
When her eyes focused, she saw the tall, slender figure. Soon her grey-blue
eyes locked with green ones, "/Vega?/"

Vega smiled, his body trembling, "/Yes, Mama. I've come home./"

She ran to Vega, hugging him as tight as she could, sobbing almost uncontrollably.
Her young son did the same, crying softly as he held his mother close. The
mother and her son embraced for what seemed like forever, but soon Vega had to
let her go, "/Where is Papa?/" Even at his age, Vega still called him "Papa".

"/He's quite ill, Vega. He got sick two years ago and hasn't recovered yet.
If you'd like to see him.../"

"/Please, Mama?/" Vega asked politely.

"/Very well. Follow me,/" She nodded, walking Vega upstairs to the master
bedroom.

The air was heavy with the stench of illness. Humidifiers were strewn
about the large room, making Vega's clothing stick to his skin. He bit his
lip and walked towards the large bed, the image of a man coming clearer with
every step. The moment Vega reached the edge of the mattress, the man
coughed, his brown eyes glazing a bit.

Was this his father? Was this the powerful Adelio La Salda? "/Papa? Can you
hear me?/" Vega asked while he bent over a little.

The man turned to look at the young face staring back at him, "/Who is that?/"
His voice was hoarse, as if it was struggling to leave his throat.

"/It's Vega, Papa. Your son./"

"/My son...? My son has been... missing for seven years.../" He responded,
"/Seduced by that... scoundrel.../"

Vega shook his head, "/I'm here though, Papa. I'm so happy to see you
again..../" His green eyes welled with tears before he gently hugged his father,
"/I've come back..../"

"Vega...." The man whispered before coughing again. One of his attendants
stepped forward, "/It's best you leave for now, Lord Vega. He should be up for
talking in a day or two. We're sorry./"

"/I... understand,/" Vega nodded and wiped his tears. His mother came in,
smiling warmly, "/Dinner is almost ready, son. Please join us. The chefs
prepared your favorite./"

"/I'd love to join you,/" Vega smiled, following his mother out, leaving his
ailing father to rest a bit more.

~*~

"(It feels so strange to be in my old room again)," Vega looked around
his vast bedroom. His stomach rumbled a bit, even after he had eaten dinner.
The food was too little to satisfy his altered palate. "(I could go for some
pizza or any of Lily's dishes right about now. Even Billy's obscenely large
omelettes sound good...)" As he thought about the Kanes' home cooking, he
rummaged through his drawers, finding little trinkets he had hidden so long
ago. He found a small stuffed duck underneath some old clothes, "(El
Pato Cansado.... my tired duck...)" Vega held it close to his chest, "(I used to
cuddle with this... whenever I had trouble sleeping...)" He smiled to himself
when that tiny memory came back. He lay back on his bed and fell asleep a
short time later, clinging the stuffed animal to his chest.

The next morning Vega made a quick trip back to his hotel to pick up
his baggage, and soon he was back at his home, wanting to spend the rest of
his time regaining his lost childhood memories. Thankfully, his father was a bit
more coherent when Vega returned to his bedroom, "/Papa? How are you feeling?/"

"/A little.. dizzy, but otherwise all right. I apologize for yesterday,
Vega./"

"/No... it's okay. I just.. I'm so happy to be home again./"

The older man frowned a little, but nodded to his teenage son, "/Welcome home,
my son./" The father's mood seemed strangely disappointed, but he did his
best to make his son feel welcome, "/It's been years, Vega.../"

"/It has... But I've returned..ve dve dreamed of this for so long, Papa.../"
Vega sat on the edge of the bed.

His father sat up a little, "/So where are you now? Have you moved back to
Barcelona permanently?/"

The young Spaniard shook his head, "/No, Papa. I've been offered a home in
the United States... in a place called Southtown. A very nice European family
has taken me in./" Vega didn't want to mention that this family was from
England. Vega knew his father would be furious about it.

"/I see.../" The older man nodded. After that, the man seemed more at ease with
his son, and soon he was telling Vega about what went on after his disappearance.

~*~

Vega could barely get any sleep that night. He was simply too wound
up over everything that was going on, so he spent the wee hours of the morning
looking through his family's enormous storage room. The young Spaniard spent
hour after hour looking through various family photos, paintings, and artifacts.
He found many of his old toys and clothes, but with them was a box. He blinked
and opened it, revealing a set of letters, all addressed to his father. Vega's
curiosity was piqued as he began to read a random letter:

"To Senor La Salda,

Vega's taking quite a while to
adjust to our organization. You
were right however about his...
assets. In a few years he'll be
reaching his sexual peak, and I'll
definitely be enjoying him much more
after I train him properly...."

For a moment, Vega felt like he couldn't breathe. His heart nearly stopped
as he picked up another letter; this time Bison was describing his first time
with Vega.. on his fifteenth birthday. The painful memory of that man taking
him resurfaced, burning and torturing his mind. He'd been trying his best to
piece his life back together, only to find out his own father had sold him....
sold him to M. Bison! Vega ran out of the storage room with the box and returned
to his bedroom, his hand shaking while he dialed Billy's phone number.



//"'ello?"// A feminine voice answered the phone.

Vega tried to keep his voice calm, "Lily.. is Billy there? It's Vega."

//"Oh! Sure! Gimme one moment, luv,"// Vega could hear Lily call for Billy as he
waited on the line. Soon that gruff, yet comforting, voice came on the line,
//"This is Billy."//

"Billy... it's so good to hear your voice again..." Vega nearly choked on a sob,
but he held it back. He didn't want to alarm his lover, but didn't want to tell
Billy about his find either.

//"Vega? It's like four in the mornin' o'er there. Are you all roight?"//
Billy's voice began to sound concerned, something which Vega didn't want.

"I'm sorry Billy... It's just that... I... I..." Vega soon began to cry,
unable to hold it in anymore. He hung up and fell back onto his pillow,
"I was sold to Bison like I was some pet... I don't deserve you, Billy Kane...”

On the other end Billy hung up the phone, "Well that was strange... not to
mention scary.."

"Wot did Vega need?" Lily asked while she prepared dinner.

"Dunno, sis. But it worries me that Vega would call at such a late hour there.
Maybe he was havin' a dream or somethin..." Billy shrugged, "I'll call 'im
back later. Poor kid must be overwhelmed and stuff..." The Brit sighed and
plopped down on the couch. He bit his lip as he went against his better
judgment and decided not to call Vega back. He turned on the TV, telling himself
he would contact Vega tomorrow.

~*~

"So what have we found out about the remnants of Shadowloo?" Geese looked
over various packets and other random pieces of paper. He wanted his share
of the fallen crime ring, and he wanted only the best of it. Ripper stood there,
handing Mr. Howard a strange package, "Hopper and I found this while digging
through for weapons locations. There's various letters inside, all addressed
from Barcelona, Spain."

"And these would interest me why?" Geese raised an eyebrow.

"Hopper translated them since they were in Spanish, and the contents are
quite.. disturbing,” Ripper handed the opened box to Geese, who took out one
of the older letters. Hopper stood in silence, watching his boss unfold the
ancient piece of paper attached to the much newer translation.

"Hmmm... They're addressed to Bison, and its correspondence from an
Adelio La Salda... regarding Vega...?" Geese began to read the translations:

"To General Bison,

I'm writing to you to check on
my son. I knowaskiasking price was
steep, but I needed to be rid of his
presence in my home. He'll be a much better
asset to your organization and I hope..."

"Fuck I can't read this crap anymore..." Geese fumed, looking at
another translated letter. There were several in the box, and each
one seemed to be more graphic than the next. Soon Geese narrowed his eyes
and looked up, "Ripper, Hopper. Find Kane, -NOW-."

It didn't take long for a slightly-winded Billy Kane to enter Geese's
office, "Oi, first Vega hangs up on me after cryin' hysterically last night..
and now..."

"Save it. Take a look at these," Geese tossed Billy one of the translated
letters, "If I didn't know any better, I say your beloved Vega was a little
gift to Shadowloo... and from what you just said about that phone call it sounded
like Vega found out on his own. We can thank one Adelio La Salda for that..."

"Vega's own father..." Billy began to seethe with anger as he read about how
Adelio asked questions pertaining to Vega's sexuality and how Bison would
not be disappointed with his new "recruit". "That bloody.. bastard.... I'LL
KILL HIM!" Billy took out his staff and swiped at the nearest object,
something which was an innocent potted plant, shattered instantly by the fury
of his bo. His grip became sweaty as he tried to calm himself, "I want to go to
Spain, sir. Vega's coming home wif me... and I won't take no for an answer."

"Consider yourself booked on the next flight," Geese told him, "and you're
taking my jet along with Ripper and..."

"I'm goin' alone, sir. I don't need those two. I want Vega to come home wif
me, not us. I'm sorry," Billy held his head down, "I love him."

"I won't stop you," Geese nodded, "I'll let Lily know about your departure.
Good luck. You might need it."

"Thank you, sir," Billy took some of the letters and left the office, and within
the hour he was boarding the company's jet.

~*~

Vega remained in his room most of the day. His mother tried to get him
out, but the young man refused. It wasn't until he had finished reading all
the letters that he emerged from his bedroom, storming towards his father's
chambers. The moment he arrived he slammed the door, "/Good evening, Adelio./"
Vega growled, not even bothering calling the man "Papa" anymore.

"/Vega? You came out of your room finally... is something wrong?/" He asked,
noticing that Vega had several papers in his hand.

"/Oh, no Adelio.... I just found out that the past seven years of my life have
been total hell because -you- thought I was not fit to be your son or your
heir!/"

"/That's preposterous, Vega! Your mother and I love you very much! We spent
years searching for you after Bison kidnapped you./"

"/Then why are these letters addressed to you? Did you think Bison torturing
and raping me was worth the money he paid to you?!/" Vega balled his hands into
fists, crumbling one of the letters, u thu thought I was gay... I was eleven
years old!! So you let Bison buy me to take your supposedly homosexual son
off your hands! How could you do that to me?!/"

Adelio sat back, "/Bison lied to you, Vega. I wouldn't dare sell my own son
to such a madman!/"

While Vega and his father argued, the doors to the mansion swung open, and the
sound of chains clattering entered the main foyer. The servants stepped back
while they watched three chained parts become one, and a blonde man walking
toward the arguing. Rosalind La Salda, Vega's mother, tried to stop the man,
but he just smiled at her and kicked the door, entering the room.

"/Who in the name of the Virgin Mary are you?!/" Adelio narrowed his
dark eyes at the man, who walked up to Vega, putting on his signature cocky
British smile.

"I should really just bash your brain in, sir, but for the sake
of my Vega, I won't."

Vega's features became a bit softer when he saw the man, "Billy..." He threw
his arms around his British lover, "'How did you find me?"

"Bison isn't the only one with tracking abilities, luv," Billy smiled and held
Vega close. "Wot are we gonna do about your old man?"

"/I demand an explanation, Vega! Who is this man?!/" Adelio shouted the best
he could.

"/The only man who has ever loved me. Which is more than I can say for you,
Adelio,/" Vega noticed some more letters in Billy's jacket, "Are those...?"

"I'm afraid so, luv. Geese found 'em while diggin' through the remnants of
Shadowloo. This man sold you 'cause he was afraid that if you liked men,
he'd 'ave no heir to the La Salda family... So he figured it would be better
if he 'ad no son at all.... the bloody bastard. Vega, I want to kill him.."

Vega then shook his head, "No, Billy. Let him suffer, knowing that he won't
ever see his own son again. /As of this moment, Adelio,/" He turned to his
ailing father, "/you no longer have a son. And I will never come back./" He
narrowed his eyes and left, leaving his father fuming.

"/Where do you think you're going?!/" Adelio growled, making Vega stop in his
tracks.

Vega turned to Billy, and then back to his father, his signature smirk
creeping up on his face, "None of your bloody business." He turned heel and
left, leaving his British lover stunned.

Rosalind walked up to Vega as he headed for his bedroom, "/Are you
sure you want to do this? I... I didn't know your father would lie to me about
such a thing.../" She had overheard the outbursts between her husband and son,
and was shocked to learn of her husband's atrocity against his own flesh and
blood.

Vega bit his lip, "/I cannot live in the same house with that man, Mama.
I'm sorry../" He hugged his mother while letting her cry softly against him.
A line of crystalline tears ran down Vega's cheeks as well, "/I'm so sorry...
I must go... I love you, Mama.../" He kissed her forehead, letting her go.

"/I love you too, my little Vega,/" She loosened the hug and watched as Vega
went to his bedroom with Billy, emerging a short time later with his things.
He looked at his crying mother one last time before closing his eyes, walking
out the door with his lover close behind.

~*~

It had been days since the two men had returned from Europe. Billy
was happy to have Vega back with him, but Vega wasn't his usual talkative self.
In fact, Vega was acting like he had when he and Billy first met: cold and
silent. One evening Billy tried to sit Vega down, "Vega, you 'aven't said much
since we came back. I know you're hurt but..."

"I don't want to talk about this, Kane," Vega turned to him.

"I know but it's not good to bottle up your emotions. Then you'll be like that
old Vega... a bleedin' toy that.."

"Just shut up and leave me alone," Vega got up and went to their bedroom,
slamming the door.

Billy sat back, "(It's like a flashback to when I captured him... this is gonna
be great...)" he told himself dryly. "(If that's how he wants it....)" He
growled and got up to follow Vega.

He opened the door to Vega on the bed again. This time Vega spat, "I said...!"

"I needed to get a pillow and a blanket, Princess," Billy said in a curt tone
while snatching a nearby quilt and pulling a pillow from underneath Vega's
form. "Until you get over yourself, you're sleepin' alone. Good night," Billy
narrowed his eyes and stormed out, shutting the door on a very upset Vega.

"(Like you could ever understand me, Kane. Why did you ever bother taking me
in?)" Vega lay back and frowned, only to find himself crying over making Billy
angry.

~*~

Geese sat in his office, smoking his favorite cigar as his head
bodyguard walked in. He puffed on his vintage Montecristo, "So how was your
patrol?"

"Crystal clear, sir," Billy sighed, leaning against the wall as Vega walked
in with his paperwork.

"Here's the files you requested, Senor Howard," Vega smiled politely and
handed Geese the papers while Billy decided to bury the hatchet with his young
lover.

"Hey, luv. Maybe we can 'ave lunch and..." Billy didn't even finish as Vega
simply walked past him, not even acknowledging his presence. Billy frowned
as Vega closed the door gently, "... talk."

Geese raised an eyebrow, "Trouble in paradise?"

"You could say that. Vega's been givin' me the cold shoulder for the past few
days. Been like this since we came back from Spain," Billy rubbed his
lower back, "Oi... and the couch isn't so kind to me either."

"That's pretty serious if you're sleeping on the couch, Billy," Geese frowned,
"Listen, I'll talk to Vega. It's the least I can do for my number one
bodyguard."

"Thanks, sir," Billy grinned a bit, "But wot makes you think he'll listen to
you instead of me?"

"I'm his boss now. That's why he'll listen," Geese turned on his speakerphone,
"Vega?"

"Si, Senor Howard?" Vega's polite accent still made Billy melt, even though he
tried to hide it.

"Can you come into my office for a few minutes?" Geese asked blandly, gesturing
to Billy to hide somewhere for a while.

"Oh... sure. I'll be there soon," Vega answered.

"Thank you," Geese turned off the phone and waited for Vega while Billy
hid behind a random desk.

"You wanted to see me?" Vega asked softly.

"Yes. I was hoping you'd join me for a sparring session tonight. Think of
it as a way to hone your fighting skills, so you won't get rusty. What do
you say?" Geese watched Vega's body language as he decided on whether or not to
take up such an unusual offer.

Vega stood there in silence for a moment before nodding, "It has been a while
since I took up my claw. I accept, Senor Howard."

"I'll see you after work then. The gym is just down the street from your
house. Good day," Geese turned around, making Vega blink before going back
to his desk out front. Geese then gestured to Billy, "Too easy."

Billy moved up gently, "At least he listens to one of us, sir. I'm...
going to go stretch before finishing my rounds. my back hurts..." he moaned
while leaving Geese's office, making the older man chuckle.

~*~

Geese strapped on his arm guards while he waited for his sparring
partner to show up. His red and white hakama was spotless. It was as if he had
the traditional uniform cleaned and pressed just for the occasion. It had
been a while since he used it, and he was looking forward to getting it dirty.

Soon the gym's door opened to a tall, slender figure, "I'm here."

Geese turned and grinned, "Glad you could make it, Vega." He cracked his
knuckles, "I'm looking forward to seeing your talents."

Vega slid off his denim jacket. The "Real Bout" insignia sewn onto the back
caught Geese's eye while Vega adjusted his claw, "I warn you, Senor Howard.
I don't hold back."

"No one told you to hold back," Geese shrugged, taking his simple fighting
stance as Vega slid on his mask. "You have got to be kidding me," Geese
scoffed.

"Old habits die hard," Vega moved fluidly into his fighting stance.

The older man watched his more nimble opponent. Vega would attempt to
attack and then retreat by using eye-catching acrobatics and blinding speed.

Such moves would stun a newcomer opponent, but Geese had been a martial artist
for several years. Each time Vega attempted to slash with his claw, Geese
merely dodged and countered. Soon Vega changed his strategy and went for
knocking his opponent off his feet, something which proved difficult as Geese
crouched and knocked Vega down first. Vega may have been an assassin, but the
much older man proved to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to hit.

It didn't take long for Vega to retreat to the rafters, watching his
opponent from above, "My aerial moves struck fear into my prey before they
met their maker."

"With lines like that I'm surprised you didn't bore them to death first,"
Geese hmphed, "You rely too much on aesthetics and speed. Not to mention the
fact that most assassins aren't nearly as flamboyant as you."

Vega narrowed his eyes. He jumped down in a graceful swan dive, aiming to
bodyslam his new boss. Geese smiled and screamed while he bent down, his body
flaring up with an intense blue light, "RISING STORM!!!

T

The same pillars of light that killed Vega's former master nailed Vega himself
head-on. The beams cracked Vega's mask and blasted him quite a ways back.
As Vega lay there on the gym floor Geese stood up, "You're lucky I held back."
His tone was sardonic as he walked over to Vega's fallen form. "If I had
concentrated harder you would've been dust and Billy would be pissed."

Vega sat up gingerly, "That... hurt..." The mask crumbled off his face.

"It was meant to stun, but not kill," Geese plopped down next to Vega, "You're
a decent fighter, but you still have a lot to learn." He took a deep breath,
"So tell me Vega... Why haven't you been talking to Billy lately?"

Geese's eyes were met with a very icy glare, "Is that why you challenged me?!
Of all the...!"

"What are you so damn afraid of?" Geese asked, keeping his usual banal tone.

"I fear nothing," Vega retorted, as he got up, staggering as he suddenly
fell back down.

"You may have wiped out many of your targets, but you're still human. I think
you're afraid of ing ing your guard down," Geese watched but didn't aid Vega when
he fell. "And you're afraid of falling in love. Not that I blame you... after
what that prick Bison did to."
."

"Figures Billy made you talk to me. He can't even do it himself," Vega
scoffed.

"Okay did you even listen to me? He's been trying to reach out to you,
but you've been acting so damn withdrawn that you're coming off as some
stereotypical angsty teenager!" Geese rarely lost his temper, but Vega's attitude
was really pushing his buttons.

Vega gasped, "How dare you!" His fist came flying at Geese's face, only to be
stopped by Geese's iron grip.

The older man didn't even flinch, "Stop acting so spoiled. Billy obviously
loves you. Trust him for once."

Vega pulled his fist back and bit his lip. When he did, he felt a hand tip his
chin up, "What..?"

Geese's grey/blue eyes looked into Vega's green ones, "If I was twenty years
old again, I would be the one pursuing you. Billy would be a fool to give up
someone like you."

Those words made Vega's face go red, but just as Vega was about to respond Geese
got to his feet. He aided his younger opponent up just as the heavy gym doors
opened again.

"So 'ow was the fight? Did I miss anything?" Billy leaned in the
doorway, his crooked smile gracing his face.

Vega looked at Geese and then at Billy before running to Billy and throwing
his arms around him, "Where have you been?!"

"Um... workin'?" Billy scratched his head, "and I'm 'ere to pick you up? Hey,
you're actually talkin' to me!" Billy noticed and hugged Vega back. He turned
to Geese and mouthed a very heartfelt "thank you" to him before giving him a
thumbs up.

Geese smiled, "I think you two have a lot to talk about. Have a good night,
gentlemen." He went to pack up while Billy left the gym with Vega in his
arms.

~*~

"Now are you willing to hear me out, Princess?"

"Yes."

"Good! I know I've been actin' like a horse's arse lately, but that's because
I was tired of you pushin' me away all the time. To be honest, luv, you're
the best thing to happen to me since I was hired as Geese's bodyguard. But
I can't understand why you were bein' so withdrawn."

"I felt inferior... unwanted. I've never felt like that before... and it
spilled out into our relationship. I didn't mean to be so stuck-up.”

"I see. Now I feel worse for not bein' there for you when you needed me
the most."

"Don't. You've done so much for me already. Billy..."

"You know hearin' me name like that still makes me heart leap."

"It does?"

"Ohhhh yes. But first, are you willin' to forgive me for bein' a bloody
twit?"

"Only if you forgive me for not having more faith in you."

"Deal! Now we can move on from all this and work on our future. How does that
sound, Vega?"

"Sounds perfect. Does this mean we can go out for pizza again?"

"You know wot? Yes we can! And I shall hold back the onions again!"

~*~

It didn't take long for Billy and Vega's relationship to flourish even
more. Fall turned to winter in Southtown, and by late January even the slums
of the city looked lovely frosted in snow. Lily had the night off, so she
spent most of her time in the kitchen while Billy made sure Vega was out of
the house. Joe Higashi, Lily's boyfriend and Muay Thai champion, hung around
as well, aiding his girlfriend the best he could, "So Lily, why have you been
so quiet about Billy's current dating situation?"

"It's best to meet 'im for yourself, Joe," The small blonde woman leaked. She
accidentally mentioned Billy's love interest was another man.

"Him?" Joe raised an eyebrow.

Lily kicked herself mentally for saying that, "Yes. Billy's boyfriend was
unpleasant at first, but now he's really improved. And he's one of the few
that actually likes my tomato soup."

"Now that -is- scary," Joe laughed and snorted.

"You're terrible!" Lily chuckled while opening the oven, "Looks like the fish
is almost done. Joe, can you check on the veggies?"

"Will do, cap'n!" He grinned and made sure the vegetables were steaming
properly. While Lily was tending to something else Joe snuck in a bite of
steamed mushroom.

The door opened shortly afterward as Billy walked in with his younger
lover, "Lily, we're home!"

"Welcome home, Britboy!" A masculine voice answered.

"Wot the...?" Billy was about to question the outburst until he saw Joetandtanding near"Oh,"Oh, it's you. How'd you manage to sneak in?"

"I dunno... Lily invited me?" Joe shot back, grinning. "So what's this I hear
about a boyfriend?"

"Fine.. Vega, this is Joe Higashi," Billy introduced his lover to the Japanese
man.

"It's nice to meet you," Vega smiled and turned to Billy, "I'm going to wash up
for dinner." He kissed Billy's cheek and walked to the bathroom.

Billy turned to his sister once Vega was out of sight, "You get the cake,
luv?"

Lily nodded, "Yes. It's in the freezer."

"Perfect... Hey! Get your head outta there!" Billy pulled Joe back from the
freezer.

"Did I read the numbers wrong or did those candles say nineteen?"

Billy sighed, "It's Vega's birthday cake.. he's turnin' nineteen."

Joe chuckled and sat down, "I didn't peg you as the type to be robbing the
cradle, Kane."

"Let's get one thing straight here, Higashi," Billy sat down at the table across
from Joe, "You don't like me, and I don't like you... but if you make one more
crack about me Vega you're out the door.. never to return. You won't see
Lily ever again."

Joe smoothed back his dark hair, "Okay okay... I won't say anything mean.. but,
I do have to ask you something."

"Wot?"

"When does Vega graduate from elementary school?" Joe's horse laugh filled
the room.

Billy narrowed his eyes and got up to reach for Joe's neck, "Okay that's it
you bloody..!"

"Billy! Joe! Stop it!" Lily broke up the borderline fight, "We gotta keep
it peaceful or else Vega's birthday will be spoiled... I put alot of work
into this dinner.... so please.."

"Yes, honey..." Joe sat back, smirking at Billy, who was fuming at the Muay
Thai fighter.

"Grrrrrr... I don't know why you put up wif him, sis," Billy sat back as well,
turning when the bathroom door opened. Vega stepped out while Lily put
the finishing touches on the baked fish. Soon all of them sat down to a
lovely dinner.

The group ate in silence, though there was the occasional death glare
from Billy to Joe. Joe would open his mouth to respond, but Lily kept her
boyfriend in check. Soon Vega spoke up, "Lily, this is wonderful, but I must
ask, what's the occasion? You rarely put so much work into a casual dinner."

Lily smiled, "Well I guess I could tell you, luv.. since we're all finished.
Billy?"

Billy grinned back and got up to retrieve the cake from the freezer. That's
when Lily and Joe burst out in a cheesy rendition of "Happy Birthday". Billy
lit the two candles and placed the cake in front of Vega, "I 'ad to keep you
out of the house long enough for everythin' to be perfect, luv."

"Billy... Lily..." Vega was about to break down in tears of joy when he just
smiled warmly and blew out the melting "one" and "nine" shaped candles. After
the candles were snuffed out Liut tut the cake for the small group, and Joe
insisted on getting the largest slice.

Even though the tension was thick between Billy and Joe, the evening
progressed smoothly. Vega received a handmade photo album filled with pictures
of him with his new family courtesy of Lily and Joe. From his boss Geese
he received some gift cards from various high-end shops. Vega soon turned to
Billy, who was scratching his head. "I got you something that I really really
hope you like, Vega."

"Whatever you got me, I know I'll like it," Vega reassured him.

Billy chuckled, "At least you have faith in me, luv." He handed Vega a strangely
cool box. It was etched with gold with a very pretty red ribbon.

When Vega untied and opened the box, he gasped. It was a half-dozen of his
favorite vice food: chocolate covered strawberries. He smiled and hugged Billy
tight, "Thank you! I've been craving these forever!" Vega quickly took one
out and placed the rest in the fridge, eating the one in his hand. Joe was
trying to keep from making a comment, something which Billy noticed and gave him
a dirty look for.

While the group chatted over some coffee, Billy turned to Vega, who was
oddly silent again. Vega soon got up though, "Can I speak to you alone,
Billy?"

The Brit raised an eyebrow, "Sure, luv. We can go out to the balcony." He got
up as well while Lily and Joe watched them.

"I'll clear the dishes while you two talk," Lily nodded as she elbowed Joe to
help her out. Joe grimaced and went to the kitchen with Lily while Billy
stepped out to the balcony with Vega.

The night air was chilly, and the streets and buildings had remnants
of ice and snow. Billy could see Vega's breath as he tried to keep himself warm.

Billy instinctively went to hold Vega close so they could combine their
warmth, "Wot did you want to talk about?"

It didn't take long for Vega to press his lips to Billy's, rubbing his thinner
frame against his lover's. He gently broke the kiss, "I'm ready, Billy Kane."

"Ready?" Billy raised an eyebrow, "Ready for wot?" Soon the answer hit him
like a massive brick, "..... oh.... Oh!" He looked into Vega's eyes,
"Are you sure about this, Vega? It'll be a huge step for us.. but... if you're
really ready.."

Vega smiled, "I want you, Billy."

Those sweet words were like music to Billy's ears, "And I want you too, Vega."
He smiled and nuzzled Vega's cheek, "But can we go inside? I don't want
me willy to freeze up before we even start."

"Willy...?" Vega chuckled.

"Oh, stop it.." He smiled and kissed Vega gently.

~*~

Billy's heart raced. After all this time Vega had finally
healed. He kissed his young lover and lay him down on their bed, settling
himself between Vega's legs. "(It feels like it was yesterday... when Vega
was sent to kill me 'n Geese... and now we're together...) I love you,
Vega." Billy whispered, slipping off the clasp on Vega's braid.

Then Vega uttered the words even Billy had never heard from him, "I love you
too, Billy."

Billy smiled and worked his hands into Vega's shirt, his rough hands caressing
soft skin. One hand moved down to unzip his young lover's pants, his other
hand joining it to slide them off Vega's long legs. Billy planted gentle kisses
around Vega's navel, trying to relax his young lover as Vega's tight briefs
joined his pants somewhere on the floor.

"(Remember... lots of lube... be gentle....)" Billy kept reminding
himself over and over while he ceased his loving ministrations to unzip his own
pants. It had been quite a while since he'd done this, so once he freed his
length from the confines of his briefs he reached over to his bedside table.
He hoped he still had some lubricant in the drawer. He slid it open and sighed
in relief when he saw an almost full tube of cherry flavored lubricant resting
inside. He took it in his hand and popped off the top, squeezing quite a bit
of the contents into the palm of his hand. With gentle strokes he coated himself
with the cloudy gel. He then took the remainder of the warmed lube and pressed
two of his coated fingers into Vega's body.

Vega arched his back slighly, his body not as acquainted with being penetrated
as it used to be,"Ahhhh.... Billy..."

"Does it hurt, luv?" Billy whispered and withdrew his fingers, circling Vega's
entrance with them instead.

Thin tendrils of blonde hair fell onto Vega's face as he shook his head, "No...
I'm not used to it anymore is all..."

Hearing that made Billy smile a little, "That's why I waited... So you would
be ready physically and mentally for us to be intimate..."

"Thank you.. for waiting for me..." Vega leaned in to kiss Billy while he took
his British lover's hand, guiding it to his entrance once more.

Billy curled his lip and bit gently while he continued to prepare Vega
thuroughly. He moved his slicked fingers in and out, listening and smiling
as Vega moaned softly. The moment Billy removed his fingers he positioned
his length at the small entrance, biting his lip when he eased the tip in.
He gently grasped Vega's hips, moving forward, slowly pushing all the way
inside.

Vega's eyes were shut tight, his breathing heavy, but slow. It didn't hurt,
but it felt strange since he had gone without it for so long. His slender
hands ran up Billy's arms, wrapping themselves around his neck.

Billy pulled out a little but thrusted back in carefully. He slowly increased
his pace, trying to take everything slow. His orgasm was growing close, but
he did his best to hold it in, wanting to prolong his session. He kissed Vega's
face and neck, panting and thrusting gently into Vega's body. Soon Billy
hid his face in the crook of Vega's neck, grunting as his orgasm finally
broke, spilling his seed into his lover.

The moment Vega felt the rush of wet, he clung to Billy. Vega's older lover soon
had wrapped his hand around his length, stroking him gently. Billy was still
inside Vega, and he wanted his beloved to come as well. It didn't take much
however. Vega soon moaned Billy's name, coming into the Brit's hand.

Hours passed while the couple entwined their tired, spent bodies
with one another. Billy ran a finger down Vega's cheek, kissing his soft
lips, "Vega..."

Vega looked up with tired green eyes, "Why did you take me in...?" he suddenly
asked. He needed a confirmation... to calm his wary nature.

"Because you deserved a bettah life... because I fell in love wif you the moment
I met you... want me to go on, luv?" Billy smiled, leaning in to kiss around
Vega's necklace. "I forgot to tell you..."

"What is it?" Vega blinked.

"Happy Birthday, Vega."

Vega smiled softly, "Thank you, Billy."

~*~

Billy whistled as he trotted into Geese's office with his stateporeport,
"So far, everythin's clear, sir."

"Good work, Billy. Tell me something though," Geese looked up at Billy's
smiling face, "You've been acting awfully chipper the past few weeks. It's
freezing outside yet you still have a smile on your face. Be honest with me...
You're getting laid, aren't you?" The older man smirked, watching Billy's face
turn beet red.

Billy looked around to make sure Ripper and Hopper were nowhere in sight before
he leaned in to Geese, "Me waitin' paid off..." Billy winked.

Geese smiled, "My little boy's all grown up..."

"Where is Vega, anyway? I wanted to see if he was available for lunch.." Billy
wondered aloud.

"Oh. I sent him to copy some files for me. He should be back soon."

Meanwhile Vega was in the copy room, going through the files like water.
It was all like a second nature now as he easily went from one file to the
next. As he was leaving he bumped into another worker, "AH! I'm sorry..."
he apologized gently.

"No problem, sugar.." The other worker grinned. It was an older woman, about
the same age as Geese himself. She adjusted her glasses and quickly looked
Vega up and down, "You're Mr. Howard's secretary, right?"

"I am," Vega nodded, keeping the files close to him as he tried to leave. "I
must go though. He requested these quite a while ago."

"Don't be in such a rush, sweetie. I'm sure Mr. Howard can wait just a bit..
longer..." She reached for Vega's rear, only to have her wrist grabbed by
a very strong hand.

With a strong tug Vega brought the woman close, pressing two of his fingers
into her side, stunning her instantly, "My apologies, seno. bu. but I don't
like anyone touching me other than Billy Kane..." he smiled and let her go, her
form falling onto the ground semi-conscious and in pain. Vega left the room
quietly, not alerting anyone to what just happened.

Billy looked out the window of Geese's office, "I wonder if I did the
roight thing, sir..." he sighed.

"What do you mean?" Geese blinked.

"Takin' Vega like I did... I don't want to hurt him, not after wot that bastard
Bison did to 'im. I love him dearly, but.."

"You worry too much Billy. You always have," Geese reached for his cigar,
cutting and lighting it carefully.

"But sir.. you think Vega 'n I will be okay? In terms of gettin' along and
stuff?" Billy took off his bandanna.

"Billy..." Geese puffed when he got a phone call. "Geese, here." The man
listened to the frantic voice on the other line. Another one of his workers
was found in the copy room, barely conscious. She had been the victim of
a pressure point attack. Geese put the call on speaker phone in order for
Billy to listen in. The voice on the other line said it was Vega. Geese
hung up after he said he would take care of everything. The older man
looked up at Billy, "You know what? I think you and Vega are gonna be just
fine."

Billy couldn't help snickering, despite the state of panic a few floors below,
"Thanks, sir."

~END PART 2~