Shadows of the Zaibatsu

"Hey, you're kinda cute."

Normally those words would not be welcome. On the contrary! "Cute" was a sad excuse for a compliment, but to be hit on during that terrible time was a relief. Lee stared into his drink, trying to crack a smile, but he couldn't bear it. What did he have left to smile about? He had lost the battle for Jin Kazama in the most humiliating way possible, and now he had nothing left in Japan to keep him there. Nothing. Regardless, he wanted to think about something else for awhile. A good one-night stand was in order - preferably one that wouldn't want to whip him.

As he heard and felt the stranger claim the barstool beside him, he looked up. Even through his alcohol-induced haze, he would recognize that bulky man with that tacky hairstyle anywhere. Paul Phoenix. Damnit! He had been hoping for a lay, not to listen to that idiot ramble about himself. "Leave me alone."

"Aw, you're so cold! Let me buy ya another drink." Paul slung an arm over Lee's shoulder. A heavy arm. "Let's get you loosened up!"

Lee shrugged. He had no doubt he was far wealthier than the American and he had every intention to keep drinking regardless of the encouragement. Well, if Paul wanted to waste his money on something inevitable, that was his own problem. "Fine, but let's make one thing clear. I'm a grown man, Phoenix. Never call me cute again. Do we have an understanding?"

"Sure thing, Chaolan-chan. Sexy it is, then!"

"You obnoxious brute!" Lee seethed with sudden anger. How dare that creep speak to him with such disrespect?! Was he even aware of the meaning of his words? "That's san to you, you ignorant fool! I'm forty-ei... Thirty-eight! I will not tolerate this insufferable-"

"You complain too much." Paul smirked and waved at the bartender. After signalling to a tap, a mug was quickly filled and put on the counter in front of him.

Maybe that was the problem. Had Kazuya neglected him because he complained too much? Well, If Kazuya liked his pets to be anything like that annoying Korean, that couldn't possibly be the issue. Lee sighed and gulped down his cocktail. If that was the ideal type, maybe he was just too old for Kazuya's tastes. The thought was depressing. If it was the complaining, at least that he could change, but his age, he could only lie about!

Paul frowned and the arm around him tightened. "You look like you need to relax. Let's go fuck in a hot tub!"

"You're so barbaric..." Lee sighed and gazed over the large American body. Well, it wouldn't hurt to be a little reckless for one night, even if it was with someone he could barely stand. Especially since the Zaibatsu could behead him at any moment, he might as well enjoy what time he had. "Let me finish my drink first."

~~~~~

Everything was going wrong! Why wasn't the idiot picking up the phone?! Julia had other friends in the Zaibatsu, but this one was the only one she figured would have a clue about what was going on. He was a guard, after all! She tapped her finger against her leg as she waited impatiently. When the phone was finally answered, she didn't give them a chance to greet her.

"Tell me about Hwoarang!"

The man on the other line stayed quiet for a second. "... Julia? Is that you? Why do you want to know about him?"

What a stupid question. "What kind of guard are you? You let that fool into the place and give him free reign? Don't you know what he's trying to do to Kazama-sama? He's corrupting him!" She growled at the thought and closed her eyes.

"I don't think that's a problem. He's a prisoner here now. Jin wouldn't be fooled again after what he did." The man laughed on the other line.

Julia blinked and after considering that, she frowned. Something about that was fishy. "Are you sure? They seemed a little too friendly the other day... Do me a favour, and investigate it, will you? Keep your eye on Hwoarang. I don't think he's a prisoner there at all."

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This is a collab, written together with Chlover. You can find her author profile here: http://original.adult-fanfiction.org/authors.php?no=26260