So, here goes my second attempt at this series. Now… past experience has taught me that there are a few – well, at least ONE – readers out there who absolutely, one-hundred percent despise, loathe, and abhor the Maki/Julietta pairing. The proof of this I received as a very angry review, and I would just like to say this now. If you don't like 'em, DON'T READ THIS STORY! It honestly didn't bother me overly much, but I did find it pretty ridiculous that someone would leave a review just to say how much they detest a pairing. I mean… come on… can we say, 'attention whore'?

Ahem, for those of you who enjoy the pairing, I sincerely hope you enjoy the story. I've wanted to do this for soooo long, and I'm ecstatic to finally post this first chapter. Be warned, the development of this relationship isn't going to be instant, it will take a little while. Have patience. This work of fiction continues on from where the series ended.

Warnings: This is Maki we're dealing with, so be assured that there will be swearing galore! Also… it's got some nudey-nudey nakedness and smexing in later chapters. XD

Disclaimer: I wish I owned something… honestly…

An Unlikely House Guest

Utterly F'ed

"See you tomorrow, Maki!"

Her mouth tipped into a lazy, half-smile at the exuberant farewell, and she gave her friends a brief nod and a wave before turning and sliding her keycard into the lock pad. When the speaker gave a crackling 'buzz', Maki pulled the front door open and stepped inside.

As she made her way to her apartment – a daunting trek, considering the fact that the elevator was currently out of service and she lived on the nineteenth floor – her mind wandered. She recalled the events of the past three months, still uncertain as to whether she should see the change as a positive or a negative turn in her life.

After her battle with Eternal, the Fukamichi Rankings had completely dissolved, and overnight she had become a sort of street-fighter celebrity. People were approaching her almost nonstop, wanting a chance to battle with the 'renowned' Airmaster. Yes, everyone wanted their minute in the limelight, and – frankly – it was beginning to wear her down. While she would never turn down an opportunity to let loose her fighting spirit, she was only human, and lately she was really beginning to feel the strain of all those extra scuffles.

She sighed, a mirthless laugh leaving her lips as she pulled one hand through her mussed red hair. It was silly, honestly, for everyone to have put her on this pedestal. Everyone seemed to be under the impression that she had defeated the Eternal Fighter… but the truth of it was there had been no victor on that day.

A real smile blossomed on her lips then, memories of that epic fight making her blood stir and heart sing. It had been a dual she would never forget, one that would remain with her until the very end. The power, the pressure of his spirit thrashing against hers had been magnificent, but in the end their time had been cut short. Both of them had fought valiantly and held nothing back, and while it had appeared that neither was truly willing to be broken, the dilapidated building they named as their battleground had not been so resilient. It had literally come crumbling down around them, and when she emerged from the rubble, there had been no sign of her opponent. Still, to this day, she did not know if Eternal had fallen, or if he had simply collected himself and left… much as she had.

So, needless to say, she found it a little ridiculous that so many people considered her a legend when the thing she was so famous for was – in fact – not true at all.

By the time she reached the nineteenth floor, she was dragging her feet, sneakers scuffing noisily along the concrete. It had been a… long day for her, and she was both physically and mentally exhausted. When she got home, she wanted nothing more than to order some takeout, curl up on her couch, and…

The paper taped to her front door gave her pause, but after only a second of scanning the print, she leaned forward and pressed her forehead to it with a loud groan. "How could I have forgotten?" she muttered miserably.

She stuck her keycard stiffly into the lock, snatching the notice down as she pushed the door open. Closing it with more force than was necessary, Maki made her way into the kitchen and placed the crumpled paper on the counter. A warning of eviction… not the first she'd received. Her rent was late… substantially, and if she didn't find a way to pony up some dough by the end of the week, she was going to be out on her ass.

The young woman drooped pathetically to the floor, head sagging back as she allowed her legs to fall open in a most unlady-like fashion. Not that she gave a shit… she most certainly was not a lady.

For the entirety of the time she'd lived alone – nearly three years now – she'd been able to get by on the money her mother had left her. However, as was expected, that well had finally dried up, and now Maki was left without any means of supporting herself, and less than a week to find a solution to her problem.

'Maybe I should start looking for a job,' she considered, sighing raggedly at the notion. She was not exactly a 'people-person', and was pretty awkward when it came to doing… well… anything - aside from fighting, that is. She wasn't the brightest bulb in the box, and didn't exactly have the world's best resume. She doubted Former Women's Gymnastics Champion or Street Fighter would look all that impressive to most employers. She was utterly and royally fucked.

A sharp knock on her door had her staggering rather gracelessly to her feet, and from there she stumbled just as clumsily to the door. 'I hope it isn't the landlord,' she grumped, leaning forward to peer through the peephole.

What she saw made a delicate crease appear between her brows, and she drew back a moment to shake her head and give her eyes a good rub. There was simply no way…

Again she looked, and the same image appeared through the tiny lens. She hesitated momentarily, debating on whether or not to open up. His being here certainly couldn't mean anything good for her, considering his cargo. However, if Maki knew one thing, it was that he was as stubborn as she was, and it was likely he wouldn't be leaving until she answered the door.

Not even a second after the thought had crossed her mind, a large fist rapped against the door, accompanied by a decidedly aggravated shout.

"I know you're in there, Maki! I can stand here all night if that's what it takes!"

Grunting, she wrapped her fingers around the handle and pulled it open. Glaring sharply at the auburn-haired man on her doorstep, she grumbled, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

So… what did we think? I know it doesn't supply much in terms of plot, but it's kind of an epilogue of sorts; a teaser, if you will. Ahem, I have a few other stories that are top priority at the moment, so updates will be sporadic. Don't get too panicky; just don't expect something new every week.

Much love for the support!