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Revelations, Part Two: "The Song of the Arrow"
Waking alone in the morning, Akane heard the sounds of battle in the yard. And her heart gave an extra thump as she hurried to the window... but it was just Ranma and his dad. Ryoga hasn't come back yet. Oh, Ryoga. They had hurt him yesterday, she and Ranma. 'None of them even want me.' "Ryoga..." Akane leaned her head against the glass. What is the matter with me? I finally have Ranma – he's finally admitted his love for me. When I thought it was going to take years and years, if ever. I didn't want to be the first to give in. He would not have admired me for that. And she loved Ranma so much. So very much. Then why am I so wrapped up in Ryoga? Her heart hurt. Ryoga was always hurt by what she did – Ukyo had that part right. Ryoga was always hurt, but Akane couldn't seem to stop. Ranma had never been so jealous of anybody but Ryoga... And it was because he had no reason to with anybody but Ryoga. Gentle Ryoga. Akane missed her P-chan. Always there for her, always protecting her, always loving her. Never judgmental, never critical. He supported her and raised her spirits and silently eased her loneliness. But never his own. Ryoga – always giving his love to others, but never seeming to accept it back. Except as P-chan. As her pet pig, Ryoga would show signs of happiness. Akane could cuddle him and talk to him and show him genuine affection – and he didn't run away. Not like he did as a human. Ryoga. Why don't you let anybody love you? With a gulp, Akane heard her thoughts and pulled quickly away from them. As she opened her eyes, Akane's gaze went through the glass window and focused on the people in the yard below. Ranma and his dad, sparring. As she watched, Akane's mouth curved in a smile. Ranma was so powerful, so beautiful. She loved seeing him move, seeing the way he fought and strove against the odds. There was nobody who could match Ranma for sheer dominance. Everybody who saw him, had to have him. And Akane was no different, though she wished she might be. Ranma had come into her life and taken everything that ever meant anything to her, without even trying. No manners, ego larger than the dojo — and such a sweetness within. Somehow, Ranma retains innocence in things that most of us learned long ago. I love him. It was something that prior to three weeks ago she'd never dared to think. If she had, she knew she'd be hurt as she had so many times before. But somehow, through some unknown miracle, Ranma had come to her first. He loves me? Akane shook her head. The last three weeks had passed in something close to a dream as she looked into his blue eyes and floated in the sky. The world had been covered in a haze of affection that made former irritants into fond eccentrics. As she walked home from school, Ranma's hand in hers, nothing could bother her. For the first time in her life, nothing anyone said or did could make her mad. The pain that had been the undercurrent of her life was buffered by Ranma's love. Mother, I wish you could be here now, and be at my side for my wedding. As Akane thought of her mother, her heart clenched at the memories... and then she opened her heart again with a sigh. Her mother had loved life and always had such a cheerful smile. When Ranma lets himself be happy, his smile is similar, no cares, just the joy. Akane raised a hand to the window and spread her fingers on the glass, watching Ranma in his spar, loving him, watching him, marveling in his strength and grace. He loves me. Ranma loved her. And he didn't leave it at that. Even as he took her hand in his, so also did he take her well-being. He trained her, he talked with her, he listened to her, he encouraged her to go on and do more. And in this way, he forced her to be all that she could, just to match his expectations. His ever increasing expectations. With Ranma's support, she could conquer the world. With Ryoga's support, I can survive it. Without pausing to reflect on the idea, Akane's mouth curved in a smile as she thought of the warm brown eyes that helped her to rise up again. When she'd been learning Rhythmic Martial Arts Gymnastics, she had come so close to despair, the enormity of the task before her rising like a chasm and seeming to increase in size every time she looked at it. As his dad did to him, Ranma had given her his sarcastic help, pointing out her flaws until Akane had felt beaten under. And then Ryoga had come in and supported her, practical advice mixed with unreal praise. It had helped her to stand back up again. Even though Ryoga had been gone for the rest of the week, the memory of his support had helped her to continue on. She could take Ramna's comments as the advice they were meant to be, actively pointing out what wasn't working in her methods but staying silent when she got it right. Between the two of them, Akane had kept her balance and learned. And then she'd blown it by stepping on the stupid ball. I should have seen that stupid ball. Akane's fist clenched as she fought back remembered tears. It was suppose to be my fight! Not Ranma's! Mine. And I blew my only chance to show Ranma how good I was. For a moment, Akane stopped living the memories and instead tried to look at them objectively. With a blink, Akane backed away from the window, not daring to watch the fight for the irrational fear that Ranma would look up and see her. Ryoga... Akane had stepped on the ball because she wasn't paying attention. She'd been so eager to show Ryoga that she'd learned through his teachings... No. Why am I doing this? Why now? One word, any word, and Ryoga could have been mine. But I wanted Ranma. Then why am I thinking like this now? Traitorous thoughts. 'With Ryoga's support, I can survive.' Treacherous thoughts. I chose Ranma. Although... there had never actually been a choice. Ranma had come into her life – and stolen her heart before she quite knew what had happened. Ryoga had only come after it had happened. After her heart had been captured by Ranma. And Ranma had started caring for her. 'I ain't holding you 'cause I like you!' Ranma's early words still reverberated sometimes. Partially for their patent untruth. He would have never said it if she hadn't provoked him so. If I hadn't been so clumsy at love, Ranma might have admitted his love sooner. But love had scared Akane. She hadn't wanted to admit it – especially not to Ranma. He was my rival as much as my friend. With a laugh, Akane acknowledged how much their rivalry had increased their affection for each other. Somebody to freely spar with, if only verbally; somebody who would give back as much as he could take. Akane had no fears of Ranma knuckling under just because she'd lose her temper. Instead his blue eyes would spark and then they would be trading insults and matching each other step for step. Except that Ranma would not fight her physically. Every time Akane had advanced the fight past that step, Ranma would back off, his blue eyes eager but hesitant, reluctant to go against his father's teachings. Maybe now... Akane grinned, knowing that if they fought again that Ranma would now fight with her instead of backing off. I look forward to it, meeting him on those grounds. Wait a sec... Thinking about it, Akane laughed, realizing how close their cuddling was to their old fights. He's the eager one now, and I'm the reluctant one, not willing to go beyond society's rules and my own self-set limits. The more things changed... Akane could feel the blissful numbness of the last three weeks starting to fade. Ranma's ego wasn't as cute as it had been and some of his ways were starting to annoy her again. But her love for him had not diminished at all. In that way, Akane appreciated him even more. It's not a fairy tale, and we can still be friends in truth. Now, Akane could truly picture a marriage to Ranma. It wouldn't be easy, and it wouldn't come magically, but she knew that they could work it out. Compromise and adjust. They were still young and making their share of mistakes, but they had growth and friendship behind them now and they could talk to each other. They would continue on and their love would only grow stronger. Humming cheerfully, Akane went downstairs for breakfast. And then stopped and simply stood at the railing, looking down into the kitchen where her sister was making the rice. Watching Kasumi laugh in response to something Ryoga had said... Ryoga. Ryoga was in the kitchen, easily talking to Kasumi, relaxed and happy. Not again... Standing still, Akane thought to watch him for a few minutes unobserved. I just spent a half-hour on these treacherous thoughts... With all the conflicting emotions running around in her, perhaps she could figure something out if she watched this handsome youth for awhile. Watched him as she'd never let herself do so before. Akane closed her eyes. And if I didn't before, why should I let myself now? But Akane already knew the answer to that one. It was because she was secure in Ranma's love. Now she could finally look outside her shell and see something besides Ranma. She'd been so focused on Ranma— "Onii-chan, would you like your breakfast now?" Kasumi's gentle voice was puzzled. Akane blinked as she lifted her head from where she'd been resting it on the railing. She refocused on the scene, and saw only Kasumi there. But... Kasumi smiled sweetly, "Ryoga-kun is out by the patio." How could I possibly hurt him just by standing here? Honestly. Accepting her bowl of rice from her sister, Akane took it out to the patio. Ryoga was standing in the shadows, watching the spar. He didn't turn as she moved up beside him. "Good morning, Akane-san. I'm sorry you didn't sleep well last night. I had... other things to do. And you stopped needing P-chan after awhile, so I figured..." He trailed off, his voice hesitant. At the start of his speech, he'd been firm and matter of fact, but as he'd kept on, his emotions took over again. Akane, you are so beautiful, so bright and wonderful...And she wasn't for him. Ryoga sighed as he watched Ranma spar. Ranma, I love you; please take good care of her. Akane tried not to let her jaw drop. Instead she took a bite of her rice. After she swallowed, she asked, "Ryoga, how can you always know when I need you?" Ryoga shrugged, "I don't know." Akane looked at him. One corner of his mouth twitched up briefly, "Honestly, I don't. But I can always feel most of my friends. It used to be hard to figure out that that's what I felt, but now I can usually recognize it." From Ranma's pain, to everybody else's. Now I know that it's not all mine. Though a lot of it still was. Ryoga felt out the parts of his pain that weren't his and wondered at all the need in the world. Ukyo, will you go to sleep? Please? I can't come right now, and it's not just me that you need. It's a good thing he didn't come by last night, or he would have found Ranma and me together... Akane blushed scarlet and bent over her bowl to hide her face. Nothing happened, really. Nothing, except that she and Ranma now trusted each other more than ever, and she know knew what it was like to be held gently in his arms though the night: Safe, secure, happy. So close to how she felt with P-chan cuddled close to her. *%;$#!!! I'm doing it again! Akane clenched her hand so tightly that a crack appeared in the bowl that held her rice. She instantly loosened her grip and stared at the white grains all stuck together. "Oops," Ryoga commented, "Bad move, Ranma." Akane looked up in time to see Mr. Saotome deliver a punch that knocked Ranma through the air. Akane squealed and moved quickly as Ranma smashed down where she'd been standing. Ryoga didn't move but watched as Ranma lay groaning at his feet. Then Ranma looked up, "Ryoga!" Beautiful blue eyes. Happy voice. Ryoga looked down at his friend and his heart twisted within his chest. The look of utter delight on Ranma's face... I can't hold him. I can't. Not with Akane watching. Ryoga hopped off the porch and stood in a ready position. Mr. Saotome raised an eyebrow, then motioned him forward. Smoothly gliding into an attack, Ryoga met his friend's father with quick testing moves. Ranma sat up. Akane sat down next to him. Ranma's eyes were wide, Akane's only a little less so. They watched the spar curiously. Ranma absently finished Akane's rice. And Ranma, for one of the first times, saw his friend from an onlooker's point of view. My God – he is so handsome... The contained strength, the flexible elegance. Every move Ryoga made spoke of power. Leashed power. Ryoga never let his full strength be used against a human. Just against the rocks that got in his way. Ryoga, I love you so. It had been a long three weeks away from Ryoga. When Ranma was with Akane, he didn't notice it so much. But when he was away from her... His body wanted Ryoga's touch. Her body wanted it as well. Both of Ranma's selves burned with desire as blue eyes hungrily watched Ryoga. With a sigh, Ranma reflected that Ryoga's move to spar with Pop had been a good move. Because Ranma had been about to bounce up and kiss him. Kiss him and hold him, and... He hadn't realized what he wanted until he was denied it. This is hard. This is very hard. Ranma swallowed, but the saliva instantly built up in his mouth again. Desperately, he took a bite of rice. "You know, Ranma – your dad is awfully good. You and Ryoga are the best that I've ever seen and I've never seen you defeat your dad." Pop? Thankfully distracted from the hungry thoughts, Ranma shrugged – he tended to take his dad's prowess for granted. "I wasn't the only one training all those years. You should have seen him wrestling bears in winter time. And there were several times when I would be left in the dojo with the students while Pop and the Master would go off on a retreat somewhere for a week or more." "Which dojo?" "Any of them. All of them." There were too many to count. Ranma smiled as he remembered their wanderings and all the places he'd been. Dojos were Ranma's home. Any dojo, no matter where it was, no matter what it looked like. When Ranma stepped inside a dojo and breathed in the smell of wood and oils and sweat, and felt the fighting spirits swirling contained within the walls and floor, that's when he could smile for he was home again. The spar broke off rather abruptly as Ryoga was caught by a leg twist and he fell into the pond. P-chan crawled out, shaking his head. Mr. Saotome smiled, "Enough. We'll try again when you're more rested." P-chan squealed and then shook himself off. He wandered up to the porch and Akane scooped him up in her arms, holding the wet pig close. Ranma froze in mid-reach as he'd been about to do the same. He bit his lip, then stood up, "Come on, pig. Let's get you changed back." He started to reach for Ryoga. Nabiki wandered by and casually grabbed the pig out of her sister's arms before Ranma could. "You get breakfast, Ranma. Akane – you still have to finish your Math homework. Don't worry about your P-chan. I'll just toss Ryo-chan in the bath and Kasumi will get him clean clothes." Ranma and Akane stood stunned as they stared after Nabiki as she walked in the house. Then Akane shook her head and reached for her rice bowl... "Hey!" "You weren't eating it!" Ranma protested guiltily. "Doesn't mean I wasn't going to!" They walked into the dining room together.
"Ryo-chan," Nabiki casually tossed the pig in the hot bath, "You've really got to be more careful." Ryoga surfaced, sputtering slightly, "Nabiki, I can't hear you when I'm under water." Folding her arms across her chest, Nabiki studied the young man. Ryoga became very aware of his state of undress and sank slightly down in the bath. It didn't help much. "Uhh... Na-chan..." Nabiki grinned tightly but didn't move, "Ryoga, are you sure about this?" Ryoga sighed, "Nabiki, stop worrying." The young woman shook her head, "They're hurting you. Every time you turn around. Ukyo had that part right, at least." "My choice, Nabiki. They love each other, and I want them to be happy." Nabiki snorted, "I don't care about them." She eyed him a moment longer, "And if you and Ranma are trying to be discreet, it's not working too well. You really need to find a hotel or something before the dam breaks." Ryoga blushed scarlet, from head to toe. With a short laugh, Nabiki left the room. Ryoga sighed and got out, drying himself off before getting dressed in the clean clothes she'd brought him. When Ryoga joined the others, both he and Ranma had themselves under control. Mostly. Their eyes spoke volumes when they allowed them to connect. "So where'd you finally end up, yesterday?" Ranma asked, as he shoveled more rice down, his gaze locked onto the table in front of him. Ryoga shrugged, "Kuno's." Akane looked up, "Excuse me?" Placing a hand over his mouth to cover a yawn, Ryoga didn't quite explain, "He has a nice bath there." Ranma looked up and raised an eyebrow. Ryoga had to grin at Ranma's interest, but his amusement faded quickly as he expanded, "I was up most of the bloody night talking to Ukyo." "Ukyo?!" Ranma and Akane stood up. Ryoga looked at them tiredly. "Ranma, you've got to do something about her." Ranma sat down again abruptly. Akane twisted to look at him. "You've got to go talk to her dad and find out what really happened back then. Not to mention that if there really was such a thing as an engagement promise, he's the one you need to talk to, not just Ukyo." Ranma opened and closed his mouth a couple of times. Akane glanced between them, "What do you mean, 'if'?" "Ukyo is angry, hurt, scared, lonely, and in desperate need of a family. Her memories are those of a six-year old, and the story was more... of a story. I don't think she really knows what happened." Ukyo had cried half the night. And then she'd talked, cursed, railed, screamed, sobbed, pleaded, and talked again for the other half. While Ryoga and Kuno could do nothing but sit there and listen to her. It had been a very long night. Ryoga looked at Ranma and silently urged him to take action. Ranma turned to look at his dad. Mr. Saotome moved a go piece on the board. Mr. Tendo rubbed his chin, "That's an interesting strategy Saotome-kun. If I didn't know you better, I would think it was a diversion. But, knowing you..." He moved a piece to block the setup. Mr. Saotome put down another piece on the other side of the board and captured six of Mr. Tendo's pieces. Mr. Tendo sighed, "You always have more than one move up your sleeve." The youths turned back to the table. "How pointed can a conversation get?" Akane groaned at the theatrics. "Yeah." Ranma was not completely convinced. "I don't think we're going to learn anything from that end," Ryoga was more amused than either of the two that had to live with the dads on a regular basis. Mr. Saotome turned around, "Ryoga-kun, I respect your friendship with my son, but I had wanted him to do this on his own. With you suggesting it, it cancels the learning he would have had if he'd thought of it by himself." Ranma's mouth dropped open. Ryoga leaned back, "With all due respect, sir; how was Ranma suppose to think of it? He's always trusted your guidance, and you never indicated a need." "It was the honorable thing to do. He would have seen it eventually." "Not without some sort of guidance – he is still young." Akane raised an eyebrow, "And you're not?" She instantly regretted the hasty words, but Ryoga just looked amused. "I had a different teacher." Akane perked up, Oh yeah! I've still got to ask him about her... "'sides, I was the one listening to her ramble through the night." Ryoga covered another yawn. Ranma had to make his own comment to his dad, "You want me to go find Ukyo's dad?" Mr. Saotome shrugged, "It would be a good idea." He turned back to the board, "And that's all I'm going to say on the matter." "Okay," Ranma shrugged, "So, where does Ukyo's Pop live?" Ryoga and Akane looked at him with identical 'you've got to be kidding' looks. Seeing them, Ranma blinked, "I have no idea where we were. I was only ten years old, for pity's sake!" He looked back to his dad, but his dad was determinedly involved in the game. And then, you didn't particularly care where you were. Shaking his head, Ryoga capitulated on that point and grinned, "Easily solved." He looked over to the doorway and raised his eyebrows. Nabiki leaned on the door and stared at him with no expression on her face. "Please?" Ryoga contrived to look woeful. It was a look he could do quite well, but this time he couldn't repress the glint of mischief as he looked at those stern brown eyes. The sun breaking through the clouds. Nabiki's face suddenly lit brightly in a grin, "Oh all right. For you, Ryo-chan. I'll have it by this afternoon. If you lead, you two will be there in a week. Otherwise I'll arrange the train tickets too." "The train might be a better idea," Ryoga agreed, a smile playing at his lips. "But I'm certainly not paying for it." Nabiki's dry tones were also filled with affection. Ryoga laughed and reached in his pocket. He tossed his wallet to her and Nabiki caught it out of the air. "Don't take too much off the top," Ryoga warned with a wink. "Moi?" Nabiki placed a hand on her chest and then turned and went upstairs. As she left, Ranma and Akane moved together and stared at Ryoga. Their eyes were blazing in identical expressions. Akane tightly asked, "Ryo-chan?" Ranma growled as he seconded the question. Oh for! Ryoga threw up his hands, "Nabiki is my friend!" And your sister! "That's what you said about Azusa," Ranma commented. "What do you two care, anyhow?" Ryoga snapped, irritated beyond reason. Ranma blushed a bright red and so did Akane. But they kept the appearance of pots simmering over. I do not believe this... Shouldn't I be the one jealous of them? Ryoga shook his head, "You two really are the perfect match. Neither of you can let anything go once you claim it." As soon as he said it, Ryoga bit his lip – he hadn't meant to, it just came out. He realized that he was just too tired for good control. And his temper wasn't the best at the moment either. They shouldn't treat Nabiki like that. With a sigh, Ryoga reached his mind out to feel the tree in the yard, struggling to maintain a balance and not lose his temper. Trees don't hold grudges. Trees accept. Trees simply are... At Ryoga's words, Akane and Ranma about sank through the floor, caught between shame and fury. Mr. Tendo cleared his throat as he talked to his friend, "You know, Saotome-kun, that's not a bad idea." "True – Nabiki-chan needs a strong husband. But she also needs one that she can't manipulate." "That's a hard requirement for my daughter." "True." "They seemed to get along well together." "If he marries her, which daughter would you leave the dojo to?" "Humm..." Ranma looked over at them in horror, "What do you mean by that?!" Ryoga stood up, nearly a solid red color across his face, "I'll be back later..." "Ryoga-kun," Akane stood also, "Aren't you coming to school with us today?" He wavered. They could all see him waver. Then he yawned. Her heart twisted for her love of him as Ranma watched Ryoga. And she wanted to change to her girl-form and go to him. Then Ryoga would pillow his head on her beasts and close his eyes, trusting her, and then Ranma would watch him sleep in her arms like they'd done so many times... His soft black hair, flowing over my skin; his breath, warm and rhythmic; his heartbeat strong. With an internal moan, Ranma glanced down at the table and fixed her gaze on it. And carefully made sure that the table was blocking everybody's view of his lower body. Ah, damn it! Kasumi wandered in, "Ryoga-kun, I've made up a pallet for you over in the spare room. You can rest here." A gentle smile of thanks lit his face, "My thanks, Kasumi-san." Kasumi bowed, her smile matching his. Ranma and Akane gave it up and left for their classes.
"What do you mean, I'm not going???!" Akane glared at Ranma. "Uhh..." Ranma glanced to Ryoga and Nabiki, who were standing side-by-side. A smile played across Nabiki's lips but she stayed silent. Ryoga glanced down at her and frowned. Then he shrugged, "It probably wouldn't be a good idea, Akane-san. After all, you are the one Ranma is going to marry." Both Akane and Ranma's noses grew red. Ryoga noticed and his heart twisted at the pain it gave him, to see them so together. He bit his lip and continued, "If Ukyo's dad really made the marriage arrangement... It might be an insult to him for you to be asking about his daughter." "But I'm Ukyo's friend too!" Akane protested. Ryoga bit his lip even harder and looked again to Nabiki. Nabiki sighed, "Let it go, Sis. I bought the train tickets for two people, not three. And besides – you have that math test tomorrow and you never did finish your homework." Akane blinked. Forgot about that... "Don't you have that test too, Ranma?" Again, Nabiki interceded, "He's the one who does have to go. And he got top scores on the last test – you didn't." Ryoga glanced in pleased surprise to his friend. Ranma blushed. Akane was blushing too, but for a different reason. "Oh, all right," Akane glowered, "I guess you've got a point." Nabiki smiled sadly and looked up at Ryoga, "Let Ranma lead the way to the train station, eh?" It was Ryoga's turn to glower at her. Ranma picked up his backpack and tossed Ryoga's to him, "Come on, already." He started out the door. "Uh, yeah." Ryoga put his pack on and turned to Akane, "Akane-san..." Coming back in, Ranma poked his head around Ryoga, "We'll be back in a few days, Akane." Seeing the look on her face, he walked forward and took her in his arms, kissing her soundly. Blushing, Ryoga turned his back. Nabiki crossed her arms and grinned as she watched. When Ranma finally let Akane go, Akane's blush was tinged with satisfaction and longing. "Hurry back," she whispered, leaning into his embrace. Ranma hugged her tight and then let her go. "We will," he promised.
"Come on, Ryoga... Man, give me the tickets!" "Not until we get on the train." "Why the hell not?" Ryoga rolled his eyes, "Ranma – why the hell do you want them so much?" That actually stopped Ranma in his tracks. "Uhh..." "Control." "Uhh..." "I'm holding on to the tickets until we get on the train. Deal with it." "Ryoga..." Ranma's voice turned wheedling, "Pretty please?" "No!" "Give them to me!" Ranma swung a fist at Ryoga. Ryoga ducked, "If you start a fight now, the train will leave without us." Pouting, Ranma finally gave in, "Oh, all right." He walked on, "I don't see why you don't just give them to me, though."
"I see why you didn't give me the tickets." Ranma dropped his backpack at his feet as he stared. "First class private cabin? How much of your money did Nabiki spend?" Ryoga was also looking around. The cabin was small, but very comfortable. It had two rooms – a bedroom in the back and a sitting room where they were. There were flowers on the table and a note stuck under the vase. It had Ryoga's name on the front and he picked it up and read it. "What's that?" Ranma bounced over to see. Ryoga smiled and handed it to him. 'Ryo-chan: Have fun and don't forget to take some enjoyment for yourself. Nabiki' Ranma took another look around the cabin, "Ryoga... Nabiki... she doesn't know, does she?" Sitting down at the table and looking at the flowers, Ryoga nodded. Ranma's mouth opened and closed a couple of times, "How...?" He frowned, "Just what is it between you and Nabiki anyway?" Ryoga sighed and took the carnation out of the vase, smelling its precious scent, "You know she went on vacation to that seaside resort two weeks ago?" "Uhh..." Ranma had been rather wrapped up in Akane at the time and only vaguely remembered Kasumi commenting on it. "Well, she got into a bit of trouble over there and I helped her out. We ended up spending a fair amount of time together and she figured it out." "You didn't..." "Huh?" Ryoga blinked at the tone in Ranma's voice. Then realized what Ranma was thinking, "Hell no! Will you stop being so bloody jealous, Ranma? Everybody's going to know if you keep that up!" Ryoga smiled bitterly, "Ranma-sweet, you have my heart. And you are the only one who has ever had my body." Ranma knelt down at Ryoga's feet and laid his head on Ryoga's lap. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean..." Ranma sighed, "It's been a long three weeks without you." Ryoga brushed his hand through Ranma's hair and trembled. "For me too," he whispered, staring at the dark hair and handsome face. Sitting up, Ranma glanced to the door, then went over and locked it. He stood at the table for a long moment, drinking in the sight of Ryoga and the knowledge that after three days of hiding their love, they were finally alone. Deliciously alone. Wonderfully alone. Ranma picked up the vase, pulling the other flowers out of it. Then he poured the water over his head. Ryoga stood up. They were only a step away from each other. They stared at each other, their breathing already deepening. Ryoga reached a trembling hand to Ranma's face. Ranma leaned her cheek into his hand, her eyes locked on his. "Ranma... my love," Ryoga took that final step and leaned down to her as Ranma reached up. Their lips met with an explosion of fire and flame throughout their bodies. Ryoga closed his eyes for the sheer impact. It had been a very long three weeks. And I'm suppose to give Ranma up forever? How am I suppose to do that? How? Ranma moaned with the feel of Ryoga's mouth pressed against hers, his arms tight around her back, her breasts pressed into his chest, the bulge in Ryoga's pants hard against her abdomen. Exactly what I've dreamed of while he's been gone. I never knew how wonderful it could be before, and now I don't want to give it up. I don't want to give him up. Ryoga, "I love you," Ranma murmured the words around the corners of Ryoga's mouth on hers. They held each other tight, their lips locked together, their bodies pressed against each other. The moment went on and on as they drank in the love and desire that had been pent up for so long. Then they both lost their balance and fell as the train started moving with a jerk. Ryoga automatically twisted so that he was underneath to catch Ranma. "Oww..." Ranma sat up on Ryoga's waist and looked down at him, "This works..." She leaned down. "Ranma-sweet," Ryoga put a finger on her nose, keeping her back, "We do actually have a bed in this cabin..." "What a novel idea." Ranma grinned as she sat up, her hands undoing the tie on his belt and then slipping under his shirt and caressing his chest. Ryoga gasped, his eyes closing. Three weeks... Three lonely weeks without her touch. "I only thought I'd remembered the feel of your hands..." Ryoga opened his eyes again, seeking those sapphire eyes, "The memory doesn't compare." Ranma leaned forward, slipping her body down until she was laying on top of him, her legs spread out around his, her groin pressing against his. The cloth of their pants was an annoying impediment. Ryoga's hands stroked her back with loving passion. They rolled over... and hit the table leg. "Okay..." Ranma got off of Ryoga with some reluctance, "the bed it is." Ryoga lay there, staring up at her, "I don't think I can move... You're too beautiful." Her grin was definitely that of a cat's. Ranma turned her back to Ryoga and reached her hand down to her belt, untying it and letting it flutter to the floor. She pulled off her shirt and let that drop to the floor also. Then she walked slowly into the room with the bed. Ryoga was there in barely a moment, standing behind her, his hands sliding around her waist and then over her belly and up to her breasts. Oh... yes... This is what I have missed... Ranma moaned and leaned backwards into Ryoga's strong chest. Feeling his hands caress and love her breasts. So wonderful. Yet not feeling his skin against her back. "Ryoga-love... Get rid of that damn shirt." She wanted the contact. His hands on her breasts were so wonderful... She wanted him. All of him. With her. With her forever. Ryoga, my love... "But I'd have to let you go," Ryoga murmured as he traced her ear with his lips, his hands moving across her breasts and pulling her into him. Ranma reveled in the feel of his hands and his strength and his love. She turned her body in his arms and pressed up against him. And recoiled at the feel of the rough fabric on her now very tender breasts. "The shirt, Ryoga. Now." Ranma took a step backwards and then turned to look at the bed. She pulled the covers and the top sheet to one side and looked for a moment at the pillow. The way we move around, that's probably going to go on the ground very quickly. They'd never done it before in a bed. Ranma remembered the sleeping bags very well. More to the point, the tent floor. And the rock. And the dirt. And the water... One of the more delightful times with her guy-body. But she did prefer being a female with Ryoga. For one thing, they fit together better. And she absolutely adored the climax in the female body. It didn't happen every time, but when it did... It was as if her female body was made for Ryoga's touch. Made for Ryoga. Made to give him pleasure. And the pleasure she received was extra. A very incredible extra. "Ranma-sweet," Ryoga's voice interrupted her thoughts, "If I had to take off my shirt, I think your pants have to go..." Ranma turned to look. Ryoga was standing in the doorway, completely undressed, watching her with shining brown eyes. His bandanna was in his hand as he held it out to her. Ranma closed her eyes briefly for the intensity of his love. She reached for the bandanna and tied it around her wrist. Then she reached back and let her hair loose. Ryoga watched her, his self-control making his body tremble with the effort. Ranma stepped out of her shoes and sat down on the edge of the bed, looking up at him. "I think you can manage the pants..." Ryoga's eyes flicked from her face to her breasts to her waist. He stepped forward until he was in the spread of her legs. Then he reached out his hands and untied the bow tying her pants. Then as Ranma shifted weight to help him, Ryoga slowly pushed the pants down, his hands trailing over her abdomen, hips, and pelvis, lingering in her curly hair, then stroking down the insides of her thighs. Even though she'd invited it, Ranma thought she was going to die from the ecstasy of pleasure his touch brought. She moaned as her upper body collapsed backwards onto the bed. Her hands clenched helplessly in the sheets. Ryoga's hands continued taking the pants down her legs, caressing her calves and ankles, his hands sliding gently over her feet to her toes. Then his hands moved upwards again. Without the pants. Concentrating wholly on her legs. His hands lingered at the insides of her thighs. Stroking upwards over and over again until Ranma was quivering uncontrollably. Then he moved his hands inwards... Ranma arched her pelvis, "Ryoga-love... It's more than your hands I want there..." Ryoga chuckled hoarsely, but his hands stayed there, stroking and teasing and lightly exploring until Ranma thought she was going to have her climax before he'd even entered her. "Happy?" Ranma snapped opened her eyes and was momentarily blinded by the light in the cabin – she'd had them shut for a very long time. All she could see was the ceiling. But she felt him... Ranma moaned, "Yes... Yes, you moron. I'm ecstatic. I'm happy. I'm in love with you." Then Ryoga entered her and his body leaned over her and his breath was warm upon her lips. Ranma sought him eagerly, her hands wrapping around his back as she pulled him onto her, flattening her breasts against his bare chest and loving the feel of their bare skin together. She had only moments to enjoy the sensation as it was the final passion to take her into the waves of pleasure that she'd dreamed about for weeks. As she cried out and then settled back against the sheets of the bed, she felt Ryoga's body moving in hers as he called her name in loving ecstasy. And they were together. Finally.
"I hope the walls are well-insulated," Ryoga traced patterns on her chest and breasts with his fingers. "We never did learn to be quiet, did we?" Ranma's hands were playing in his hair. "Ranma-sweet, I've missed you so. How long is this train ride?" "Ten hours. And then we have a night in a hotel before going inland to the village." "Let's see, that means we have time for... shall we try for nine more?" "We're going to need time for a quick clean-up in that schedule..." "Eight more times, then." Ryoga nipped her nose, "Shall we start the next?" Ranma slipped her hands down to his waist, "Even if your endurance is beyond that of a normal man's... You're going to need a bit more time." "But we can always start now... I'll recover soon enough." They were so eager for each other that 'slow' wasn't an option at the moment. They had waited for so long and were so hungry for each other's touch. And the words. Finally getting to tell each other how much they cared and loved each other... Talking of their love even as they loved each other. The words were as important to them as the other. "Confident, aren't ya." And Ranma pulled his mouth to hers, greedily accepting the offer. How I've missed you, my love.
Even for super-human endurance, four more times was all Ryoga could manage. "Sorry, my sweet love." Ranma giggled, still awash in her afterglow, stroking his chest. "I'm happy," she declared, very, very satisfied and happy. The reunion was worth the wait. Very, very much so. Ryoga kissed her on the lips and then snuggled down, pillowing his head on her breasts, his eyes shutting as he slipped into satisfied exhausted sleep. Ranma wrapped her arms around his back and her legs around his as she held him close to her. She watched the dark hair as it lay spread across her chest, his head turned to one side between her breasts, the warmth of his body seeping into hers, his eyes shut and his mouth slightly parted as he breathed steadily. She ran the toes of one foot up and down his leg. Her hands stroked the muscles of his back. And she couldn't stop watching him. He slept soundly within her arms. Secure. Trusting. Trusting her. Loving her. 'From now on, I'm defending Ranma too.' Ryoga, you love me so. 'Neither of them even want me.' Ranma squeezed her eyes shut, tears dripping down. "Not true. Not true, my love. I want you. I want you so badly." But Ranma also wanted Akane. He remembered last night wrapped in her arms as he was even now holding Ryoga. And the kiss they'd shared as he left her behind. Left her to go with Ryoga. To be with Ryoga as she'd wanted every time she saw Ryoga's handsome body and loving eyes. Leaving Akane behind. Akane that he loved so dearly. Ranma held the sleeping Ryoga close and cried for the division in her heart.
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Notes to Chapter 7: – Okay, I'm pushing the envelope on my knowledge of Japanese culture on this one. I'm pretty darn certain there is *no* such thing as cabins with beds on trains in Japan. I haven't actually found anything to rule it out yet, though. And with all their touristy and new trains... they might. And I really didn't want them to wait through the whole dang ride; the two of them were already hot enough! But if, at some future point, I do find out there are no cabins, I might rewrite the scene... build up the frustrations... have them shifting anxiously in their seats as the other passengers glare... ;-p Actually, that might be more fun! Humm... ;-p I'm mean. |