ROCK N' ROLL 1/2 (Part three) A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic by the Leaping Gnome (Nine out of ten lemons never even see it coming...) WARNING: Contains scenes of explicit sexuality that are unsuitable for viewing by minors or adults with low sex drives. If you fall into either category, or simply don't like lemons, STOP READING NOW !!! DISCLAIMER: Ranma and all associated characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi and whatever corporate masters she may possess, and are used without permission, so don't tell her lawyers, Okay? CULTURAL NOTE: For those unfamiliar with Japanese holidays, "White Day" is celebrated one month to the day after Valentine's Day. Whereas on Valentine's Day japanese girls sent cards and gifts to their sweeties, japanese boys are expected to return the favor on White Day. Why is it called White Day? No idea... AUTHOR'S NOTE: Words and phrases bracketed like this: [example] are thoughts, not spoken aloud. Words bracketed by a pair of asterisks like so: *example* are highlighted for emphasis. WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE: The two days before White Day have been very hectic for Ranma and company. First off, the current no. 1 favorite band of teenage japanese girls, Nevada Ticket, has been hired by the Big Kahuna (a.k.a. Headmaster Kuno) to play the Furinkan High White Day dance, and every girl at Furinkan is desperate to go, including Akane Tendo, and Akane's classmate (and Ranma's childhood friend-cum-fiancee) Ukyo Kuonjii. After fleeing the wrath of the girls, Ranma and Ryoga were caught by Miss Hinako, the school's strictest disciplinarian, in the apparent commision of an indecent act in the teachers' lounge. While Ranma escaped unscathed, Ryoga was captured, and was forced to submit to Miss Hinako's tender mercies. Apon escaping, Ryoga came to the conclusion that he had indeed enjoyed what Miss Hinako had done to him. He returned that night to the Tendo Dojo in the guise of P-chan, Akane's beloved pet, to ponder his next course of action. Meanwhile, Shampoo had discovered that her dip in the Spring of Drowned Cat was having far greater effects than merely changing into a cat when doused with cold water. He own reproductive system was beginning to emulate that of a feline. In other words, she was going into heat! Aided by Cologne, she used a magical flower known as the Lover's Poppy to seduce Ranma, causing him to believe that she was Akane. In the end, ashamed at what she had done and what she had become, Shampoo made her hapless victim believe that what they had just done was a dream, nothing more. Her heart broken, she fled Nerima, perhaps never to return. Ryoga, meanwhile, was set apon by three men and knocked unconcious. Before more permanent damage could be done, he was saved by Kodachi Kuno, The Black Rose, who believed him to be her darling Ranma. (Ryoga was wearing a borrowed set of Ranma's chinese clothes at the time.) Kodachi carried him off, calling him Ranma-Darling. Ryoga, still senseless, could neither protest nor correct her... Later that night, after reviewing his "dream", Ranma realized that he really *did* love Akane. In a late-night rendezvous, he asked Akane to be his date to the White Day dance, and she accepted. They shared a kiss, but returned to their separate beds before things got to hot to handle. ***************************************************************** ***************** AND NOW, CHAPTER THREE OF ROCK N' ROLL 1/2, "Infatuation" It was a bright, sunny Thursday morning in Nerima as Akane and Ranma walked to school. Despite last might's "moment", Ranma took his usual fencetop route while Akane walked along the sidewalk beside him. They were quiet, stealing little smiling glances at each other. Nabiki Tendo walked on ahead with a group of other girls from her class. She looked back. [Oh Ho! Looks like little sister's finally got her man...] In the time-honored manner of older siblings across the globe, she decided to razz her kid sister. "Oh, gag me, you two." Nabiki called back. "I'm gonna get diabetes watching you flirt!" "We were *NOT* flirting, Nabiki! God!" Akane yelled. [Aww...isn't that *cute*, she's still shy about it ,] thought Nabiki. Ranma merely blushed and tried to look innocent. "Puh-leeze, Akane. Hearts and flowers are floating around your heads! Give it a rest, or get a room!" "Nabiki! It's not like it's a big deal! We've only been engaged our whole lives!" "Yeah, but this is the first time i've ever seen you two be so nice to each other. Cut it out!" "Why *should* we?!" "'Cause i'm afraid the sky's gonna fall or something! Isn't Akane and Ranma getting along one of the seven signs of the apocalypse?" "Oooh!! Na-Bi-Kii!!!!" Akane hefted a mailbox and started chasing Nabiki, who was running away, laughing her head off. [So *that's* what it looks like from the outside,] thought Ranma, laughing despite his better instincts. [Man, look at 'em go! I wonder if it was really this funny when Akane was tear-assing after me...] He straightened, then called out to them: "Hey! Guys! We're gonna be late for school if you two keep this up!" "Go on without us, Ranma! I'll catch up once i've flattened my annoying older sister!" "Okay, suit yourself!" Ranma kicked himself into gear, speeding along the fence until he was at the gates of Furinkan High. He glanced up at the clock tower with surprise. [I don't believe it! I'm actually early for a change! I've got time to head down to the cafeteria and grab a before school snack!] He hopped off the gate and walked across the quad to the school's main doors. As he reached for the handle, he smelled something... something wonderful! Sniffing, attempting to trail the scent, he turned to see Ukyo Kuonjii standing behind him, smiling. She had a takeout box from Ucchan's in her hand. "Hello, Ranma-Honey!" Ukyo was in a very good mood. She had gotten up early to make a special okonomiyaki for Ranma, with his favorite toppings: Four kinds of seafood, green onions and topped with a pickled cucumber slice. She had taken special care with the sauce, making a pretty picture of a Chibi Ranma and a Chibi Ukyo holding hands surrounded by a big heart. "Hi, Ucchan! Makin' deliveries this early?" His mouth watered at the savoury smell of Ukyo's reknowned cooking. Hers was even better than Kasumi's... "No, silly! I made this one for you!" "Really? Oh, man, Ucchan! You're the *best*!" She handed him the package, anticipating his appreciative response to the time and care with which she had obviously lavished on the okonomiyaki. Ranma swallowed it whole in two seconds, burped, said thanks, and left. Ukyo's cheery smile slipped a little. She hurried to catch up with him "Um, Ranchan? Ranchan...?" Huffing and puffing, she caught up with him in the caferteria. "Oh, I'm sorry, Ucchan. What's up?" Ranma asked absently. [Man, bein' at school early is great! Free food, no lines for snacks, and that jerk Kuno ain't even here yet!] "Uhm, I was just about to ask if you'd decided to take anyone to the dance tomorrow night..." "Huh? Oh, er, yeah... Akane an' me are goin'. Who are you goin' with?" Ukyo's smile slipped further. [I was *hoping* to go with you, you jerk!] "Oh, uh... nobody so far.." "Huh. That's too bad. Maybe I could fix you up with Daisuke or one of the other guys in our class... They all say you're cute..." Thick as a brick, Ranma was completely unaware of the effect his words were having on Ukyo. Though she kept a smile plastered to her face, inside she was screaming. [ I know that! I want *you* to say it! How could you pick that skinny little bitch over me?! You've known me *way* longer, she can't cook, I'm a *way* better fighter than her, she masturbates in class to pictures in a... That's it!] "Ranma-Honey..." she cooed. "You'd better keep an eye on Akane at that dance, you know..." "Yeah, I know, Ucchan. Kuno'll be chasing her. I can handle that jerk." "Well, that too... but there's something else as well. You know the band that's playing the dance?" "Uh, yeah... "Las Vegas Pass" or something. My english ain't so good... Akane's a big fan of theirs. She listens to that one song, "Samurai Girl" over an' over again." [ If you only knew what *else* she did again and again,] Ukyo thought... "Well, it's just that they have a reputation as being real womanizers, you know? It's said they leave a trail of broken hearts in every prefecture they tour in." [That caught his attention!] "Uh huh. Go on." "Well, they're a rock band, Ranchan. You know what *that* means. They'll want to take home a few groupies." Ranma stared, uncomprehending. "Female fans, you twit!" "Oh." "And you said yourself, Akane's their *biggest* fan..." She let the sentence trail off, watched his face. For a moment, she could read his mind. He was weighing his pride against his common sense, and for a second it looked like his pride would prevail as usual... then the balance shifted, and she saw the anger drain out of him. "Nah, nothin' to worry about. Akane's used to fightin' off perverts. An' if she can't handle 'em, I will." Ukyo steeled herself. [So it's come to this... I *really* hate to do this, even to Akane, but... it's for Ranma-Honey...] "If you say so, but... well, you know I sit behind her in study hall, right.....?" She told him the whole story, sparing no detail. As she watched him get madder and madder, instead of being glad, she began to feel very, very small... * * * Akane finally cornered Nabiki at the edge of the canal. As she prepared to lob the mailbox at her sister, she realized that, instead of being furious, she was actually smiling! Nabiki looked up, spotted the bemused expression on her sister's face, and her laughter redoubled. After a moment, Akane started in, too. In seconds, the sisters were howling with laughter, the quarrel forgotten, the mailbox put down. It took a good five minutes to stop. Every time Akane tried to catch her breath, Nabiki would lift her schoolbag threateningly over her head and make a ridiculous face, and she would dissolve once more into giggling. "Hoo... Wow, Akane... you haven't flipped out on me like that since we were little! I'd almost forgotten how much fun the 'bug Akane' game could be..." "Tsk." Akane smiled at her sister. "Well be careful, 'cause next time I might just pitch the mailbox at you." Akane sighed happily, leaning back on the fence. "So-o, dish, Akane... what brought this on?" "You teased me, so I chased you with the mailbox. You were there, Nabiki." "No, dummy. I meant you and Ranma... Daddy was weeping with joy at the way you two were smiling at each other at breakfast. What happened?" "We-ell... what kind of guarantee will you give me that you won't spread this across the school?" "None whatsoever. But I *can* promise I won't sell the info cheap. This is just *too* good. Speak, woman!" Akane giggled, then continued. "Last night, after we were woken up by Kodachi on the roof, Ranma came to my room..." "Oh...My...God! You didn't!" "No! We might have though... if we didn't break off the kiss...but we *are* going to the dance together." "This is *so* not like you, Akane! Letting a *boy* kiss you?! Who are you, and what have you done to my sister?!" "Copycat Ken!" Akane answered, laughing. The two dissolved back into giggle-fits as they got up and made their way towards the school. "So, Nabiki..." "Hmm?" "Are you going with anyone to the dance?" "Pshaw! You think i'd go with any of the geeks that go to our school?" "I always thought that you and Kuno would make a good couple..." "Kuno-baby? Puh-leeze! Sure, he's got money, and he's not half-bad looking, but there's no way I'm gonna date my kid sister's hand-me-downs. Besides, he has an unhealthy fixation on hand puppets. I'll be going with some girlfriends, and we'll have our pick of desperate, horny boys." "Nabiki!" "Well, it's true! Not all of us have cute fiancees picked out by Daddy you know..." "Tsk... Hey! I didn't know you thought Ranma was cute!" "Sure he's cute. He's in great shape, he's got nice long hair, even though he keeps it tied back all the time... He's got a nice ass..." "Nabiki!" "Well, he does!" the sisters giggled. "Plus, he turns into a girl sometimes. Think of the possibilities, Akane!" "W-what? Oh, you're kidding again. Ha-ha, very funny." "Actually... no." Akane stared. "What?" "Y-you... like... girls?" "Not always, just sometimes." "Oh... " "Remember Kasumi's friend who went off to college?" "Uh, yes... Mariko Shiramazu, right? You mean...you and... her?" "Sure." "Wow... Did Kasumi know?" "I think so, but she never said anything. I don't think she really approved. You know our Kasumi. She's so old-fashioned..." Akane remained silent for a while as they walked. She'd tried not to think about the fact that Ranma turned into a girl... or at least, how it might someday affect their married life. Despite her outward attitude, she'd never really had any doubt that she and Ranma would get married eventually. She'd never met any other boy that she would even consider *kissing* in real life, let alone sleeping with them. Not even poor, sweet Ryoga, who she knew carried a torch for her the size of the Tokyo Tower. He was a good friend, but never a romantic possibility. But still, she'd avoided thinking about girl-type Ranma. She'd always hoped that Ranma would find a cure for his curse, but what if he was stuck for life? She'd liked girl-Ranma from the first time they'd met, before she knew about the curse. It was hard not to think of them as two separate people, the boy she loved, and her best girlfriend. Thinking about it, she realized that the girl-side was the thing that really made Ranma the perfect match for her. Without Ranma-she, Ranma-he would have been just another boy, another jerk to be avoided. "Nabiki?" "Hmm?" "What's it like?" "What's what like?" "*You* know... doing it... with a girl.." Akane said, blushing. "It's nice. Different from doing it with a guy, but still nice." "Oh......." [Wait a minute...] "You've done it with a guy?!!! Nabiki!!!" Nabiki rolled her eyes heavenwards. "Good grief..." * * * Deep in the bowels of the Kuno mansion, Ryoga was regaining conciousness. "Uughh... Oh, no. Not again... This is the second time in as many days!" He looked around, rubbing the back of his head. The room was some form of training gym. Along one mirrored wall were various workout machines... a pneumatic bench press, a stairclimber, a rowing machine and stationary bike. There was something slightly...off... about the designs, though. A lack of padding was one. The stationary bike was missing a seat, for another. The center of the room was covered in crash mats and suspended overhead were a pair of parallel rings and a... is that a safety harness? Doesn't look very safe... Against the far wall were a set of parallel bars and a rack full of clubs of various sizes and designs. A second rack hung from the wall, holding hoops and a set of variously colored ribbons. The wall to his left held a trophy case, unlit right now, but he could see the glint of gold medals and plaques through the glass... The corners of the room were filled to overflowing with potted black roses. Black roses?! Oh, no... Ryoga ran over to the trophy case and peered inside. The name inscribed on the awards bore his suspicions out. [Kodachi Kuno. Gymnastic bitch-queen of St Hebereke's school for wayward young ladies, A.K.A. The Black Rose! What would she want with him? They'd only met once or twice while he was in human form, at the annual Martial Arts Obstacle Course Race and the Tendo Family Christmas Party, but she'd made his life a living hell as a pig, during her Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics match against Ranma in girl-form. Ranma! That's it! In the dark, she must've mistaken me for him!] He looked down at his borrowed clothes. [These probably didn't help, either...] He had to get out of there! He ran over, tried the door. Locked. Very well, then. "Baksai Tenketsu!!" He found the stone door's breaking point and shattered it into powder. As the dust cleared, he saw a second door, made of some kind of metal, behind the ruins of the first! "Well, this may take awhile, but..." He focused his battle aura into the tip of his right index finger, visualized the door's breaking point, and let loose. "Baksai Tenketsu !!" [What the heck...?] KZZZ-ZZAAAARKKK!!! The instant he touched the door's breaking point, a massive surge of electricity voomed through his body, sending him flying back across the room, smashing into the weight rack. A manaical laugh echoed throught the room. [She's here! Hide!] Buried beneath the weights, Ryoga heard but couldn't see the metal door slide open. "Oh, Ranma-Darling! I see you've discovered my special door! It's made of memory metal! Once sealed, it can only be opened by *my* hand. Anyone else, i'm afraid, gets a rather strong electric shock... I hope you weren't *too* badly hurt...?" He heard Kodachi approach, her bare feet scuffing against the crash pad. She leaned over him and began to pick off the weights. "Do come out, Ranma-Darling! The motion detector said you were awake... Never fear, we have time for a brief tryst, I've called in sick for school..." "Miss? I'm afraid there's been some kind of mistake..." "Call your beloved Kodachi by her name, Ranma-Darling. What kind of mistake?" "Well, uh, you see..." He stood, and turned to face her. "..I'm *not* Ranma..." * * * Ranma stood leaning against the gate of Furinkan High, waiting for Akane. He'd tried pacing, but it only made the time pass slower. So he tried calming down by practicing his katas, but that only drew a crowd, which quickly dispersed at one loud kiai. So he tried to stay still. It wasn't helping... [Damnstupidtomboymachochicksickolittlepervertteaseasks*me*todream ofherbutwho's*she*dreamin'ofanyway?'mgonnagonnadon't*know*whati'm gonnadobuti'msuregonnado*some*thin'makin'mecrazyallthetimestupidt omboymachochicklittlesickopervertdoin'thatinclassoversomestupidba ndcan'tbelieveIlovestupidtomboymachochicklittlepervertteaseatleas tIthinkof*her*wheni'mdoin'whereisshewhereisshewhereissheWhereIsSh e?!!!!!!!!] Ranma isn't very coherent when he's really, *really* mad. He was so mad his battle aura was flaring like a small sun, completely visible to everyone. Where the hell was Akane ???!!!!! * * * Akane and Nabiki had decided to grab a sundae at the ice cream stand across from the train station before heading to class. They tried to find a quiet seat where they could continue to talk, but the place was full of salarymen drinking coffee and whistling at girls. "Yes, yes, I know i'm 'Kawaii'... jerks. Honestly! This is why I don't like boys..." "With one salient exception, hmm?" Nabiki smiled. Akane smiled back, took a spoonful of chocolate. "Mmm... well, he's just different, that's all." "Well, I for one am glad you to finally have your heads on straight." "Thanks..." "Yeah... It'll double the demand for my 'Akane Unleashed' photo spread now that you're officially out of circulation." "Geez, Nabiki! You're such a mercenary!" "Heh. It's really no big deal, Akane. It's not as if i'm selling naked photos of you or anything." "I just wish you wouldn't, that's all." "Oh, pooh. They're harmless." "Yeah, but what the heck to those guys *do* with those pictures, anyway?" "Trust me, Akane... you don't wanna know." "Eeww!" "Like you can talk! You and your Nevada Ticket pictures!" "Hey! Shh!" Akane looked around nervously. "Besides, that's none of your business!" "Heh heh heh... you're so cute when you blush like that!" "Tsk... hurry up and finish your ice cream, we're gonna be late for school." "Re-lax... I'll just write us a note and forge Daddy's signature." "Nabiki!! I can't believe you'd do that!" "Akane, you'd never believe *half* the things I do.." "Yeah, like that thing with Mariko..." "Oh good grief! Don't tell me you're still bothered by that..." "Well, not *bothered*, exactly... I was just thinking... " "About what might happen with girl-type Ranma? If you and she ever..." "Uh.. yeah..." Akane blushed. "Hmm.." Nabiki reached into her schoolbag and pulled out a minicassette recorder. Pressing stop, she removed the tape and handed it to a shocked Akane. "Here. You should destroy it... I can't sell this, anyway. Even if it'd make me three million yen per copy..." She sighed wistfully. "Nabiki! You were taping our conversation?! You... you bitch!" "Yeah, well.. I gave you the tape, didn't I?" Akane looked unmollified. "Aw, c'mon, Akane! You can't blame a girl for being true to her nature, can you? Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, Nabiki gotta make money... " "Honestly! I can't believe i'm even related to you! How could you do this to me?!" "Well, I didn't. That's the only copy." Akane stood up, made to leave... "Aw, c'mon, Akane! Sit down... I promise i'll tell you all about Mariko and me if you do..." Akane paused, curiosity at war with outrage. Slowly, she sat back down. "That's-a-girl... Now, it was a couple of years back... you were just starting High School, and Kasumi was the same age I am now... I was fifteen... * * * The bell rang. Akane still wasn't there. Ranma went inside, flattening Kuno (who, in typical Blue Thunder fashion, had decided to bid Ranma a fine good morning by challenging him to a duel) with a single punch... * * * Kodachi stared at the stranger standing before her in Ranma's clothes. He was handsome enough, and certainly looked like he had a build as good as Ranma-Darling's... Her eyes flashed. Who was he? He looked familiar... The Tendo Christmas Party! He had attacked Ranma-Darling... Well, so had almost everyone in town at one point or another... "Wh-who... are you?" "Ryoga Hibiki... sorry 'bout this... Can I go now?" "What have you done with my Ranma-Darling?!" "Nothing! You grabbed me by mistake! Please let me go now, Okay?" He moved towards the the door. "Not so fast!" A silk ribbon swung out, entangling him. He fell to the floor. "Now, Ryoga Hibiki... if that *is* your real name... You *will* tell me what you've done with my love!!" "Listen, lady, like I told you... I..." He strained against the ribbon. "Didn't..." It was starting to give.. "Do..." It snapped. "Anything!!! Now..." He picked himself up, dusting himself off. "I don't fight girls, but if you don't open that door, I'll do what I have to to get out, understand?" Kodachi stared at Ryoga... [Such passion! Such fire in his voice! And those darling little fangs...] Her eyes travelled down his body, tracing the hard muscles with her stare... she reached out, tentatively, with an open hand, touching his strong shoulder, letting her hand slide down his chest appraisingly. "Huh?! Listen, lady! I don't know what you're thinking, b-but..." [Was this girl *coming on* him?] He checked his memory banks... Hmm. She *had* tried to beat him up... [Yep, she's coming on to me... What am I gonna do?] Lil' P-chan had some ideas, and got Ryoga's attention the only way Lil' P-chan knew how. Ryoga looked down. "Gulp..." "Oh!" Kodachi exclaimed. She started to step back, hand covering her mouth. Ranma-Darling had *never* reacted so intensely to her touch... Perhaps she could... explore... this development a little further... "Uhh, I, I... I'm *so* sorry!" Ryoga protested, backing off, giant droplets of sweat forming on his forehead. "Th-that's uhm... quite impressive.." She blushed demurely, fanning her face. "Huh? Really? You don't think i'm a-a pervert...?" Kodachi's eyes flashed. "Oh, I *do*... But... I think I *like*... perverts... " Kodachi answered, eyes downcast, her cheeks reddening further. [Wha-at?! She *likes*...?] He took a good long look at her. He'd never realized just exactly how... attractive Kodachi was. She was tall, almost as tall as he was... When he looked closely, he could see hints of the curves of her shapely athlete's body through her formal black kimono. And those eyes, the slightly mad gleam... how often had he looked in the mirror and seen that look of barely-contained aggression? The Black Rose was... C-cute...! More than that, she was...sexy! "I.. uh... I l-l-l-l-l-l-lik-k-k-k-k-ke you, t-too..." "R-ryoga... I..." Kodachi had never felt this way before! She'd only just met this boy, and yet... she sensed a kindred spirit within him. "I... will you... kiss me?" "Uhh...Hahahaha... Uhm..." He leaned forward, gave her a chaste peck on the lips. "Perhaps, something... more?" She said hopefully. "I.., uh, that is, I... like, uh..what?" "Kiss me again, Ryoga-san... claim me for your own..." "I, uh... y-you mean I..." Kodachi sighed. Sometimes, one *has* to make the first move.. "Oh, just shut up and come here!" She growled as she grabbed him by the front of his borrowed shirt and pushed him roughly to the crash matted floor, straddling him. She gave a sinister chuckle as she pinned his shoulders to the mat, putting her face mere inches from Ryoga's. "W-what are you- glmphff!!!" A deep kiss cut him off. "Mmm-waaah! Oooh! That was nice, Ryoga, I.. hel-lo..." She reached between them. "What's this?" "Heheheheh... OoOoh! You're so... forward!" "Silly. When I see something I want, I take it, that's all. And I..." She kissed him, then moved on to nibble on his ear. "Want..." She breathed huskily into his ear, and tongued her way down his neck. "You..." "Aah! Ah! Ah! Kodachi... I... We shouldn't be doing this..." "And why not?" she tore his shirt open and ran her nails down his chest. "Don't tell me *you're* hung up on that vile Akane Tendo too!" "I, uh.." He tried to think, but it was difficult to concentrate when a beautiful girl was trying to eat you alive... "I will *not* play second fiddle to that tomboy tramp, Ryoga-Darling! Not again, not ever!" She slid down his body, slid her hand into his pants. Finding him hard, she worked him up and down, feeling him grow firmer in her hand. "Swear that you will belong only to the Black Rose, or i'll sto-op..." She grinned up at him evilly. "Akane Tendo is... is..." Kodachi squeezed him harder "...Is nothing to me! I'll swear, I'll swear, just... don't stop..." He finished plaintively. "Say it!!!" "I swear, I belong... ungh! O-only to Kodachi..." "That's better, Ryoga-Darling... Let me show you how much your Queen appreciates your fealty, mmmmm...." She pulled Lil' P-chan out of Ryoga's pants and took him deep into her mouth... [Magnificent!] Kodachi thought. [He is completely in my power.. it's, it's exhilarating! I wonder what I can get him to do...] * * * Akane looked around uncomfortably, but the salarymen seemed to have cleared out and gone to work. It was still too early for the lunchtime crowd, and except for a pair of housewives having a tea before going shopping, Akane and Nabiki were alone in the shop. "Allright, Nabiki... you were saying...?" "I'm not saying *anything* more until I get another ice cream sundae in me. This isn't easy stuff to talk about, y'know. Especially with your kid sister..." [Amazing. Nabiki actually looks upset! You don't suppose that she and Mariko were actually... in love?] "Sure, Nabiki, my treat... It's not as if i'll be having lunch after all these..." The girls dug in. About halfway through, Nabiki opened up. "I met Mariko for the first time when Kasumi brought her home to study for an english exam. Mariko had spent three years in Vancouver, Canada when she was little; her father was a kaisha-in with some multinational corporation, so they moved around a lot. As a result, Mariko had a leg up over the rest of the students in her class, and made some money on the side as a kyoushi. I think that's what attracted me to her in the first place, her keen business sense." Akane snorted. "Laugh if you want, but I think financial responsibility is a very desirable characteristic in a person... Anyway, she was very pretty, too, you remember... She was a real role model to me; smart, business-savvy, self-confident... I owe a lot to her influence." Akane remembered Mariko well. She was the first one of Kasumi's friends who didn't tease or scold her for being more interested in martial arts than boys. Tall, proud and independent, Akane had admired her, too. She'd told her about girls she had known in other countries, who didn't have to be so rigid and proper, didn't have to be "good little girls" all the time. That kind of talk had always made Father and Kasumi uncomfortable. She could understand... Father is a man of his generation, and Kasumi truly enjoys being a proper shufu. But Akane had never wanted that for herself. That's why she'd resisted Kasumi's "Bridal Training" attempts for so long... She remembered Mariko saying that a woman could do or be anything she wanted to. Those had been inspirational words for a confused young girl... "Hey, Akane! I'm not dredging up painful memories from my past for my *own* benefit. You could at least pay attention..." "Sorry, Nabiki. I was just remembering how nice Mariko was to me, too." "Well, it's *my* story, so listen up! Anyway, after Mariko's tutoring did so much to bring up Kasumi's grades, Father thought that I could benefit from a little help as well. You got the short end of the stick because you've always been such a schoolgirl." Akane stuck out her tongue at the jab. "So Mariko started giving me lessons every Thursday after school, and I looked forward to them the same way a starving man looks forward to a five course meal... She was amazing, and smart, and nice, and pretty... I realized I took a lot more notice of *that* than most other girls my age. The way she talked to me, like she really *cared* about my problems... well, growing up in our house, you know how things can be. Daddy loves all three of us dearly, but he's not a very good parent... I remember mom being the level-headed one. Heck, if I hadn't been cooking the books, the Dojo would've gone belly up two years ago. When was the last time you saw Daddy, Mr. Saotome, or even Ranma or Happosai teach a class? I... Well, I'm getting off topic. Anyway, she was great. After a while, I started to realize that I had a crush on her and about the same time my grades started slipping ('cause I was paying more attention to her than the lessons) so Daddy scheduled Mariko for Wednesday nights as well. I was in heaven!" "I'll bet..." Akane commented, smiling. It was so nice to see her sister care about something other than money, even if it meant that she was... that way.." "Needless to say, my grades dropped even faster. Daddy made it known that unless my grades showed a marked improvement, he'd fire Mariko and bring in some gaijin kyoushi to teach me. So I buckled down and tried to get serious, but when I should have been memorizing verbs and phrases, I was busy memorizing the lines of Mariko's gorgeous face... the way her eyes crinkled at the edges when she smiled at me... You'd've loved watching me, Akane. I was a romantic drip!" Nabiki laughed at the memory, but Akane thought she detected a hint of pain behind the facade. "Anyway, things were looking grim. My teacher at school had warned me that he'd be calling Daddy tomorrow to inform him of my poor grade in English that semester, so I knew the jig was up. That night, I went over to Mariko's house and told her everything, that I thought I loved her, bawling like a little girl. She sat quietly, listening to my confession, then stood up and gave me a big hug. It was wonderful to be touching her at last, with everything out in the open, but all I could do was cry..." Nabiki's eyes moistened a little, and she sniffled. Regaining her trademark composure, she continued. "When I was all cried out, she took my face in her hands and kissed me... it was so gentle and nice. It was my first real kiss, not counting the quick peck I charged Kuno 1000 yen for behind the bleachers in middle school. When the kiss was over, we just sort of held each other for a while." Nabiki took two more bites of her sundae before continuing. Akane remained silent. "It happened that her parents were both out that night, so she took my hand and led me upstairs to the furo. I was a little frightened, but really happy, too. We took off our clothes and washed each other like sisters before we got into the furo itself, holding hands. Then, without speaking, but looking me straight in the eye the whole time, she took my hand and put in on her breast... I don't mind telling you, I almost fainted right then and there. I was doing it! I was... well, you can imaging how things went from there... We made love that night for the first and only time... She said that she liked me, and wanted to share this with me, but wasn't interested in girls... not for the long term, anyway... Heh. I tried to convince her, said we could move to Hawaii, get married. Never mind our families... god, I was crazy for her, I would have thrown everything away. But she talked me down, reminded me that she wanted to go to college, maybe start a family someday... Well, like I said, the first and *only* time we ever did it. After that, Daddy hired Masha-san and that was that, my grades improved, and Kasumi stopped bringing Mariko by... I think Miko (that's what I called her) told her what had happened, but i've never known for sure..." Nabiki let a few tears slip. Shaking her head she laughed uncomfortably. "Gosh, Nabiki..." "Yeah, I know... perverted, right?" She dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. "No, I... Nabiki..." Akane reached over, taking her sister's hand into her own. "I think it's great! Mariko... *Miko*... was a really nice person! I don't know how I would have reacted before I met Ranma, though..." "Yeah, well... now you know the "Ice Queen's" Big Secret, huh kiddo? And all it cost you was a chocolate sundae..." Nabiki broke down and wept. Akane moved over and held her sister close until the sobs eased. "C'mon, Nabiki... we'd better get going... if we stay much longer, we'll miss third period too." "Yeah... finish your chocolate, I'll take care of the note for the Big Kahuna.." They settled the bill and left, walking arm in arm. A block away from Furinkan, Nabiki stopped them, took a minute to fix her makeup and straighten her uniform. When she had finished, the old Nabiki was back. "A word to the wise, Akane. Tell *anybody*, even loverboy, and i'll have you killed." "Ha! There's the Nabiki I know and love! Always joking..." "I'm not kidding, Akane... I *know* people!" "Su-ure, sis... I love you too..." As they walked to the school office, Akane realized she was getting strange looks from all the students. "Hey Nabiki? Is there chocolate on my face or something? People are giving me the funniest looks..." "Beats me, Akane. Maybe Ranma blabbed about your "shared moment" last night..." "He'd better not have, that's nobody's business but ours... Hey, there's Daisuke, the guy who sits next to Ranma in class. Hey, Daisuke!" Daisuke gave her a startled look, pointing at himself, mouthing the word "Me?" When she nodded, he crossed the hallway to her. "Akane? You're actually speaking to me? I didn't think you even knew my name!" "Yes, well... What's going on? Did Ranma tell anyone anything?" "About what?" "I don't know, maybe I'm just paranoid, but everyone keeps giving me funny looks..." "Well, Ranma *was* screaming your name in the quad this morning before classes. I guess people are wondering what happened..." "S-screaming m-my name?" Akane was stunned. "Ooh, sis! Looks like you made a *big* impression..." "Quiet, Nabiki! Daisuke, what do you mean 'screaming my name'?" "Well he was pretty angry... in homeroom, Miss Hinako had to drain him three times before he calmed down enough to be sent to detention..." "Angry...? Why?" "I don't know, I couldn't get close enough to ask him. It was like the air around him was superheated or something." [That's not like Ranma at all..] Akane thought. [He usually keeps his Ki in tight rein, especially in Miss Hinako's class...] "Daisuke, where is he now?" "On the athletics field, tearing apart turf flatteners with his bare hands last time I saw him... Wow, I can't believe I'm talking to Akane Tendo! My social standing just went through the roof! Wait'll the guys find out!" "Uh.. sure, Daisuke. I'd better be going now..." "Oh, wow! This is too good to be true! Akane Tendo, talking to me, Daisuke Tanaka! This is incredible! I...." Daisuke's voice trailed off as Akane walked away, ignoring him. [Oh, Ranma! What happened? Now that I've finally really found you, I don't want to lose you again...] ********************************************************************** Well, that's it for part three of "Rock 'n Roll 1/2, 'Infatuation'" I know this was a little more limey-y than lemon-y this time, but I needed time to recharge my batteries a little after part two. Plus, I had a few things to get off my chest. If Nabiki and Akane are so atypically "liberated" for japanese girls, who was responsible? Soun's a traditional man, Kasumi's a hausfrau, and the late Mrs. Tendo died while the girls were very young. Hence, the character of Mariko (Miko) Shiramazu. She also, not coincidentally, allowed me to do a lesbian scene using Nabiki. Also, I wanted to point out that Ryoga ain't got it so bad, thank you very much. The Kodachi thing? Well, two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to pair Ryoga up with someone other than Akane, Ukyo or Ranko to see if it would work. Secondly, let's face it. Ryoga's gotta be a masochist. Look at the way he's attracted to violent women and keeps going back for second helpings of whupass at the hands of Ranma. And who else in the world of Ranma 1/2 to play the dominatrix (other than Miss Hinako..."Punish the Delinquents!") but Kodachi? For those who give a damn about such things, you may have noticed the episode titles bear the names of various famous and infamous rock songs of the seventies and eighties. This indicates no particular fondness of mine for the music of that period. The titles were chosen to represent the themes of the episode, nothing more. In case anyone cares, here's the correct reading order, including the stories yet to be written and tentative titles. Introduction: "Band on the Run" (Paul McCartney and Wings) Episode One: "Hot for Teacher" (Van Halen) Episode Two: "Cat Scratch Fever" (Ted Nugent) Episode Three: "Infatuation" (Rod Stewart) Episode Four(tentative): "Love Hurts" Episode Five(tentative): "Combat Rock" (The Clash. Yeah, I *know* it's an album title, not a song title, but what the hell) As always, send all comments, questions, criticism (and flames) to me at: leapinggnome@hotmail.com "Ah finds that a good story helps me appreciate the fuckin'..." -From Dusk 'till Dawn II anks, everybody. See ya soon.