Author's note:
Here's the extra scene for chapter 4, it's a flashback in case you
didn't know. Since I didn't receive many comments on the rest of Chapter 4
I won't bother with a revised repost. I don't know if it's broke, so I
won't bother fixing it. For anybody who is reading this stuff, just stick
this scene at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 5 should be out sometime this year. =)
Did I mention I changed the language markers?
---------------
The sun began to set over the sea of Japan. It cast a red glow to
the sky as it dipped beyond the horizon. Mousse leaned heavily on the rail
of the ship. He stared out at the brilliant red, even without his glasses
it was a beautiful sight.
Shampoo stood in the doorway of the cabin. She looked to Mousse
and let her gaze drift to the setting sun. She thought idly about what it
looked like through his eyes. She took a deep breath and walked to the
rail.
Mousse's white robes gave off a soft orange glow in the fading
light. He remained motionless as she leaned on the railing beside him. He
knew it was her. Her walk, her scent, it was all familiar to him. He
answered her unspoken question, *"even the blind can enjoy the beauty of a
sunset."*
*"That's lovely Mousse."*
*"I read it in a fortune cookie a few days ago. The sage who wrote
it must have been very wise."*
Shampoo smiled a little, she remembered that dinner. Her fortune
had said 'beauty can be found in places one never sees.' The smile faded
as she put her thoughts into focus, *"you know we're going home."*
*"Yes."*
*"You know what that means for me."*
*"Yes, but you have Cologne's protection on your side."* Mousse
inhaled deeply, *"and if it comes to blows you're more than a match for
anyone in the village."*
Shampoo looked away from Mousse, down to the water. *"Would you
marry me?"*
Mousse turned to her in disbelief, *"what did you say?"*
Shampoo looked up into his eyes, tears forming in her own. *"Would
you be my husband?"*
*"You know I love you more than life itself. I've always wanted to
marry you,"* his puzzlement came through clearly, *"but why? We both know
you love Ranma."*
His words cut into her better than any of his blades ever could
have. She wiped tears from her eyes and nearly choked on her words, *"some
things were meant to be. My love for Ranma was not one of them. It's true
I do not return your feelings Mousse, but there is no one else in my life
like you. There is room for love between us."*
Mousse let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. *"Then
in time perhaps, I only want what's best for you. The only thing more
important to me than your hand in marriage is your love."*
Shampoo hesitated for a moment, *"there's something else you should
know..."*